act40side

Yes...

There are many more I should pardon.

I pardon the convict Feranmut Wang for the crimes of manipulating the court and deceiving the emperor.

I pardon the Grand Preceptor for the crimes of false counsel, self-deprecation, and treason.

I pardon the deposed imperial heir Yan Wu for the crimes of dereliction of duty, abandoning his brother, and failing to uphold righteousness.

As for myself...

Failing to discern right from wrong, bringing injustice upon the good; failing to prevent war, leading to the deaths of many.

Crimes so heinous a pardon is impossible.

Though unworthy of the throne I occupy, I must do what I can.

I will ensure Yan’s fate belongs solely to its people.

I will settle my debt to this nation in full.

And when that day comes, I will await judgment for my crimes.

Yan Wu, it will be time for you to return.

The night sky remains clear. Only a few thin clouds float above, the twin moons unobstructed. The wind delivers a chill at a perfect temperature.

Passers-by stop in their tracks to watch the inexplicable sight.

So much snow.

What... What's going on here?

Baizao's energy poles are reducing their power. It seems the energy is being redirected elsewhere.

The city has not seen snow for many years.

I see...

Blaze recalls when she entered the city. Her eyes were drawn to these innumerable energy poles that seemed to never dim.

She remembers what Xingzhu had told her, Baizao's magnificent founding history.

This city, this vast nation, history, and time—they have never stopped for anyone.

Until now...

Lin Qingyan, doesn't snow that falls out of season carry special meaning in Yanese stories?

What are you trying to imply? The truth is now revealed with white? Heaven sends snow to finally right a long-standing injustice? The typical snow in summer story?

Maybe... or something else.

Those who are gone—what they leave behind will eventually disappear, just like the snow here.

You...

I know...

I hope this snow will last a while longer.

Fully-armed armored soldiers line up both sides of the path, spanning across the entire city.

The man drags himself through a long black corridor.

With every step he takes, he feels that ancient, enormous existence responding to his visitation.

An angry roar, a hoarse howl.

Hoo...

Oh, my head... This doesn't feel like the usual hangover from the Husong wine I had last night.

Alas. I see.

It awakens from Its farcical dream... an inevitability.

Fine. Let's go have a look after this cup.

Let's see what scenes await at the end of this millennium-long dream.

The poet looks into the distance.

Clouds screen the sun, the realm obscured.

Who? Who was it?!

Professional work should be left to actual pros, who the heck messed with my adjustments—

Zip it! I've been here the entire time, and no one's come.

I sneaked out for just two rounds of mahjong with the Nongye Tianshis next door. How did this Heart get 'hypertension' again?

Do you still not get it?

I'm afraid... they've arrived.

Arrived?

Would those old fellows at Baizao let him go in that easily?

Did you forget? A century ago, he walked into the tomb the exact same way. Afterward, Jie vanished... and we still don't know what even happened.

This time...

Dusk... you scared?

Yes, I am.

This is it. Only someone without a heart or brain wouldn't be afraid.

I have no intention to just vanish.

Ooh, it's rare we agree on something.

Then what are we waiting for? Let's hurry before those old bones realize what we're up to.

You want to...?

With how things are, there's no way we're just going to sit here and wait to die. The Sui Regulator is the least of our concerns right now.

Let's go back 'home'... and hold a real family reunion.

So it's you...

I heard your voice. It's been a long time.

Ssh, I know you're in a bad mood. I can feel it too.

*sigh*... I mean, I spent the longest time in the tomb after all. I probably know you better than the others.

Strange. We're all 'I', so what's the point of going into this 'one side must perish' situation?

There's no explaining it, so I can only reluctantly accept it.

Hmph... You're strong, but I don't think Wang—I don't think we will lose to you.

You've slept for a thousand years after all, while we've spent that time living real lives—so how can we lose, right?

I can't use the power I took from you... so take it back. Consider it a farewell from me.

There's no avoiding this outcome, so we might as well treat it as a salvation.

Sleep...

A stove fire is lit. It is a warm flame, harboring life and hope, enough to dispel the chill of the winter night and the anxiety in the people's hearts.

The restless ancient behemoth far away returns to calm yet again.

Moonlight fills the city, and every dreamer dreams a good dream.

<i>Seeking an answer, he feels lost,</i>

<i> Clarity he finds in worldly flavors,</i>

<i> His life is a feast, an eternity aflame.</i>

It's gotten quiet inside...? I suppose our youngest brother's soup was timely...

We ended up troubling him a little.

Was your visiting him earlier not part of your plan?

Truly, nothing gets past you...

This is it... shall we go in together?

No...

Hand me the items.

With this blade... and what we got from our dear sister and youngest brother.

Our strength still pales in comparison, but at least the odds don't seem insurmountable.

What now?

Brother...?

This is well enough.

You've done what I've asked of you. What I promised you, you already have.

Our debt is settled. I will finish this myself.

What's that supposed to mean...?

Things are finally even... If we have it your way, won't I be in your debt again?

Leave, Ji...

What happens next, is between us.

I've been playing against <i>me</i> all along, in order to determine a winner.

We have long since ceased to be your vassals. Now we must fight, for victory or death.

Just like the battle a millennium ago, this too is inevitable.