The Chang'An Youth Extended

The Chang'an Youth: Epilogue

A/N: This is a completely different fanfic. This was originally written on July 7, 2020 on my old phone. I was going through saved files in it. I have decided to share it here.

(Set 5 years after the final episode)

When I think about of the past 9 years, it’s hard to believe what has happened and changed in my life. Who would have thought that this orphaned girl would grew up to be a well-loved daughter, sister, friend, student, chef, wife, and mother?
If Shen Dieyi didn’t die young my life would have remained the same. Since her death, wonderful adventures and colorful people have become a part of my life.
To this, I am still close friends with The Five Scholars of Shangyi School. It is a little weird to call ourselves that way when it’s been six years since we’ve left our beloved school. We’re too tired to call ourselves other than that now. There’s no use naming ourselves anything new when we only see and meet each other occasionally. Except of course for my husband.
For over a year my husband Yang Zi’An has stood beside my supporting my restaurant business. Before we met each other, he was working undercover for His Majesty. He once confided in me that part of the reason he didn’t took the Imperial Censor position was because of his father’s crimes. I understood his apprehensions. The man he admired all his life turned out to be a criminal. Prime Minister Yang’s involvement with the bad money case and child kidnappings disheartened and dismayed his son – my husband Zi’An. But I always knew that in his heart his deepest desire is to be able to serve in the name of His Majesty and the people of Great Yu. I have no doubt of what great things he can achieve.  He may be his father’s son but he isn’t his father. Zi’An is a morally upright and outstanding man. He seeks fairness and justice. Great Yu would very much benefit with a man like him in the Imperial Court.
About six months after we were married, my adoptive father asked Zi’An how he intends to support his father. It must have lingered on Zi’An’s mind for a while because later he told me that he was thinking of accepting a new position at the Imperial Court. It wasn’t a big surprise to me. The Crown Prince has informed me that the Emperor has been begging Zi’An to return to the Imperial Court. I know why the Emperor wanted Zi’An back at court. It is not yet known to the public but between us five we already knew that the Emperor’s health has been deteriorating. His Majesty wanted people he can truly trust to surround and advice his son Xinyuan when he succeeds as emperor.
As his wife, I have also sensed that he felt restless and bored. So, I told him that he should do what he felt right and to follow his heart. Besides, the Five Flavors Restaurant is well established now in the city of Chang’An. It has become a successful and prosperous business that I’ve been able to hire two assistant chefs. My friendship with Xinyuan, now the Crowned Prince, has also helped the restaurant to be known in other towns. Honestly, I have no need of my husband there and no wonder he was feeling restless and bored.
Weeks before His Majesty passed away due to a severe illness in the lungs, Zi’An was formally and officially appointed as the Imperial Censor. His Majesty also made many appointments and promotions before his death to ensure that Xinyuan would have the righteous and trustworthy people working for and with him.
When Lord Han killed himself, Lord Tang became the new Minister of War Office while General Li was promoted to Assistant Minister of War Office. Meanwhile, Dugu Muxue and Xiaorou who had been guarding the borders were offered high ranking military positions. Xiaorou declined having encountered far too many fights. Dugu Muxue, in honor of their adopted father who was also a general, accepted the offer. General Li has high hopes for him to succeed him someday as the army’s commanding officer.
We had a small celebration at the restaurant. It’s not often we get to together.
I, Shen Yiyi, my husband Yang Zi’an, Dugu Muxue, Xiaorou, Tang Jiuhua and Han Yu’er. Of course, our guest of honor was the newly crowned and enthroned His Majesty the Emperor Xinyuan of the Great Yu.