Renaissance of goddess of war✨️

Chapter 11: A Farewell and Reflections of Time

Zhao Ning stood in the grand hall of the palace, a bittersweet atmosphere surrounding him. For the past two months, he had enjoyed the fleeting peace of being home with his family. But now, it was time to leave again, to embark on another journey where his skills as a healer and protector would be needed.

He made his way to the dining hall, where his father, Emperor Zhao Mingde, awaited. His elder sister, Zhao Xue, sat beside their father, her calm demeanor a source of comfort. With her upcoming marriage to Li Ming announced, preparations were well underway.

"Father," Zhao Ning greeted with a respectful bow.

"Come, Ning," the emperor gestured, his voice filled with quiet authority. "Sit with us."

Zhao Ning complied, turning to his sister. "Congratulations, Xue. I wish you both happiness."

Zhao Xue smiled gently. "Thank you, brother. I hope your journeys bring you the same peace and fulfillment."

As they exchanged quiet words, the crown prince, Zhao Yang, entered the room. His presence shifted the atmosphere, a quiet strength emanating from him.

"Ning," Zhao Yang nodded in acknowledgment as he sat beside him. "Leaving us so soon?"

Zhao Ning smiled. "There is still much work to be done. People are in need, and I cannot stay idle while they suffer."

Zhao Yang's gaze softened. "Your heart is noble."

They settled into lunch, savoring the warmth of family, though Zhao Ning felt the call of duty pressing at his heart. The emperor observed his children with a thoughtful gaze, memories of his own youth swirling in his mind.

After lunch, Zhao Ning stood, bowing to his father. “It is time I take my leave.”

Zhao Mingde nodded. “Go with our blessing, son. And return safely.”

Zhao Ning exchanged a silent look with Zhao Yang, filled with brotherly understanding. He then bid farewell to Zhao Xue, who smiled, her thoughts occupied with her impending marriage.

As he walked out of the palace, Emperor Zhao Mingde remained seated, his thoughts heavy. The days of his youth flashed before his eyes—of his own battles, victories, and sacrifices. Time had passed so quickly; he was now the one staying behind, guiding the next generation.

The emperor sighed, nostalgia filling him as he remembered his own youthful days, bound by friendship and duty. He had grown up with General Li Tianming, best friends who excelled in martial arts and strategy. Their exploits had become legendary in the capital, but it was a different memory that now occupied his mind—the love of his life, Han Yunxi.

He recalled the day he first laid eyes on her, a merchant’s daughter who had captured his heart with her intelligence and strength. During a hunting expedition gone wrong, she had saved him, her knowledge of medicine guiding him back to safety. Their love had blossomed in secret, and he had fought to marry her, ultimately convincing his father to accept their union.

Han Yunxi had become the empress, a compassionate leader whose wisdom had served the empire well. But when Zhao Ning and Zhao Yang were still small, tragedy struck—she fell ill and passed away. The emperor never remarried, her absence leaving a void that no one could fill.

As he sat alone in the grand hall, memories of her flooded his heart. He saw the children she had brought into the world, pieces of her alive in each of them. Zhao Ning's kindness, Zhao Xue's calm strength, and Zhao Yang's quiet resolve—they were all reminders of her.

The gentle knock on the door pulled him from his reverie. “Your Majesty,” an attendant said quietly, stepping in. “The preparations for the upcoming festival are underway. Is there anything you wish to review?”

The emperor gave a slow nod, though his heart remained heavy. “Yes, I’ll look at them shortly.”

As the attendant left, Zhao Mingde took one last moment to reflect. Time had passed, and much had changed, but the bonds he had forged in his youth—with General Li, with Han Yunxi—had shaped the man he was today. They were the foundation upon which the Tian Dynasty stood, and they would continue to guide him as he led the empire into the future.

With a deep breath, he returned to the present, knowing he had an empire to lead and a legacy to uphold.