Two days later.
Nan Su resigned from his post, handing over all fifty thousand troops.
In the Golden Throne Hall, Nan Su knelt in the center, holding the tiger tally in his hands. Xing Lai took it from him. The entire hall was deathly silent, not a single sound was heard.
Facing Nan Su, both the military officers and the censors were filled with admiration. He had fought for the country for over thirty years, enduring countless injuries that had become commonplace. How many times had he hovered on the brink of death? How many times had his great sabers carved paths through blood?
The name Nan Su had always been revered as a deity by the people of the Yuan Kingdom. Nan Su, the guardian god of Yuan, had built an impregnable defense line with his own flesh and blood, dedicating his life to guarding the frontier and charging across battlefields.
"These years, Nan Qing, you have toiled hard. What you have done for the country, I... am eternally grateful," and ashamed... Yu Jingchen looked at the white hairs at Nan Su's temples, his heart filled with complex emotions.
He suddenly remembered when he first met Nan Su as a child. At that time, Nan Su was truly a heroic figure, galloping on horseback, full of youthful spirit, commanding the world from his steed, his swordsmanship blossoming like flowers. He had once admired him greatly.
Later, the Empress Dowager asked him if he was willing to study martial arts under Nan Su. Of course, he was, and he couldn't have asked for more. What they didn't know was that being able to learn martial arts from Nan Su was his long-held dream.
Nan Su had been dedicated, personally guiding and nurturing him. At that time, Nan Zhiyun probably hadn't even been born yet. However, Nan Su was very strict and would not show him any leniency because of his status. He had suffered many punishments at Nan Su's hands.
Yu Jingchen personally walked down from the throne and stopped in front of Nan Su. He then reached out and helped Nan Su up. Nan Su did not refuse.
"Thank you, Master." Yu Jingchen changed his form of address. Nan Su looked up at him, then smiled and said, "Your Majesty is a good emperor."
"Since Your Majesty is still willing to call me Master, then I will speak to Your Majesty as a Master now. My life has reached this point. Now, my only wish is for Yun'er. I hope Your Majesty will treat Yun'er kindly. She has been spoiled by us and is simple-hearted. So, I ask Your Majesty to treat her well, considering our past affections. I do not ask for any particular status for her in the future, but at least for her safety and happiness." Nan Su felt he had failed his daughter the most in his life.
"Don't worry, Yun'er... I will treat her well. In the past, there were many shortcomings, but I promise she will not suffer any more grievances." Yu Jingchen's use of "I" was also a statement of his attitude.
Nan Su smiled, "With Your Majesty's words, I can finally rest easy."
"It is what I should do. The time is just right, and I imagine Yun'er has already woken up. Master, would you like to go and see Yun'er?" Yu Jingchen asked Nan Su.
"Then I thank Your Majesty." Nan Su did not refuse. Yu Jingchen arranged for someone to escort Nan Su to He An Palace. From then on, Nan Su was no longer General Nan. He had toiled his whole life and could now finally have a good rest.
Yu Jingchen did not reclaim the general's mansion. Instead, he had it renamed Nan Residence. Although Nan Su was no longer the Great General of Zhen Guo or the Grand Marshal, he remained the guardian god of Yuan.
When Nan Su arrived at He An Palace, he looked at the large characters with a sense of daze. He had never imagined that his daughter would be confined to such a palace. Concubine Shu... Nan Su sighed softly and then stepped into the palace.
Nan Zhiyun heard that Nan Su had arrived and rushed out, just in time to see Nan Su enter.