Chapter 20 After the Storm
Not long afterward the Empire rehabilitated both Zhou Zilang and Fu Yanan.
Many soldiers and citizens mourned Fu Yanan, the hero who had protected the country.
I told him everything at his grave.
Zhou Zilang returned to his post as minister.
It took only a year and a half to completely settle the Empire's troubles.
Peace and prosperity returned.
I was rehired by the Military Academy as a professor.
Shang Xu resigned as Warden and began pursuing me again.
He smiled bitterly. "I should not have let go back then. Now I have quite a few more rivals."
Zhou Zilang, who was supposed to tutor the young king, arrived holding flowers. "Then I welcome you to step aside soon."
"Absolutely not!"
I smiled without answering.
I knew they were trying to make me happy.
Ever since Fu Yanan died saving me I had not smiled once.
The two of them worried about me and took turns visiting every day.
I pushed them away. "You both have your own duties. Don't waste time on me."
Zhou Zilang's expression grew serious. "Fu Yanan would not want to see you like this either. Take care."
He turned and left.
Shang Xu walked me all the way to my door in silence.
He gave me a gentle hug. "Ji Shutong, I will always be behind you. If you need me I will come immediately."
I nodded with a smile and watched him leave.
I took out my key to open the door and felt someone approaching from behind.
I thought Shang Xu had returned.
Just as I turned to ask what was wrong, a familiar voice stopped me cold.
"Long time no see. Did you miss me?"