When the sentences had been spoken, the Emperor's expression softened slightly.
"This coup," he said, voice quieter now, "was not only a test of my health… but a test of the empire's heart."
He gestured toward the loyal ranks.
"Crown Prince Murong Yunqing—your composure under pressure has proven your worth as heir apparent. You protected the emperor's throne even when falsely accused. I am… satisfied."
Murong Yunqing bowed, eyes shining with controlled emotion.
"Fourth Prince Murong Yunxi—your investigation with the Strategic Intelligence Unit and your coordination with the Silk Whisper Guild were crucial. From this day, you will be formally appointed as 'Chief of the Imperial Strategic Council', overseeing internal intelligence and state strategy."
Murong Yunxi bowed deeply.
"Yes, Royal father."
"Prince Murong Yunxian, First Prince Murong Yunxian and Prince Murong Shaoheng," the emperor continued, "your armies arrived in time to turn the tide. Your loyalty will be recorded in the ancestral hall."
"Great General Bai Yunchen," his gaze moved, "your Snow Wolf Cavalry once again has proven itself the fangs of Yunhuang. Your merits will be listed, and your rank and fief strengthened."
Bai Yunchen clasped his fists, "This subject only did his duty."
"And finally…" the Emperor's gaze settled on Rouyuan.
The hall quieted.
"Bai Rouyuan," he said. "Imperial Golden Physician."
Some ministers still weren't used to hearing that title, but after seeing the Emperor walking and speaking clearly, none dared object.
"You diagnosed a poison only few could name. You treated me when others failed. You saved the Crown Prince, the Empress, Consort Rou, and countless lives in Dongming City."
He paused.
"If you need anything just tell me. I will grant anything you desire.."
Rouyuan stepped forward and bowed with both hands raised, her voice steady despite the hundreds of eyes watching her.
"This humble subject is grateful for Your Majesty's grace," she began softly.
"But I… have one request."
The throne room shifted, ministers lifted their heads, the court ladies froze mid-breath, and even the emperor leaned slightly forward.
"Oh?" he said. "Speak freely."
Rouyuan inhaled slowly, choosing her words with care.
"I ask that Your Majesty grant me freedom to practice medicine without restriction. To treat the people of the empire wherever I am needed, without interference from political factions."
A murmur rippled across the hall.
But Rouyuan wasn't finished.
"And…" She bowed again, deeper this time.
"I wish to establish an 'Imperial Medical Academy'—a place where healing arts, surgery, and herbal knowledge can be taught systematically. Where young scholars, regardless of background, may learn to save lives."
The emperor's expression sharpened.
Rouyuan continued, her voice stronger, "There is much I can teach—anatomy, herbal combinations, surgical techniques, disinfecting methods."
"If Your Majesty allows, I hope to serve as one of the academy's instructors."
Another wave of whispers broke through the ministers.
Some looked surprised… others worried.
The Emperor tapped the armrest of his dragon throne, studying Rouyuan with unreadable depth.
"You do not seek rank," he said quietly.
"You do not seek wealth. You do not even ask for a title."
Rouyuan bowed again.
"A healthy empire begins with healthy people. I wish only to preserve knowledge… and lives."
A long silence followed.
Then—
The emperor laughed.
A true, rare laugh—one the court had not seen in years.
"Very well," he declared, his voice echoing through the hall.
"I grant Bai Rouyuan full freedom to practice medicine throughout the empire. No official may bar her path."
He raised a hand, and the scribes quickly prepared the decree.
"And as for your second request…"
His voice deepened with authority.
"I order the construction of the 'Imperial Lotus Medical Academy'. Its purpose, to educate future physicians, surgeons, and scholars."
Gasps echoed everywhere.
The emperor finished, "Bai Rouyuan shall serve as one of its founding instructors. This, too, is my imperial decree."
Rouyuan bowed low, gratitude burning warm in her chest.
Behind her, Murong Yexuan lowered his gaze, a soft, relieved smile hidden in his eyes—
because Rouyuan had chosen her future with her own hands.
The Past She Carried, The Future He Chose
Yexuan had been appearing at the Sacred Lotus Medicine Hall almost daily—
Claiming he needed his wounds checked, or that his bandages felt loose, or that he might have a fever, or that he needed more trauma medicine for 'precaution.'
Every excuse was ridiculous.
Every excuse was obvious.
But Rouyuan simply treated him quietly and let him linger.
One afternoon, the medicine hall was hectic with incoming patients.
Rouyuan was adjusting a splint on a child's leg when Yexuan suddenly spoke, voice low but clear, "Rouyuan… I want to marry you."
She froze.
The hall seemed to fall silent for a heartbeat.
With a thousand thoughts swirling in her mind, Rouyuan removed her gloves and quietly said, "Follow me."
They walked to the back garden of the medicine hall.
Sunlight filtered through the old gingko tree.
They sat together on the bench—close but not touching.
Rouyuan clasped her hands tightly on her lap.
"There is something you must know…before you decide anything about me."
Yexuan watched her, patient and steady.
Rouyuan inhaled deeply.
"I am not originally from this world."
Her voice quivered slightly.
"I… was reincarnated into this body of Bai Rouyuan. My true name was Yan Ruyan."
She explained everything—
her past life,
her death,
the moment she woke up in Bai Rouyuan's injured body,
the knowledge she carried, modern medicine, sanitation, surgery, chemistry, perfumery—all the things that made others think she was strange, extraordinary, impossible.
She described her previous world, the steel towers, machines that moved without horses, a sky cut by flying metal birds, libraries of endless knowledge, the surgeries and medicines that saved lives.
"…All of this," she whispered, "everything I do, everything I teach…is because I remember who I used to be."
Yexuan listened quietly.
Not once did he interrupt.
Not once did he show fear.
Not once did he look away.
When she finished speaking, she felt drained—
afraid of his answer.
A soft breeze rustled the leaves.
Then Yexuan finally spoke, his voice steady, warm, and sure,
"Rouyuan."
He took her hands gently into his, "No matter what world you come from…"
He raised her hands to his forehead, as if making a vow.
"…no matter what name you once carried…"
His thumb brushed away the single tear slipping down her cheek, "…you are Bai Rouyuan—the woman I love."
He lowered himself on one knee.
Not as a prince.
Not as a marshal.
But as a man giving his whole heart.
"With all of who you are—past and present—will you allow me to spend every life with you?"
Rouyuan's breath caught.
Her heart trembled, her eyes warming.
Yexuan smiled softly.
"In this life, and every life after it…I choose you."
Tears slid down her cheeks.
She nodded slowly—then firmly.
"Yes… I will marry you."
Yexuan rose, pulled her gently into his arms, and held her as if afraid she would disappear.
And under the old gingko tree, Rouyuan whispered back,
"In this life… I choose you too."