Chapter 22 — The Heir to the Throne with the Wicked Face

Clearing Myself Before the People of the World

Seven days after the trial, another important ceremony was held at Kim Loan Palace, this time not to crown a usurper, but to officially vindicate and restore Khương Nhược Hi's status as heiress in front of all the civil and military officials and a large number of people in the capital who were allowed to attend from outside the large square in front of the imperial city gate.

The old man who once held the position of Đại Lý Tự Khanh, now appointed as the temporary chairman of the regent council, stood in front of the dragon pedestal, reading the decree of exoneration with a solemn voice that echoed throughout the palace.

"Considering that Princess Khương Nhược Hi, the only daughter of Immortal Emperor Khương Bạt Uyên and Immortal Empress Thư Nguyệt Khanh, three years ago was falsely accused by the traitor Khưu Bá Trạch and his accomplices of murdering her parents, now the entire truth has been clearly revealed through authentic evidence and testimony of direct witnesses, the regency council declares: Crown Princess Khương Nhược Hi is completely innocent, and has her full title and right to inherit the throne restored. Đại Hạ gold follows the orthodox bloodline."

Cheers echoed from the square outside the imperial citadel, where thousands of people from the capital had gathered since early morning to witness this historic moment. Many of them, without knowing it, had been secretly helped by the Demon Faced Maiden during the difficult years under the nefarious regency. Now they realized that the person who had secretly helped them all these years was the Queen standing before them today.

Nhược Hi, wearing the royal robe reserved for the heiress for the first time in three years, walked up the steps of Kim Loan Palace, her eyes looked at the officials and the people, an indescribable emotion arose in her heart, both relief and heavy responsibility.

"For the past three years, I have had to live under a name that is hated by the whole world, with a face that is considered a symbol of crime," she spoke, her voice echoing throughout the palace, enough for those standing outside the square to hear clearly through the communication system specially arranged for this occasion. "But I have never forgotten for a moment my responsibility to this country, to every citizen of Đại Hạ who has suffered under the oppression of treacherous gods." She looked towards Khấu Đình Ân, sitting on a special chair nearby, then continued. "I would like to thank those who have silently sacrificed themselves to protect me, to preserve the truth over the past three years, even at the cost of their own flesh and blood and freedom."

Khấu Đình Ân, even though his health was much weakened, still tried to stand up, clasped his hands and bowed, tears rolling down his face full of time-wrinkles. The entire Kim Loan Palace was silent in an unforgettable emotional moment.

In the crowd gathered in the square, a hunter named Tam, the first member to join the Night Shadow Pavilion in its early days at the foot of Lam Phong Mountain, stood speechless when he heard the news, tears rolling down his cheeks. He had never expected that the mysterious shadow who had saved his family from dire circumstances years ago was now the Đại Hạ lady standing majestically on the steps of Kim Loan Palace.

"I've known for a long time, that person is not a bad guy," he spoke to those standing next to him, his voice filled with pride and emotion. "I just didn't expect that person to have such a noble background, but still not afraid of danger to help lowly people like us."

Throughout the streets of Vân Khánh, people talked incessantly about the thrilling story that had just been revealed: a Đại Hạ lady had disguised herself as a great thief for three years to survive and secretly built up a force to overthrow the traitor. The story quickly became a legend, a symbol of perseverance and justice finally overcoming evil.

After the ceremony, Nhược Hi spent time meeting individually with each person who had accompanied her throughout the arduous journey. Monk Tịnh Nghi, invited to attend as a distinguished guest, clasped his hands and bowed before her.

"Master, there is no need to be so polite." Nhược Hi quickly helped her up, her voice full of emotion. "If it weren't for the monk's protection over the past three years, I wouldn't be where I am today."

"Poor nuns only do what their conscience tells them to do," the monk replied, his eyes gentle. "Seeing Her Highness stand firm like this today is the greatest reward for this nun."

"Are you planning to return to Tịnh Nghiệp Am?" Nhược Hi asked, her voice full of concern. "If the master wants, I can arrange a more spacious place to live right in the capital, so that I can take care of him in my old age."

"I'm used to the pure mountain scenery." The monk smiled and shook his head. "That little hut now also holds many precious memories for me, the place that witnessed Her Highness grow from a miserable young woman into someone who can take care of the whole country. I will return there, continue to practice, I just hope that Your Highness will visit from time to time." Nhược Hi nodded, silently promising to always keep in touch and take care of the person who supported her during the most difficult years, not letting that kindness be forgotten over time. She also decided to renovate Tịnh Nghiệp Am to make it more spacious, seeing it as a place to commemorate the difficult years that had passed, as well as a gift of gratitude to the person who had protected her for three long years.

Tang Dịch Phong, who had just returned to the capital after an arduous trip to find witnesses, was also rewarded by Nhược Hi, making him one of the closest advisors in the new court. The former captain of the imperial army, despite having to endure part of the punishment for participating in the plot to murder the royal family, thanks to his repentant attitude and active cooperation as a witness, had his sentence reduced to a term of exile instead of the death penalty.

"The old man only hopes to see the day when Her Highness stabilizes the country. That alone would be enough," Tang Dịch Phong said this when Nhược Hi gave him his new position, his voice full of emotion. "Throughout the years of assisting General Úy Thành Kiệt and then young master Trường Phong, I never dared to dream that one day I would be able to contribute to building a peaceful and prosperous dynasty like this."

"Without the Duke and people like you, the Night Shadow Pavilion would not have been able to exist and develop this far," Nhược Hi replied, her voice sincere. "The road ahead is still long. We really need your help stabilizing the government after the recent upheavals," Nghê Bá Ninh, the veteran general who bravely spoke up to support Nhược Hi at the decisive moment, was also appointed Commander of the Forbidden Army, replacing the position left by Cận Bá Tuyên, ensuring palace security during the still sensitive period of power transfer ahead.

That night, when all the rituals were completed, Nhược Hi stood alone on a high floor looking down at the brilliantly lit Vân Khánh capital celebrating the important event that had just taken place. Trường Phong came to her side and together looked at the rare peaceful scene after so many changes.

"How does it feel, to finally be yourself after three years?" He asked softly.

"Relieved, but also filled with anxiety," Nhược Hi answered honestly. "Vindication is only the first step. There is still a whole country ahead that needs to be revived after three years under the rule of traitors. There are still many things that need to be done for Đại Hạ to truly return to peace and prosperity."

"You don't have to bear the burden alone." Trường Phong held her hand, his eyes filled with sincerity. "I, and everyone who has stood by your side for the past three years, will always be here, helping you rebuild everything."

Nhược Hi leaned her head on his shoulder, allowing herself to completely relax for the first time in a long time, even if only for a short moment in the middle of that quiet night.

"Do you remember the first night we met at the foot of Lam Phong mountain?" She asked softly, her voice carrying a bit of nostalgia. "At that time, I still couldn't believe that I would have this day."

"I remember very clearly." Trường Phong smiled, his eyes gently looked at her. "A girl wearing a ghost mask, her movements were agile, but her eyes contained a deep pain that I had never seen in anyone else. From that moment, I knew that this person was no ordinary person."

"And yet now, we have come such a long way." Nhược Hi sighed softly, but it was a sigh of relief, not as heavy as in previous years. "There's still a lot of work ahead, but at least tonight, we can temporarily put aside all worries and simply enjoy the feeling of being true to ourselves."

The two of them stood silently together for a long time under the starry sky, no need for any more words, just each other's presence was enough to ease all the fatigue after the long journey they had just passed.