Chapter 23 — The Heir to the Throne with the Wicked Face

Giang Son Revived

In the months after Khưu Bá Trạch and his faction were punished, Nhược Hi and the provisional regent council embarked on the task of revitalizing the entire Đại Hạ dynasty, which had been seriously eroded during three years under the rule of a man who only knew how to cultivate personal ambition.

The first thing she did was review the entire tax system in the districts, especially in places that had suffered serious tribute extraction, such as the Lam Phong Mountain area where she had been hiding for three years. Many corrupt officials who colluded with Khưu Bá Trạch's old faction were dismissed and replaced by people with real ability and virtue, many of whom were former secret members of the Night Shadow Pavilion.

"The Night Shadow Pavilion has worked in secret and in darkness. Now you will become the core force rebuilding a fair and transparent Đại Hạ," Nhược Hi declared before all the organization's core members at a solemn meeting held publicly for the first time in Vân Khánh. "What we have been doing in the dark for the past three years will now be done publicly, under the light of law and common sense."

Tang Dịch Phong was appointed as one of the most trusted courtiers, in charge of reforming the imperial intelligence system toward greater transparency and accountability, avoiding a repeat of the abuse of power seen under Khưu Bá Trạch. The hunter named Tam, along with many other members who joined the Night Shadow Pavilion in its difficult early days, were also assigned positions suited to their abilities, from market monitoring to supporting the reconstruction of countryside devastated by previous harsh policies.

In the Lam Phong Mountains, where Nhược Hi had been hiding for three years, a delegation of royal officials was sent to survey the people's living conditions in preparation for comprehensive tax reform. When the people learned that the Đại Hạ lady they often called their mysterious benefactor was back in power, they could not hide their joy. Many families saved by the Night Shadow Pavilion voluntarily contributed to rebuilding the road leading to Tịnh Nghiệp Am, turning what had once been a dark place of exile into a place respected throughout the region.

Monk Tịnh Nghi, witnessing the villagers eagerly rebuilding the mountain road, could not help but be moved to tears. "I never thought that one day this desolate place would become a symbol of hope for an entire land," she told her close disciple. "It's all thanks to the strong will of Your Highness, who turned adversity into strength."

Diplomatic relations with the Three Kingdoms of Western Liang were also strengthened more firmly than ever. A new peace treaty was signed not long after, with more equitable terms for both sides, laying the foundation for a long period of stable border security and trade cooperation. Ứng Bạt Nguyên, during a subsequent official visit, expressed his admiration for the positive changes that Nhược Hi brought to Đại Hạ in just a short time.

"I have passed through many royal courts in my life as an envoy," he said at an intimate banquet. "But it is rare to see a young monarch with such foresight and strong determination for reform as Her Highness."

Not stopping at political reform, Nhược Hi also paid special attention to families who had suffered injustice during Khưu Bá Trạch's rule. She established a special relief fund, using part of the assets confiscated from the traitors to compensate the victims' families. She also honored those who had sacrificed their lives for the cause, including the late Chinh Tây General Lieutenant Thành Kiệt, Trường Phong's father.

The posthumous ceremony took place solemnly at a shrine built specifically to commemorate loyal officials who were unjustly harmed. Trường Phong stood in front of his father's tablet. For the first time in four years, he could hold his head high and publicly reveal his true identity, no longer having to live in anonymity.

"Dad, I did it," he whispered in front of the tablet, his voice choked with emotion. "Your honor has been restored, the person who harmed you has paid the price. I hope you can rest in peace."

Nhược Hi stood quietly next to him, not saying another word, just gently holding his hand, sharing that sacred moment as an affirmation that from now on, they will always stand by each other, not just because of duty or oath, but because of a feeling that has silently grown through many challenges.

Gradually, the cruel traces of three years of unjust regency began to be erased. Fields in the southern districts, once abandoned because of harsh taxes, gradually regained their vitality. The market in Vân Khánh was bustling again, and bandits no longer harassed traders as they had before. People began to spread stories about a Đại Hạ lady who had sacrificed her youth to bring justice to the country, seeing her as a symbol of hope for a new era.

However, Nhược Hi clearly understands that the road ahead is still very long. Reviving a country that has been devastated for three years cannot be completed overnight, and she still has one last great responsibility to complete: officially ascending the throne, becoming the true head of Đại Hạ, instead of just being a crowned princess who has been vindicated but has not yet officially ascended the throne.

"The regency council has proposed an auspicious date for Your Highness's coronation," Tang Dịch Phong reported at a court meeting, his voice full of excitement. "All officials and people are looking forward to the day Her Highness officially becomes the head of Đại Hạ." Nhược Hi nodded, both nervous and full of determination. After everything she has been through, this will be the final step to close a painful chapter and open a new chapter for both her and the entire Đại Hạ country that she has vowed to protect for three long years.

The night before the regency council officially announced the coronation date, Nhược Hi visited Khấu Đình Ân at the palace nursing home, where he was being carefully cared for by the best royal physicians. His health has improved somewhat, although his disabled arm still cannot fully recover.

"Eunuch Khấu, I am about to ascend the throne," she said, gripping his other hand. "I hope you will be there to witness the result of your sacrifices."

"The old man will definitely be present." Khấu Đình Ân smiled. Although his eyes were dim, they still shone with immense pride. "Even if I have to walk with a cane, I will still stand there, watching Your Highness put on the dragon robe and the crown, officially becoming the head of Đại Hạ that I have believed in since Your Highness was in your cradle."

Nhược Hi hugged him, unable to hold back her tears of happiness mixed with gratitude, clearly feeling that all the suffering over the past three years had finally been rewarded with this very moment.

Leaving the nursing home, Nhược Hi stopped by the area being rebuilt as a place to worship the Immortal Emperor and Immortal Empress, replacing the old altar room that had been abandoned for three years during Khưu Bá Trạch's rule. She stood in front of her parents' two tablets, lit a stick of incense, her heart filled with indescribable emotions.

"Father, mother, I am about to officially ascend the throne," she whispered, her voice choked. "I have found the person who killed people, and have demanded justice for my entire family, for this entire Đại Hạ country. I hope that my father and mother in the nine streams can rest assured and be proud of what I have done."

The night wind blew gently through the altar space, causing the flickering candle to gently sway, like a silent response from the deceased, making Nhược Hi feel a rare peace spreading throughout her soul, after many years of heavy resentment and pain.

Trường Phong stood waiting for her outside the altar door, quietly not wanting to disturb that private moment. When she walked out, her eyes were still a little red, he didn't ask anything more, just gently put a warm coat on her, and walked back with her in the cold winter night, preparing for an important tomorrow that was waiting ahead, a day that both had waited and struggled for three long years to reach, at the cost of countless sweat, tears and blood of those who fell on the road to finding justice.