Chapter 24 — The Prophet Awakens: Shedding the Worthless Shell

Three days after the incident at Đại Thí Trường, the Bắcương elder council officially opened an impeachment session for Ước Liêm Phong in the presence of representatives of many tribes, including Lăng Chiêu Dương and Kha Vấn Thu.

"Ước Liêm Phong, Earl of Nam Xuyên," Elder Bách Niên read out the indictment, "is accused of plotting to sabotage the economy of Northern Cuong, staging fake attacks to distract the people, twice plotting to kidnap minors, and finally plotting to murder the queen and her family right at Đại Thí Trường. With these crimes, according to ancient law, you will be stripped of all your titles, and the Nam Xuyên territory will be placed under the temporary supervision of a Council of the neighboring tribes until stability is restored, and you will be sentenced to exile, forever not allowed to set foot again in any land of the Northern Cuong alliance."

Liêm Phong knelt there, his face pale, without any trace of the arrogance of previous days. As he was escorted out of the hall, he looked back one last time, his eyes were empty as if he had lost all meaning of the life he once pursued.

Tuyết Doanh, sitting in the master's chair, felt no joy or gloating over the enemy's downfall, only a deep relief knowing that her family and land were finally safe.

"As for Nam Xuyên," she spoke up after Liêm Phong had been escorted away, "I recommend that the supervising alliance council focus on restoring life to the people there, who are not guilty of Liêm Phong's plot. They are also victims of their leader's misguided ambitions."

Her proposal was approved by the entire council, a testament to the tolerance and foresight of a true leader who does not let personal hatred dominate decisions for the common good of the entire land.

***

News about the truth behind the "useless beggar" spread throughout Bắcương like a new wind, blowing away all old prejudices. People, from the markets to the most remote villages, now speak of Cố Vọng Thần with a mixture of respect and admiration.

At the market where Tiểu Nguyệt was once ridiculed by the children, those same children now compete to tell the story of the Prophetic Magician who saved the whole of Northern Cuong, proudly boasting that they had met his daughter.

"Miss Tiểu Nguyệt!" A child who had mocked her years ago now ran closer, his voice filled with admiration as Tiểu Nguyệt and Thư Nhạc - fully recovered from their injuries - strolled through the market. "Your father is so majestic! Can I be your friend?"

Tiểu Nguyệt looked at the child, smiling innocently without any complaint. "Okay! My dad said, everyone deserves a chance to be good friends."

***

At Nguyệt Trạch, life gradually returns to a peaceful rhythm, but with a completely new nuance. Vọng Thần no longer needs to wear the guise of stupidity and drunkenness like before. He still retains his original simplicity and closeness, but now, he stands next to Tuyết Doanh not as a burden to carry, but as a true companion, discussing politics with her and making important decisions for the future of Bắcương.

"I think it's time to establish a small academy, where knowledge about astronomy, climate, and natural signs can be taught to those who are predestined, without having to be kept as a secret of the Thien Co Pavilion anymore," Vọng Thần proposed at a court meeting, his eyes filled with hope for a future where knowledge is shared instead of hidden out of fear.

"I support this idea." Tuyết Doanh nodded and smiled at her husband. "Bắcương will become stronger if we know how to prepare in advance for natural fluctuations, instead of just relying on a single person to shoulder everything." Vân Khinh Nhược, after many years of living in seclusion, finally agreed to leave the thatched cottage at the edge of the forest, moving to live closer to Nguyệt Trạch to help Vọng Thần in building a new academy, bringing with him the last remaining precious knowledge of Thiên Cơ Các, now openly taught for the common good instead of being buried in fear.

Tô Bạch Vũ, after his victory in the battle to rescue Tiểu Nguyệt, was promoted to general commanding the entire Northern Cuong army, and at the same time became one of Vọng Thần's closest friends, regularly practicing and discussing defense tactics for the land with him.

***

One month after the incident, Bắcương held a grand celebration in the central square, gathering representatives of all tribes, including distinguished guests from afar. Lăng Chiêu Dương personally led a group of Thanh Lang Bộ warriors to attend, and were welcomed as true heroes of Northern Cuong.

"Finally, I get to see you truly happy, Tuyết Doanh." Chiêu Dương raised his glass of wine and laughed cheerfully at the celebration party. "Remember your promise about the horse race? I'll collect the debt soon."

"Okay, this time I will definitely win against you." Tuyết Doanh smiled back, a rare relaxed smile that made those who had known her for a long time surprised by this obvious change.

Kha Vấn Thu also represented the Tây Hải Bộ to congratulate, bringing a gift of a rare sea pearl necklace specifically for Tiểu Nguyệt. "Our patriarch sends our blessings to you, and hope that you will always grow up safely under the protection of your parents."

In the middle of the party, Vọng Thần stood up and raised his wine cup toward all the guests. "I want to thank everyone present today, not only for helping in the last battle, but for showing us that a strong land is not thanks to any extraordinary individual, but thanks to the solidarity and mutual trust between ordinary people willing to stand up for what is right."

Applause and cheers echoed throughout the square, flickering candlelight reflected on the radiant faces of everyone present, marking a new chapter full of hope for Bắcương.

Đoàn Thư Nhạc, standing in the crowd holding Tiểu Nguyệt, who was sleepily closing her eyes after a long day of fun, smiled slightly looking at the warm scene before her eyes. "You see, ma'am, I already told you, everyone will understand the truth."

"Nanny is right." Tiểu Nguyệt yawned and snuggled into Thư Nhạc's shoulder. "You always knew your father was the best person in the world."

That night, when the party was over, the full moon hung high in the Bắcương sky, illuminating Nguyệt Trạch in a complete peace that had never been seen for many years. No more malicious rumors, no more stalking plots, no more fear of having to hide your true self.

***

On a calm autumn afternoon, when the pale yellow sunlight spread across Nguyệt Trạch yard, Tuyết Doanh sat leaning against Vọng Thần's shoulder on a familiar stone chair, watching Tiểu Nguyệt running and playing with a few children in the palace, clear laughter echoing throughout the space.

"Have you ever thought that your life would come to this day?" She asked, her voice soft and content.

"Never," Vọng Thần replied, wrapping his arms around her tighter. "For more than twenty years, I only thought I would live like a shadow, wandering aimlessly, without a future. I never dared to dream that one day I would have a real family, a place to call home, and a woman who makes me want to become the best version of myself."

"So now, how do you feel?" She looked up at him, her eyes filled with love that she had learned to no longer hide.