Azure Heaven Saber
Chapter 1185 - 1185 57 Return

Chapter 1185: Chapter 57: Return Chapter 1185: Chapter 57: Return The royal guards wept like rain, yet they stifled their sobs, fearing they might disturb the general in his search for his late wife’s soul.

They all deeply understood that the general’s body actually could not hold on any longer since half a year ago.

But at that time, the health of Madam Yu Rou was worsening as well.

The general firmly refused to let his wife die alone in this world without support, desperately sustaining himself with medicine, until now.

Finally, with Yu Rou passing first, his worries were allayed and his attachments severed. As soon as he relaxed, he bid farewell to this world and his soul departed for the netherworld.

…

Meng Fang, the general, has passed away!

Inside the courtyard of the Duke of the Kingdom’s residence were all his former subordinates, their presence filling the vast space.

Everyone stood upright, in rows, without the slightest disorder.

It was as if they were back in the military camp, receiving a lecture from the general.

Outside, the continuous sound of galloping horses hurried toward the residence, stopping at the gates. Newcomers conscientiously took up their positions.

Additionally, many skilled figures arrived on the wind.

They too landed respectfully at the entrance and silently blended into the formation.

Tears dropped from the eyes of the generals, falling silently to the ground with a soft ‘plop’; beyond that, there was no other sound.

Their gaze was fixed on the direction of a room within the residence, bidding the general farewell with their eyes and hearts.

Though in recent years the general had disengaged from worldly affairs, seemingly indifferent to past bonds, only his old subordinates knew and understood that his detachment was the best form of protection.

He was like a towering tree, silently sheltering his former subordinates.

A big tree neither attacks nor takes initiative.

But as long as this big tree stood, it was the greatest support!

Anyone who wished to confront any person under this big tree’s shade would inevitably have to face the tree itself.

Even the older officers, wishing to deal with Meng Fang’s subordinates, would remember his past favors; with the person gone, the feelings remained, and they could not bring themselves to act.

Meng Fang seemed not to care, never taking the lead in settling quarrels for anyone.

But as long as he was alive, those favors remained!

I may not make any demands, but my presence here is a demand in itself.

Such was the authority of the Duke of the Kingdom.

This big tree was fair and upright.

No one dared do anything to truly provoke this big tree, for no one could bear the consequences and did not wish to.

Today, this big tree had reached the end, withered away.

One by one, his old subordinates felt an emptiness inside.

This world no longer had the towering tree that sheltered them!

…

Wu Tiejun and others stood outside the hall, their faces solemn. Even the usually unruly Fei Xinyu now stood straight, his face somber, without a hint of impatience or a word of complaint.

At the entrance.

Carriages arrived incessantly.

Moments later, the Qin Emperor, in hasty arrival, leaped straight from the carriage and rushed inside.

“How is the Duke of the Kingdom?”

The Qin Emperor’s face had changed, no longer calm and hidden as usual.

As soon as he entered the gates, he was met with a sight akin to a military review, all the officers standing still and orderly.

The Qin Emperor’s heart skipped, his voice hoarse as he asked, “Where is the general?”

The royal guard captain, faces filled with grief, emerged. His voice was hoarse to the extreme, and his emotions deeply downturned.

“Your Majesty, the general has already departed.”

The Qin Emperor trembled, his mind falling into a void.

His first thought was of regret for sending the eunuch to the military camp back then, but it was too late for regrets now!

Meng Fang could have stayed at court; the Qin Emperor was very clear about that.

But it was that incident that caused Meng Fang to resolutely resign.

Ordinarily, this would be no issue as once the enemies were gone, even the greatest generals could become threats.

This is human nature—on both sides.

But the incident with Qing Ming made the Qin Emperor profoundly realize his mistake.

Even now, he did not understand why Qing Ming acted as he did back then, leaving him no face.

He was even more baffled by Qing Ming and Green Wolf’s numerous visits to the Duke’s residence over the years, offering meals.

And he was most baffled as to why, despite their great friendship, Qing Ming did not extend Meng Fang’s life.

However, that did not prevent the Qin Emperor, after Meng Fang’s departure from court, from profoundly and sincerely appreciating Meng Fang’s influence.

No matter who it was in the military, even including the most veteran officers, there would be immediate cessation of any dispute once Meng Fang’s name was mentioned.

Everyone understood.

When it came to achievements, truly no one could compare with the Duke of the Kingdom, who rose like a comet, yet shortly flashed across Great Qin.

The brilliance of those three years suppressed all other famous generals.

It made all other martial figures under heaven pale in comparison!

It was a sublime radiance that could illuminate through the ages, short-lived but eternal!

During the time both Meng Fang and his spouse were gravely ill, the Qin Emperor visited six times.