Chapter Forty-Seven: Final Victory and the Dawn of a New Journey

He sneered coldly, “Lu Wan’er, He Yunsheng, you’ve ruined my plans; today will be your death day!” With that, he drew his bow and shot another arrow...

Wait!

The ring on his hand...

Isn’t that the one... gifted to Eunuch Wang?

Could it be...

The mastermind behind this is him?

A buzzing sound filled my mind as countless threads connected instantly, unraveling all previous doubts.

You, Eunuch Wang, I painstakingly saved money to honor you, yet you stabbed me in the back!

“Eunuch Wang, why... why would you do this?” He Yunsheng asked in disbelief.

Eunuch Wang smiled sinisterly, “Why? Because you blocked my path to wealth! All the gold and treasures in this palace should be mine!”

“Who do you think you are? You’re not worthy!” I sneered, pulling out a handful of gold leaves from my sleeve, scattering them into the air like confetti.

“Take that! I have more money than you!”

The golden leaves shimmered in the air, dazzling Eunuch Wang’s eyes.

Taking advantage of the moment, He Yunsheng and I rushed forward, flanking him and firmly restraining him.

“You... you…” Eunuch Wang fumed helplessly.

“Don’t rush, the best is yet to come!” I smiled mysteriously.

Following the clues provided by the mastermind Eunuch Wang, we traced the trail to a massive fortress deep in the mountains. What a grand lair!

As we approached, dense attacks rained down on us—various hidden weapons whizzed through the air, flames bursting all around, like fireworks during the New Year, except these “fireworks” were deadly.

He Yunsheng held me tightly as we dodged left and right through the inferno, like playing real-life CS.

I could feel his tension, and of course, my own heartbeat pounding—thump, thump, like a drum—whether from nervousness or excitement, I couldn’t tell.

---

Breaking through the first line of defense, we stormed into the fortress. Inside, experts swarmed like dumplings being boiled, pouring in from all directions.

Back to back, He Yunsheng and I fought fiercely, fists and feet flying as if we had supernatural powers; enemies fell one after another. The scene rivaled any martial arts tournament!

But two fists couldn’t match four hands; the enemies kept coming, and our energy began to wane.

Just when despair was about to set in, I noticed...

My golden talisman...

It was reacting again...

At this critical moment, I sensed a strong “monetary” energy deep within the fortress. No—it was more like some kind of “power,” akin to money, drawing me in with an irresistible urge to claim it immediately.

Grabbing He Yunsheng’s arm, I said, “I know how to win! Follow me!”

We cut through thorns and brambles, following the “energy” pulse until we reached a secret chamber at the fortress’s deepest point.

In the center stood an enormous luminous pearl, radiating dazzling light—the source of that alluring energy.

I was certain this thing was priceless!

“What... what is that?” He Yunsheng was stunned by the giant luminous pearl.

“A treasure! Absolutely a treasure!” My eyes sparkled as I rubbed my hands, itching to pocket it.

But I quickly calmed down; it was too large to carry away.

Wait—I seemed to understand something...

This luminous pearl’s energy was maintaining the fortress’s entire defense system!

Pointing at it, I said to He Yunsheng, “Smash it!”

“What? But... it’s a treasure!” He Yunsheng hesitated, reluctant.

“No time for nonsense! If we break it, we’ll win!”

He gritted his teeth, raised his sword, and struck the luminous pearl with all his might.

---

With a sharp “crack,” the pearl shattered. Instantly, the fortress shook violently, and the defense system outside collapsed.

We seized the chance to break through. Outside, the enemies were in chaos, like headless flies.

Together, He Yunsheng and I swiftly subdued them all.

Back at the palace, the emperor was delighted, bestowing heavy rewards upon us.

I was promoted to head palace lady-in-waiting, in charge of all the harem’s finances—a position I had dreamed of!

He Yunsheng also gained the emperor’s favor and was entrusted with important duties.

Standing atop the pinnacle of power, overlooking the entire palace, our hearts swelled with joy and pride.

Late at night, He Yunsheng and I sat side by side on the rooftop, gazing at the star-filled sky.

“Wan’er,” he suddenly spoke, “is this... really right for us?”

I paused and turned to look at him.

A flicker of confusion crossed his eyes, as if wrestling with his thoughts.

I held his hand gently and asked, “What’s on your mind?”

He sighed, “Life in the palace... is too complicated...”

I understood.

The palace may be splendid, but it’s no place to stay forever.

Having endured so much, it was time to seek a life of our own...

“I... I want to...” He Yunsheng hesitated.

I smiled, “I know what you want to say...” From my bosom, I took out a map I had prepared long ago and slowly spread it open.

“I’ve already made arrangements...”