Flowers bloom on the hill of corpses

by Polarbear_william

Summary:

"Why did you do this to me? Live a lifetime, I love you a lifetime, and in the end, I got nothing in return..."

"Because I hate you, every time I see you, I feel disgusted in my heart, I always want you to die, because you don't deserve to live"

"It's because you trusted me too much, the person you should have killed from the beginning was me, this is your own choice, you've always resented others, if you want to blame, blame yourself"

"I'm sorry, I couldn't protect you...I've failed you all my life"

"Don't!!! I beg you, whatever you want...let him go, please...."

"It's too late, you're late, he's gone"

"I chose to trust...what did I get in the end?"

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Gong Yuanzhi comes back to life after being betrayed and killed by his lover, he must try to turn things around so that the ending does not appear again.

He can't trust anyone, no one can make him less suspicious.

Chapter 1: 1

Spring scenery filled the palace, hundreds of flowers were blooming, covering the vast imperial garden, butterflies were flying around as if they were painting a colorful spring picture. Usually, the emperor would hold a spring banquet, today was no exception, the palace maids in each palace were busy going back and forth, the spring banquet was held once a year, it was a grand ceremony so it needed to be carefully prepared. Today's sky was clear, with light clouds drifting by. The birds were chirping, the dew drops still lingering on the leaves were sparkling under the gentle sunlight of dawn. The scene was cheerful and bustling, the harmony of heaven and earth was even more vivid.

A eunuch walked to Fuyao Palace, softly calling the palace maid over:

"Your Majesty still hasn't woken up?"

The palace maid nodded slightly, her cheeks were slightly rosy, her eyes were sparkling like autumn, her hair was tied low, with a small peach blossom-shaped hairpin, and a light blue silk strip at the end of her hair. She replied to the eunuch in a low voice:

"Eunuch Lu, last night His Majesty stayed up late to approve the memorial, let him rest a little longer, it's still early anyway, we're not in a hurry" - She said then smiled slightly, bowed respectfully and left.

Looking at the gloomy Fuyao Palace, Lu Xin just sighed softly, the emperor had always paid attention to the palaces, every place was splendid and luxurious, the beautiful scenery had never diminished, only Fuyao Palace had not been renovated much. After all, it was a place the emperor often had to visit, it was truly not inferior to the other palaces of the concubines, it was just that the scenery was gloomy, the emperor had cut more than half of the eunuchs and servants serving here. Only the number of guards on duty remained unchanged.

Hearing the sound of the little eunuchs sweeping the leaves in the courtyard, Lu Xin took a deep breath, then immediately ordered them to do other chores while he stood outside the palace, waiting for the emperor's command before entering.

The little palace maids who were laughing and talking while passing by Fuyao Palace also tactfully followed suit, the emperor had always been someone who did not like hustle and bustle, apart from major festivals, the harem was mainly in charge and he did not participate. Although the military affairs were peaceful and the people were well-fed, the emperor had never once let himself go, even the chief eunuch like Lu Xin was chased out when the emperor approved the memorials. He did not allow anyone to disturb him, including the concubines in the palace, anyone who deliberately did not listen would be severely punished.

A few peach blossom petals fell, stirring up the originally calm and clear water surface. A guard walked over, his demeanor far surpassed the other servants, and his face was also very handsome. He gently touched the sword at his waist, his eyes turned towards Fuyao Palace, Lu Xin smiled, happily starting a conversation:

"Jin Fan, you've worked hard today"

Jin Fan silently nodded, he then asked: "Your Majesty still hasn't woken up? Maybe he has been overworked himself again"

Lu Xin could only sigh and shake his head, those servants had never understood the thoughts of the emperor, and didn't have the courage to guess his thoughts. They could only do their best to work.

Seeing this, Jin Fan didn't say anything more, just stood there silently for a while then continued to patrol, he was a Ruby guard, one of the noble guard titles, assigned to closely follow and protect the emperor. He felt that this was the honor of his life, before his family was poor, he never dared to dream of entering the palace, let alone the title of Ruby guard.

He knew that standing above ten thousand people, although noble, had never had a day of leisure, but that was the emperor, fate had been chosen, there was no escape, as a guard like him, he could only do his best.

"Lord Jin, is Your Majesty okay?"

Hearing the call, Jin Fan immediately stopped, it turned out to be a noble person who had just entered the palace, he respectfully bowed and replied:

"This noble person does not need to worry, the emperor is just overworked, Lu Xin will arrange everything properly, you should return to your palace and prepare for today's banquet" - Although he was a Ruby guard who stood on the throne, his way of speaking was very calm, making the person opposite him feel comfortable. The noble moved his rosy lips full of spring as if he wanted to say something but stopped, in the end he could only smile wryly:

"I've troubled Lord Jin, then I'll go back first"

"Your Excellency, take your time" - He bowed again, but his hand had already tightened the hilt of his sword, his eyes turned towards the main hall behind him again, feeling that nothing had happened before he left with peace of mind. The sound of wind chimes tinkled pleasantly in the wind, his heart was in contrast to his state of mind.

In the Fuyao Palace, the dim candlelight shone, the man lying on the bed suddenly woke up. His back was drenched in sweat, his eyes were bloodshot, and a thin layer of mist still remained at the corners of his eyes. His hands tightly gripped the blanket embroidered with dragon patterns with golden thread, his eyebrows furrowed deeply. He clearly felt his shoulders trembling continuously, his breathing was rapid, just like someone who had just returned from a walk from the gates of hell. His white skin had already revealed a few faint blue veins, his eyes looked around for a while, he couldn't believe what he was seeing.

He coughed with difficulty a few times, his throat was sore and sore, he reached out to get some water but it seemed like his whole body had turned into a stone statue, unable to move. He thought of something, his mouth unconsciously let out an extremely weak sound like the sound of a wounded animal in a vast forest.

"Lu Xin"

He had just called out when the main door opened, and a dazzling light shone into the palace, forcing him to raise his hand to block it. That light? How long had it been since he had seen it? Ah, since the time he was crippled in one leg by the person he loved the most, and then locked up in this Fuyao Palace awaiting execution. Yet he had made the biggest mistake of his life, which was to put his trust in that person.

Lu Xin hurriedly ran inside, changed the candle, quickly poured a cup of tea, and gave it to him, not forgetting to say:

"Your Majesty, you've worked too hard, but today is the Spring Festival, you can't be absent."

Looking at the forty-year-old eunuch before him, a clear pain arose in his heart. If he had believed Lu Xin's words back then, and had read the will he left for him, perhaps he would have still made it in time to turn back. The old eunuch who had followed him all his life would not have had such a tragic ending. But he had personally pushed his loyal person to his death, he truly could not tell what was light and what was dark.

Lu Xin had just turned around when he saw the high and mighty emperor's eyes red as if he was about to cry. He quickly knelt down and kowtowed repeatedly, his old mouth not forgetting to defend his small life:

"Your Majesty, please don't be angry or you will harm the emperor's body. This servant was just talking too much, please punish me."

Seeing him flustered like that, the tears that were about to fall from the corners of Gong Yuanzhi's eyes immediately flowed back inside. He let out a sigh, suddenly asking a question that made Lu Xin's heart immediately jump.

"I'm still alive? What about you? Are you and I at the gates of hell?"

"Your Majesty! Your Majesty! This is not a joke! You are still in the prime of your youth, if you say that you are a slave, it's fine, but Your Majesty, you were still approving memorials yesterday, how could you...could you..." - He stopped talking here, Lu Xin was afraid that if he said another half sentence, he would lose his head.

Gong Yuanzhi was momentarily speechless, what was this about approving memorials? What was this about being in the prime of your youth, he was startled as if he had just thought of something. He immediately turned his head and asked Lu Xin:

"How old am I this year?"

Lu Xin still kept quiet, because the matter of the emperor's age was not something to joke about, even if he had ten guts, he wouldn't dare to say it.

"I'm asking you"

"Yes...this year...you're twenty-three years old"

Gong Yuanzhi heard as if struck by lightning, he was actually reborn at the age of twenty-three?

"Spring Festival..." - He muttered, yes, it was today. So everything could still be saved. He immediately changed his expression, softly ordered:

"Change my clothes"

Lu Xin stood up in a panic, he breathed a sigh of relief that he was still alive, but the emperor was a bit strange today, why did he ask such questions? But he only dared to think in his head, he didn't dare to say it out loud, he still treasured this old life very much, his dream of retiring to the countryside to grow vegetables and raise fish could not be extinguished here.

Gong Yuanzhi turned his cold eyes to the outside, yes, this place was still Fuyao Palace, still the emperor's main hall. Looking at his intact hand, he really didn't want to think about how that hand would look like a few years later, that's right, all the fingers were chopped off, even wooden sticks were stuck in to replace the fingers.

In his previous life, he was robbed of his throne, that was for sure, Lu Xin, Jin Fan, even Zi Shang died because of him, especially Gong Zi Shang, she threw away the dignity of a great general who had fought on the battlefield for ten years just to kneel down and beg for him, kneeling in the falling snow, three days and three nights, and finally being given poison.

As for him, he was crippled, both hands had all the fingers chopped off, imprisoned in this Fuyao palace, and finally executed in front of so many court officials and concubines, he remembered how he was slandered by the people at that time. But he couldn't blame him, if he blamed him, he could only blame himself for condoning the person who killed him.

"Lu Xin, tell me, did Gong Hong Yu enter the palace today?"

Lu Xin bowed and respectfully replied:

"Of course Lord Hong Yu has, Your Majesty, is there anything you need to tell him?"

Gong Yuanzhi did not reply. The imperial palace has always had a rule that when men marry into the emperor's concubines, they must take the emperor's surname. Only women are allowed to keep theirs. As for the court officials, the emperor can give them any surname, so in the imperial palace and the previous dynasty, there were quite a few people with the emperor's surname. They also had to know their limits. The emperor's surname was the most noble, and it was an extremely great blessing for them to be given a surname.

And this Gong Hong Yu was able to raise two children very well.

One plotted to usurp the throne, the other wholeheartedly supported the other. That was why in his previous life he had to suffer such a painful end. Eradicate them to avoid leaving behind future troubles.

Gently squeezing the jade pendant in his hand, the smile on his lips became increasingly strange. Although Lu Xin saw it, he didn't pay much attention. On the contrary, he felt that perhaps the emperor was so interested today, and the harem had even more opportunities. But if Gong Yuanzhi knew what he was thinking, he would immediately strangle him right here.

Walking to Qian Su palace, he had a strange feeling in his heart that was hard to describe. He didn't know how many times he had walked on this red carpet, but the last time was when he walked in injustice and humiliation. As an emperor, he had to bow down to the person who had usurped his throne. He thought that no one would dare to face that humiliation. Even if they did, that person must be very strong.

The servant who passed by also automatically knew to avoid, before entering inside, he glanced at the peach garden right next to it, in a flash he saw someone's figure standing looking this way, Gong Yuanzhi coldly snorted, he knew who it was, but in this life, he thought it was better if he didn't think about it.

Inside Qian Su palace was decorated lavishly, but all these things, he didn't pay attention, he was trying to find a familiar figure.

Saw it.

Jin Fan stood solemnly to the side, this cold face of his, Gong Yuanzhi was bored of looking at, but it didn't matter, the important thing was that all these people were still alive, including Gong Yuanzhi's relatives and enemies, were all still alive.

"Your Majesty, may you live long!!!"

The concubines and officials bowed, the emperor waved his hand to excuse them, he sat down on the throne, smiling happily.

"Today is the spring festival, everyone is family, no need to be so formal"

"Thank you, Your Majesty"

Gong Yuanzhi looked at the concubines, and Gong Shangjue came.

He sat in the seat reserved for nobles, his face was cold and emotionless, his hand gently lifted the wine glass to drink a sip and then stopped. After so many years, Gong Yuanzhi now had the opportunity to admire Gong Shangjue's youthful beauty, it could be said that the clouds lost to the snow, the elegant beauty was not ostentatious but still made people fascinated.

But unfortunately, this beauty was given to the wrong person, this beauty was a cup of poison that Gong Yuanzhi had willingly drunk before, only after drinking did he sober up.

The corner of the emperor's lips tightened slightly, right now he was still doting on Gong Shangjue, if he suddenly treated him coldly, it would definitely stir up a stir, it was better to slowly eliminate him. In terms of patience when hunting prey, no one can surpass Gong Yuanzhi.

Squeezing the wine cup in his hand, Gong Yuanzhi looked at Gong Hong Yu again, this general was very talented, he had led troops to conquer many places, never once losing a battle, so towards him, the emperor was somewhat wary. But before, the emperor was only worried about him alone and forgot that Gong Hong Yu's two children were the reason why Gong Yuanzhi lived a life worse than death.

In his previous life, Gong Yuanzhi had suffered too much, but when he was about to die, he still hadn't come to his senses, until he saw Gong Zi Shang kneeling down to beg for him, in the end she still didn't have a peaceful life.

Gong Yuanzhi rested his chin on his hand and thought, and this action unconsciously enhanced his beauty. Gong Shangjue happened to look up, seeing that person thinking carefreely, that appearance hit his mind straight away. Feeling his heartbeat change slightly, Gong Shang Jue pursed his lips slightly, trying to erase that image from his mind.

Gong Yuan Zhi unconsciously curled his lips.

The story between us, is still very long.

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Chapter 2: 2

While the banquet was in full swing, Gong Hong Yu suddenly stood up, bowed and said:

"I would like to report to Your Majesty, the border has been pacified, the people are currently free from any danger, should Your Majesty stabilize the affairs of the harem?" - Gong Yuanzhi curled the corner of his lips, there were indeed people who were restless, if the suppression was not increased, if there were people like tigers with wings in the future, who knows what situation the previous dynasty would fall into. It was just that Gong Hong Yu was too hasty this time, in this entire palace, the only person who dared to openly confront the emperor was Gong Hong Yu.

Gong Yuanzhi propped his chin up to watch the good show, in the end he tapped his hand on the table in rhythm, of course only Jin Fan who was standing closest could see this calculating action, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath, Lord Hong Yu, take care.

"Is that so? I see that you seem to care a lot about my harem, are you afraid that I cannot settle the harem? The thoughts of the prime minister here are really profound, ordinary people really cannot reach them. You are a person of the previous dynasty, working for me, working for the people, are the matters in the harem big enough for you to waste your mind on?" - The emperor smiled, today was a banquet in the palace, he was just casually responding. If it was a normal day at court, Gong Hong Yu would have been beheaded long ago.

"Forgive me for my long-windedness, but the harem needs to be settled, otherwise, how can Your Majesty have 'a large family of children and grandchildren'?" - The lively banquet suddenly became quiet, Gong Shangjue took a sip of tea, and laughed coldly.

This Gong Hong Yu's guts are really big.

The courtiers immediately stirred, they had dozens of lives but never dared to speak so recklessly. In contrast to the fear of the ministers, the emperor seemed very calm, even pleased.

The emperor suddenly fell into thought, Gong Hong Yu, he wants to have many children and grandchildren? Then this Gong Yuanzhi will make him have no descendants.

"The prime minister is right, the harem really needs to be stable." - He curled his lips, Jin Fan immediately realized something, what does your majesty want to do? The emperor has never been so lenient with Gong Hong Yu before, today he said that there must be a hidden meaning. And Jin Fan guessed correctly.

"Pass on my order, give three years of salary to prime minister Gong Hong Yu, tomorrow immediately send the two biological eldest sons into the palace, no delay is allowed" - These words were like a thunderbolt to Gong Hong Yu, his shoulders suddenly stiffened, the two biological eldest sons, were referring to his only two sons.

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Gong Hong Yu bowed, but his eyes were already red. No matter how much he calculated, he was still one step behind the emperor. It was truly the mind of an emperor, no one could understand it.

The courtiers who received this news immediately fell silent. They were afraid, afraid that if they were careless for a moment, they would fall into the same situation as Gong Hong Yu now, sending their own children into the dangerous forbidden palace. Gong Shangjue smiled faintly. This was the mind of an emperor, unfathomable. And this action was immediately seen by Gong Yuanzhi. A trace of killing intent suddenly flashed through his eyes.

Gong Yuanzhi knew that if he sent both of Gong Hong Yu's children into the palace, he would be teasing his own fate. Previously, he was infatuated with Gong Ziyu's beauty and personality, despite Gong Zishang's dissuasion to make him the empress, and held a grand coronation ceremony that was more lavish than any previous grand ceremonies, but in the end, he was fatally stabbed by Gong Ziyu.

Now that both Gong Huan Yu and Gong Ziyu have entered the palace, this move is the beginning of his long-term calculations. He has enough patience to go hunting, but there are some people who cannot.

Having died once, Gong Yuanzhi now treasures his life more than anything, he is currently still the emperor standing above all others, not a cripple living like an insect imprisoned in Fuyao Palace. There is still time to turn the situation around.

Gong Hong Yu then did not say another word at the banquet, the officials in the court saw this and did not dare to mention him, they had not yet finished worrying about their own lives, where would they have the energy to disturb the most influential prime minister in the previous dynasty?

But Gong Yuanzhi didn't feel comfortable at all, he reached out and lightly tapped Jin Fan's sword hilt, Jin Fan had followed him for so long, of course he understood these small details, he immediately nodded. Lu Xin saw from afar and quickly returned to Fuyao Palace to prepare ink and pen for the emperor to return to approve the memorial.

"I still have some things to take care of, you all can enjoy the feast"

"Farewell, Your Majesty"

Before leaving, Gong Yuanzhi glanced over to see Gong Hong Yu's expression, as expected, he was about to go crazy. Smiling slightly with satisfaction, Gong Yuanzhi leisurely walked out of Qian Su Palace.

-

"Father, what are you talking about? I don't understand..." - Gong Ziyu was startled, his legs were unsteady, Gong Huan Yu saw that and kicked his leg, conveniently making him fall onto the chair, staying there. Gong Ziyu's face became even paler, a trace of killing intent was gradually appearing between the two brothers.

Gong Hong Yu rubbed his forehead and sighed, on his face that had experienced so many storms and dusts of the world, worry was clearly visible. Gong Huan Yu poured a cup of tea and gave it to his father, Gong Hong Yu took the cup of tea, but clearly had no mood to take a sip.

Gong Ziyu gently tightened his robe, he couldn't hold back anymore, and immediately spoke:

"Father, as a man, how can you marry into the palace and become the emperor's concubine? Even if the emperor issued an imperial edict, do you not need face anymore? Is there such a reason in this world?" - His two hands were already full of blue veins, but he was a person who knew how to restrain himself, so he didn't dare to go too far.

"Gong Ziyu, this Gong family of yours, was also bestowed by the emperor. The emperor's imperial edict is the reason for us. Even if you are unwilling, do you want your mother to suffer a tragic death?" - Gong Hong Yu slowly spoke, but his words clearly showed that this Prime Minister was just a father, a husband, he couldn't help but worry about his loved ones.

Gong Huan Yu was thinking about something, but in the end he still chose not to say it, only his brows trembled slightly when he heard Gong Hong Yu speak. Gong Ziyu was naturally unwilling, but when he heard his mother mentioned, his heart skipped a beat. That's right, the emperor's words, how could they disobey? It was just that he felt so humiliated, as a dignified man, he had to abandon his dignity, abandon his future path ahead to become a servant to the emperor.

"Father, I..." - The words suddenly got stuck in his throat, unable to be said.

Gong Huan Yu could only smile bitterly, he said:

"In this life, I'm afraid I won't be able to serve you properly, in the days to come, it will be Gong Huan Yu who is unfilial to you."

Gong Hong Yu shook his head, he was only worried about these two children, even though he was such a strong man, who knew how deep and evil the hearts of the people in the forbidden palace were, he couldn't fathom it. Part of his worry was about the emperor, on the surface he treated guests like that, but looking at his smile at that time, he suddenly realized, the emperor's heart was really hard to predict...

"Father, are we leaving tomorrow? We can't delay a few more..."

"No"

Gong Huan Yu had not finished speaking when his throat was blocked, he immediately stopped, not saying anything more.

"Tomorrow when entering the palace, meeting the emperor, you must act carefully, especially when you first enter the palace, you don't have a stable position, you shouldn't make enemies with anyone. Go with the wind, but you must know how to choose the direction of the wind, don't bring disaster upon yourself" - Gong Hong Yu gently advised, the harem and the former dynasty were always two sides that were forbidden to interact, he didn't know when he would be able to see his child again.

Gong Ziyu and Gong Huan Yu nodded in understanding, but Gong Ziyu made Gong Hong Yu even more worried, because this child had always been a person who loved freedom, now he was like a bird locked in a cage, not knowing if he could live peacefully or not.

"Gong Ziyu... in the future, only your elder brother can take care of you, don't cause trouble, I don't want to see you die" - Gong Hong Yu said coldly, Gong Ziyu could only listen, his father's teachings were right, he had nothing to say. If you want to live in the palace, you must be truly cruel, don't take advantage of others, you can only let others take advantage of you. If you don't want to be a chess piece, you must be the master of the game first.

Gong Ziyu and Gong Huan Yu kowtowed to thank Gong Hong Yu for the last time, once for giving birth, two for raising, kowtowing this third time, is to ask for forgiveness for being an unfilial son, not being able to be there to support your parents when they are old. Gong Hong Yu didn't say anything, only when he saw his son leave did he silently shed tears.

Flowers can't stay on the branches forever, clouds can't stay in one place forever, after getting married, he was no longer his child, now he was the emperor's person, a person of the forbidden palace, it was easy to enter, but he could never leave.

Gong Ziyu looked up at the blue sky, in a flash, he felt very hateful. He hated that emperor for taking away his free life, hated why he had to endure such humiliation... But he couldn't do anything, he felt his heart aching, on the contrary, there was no way to ease that pain. He only knew, this could be the last time he would see this free blue sky.

-

Gong Yuanzhi sipped his tea, Lu Xin beside him was changing the new lamp, working neither fast nor slow, he had been working here for almost half his life, the emperor could only feel secure when he entrusted these trivial tasks to him. After changing the lamp, Lu Xin turned back to the emperor who was attentively reading a book, gently changing another cup of tea. "How are you preparing for the matter at Yu Qing Palace ?" - The Emperor suddenly asked, Luc Ham bowed slightly, respectfully replied:

"Your Majesty, the task you assigned to this servant has been completed, I also ordered someone to clean and renovate Yu Qing Palace so that tomorrow the two young masters can move in. The newly presented silk has been equally distributed to the palaces, and the medicine has been delivered to Yue Guang Palace, Your Majesty" - Lu Xin slowly reported, Gong Yuanzhi nodded in satisfaction, he had not established a queen yet, the highest position in the harem now was only the noble concubine, the harem had no owner, how many people were aiming for this noble position, he also wanted to see.

"Is there anything strange about this son of Gong Hong Yu?" - He asked again, of course he knew the thoughts of these two people very well, but this time it was different, it was not just Gong Ziyu anymore, he naturally had to be on guard.

Lu Xin cleared his throat upon hearing this, and Jin Fan walked in from outside, holding a neatly folded letter in his hand. He bent down and handed the letter to Lu Xin, who quickly took it and presented it to Gong Yuanzhi. He waved his hand for the two of them to retreat and opened the letter, his lips curled slightly, this handwriting was exactly Gong Ziyu's, back then he personally held Gong Ziyu's hand and wrote the letter with him, how could he not recognize it?

After reading the letter, Gong Yuanzhi's expression suddenly changed, his hand lightly stroked the corner of the paper, and he secretly sent this letter to a dead person, which was also very interesting.

He called Lu Xin over, and also burned the letter under the candlelight, in a flash it turned into ashes and flew away.

"Starting the journey to Xia Xian Lou"

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