Chapter 1540: The Bleakest Restoration

The news of Xia Houzhe’s death quickly spread far and wide, accelerated by the Xia Clan who, upon announcing the obituary, also issued a manifesto. Its main content denounced Xia Houzhe for his monstrous betrayal and the calamity he brought upon the people and the peace of the Great Qing. The Xia Clan was ashamed to associate with him and did not recognize him as a descendant of the Xia Clan’s bloodline, thus he would not be registered in the clan genealogy, nor would they acknowledge him.

In short, the Xia Clan declared to the outside world: this person is not of our clan, this person is dead, any future matters have no relation to our Xia Clan, and we do not recognize this person’s identity, so do not associate him with us. Our Xia Clan is loyal to the Emperor, adheres to our duties, and regards the Great Qing as our home and country.

Not being a member of the Xia Clan, he would not be buried in the family graveyard. It was last heard that they casually found a hillside for the burial.

Song Ci was deeply moved by this matter.

"This is truly the most desolate bid for restoration I have ever heard of."

There were no armies at the gates, no legions of bones. One could say it was a bloodless defeat, just like that.

A bit theatrical.

Also somewhat unbelievable. If it were a game, perhaps it would be a major bug in the game, too fake!

Yet, looking back, could it not be a testament to the flourishing national fate of Great Qing’s Chu family, with Emperor Chu’s imperial star still high in the sky, enabling such an easy victory over these people?

If not, the mere shadow of the screen stone would have silently done him in.

Is there a destiny ordained in the heavens?

Song Ci recalled the dreams she had, the warnings of the old lady’s original body, feeling somewhat uncertain.

"What are you pondering over now?" Nanny Gong, seeing her lost in thought, interrupted.

Song Ci snapped back to reality, smiled, "Nothing, just felt that the downfall of Xia the criminal was a bit pathetic, quite theatrical."

Nanny Gong disagreed, saying: "Since ancient times, how many have succeeded in restoration? When a country falls, there are only replacements and rarely is the old state name revived. Even more so when faced with a young ruler; the moment they succeed, that young master might die or fall ill."

Song Ci raised an eyebrow: "Oh, if Nanny Gong were a man, you would be a person of great talent indeed."

With just these words, she was a person of true clarity in the world.

Nanny Gong retorted: "Don’t tease this old servant of yours."

"I’m serious, you see so clearly, but those people didn’t. However, it’s understandable; after all, being of the son of a dragon or granddaughter of a phoenix, naturally, they too want to be that supreme person. Unfortunately, they don’t have that fate. Unable to become Emperor, became cannon fodder instead, ultimately just a passerby with no clan, just like Xia."

Song Ci thought of Princess Min, "With the death of Xia the criminal, those scattered former subordinates of the Xia Crown Prince will likely put the past behind them and strive for their clans. This way, Princess Consort Min and her child will have some peace in the future."

"You forget, her and Prince Min’s positions are awkward, the child is destined to be subject to discussions even in the womb. This cannot be changed, as you can see from Princess Consort Min herself."

Song Ci remained silent.

Considering the deeds of Prince Min, could Emperor Chu forget and not keep a mental note, given he was demoted to Commandery Prince and confined to the Prince Mansion, never to be summoned, with his fief in Xuzhou being reclaimed? It was evident that Emperor Chu harbored resentment towards Prince Min.

A person, after all, should fear being in the thoughts of an Emperor; every word and deed would be closely scrutinized.

Song Ci clapped her hands: "Anyway, with Xia the criminal dead now, those scattered old subordinates of the Xia Clan have no stage to perform on. Everyone is happy."

In short, the master is gone, and the great cause of restoration can’t proceed. Everyone returns to their own homes, fighting for themselves, it’s over.