Yang Guozhong’s death had not satisfied the soldiers.
They surrounded the Emperor’s camp and shouted, “Yang Guozhong is now dead, but Lady Yang is still alive. If she is not killed, we quit.”
Yuhuan lost control of herself; with a small gasp she fainted. The terrified Emperor didn’t know what to do. Obviously he would not kill the woman he loved, but if he refused there would certainly be a mutiny.
“General, Yang Guozhong is guilty and should be executed,” the Emperor looked squarely at Chen Yuanli. “Lady Yang lived inside the palace. She knows nothing about her cousin’s treachery. What crime are you going to accuse her of ?”
“You’re right, Your Majesty. But the soldiers are beyond my control right now.”
“You are the head of the imperial guards. You must give orders to them to stop with this nonsense and continue on our way,” demanded the Emperor.
“Your Majesty, the army is not under my control,” Chen replied expressionless.
Lady Yang stirred, trembling as she clung to the Emperor for support. He placed his arms around her protectively, and attempted to comfort her.
“My lord, though it’s true, Lady Yang is not guilty, but her cousin is,” Chen spoke softly but bluntly. “If she remains by your side, the soldiers will revolt. I hope that you can consider this with care. You will not be safe until the soldiers get their way.”
The Emperor stared at Chen, speechless.
“Your Majesty, how can you bear to let me die?” Lady Yang cried bitterly, her eyes wide in panic.
The soldiers’ shouting came again. Still, the Emperor was hesitant. He knew that if Lady Yang was not killed, the crazed soldiers might kill him too. But he loved her and believed she was innocent. How could he allow her to be slaughtered for nothing? He didn’t have an answer, and could no longer hold back his own tears.
“Your Majesty,” Gao Lishi entered the room gingerly. “The soldiers have taken hold of the camp. If you do not make up your mind immediately, I don’t know if there will be anything we can do.”
Lady Yang understood the gravity of the situation. There was no way for her to escape death.
“I have been blessed with your love, my lord,” she knelt down in front of him. “It’s time for me to repay you. I hope that my death will quench the army’s anger. If Your Majesty can make it safely to Sichuan, then my death is worth it.” With her final words she threw herself into his arms, hugging him.
“Don’t say that! If you die, my title and wealth would mean nothing. I would rather lose my country than lose you.”
“You have given me everything, Your Majesty,” She let go of him and attempted to wipe away her tears. “But if you allow me to live, we will both be killed. I hope my death can bring peace to the nation.”
“Lady Yang has made up her mind,” Gao Lishi intervened. “I suggest Your Majesty put the nation first and let go of her.”
“You’ve made your decision, my dear,” the Emperor cried. “But I cannot. Gao Lishi, let her go!” He looked at Yuhuan and then rushed out of the room. Gao Lishi nodded solemnly to the lady and walked outside. He ordered soldiers to be silent.
“His Majesty has declared that Lady Yang be allowed to commit suicide.”
The men cheered as Gao Lishi led Lady Yang to a Buddist prayer hall behind the pavilion.
“Buddha, accept my repent,” she prayed. “I am sinful. Please help my soul ascend to heaven soon.” Her face was pale, but determined.
“Your ladyship, do you have any wishes for me to fulfill for you?” Gao Lishi asked.
“Gao, His Majesty is old. Once I’m gone, you will be the only person who truly understands him. Wait on him with all your heart. Please give these back to him, and tell him not to think of me anymore,” she handed him the hairpins and powder box. “They are the tokens of our love. They shall accompany me in the tomb. Don’t lose them.”
Gao Lishi had begun to cry but nodded in response to her wishes.
The mutinous soldiers were approaching the hall.
“You have volunteered to kill yourself,” one of the officers shouted at Yuhuan. “What’s taking you so long? Get it over with so we can move on!”
“Give her some space!” Gao Lishi shouted angrily. “She needs a minute to collect herself before she passes away.”
“Chen Yuanli, what kind of general you are,” Yuhuan yelled bitterly. “You don’t command your soldiers to fight enemies but instead you make me die.”
She unfastened the white silk around her waist, made a noose, and hung herself from a nearby pear tree.
Gao Lishi returned to the Emperor to confirm that Yuhuan had indeed killed herself. He handed her lover the hairpins and powder box. They still felt warm to the touch. The Emperor was heartbroken.
“Wrap the hairpins and the box with care,” he instructed Gao. “Mark the place where she is buried. I’ ll choose another place for her tomb in future.”
After this was done they continued on their way to Sichuan. The Emperor sat motionless in the carriage. Having lost Yuhuan and unable to control his army made him feel weak. Everything that had mattered only hours ago now seemed faraway and insignificant, all he wanted was to have Lady Yang back by his side.
