The Xiongnu fled far away; north of the frontier, no royal court remained.
The sword opened the Western Regions; Great Han's borders stretched ten thousand li.
After destroying that overwhelmingly powerful nomadic empire, everyone throughout Great Han shared one feeling-the skies had cleared!
The unease of living with their nerves constantly taut, constantly fearing they might not survive until evening, was swept away completely. It even left many people feeling empty.
Although these ten years of war had nearly emptied the court's treasuries, it had all been worthwhile. The national strength accumulated by their forebears over so many years was meant for great undertakings such as this.
Since it could be considered a swift and decisive campaign, although these ten years of war had greatly increased military service, the court had not raised taxes on the people. The realm remained a tapestry of flourishing blossoms.
As long as the court weathered these two most straitened years, a prosperous age would arrive, with neither foreign enemies nor internal troubles, and peace throughout the realm.
Yet amid this universal flourishing, Emperor Liu Che unexpectedly fell unconscious after a banquet, instantly throwing everyone into a panic.
The sight was truly frightening. Shadows gathered over almost everyone's hearts, and they could not help recalling certain things. "Emperor Xiaohui and Emperor Xiaowen seemed to..."
Emperor Liu Che slowly awoke. His complexion was terrible. Turning to glance at Wei Zifu, he said with difficulty, "I never imagined it would come to this. I thought Emperor Xiaohui's and the Late Emperor's illnesses were coincidences.
"Empress, I cannot accept this!
"I still have countless grand plans and great undertakings. How can I fall here?
"I meant to become the foremost Sage King of all time, without precedent or successor, yet here I have fallen."
Tears fell from Wei