### Chapter 72: Final Chapter: Yuluo's Misfortune part-1 - Ah? The Wives I Abandoned Turned Out to Be Real

### Chapter 72: Final Chapter: Yuluo's Misfortune When news that you intended to crown Xiao Huan as Empress reached the entire court, it caused an uproar, with memorials flooding in like snowflakes. Since assuming the throne, your once generous and righteous nature has changed, feeling the weight of the world within your grasp. You ignore the advice of subordinates entirely. This transformation is both beneficial and detrimental. On the one hand, it cultivates imperial majesty more easily; on the other hand, it risks stubbornness and making many errors. All opposing opinions are dismissed; a few outspoken officials are even punished, stripped of their positions, and sent home, never to be employed again. Sensing your resolve, overnight the impeachment memorials vanish, replaced by endorsements of your decision, leaving you feeling as though the officials have completely changed. You are pleased, but Aina is not. For you had promised her she would be Empress. Your children with her would be made Crown Prince. She remembers this promise clearly and, faced with your breach of it, begins writing to her father, the Khan of the Xiongnu, accusing you of being deceitful. Of course, her letters never reach him. You intercept each one and have responses forged in the Khan’s handwriting, advising her patience until he can secure her position as Empress. Thus, Aina endures, accustomed now to your months of absence. With no obstacles left, you successfully crown Xiao Huan as Empress. When you see Xiao Huan in her phoenix robes, you feel everything has been worth it. The position of Imperial Tutor is left vacant, waiting for Yuluo’s triumphant return. Xiao Huan assists you with state affairs, proving adept where you find them vexing; the complex issues of governance are child’s play for her. Time flies by. A year passes since your ascension. During this year, the Great Zhou flourishes in prosperity. One night, Yuluo returns. She completes her mission gloriously. After over a year apart, you're overwhelmed with longing, dragging her to the palace bedchamber before even hearing her report... In the scene, Yuluo rolls her eyes, forming a peace sign with her fingers... ... Afterwards, Yuluo recounts her adventures. She has eliminated all of the Khan’s offspring and also rendered the Khan infertile. Now, Aina stands as the only legitimate heir. Should she decline the throne, the Khan’s nephews remain. Upon the Khan’s death, chaos will ensue. However, you plan to use the responses to instigate Aina’s desire for the throne. ... In the scene... Yuluo lies in your embrace, tracing circles on your chest with her finger. “Husband, I mean, Your Majesty.” “Your Majesty, when can I have the palace you promised me?” Hearing Yuluo’s request, you are troubled. The treasury is empty, holding but twenty million taels of silver, and building a palace without reason would draw objection. “Yuluo, help me think of a reason to build a palace.” “It will undoubtedly stir controversy should it be without justification.” Upon hearing this, Yuluo considers thoughtfully. Eventually, she comes up with a perfect excuse. “Your Majesty, say this: You dreamt of a female deity who commanded you to build a grand palace for her, ensuring stability and peace for our nation.” You hesitate at Yuluo’s suggestion; could such a ridiculous reason be believed? Seeing your indecision, Yuluo persists. “Oh come on, Your Majesty, you’re the Emperor of the Great Zhou,” “At worst, they will call you muddleheaded—no grave consequence, surely?” You look at the teasing Yuluo in your arms. Because she has indeed helped solve crucial threats, you resolve to agree despite the preposterous reason. The next day, you announce it in court. Though some dissent internally, none dare speak against such mystical matters. What if it’s true? What if it indeed brings peace? What if divine punishment befalls opposers? With these thoughts, your order is smoothly enacted. However, due to extensive resource demands, construction of the palace will take at least three years. Yet Yuluo is willing to wait. Subsequently, you appoint Yuluo as the Great Zhou Imperial Advisor, allowing her to draw from the people's spiritual energy. This magical artifact, her creation, reaches an unprecedented power. Comparable to a celestial tool, it could permanently alter a person’s character. A change in character is a change in destiny, a defiance of fate. The power is immense. As Yuluo evolves the artifact to the next level, A mightly heavenly tribulation descends. This tribulation targets not Yuluo, but her artifact specifically. It seems Yuluo’s artifact has drawn divine envy. The heavens will not allow such a powerful item on earth. It must be destroyed! In the palace, you gaze at the gathering storm clouds, feeling an ominous strength. Compared to it, your power is like a child against a robust adult. “Yuluo, is this tribulation meant for you?” Yuluo, in your arms, eyes full of fear. “Not me, but it is.” “The artifact is forged from my life essence; its destruction will harm me greatly.” You urge Yuluo. “Let it go. Your life is more important.” Despite her reluctance, Yuluo heeds your advice, releasing the artifact into the clouds. Thunder roars as the artifact is reduced to charcoal before you, devoid of its power. Yuluo, now without her life-bound tool, turns pale, vitality stripped like a flickering candle, as though she might leave you at any moment. Xiao Huan arrives then. Aware of Yuluo’s identity, she never intruded to avoid pressuring you. She, too, is drawn by the thunderous event, concerned for the weakened Yuluo. Xiao Huan suggests tenderly. “Your Majesty, allow Yuluo to rest in my quarters.” “It’s quiet there, with no disturbances.” Grateful for Xiao Huan’s understanding, you nod and carry Yuluo to her chambers for recovery. Seeing Yuluo so wan, your heart aches. In the following days, rare elixirs and treasures are sent for her recovery. Alas, ordinary remedies fail to heal her injuries. Her condition worsens, defying hope. (End of the chapter.)