Chapter 426 Great Victory

Shen Yi was prepared. He laughed and nimbly dodged to the side, raising the hand warmer high. Taking advantage of his height, Mingzhu couldn't reach it at all.

His smile grew even more smug, his peach blossom eyes curving into crescents, exuding charm and adding a touch of cynicism.

“Once something is given away, it’s like spilled water. There’s no reason to take it back, Princess. This is against the rules.”

He shook the hand warmer in his hand, his tone teasing, "Besides, this hand warmer is now covered in my cold air. If the princess takes it back, won't she get cold?"

"You...you're just spouting nonsense! You're spouting fallacies!" Mingzhu knew she couldn't win an argument with him, nor could she out-stretch him, and her eyes welled up with tears of anger.

She stomped her foot angrily, "Shen Yi, let me tell you, I'm not done with you yet, you just wait and see!"

After uttering these harsh words that had no real deterrent effect, she felt her cheeks burning and couldn't stay any longer, so she turned and ran away.

The hem of the crimson cloak traced a shameful and indignant arc, like a small firecracker with its tail lit, which instantly darted far away.

Shen Yi stood there, watching her flee in disarray, and finally couldn't help but chuckle softly.

The princess is getting easier and easier to fool... no, she's getting more and more interesting.

Mingzhu ran a long way in one breath, and only stopped panting when she felt that annoying gaze behind her had disappeared.

My heart was pounding wildly in my chest, I didn't know if it was from running or from anger.

Leaning against the cold palace wall, Mingzhu cursed Shen Yi a hundred times over in her heart.

Shameless! Vulgar! Liar! He actually pretended to be pitiful to scam her out of her hand warmer!

If she ever believes in Chen Yi again, she'll write his name backwards!

But as she continued cursing, the image of Shen Yi taking the hand warmer, his face smiling in a way that was both irritating and strangely handsome, involuntarily appeared before her eyes.

She bit her lip, trying to suppress the unruly curve at the corner of her mouth, but ultimately failed. A very faint smile still crept up to the corners of her eyes and brows.

On the other side of the palace wall, Shen Yi tucked the hand warmer into his sleeve, the warmth seemingly flowing through his veins and throughout his body.

He shook his head, a smile he himself didn't even realize was playing on his lips, and turned to walk towards the palace gate.

Meanwhile, inside the Weiyang Palace...

Aside from the inevitable backaches and leg swellings in late pregnancy, Jiang Huan's life was relatively stable.

However, on this day, a somewhat unexpected piece of news broke the surface of calm.

The Empress Dowager, who had been suffering from a long-term illness and plagued by nightmares, saw her condition improve dramatically within just a few days, and could even be described as a complete cure.

It is said that a wandering physician was recommended to the palace and used some unusual methods. After only a few doses of medicine, the Empress Dowager's symptoms were greatly relieved, and her spirits have improved considerably in recent days.

The Empress Dowager's good health was naturally a great joy in the palace, and the concubines from all the palaces went to Cining Palace to offer their congratulations.

However, somewhat surprisingly, after recovering, the Empress Dowager did not interfere in the affairs of the six palaces. On the contrary, she appeared quite calm, even benevolent.

On that day, she even summoned Jiang Huan.

Inside the Cining Palace, the strong smell of medicine had not completely dissipated, but the atmosphere inside was more peaceful and serene than ever before.

The Empress Dowager leaned against the couch covered with thick cushions, her complexion much rosier, and even the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes seemed to have smoothed out a bit.

She looked at Jiang Huan's protruding belly, her tone gentler than ever before, carrying the concern of an elder.

"I have been ill for some time now, and I am so grateful to you for taking care of everything inside and outside the palace. Now that you are heavily pregnant and about to give birth, you must be even more careful. Everything is for the sake of the imperial heir. Take good care of yourself and ensure a safe delivery. That is the most important thing."

Jiang Huan lowered her eyes, her posture extremely respectful: "This concubine will remember Your Majesty's teachings and will certainly be careful."

She appeared humble, but dared not relax in the slightest.

What good intentions could a weasel have when it visits a chicken to wish it a Happy New Year?

However, since she's willing to put on this act, I'll just play along and see what she's really up to.

"I have some fine bird's nest and some nourishing medicinal herbs here. Take them back and have the imperial physician examine them. If they are suitable, then use them," the Empress Dowager said, gesturing for a palace maid to bring over a brocade box.

"The emperor has few children. Your pregnancy is crucial to the foundation of the country and must not be lost."

"Thank you for your generous gift, Your Majesty. I am deeply grateful." Jiang Huan bowed again to express her gratitude, her manners impeccable and flawless.

After leaving Cining Palace, Jiang Huan, supporting her aching lower back, slowly walked back to Weiyang Palace with the help of Xiao Zhao.

The sparse sunlight fell on her, bringing a little warmth, but she felt inexplicably uneasy, as if behind the Empress Dowager's overly kind eyes lay an inexplicable calculation.

Upon hearing that the Empress Dowager had summoned Jiang Huan, Huo Lin rushed back to Weiyang Palace as soon as court was over. Seeing that Jiang Huan had returned safely, his tense nerves relaxed slightly, and he immediately inquired carefully about the situation in Cining Palace.

Jiang Huan recounted the Empress Dowager's concern in detail, and then muttered to herself, "Does the Empress Dowager have other plans? Her behavior gives me the creeps."

Huo Lin pulled her into his arms, gently stroking her back, his eyes slightly cold.

"I know, but don't worry. With me here, neither she nor that divine physician can cause any trouble. I have already increased manpower inside and outside Weiyang Palace. You just need to focus on your delivery. I will take care of everything else."

[That miracle doctor's background is suspicious; I've already ordered Shen Yi to investigate.]

[It would be best if the Empress Dowager truly only sought medical treatment. If she dared to use this opportunity to cause trouble or harm her and the child, I would not let her off lightly!]

As Jiang Huan listened to his steady heartbeat and inner thoughts, her unease gradually subsided.

In the days that followed, the palace remained peaceful and quiet.

The Empress Dowager lived a secluded life, devoted herself to Buddhism, and seemed to have truly focused on enjoying her remaining years.

However, this tranquility was soon shattered by a border victory report delivered by express courier.

On this day, Huo Lin was discussing matters with several important ministers in his study when a messenger was quickly led in by Wang Degui.

He knelt on one knee, his voice trembling slightly with excitement: "Your Majesty, a great victory has been achieved at the border! General Xu Zhiyuan led elite cavalry in a surprise attack on the enemy, burning their grain and supplies camp, killing thousands of enemies, and forcing the main force of the enemy to retreat three hundred li!"

When the good news arrived, several veteran officials wore excited smiles.

Huo Lin stood up from the dragon throne, his usually stern face unable to hide his excitement.

"Excellent! Excellent! Xu Zhiyuan has indeed not disappointed me. He is brave and decisive, and his military strategy is superb. This battle has enhanced the prestige of our Great Liang and boosted the morale of our army. He should be richly rewarded!"

He immediately issued an edict: "By my decree, Xu Zhiyuan is promoted to General Who Guards the North, and awarded with a thousand taels of gold and a hundred bolts of brocade. The other meritorious officers and soldiers shall be rewarded according to their merits, without any error!"

"Your Majesty is wise!" the ministers replied in unison.