Chapter 39 I won't leave, I still want to give you my name...

From beginning to end, Zhou Chuanxing never intended for Chu Yannuo to go to the Northern Region.

Firstly, Chu Yannuo is not someone who can endure hardship.

Furthermore, I wouldn't feel comfortable entrusting such an important border town in the Northern Region to him.

Most importantly, Marquis Wu'an only has this one son, and he is in poor health; he might pass away any day now.

Chu Yannuo will have to return for the funeral, and changing people midway through such an important place as the Northern Region would be more harmful than beneficial.

Since we've come this far, let's just talk things out.

Zhou Chuanxing waved his hand impatiently at Zheng Jian'an.

Then, changing his impatient expression, he said gently, "Prince Chu, I know that something happened to your family, and I heard that you were also ill."

"This is a small town on the northern border, thousands of miles from the capital. Remembering the great kindness the Marquis showed to our Zhou family years ago, and unwilling to see you separated from your family, therefore…"

He glanced at Zheng Jian'an coldly, "This man insulted me in court. If I don't teach him a lesson, he'll think I'm easy to bully."

Chu Yannuo never wanted to go to the Northern Region. It was such a far place, and he would be facing a mob of 100,000 people. He wasn't even sure if he would come back alive.

If it weren't for the position of Minister he was already holding onto, he wouldn't have agreed before.

Now that his cousin has disappeared, the position of Minister has lost its allure for him.

It would be most appropriate to send Zheng Jian'an instead.

It would be better if he just died there.

"Your Highness is grateful for your understanding. Zheng Zhongcheng is a man of both literary and military talent, and a pillar of the Great Zhou Dynasty. With him as the local official in the Northern Region, we can guarantee that the people will live in peace and prosperity."

He withdrew his dislike for Zheng Jian'an and offered his congratulations with clasped hands, saying, "I wish Prefect Zheng... to achieve unparalleled feats in the Northern Region and return to the capital soon."

Zheng Jian'an knew he had ill intentions, so he didn't say anything more, "I hope that Prince Chu's congratulations are genuine."

Zhou Chuanxing disliked Chu Yannuo and, thinking of what he had done to the young girl, wished he could strangle him.

Once the matter was settled, he began to dismiss the man, saying, "Young Master Chu, you may leave."

As Chu Yannuo left the private room, he felt increasingly uneasy. He had come to seek revenge on Zheng Jian'an, so why had he let him go in such a muddled way?

He wanted to go back into the private room, but was stopped by the pottery jar.

Although the regent's attitude was good, he was ultimately a man-eating beast.

After much deliberation, Chu Yannuo decided it was not wise to offend anyone too much.

Rumor has it that the Regent Prince is fond of men, and Zheng Jian'an is beautiful with red lips and white teeth, and has a girlish demeanor. The fact that the two of them met in such a place makes it hard not to have some thoughts.

Alright, alright, let Zheng Jian'an go.

Anyway, his trip to the Northern Region is likely to be fraught with danger, and it's uncertain whether he'll even return alive.

Chu Yannuo hesitated as he walked downstairs. Suddenly, he sensed a figure flash by around the corner. He strode after it, but was stopped by a woman in a tight-fitting outfit.

Nothing had been going right for him lately, so he didn't bother to investigate and simply returned to the Marquis's residence.

He first returned to Qiushuangzhai and asked Wei Minxian, "Do you have any dealings with Zheng Jian'an?"

If he remembered correctly, Zheng Jian'an first targeted him after he got engaged.

Aside from the possibility that Zheng Jian'an was attracted to Wei Minxian, he couldn't think of any other reason.

Wei Minxian frowned: "I have never had any dealings with him."

Chu Yannuo was extremely puzzled, "But I always feel like he has a grudge against me."

Wei Minxian said softly, "It's probably just that the court is not on good terms. My husband has been worried about my cousin lately and hasn't been resting well. It's normal that he didn't expect some things. Why don't you take a good rest and wait until you're fully recovered? Some things will become clear without you even having to think about them."

In this household, the Lady Hou doesn't give him a friendly look, and his sister doesn't treat him well either.

Chu Yannuo can no longer feel the warmth of home.

Aside from Wei Minxian's unwavering gentleness towards him, he remained the same.

Even though he spent all his time looking for his cousin, she never complained.

Chu Yannuo couldn't help but sigh inwardly that he had made the right choice in marrying this woman.

"I've neglected you these days, but I'll make it up to you once I find my cousin."

Wei Minxian smiled gently. Chu Yannuo was the man she deeply loved, and he was her everything.

"My dear husband, you're too kind. Now that we're husband and wife, Nuannuan is not only your cousin, but also mine, and I care about her just as much."

"How about this, I'll go back to the Duke's mansion tomorrow and ask my father to help look for it. Many hands make light work; maybe we'll find it."

Chu Yannuo was genuinely grateful to her, "In that case, thank you for your trouble, Madam."

...

Xiaoqian was left outside the private room just now and was almost discovered by Chu Yannuo. She escaped by running fast and hiding.

After Chu Yannuo left, Tang Xinu came out of the cubicle with a droopy face, clearly in a bad mood.

However, it wasn't because of Chu Yannuo.

Instead, she had to part ways with her brother right after they reunited.

"Erlang," she walked up to Zhou Chuanxing and asked, "Is the Northern Region very far?"

Zhou Chuanxing didn't want to hide it from her: "It's a bit far."

Tang Xinuan asked again, "Is that dangerous?"

Zhou Chuanxing didn't know how to reply to her.

The northern region is certainly dangerous; it's the land he conquered last year.

Those people originally lived on the grasslands for a long time, did not engage in production, had uncivilized customs, and were extremely fierce.

However, the Great Zhou Dynasty cannot accept only land and not its people. As long as people sincerely surrender, the Great Zhou Dynasty is willing to accept them.

They will be treated the same as the local people.

In the past two years, the northern region has suffered a severe drought, causing countless cattle and sheep to starve to death. The grassland people are starving and have no choice but to migrate inland.

If they cannot be fed this autumn, the 100,000 disaster victims will turn into 100,000 rioters, and the imperial court will have to send troops to suppress them.

It turns out that the emperor is in good health, and with the emperor in charge of the capital, he can lead the army without any worries.

Now that the emperor is seriously ill, if he leads troops into battle again, the country may change hands, and he may never return.

Therefore, the Northern Region must not be allowed to descend into chaos.

He believed in Zheng Jian'an's abilities.

In addition, to prevent riots, he sent Zheng Jian'an reinforcements and gave him 30,000 troops.

They were stationed not far from the northern region.

In case of any problems, the army can arrive in an instant.

"Nuan Nuan, believe in your brother, he will come back safely."

"Zheng Jian'an, receive the imperial decree." Zhou Chuanxing took out the imperial decree he had prepared beforehand, handed it to him, and then gave him a secret letter. "In critical moments, these are your life-saving charms. Keep them safe."

Zheng Jian'an was grateful to Zhou Chuanxing for being so thoughtful.

Not long ago, I was even cursing him in court for being a tyrant and engaging in endless wars. Now I can't help but regret it.

"Your Highness..." He wanted to apologize, but for a moment he didn't know how to start. "Your Highness, Your Highness, I will do my best to settle the disaster victims in the Northern Region. Please rest assured."

Zhou Chuanxing told him to stand up and speak, "Today's banquet is for Nuannuan and me to see you off. From now on, we will not talk about politics, but only about family matters."

Zheng Jian'an was still a little embarrassed to sit down, and Tang Xinuan tugged at his sleeve, "Brother."

Zheng Jian'an couldn't bear to part with his younger sister, and sat down beside her with tears in his eyes.

"Nuan Nuan... I'm sorry, your parents aren't here, and I can't take care of you myself..."

Tang Xinuan, fighting back tears, asked him, "Brother, who is our enemy?"

The enemy is too powerful.

Zheng Jian'an subconsciously looked at Zhou Chuanxing.

Zhou Chuanxing said vaguely, "We haven't found out who our enemy is yet. Once we find out, we'll definitely tell you as soon as possible."

That's what it means to conceal something.

Zheng Jian'an was dissatisfied, but he didn't want his sister to get involved.

If the Regent hadn't brought him here today, he would never have told his sister about the family feud.

"Really?" Tang Xinuan was skeptical.

Zhou Chuanxing passed the question to Zheng Jian'an, saying, "If you don't believe me, ask your brother."

What could Zheng Jian'an say? He could only nod. "Don't worry, once I find out who my enemies are, I will make them pay the price."

Prince Duan was good at warming up the conversation, and quickly shifted the topic from revenge to Tang Xinuan winning the Caiyue Tower competition.

Zheng Jian'an was proud, saying, "My grandfather was an expert in mathematics, and my father was also a master. I never expected that my younger sister would inherit their talents."

Tang Xinuan earned one hundred taels of silver for the first time using her own wisdom.

Now that she has recognized her brother, she naturally wants to share some of his things.

She rummaged through her handbag to look for it, then suddenly remembered that she had given all the money to Zhou Chuanxing. "Erlang, where is that money?"

Zhou Chuanxing was in a bad mood. "You didn't give it to me, but you want it back, right?"

Tang Xinu smiled ingratiatingly, holding his hand and acting coquettishly, "Erlang, aren't you the best? I finally get to see my brother, I can't not even have a little gift, okay, Erlang?"

The little girl called him Erlang in a sweet and gentle voice.

Her smile was both adorable and captivating.

Zhou Chuanxing was in a good mood. "Alright, consider it my way of showing respect to my brother-in-law."

After he finished speaking in a particularly indulgent manner, he called out to someone at the door, "Tao Guan, go back and fetch two taels of silver that Miss Tang gave me."

The pottery jar finished its task and went to carry it out.

Tang Xinuan was happy, "Thank you, Erlang."

Zhou Chuanxing gently rubbed her head. "Remember my kindness. No matter who tries to take you away in the future, remember me. I am the one who will spend your life with you."

If you leave, I will be very, very sad.

"I won't leave," Tang Xinuan said, though she was slow to understand emotions, she could still sense Zhou Chuanxing's feelings.

Hearing him say those words made me feel particularly uncomfortable.

At that moment, she held Zhou Chuanxing's hand tightly and said earnestly, "I still want to give you a proper title."

Although she doesn't yet know how to give a man a proper status, she will study hard and figure it out as soon as possible.

An ancient iron tree, coaxed into being a baby.

Zhou Chuanxing felt completely relaxed; the ruthless, murderous Yama was now as gentle as water.

At this moment, his eyes were full of tenderness as he looked at his little girl, and he suddenly felt that all the suffering and hardship he had endured in the past had been worthwhile.

God sent the best girl to his side.

Naturally, this comes at a higher price.

Prince Duan had known about Zhou Chuanxing's feelings for Tang Xinuan ever since.

He never believed in the nonsense about one person being with one person for life.

They couldn't believe that their second brother, the regent, would spend his whole life with one woman.

However, it's just a momentary hormonal impulse. Once that impulse passes, there will definitely be other women.

But at this moment, the second brother's eyes were only on this little girl, and he couldn't tolerate anyone else.

The world is so beautiful, with all kinds of beauties, each with their own charm. He really didn't want to see any other scenery.

Zheng Jian'an initially suspected that Zhou Chuanxing had ulterior motives, but seeing how sweetly he interacted with his sister...

Even if he disappoints his sister in the future, at least she is happy at this moment.

How many men in this world are truly loyal and devoted?

My cousin is nothing special, so what gives him the right to demand that other men be good to my sister for the rest of their lives?

After the banquet, Tao Guan handed over the two silver ingots he had brought to Tang Xinuan.

She placed it in Zheng Jian'an's hand with great joy.

“Brother, the northern region is bitterly cold. Take this with you, and I will pray to the Bodhisattva every day to bless you with a safe return.”

“Good sister,” Zheng Jian’an said with tears in his eyes as he accepted the gold ingot. “If our parents were alive, they would be so happy to see how sensible you are.”

Zheng Jian'an was worried about his sister, so he turned to Zhou Chuanxing and said, "I only have this one sister. If anything happens to her, I will risk my life to get justice for her."

Zhou Chuanxing had already witnessed his attitude towards the Crown Prince of Chu.

“I will naturally protect my daughter for life, Brother. Rest assured, focus on making great achievements. My bride will eventually marry into the Tang family, so don’t bring shame to my daughter.”

Zhou Chuanxing's words contained two layers of meaning.

First, he will marry her through proper channels.

Secondly, when the two got married, Tang Xinuan was no longer a criminal, and the Tang family had been exonerated.

Zheng Jian'an understood Zhou Chuanxing's thoughts and had to look at him with new respect.

My cousin, who was always kind and gentle and highly regarded by outsiders, turned out to be a beast worse than an animal.

The regent, who was ruthless and merciless in killing, was surprisingly serious about matters of the heart.

“Jian’an thanks Your Highness here,” he stood up and respectfully bowed, “I entrust my little sister to Your Highness.”

Because I am still under criminal charges, it is not advisable for me to have too much contact with my younger sister.

After expressing his gratitude, he took one last look at his sister and left the private room.

As luck would have it, they ran into Chu Yanqing and Chao Li when they went downstairs.

Although they are cousins, they have never met as their original identities.

The Tang family lived far away in Jiangnan, and back then only Imperial Censor Tang was an official in the capital.

Zheng Jian'an, his younger sister, mother, and grandparents all live in their hometown.

Otherwise, even after Zheng Jian'an had been in the capital for seven or eight years, no one would have recognized him as a descendant of the Tang family.

Chu Yanqing felt that he looked familiar, but she couldn't immediately figure out who he resembled.

I couldn't help but take a few more glances.

Zheng Jian'an naturally knew his cousin, but because of Chu Yannuo, he did not want to have any dealings with the Chu family.

Therefore, he only glanced at it before looking away.

Chao Li noticed the expressions on the two people's faces and glanced at them a few more times.

"Yanqing, I feel like you two look alike."

Chu Yanqing laughed at her: "How could that be? I only have one older brother."

Chao Li said casually, "He's quite handsome. By the way, he seems to be the youngest son of the Duke of Yu. I heard he's an illegitimate child and was only brought back seven or eight years ago."

Chu Yanqing loved listening to gossip. "Really? Even someone as honest and kind as Duke Yu kept a mistress. No wonder there are no good men."

Zheng Jian'an hadn't gone far when he vaguely heard Chu Yanqing's words. He chuckled inwardly, thinking that the worst man in the world was in the Chu family.

After Zheng Jian'an left, Zhou Chuanxing didn't plan to stay any longer.

He also has a host of political issues to deal with.

If it weren't for introducing the little girl to her family, she wouldn't have come out at all.

"Let's go too."

Prince Duan came out of the room first and ran into Chu Yanqing. "Why are you here..."

Noticing Chao Li beside him, his face fell. "It's getting dark, why are you still running outside? Go back."

Chao Li was unwilling.

Ever since she went to see a play with Chu Yanqing a while ago, it opened up a whole new world for her, and she wants to go out every day.

"We're going to see a play later."

Zhou Chuanxing followed behind Prince Duan, his face even colder than Prince Duan's. "What kind of young girl goes out every day? Aren't you afraid of running into bad people? Go back now. Take back your waist token. You're not allowed to come out without my permission in the future."

Chao Li refused to listen. "Didn't you tell me to run to the Chu family a while ago? What, you're not going to chase after them anymore?"

She glanced at Chu Yanqing, then at Zhou Chuanxing, her eyes filled with a smile that held no clear meaning.

Zhou Chuanxing completely ignored her.

He simply pulled Tang Xinuan downstairs, saying, "Today is the last time. Tomorrow, the Empress will put you under her control."

He instructed the pottery jar, "Follow the princess and take her back in a bit."

The stairwell was narrow and crowded with too many people.

Zhou Chuanxing led Tang Xinuan along the way, while Chao Li's attention was entirely focused on his worries about not being able to leave the palace often in the future, and he didn't pay any attention to this unfamiliar young master.

Chu Yanqing felt embarrassed by Chao Li's teasing and avoided the Prince Duan's fiery gaze.

When Tang Xinuan got downstairs, she suddenly realized that her cousin was being pulled along by the Regent.

So, my cousin got together with the Regent...

Who is the Regent? He is a ruthless and bloodthirsty devil.

My cousin can't even handle her brother, how can she possibly get along with the Regent?

They'd be eaten alive, not even bones would be left.

Chu Yanqing was worried about her cousin and hurriedly went to chase after her, but was blocked by Prince Duan.

"What, Miss Chu, you don't want me to leave? If you don't want me to leave, I can stay."

Chu Yanqing watched her cousin's figure disappear and, unable to break free from Duan Wang's entanglement, had no choice but to give up.

Judging from the Regent's expression, he treats my cousin quite well; at least she's not in danger for the time being.

She would find an opportunity to meet her cousin, and if her cousin was not doing well, she would have to take her cousin away.

...

After returning to the Prince's Mansion, Tang Xinuan sat in the room in a daze.

Her parents were murdered, and she has a responsibility to avenge them.

But she didn't even know who her enemy was.

For the past ten years or so, she has lived in a daze, like a mindless canary.

She is growing up little by little, and one day she will be like a normal person.

The prince just promised her that he would exonerate the Tang family within three years.

She couldn't help with this matter, but she could do what she could for the prince.

For example, the accounts of the government.

That way, he wouldn't have to worry about the inner quarters.

"Eunuch Wei, may I go to the accounting office now?"

It's already dark; who does accounting in the middle of the night?

Eunuch Wei was worried about Tang Xinuan's health, "Miss Tang should rest early and get better so that she can help the Prince."

Tang Xinuan thought about it and realized that was the case.

"Then I'll go to the accounting office early tomorrow."

Physician Zhang came to the Prince's Mansion to take Tang Xinuan's pulse to check her health.

Overall, Tang Xinuan is recovering quite well. Physician Zhang gave her some instructions and then went to the Xiaoqinzheng Hall to report to Zhou Chuanxing.

"Your Highness, Miss Tang's health is gradually improving, better than expected."

Tang Xinuan has been in good spirits these past few days, eating, drinking, and sleeping well, with a healthy rosy complexion, which gives Zhou Chuanxing some confidence.

"Doctor Zhang's skillful hands bring the dead back to life; he deserves a reward."

After reporting on Tang Xinuan's health, Physician Zhang said with a serious expression, "Your Highness, the Empress summoned me this afternoon."

Zhou Chuanxing frowned.

Physician Zhang reported truthfully: "The Empress asked why I have been going to the Hall of Diligent Governance so often lately, and expressed concern for the Prince's health. She also asked me... whether the Prince has brought women back with him."

Zhou Chuanxing calmly sipped his tea, giving Zhang Taiyi a cool glance.

It was incredibly oppressive.

The ruthless regent could take someone's life at any time.

Physician Zhang felt a chill on the back of his neck.

He not only felt a chill on the back of his neck, but he also felt a chill on the back of his whole family's necks.

“Your Highness, I didn’t say anything. I just said that Your Highness’s old illness had relapsed, and I was worried that Your Highness would go to see me several times… but the Empress doesn’t quite believe it.”

Zhou Chuanxing had foreseen this day the day he brought Tang Xinuan back to the palace.

"By the way, isn't there a rumor that I have a thing for men? Yet, hardly anyone has ever seen me with a man?"

After a moment's thought, Physician Zhang understood: "Yes, yes, His Highness is fond of men. He does keep a male favorite in his residence. I saw him with my own eyes. He has red lips and white teeth and is very handsome."

Zhou Chuanxing thought of the gossip his secret guards had overheard at the wedding of the Prince of Chu, and helplessly tugged at the corner of his mouth.

"Your youngest son has come of age, hasn't he? I've heard his medical skills are quite good. It just so happens that there's a shortage of doctors and medicine in the Northern Region. Why don't you send him there to train? What do you think, Physician Zhang?"

Physician Zhang thought it wasn't very good, but he didn't dare to say so.

The regent rewarded him handsomely, but naturally he would also be wary of him.

This northern region is a place where bandits frequently roam; whether one lives or dies there is not up to one's own control.

The Regent's meaning was clear: he didn't want his son to go because the Prince didn't trust him.

Sending my son would give them leverage.

"Your Highness..."

Zhou Chuanxing gestured for him to relax, "I will send people to protect him, Physician Zhang. I just want your son to get some training. When he comes back, he can come to the Imperial Hospital to study with you."

Physician Zhang still disagreed.

Zhou Chuanxing then said, "If I remember correctly, the Imperial Physician should be retiring to his hometown by now. Doesn't Physician Zhang have any thoughts on this?"

Who wouldn't want to be the head of the Imperial Medical Academy?

That was the highest-ranking official position in the Imperial Medical Academy.

Physician Zhang dreamed of this.

Now the old imperial physician is about to retire and return to his hometown, and there are three imperial physicians competing for this position.

Although he considered himself to be the most skilled doctor, he was the youngest, had the least background, and had the fewest opportunities.

Now that he has the prince as his backer, the position of judge of the court is beginning to beckon to him.

He hurriedly knelt down and kowtowed in gratitude: "Your Highness, I am grateful for your promotion. I will never forget your great kindness."