Chapter 51 I'd Rather Die Than Follow Him

An indescribable emotion welled up in Wei Zhang's heart.

It's like spring water flowing into a glacier.

It's warm.

Wei Zhang looked into her eyes and his gaze deepened. He subconsciously reached out to stroke her cheek.

The sleeping girl seemed insecure. Sensing the warmth, she immediately nuzzled her face into his palm, found a comfortable position, and continued to sleep peacefully.

The soft, pale light of the overcast sky enveloped her slender figure. Her long hair cascaded down like a waterfall, and her slightly protruding belly rose and fell with her breath, giving her a languid air.

Wei Zhang parted his thin lips slightly and leaned down to touch her soft, delicate cheek without thinking.

"Your Highness, something has happened in the Western Border!"

At this moment, outside the beaded curtain, Qingyang bowed and reported.

Wei Zhang's breath sprayed onto the fine downy hairs at her temples, and her stray hairs were gently brushed by his breath.

Wei Zhang, who hadn't yet tasted it, looked at her deeply with lingering interest before sitting up.

"What is it?"

The man's eyes instantly turned icy again as he slowly straightened his sleeves.

"The Western Qi have captured three cities in the western border, and General Zhu has been beheaded at the city gates. The border is in chaos!" Qingyang bowed even lower. "His Majesty requests that the Crown Prince immediately enter the palace for a meeting."

Wei Zhang tapped his knuckles slightly, then straightened his robes and stood up.

Just as it was time for court to begin, Wei Zhang went behind the screen to change into a clean set of court robes.

Qingyang continued to bow and report from outside: "It is said that when the eldest prince of Western Qi, Xiao Cheng, was patrolling the border, he encountered a young lady by chance. He said that he was so captivated by her that he could not find her, so he brought his troops to the city gates and forced General Zhu to hand her over."

Putting aside whether this person can be handed over to Xiqi, Xiao Cheng doesn't even know the girl's name, so who can find her?

General Zhu was at a loss and sent a border report to the court. However, before the news could reach the court, Xiao Cheng took advantage of his drunkenness to massacre the city. Afterwards, he launched a series of attacks on three cities in Dayong. Now, the border is littered with corpses, and the people are filled with fear.

I never imagined that Xiao Cheng's addiction to wine and women would reach such a depraved and insane level!

Massacring an entire city for a woman is utterly absurd.

Perhaps, the woman is just an excuse.

Wei Zhang shook his head slightly.

This eldest prince, Xiao Cheng, was a war god of Western Qi with numerous military achievements. However, he was injured in a battle with Wei Xuan, which was considered inhumane and became a laughing stock among the people of Western Qi.

From this point on, Xiao Cheng became increasingly obsessed with beautiful women, and his temperament became more and more violent.

Five years ago, with Wei Xuan and the Western Expeditionary Army guarding the western border, he did not dare to act too recklessly.

Now that Wei Xuan has left, the reputation of the Western Expeditionary Army is not living up to its name. Xiao Cheng has long harbored resentment and often causes trouble in the western border.

This time, things have gotten a bit out of hand...

Wei Zhang calmly straightened his clothes in front of the mirror. "Where is Ni Zheng?"

"General Ni? It is said that His Majesty promoted General Ni to the position of Commander-in-Chief of the River Patrol last night, and sent him to lead the navy to suppress the bandits in the Western Sea."

last night……

Wei Zhang tightened his grip on his collar tie, paused slightly, and asked, "Where is Peng Chao?"

"General Peng... just now, Eunuch Liu delivered the message: His Majesty has drafted an edict promoting General Peng to Instructor-General of the Thirteen Guards of the Capital Region, ordering 'General Peng to assume his post immediately.'"

Wei Zhang's brows furrowed deeper and deeper.

After Wei Xuan was exiled, many capable officials in the court requested to return to their hometowns, or became frustrated and unfulfilled.

There are not many capable and trustworthy generals in the court, so why did the emperor suddenly promote the military general trusted by Wei Zhang at this time?

It's certainly a good thing that these people will be in charge of the defense of the capital and the waterways after their promotion, but who will quell the chaos in the western border?

More importantly, the Emperor deliberately avoided him in both of his imperial edicts this time.

Clearly, the Emperor and Shen Jinglan have developed feelings for him. What are these two trying to do by deliberately sending away his confidants?

Wei Zhang's expression turned cold and stern as he lifted the curtain and went out.

A gust of damp wind made the glass beads clink and rustle, carrying wisps of sandalwood fragrance into the room.

Wei Zhang couldn't help but glance inside.

A corner of the apricot-colored curtain was lifted by the wind, sometimes opening and sometimes closing.

The woman's slender, fair back was faintly visible in the surrounding space, and her thin shoulders trembled slightly, perhaps because of the cold.

Her graceful figure was partially hidden beneath the brocade, like clouds and mist.

That hazy feeling stirred a strange itch in one's heart.

"Prepare the carriage," Wei Zhang said calmly.

Qingyang noticed his master's sudden pause in his gaze, quickly bowed, withdrew, and closed the door.

The daylight was obscured.

The house was dim and foggy on a rainy day.

Wei Zhang walked back to the inner room and lifted the curtain.

Xue Lanyi was still asleep, her long, wet eyelashes drooping, her breathing much more even than before, and her cheeks flushed, rising and falling with each breath.

Wei Zhang lifted his robe and sat back down on the edge of the couch, stroking the finger marks on her back with his fingers, and then caressing her soft cheeks.

After a long while, he leaned down and gently kissed her cheek.

The moment his thin lips touched her delicate, silky skin, a sense of security inexplicably welled up inside him.

Perhaps it was because she kissed him every day before going to court for the past month that it had become a habit.

If I don't do this for a day, I feel uncomfortable.

However, she was already his, and from now on she would be by his side day and night, so it wouldn't hurt to continue the habit.

After considering this, Wei Zhang gently kissed the corner of her lips again.

Extremely light, extremely shallow.

The sweet, juicy liquid melts in your mouth, leaving you feeling incredibly satisfied.

In the hazy, square space, a smile involuntarily crept onto Wei Zhang's stiff lips.

After a short while, Wei Zhang, dressed in his official robes and hat, pushed open the door and came out.

A light drizzle continued outside, and thick, dark clouds gathered in the western sky, forming a vast, oppressive sea of ​​clouds.

Everything around was completely obscured by dark clouds, and the patch of sky above Wei Zhang's head was gradually swallowed up.

The churning clouds, like the jaws of a wild beast, swept towards Wei Zhang from all directions.

Wei Zhang stood with his hands behind his back under the eaves, his red robes fluttering in the wind and rain.

"Your Highness, the carriage is ready." Qingyang held an umbrella over Wei Zhang from behind.

Wei Zhang instructed him: "Investigate those old fogies in the Imperial Hospital, and deal with the disloyal people at the old residence as soon as possible."

This time, Xue Lanyi was able to sneak into the palace to file a complaint right under his nose, and the old lady was able to transport people out of the Duke's mansion, thanks in no small part to the help of the imperial physician and the people in the mansion who were loyal to the old lady.

Although everything was under Wei Zhang's control, these arrogant and unruly individuals had to be eliminated.

"Furthermore..." Wei Zhang looked up at the vast rain curtain, "The celestial signs indicate a calamity, and the abbot of Qutan Temple should also pass away soon."

He casually tossed out a sentence and strolled into the rain.

A storm is brewing; what needs to be settled should be eliminated completely to prevent future troubles.

Qingyang bowed and replied "Yes," and the two went out one after the other.

As I approached the entrance of Chong'an Hall, a white figure brushed past me from behind.

Wei Zhang stopped in his tracks.

Qingyang glanced at Su Yin, who was heading towards her bedroom, and said tremblingly, "Does Madam Zhang want to..."

It was impossible to keep Su Yin's previous role in passing messages between the Old Madam and Xue Lanyi a secret.

Xue Lanyi's plan was only half successful thanks in no small part to the help of Zhang Sushi.

Wei Zhang's calm gaze swept over, and through the half-open window, Xue Lanyi leaned weakly on Su Yin's shoulder.

Su Yin was feeding Xue Lanyi medicine spoonful by spoonful. The medicine was dripping from the corner of her mouth, and Su Yin wiped it clean for her.

Wei Zhang pondered for a moment, then said, "Keep a close eye on them."

The Crown Prince's words clearly indicated that he intended to let Su Yin off the hook.

In all these years, no one has been able to pull such a stunt right under the Crown Prince's nose and get away unscathed.

Qingyang naturally knew for whom the Crown Prince had shown leniency.

The Crown Prince showed more care and tolerance towards his concubine.

Qingyang glanced thoughtfully at Xue Lanyi, whose eyes were crooked due to her illness.

Thinking back on Granny Liu's words about pregnancy, he felt uneasy and asked in a low voice, "Should I still send the chicken soup to my aunt as usual?"

Wei Zhang remained silent for a long time before saying, "Continue delivering."

Right now, things are still turbulent, and if he were to have children, it would only bring constant danger to him and his offspring.

His offspring should be born into privilege and enjoy a smooth life; it is not the right time yet.

As Wei Zhang spoke, he couldn't help but recall the expectant look on her face when she handed him the belt that night, her eyes sparkling.

Wei Zhang's throat bobbed slightly. "Change to some milder medicine; you must not harm your body."

Qingyang looked troubled.

When the Crown Prince had previously instructed that contraceptive medicine be sent to his concubine, he felt a pang of compassion and specifically asked the doctor if there was any medicine that would not harm her.

The answer I received was: "There are mild contraceptives available, which are similar to tonics. If you have frequent sexual intercourse, it's still quite possible to get pregnant..."

That was the opportunity.

If that's true, perhaps they are destined to have a child.

Wei Zhang remained calm and walked away.

In the drizzling rain, the figure in black gradually walked away and disappeared outside the hanging flower gate.

In the dormitory, Xue Lanyi dared to open her eyes, her hand still nervously gripping Su Yin's hand.

She fainted for a while last night, but woke up quickly.

She simply didn't want to see him or pay attention to him, which is why she lay there in a semi-conscious state until this hour.

But as long as Wei Zhang was by her side, even when she was half-conscious, she dared not relax her guard for a moment.

She had just seen Wei Zhang looking into the house, and she was terrified that Wei Zhang would confront Su Yin.

She then deliberately leaned on Su Yin's shoulder, behaving intimately with her.

Although she is now useless, since Wei Zhang is willing to keep her alive, he shouldn't kill the person she values.

Seeing that Wei Zhang left without intending to punish Su Yin, Xue Lanyi breathed a sigh of relief and whispered in Su Yin's ear, "Please trouble you to brew a bowl of contraceptive soup. It must be effective, and the strongest medicine is needed."

Xue Lanyi's parched lips uttered words intermittently.

Su Yin glanced at the frail girl on her shoulder, wanting to offer advice, but then refrained from doing so.

After all, who would want to have the child of someone they despise?

Even if it harms one's health, it's still better than having children and being bound by them for a long time, suffering a lifetime of torment.

Su Yin patted her back. "Don't worry, I won't let you have children."

At this moment, these words are more reassuring than any other words.

Su Yin understood her and didn't say much more.

Xue Lanyi's eyes stung a little, and she leaned on Su Yin's shoulder and sniffed.

The grievances from last night surged into my heart at this moment.

Everything around her was pushing and pulling her forward, forcing her to keep moving forward, and she only got a moment to catch her breath in front of Su Yin.

Su Yin never imagined that Princess Zhaoyang, who was like a pearl high in the clouds and could take care of many people, would one day need the care of a mere female doctor like her.

Moreover, apart from her, all the people who used to surround her have scattered one by one, leaving her to endure and suffer alone while putting on a smiling face for others.

Su Yin seemed to see her former self.

Feeling a sudden empathy, he reached out and closed the curtains, letting Xue Lanyi vent her emotions in this space.

However, Xue Lanyi was not an emotional person; she simply lowered her eyelashes, leaned on Su Yin's shoulder, and pondered in silence.

It is precisely this kind of silently enduring nature that makes one suffer even more.

Su Yin silently stayed with her for a while, then suddenly remembered something and took out a plush rabbit from the medicine box.

The rabbit's snow-white, fluffy fur and long, drooping ears swayed in front of Xue Lanyi's eyes.

A glimmer of light appeared in Xue Lanyi's eyes as she looked at Su Yin in surprise.

"This is a crocheted rabbit that I made for myself when I was at the Zhou residence. I used to hug it and talk to it when I was unhappy."

"Here you go! You can tell it anything that's on your mind."

Girls all like plush toys.

Su Yin guessed that Xue Lanyi was no exception, and she handed the rabbit to Xue Lanyi.

Xue Lanyi's fingertips sank into the soft rabbit fur, staring intently into the rabbit's round, bright black eyes, frozen in a daze.

Su Yin assumed that Xue Lanyi was annoyed that the rabbit was someone she had held, which was why she hesitated to take it.

"I'll go back and make a new rabbit. It'll be quick, I can finish it in three days."

No!

Xue Lanyi quickly took the rabbit and carefully stroked the fur on its head.

She really liked the rabbit, but she was a little overwhelmed and didn't quite understand why she suddenly received the gift.

When she was a princess, her household was always filled with rare and precious treasures, and she never thought that receiving gifts was a particularly happy thing.

Later, she went to the Jiaofangsi (a government-run entertainment institution) and stayed by Wei Zhang's side for three years. She never received any more gifts during that time.

For five whole years, I even forgot how to be polite in my interactions with others.

Xue Lanyi bit her lip in annoyance, gently placed the rabbit on the pillow like a baby, and then went to rummage through the pillowcase.

She should reciprocate.

But upon closer inspection, they discovered that the private cabinet was filled with headbands, belts, and sachets made for Wei Zhang.

She barely owns any of her own belongings, let alone gifts.

Looking at the drawer full of men's belongings, Xue Lanyi was furious at herself for misjudging men all these years, so she simply pushed all the men's things onto the ground.

"There's no need to rush to return the gift."

Knowing her intentions, Su Yin pressed her hand down, tilted her head and smiled, "I will come to ask the princess for a bowl of longevity noodles in half a month. Will the princess grant me that request?"

In another half month, it will be Xue Lanyi's birthday.

For five years, Xue Lanyi had never heard anyone say "Happy Birthday".

Her expression faltered slightly, but then she felt better. "Okay, I'll definitely add an extra fried egg for you."

The two smiled at each other, and the gloom in their hearts was finally mostly dispelled.

Xue Lanyi stroked the rabbit's head with her slender fingers. "Thank you for your birthday gift. I like it very much."

“My cousin told me that the princess’s birthday is coming soon. My cousin and two other brothers asked me to wish the princess a happy birthday and... a long and healthy life.”

In the bamboo forest, the clear and cheerful blessings of the young people echoed.

Such fervor.

Xue Lanyi paused, her fingers moving with emotion. "Please thank them for me."

“My brothers also said they wanted to thank you for your advice. They know what to do so that the princess doesn’t have to worry about them anymore.” Su Yin looked at Xue Lanyi meaningfully.

Yesterday in the imperial prison, Xue Lanyi specifically mentioned to Zhou Yu, Lu Lin, and others that she was going to Yanxi Mountain to see the azaleas, actually hinting that they should go to Yanxi Mountain to find Lord Pei Xiuyuan.

Wei Xuan was able to leave the city smoothly thanks to Lord Pei, and Xue Lanyi was able to see Wei Xuan one last time from afar in the pavilion thanks to Lord Pei as well.

She remembered that at the time, in the attic, Marquis Pei said that he was repaying Xue Lanyi's kindness on behalf of his beloved concubine, Zhilan.

Later, Xue Lanyi thought about it carefully and realized that it was because Zhilan suffered a lot after entering the Pei family as a concubine and died of illness in less than a year.

At that time, when Marquis Pei was out on patrol, the body of Miss Zhilan was almost thrown into a mass grave by the Pei family under the pretext of an epidemic.

Zhou Yu couldn't bear to watch any longer, so he led Xue Lanyi and the others to bring the body back, handle the funeral arrangements, and bury the body in Yanxi Mountain.

Pei Hou and Zhi Lan were childhood sweethearts, and he was naturally grateful for their help.

Perhaps it was precisely because of this unintentional act that Lord Pei was willing to risk defying Wei Zhang and helping Wei Xuan and Xue Lanyi.

Since he's willing to help Xue Lanyi, he should also help Zhou Yu, Xie Qingyun, and others.

Xue Lanyi hoped that Zhou Yu and the others would go to Zhilan's grave to ask Lord Pei for help, requesting that Lord Pei transfer them away from Shengjing and away from the turmoil.

They had all left the capital, and the shackles binding Xue Lanyi's hands and feet were broken.

Xue Lanyi was also worried about Su Yin, and said to her, "It would be best if you left Shengjing within half a month to avoid trouble. I'm afraid..."

Xue Lanyi didn't finish her sentence.

But Su Yin understood that Xue Lanyi did not intend to stay in Chong'an Hall indefinitely.

After ten days or half a month, Zhou Yu and the others had settled down, and she was ready to find her own way out.

Wei Zhang has destroyed her most beautiful memories. Even if she fights to the death, she will never let Wei Zhang take over the rest of her life.

But Su Yin was already married; how could she possibly leave?

Moreover, with everyone gone, Xue Lanyi was isolated and helpless. Wouldn't it be like a mayfly trying to shake a tree if she were to confront Wei Zhang?

Su Yin pondered her words for a moment, then said, "Do whatever you want without worrying about me. My husband is highly favored by the Crown Prince, so he won't make things too difficult for me."

Xue Lanyi's face showed disbelief.

Su Yin didn't want to talk about her husband Zhang Yongxiao too much, so she changed the subject, "Let's not talk about these unhappy things. I have good news for you."

Su Yin lowered her voice mysteriously.

Xue Lanyi's eyes darted around, and she knew who she was talking about. She nervously grasped Su Yin's hand again, "How...is he...?"

"After Pei Hou's men put the eldest son and the old lady on the merchant ship, they happened to run into Doctor Luo on the way."

He was the miracle doctor who cured Wei Xuan's eyes.

This Doctor Luo was renowned far and wide, and his whereabouts were extremely rare. It was quite a coincidence that the old lady encountered him.

The old lady pleaded and begged, even kneeling on her knees, before finally persuading Doctor Luo to accompany her to the western border.

With the divine physician accompanying her, Su Yin, who had originally been following the old lady, was sent back instead.

"I reckon they're already receiving treatment for their eye and body injuries somewhere secluded in the western region."

Su Yin's words gave Xue Lanyi a ray of light.

Ultimately, this ordeal was not without its value.

At least she got her revenge for the hairpin she used to stab Wei Xuan.

Xue Lanyi felt much more at ease and breathed a sigh of relief. "I just hope that after he recovers, he won't think about coming back."

Given Wei Xuan's personality, if he knew that Xue Lanyi had sacrificed herself to save him, he probably wouldn't wait a moment longer and would come back to find her.

This back-and-forth, this constant tug-of-war, will eventually leave no one able to escape Wei Zhang's grasp.

"With the old lady by his side, he shouldn't act impulsively."

Wei Xuan was a man of deep affection and righteousness, and also of great filial piety. He would not have disregarded the safety of the old lady and returned to the capital alone.

Xue Lanyi comforted herself in this way.

As she said this, Su Yin opened her mouth, but swallowed what she wanted to say.

Xue Lanyi noticed Su Yin's momentary hesitation.

He looked at her suspiciously, his heart pounding again. "You...is there something you haven't finished saying?"

"I……"

Su Yin hesitated, her eyes darting around nervously.

She didn't say anything, which made Xue Lanyi even more nervous.

"Could it be that Wei Zhang has found their trail? Or is it that Ah Xuan's injury cannot be healed?"

"No! No! You can rest assured about the young master's safety."

Su Yin grasped her increasingly cold hand in return, placing it in her palm, her words swirling in and out of her mouth for a long time.

"Didn't the princess have a maid named Lan'er who looked very much like her in the past?"

Xue Lanyi nodded.

There was once a noble lady who was at odds with Xue Lanyi. She specially chose a maid who looked seven-tenths like Xue Lanyi to serve by her side, and even gave her the name Lan'er, corresponding to the name Lanyi.

This maidservant suffered a lot of humiliation while serving the noble lady. Xue Lanyi took pity on her and devised a plan to take Lan'er into her own life.

After the Crown Prince's incident, she dismissed the people from the Princess's residence, including Lan'er.

Xue Lanyi vaguely realized something and stared intently at Su Yin.

Su Yin nodded with difficulty, "Yes, the old lady brought Lan'er here and raised her by her side for three years. She specifically instructed her that every word and action of hers must imitate the princess without the slightest mistake, all for the purpose of..."

In the past, it was to find a substitute for Wei Xuan so that he would not continue to wallow in the grief of Xue Lanyi's death.

Now that the old lady is fleeing, she is taking Lan'er with her, so naturally she wants Lan'er to impersonate Xue Lanyi and keep Wei Xuan calm.

That day, Su Yin had a brief encounter with Lan'er when she set off with the old lady.

Na Lan'er's every move was indeed like Xue Lanyi's, and even Su Yin, who had a discerning eye, almost mistook her for Xue Lanyi.

Since Wei Xuan was seriously injured, his vision has been impaired, and he may have even more difficulty distinguishing objects.

The old lady may very well have taken advantage of Wei Xuan's blurred vision to force the issue.

Once the matter is accomplished, given Wei Xuan's character and sense of responsibility, he cannot possibly fail to take care of Lan'er for the rest of her life.

Su Yin knew that revealing this would be difficult for people to accept.

However, Xue Lanyi shouldn't have remained in the dark all this time.

Regardless of whether Wei Xuan took the initiative to get close to Lan'er, why should a man be able to escape trouble and have a beauty in his arms?

The woman is trapped in her past memories, unable to break free?

Su Yin was indignant, but looking at Xue Lanyi, who was sitting stiffly on the spot with a pale face, she couldn't bear it.

"I'm sorry, Princess, I... General Wei is exceptionally wise and brave; he shouldn't be so easily deceived..."

"It doesn't matter."

Xue Lanyi shook her head with difficulty.

Of course she knew that Su Yin was telling her these things for her own good.

That's actually quite good.

With someone by his side, Wei Xuan naturally gave up the idea of ​​coming back to save her.

He will recover at the border and return to being the great general who rides his horse across the land.

As the old lady said, Wei Xuan had great ambitions, which should not be ruined by love.

Xue Lanyi didn't want him to remain a gray-haired, weathered old man forever.

She still preferred his lively, energetic, and playful monkey-like appearance.

"fine."

Xue Lanyi forced a smile and looked out the window at the sky.

Dark clouds swallowed the daylight, and although it was just past Chen Shi (7-9 AM), the sky was as black as ink.

The dense raindrops pounded down, breaking the gardenia tree in the yard.

The pure white petals fell to the ground, turning into mud.

Su Yin was helpless and hugged her tightly, saying, "It's alright, I'm here with you, Princess."

Men in this world are all the same; love is always secondary.

They have a country, a home, parents, ambitions, and too many things beyond their control.

Therefore, when faced with a choice, the first thing to be abandoned is love, which is utterly useless.

Even a princess, who was the center of attention, ultimately met the same fate.

Su Yin sighed inwardly and patted her back, "If the princess wants to cry, then let her cry."

Xue Lanyi closed her eyes slightly.

From the moment she walked out of the imperial prison alive, she secretly hoped to break free from Wei Zhang's shackles and one day reunite with Wei Xuan to continue their past romance.

But if Wei Xuan really has someone else, someone who is very similar to her in every way, how will they face each other?

Will Ah Xuan do it? Will he?

A tear finally slid silently down Xue Lanyi's cheek.

My vision is blurred, I can't see the road ahead...