Chapter Fifty

The next day, Mo Yinghuo, still half-asleep, crawled out of bed, leaning against the mattress. Granny Shen, who was already standing nearby, glanced at Zhu Chunhua and then presented her with a half-bowl of hot hangover soup.

Granny Shen's face was grave. Ever since the three returned last night, she had dragged Zhu Chunhua to a corner and learned that the Princess had been drinking at Yanxi Tower from morning till night. She had met a few young men, but they were all forced to come, and after exchanging a few flirtatious words, she had dismissed them all. Whether it was because of her low spirits or because she had gotten to know the Princess better over time, she noticed that the Princess had been acting strangely lately.

Mo Yinghuo got up and walked to the window in a few steps. The peach blossoms outside the window were still blooming leisurely. Granny Shen quickly picked up the cloak hanging at the head of the bed and draped it over her shoulders.

Just as the two were about to leave the room, Mo Yinghuo suddenly called out to Zhu Chunhua.

Zhu Chunhua stood obediently and loyally behind Mo Yinghuo.

Mo Yinghuo: "Chunhua, do you know why the reinforcements were delayed in General Long's final battle?"

Zhu Chunhua shook her head. "General, we arrived very quickly, but I don't know why everyone said we were delayed when we arrived."

Mo Yinghuo quietly looked outside. She remembered that because reinforcements were late in arriving, General Long's iron cavalry could only barely hold out for less than three hours before being completely annihilated. At that time, her father had no choice but to order the execution of all the leaders of the reinforcements. Zhu Chunhua was just a lowly soldier carrying a flag, and she was lucky enough to escape.

"By the way, did you bring back the new perfume brewed by Yanxi Tower last night to your residence?" Mo Yinghuo suddenly asked.

Zhu Chunhua nodded vigorously, "Yes, I brought it, thanks to Host Zhao..."

Before he could finish speaking, Mo Yinghuo whirled around in a flash, exclaiming, "What did you say? Last night, Zhao Shu... Abbot Zhao also came to Yanxi Tower."

Zhu Chunhua didn't understand why the Princess was suddenly making such a fuss, and timidly replied, "Yes, it was Abbot Zhao who brought His Highness back."

"Then I didn't say or do anything strange, did I?" Mo Yinghuo quickly asked.

Zhu Chunhua's recent experience in navigating social situations finally came in handy. After a moment's thought, he said, "Probably not."

Mo Yinghuo breathed a sigh of relief.

The severe cold swept across the capital city.

Mo Yinghuo trudged through the snow, while Granny Shen held up a white cloak. Zhu Chunhua deftly pulled out arrows, a fine sheen of sweat beading on her fair forehead, as the black arrows nestled firmly in the bullseye. Even after her release from prison, she rarely left the house, her mind once again focused on perfecting her black iron arrows. Zhao Shu, as always, stood behind her, offering occasional pointers.

However, what Mo Yinghuo didn't know was that, compared to the throbbing in the Milky Way, the words unintentionally uttered while drunk were truly etched into someone's heart, causing the Nightfall Starman to make a decision silently.

The Milky Way turns in the sky, and curtains hang down on earth. [1]

After being awakened by another nightmare, Mo Yinghuo simply threw off the covers, went outside, and stood quietly for a long time, just like her father.

Zhao Shu also came out of his room. When he saw the figure in front of him, he walked over quietly.

Suddenly, Mo Yinghuo drew the Chang Geng from his waist, swiftly stepping back, the short sword emitting a pale, cold light like the moon.

"Your Highness!" Zhao Shu stood motionless two steps behind Mo Yinghuo. Chang Geng, who was thrusting at him, seemed to be nothing more than a delicate handkerchief. He was unhurried, only his voice was louder than usual.

Mo Yinghuo immediately pulled his hand back, the back of his hand brushing past Zhao Shu's shoulder. He staggered for a moment but quickly regained his balance.

"Zhao Shu, can't you dodge?" Mo Yinghuo's tone was somewhat angry.

Zhao Shu pondered for a moment, glanced at Chang Geng in her hand, and did not directly answer Mo Yinghuo's question. He simply said in a calm voice, "Your Highness, rest assured, they will definitely not appear again."

Mo Yinghuo was taken aback. "Oh! That's right, Host Zhao is here."

Zhao Shu: "Even if I'm not here, they won't show up."

Mo Yinghuo suddenly tightened her grip on Chang Geng's hand. "Oh...you're not here? Where are you going? Are you going back to Yelan Star?"

If the Kingdom of Shiling is destroyed, Zhao Shu will naturally return.

Zhao Shu: "Your Highness, what I mean is that the Hunxie King who wears khaki boots, and the other northern barbarians, will not suddenly reappear. Don't be afraid."

Mo Yinghuo was taken aback again, then chuckled and said, "It seems that you, Zhao Shu, know a lot about me through the wormhole. That's not fair; I've only ever seen you sleeping in the Milky Way, I haven't seen anything else."

Zhao Shu remained silent. Mo Yinghuo seemed used to it, raising his eyes to gaze at the starry sky, and murmured, "Last time, after walking among the stars for a while, I suddenly felt that all the grudges and desires of this world are too insignificant. Life is like a dream. If possible, to live a simple and uneventful life with someone, farming, brewing wine and discussing tea, perhaps that is what the world should be like."

Zhao Shu: "It is fitting to drink wine and grow old together. With zither and lute at hand, all is peaceful and serene." [2] (The Book of Songs, Zheng Feng, "The Woman Says the Rooster Crows").

Mo Yinghuo glanced sideways and smiled, "Zhao Shu, you're becoming more and more familiar with the culture of Yunxiu Kingdom. By the way, I need to trouble you with something: go to the palace."

A moment later, the two appeared before a gloomy and desolate palace within the imperial palace complex. Zhao Shu gently released his grip, and looking up, he saw the dusty gate ajar, a cold wind blowing and spiderwebs swaying in the breeze. Three characters were engraved on the plaque, bearing the marks of wind and sun, with the words "Jingxu" faintly visible.

An old palace maid, head bowed, carried a bamboo basket covered with a dark blue cloth. Upon seeing the two suddenly appear, she covered her mouth and stared wide-eyed, as if afraid her shout would startle someone. After a moment, she reacted, a friendly smile spreading across her lips, "Your Highness, have you come to see the Empress?"

Mo Yinghuo nodded and smiled, "Yes, Granny Liu, why aren't you resting so late? Consort Jing must be asleep by now."

Granny Liu: "He hasn't slept. These past few days, Consort Jing has heard that His Highness has returned..."

She glanced at Mo Yinghuo, then quickly looked at the man beside her. After thinking for a moment, she didn't finish her sentence.

Mo Yinghuo waved his hand and smiled, "It's alright, Granny Liu, I'll take this food basket inside."

Granny Liu deftly handed over the basket and quietly pushed open the door. In the desolate Jingxu Palace, in the center of the courtyard, stood a large stone table, beside which grew a locust tree. Beneath the locust tree, a woman touched the trunk, silent and still.

Granny Liu: "Your Highness, His Highness has come to see you."

Consort Jing froze, then slowly turned her head, her eyes fixed on Mo Yinghuo with a sinister gaze. Dressed in a green fish-scale robe that dragged on the ground, she walked over.

"Your Highness, why didn't you die on the battlefield?"

Mo Yinghuo rubbed her temples and sighed, "Consort Jing, please eat something. I heard you haven't eaten for several days."

Consort Jing slapped the food basket out of Mo Yinghuo's hand, letting out a scream that was almost like an animal's roar, "Why don't you die! Why isn't it you who died! Are you here to mock me! Or to pity me, a woman who has lost her son! Hahaha... Isn't it all thanks to you, the dignified Princess! Hahaha..."

A series of sinister laughs pierced the darkness of the palace, but the palace guards remained as usual. The palace attendants, eunuchs, and servants were startled awake by the shrill laughter, but then went back to sleep, seemingly used to it.

"Hahaha... Why! Why are you so special! Why are my two children so unlucky! He said you were the chosen one! He said only you can save Yunxiu Kingdom! Hahaha... He is the emperor, above all others, what can I say! But he is also a father! Princess, since you are so powerful! Why did you pass the throne to..."

Mo Yinghuo suddenly hissed in a low voice, "Enough! Consort Jing."

Consort Jing burst into another sharp laugh, "What, is the Princess afraid?"

Mo Yinghuo took the food basket that Liu Mama had picked up. "Your Highness, you deliberately didn't eat so that I would come here. Now that I'm here, if you still have any grievances, vent them on me. After you've vented, eat and sleep as usual."

Consort Jing gave a cold "humph".

Mo Yinghuo: "You'd better take care of yourself. Only when a person is alive can they see what they want to see. For example, if I die, but you are still alive, you can see it and that will satisfy you."

Zhao Shu: "Your Highness..."

Mo Yinghuo laughed and said, "It's just an analogy, don't take it seriously."

These words proved effective. Consort Jing suddenly snatched the food basket from Mo Yinghuo's hands, picked up a piece of peach blossom cake and a pot of hot wine, and began to wolf them down. Her eating manners formed a stark contrast with her magnificent attire and noble countenance.

Granny Liu patted her back urgently, "Your Highness, slow down, slow down, be careful not to choke."

Mo Yinghuo whispered to Granny Liu, "Thank you for your trouble, Granny Liu. If Jingxu Palace needs any new food, clothing, or maids, just tell the head steward. I have already given instructions."

Liu Mama said gratefully, "Thank you, Princess. Everything is fine here. Please take care of yourself."

Mo Yinghuo and Zhao Shu turned and walked out of the deserted Jingxu Palace. Consort Jing seemed to be oblivious to everyone around her, as if she wasn't eating, but rather using all her strength to devour a single thought.

The two walked side by side in silence for a while through the vast palace. It was late at night, yet the palace was brightly lit. Mo Yinghuo knew it wasn't for celebration, but rather because ever since the assassins began appearing in the palace at night, her father had ordered heightened security. However, even with the bright lights, the night was still night, not daytime.

It seems that Emperor Zhaoming has remained vigilant since ascending the throne. Mo Yinghuo rubbed his temples and smiled faintly, "Zhao Shu, I apologize for making you laugh."

Zhao Shu: "It's nothing."

Mo Yinghuo said, "This palace is even brighter than Yanxi Tower at night. Since we're free anyway, let's go see Commandant Pu." She looked at the calm and composed expression on the person beside her and wondered if he already knew about this.

Zhao Shu's breath hitched for a moment, followed by a subtle hint of displeasure, and he said in a low voice, "Hmm."

The two walked out of the palace gate. The guards, seeing their distinguished appearance and composed demeanor as if strolling in their own backyard, gripped their swords and stepped forward. Upon closer inspection, they realized it was the Princess, and quickly bowed in greeting.

"General, what brings you here?" Upon hearing the soldier's report, Lieutenant Pu was both surprised and delighted as he crawled out of his warm bed.

Mo Yinghuo: "Excuse me, I'm sorry to have disturbed Commandant Pu's rest."

Lieutenant Pu was a little confused, but said frankly, "General, you're too kind. I'm used to it."

Mo Yinghuo: "..."

Lieutenant Pu: "General, have you come to check on the Empress Dowager's condition?" Since returning from Su Zang, he has been in charge of looking after the Empress Dowager here.

Mo Yinghuo nodded.

Commandant Pu: "I will go and summon the Empress Dowager immediately."

Mo Yinghuo waved his hand and said, "No need, it's the middle of the night, everyone's asleep, let's not disturb them. Commander Pu, do you have any Zhuyeqing tea? Bring me two jars."

Lieutenant Pu: "..."

Zhao Shu: "..."

Coming in to ask for drinks in the middle of the night. And they said they wouldn't bother anyone.

Mo Yinghuo leaned against a wooden pillar, one leg dangling on the wooden corridor, the other swinging freely in the air. He held a bottle of Zhuyeqing liquor in his hand and tilted his head back to drink several mouthfuls.

Zhao Shu stood aside, watching quietly.

Mo Yinghuo raised an eyebrow. "Zhao Shu, I haven't drunk from the other pot."

Zhao Shu said calmly, "That's not the reason."

Mo Yinghuo was startled, then laughed, "Oh, why is that?"

Zhao Shu turned his face to the side, his ear tips slightly burning.

Seeing that Zhao Shu ignored him, Mo Yinghuo turned to Captain Pu and asked, "Has anyone come over recently?"

Lieutenant Pu's stubble twitched slightly. "General, the Fourth Prince has been here."

Mo Yinghuo wasn't particularly surprised. "Hmm, is there anything else?"

Lieutenant Pu: "His Majesty and the First Prince have also visited."

Just as Mo Yinghuo was about to speak, a graceful woman walked over, followed by two soldiers.

"Didn't we say not to disturb the Empress Dowager's rest?" Mo Yinghuo looked at Captain Pu.

Lieutenant Pu: "The patrolling soldiers just reported that the Empress Dowager has not yet rested and is sitting in the corner tower feeding the fish."

Mo Yinghuo's lips twitched slightly.

In the dead of night, instead of sleeping, sitting by the pond feeding the fish—how elegant! Do women of middle age all choose to do this in the middle of the night these days? The women of Yunxiu Kingdom and Dongliang are so alike; it seems all women in the world share common traits.

Empress Dowager: "Princess, it's been a long time."

Mo Yinghuo stood up and smiled, "Empress Dowager, are you comfortable here?"

Empress Dowager Wang smiled faintly: "Very good."

Mo Yinghuo took out a letter from his bosom and handed it to the Empress Dowager. "From Marquis Haitang."

Empress Dowager Wang gently accepted the letter and tucked it into her bosom with great care.

...

It is unknown what bad idea the Imperial Uncle Yu gave to Empress Yu, or what words Empress Yu whispered to Emperor Zhaoming, but the head steward arrived at the Princess's residence in high spirits.

On this rare warm winter day in Yunxiu Kingdom, Mo Yinghuo and Zhao Shu had just returned from the Yunzhao Army camp when they were greeted by a scene of great celebration as they stood and chatted happily.

Chief Steward: "Your Highness, His Majesty has sent me to deliver an imperial edict."

As Mo Yinghuo was packing his bags, the head steward hurriedly helped him up, his face full of kindness. "Your Highness, the Emperor said that there are no outsiders here, so there is no need for such formalities. The Emperor also said that half of the Yunxiu Kingdom's territory was built by the Eldest Princess."

Mo Yinghuo stepped aside and gave a slight bow.

The head steward, speaking in a high-pitched voice, announced, "Huang Zhifan, the eldest son of Lord Huang of the Hanlin Academy, is three years older than the princess. He is well-educated, courteous, and exceptionally talented. Therefore, this marriage is hereby granted."

Mo Yinghuo froze on the spot, her expression turning into a beautiful curly figure, and out of the corner of her eye, she unconsciously glanced at Zhao Shu standing beside her.

Zhao Shu turned his face away from the door, so the change in his expression was not visible.

Mo Yinghuo suddenly smiled and said to the steward beside her, "Your Majesty, I thank you for your grace, but the northern part of Yunxiu Kingdom is not yet pacified, so I have no such plans for the time being."

Steward Pang said, “Your Highness, His Majesty knew you would say that. His Majesty specifically instructed that Young Master Huang has been studying the classics since childhood, and he will be able to relieve Your Highness’s worries. He is the most suitable person for this task.”

Granny Shen quickly chimed in, "That's right, that's right. I've met Young Master Huang a few times. He has a dignified demeanor, speaks with elegance, and is neither arrogant nor impatient. He's a rare young master from a prominent family."

Zhu Chunhua chuckled and agreed with Granny Shen.

Mo Ying was speechless. "Chunhua, have you seen her before? What do you mean by 'right'?"

Steward Pang: "I have delivered the imperial edict. This old servant will return to the palace to inform the Emperor."

After saying that, with Zhu Chunhua's help, he mounted his horse and hurriedly rode away, as if afraid that someone might change their mind.

Granny Shen stood to the side, beaming with joy, with a large red "double happiness" character pasted on her face.

Mo Yinghuo suddenly asked, "Zhao Shu, where are you going?"

Zhao Shu: "Let's go back to our room."

As soon as he finished speaking, he turned his back to everyone with a cold expression and walked away without looking back.