Chapter 55 [55]

【55】/First release

With Empress Dowager Gu's cover, the meeting with Prime Minister Gu, Prince of Liaodong and other important officials was managed to be dealt with.

That night, after eating and drinking their fill and bathing from head to toe with incense burning, Lu Zhiwan and Xiao Jingting lay side by side on the spacious bed.

"This bed is big. Wanwan won't be squeezed anymore."

"She smells even better, like jasmine and roses... I want to hug her."

"Why isn't she asleep yet? Go to sleep soon. Then I can hold her."

In the quiet night, the man's inner thoughts came out one after another. Lu Zhiwan's mouth curled up slightly. He didn't expect that this boy had such rich psychological activities.

I just don’t know if this inner drama is only limited to the five-year-old Xiao Jingting, or if the Xiao Jingting in the past also had so many dramas?

It's a pity that this golden finger of mind reading appeared too late. If she had it earlier, wouldn't it be much easier for her to cultivate feelings with him? Why would she need to rack her brains to guess the thoughts of that living ancestor?

Lu Zhiwan was too tired from running around during the day, and he took a bowl of calming soup before going to bed, so he fell asleep soon.

In a daze, she felt herself being embraced in a warm and solid embrace.

The familiar and reassuring breath made her subconsciously rub the chest, and she murmured lazily: "Your Majesty..."

The arm around her froze for a moment, then the large hand patted her back soothingly, and a deep voice rang out overhead: "I'm here."

The dusk falls and I have a good night's sleep.

***

After two more days of recuperation in the summer palace, when Xiao Jingting's wound had scabbed over, the imperial physician said he could be moved back to the palace, and the large army packed up and set off for Beijing.

On the return carriage, Xiao Lanchun finally found an opportunity to see Lu Zhiwan. She scanned her several times, and seeing that she was alright, she breathed a sigh of relief. "You don't know, when I heard that you and His Majesty were in danger, I was so scared I couldn't sleep the whole night... Fortunately, God bless you both, and you're both safe and sound."

Seeing that her concern didn't seem fake, Lu Zhiwan felt warm in his heart and nodded, "I was also frightened when the assassin came."

"It's good that he's okay," Xiao Lanchun said thankfully. Then, thinking of something else, she asked, "Have you found the mastermind behind this?"

Lu Zhiwan pursed his lips and shook his head slightly disappointedly: "Not yet."

Xiao Lanchun frowned and pondered for a while. She looked around and seemed to have made some kind of decision. She moved closer to Lu Zhiwan and lowered her voice quietly: "I want to tell you something, but don't say it was me who said it."

Such a mysterious thing, Lu Zhiwan was puzzled: "What?"

"Didn't you notice that Concubine Gu is missing?"

"Well……"

Lu Zhiwan had been too busy these past two days to take care of anything else. Now that Xiao Lanchun mentioned it, it seemed like he hadn't seen Concubine Gu since he came back.

Although there is no emotional connection between them, but when the emperor returns from the disaster, Gu Yuer, as the imperial concubine, should at least show some concern, right?

Xiao Lanchun looked at Lu Zhiwan's expression and lowered her voice: "I heard that she seemed to have angered the Queen Mother because of something, and she was locked up by the Queen Mother."

Lu Zhiwan: “???”

The Empress Dowager is such a good-tempered person, what did Concubine Gu do to offend her?

Xiao Lanchun: "So I wonder if you can't find the mastermind behind this because... this matter is related to the Gu family?"

Lu Zhiwan's eyelids twitched suddenly.

Could it be that the Gu family has rebellious intentions?

Damn, if that’s really the case, with wolves in front and tigers behind, what’s the point of her and Xiao Jingting, who has the mentality of a five-year-old, escaping?

No, no, no, calm down. If the Gu family had any rebellious intentions, they should have taken the opportunity to take the throne when Xiao Jingting was still a child. Why did they have to wait all these years?

"Cousin Zhao Fei, are you okay?" Xiao Lanchun saw Lu Zhiwan's face turn pale and blue, and she was unsure: "I'm just guessing. I don't know the truth."

Lu Zhiwan came back to his senses and gave Xiao Lanchun a grateful look: "Thank you, Princess, for the reminder."

Xiao Lanchun shook her head: "What's the big deal? I'm a princess of the royal family, so I have to consider the Xiao family's empire."

After chatting for a while, Xiao Jingting woke up from his nap and couldn't find Lu Zhiwan, so he sent someone to look for her.

Lu Zhiwan had no choice but to bid farewell to Xiao Lanchun temporarily and return to the emperor's carriage.

She was distracted by the matter of Concubine Gu.

Xiao Jingting saw it and asked, "What's wrong with you?"

If it were in the past, Lu Zhiwan would have definitely told him. But now he was just a child, and if she told him these things, what if he wanted to throw Concubine Gu to the tiger again?

Thinking of this, Lu Zhiwan just perfunctorily said, "Nothing."

"She's just trying to fool me."

“She still treats me like a child.”

Xiao Jingting was unhappy about this and didn't talk much to Lu Zhiwan along the rest of the way.

After wandering around until evening, the large army finally returned to the palace.

The first thing Lu Zhiwan did after returning to the palace was to summon the head of the Imperial Hospital to take Xiao Jingting's pulse.

After a careful examination, the imperial physician expressed embarrassment, "Your Majesty's condition is likely due to a head impact when you fell off the cliff, causing blood congestion and compression of the meridians, leading to mental confusion..."

Queen Mother Gu and Lu Zhiwan asked almost in unison: "Is there any way to cure it?"

Facing the two most distinguished women in the harem, the imperial physician became increasingly cautious and said carefully, "I have read in ancient books about a unique acupuncture technique that can disperse blood stasis. However, this method is so ancient and there are no medical records to prove its effectiveness, I cannot say for sure."

Upon hearing this, Empress Dowager Gu and Lu Zhiwan looked at each other, both hesitant.

"Zhao Fei, what do you think?"

"Your servant..." Lu Zhiwan pinched her fingers, thinking of Xiao Jingting's current appearance - yes, he was indeed much cuter when he was young, but the court needed a wise and steady emperor, and she also needed a partner who could fight alongside her and support each other.

Thinking of this, she looked at the imperial physician and said, "Let's try your method."

The imperial physician looked at Empress Dowager Gu again, and she nodded: "Go ahead and try."

Since the Empress Dowager and Concubine Zhao had said so, the imperial physician said no more and immediately prepared silver needles and other items.

Lu Zhiwan walked into the inner hall and told Xiao Jingting about the acupuncture treatment, then pretended to be relaxed and coaxed him: "If you feel any pain, just hold my hand..."

Xiao Jingting didn't say anything, just looked at her deeply.

Lu Zhiwan heard his inner voice——

"She wants that Xiao Jingting back."

"Then let her do as she wishes."

He accepted acupuncture treatment from the imperial physician, but refused Lu Zhiwan's company.

"I don't need you to accompany me." The man's handsome face showed a bit of stubbornness.

Lu Zhiwan stood aside, watching the silver needles inserted into his head. A thin layer of cold sweat broke out on his forehead, but he never cried out in pain.

"Ayin." She couldn't bear it and tried to wipe the sweat off his face.

Xiao Jingting turned his face away and said coldly: "I'm fine."

Lu Zhiwan: “…”

This guy has a really bad temper.

It seems that no matter what age Xiao Jingting is, he is difficult to coax.

Seeing this, the imperial physician was worried that the emperor's emotional fluctuations would affect the efficacy of the treatment, so he advised Lu Zhiwan: "Your Majesty, why don't you wait outside the palace for a while?"

Seeing Xiao Jingting's arrogant look, Lu Zhiwan thought about it and decided to go to the outer hall first and wait until his emotions stabilized before making plans.

On the couch in the outer hall, Queen Mother Gu looked up in surprise when she saw Lu Zhiwan coming out: "What happened?"

Lu Zhiwan shook her head, forcing a wry smile across her fair cheeks: "He's mad at me."

Queen Mother Gu was stunned at first, then she chuckled and said, "This child has had this temper since he was young. He loves you and wants you dead. He really cares about you, that's why he acts like this..."

Lu Zhiwan walked to the couch and sat down. The candlelight was dim and the atmosphere was quiet. She asked Empress Dowager Gu about Xiao Jingting's childhood.

Since she had nothing else to do, Empress Dowager Gu struck up a conversation with her. When asked about their closeness in childhood, she said, "He had just been found, and his nature was wild and difficult to tame. I had no experience raising children, and I didn't know how to build a close relationship with them... He was always wary of me. It wasn't until he grew up and learned about benevolence, righteousness, and filial piety that he gradually began to respect and love me."

"When he was young, he never clung to anyone and was always alone... He mostly liked to hang out with tigers." Queen Dowager Gu sighed, "I know many people talk behind his back about him being a freak, a weirdo. Although he doesn't talk much, his mind is as clear as a mirror."

Lu Zhiwan was silent and lowered his eyes, feeling very sad and uncomfortable in his heart.

I don't know how long I sat there before the imperial physician came out and said, "Today's treatment is over. From now on, you will need acupuncture every three days. We will see the results in a month."

Lu Zhiwan responded and couldn't wait to go into the inner hall to see Xiao Jingting.

The man was leaning against the couch, his face pale, his thick brows slightly furrowed, looking like he had just experienced a terrible pain.

He opened his eyes when he heard footsteps.

Seeing that it was Lu Zhiwan, he pursed his lips and turned his back to her.

Lu Zhiwan stood where he was: “…”

Just as I was hesitating whether to go forward, a voice floated into my ears: "Why doesn't she come to comfort me?"

Lu Zhiwan was at a loss whether to laugh or cry.

After calming herself down a bit, she walked slowly forward, raised her hand and touched his shoulder. Seeing that he didn't dodge, she bent down and hugged him from behind.

"Ayin," she called softly, "Believe it or not, I like you both when you were five and when you were twenty-three."

The tall and strong body in his arms stiffened for a moment.

After a moment, a low voice with a hint of grievance sounded: "Really?"

Lu Zhiwan buried her face in his neck: "Really."

Xiao Jingting: "Like them just as much?"

Lu Zhiwan whispered, "In terms of personality, I like you more."

Xiao Jingting turned his head to look at her, his dark narrow eyes sparkling, like a puppy being praised by its owner, happy but also a little uncertain: "You are not trying to fool me, are you?"

"Really not." Lu Zhiwan also looked back at him seriously: "You are much cuter now. When you grow up, don't be so awkward, domineering and difficult to please... Ah Yin, if I had known you since childhood, I would definitely like you since childhood."

These words made Xiao Jingting feel extremely relieved. The pain from acupuncture seemed to disappear, and a hint of pride appeared between his handsome eyebrows.

"Wanwan said she likes me better now."

"I'm such a loser when I grow up. I'm so tall, but I can't even please her."

When Lu Zhiwan heard his self-complaint, he couldn't help laughing. He coaxed him a few more words and then went out to see Queen Mother Gu off.

It was already late at night, and a cold moon like a silver hook hung high above the eaves.

Lu Zhiwan stood half a step behind Empress Dowager Gu. After hesitating for a long time, he tentatively asked about Concubine Gu.

Perhaps her test was too obvious, or perhaps Empress Dowager Gu did not intend to hide it, but as soon as she asked, Empress Dowager Gu revealed Concubine Gu's plan.

Lu Zhiwan was stunned and the corners of his mouth twitched.

She knew that Concubine Gu had always disliked her, but she had never imagined that the beauty was so cruel and wanted to take her life after so long.

"Zhao Fei, I know it's hard for you to forgive Yu'er."

Queen Mother Gu looked ashamed. "I don't expect you to forgive me. I told you this because I didn't want you to misunderstand the Gu family. In this situation, trust is crucial. I know you are a sensible child, so I hope you can put the overall situation first. As for Yu'er..."

Empress Dowager Gu looked at Lu Zhiwan, her expression becoming more and more ashamed.

Lu Zhiwan knew that she wanted to plead for Gu Yuer. After all, they were aunt and niece. It was easy to say "sacrifice family for the sake of justice", but only when it happened to her did she realize how difficult it was.

"Queen Dowager, I understand what you mean."

At this point, Lu Zhiwan finally spoke frankly, "You're right. Right now, we should prioritize the overall situation and work together to stabilize the country. As for those inner palace struggles... As the master of the harem, I believe you will handle them properly and give me justice."

Empress Dowager Gu felt mixed emotions when she saw that she not only offered to give her a way out but also put the handling of Gu Yuer in her hands.

"If Yu'er had half as broad-minded as you, how could this have happened?" Queen Mother Gu sighed.

Lu Zhiwan curled the corners of his mouth but didn't say much.

She was not so magnanimous as to forgive Gu Yuer, but compared to the quarrels in the harem, the most urgent task at the moment was to stabilize the political situation, find out the assassination mastermind, and work together to deal with Zhao Wenshao and Prince Yuzhang.

***

Shortly after that night's heart-to-heart talk with Queen Mother Gu, there was some progress in the palace assassination case.

Xing Zhou, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard who was sent to Yuzhang, brought back news that the Prince of Yuzhang was secretly mobilizing troops and plotting a rebellion, and that the group of assassins was also sent by Zhao Wenshao.

"I don't know what good fortune Zhao Wenshao has had, but he actually became sworn brothers with the young master of Zixiao Mountain Villa. The young master gave Zhao Wenshao a team of highly skilled secret guards." Xing Zhou, dusty and exhausted, knelt in the center of the Yangxin Palace and reported in a deep voice, "I have tried to capture Zhao Wenshao twice, but each time his secret guards stopped me... Those secret guards were truly skilled, and I was incompetent. I failed to apprehend Zhao Wenshao and lost thirteen of my own men... Your Majesty, please give me another chance and send more men. Even if it costs me my own life, I will definitely take down Zhao Wenshao."

The emperor sat quietly on the throne and did not say a word.

Lu Zhiwan, who was sitting on the side, did not say anything. He was surprised that the plot had been advanced by so many years!

In the original novel, Zhao Wenshao and Prince Yuzhang rebelled several years later.

The young master of Zixiao Villa is not only the most powerful person in the book, but also one of Zhao Wenshao's concubines.

The young master Qin Mingyue was actually a beautiful girl dressed as a man. She was sworn brothers with Zhao Wenshao at first, but Zhao Wenshao accidentally saw her taking a bath and realized that she was a girl.

This paragraph in the original text was written in a particularly erotic way, and many readers commented below, urging the character to be overthrown and take first blood.

But Zhao Wenshao was upright and honest, so he certainly didn't do anything rash. He promised to help Qin Mingyue conceal her disguise as a man, and Qin Mingyue began to have a good impression of him.

After that, as they spent more time together, Qin Mingyue discovered that this man was very special and different. She fell in love with him and voluntarily became a member of Zhao Wenshao's harem.

If Lu Zhiwan remembered correctly, Qin Mingyue appeared in the second half of the original novel.

Now that she has appeared, it can be seen that the plot is really getting urgent...

"His Majesty?"

Left stranded in the hall with no response, Xing Zhou couldn't help but raise his eyes and cautiously looked at the expressionless emperor above him: "Your Majesty, please give me a chance to redeem myself and make meritorious contributions!"

Xiao Jingting lowered his eyes, as if thinking.

Lu Zhiwan also came back to her senses, but before she could teach Xiao Jingting what to do, she saw Xiao Jingting staring at the people in the hall, and said with his thin lips: "Xing Zhou, you disappoint me so much."

These words, devoid of any emotion, instantly made Xing Zhou's face pale as death. He knelt and kowtowed again: "Your humble servant is incompetent. Please calm down, Your Majesty."

The other end hit the ground with a bang, and Lu Zhiwan felt pain when he heard it. He looked at Xiao Jingting again, his face was calm, and even his eyelashes did not move.

She felt ashamed. The imperial family was the most ruthless. It seemed that this boy was born to be an emperor.

"Okay."

That cold voice sounded again: "You step aside first. I will consider it and make arrangements later."

Xing Zhou raised his head in fear, met the emperor's indifferent gaze, and quickly kowtowed and replied, "Yes, I will take my leave."

Soon, Xing Zhou retreated, and only Xiao Jingting and Lu Zhiwan were left in the hall.

"Wanwan."

The man on the magnificent throne turned sideways and asked, "How did I perform just now?"

Seeing his dark eyes filled with anticipation, completely different from his previous coldness, Lu Zhiwan couldn't help but laugh: "Good, very good."

She was almost frightened.

"Your Majesty, did you understand what Commander Xing said just now?" Lu Zhiwan poured him a cup of tea slowly, thinking that if he didn't understand, he would explain it to him again.

But Xiao Jingting just hummed calmly: "Prince Yuzhang and Zhao Wenshao are going to rebel. Just like you said before, they are not good people."

Lu Zhiwan paused while making tea and tilted his head: "Then what does Your Majesty intend to do?"

"Is that even a question?"

Xiao Jingting glanced at her and said disapprovingly: "If they want to hit us, we will fight back."

The confident tone made Lu Zhiwan dazed for a moment, as if the Xiao Jingting who was always in control of everything had returned.

While she was stunned, she saw him looking at her excitedly again: "When we catch Zhao Wenshao, I will take off his head and let Wanwan kick it like a ball, okay?"

Lu Zhiwan's mouth twitched: "..."

That's not necessary.