In the end, only Yuan Zhizhi woke up and accompanied Yuan Heng for breakfast.
Yuan Heng held her in his arms, feeding himself and her at the same time. The little girl's mouth was bulging with rice balls in it, and she giggled happily.
When Yuan Zhao entered the dining room, he saw this scene.
The brother and sister sat at the dinner table in a harmonious atmosphere. The warm sunlight shone through the window lattice onto them, making the scene particularly warm.
She walked over and sat down opposite Yuan Heng, took the bowl and chopsticks handed to her by the servant, and asked calmly,
"I heard from A Yan that you want to return to Beijing first?"
Last night, Huo Yan and Yuan Heng had a long secret conversation in the study, and he told her the news after returning.
She frowned slightly, with some doubt in her eyes:
"We are going back to Beijing too, why not together?"
Yuan Heng's eyes flickered when he heard this. He lowered his head and fed Yuan Zhizhi in his arms a mouthful of food before he said slowly:
"My mother hasn't been feeling well lately. She asked me to go back and see her as soon as possible."
"She had written several letters before, but was delayed by the war and was unable to go..."
At this point, he raised his eyes and smiled at Yuan Zhao, his tone somewhat relaxed.
"My sister is carrying several children with her. It's better not to rush back. It's safer to walk slowly."
"I will return to the capital as soon as possible to check on my father's condition and reassure my sister."
His reasons were reasonable. Although Yuan Zhao still felt something was not right, he could not refute it.
The brother and sister sat together for a while, and then Yuan Heng stood up and said goodbye, saying that he had to go back to pack his bags and planned to set off in the evening.
He was in a hurry, and seemed anxious to leave and get the matter done as quickly as possible.
Yuan Zhao looked at his departing back, feeling somewhat uneasy, as if something was wrong.
She thought for a moment, and finally went to find Huo Yan.
"He took the tiger talisman with him." Huo Yan said directly when he saw her asking.
Yuan Zhao's heart suddenly shook, and his brows furrowed tightly. "What do you mean?"
Huo Yan lowered his eyes and took a sip of tea, his expression indifferent.
"It's your royal brother's idea."
Yuan Zhao was stunned.
Her mind raced, trying to make sense of the connections.
"You... have a plan, right?" She finally took a deep breath and asked in a deep voice.
Huo Yan looked up at her and nodded slowly, his eyes calm and without any worry.
Yuan Zhao finally felt relieved.
She knew very well that among the three of them, one was the prince, one was the general, and one was the prince.
They are no longer reckless young men. They hold great power and have the world in their hearts. Everything they plan must be carefully considered.
She doesn't need to get involved too much or worry about it.
only--
She suddenly thought of Emperor Xuan.
What role does my father play in this changing situation?
There is no use thinking too much.
What she is more worried about right now is Song Yunci who is about to give birth in Beijing.
She looked up at Huo Yan with a firm gaze.
"Let's pack up and return to Beijing as soon as possible!"
Huo Yan chuckled when he heard this, as if he had already expected her to make this decision.
He put down the teacup, his tone gentle,
"Okay, whatever you want."
…
Capital city, imperial palace, Linhua Palace.
Concubine Shu was sitting in the warm room, the light flickering and illuminating her delicately made-up face.
Her slender fingers slowly unfolded a secret letter sent from the northwest, her eyes wandering between the lines. As the content unfolded, a satisfied smile gradually appeared at the corners of her lips.
Seeing her cheerful expression, Zhao Ma, who was serving beside her, asked cautiously,
"My Lady, what did the Prince say in the letter?"
Concubine Shu did not answer in a hurry, her eyes fell on the last line of words on the letter.
Then she raised her wrist and threw the letter into the brazier in front of her. The flames instantly devoured the paper, adding a faint light to her eyes.
She spoke slowly, her voice filled with joy.
"Heng'er wrote to say that everything has been settled."
"He successfully gained the trust of Yuan Zhao and Huo Yan, obtained the tiger talisman, and has already set off for the capital."
When Zhao Ma heard this, she was immediately delighted and nodded repeatedly. She lowered her voice a bit and said excitedly,
"It seems the prince has really figured it out! Now, the outcome is decided!"
Concubine Shu smiled gently, with the corners of her eyes slightly raised, her charm still lingering.
She reached out and touched the heater cover on her wrist, looking at the blazing charcoal fire, her tone leisurely,
"Who in this world doesn't love power?"
"Sending Heng'er to the northwest is indeed a good experience, and it has given him a competitive spirit. This is my son, how can he be content with mediocrity?"
She leaned gently on the couch, her fingertips casually fiddling with the jade bracelet on her wrist, her eyes slightly darkened.
"That useless Huo Pingchang! He was told to get rid of Huo Yan, but he turned out to be such a complete failure!"
She looked at another secret report on the table and chuckled.
"But it's no wonder. Who would have thought that our General Huo... would actually cooperate with him?"
"Huo Pingchang's sacrifice can be regarded as an unexpected surprise for me."
Nanny Zhao lowered her eyes and listened. Although she didn't quite understand the meaning of these words, the Empress had been much happier since this secret report was delivered.
Concubine Shu turned around and asked,
"How are the preparations going ahead?"
Madam Zhao immediately bowed and said, "Don't worry, Your Majesty. Everything has been arranged according to plan. We will be able to take action as soon as the prince returns."
At this point, she paused, her expression showing a hint of hesitation, and then lowered her voice.
"However... Xiao Anzi from the Qinzheng Palace reported that the other half of the tiger talisman has not been found yet... I wonder if His Majesty had given it to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince before he fell into a coma?"
Hearing this, Concubine Shu frowned slightly, tapped the armrest with her fingertips, as if thinking, then slowly shook her head, her tone firm,
"No, that thing could only be in His Majesty's hands."
She raised her eyes slightly, a cold light flashed in her eyes.
"Let Xiao Anzi continue investigating. I'll think about where else His Majesty might have hidden it..."
Upon hearing this, Aunt Zhao immediately responded, "Yes, Your Majesty."
However, Concubine Shu did not show too much worry, her expression remained calm, and she slowly stroked the gold and jade ring on her finger.
"Heng'er already has half of the Tiger Talisman in his hand. Our chances of winning are already 70%."
"Even though Yuan Cheng has the title of Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace, he has no soldiers and is ultimately just a trapped beast. How can he compete with my Heng'er?"
She scoffed softly, her tone tinged with disdain and her eyes full of calculation.
Madam Zhao then said, "Your Majesty is absolutely right. The Crown Prince is but an empty title. If the prince were to take control of the military, and His Majesty is still unconscious, the court officials would surely change sides."
Concubine Shu nodded slightly, then asked again,
"When will the birth take place in the East Palace?"
"It just so happens that the due date is right around the end of the year. Your Majesty, don't worry. The Eastern Palace has already made all the arrangements. They have arranged for the best midwives and palace maids."
"Very good..." Concubine Shu's eyes flashed slightly, her tone was long, she gently gathered her sleeves, and a deep meaning appeared in her eyes.
"I will make sure Yuancheng has an unforgettable New Year!"
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