Chapter 115 Chapter 115 It seems that they brought back a man...
A group of civil servants, along with their families, fled in a hurry to a side hall to avoid the war.
This place is relatively safe, and most of the people inside are male relatives. Officials such as Xie Qingyan are not convenient to enter, so they just wait outside the hall.
Xie Qingyan watched as a man in a veiled hat suddenly appeared on horseback and rescued Ji Xun. Although she didn't recognize him, she knew he was trustworthy from the way Ji Xun gripped her hand. However, she was bewildered when she saw the Northern Army soldiers, who had always obeyed Xie Tingyu's orders, following closely behind him.
Who is this man and why is he able to command the Xie family soldiers?
As I was pondering this, I heard the man shout, "Stay here and don't let any criminals in."
Zhang Yan immediately bowed in response and waved his hand to signal his personal soldiers of the Xie family to form a battle array and wait.
Ji Lian, holding Ji Xun's hand, had just crossed the threshold when they heard a commotion within the palace. A maidservant in the harem was sobbing softly, while someone else harshly accused Yuan Fuxue, "You, the Yuan clan of Runan, are truly desperate for chaos. How dare you attempt to purge the emperor's court in public!"
Yuan Fuxue lowered his eyes and said nothing.
Another person spoke up, "Mr. Yuan, the Runan Yuan family is at the height of their power in Jiankang. They could have enjoyed their honor and respect, but why stir up such a turmoil? I believe that Lady Xie is truly dedicated to the people. We have all witnessed her achievements in government. Why has she incurred such resentment from you, the Yuan family? By leading the rebellion now, aren't you only destroying your own family and plunging the world into turmoil?"
"Shut up."
A cold voice suddenly sounded, interrupting the argument in the hall.
Xie Helan stepped in front of Yuan Fuxue. "Mr. Yuan is just a medical officer, dedicated to serving the imperial court. How could he possibly have glimpsed the secrets of the imperial court? Furthermore, to discuss such an important matter, do they really need to beat drums and gongs to announce it to the world?"
The man was suddenly speechless and only said, "Your Excellency is right." He dared not say anything more.
“Daddy!”
Ji Xun ran towards Xie Helan, hugged him, and then reached out to hold Yuan Fuxue's hand, "That man was just angry and said things without thinking. Don't take it to heart."
Yuan Fuxue said, "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I won't take anything I haven't done to heart."
"Who is this?"
Xie Helan looked in surprise at the man in the veil who was walking towards him. When he lifted the veil to reveal a corner of his face, he couldn't help but exclaim, "Lian Lang, why are you here?" Surprised and delighted, he took Ji Lian's hand and asked, "How did you escape from Bei Qin?"
Ji Lianhui held his hand and whispered, "It was Xie Tingyu who went to Pengcheng and rescued me from the Northern Qin people."
After saying that, he looked up at Yuan Fuxue, "She told me that it was you who sent the letter. Thank you very much."
Yuan Fuxue's eyes flickered slightly, and he looked Ji Lian up and down, saying meaningfully, "It seems that this letter of mine has given you the upper hand."
These words made Ji Lian's ears red, and she couldn't help but lower her eyes to stare at her shoes.
Xie Helan asked with concern, "But if they wanted to take you back, why are the Northern Qin envoys so silent now?"
Ji Lian shook his head to indicate that he didn't know and turned to look outside the hall.
That direction is exactly where the Qilin Hall is.
He said, "I was able to arrive in Jiankang today thanks to Yuan Lang's message. I'm relieved to see that you're all safe and sound. But... Xie Tingyu is still out there quelling the unrest. I can't just sit here and wait. I need to go find her."
Ji Xun hurriedly grabbed his sleeve and said, "Uncle, why do you have to take such a risk yourself? Master is a martial arts expert and will definitely be able to overcome this danger."
A hint of determination flashed across Ji Lian's eyes, and she said in a resounding voice, "Even though I know she is an exceptional martial artist, I can't feel at ease as long as she is in danger. I will stay by her side, no matter what she has to face."
With that, he turned and left. A breeze blew through the hall, ruffling the veil on his hood, making his back look both resolute and lonely.
"I'm going too."
Yuan Fuxue quickly caught up and walked side by side with Ji Lian.
The area in front of Qilin Palace was in a mess, with corpses scattered everywhere.
The strewn ground was a horrifying sight, and a river of crimson blood snaked across the ground like a venomous snake seeking its prey. Many of the nobles involved in the abdication movement had assumed that a joint petition, coercing the emperor to sign his abdication, would suffice. They had never imagined that this would involve violence and bloodshed.
They had lived in peace and comfort for too long, and suddenly seeing such a bloody scene made them feel a little uncomfortable, not to mention that they were asked to go forward in person?
Some timid nobles had already fled in panic, hiding in some bushes somewhere, trembling in fear.
When Yuan Wangshu rushed to Qilin Hall, he was shocked.
The Jinwu Guards who were protecting Ji Zhao were fighting with the soldiers under Yuan Zhaoyun, with blood and flesh flying everywhere amid the flashing swords and shadows.
She never expected that her mother was present at the scene who instigated today's incident.
Though Yuan Zhaoyun hadn't fought in a long time, the skills she'd honed in the military remained, allowing her to easily repel the enemy with every move. As she pulled her sword from an enemy soldier's throat, warm blood splattered on her cheek. She dodged the sudden attack and deftly kicked the attacker away. Turning around, she met the pale-faced Yuan Wangshu, who stood stunned to the side.
She was also stunned.
But it was only a short breath before she shouted loudly: "Why don't you come to support us quickly?"
Since ancient times, it has been difficult to be both loyal and righteous.
Yuan Wangshu's hand trembled slightly as she gripped the knife. She had never considered rebelling against the imperial family, but she had never anticipated going to war with her mother. If she aided her mother, she would be betraying the righteousness of her subjects and would be condemned to universal condemnation. But if she defended the imperial family, she would be putting her own mother to death.
"What are you waiting for?" Another loud shout.
This is too difficult! How should she choose?
No wonder her mother's letter only mentioned her husband's pregnancy, and warned her not to rush into quick success while she was away. It turned out to be a deliberate attempt to keep her out of this predicament!
Gritting her teeth, Yuan Wangshu suddenly raised her sword and lunged forward. Almost blindly, she charged forward, kicking away the soldier who had swerved to attack Yuan Zhaoyun. Then, with a backhanded swipe, her sword flashed with a cold gleam, piercing the abdomen of another soldier who was striking with a short blade. Hot blood splattered on her cheek, burning her heart and making her tremble.
She couldn't do it! She really couldn't do it!
When she opened her eyes again, she saw another man rushing towards Ji Zhao with a sword in hand. She almost subconsciously flew forward, kicked the enemy away, then turned the sword horizontally and stabbed it straight into his shoulder, allowing Ji Zhao to avoid the fatal blow.
Yuan Zhaoyun was incredulous and shouted, "What are you doing? You belong to the Runan Yuan family. Why did you save me first and then go to save the royal family? You are truly... disobedient and disloyal!"
Suddenly, a thunderous sound of horse hooves broke through the air.
One rider led the way. The rider leaned forward swiftly, drew three arrows from his quiver, and drew his bow. Three sharp cries pierced the wind, and the arrows, like meteors, pierced the chests of the three sword-wielding warriors with pinpoint accuracy, sending blood splattering everywhere.
"You have been deceived into participating in this rebellion to purge the imperial court. If you still resist," Xie Tingyu shouted, shaking the whole field, "you will be executed immediately! If you surrender now, you may still save your lives!"
Before she finished her words, she had already dismounted, her sword drawn from her waist, and charged into the battle array like a tiger. Behind her, Xie's personal guards followed closely behind, and the sound of killing shook the sky.
Each of her moves was extremely sharp, like chopping melons and vegetables, and she killed five people in a row in an instant.
Everyone present had long heard of Xie Tingyu's martial prowess. After hearing her warning and witnessing the sudden reversal of the tide, with the rebels in retreat, some immediately dropped their weapons, knelt on the ground, trembling, hoping for a glimmer of hope.
And those nobles who were hiding behind the bushes were also pulled out one by one by Xie's personal soldiers, and were dragged on the ground by the collars like chickens.
The situation has completely reversed at this point.
All the nobles who participated in the purge were tied up, including Li Shanchang and Yuan Zhaoyun.
Her hair was disheveled, her face was bloodstained, and she was still bleeding from multiple wounds. She looked up at Xie Tingyu, a look of surprise and doubt. Why had this man suddenly appeared in Jiankang?
Xie Tingyu sheathed his sword and bowed to Ji Zhao, saying, "Your Majesty, all the traitors have been executed."
"Good! Good! Good!"
Ji Zhao was not much better.
She had been stabbed several times, her bright yellow robe stained darkly with blood. The deepest wound was near her heart, and another dagger was still lodged in her upper arm. She covered the wound with one hand, staring at Yuan Zhaoyun with a ferocious expression, her eyes red, and hissed, "Quickly kill this traitor right here..."
Before he finished, Ji Zhao's eyes went dark and he fell backwards, losing consciousness.
"His Majesty!"
"Someone come! Someone come! Someone come!"
"Your Majesty has fainted!"
Xie Tingyu just glanced at Ji Zhao indifferently, without any panic or confusion on his face.
She raised her hand calmly and signaled the soldiers to carry the emperor away for treatment. She turned around and ordered her personal guards to invite Xie Qingyan and other officials to come and deal with the aftermath.
She had such a nonchalant attitude, as if this matter concerning the emperor's life and death was nothing more than an ordinary matter in her eyes.
Ji Lian and Yuan Fuxue, who had rushed to the scene, quietly hid behind an old tree and watched. Seeing Xie Tingyu safe and sound, they couldn't help but smile. However, Yuan Fuxue's joy was compounded by the sight of Yuan Zhaoyun, her hands tied behind her back and in a state of disgrace, and a wave of sadness welled up in his heart.
After this matter was resolved, Yuan Zhaoyun would likely face the death penalty. And for today's situation, he, Yuan Fuxue, certainly bore unshirkable responsibility.
But……
Yuan Fuxue gently stroked the tree trunk with his bare hands, a flicker in his eyes. He didn't think he had done anything wrong. This matter should never have been possible, nor should it have been. He silently walked over to Yuan Wangshu and whispered, "Sister..."
Yuan Wangshu turned his head and looked at Yuan Fuxue in despair. His lips moved a few times and he simply asked, "You called me back specially, but did you know what happened today?"
Yuan Fuxue shook his head, "I just... had a hunch."
Yuan Wangshu pulled the corner of his mouth and revealed a bitter smile, "I didn't help my mother immediately."
Yuan Fuxue looked at the nobles being escorted away by the Jinwu Guards and said softly, "No matter who does this, they'll be extremely hesitant." He turned to Yuan Wangshu and said, "Let's go back first. There are so many people involved in this case, I don't think they'll be convicted so quickly."
At this time, Xie Qingyan and others had already rushed to the scene. Ji Zhao had been hurriedly carried to the nearest Huagai Palace. The entire Imperial Medical Bureau, having received the imperial order, was dispatched, and doctors, carrying medicine boxes, rushed to treat him.
"General Huan, please quickly order Captain Zheying to immediately dispatch the Jinwu Guards to strengthen security within the palace and conduct a thorough inspection of the safety of each hall."
Xie Qingyan gave the order in a deep voice, then turned to the other side, "Quickly send a message to the Chief Steward, and have him lead the men to clean up the mess in Qilin Hall and other places."
She assigned the tasks solemnly, and then sent people to the side hall to escort the frightened family members out of the palace and back home.
Xie Tingyu did not leave, but stood quietly by and waited for orders. After receiving the order, he immediately led his men to carefully search the Qilin Hall and the nearby palaces to ensure that no thieves had escaped.
The sky gradually darkened. After Xie Qingyan handed over all the palace affairs to the palace maids, he turned around to leave, but saw the young man wearing a veil hat following Xie Tingyu closely. The two of them walked away together.
Ji Lian looked up at the plaque hanging above the garden gate, and her heart tightened. She asked hesitantly, "Why... are you taking me directly back to Xie Garden?"
Xie Tingyu pulled the reins and looked back at him, "If I don't bring you back here, where else can I go?"
She swiftly turned over and dismounted, reaching out to hold Ji Lian's waist firmly and helping him get off the horse: "I am also worried about leaving you outside."
At this moment, Wei Fenghua led his men hurried over. When he saw Xie Tingyu, his eyes lit up, "Madam, why did you rush back from outside?" Then he saw the man in the veil holding hands with Xie Tingyu, and his pupils were shocked, "Who... who is this person?"
Xie Tingyu grabbed the hand that was about to withdraw, and smiled: "I will tell my mother in detail when she comes back."
In less than two quarters of an hour, a carriage stopped outside the gate of Xie Garden, and Xie Qingyan slowly got out of the carriage.
Wei Fenghua stepped forward and bowed. Before she could speak, Xie Qingyan waved his hand and said, "Go and invite Tingyu and the young man she brought back."
"yes."
Xie Qingyan returned to the main courtyard. Lord Xie, who had been waiting for her for a long time, came forward and carefully helped her take off her official uniform. "Not long after you arrived at the banquet, you heard the sound of many troops galloping on the official road. I wonder what big event has happened in the palace."
When Xie Qingyan recounted the story of the nobles forcing the emperor to abdicate, Lord Xie was astonished. He carefully examined her body and said, "Thank goodness you weren't hurt."
"The resolution of today's matter depends on Tingyu."
"Tingyu?"
Lord Xie paused as he was tying his belt and asked happily, "When did she get back from outside?"
"I don't know." Xie Qingyan held Master Xie's hand and took a deep breath. "There's something I need to tell you. When she returned to the capital this time, it seems she brought back a man."
"who?"
"I don't know."
Xie Qingyan and Xie Zhujun sat together at the table.
Lord Xie pushed the teacup to Xie Qingyan's hand and said softly, "Perhaps you met a man of your dreams during this journey."
Xie Qingyan frowned, "He must not be from an aristocratic family. If so, why would he so easily follow her to Jiankang? Would his family elders agree? He seems to be an ordinary boy."
Before he finished speaking, the door opened slightly. The sound of wooden clogs could be heard, and two figures leaning against each other were reflected on the wide mica screen. From far away, they slowly approached and landed on the corner of the desk.
Xie Qingyan had just picked up the teacup, but when she saw the person coming, her grip suddenly loosened. The tea spilled onto the table, soaking her front.
"Your Highness the Emperor?!"
Xie Qingyan rarely cried out in surprise, his eyes slowly moving from Ji Lian's blushing face to the two people's tightly clasped hands.
“You, you…”
Xie Qingyan, who had become famous at the age of sixteen at the Qingtan Society, felt his tongue stiffen at this moment. After a long while, he managed to utter a sentence with difficulty: "This...you, what do you mean by this?"
"Tingyu, why are you so…"
Xie Qingyan stared at the two people's interlocked hands again.
She was so shocked that she was really speechless this time.
The chaos of the forced abdication at the palace banquet just now had already made her feel confused. Now seeing Ji Lian, who was supposed to be the husband of a prince in Northern Qin, appear here, her mind was even more confused.
"Tingyu, you wouldn't..."
A terrible thought suddenly came to my mind.
Xie Qingyan said with difficulty: "You didn't kidnap him from Beiqin, did you?"
"Mother, no."
Xie Tingyu pulled the bewildered Ji Lian to sit across from Xie Qingyan and said sternly, "I intercepted them before they left the country."
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The author has something to say: At this moment, nothing could be more devastating than Xiao Xie saying, "Yes, Lianlian and I have a child" (just kidding, no, if it was a pregnancy, that would be a side story).
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Give me 2500 favorites.
real.
The child thinks about it day and night, and really wants to collect 2500 (woohoo, why is it so difficult for my collection to increase? I'm sorry, my writing is too ugly)
Thank you, this second book, for giving me a completely new understanding of “uncomfortable themes” and “uncomfortable frequency”. Thank you.
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