Chapter 57: Freedom Miss Shen, do you want to stay?
Shen Zhiwei's fingers were very cold, and they pressed lightly on Xiao Wangqing's furrowed brows.
She had just recovered from a long illness, and her limbs were still weak, but that little bit of force made his whole body stiff.
Xiao Wangqing subconsciously wanted to step back, but his body stayed where it was against his will, even leaning forward slightly.
He really wanted to feel the cool touch for a moment, so he instinctively turned his head a little bit, and glanced at Shen Zhiwei from the corner of his eyes from time to time. If Miss Shen did not show any disgust on her face, he would move his head a little bit more.
In reality, Shen Zhiwei was merely watching him frown in a daze, and subconsciously raised her hand to smooth out the wrinkles. She wanted to withdraw her hand, but instead of dodging, he tilted his head slightly, bringing his brow closer to her fingertips, his long eyelashes drooping, as if letting her have her way.
This reaction surprised Shen Zhiwei, and his fingertips lingered a little longer. The lights in the tent were dim, casting a soft glow on his angular face.
Like a large dog being caressed by its owner, it would lose all its fierceness in front of her, but would bare its fangs at others the next moment.
Like in the previous life.
She sighed softly, rubbed the tightly twisted knot with her fingertips, slid down along the curve of his brow bone, brushed across the side of his tall nose, and finally stopped near the corner of his tense lips, lightly touching it.
Then she saw the Third Prince, who was so decisive and ruthless on the battlefield, now froze like a student who was caught by his teacher. His eyes, which were always dark, slowly lifted up and met her gaze.
"Your Highness always frowns," Shen Zhiwei felt uncomfortable being looked at by him. She slowly withdrew her hand, the warmth of his skin remaining on her fingertips, much warmer than she had imagined. "The wind and sand in the northern border are strong, and wrinkles easily form."
Xiao Wangqing was stunned for a moment, raised his hand and touched his brow, looking a little depressed, and his voice was muffled: "I'm used to it."
The halo of the oil lamp swayed between the two people, lengthening and shortening their shadows.
Shen Zhiwei leaned back on the soft pillow, still feeling weak, but in better spirits. She looked around the military tent. It was simply furnished with a bed, a desk, a few chairs, and a weapons rack in the corner with bows and swords hanging on it.
There were files and maps piled on the desk, along with all the necessary writing materials, ink, paper, and inkstone. It was no different from the general's tent she remembered seeing in the northern border, except that it was tidier and a bit bigger.
"Have military affairs been going smoothly recently?" she found a topic to talk about.
"Fair enough," Xiao Wangqing replied briefly. He stood up and walked to the desk, picked up the top document, and walked back to the bedside to hand it to her. "The winter defenses for Liangzhou have been arranged, and the military garrisons have distributed their winter rations. This is yesterday's military report. Miss Shen, would you like to take a look?"
His movements in handing over the documents were natural, as if she was still Lord Shen who discussed political affairs with him in the tent.
But she really didn't change anything, so Shen Zhiwei took the document with peace of mind. The paper was rough, and the ink was the low-quality pine soot ink commonly used in the army. The handwriting carried an indelible murderous aura.
She flipped open the letter and took a look. It contained a plan for dealing with the conflict between several small border tribes and local herders caused by the snowstorm and their migration southward. The reply, written in Xiao Wangqing's handwriting, was sharp and decisive, approving the temporary agreement proposed by the generals to exchange grain for land. It also allocated some military rations for relief, primarily to appease the people and prevent escalation of the conflict.
He handled the situation prudently and humanely, unlike his cold and hard appearance.
"General, you handled it well," she closed the document and handed it back to him. "In a year of snowstorms, appeasement is the best policy. However, we must be careful about allocating military rations, so as not to affect the soldiers' winter survival."
"Yes, I have ordered the quartermaster to carefully calculate and leave enough margin." Xiao Wangqing took the document and put it back where it belonged. He looked at her again and said, "Miss Shen has just woken up. It's not appropriate to overwork her. You don't need to worry about these trivial matters."
Shen Zhi smiled and said, "I've been lying down for three days, and my bones are stiff. Reading the documents actually makes me feel more awake."
Xiao Wangqing didn't insist any longer. He turned around and picked up the copper kettle that had been warmed on the small stove in the corner. He poured her half a cup of hot water, scooped a spoonful of honey from a porcelain jar, stirred it in, and handed it to her.
"There's no good tea in the army, so I'll just have honey water to moisten my throat."
Shen Zhiwei raised her eyebrows slightly. She remembered that Xiao Wangqing wasn't the kind of person who would be so meticulous as to prepare such things. She took the ceramic cup, and the sweet aroma of honey mixed with the steam wafted into the air. She took a sip, and the sweetness was just right, and the warmth spread from her throat all the way to her stomach.
"Thank you, Your Highness." Miss Shen took a sip from her cup. The tent fell silent again, but the atmosphere was much more relaxed than before. Xiao Wangqing sat back on the stool, no longer looking at her, but not leaving either. His thick eyelashes drooped, and it was unclear what he was thinking.
Shen Zhiwei leaned against the soft pillow, slowly drinking honey water. Her body gradually warmed up, and fatigue surged over her again, and her eyelids felt a little heavy. She forced herself to stay awake, not wanting to fall asleep again just after waking up.
"Your Highness, what are your plans for the future?" she asked, her voice filled with weariness.
Xiao Wangqing raised his eyes upon hearing the voice, and after careful consideration, he replied, "Stationed in the northern border to protect the territory and the people."
His answer was clear and concise, which was his usual style.
"Then...what about me?" Shen Zhiwei raised his hand and scratched his cheek, feeling a bit like a poor relative who came to ask for money during the New Year. "What is my current...status?"
Xiao Wangqing frowned and said, "Of course he is a guest official of the Northern Frontier Army and my teacher. Everyone in the camp knows this."
"I know, but Your Highness, aren't you afraid of causing controversy? After all..." She pointed at herself, "This isn't like the first time. I'm from the capital, and I have close ties with the palace."
Xiao Wangqing's expression remained unchanged. "In the Northern Frontier Army, only military merit and talent are respected. As for what happens in the capital, it has nothing to do with this place."
Shen Zhiwei felt relieved, knowing that what he said was the truth. The emperor was far away, and in this land built by military merit and iron blood, the deterrent power of imperial power was indeed much weaker.
She nodded and didn't ask any more questions. With her identity confirmed, she couldn't resist the heavy sleepiness any longer and her eyelids drooped shut.
"If you're tired, just sleep a little longer." Xiao Wangqing stood up and tucked the quilt in for her. "The military doctor said you need to rest."
Shen Zhiwei hummed and closed her eyes. She could feel that he did not leave immediately, but stood by the bed for a while before turning around and walking out of the tent with very light footsteps.
The door curtain was lifted, bringing in a hint of cold air, but it was quickly closed, leaving only warmth in the tent.
She lay alone in the dark, listening to the footsteps of the patrolling soldiers outside the tent, and her mood gradually calmed down.
Free.
Although it was done in such a decisive way, and although the future was still unknown, at least she did not regret leaving there.
The next morning, Shen Zhiwei was awakened by the sound of drills coming from outside the tent. The low blast of the horn and the shouts of the soldiers penetrated the thick felt tent, pulling her out of her deep sleep.
She opened her eyes. The tent was dimly lit, with only a few faint rays of morning light filtering through the skylight. The fur covering her was thick and warm, dispelling the early morning chill of the northern border.
Miss Shen tried to move her limbs. Although she was still weak and sore, she felt much better than yesterday. At least she could support herself on the bed and slowly sit up.
The room was silent, save for the gentle gurgling of a copper kettle on a small stove in the corner, creating a haze of steam. The ceramic bowl and wooden spoon she had used yesterday had been put away, and the desk was neatly tidied.
The curtain was gently lifted, and a female soldier in cotton armor came in with hot water. Seeing that she had stood up, she put down the food tray and saluted neatly: "Master Shen is awake. The general has instructed that if you wake up, you should wash up with some hot water first. Breakfast will be served immediately."
"Thank you." Shen Zhiwei nodded and moved over to wash up. The water was just the right temperature. She applied the hot towel to her face and felt much more refreshed. Breakfast consisted of a simple flatbread, broth, and a small dish of pickled vegetables. It was a stark contrast to the elaborate meals of the palace, yet she ate it with greater relish than usual.
After breakfast, her legs were still a little weak. When she stood up, her vision went dark. She stood for a while, holding the edge of the table, before slowly moving to the desk. She picked up a proposal on border trade and read it. The ideas were clear and the measures were appropriate, but the handwriting was more melancholy and paused than she remembered.
Not long after, the curtain was lifted again, and Xiao Wangqing walked in. He was wearing armor, his black hair tied back with a simple leather rope. His face looked better than last night, but fatigue was still evident in his eyes.
"Miss Shen is awake?" He saw Shen Zhiwei sitting at the desk and paused. "The military doctor said she needs to rest for a few days."
"I'm much better now," Shen Zhiwei put down the scroll in his hand and smiled at him, "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness."
Xiao Wangqing walked to the desk and his eyes fell on the note she had just read.
"Miss Shen, what are your thoughts on the trade?" He lowered his head and looked at her and asked.
Shen Zhiwei tapped the proposal with his fingertips. "Your Highness has approved it appropriately. In years of snowstorms, bartering grain can not only alleviate the tribe's immediate needs, but also ease tensions on the border, killing two birds with one stone. However, we must be careful of people taking advantage of the opportunity to hoard goods or pass off inferior goods as good ones. We must assign capable personnel to supervise."
"Yes, Qin Huaiyu has been assigned to take charge of this matter," Xiao Wangqing nodded, took out a wax-sealed letter from his bosom, and placed it on the table, "A secret report from the capital."
There was a dragon mark on the sealing wax, which was used exclusively by the royal family. She was startled and did not take it immediately. She just looked up at Xiao Wangqing.
"The imperial edict states that on the day of the Autumn Sacrifice, Your Majesty suffered a sudden illness and was on the verge of death. Fortunately... the Empress risked her life to protect him, offering her own blessings to pray for Your Majesty. This moved heaven and earth, and Your Majesty was saved. However, the Empress was unlucky and ultimately passed away," Xiao Wangqing explained slowly, looking at her. His voice remained even, yet his speech was slow. "Your Majesty, in gratitude for her kindness, posthumously conferred the title of Empress, bestowed upon her the title Yuanjing, and buried her with the rites worthy of an Empress. He also ordered the suspension of court for three days, and the entire nation mourned."
Empress Yuanjing was buried in the imperial mausoleum.
The corners of Shen Zhiwei's mouth twitched slightly.
Xiao Lingjun knew everything. He knew about the trickery in the wine, about how she faked her death to escape. But instead of being furious, he fabricated a story... one that would preserve both her honor and his.
With his imperial dignity, he paved the most glorious path home for this renegade court lady. From then on, in the history books, Shen Zhiwei was no longer the daughter of a criminal who disappeared inexplicably, but the daughter of a loyal hero who sacrificed her life for the emperor, and the Empress Yuan Jing who had made great contributions in saving the emperor.
He completely wiped her out of this world, but with the most solemn ceremony, he kept her name by his side and in the history of the royal family.
Not sleeping in the same bed in life, but sharing the same bed in death?
He didn't even leave her any room for criticism.
Who could question a queen who died saving the emperor? Who dared to question it?
From then on, there was no more Shen Zhiwei in the world, only the late Empress Yuan Jing.
Okay.
Completely cut off the thought and eliminate the future troubles.
"Also," Xiao Wangqing paused and continued, his voice interrupting her thoughts, "Your Majesty has promoted Miss Shen Er to the rank of Princess Guardian of the Nation, giving her double her salary, a princess's residence, and permission to participate in government affairs."
Shen Zhiwei raised his head suddenly.
Princess Guardian of the Nation? Participating in politics? This honor far exceeded the norms for ordinary princesses, practically elevating An Yu to an extremely high position. He was...
"An Yu..." Shen Zhiwei's voice was a little dry, "Is she okay?"
"On the day the imperial edict was issued, Her Royal Highness the Princess entered Qingliang Palace and held a confidential conversation with His Majesty for nearly an hour," Xiao Wangqing said, closing the military report. "When she emerged, she appeared calm and accepted the imperial edict. She has now moved into the newly granted Princess's Residence and lives in seclusion."
commune.
Shen Zhiwei could imagine what An Yu would say, how she would question, get angry, and even... threaten. And Xiao Lingjun actually accepted it and gave her such honor.
That's not like him.
Unless he really lets go.
Burying her in the imperial mausoleum in this way gave An Yu supreme status and protection, completely ending all speculation and rumors from the outside world, and also eliminating the possibility of her returning.
Shen Zhiwei slowly sat down while holding onto the table, exhaled, and felt a mixture of emotions in his heart.
This may be the best ending.
"Is he...well now?"
Xiao Wangqing glanced at her and said, "The Imperial Medical Bureau said that Your Majesty still needs to rest, but he is fine. The cabinet will handle state affairs for the time being, and major matters will require Your Majesty's decision."
That's okay, Shen Zhiwei nodded and said nothing more.
"Miss Chen, do you want to stay?" Xiao Wangqing suddenly asked.
Shen Zhiwei was startled by the question and looked up at Xiao Wangqing.
She is now a dead person. She is the Empress Yuan Jing who sacrificed her life for the emperor in history books. She is a woman of unknown origin in the northern border military camp, respected as a teacher by the commander-in-chief.
She lowered her eyelashes, her fingertips stroking the rough edge of the paper. After a moment's silence, she slowly spoke, "...I haven't made up my mind yet. Now that I'm in this state, I'm really bothering Your Highness."
"It's not a bother," Xiao Wangqing answered simply, turning to the stove and picking up the copper kettle to pour her tea. "Although the northern border is bitterly cold, it's also comfortable. Since Miss Shen is here, please feel free to stay. The soldiers in the army respect your talent and knowledge, and no one will treat you with disrespect."
He handed the cup to her, looked at her still pale face, and spoke as softly as possible: "Taking good care of yourself is the most important thing. We can discuss other matters later."
The words were spoken cautiously, giving her a place to stay while leaving enough room for her to maneuver, so that she wouldn't feel she was being given a handout or constrained. Shen Zhiwei took the cup of water, the warm touch spreading from her palm, she lowered her head to take a sip, and responded softly.
"Your Highness is busy with military duties and does not need to stay with me all the time. I am fine now and can take care of myself."
Xiao Wangqing nodded and said nothing more, "There are personal soldiers on duty outside the tent. If you need anything, just tell them. I'll come back later."
After saying that, he turned and strode away, taking her unopened letter with him.
Shen Zhiwei sat alone in the tent, holding the cup of hot water, staring in a daze at the direction he left.
Queen Yuan Jing.
She chewed the title gently.
That's it.
That's fine.
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Author's Note: [Letters Xiao Shen Has Not Yet Seen]
Dear Zhiwei:
Seeing your letter is like meeting you in person.
This winter in the capital is particularly cold. Outside the palace, the snow is knee-deep, and my breath turns to frost. I sat alone in the Qingliang Palace, reviewing memorials until midnight. When the palace maids added more charcoal, I vaguely saw you still sitting on the couch by the window, reading by the light of the lamp. At my voice, you looked up, your brows warm. But the candlelight flickered, and the couch was empty.
The historian has carefully recorded Empress Yuanjing's deeds. Your meritorious service in saving the emperor and your reputation for virtue will live on forever. An Yu will be promoted to Princess Chang, enjoying double her salary, a residence, and the right to participate in government affairs. I will treat her like a sister and ensure her a life of honor and security. All that concerns you, I have already taken care of.
The northern border is bitterly cold, with biting sandstorms. I have ordered some cold-weather supplies and common medicinal herbs to be prepared and sent to my third brother with this letter, who will deliver them.
I've been so busy with court duties lately that I've caught a cold and have been coughing and wheezing at night. The Imperial Physician's Office sends me herbal medicines daily, but they're unbearable. If you were here, you'd surely frown again. Thinking of this, I find the medicines aren't so difficult to swallow.
Ah Wei, I know you yearn for the mountains and forests and don't like the constraints of the palace. However, without you by my side, this vast land of rivers and mountains
Don't worry about the affairs in the capital, don't worry about me. The country is the most important, I know how to handle it.
Take care of yourself.
Lingjun's handwriting
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