Xiao Jinghan rode his horse, galloping towards the northern plateau with Luo Lingyue sitting behind him. Suddenly, the sound of horse hooves resounded through the sky, and a group of majestic guards dressed in brocade rushed over like a whirlwind.
The well-trained guards quickly dispersed, blocking their path. The leading guard saluted and shouted, "Prince Xiao! His Majesty has decreed that Prince Xiao return to the capital immediately!"
Hearing this, Xiao Jinghan reluctantly tightened the reins, stopped his horse, turned around and followed the group of guards back to the capital.
Luo Lingyue's face was filled with suspicion, and she couldn't help but ask, "Why did His Majesty ask you to go back?"
Xiao Jinghan's face was calm, and he simply replied, "Maybe it's because someone from Nanyi has come." There was an imperceptible worry in his voice, but he quickly concealed it.
Luo Lingyue's heart sank. She knew that Nanyi had always been an important border area. Now that Emperor Wen urgently summoned Xiao Jinghan back to the capital, it must be a serious matter.
Luo Lingyue frowned slightly, then raised her eyebrows slightly, and asked with a puzzled look on her face, "Are we just going to give up on the Northern Plateau? Are we not going to continue exploring?"
Xiao Jinghan shook his head helplessly and responded with a sigh: "Judging from the current situation, King Qin is powerful enough to ensure Nanzhi's safety. After she has had enough fun, she will surely return to her secluded place on her own. There is no need to worry too much." His voice was low and firm, and he seemed quite confident in this judgment.
On the way back to the capital, a well-equipped and imposing imperial guard closely accompanied them, ensuring a safe and smooth journey. As soon as Xiao Jinghan and Luo Lingyue entered the city gate, they were drawn to the noisy and bustling sounds within. As they approached, they discovered that the surrounding people were enthusiastically discussing the Yuewu delegation.
"Have you heard? Our people have been truly terrible these past few months. They've actually been colluding with rats!"
"Yes, I also heard that Princess Yuewu is actually the reincarnation of a rat spirit! If she were to marry into our Dazhao royal family, wouldn't it bring disaster to our country?"
"Alas, I don't know what the emperor was thinking. He actually let the Yuewu envoys into the city. Now we've let the wolf into the house!"
"Who said it wasn't? I thought it was just an ordinary diplomatic visit, but I didn't expect it to be a group of evil spirits! It seems I have to be more careful next time..."
Everyone was talking at once, their voices filled with fear and disgust towards the Yuewu envoys. Xiao Jinghan and Luo Lingyue exchanged glances, secretly surprised. They had never imagined the Yuewu envoys would cause such a stir, let alone the people associating them with rats.
Upon hearing this news, the Third Prince flew into a rage and asked, "Who on earth is so bold as to spread such rumors? Could it be... the Crown Prince?"
The staff beside him quickly echoed, "Your Highness, calm down! Ever since the Yuewu delegation entered the city, the rats in the city have gone crazy, swarming towards the delegation. Adding the rats that were already in the city, I'm afraid there are tens of thousands of them!"
The Third Prince couldn't help but frown and asked in confusion, "How could such a strange thing happen?"
The staff member stepped forward and replied in a low voice, "According to reports from our spies, this unusual phenomenon first appeared when the Grand Princess appeared at Huang Zhirui's residence!"
Upon hearing this, the Third Prince gnashed his teeth and cursed, "Great! It's Chu Chengli again! I already knew that Huang Zhirui was his lackey! This time, they will pay the price!"
After much hesitation, the aide finally mustered the courage to speak: "Your Highness, please reconsider! Princess Yuewu has been gaining a terrible reputation this month. The people are gossiping and criticizing her. If Your Highness were to marry her, it would tarnish your noble image! In my humble opinion, why don't you consider another candidate? For example, the daughter of a brave and skilled military commander. This would both enhance your prestige and solidify your position!"
However, the Third Prince glared at his advisors fiercely and said firmly, "What do you know? This deal with Yue Wu is crucial. As long as we can help the eldest princess stay in the capital, then all the secret agents Yue Wu has planted in the capital will be under my control! Marrying Hu Yanzhuozhuo is just a matter of power. When I achieve something earth-shattering in the future, getting rid of her will be a piece of cake! So don't worry about these details now, the overall situation is the most important!"
Xiao Jinghan and Luo Lingyue followed the imperial guards without hesitation and stepped into the magnificent and solemn gate of the imperial palace.
Passing through layers of magnificent palaces and pavilions, they finally arrived at the Yihuan Palace where Emperor Wen resided. After entering the palace, the two men respectfully bowed to Emperor Wen and Concubine An.
Emperor Wen looked at them with a broad smile and said, "There's no need to worry too much about Princess Nanzhi. I'm confident Chengjin will take good care of her. I summoned you today for another reason—Luo Xiaoqi's coming-of-age ceremony will be next month. The Imperial Astronomical Observatory has carefully selected an ideal date: the eighth day of the tenth month. It's an auspicious date, perfect for a wedding!"
Emperor Wen's words were filled with joy, but Xiao Jinghan and Luo Lingyue looked at each other in surprise and confusion. However, facing the emperor's decree, they could only bow their heads in gratitude and express their obedience to the emperor's command.
Luo Lingyue's eyes widened in shock, but she quickly lowered her head to conceal her inner shock. In this world, she was a lonely and helpless person. Ever since she was sent to the orphanage, the director had celebrated each child's admission as their birthday.
However, Luo Lingyue was filled with doubts. In this new world, she had no idea when the original owner was born. After much contemplation, she finally remembered that the original owner's birthday seemed to fall on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month, the traditional Zhongyuan Festival.
It might seem a little unlucky to have such a special birthday here, but fortunately, with the pampering and protection of the General's Mansion and the Duke's Mansion, others naturally dare not gossip or spread rumors easily!
Concubine An, standing by, spoke softly, "His Majesty originally intended to hold a grand and luxurious coming-of-age ceremony for you. Unfortunately, your grandfather and mother both felt they could handle it themselves. Plus, with the earlier incident with the Crown Princess... well... in short, when your wedding day arrives, His Majesty will surely bestow the highest honors upon you, making you the envy of all the noble sons and ladies of the capital!"
Emperor Wen smiled slightly after hearing this and said gently, "When the time comes, if you need anything, feel free to speak frankly to me. Han'er was raised by me personally, and to me, he is no different from my own son! Xiaoqi was also raised under my watch. I'm sure your relationship has deepened during this trip to Jiangnan! Han'er, please accompany me to the Imperial Study. You and Xiaoqi will return together shortly."
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