As soon as he stepped out of the palace gate, he mounted his horse.
Cheng Liang then took the horse's reins and asked anxiously, "I wonder if His Majesty has given his permission?"
Xuanyuan Han nodded.
Cheng Liang immediately exclaimed with delight, "That's wonderful!"
However, despite his joy, he couldn't help but worry: "But this time, secretly leaving the city won't be so easy. If the news leaks out and we actually make direct contact with a powerful enemy, and reinforcements can't arrive in time, the consequences will be unimaginable if we rely solely on our own forces..."
No matter when, what environment, or what difficulties he faces, Xuanyuan Han has always remained steadfast in his beliefs.
"No matter what, this time, even if I have to risk my life, I will defend our country's borders and protect the people within them!"
Upon hearing this determination, Cheng Liang also swore an oath: "Your Highness, I am willing to follow you to the death!"
There's always this inexplicable feeling of unease in my heart.
Xuanyuan Han knew in his heart that Emperor Jing, who was determined to kill him, would definitely delay sending reinforcements.
So he solemnly instructed Cheng Liang: "Cheng Liang, we are master and servant. No matter what happens, if I really encounter any misfortune, remember, you must protect the people for me and never let the enemy army set foot on the territory of my Western Qin."
They had been through countless life-and-death situations together, but never had a moment like this.
Upon hearing this, Cheng Liang sensed something was amiss and felt a pang of fear for the first time. He asked, "Could it be that the Emperor did not promise to provide us with support?"
Xuanyuan Han stared into his eyes and saw the subtle panic in them, but how could he answer him? In the end, he could only say in a low voice, "Of course... I agree!"
Cheng Liang smiled and questioned him, "If that's the case, then what are you worried about, Your Highness? Not to mention that we're only leaving the city secretly this time, you are the Spirit Sky War God who strikes fear into the hearts of the enemy on the battlefield. How can you say such a thing? This time, we will definitely be able to win every battle and return in triumph, just like countless times before!"
Xuanyuan Han suddenly snapped out of his daze, his fighting spirit rekindled, and he said with renewed vigor, "Yes, we will definitely return in triumph!"
At this point, the master and servant looked at each other and smiled, their hearts in perfect harmony.
Little did they know.
Inside the Prince Qin's residence, Lu Tianjiao began to become restless again.
Upon learning that Xuan Yuanhan had not yet returned from his trip, Lu Tianjiao couldn't wait to go to Consort Chun's courtyard, Zihe Pavilion.
Granny Zhang was feeding Consort Chun, who had been bedridden for a long time and had recovered considerably in just a few days thanks to the miraculous medicine that Yi Shangyun had found for her, a bowl of rice porridge.
Consort Chun said to Zhang Mama with a worried expression, "I don't know what's wrong with me today. My eyelids keep twitching, and my heart is pounding. I have a feeling that something bad is about to happen!"
Zhang Mama smiled and comforted her, "Fortunately, Physician Yue found the miraculous medicine this time. Now the Imperial Concubine is much better. What bad thing could have happened? It's clearly a good thing. From now on, every day will be a good day!"
Consort Chun sighed softly and said, "Good days? In this life, all I hope for is that Western Qin will be peaceful and prosperous, and that my son can... be a little happier, but..."
The thought of Xuan Yuanhan's matter made Consort Chun feel melancholy.
"I never imagined that Lu Tianjiao would turn out like this. If it were anyone else, I would have risked my life to expel her from the house long ago. But she is Lu Xian's only daughter, and I simply cannot bear to see her so devoted to the prince since she was a child..."
Granny Zhang helped him relieve his depression.
"In this world, among all living beings, each has their own path of cultivation. As Your Majesty often says, the cause of the past life determines the effect of this life. Since things have come to this, Your Majesty need not worry too much. Perhaps His Highness has his own plans! I heard that since the Consort entered the manor, His Highness has never stayed overnight in the Star Moon Pavilion. It is clear that His Highness had ulterior motives in welcoming her into the manor!"
Consort Chun pondered for a moment, gazing at the bowl of medicine beside her. She had a vague feeling that the medicine seemed to carry the scent of Yi Shangyun.
But the thought of Yi Shangyun made her even sadder: "Alas, if only Yun'er were still here, my son wouldn't have become this cold and aloof again!"
Zhang Mama also felt regretful: "The dead cannot be brought back to life, Your Highness, please don't be too sad!"
Speak of the devil, and he shall appear.
Just then, Lu Tianjiao walked in. Zhang Mama, who was wiping the leftover food from the corner of Consort Chun's mouth, stopped what she was doing and asked, "Who gave you permission to come here? Get out of here now!"
Lu Tianjiao looked arrogant and disdainful of everyone.
After getting close, he knelt down and didn't even glance at Granny Zhang.
He was so focused on bowing to the Empress Dowager Chun, who had just sat up on the couch, and saying, "Your subject greets Your Majesty!"
Consort Chun glanced at her disdainfully and said in a low voice, "In this world, the only daughter-in-law I have ever truly acknowledged is Yi Shangyun, the legitimate daughter of the Yi family in the west of the city. As for any other cats or dogs that come to me for help, I will not acknowledge them at all."
Upon hearing this, Lu Tianjiao was instantly displeased, but he still smiled and began to provoke her.
"I'm afraid that's beyond Mother's control! The daughter-in-law you have in mind is already a short-lived woman! Now, Your Highness and I are betrothed by the Empress Dowager. Are you trying to defy the imperial decree with these words, Mother?"
Seeing that she dared to use the Empress Dowager to intimidate her, Consort Chun felt a sharp pain in her chest and angrily rebuked her: "Lu Tianjiao, you..."
"Your Majesty..." Upon seeing this, Zhang Mama also became anxious.
However, Lu Tianjiao remained defiant and refused to leave.
She even said in a sarcastic tone, "Oh dear! Mother is unhappy. Mother, please don't be angry! You've finally managed to sit up. It wouldn't be good if you hurt yourself again!"
Consort Chun pressed her hand hard against her chest, enduring the pain, and angrily rebuked her: "Get out! You are never allowed to come to Zihe Pavilion again! Get out of here!"
While trying to calm her down, Zhang Mama advised, "Your Highness, please calm down. Your health is important. Don't take it to heart."
Unexpectedly, Lu Tianjiao added a reminder: "By the way, Mother Consort should know that I was married from the palace. I had no mother to teach me since I was a child. Before I got married, the Empress Dowager personally taught me that I must take good care of His Highness's daily life. His Highness is busy with official duties, so she taught me to be filial to my mother-in-law and share His Highness's burdens."
Consort Chun was furious.
"Get out of here now!"
"roll!"
"Get out of here!"
As soon as Lu Tianjiao turned around, Consort Chun spat out a mouthful of blood onto the ground: "Pfft..."
In an instant, he completely fainted.
"Your Highness?"
"Your Highness?"
"Quickly, go and fetch Physician Yue! Go now!"
Seeing that Zihexuan was in complete chaos, Lu Tianjiao secretly revealed a very satisfied smile.
At that time.
As soon as Xuanyuan Han entered the room, a guard came up to report.
"Your Highness, something terrible has happened! The Imperial Concubine has just vomited blood and fainted!"
"What?!"
Upon hearing this, Xuan Yuanhan hurriedly rushed towards Zihexuan.
Zihexuan.
Physician Yue was packing his medicine chest, preparing to leave.
Upon seeing Xuanyuan Han enter, he quickly put down what he was holding and bowed to him, saying, "Your Highness!"
Xuan Yuanhan rushed forward anxiously, sat down beside the couch, took one of Consort Chun's hands, looked at her sleeping face on the couch, and asked, "How is Mother?"
While wiping away her tears, Zhang Mama said, "Her Majesty the Imperial Concubine vomited a huge mouthful of blood. This old servant was truly terrified!"
Xuanyuan Han asked in confusion, "How could this be? My mother's health was clearly much better, wasn't it? What exactly happened?"
Recalling what had just happened, Zhang Mama was still terrified: "It was the concubine who came to Zihe Pavilion and spoke offensively, even going so far as to use the Empress Dowager to provoke the Dowager Consort, which caused the Consort to be so angry that she vomited blood and fell into a coma."
Upon hearing this, Xuanyuan Han clenched his teeth tightly.
After a pause, she asked Imperial Physician Yue, "Imperial Physician Yue, how is Mother Consort's health now?"
Imperial Physician Yue thought for a moment and said, "Your Highness, the Dowager Consort's illness was mainly due to the passing of the Princess Consort. She couldn't let go of the grief for a long time, and was depressed and unhappy all day long, which caused her to have pent-up emotions. Recently, with the addition of Dendrobium nobile, most of her symptoms have been cured. Now, with the Princess Consort's disturbance, all the pent-up emotions in her heart have been expelled, and the Dowager Consort's health has greatly improved!"
Upon hearing this, Cheng Liang asked in surprise, "According to Physician Yi Le, the Imperial Concubine has actually turned misfortune into blessing this time?"
Physician Yue stroked his beard and said, "You could say that!"
Upon hearing this, Xuanyuan Han finally breathed a sigh of relief, thinking to himself, "That's perfect. Seeing that my mother's health has been fully restored before I leave, I can depart with much more peace of mind!"
With this thought in mind, Xuan Yuanhan carefully tucked the corners of the quilt for Consort Chun.
He then rose, cupped his hands, and slowly bowed to everyone, saying solemnly, "I have important business to attend to and will be going on a long trip soon. I would like to trouble you all to take good care of my mother. I thank you all! Thank you for everything you have done for me, my mother, and this palace over the years!"
Upon seeing this, everyone in the hall was stunned and at a loss for what to do.
After a while, Physician Yue came to his senses and asked, "These are all things we should do, Your Highness. Why do you say that?"
Granny Zhang also sensed something was wrong: "Your Highness, what's wrong? The New Year is almost here, can't Your Highness wait until after the New Year with the Dowager Consort before leaving?"
Xuanyuan Han composed himself and said, "The matter is urgent, and I must set off in the next two days. Consider this my farewell to everyone!"
As he spoke, he called out, "Cheng Liang."
Cheng Liang stepped forward and handed each of Physician Yue and Granny Zhang a red envelope: "The New Year is just around the corner, and this was specially prepared for you two by His Highness."
Imperial Physician Yue and Granny Zhang accepted the red envelopes, exchanged glances, and both had a bad feeling. Then, they called out softly in unison, "Your Highness..."
Xuanyuan Han took one last, careful look at the sleeping Consort Chun's face, then turned and walked away...
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com