Chapter 338: Empress Xuan is seriously ill! On her deathbed
When Emperor Wen heard about their return, he had already made preparations, eager to send someone to welcome them directly to Yumen Pass. He Zhaojun had originally planned to visit the newly built Western Regions Protectorate, but frowned when she received Emperor Wen's letter.
"I'm afraid we have to set off immediately and rush back to the capital." He Zhaojun found a few people with a serious expression. They rarely saw He Zhaojun like this, and they were all stunned.
Shao Shang grabbed He Zhaojun's hand and said, "Sister Zhaojun, what happened?"
"The emperor urged us to return to the capital. I always felt something was wrong. He mentioned the names of Zikun and Zisheng many times. I'm afraid..." He Zhaojun didn't say anything else, but the hearts of several people sank.
Zikun's body swayed: "But is the Queen Mother ill?!"
Even if Emperor Wen did not say it explicitly, He Zhaojun could guess that all his almost promising children were sent to the northwest to fight on the front lines, running around in the snow and ice. Empress Xuan's health was not very good to begin with, and now she is probably suffering from a heart disease that is difficult to cure.
"Everyone, travel light and return to the capital immediately, and set off overnight!" Wen Ziduan gave an order. That night, the personal guards and the He family cavalry escorted the few people, and they rode at full speed along the official road.
It was ten days later when they rushed back to the capital. Everyone was covered in frost and snow, and was exhausted. When they knocked on the city gate at night, even the defenders were surprised.
"Open the city gates immediately! The First and Third Princes, General Huo and his wife, Princess Yuji, Princess Ancheng, and several medical officers, enter the palace to request an audience with Empress Xuan... Open the city gates immediately!"
Gu Guanti, full of confidence, shouted loudly at the guards on the city gate, his voice echoing far into the silent night. The guards exchanged glances, each puzzled as to why these men had returned on horseback without warning, leaving them no time to greet them.
"Your Majesty..." The leading general had just opened the city gate and bowed when he felt a black and white whirlwind passing in front of him. Several people galloped on their horses, even leaving afterimages.
No one dared to stop them along the way. Someone had already informed the imperial guards guarding the palace gate. Many eunuchs knew the inside story. Empress Xuan's health had been deteriorating in recent days, and she often stared into the distance in a daze. Tonight was even more dangerous. His Majesty, Concubine Yue, and all their children had already entered Changqiu Palace.
So they were able to rush back in the middle of the night. They were all happy for Queen Xuan and waited for them on their way with torches and lanterns.
"Mother! Mother!" Wen Zikun hurriedly pushed open the door of Changqiu Palace. The strong smell of medicine hit his nose. He saw from afar that there were people kneeling on the ground in the room, and several of his sisters were already in tears.
Emperor Wen did not expect that they could really make it back. When he actually saw them, he realized that they had been hungry and thirsty for the past few days, walking day and sleeping night, and were in a very miserable state.
"Don't worry, Zikun, I'm fine." Xuan Shen'an lay in Emperor Wen's arms with a calm expression. These children appeared in front of her as if by magic. She felt that the lights in Changqiu Palace were much brighter.
Yue Heng wiped away his tears and said, "Are you okay? You were worried about the children getting into trouble on the road, so you planned to hide their illness. If it weren't for Zhaojun's cleverness, you would have really missed out!"
Xuan Shen'an looked around and knew that she might not have much time left. Looking at her children who had gone through so much hardship and finally been able to renew their relationship, she felt mixed emotions and she held Concubine Yue's hand.
"Sister, please take care of the wedding banquet for six people."
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