That evening, Su Yujiao was summoned to the Imperial Study, where the Emperor told her about sending her to the front lines to treat the plague.
Taking advantage of the situation, Su Yujiao suggested that the Emperor pardon her elder brother, since the epidemic area was dangerous and she was very likely to have an accident.
Her parents are old, her eldest son is in prison, and her second son is missing. If something happens to her, her parents will have no one to see them off in their final days.
She was just a woman, unlike men who had the world in their hearts; she only wanted to take care of her own little family.
Moreover, she had just given birth, and the baby was still an infant. Both she and her husband were on the front lines. If they were to die for their country, the child would become an orphan without parents.
Only when her children have grandparents and uncles to take care of them can she go to the battlefield with peace of mind.
Otherwise, she probably wouldn't be able to concentrate on developing a drug to treat malaria.
The Emperor felt somewhat guilty upon hearing Su Yujiao's sincere request.
Su Yujing was made a scapegoat by the third brother. Since no one had mentioned it before, he deliberately ignored it and pretended not to know.
Now, let's take this opportunity to release them.
This Su woman was clever; she used filial piety as an excuse, which sounded reasonable, and he had no reason to refuse.
If she foolishly insists on reopening the embezzlement case from back then, trying to overturn Su Yujing's case, he will absolutely not agree.
The Emperor nodded: "I will grant your request because I appreciate your filial piety."
"Wei Zhong, go and convey the order to release the man immediately."
Su Yujiao was stunned for a second. She didn't expect it to actually work, and that the person would be released immediately, not waiting for her to return.
Seeing Su Yujiao's stunned expression, Eunuch Wei couldn't help but remind her, "Su, why aren't you thanking the emperor?"
Su Yujiao came to her senses and was so excited that she didn't know what to say. She kowtowed to express her gratitude, wishing she could prostrate herself on the ground.
The emperor looked at her reaction and smiled with satisfaction. He liked to control the fate of others.
Just like now, everyone's life and death are in his hands. He occasionally shows kindness, and in return, he can win the people's submission and utter devotion.
"Go pick up your older brother when he gets out of prison."
"I'll go home tonight to reunite with my family, and then set off early tomorrow morning."
"Yes, thank you, Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor!"
As Su Yujiao emerged from the Imperial Study, her body was still trembling. She had accomplished it; she had done it through her own efforts.
Looking at her, tears streaming down her face, laughing and crying at the same time, Wei Zhong couldn't help but sigh, "Your older brother is so lucky to have a sister like you."
Su Yujiao wiped away her tears and said apologetically, "I'm sorry to have made you laugh, Father-in-law."
"Having my older brother is a blessing for me."
"Father-in-law, let's go quickly."
"yes."
After the two left the palace gates, when they reached the general store, Su Yujiao asked the carriage to stop for a moment.
She went to the general store and bought a copper basin and some yellow paper. Then she went to the clothing store next door and bought a decent crescent-colored brocade robe and a simple, understated green bamboo hairpin.
Watching her bustling about, Eunuch Wei's eyes revealed a look of envy.
"I'm sorry to have kept my father-in-law waiting."
"I've heard that my father-in-law loves sweets. If I can return from the battlefield, I will definitely make some desserts and visit him to express my gratitude."
Wei Zhong looked at her with a smile: "Then thank you very much, young mistress."
“In the past, General Lu would always bring all kinds of breakfast to the Hall of Heroes, which made this old servant very hungry.”
"This old servant is looking forward to the young mistress's safe return, so that this old servant can taste the young mistress's cooking."
As Su Yujiao listened to Eunuch Wei's words, she was momentarily dazed, recalling the scene of getting up before dawn to cook, as if it were a lifetime ago.
She will never cook for Lu Ziqian again.
The carriage swayed and rattled until it finally arrived at the Ministry of Justice prison.
Su Yujiao handed the package to Eunuch Wei and then waited at the door.
Eunuch Wei went in to read the imperial edict. Su Yujing was still in shock. Why did the emperor suddenly release him?
Seeing that he had the same reaction as Su Yujiao, Eunuch Wei smiled and said, "Young Master Su, quickly accept the imperial decree."
"Eunuch Wei, why did His Majesty suddenly release me?"
"You have a good sister."
"Your younger sister is still waiting at the door. She will tell you in a moment. This old servant has to return to the palace to report, so I won't stay any longer."
After Eunuch Wei left, the jailer, as was customary, served Su Yujing a sumptuous meal.
He was also told to finish the meal completely, leaving no residue, symbolizing letting go of the past and starting anew.
Afterwards, they prepared bathwater for him, as he was to bathe and change clothes before being released from prison, symbolizing washing away bad luck and starting anew.
Su Yujing had no appetite and only wanted to see her sister as soon as possible.
But despite his excitement, he devoured all the food.
After bathing, he changed into the clothes that Su Yujiao had chosen for him. They seemed a bit too big, but they still couldn't hide his stunning good looks.
"Let's go, don't look back."
"After returning home, step over the fire basin, bathe with pomelo water, do not visit other people's homes, and do not say anything unlucky. Abstain from sex for seven days after returning home."
The jailer gave instructions on some customs and etiquette for being released from prison.
Su Yujing stepped out of the dark cell and was somewhat unaccustomed to the light outside, subconsciously shielding her eyes with her hand.
Upon seeing her elder brother's gaunt figure, Su Yujiao instantly burst into tears.
"Big brother!" She ran over and hugged Su Yujing's thin figure.
Su Yujing's eyes also reddened. He patted her head affectionately, his gentle voice tinged with a sob: "You're so old, and you're still crying."
"Big brother, you're finally out. Parents will be so happy to know."
"I didn't tell them in advance this time."
"This time it's sure to be a surprise!"
As she spoke, she burst into tears, feeling wronged. It had been such a difficult journey.
Why did the Emperor suddenly release me from prison?
"Brother, step over the fire basin first."
Su Yujiao pointed to the brazier that had been prepared long ago.
"Let's talk as we walk."
On the way, Su Yujiao told her about her trip to the battlefield to treat the plague.
When Su Yujing learned that his sister had sacrificed so much to save him, his eyes instantly welled up with tears.
He never shed a tear despite the humiliation and torture he suffered in prison, but now he broke down in tears in the street.
"It's all because of your brother that you've been dragged down."
“I will go and beg the Emperor to rescind his order. The epidemic area is dangerous; you must not risk going there.”
Su Yujiao hurriedly grabbed him: "Big brother, come back."
"You are no longer an official; do you think you can just see the Emperor whenever you want?"
"Besides, whether I release you or not, I still have to go to the epidemic area. Even if you go, the Emperor will not agree."
"Let's go, don't think too much about it. Since I dare to go, I'm confident I can come back safely."
"I can't let go of my parents and you, and I can't let go of my child."
"I will protect myself."
Su Yujing asked in surprise, "You have a child? How old is the child?"
"It's been three months. She eats and sleeps all day long, without crying or fussing. You'll definitely like her when you see her."
Su Yujing felt even more guilty when she learned that the baby was only three months old.
The child is so young, and he is being forced to separate from his family.
"Brother, don't worry about it. I'll handle everything."
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