Chapter 57 Chaos
Although Princess Yuzhen felt that His Majesty's decision was too hasty, she also knew that with his autocratic and dictatorial nature, once he made up his mind about something, he would not allow anyone to refute it. Naturally, she, a princess who had been widowed for many years, had no say in the matter.
She sighed, took off a golden longevity lock from her bosom, and fondly stroked the fine lines on it before handing it to the palace maid beside her to present to Chan Zhen.
Zen didn't understand what it meant and didn't accept it immediately.
The princess explained, "This is the longevity lock my father gave me when I was one month old. I probably won't be able to drink Yuan Zhao's full moon wine, so I'll give this gift to you in advance."
Such a precious thing was given by the late emperor, so Chan Zhen naturally could not accept it.
"This is too precious. Besides, Yuan Zhao wasn't even born yet. How could he possibly bear such a lavish gift?"
The princess smiled and said, "This isn't a rare treasure in the palace. Your Majesty, please accept it. When Yuan Zhao is born next year, if you have time, you can bring him to Ziyun Temple to play and keep me company."
Zen Zhen looked at His Majesty in embarrassment, and he just nodded at her with a smile. Seeing that the eldest princess was really determined, she finally accepted it and ordered someone to carefully wrap it in a silk scarf and put it in a box.
"Your Highness has the county lady by your side, so you are not alone. If Yuan Zhao comes to bother you in the future, just don't think he is noisy." Since the eldest princess treated her with such affection, she naturally had to agree to her words.
"Children are supposed to be noisy and lively. They look lively." The princess recalled Xuan Yang's sickly appearance as a child and grew increasingly worried about her unborn nephew. "I heard from Xuan Yang that Your Majesty hasn't been getting enough rest lately?"
"I had a lot of dreams and couldn't sleep last night," Chan Zhen said softly. "I also want to thank the county lady for giving me the sachet made by Taoist Xuanwei. I think with Taoist Xuanwei's skills, this sachet will definitely be of some use."
The princess smiled slightly. "I was wondering why the sachet on Xuan Yang's waist disappeared after he returned from Fengqi Palace yesterday. Since Xuan Yang was willing to give it to Your Majesty, he must have considered you a close friend."
His Majesty is extremely fond of the Queen and intends to make the Queen's son the crown prince. Naturally, she is happy to see Xuan Yang on good terms with her. After she leaves, Xuan Yang will at least be able to get some protection from the Queen.
"Princess Xuanyang has a frank personality, and I am very honored to have her as my good friend." Chan Zhen had a bright smile in his eyes.
Although she had been self-conscious and sensitive since childhood, she envied and loved a bright and passionate woman like Princess Xuanyang. Being with such a person would make her feel that she was also infected by a layer of warmth.
Princess Yuzhen recalls Xuanyang's frail and sickly childhood. When she took her into her care, she asked Taoist Xuanwei to read her fortune, who predicted that Xuanyang would meet a "noble person." At the age of eight, Xuanyang had a chance encounter with Yunyi in the snow, and her health gradually improved. She initially thought the "noble person" in Xuanyang's dreams would be Yunyi, but now she realizes that this "noble person" is the empress.
Thinking of this, her eyes looked at Chan Zhen even more gently. Before leaving, the queen asked the palace maids to add a lot of jewelry, packed a full box and sent it to Fengqi Palace.
She was once the most beloved princess of the late emperor. The storehouse was filled with treasures given by the late emperor. Anyway, she didn't need many of them since she was practicing in Ziyun Temple now. She left some of them to Xuan Yang as a dowry, and gave the rest to the queen to earn more favor for Xuan Yang.
Chanzhen went to visit the eldest princess empty-handed, but came back with a full box. She could not refuse the eldest princess's kindness, so she could only ask Luzhu to store it in the warehouse first and then give it to the Princess of Xuanyang County under another name.
Of all the items, she only kept the longevity lock.
"I hope our Yuan Zhao can live a long life." She held the longevity lock passed down from the previous emperor to her chest, closed her eyes and prayed softly.
"Yes." Chen Dingyao held her in his arms with one hand, "Our Yuan Zhao will surely be safe and sound and live a long life."
He would protect both mother and son well, and would not let their Yuan Zhao die young, nor would he let Chan Zhen die young due to depression.
…
The eldest princess really didn't like staying in the palace for a long time. After paying homage to Concubine Yang, she returned to Ziyun Temple to continue her practice. When she left the palace, Chan Zhen rushed to see her and Princess Xuanyang off.
Time passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye it was approaching the end of the year. The capital was gradually shrouded in a layer of chill. Finally, a month before the arrival of the new year, a flurry of university events took place in the capital.
The snow was slippery. Chanzhen was now nearly six months pregnant, and her belly had grown as round as a balloon. His Majesty was worried about her walking in the snow, so she could only wear a brocade fur coat and sit under the eaves with the palace maids to watch the snow.
Such heavy snowfall was rare in the south of the Yangtze River, so when the snowflakes melted in her palms, she cried out in surprise.
His Majesty protected her from behind. She was looking at the snow while he was looking at people.
"The snow is so beautiful." She exclaimed in surprise and showed him a snowflake that had just fallen into her palm.
"Yeah." His tone seemed a little low.
"Your Majesty, don't you like snow?" Chan Zhen found that His Majesty seemed to be particularly depressed today, with a gloomy brow from early morning until now.
Chen Dingyao was afraid that she would feel cold holding the ice water made from melted snowflakes in her hands, so he wrapped her tighter with his cloak.
"I am a little unhappy about it." He whispered.
Zen Zhen passed away on such a snowy day in his previous life, and since then he has developed a dislike for snowy days.
"Why?" Zen Zhen was wrapped tightly in his arms, with only his furry head showing. "I love snow the most. It's so beautiful."
People in the south of the Yangtze River naturally have a yearning for heavy snow.
Chen Dingyao looked at her lively and pretty face and said, "Because it reminds me of an old friend."
"Hmm..." Zen Zhen thought this old man was one of His Majesty's deceased elders, so he turned around and buried his head in his arms, "Then we won't watch it."
Snow is not as important as Your Majesty.
Chen Dingyao ruffled her hair and said, "It's okay for me to watch it with Chan Zhen."
The old friend was now in his arms, and the snow scene seemed less glaring.
"Your Majesty, don't try to appease me." Zen Zhen pretended to glare at him.
Chen Dingyao didn't explain, but just looked at her lovingly.
At this moment, Guo Kai suddenly came running over, his face filled with anxiety as he reported, "Your Majesty, urgent news has arrived from the border. The Rong people in the north suddenly crossed the border and invaded the next city ten days ago. The civilians at the border have suffered heavy casualties. We urgently need troops from the court."
Chen Dingyao's eyes turned cold, and he patted Chan Zhen's shoulder lightly: "I have something urgent to do. You should go back to the palace and rest first. Don't stay in the snow for too long."
With such a big thing happening, Chan Zhen naturally wouldn't bother him anymore, his eyes showing worry: "Your Majesty, don't worry, I will take good care of myself."
Chen Dingyao's gaze slowed down slightly, he nodded to her, and then strode away.
Chan Zhen watched him leave, clutching his chest in worry, until Lu Zhu spoke up, "Don't worry, Your Majesty. The Rong people from the north always come south to cause trouble at this time every year."
The Rong people lived a nomadic existence, and in winter, when they ran low on fodder, they would descend southward to plunder the border townspeople. During the reign of the previous emperor, Rong invasions were frequent, with their most intensive campaign seizing four or five border towns in quick succession. It was only then, during the reign of Your Majesty, then the King of Qin, that the Rong were driven back. Even now, the Rong only dare to seize food from a single border town before returning north.
Chan Zhen frowned and said, "Don't the people along the border have to suffer this disaster every year?"
She used to always blame herself for being born into a merchant family with a lowly background, but compared with the people living in the border areas, she actually lived in a beautiful countryside.
Lu Zhu said helplessly, "The Rong people are good at riding and shooting. Once they reach the prairie, they run faster than anyone else. It's already very difficult for us to drive them back."
"I never knew these things before." Zenzhen lowered her eyes. Her father would never let anyone teach her these things.
Lu Zhu comforted her, saying, "Your Majesty, don't worry too much. Just wait for His Majesty to send troops."
"Yeah." Zen Zhen really knew that he could not help in these matters. He could only pray for the people and soldiers at the border in his heart. At the same time, he had to take care of himself so that His Majesty would not be distracted by him again.
That night, His Majesty rarely stayed out all night, so Chan Zhen could only sleep alone on the pillow stained with the sandalwood from His Majesty's body.
The next day, Chan Zhen heard from the previous dynasty that his sworn brother and His Royal Highness the Prince of Jin had volunteered to go to war.
"Brother actually wants to volunteer to save the border." Chanzhen was extremely worried. Although His Majesty had told her that her sworn brother was very capable in marching and fighting, the battlefield was ruthless and even the most powerful general could not guarantee that he would return safely from the battlefield.
Seeing her worry, Lu Zhu suggested, "Your Majesty, why don't you go and ask His Majesty for mercy? As long as it's Your Majesty's request, His Majesty will definitely agree."
Zen Zhen thought for a moment, then shook his head firmly: "Your Majesty and my brother must have their own plans."
They were not only her husband and brother, but also the monarchs and generals of the people of the world. How could she turn a blind eye to the displaced refugees at the border for her own selfish reasons? Moreover, her brother was determined to join the army to serve the country and revitalize the family. He was absolutely unwilling to miss such a good opportunity to make contributions.
Her brother has been training in the Xuanwu Army for a long time, and she should have confidence in him.
"But why is His Royal Highness the Prince of Jin..." Chan Zhen knew that His Royal Highness the Prince of Jin was extremely talented, but he had never heard that he was also capable of marching and leading troops.
She is willing to support her brother in going to war, but will Concubine Shu from His Royal Highness the Prince of Jin agree?
In the Qinzheng Hall, Your Majesty and the Prince of Jin and his son stood facing each other.
Chen Dingyao looked at Yun Yi, who was becoming increasingly silent and reserved, and said in a deep voice, "The border is not a place for you to mess around."
Chen Yunyi lifted his skirt, knelt down, folded his hands, and said in a firm voice, "I will not disappoint you, father. Please give me this chance."
As someone who was able to force abdicate in his previous life, Chen Dingyao naturally would not doubt Yun Yi's ability. What he doubted was Yun Yi's intention of volunteering to go to the battle.
"Yun Yi, what do you want?" Chen Dingyao asked straight to the point.
Chen Yunyi's body stiffened, then he raised his head with a sharp look in his eyes.
"Your son just wants to get a chance from your father." He was once the prince that your father valued the most, but after the imperial concubine entered the palace, he also realized that your father did not value him as much as before. Instead, he became wary and fearful of him. Now your father's beloved woman is pregnant again, and he can also sense his father's attitude towards this child from his words and deeds.
He said, "Father, I believe I am no worse than any of your princes."
He completely exposed his ambition to Chen Dingyao. If it were another emperor, he would surely be furious at his bold words.
But Chen Dingyao just looked down at him calmly: "You want the position of crown prince?"
Chen Yunyi felt a wave of invisible swords and sabers rushing towards him. He went forward under immense pressure and said, "I just want a chance."
Chen Dingyao looked at him silently for a while, then suddenly smiled: "I'll give you this chance."
Chen Yunyi closed his eyes: "Thank you, Father."
Guo Kai walked in after His Royal Highness the Prince of Jin left. Chen Dingyao sat firmly on the dragon throne and the first thing he asked was, "How is the Queen?"
Guo Kai replied, "Don't worry, Your Majesty. I have sent someone to keep an eye on Her Majesty. Everything is fine."
"Well," Chen Dingyao picked up the memorial on the table and paused after flipping through a few pages. "Let's arrange more manpower for Fengqi Palace."
The war at the border is urgent, and he cannot spend much time with Chanzhen these days, worried that someone in the harem will take advantage of the situation. Chanzhen is pregnant now, and no mistakes can be made.
"I obey your command." Guo Kai received the order and retreated.
Chen Dingyao flipped through the memorial in his hand, but his mind recalled the scene of Yun Yi kneeling in front of him just now.
Yun Yi, is your ambition for the throne, or something else?
He frowned and turned another page of the memorial in his hand with an expressionless face.
In four months, Chan Zhen will give birth. I wonder if Yuan Zhao's body will still be as weak in this life as in his previous life. Perhaps he should make preparations for both situations.
Chan Zhen was in his palace when he suddenly heard a palace servant say that His Royal Highness the Prince of Jin wanted to see him.
She was a little puzzled. She and Prince Jin had not had much friendship before. Shouldn't His Royal Highness Prince Jin have come to the palace to see Concubine Shu? Why did he come to her?
But since the person had already come to her door, there was no reason for her not to see him.
"Yun Yi pays his respects to the Queen." After not seeing each other for a while, Chan Zhen discovered that His Royal Highness the Prince of Jin was much thinner than when he was in the palace. Perhaps it was because he had just come in from the snow outside, and he was cold all over.
"Your Highness, there's no need to be so polite." Zen Zhen politely asked him to sit down.
His Royal Highness the Prince of Jin was nominally her son, but he was three years older than her. It was difficult for Chan Zhen to act like an elder in front of him, and she could only take a sip of hot tea to barely hide her embarrassment.
"Your Highness has met the Concubine Shu. Did the Concubine Shu ask you to bring some words to her?"
Chen Yunyi shook his head and looked at her: "It is Yunyi who wants to see you before leaving the palace."
Zen Zhen lowered his eyes, not knowing how to respond.
"Your Majesty, could you please dismiss the palace maids first?" Without waiting for Chan Zhen to refuse, he continued, "For the sake of Yun Yi's help in the palace before."
Last time in the palace, Chanzhen did owe him a favor. She hesitated for a moment, then waved her hand and asked all the palace people, including Luzhu, to leave.
She had a feeling that His Royal Highness the Prince of Jin would not hurt her. Moreover, he came to see her so generously, which would surely leave no room for accusations.
"Your Highness Prince Jin, please feel free to speak frankly if you have anything to say." Chan Zhen looked at him and said.
Chen Yunyi looked deeply at the woman in front of him who had been haunting him. Although her belly had an obvious bulge, in his eyes she was still as innocent and beautiful as when he first met her.
"My Lady, do you believe in the theory of past and present lives?"
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