Chapter 96 Enough is Enough
The two seemingly unrelated statements left Zhuang Dongqing completely bewildered.
Subconsciously, "Huh?!"
But slowly, I realized what the first sentence meant.
It wasn't that he was particularly clever; it was because before encountering the "bandits," Zhuang Dongqing had been preoccupied with these plot points, replaying them over and over in his mind. Therefore, when Cen Yan brought up the topic, Zhuang Dongqing immediately grasped the key point that was on his mind.
Actually, it was he who told Cen Yan about this in the first place.
The matter was of great importance, and Zhuang Dongqing couldn't help but swallow.
The previous romantic atmosphere vanished instantly. Zhuang Dongqing: "What you're trying to say is..."
"yes."
Cen Yan replied calmly, his breath still brushing against the skin of his neck, as if nothing was more important than this moment of intimacy, even if…
That strange feeling lingered in my mind again.
Zhuang Dongqing didn't have time to investigate further.
Has it already started?
He had previously told Cen Yan that if a Taoist priest were to refine a new elixir, the furnace must be opened on an auspicious day. Therefore, the Imperial Observatory needed to participate in the calculation to open the furnace on an auspicious day and time to complete the elixir.
They've already started calculating auspicious days...
This means that the new elixir is about to be completed.
Is it time to wrap things up?
But Cen An'an is only two years old.
The original story spanned five or six years, but now, even including the year he was pregnant, it's only been three years.
And is Li Yang ready?
Zhuang Dongqing didn't know.
Judging from his appearance, it's fair to say that he doesn't seem like it.
With her thoughts in turmoil, Zhuang Dongqing took a moment to process before remembering that Cen Yan had said a second sentence. She thought about it but didn't quite understand.
"What do you mean, 'we're going back to our fiefdom'?"
This is not something they can control.
Emperor Shengwu detained Cen Yan and wouldn't let him leave; a change of dynasty was necessary...
Oh, judging from the current situation, it seems to be getting closer.
But Zhuang Dongqing didn't think Cen Yan meant that.
He did not explicitly tell Cen Yan the consequences of taking the new elixir.
Cen Yan leaned against him, resting her chin on the shoulder of her uninjured arm, and whispered, "Literally, I want to go back."
After a pause, Cen Yan closed his eyes. "I'm a little tired, Qingqing."
Everything and everything.
Realizing something, Zhuang Dongqing remained silent.
She raised her hand and stroked Cen Yan's back, then silently nestled against him.
“When I came to the capital to accompany the emperor in his studies, my father told me to be a good minister and not to act as if I were the emperor’s son or nephew. Even if I received the emperor’s favor and care, I should always remember my identity as the crown prince and his subordinate.”
It was quite unusual for Cen Yan to talk about his past.
Over the past three years, Zhuang Dongqing recalled that, aside from the time when the Dowager Consort and Dowager Consort Tao came, this seemed to be the first time Cen Yan had voluntarily revealed this.
"During those years, I really wanted to go back. I would think about it from time to time, wondering when I could finish accompanying my child to school and go home."
"but……"
A prolonged pause.
Cen Yan said, "Actually, Father waited for me for a long time. He used a lot of life-saving medicines in the later stages, but unfortunately, he still couldn't hold on until I got back."
The conversation was fragmented.
However, Zhuang Dongqing understood that it was about the old prince being seriously ill and Cen Yan returning to his fiefdom to inherit the title.
At first, Zhuang Dongqing remembered that Emperor Shengwu refused to release him. Later, he sent people to check and found that the old prince was really failing. Without an heir, the fiefdom would definitely be in chaos, so he released Cen Yan from the capital.
They rode at breakneck speed, but unfortunately, they still couldn't make it to see the old prince one last time.
This must be a regret in Cen Yan's heart.
Cen Yan: "At that time, I thought to myself, I will never go through those things again."
With the old prince gone, the prince's mansion was essentially dissolved.
Cen Yan saw that the old princess and the dowager princess really couldn't get along. One couldn't stand the other, while the other just wanted to live a quiet life. Rather than being trapped in the palace and torturing each other, it would be better for them to take a step back and have a brighter future.
So he took it upon himself to separate the two into different residences.
On the day the government was divided, he was still fighting outside, subduing tribes that intended to rebel during the chaos.
After that day, he felt a sense of loss.
Much later, he finally understood what it was.
Probably so, even though he returned to the fiefdom he had longed for.
But he could never go back to the home he knew.
Cen Yan: "I really like our home."
"I can't imagine what it would be like without you and Cen An."
On the way back to the mansion after rescuing the person, Zhuang Dongqing asked Cen Yan if he was angry.
No.
When he heard the news that day, he considered many possibilities in an instant. He knew that Zhuang Dongqing had chosen the best solution he could think of: it was best for Cen An to come back with him. Zhuang Dongqing was an adult, and being captured by "bandits" would make him more agile than a two-year-old child, no matter what.
But this is not the scene he wanted to see.
Not at all.
Perhaps he was too busy planning, or perhaps it was too sudden, but after returning to the mansion, he didn't even have any thoughts about Zhuang Dongqing's actions.
He seemed unable to think about it.
But that doesn't mean he doesn't have emotions.
That doesn't mean he can accept this situation.
Thank goodness.
It can only be described as fortunate.
He never publicly revealed his relationship with Zhuang Dongqing.
Although he had the thought of revealing the truth when Li Zhuo probed him, it only flashed through his mind and he gave up.
He felt grateful when he thought about it.
But the future remains uncertain.
Those who lead armies into battle are all too aware of the occurrence of "accidental" situations and their destructive power.
What if Zhuang Dongqing is humiliated and tortured because of her insignificant status?
What if the people on the mountain keep Li Yang alive to maintain secrecy?
just in case……
So many unexpected things can happen in the blink of an eye...
When he has free time, these thoughts keep popping into his head uncontrollably, so he has to keep himself busy.
That's strange.
He didn't understand this kind of needless worry before.
When it was my turn, I truly realized that it was just a case of being too concerned and making a mistake.
But he didn't want to experience it again.
Cen Yan kissed Zhuang Dongqing's shoulder through her thin shirt, and suddenly said, "If, and I mean if, Qingqing, if I am no longer a good person in your eyes, will you be very disappointed in me?"
Almost as soon as those words left his mouth, Zhuang Dongqing's suspicions were confirmed.
Cen Yan is about to leave the stage.
Moreover, they actively participated in the struggle for the throne.
That's right. In the original storyline, he made his move around the same time.
In comparison, the fact that he only has this idea now is already quite late compared to the original plot.
Zhuang Dongqing opened his mouth, but his throat was dry.
My heart is racing.
After a moment, he asked softly, "Have you thought it through?"
Upon receiving the unexpected answer, Cen Yan replied, "Not yet, I'm considering it, I'm leaning towards that."
Cen Yan finally lifted his head from his shoulder. The two were very close, their eyes met, their breaths mingled, and any slight facial expression was clearly visible at this distance.
They are now completely open with each other.
Touching Zhuang Dongqing's cheek, Cen Yan sighed, "You still haven't answered my question."
"Will you be disappointed if I'm no longer 'good'?"
"You will..."
Will your opinion of me change?
Zhuang Dongqing: "..."
In fact, in his eyes, Cen Yan was never a "good person" from the beginning. However, after carefully considering the time they spent together, Zhuang Dongqing belatedly realized that Cen Yan could indeed be considered a "good person" over the past three years.
But when did he realize that he had high moral standards?
Zhuang Dongqing was alarmed.
Yes, have you already endured so much for him?
He couldn't sense it, and for the time being, he couldn't think of any supporting evidence.
But deep down, he felt he knew the answer.
Why aren't you saying anything?
Cen Yan's fingers twitched again, but stopped before touching Zhuang Dongqing once more. His voice was so soft it was almost floating as he said, "Or is it that you simply cannot accept it?"
He lowered his eyes, avoiding eye contact.
Zhuang Dongqing suddenly felt a pang of heartache.
She took Cen Yan's hand and pressed it to her face, saying softly, "No."
He was simply taken aback by the weight behind the question.
"actually,"
"I never considered whether you were a so-called good person or a bad person."
"Disappointment and changing opinions are things I don't know about the future."
Zhuang Dongqing smiled and said, "Actually, I don't need to care about these things, do I?"
Cen Yan finally raised his eyes.
There was a quietness in his eyes.
Zhuang Dongqing, however, sensed a storm brewing behind the scenes.
Zhuang Dongqing: "But you are the person I love, and that will never change."
"So, if I want to do something that you think is not good, my primary concern isn't whether it's right or wrong, I..."
Zhuang Dongqing sighed and said helplessly.
"I'm worried about your safety, Ayan."
Cen Yan blinked, his expression remaining unchanged, but Zhuang Dongqing could sense a shift in his gaze.
"If you want to do something, you've already thought it through."
"Then I only have one request for you."
"Can you promise me?"
"Should we try to avoid putting ourselves in dangerous situations?"
"You promised."
Their eyes met, and Cen Yan gave a very faint smile.
It was a genuine smile.
Cen Yan rested his chin on Zhuang Dongqing's shoulder again.
Zhuang Dongqing didn't hear a promise, but she heard a murmur.
"I really love you, Qingqing."
*
After wiping Zhuang Dongqing's body and changing her dressing, and watching her fall asleep again, Cen Yan left the main house.
"Keep your hands and feet light, and don't loiter around here if it's not important."
Stepping out of the room, Cen Yan gave Liu Fu some instructions.
"Go ask Master Zhao later if you can make the medicine easier to swallow."
Liu Fu was completely bewildered.
Liu Fu hesitated: "Is it really possible to do it like this?"
Cen Yan: "Of course, otherwise why would Master Zhao be called a divine doctor?"
The medicine given during the day was mainly for detoxification, which was fine. There would be another dose tomorrow, and Cen Yan hoped that Zhuang Dongqing would feel better.
I spent the afternoon in the study, during which time I met another soldier who had returned with news.
When Liu Qi escorted the man back to the mansion, Cen Yan was feeding Zhuang Dongqing dinner.
Without needing anyone's help, Cen Yan patiently fed him bite by bite.
Seeing Cen An'an struggling to eat with a spoon by herself, Liu Qi immediately fell silent.
She glanced at Cen Yan, who was diligently feeding Cen Yan, and Zhuang Dongqing, who was being fed without asking, and then at Cen An'an, who was eating by herself...
That's weird.
Take one more look.
"It's so delicious! I want to take another bite of this beef bun."
Zhuang Dongqing ordered the food.
Cen Yan: "Slow down, don't take such big bites, chew slowly."
"I'm not running, why are you in such a hurry?"
Cen An'an said warmly from the side, "When An'an grows up, she can feed Daddy too."
Just hearing it made Liu Qi feel filial.
Liu Qi: "..."
Oh well, as long as this family is happy.
Seeing Cen Yan's delighted expression, Liu Qi had some guesses about his master's mental state.
After finishing their meal, and watching Zhuang Dongqing drink her medicine, Cen Yancai indeed began talking to Liu Qi, who was standing next to Hou Li.
He said a few words,
Liu Qi finally confirmed it, and Cen Yan felt a little better.
Thanks to the young master, Liu Qi secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
However, it was too early to breathe a sigh of relief.
In the evening, Zhuang Dongqing developed a fever.
Master Zhao came to check; the temperature wasn't high, but it just wouldn't go down.
During the detailed questioning, Liu Qi saw Cen Yan's face become expressionless again.
"It must have been caused by a combination of fear, sleeplessness, and injury under such circumstances."
Master Zhao analyzed.
Cen Yan asked a very practical question: "Will it turn into a high fever?"
Master Zhao: "We need to observe. If there were no signs of this in the first half of the night, it probably wouldn't be the case."
Cen Yan understood.
The original interrogation was canceled, and Cen Yan stayed in the main house, not going anywhere else.
Thankfully, after getting through the first half of the night, Zhuang Dongqing's temperature did not rise further; in fact, it dropped slightly.
As soon as his temperature dropped, Zhuang Dongqing felt drowsy. The deep-seated pain from the fever was no longer so noticeable, and he closed his eyes immediately.
After coaxing the person to sleep, Cen Yan didn't leave. He sat quietly for another half an hour to confirm that the temperature had really gone down a bit and was no longer rising, before calling Liu Qi.
Liu Qi couldn't sleep at all and waited outside, ready to come as soon as he was called.
"Everyone's been arranged?"
After leaving the main house, Cen Yan asked.
Liu Qi said cautiously, "In the front yard, we dared not put it outside the mansion. We chose a place far away from the main house to ensure that no noise would get through."
Cen Yan nodded in agreement.
Liu Qi tentatively asked, "Then, Master, shall we go over now?"
"Go to the study and get something."
"oh oh."
Liu Qi then asked, "By the way, Master, have you made up your mind about reporting the private army?"
Liu Qi asked the question entirely based on her intuition from following Cen Yan for many years.
Unexpectedly, Cen Yan replied, "I was still considering it."
original?
Upon arriving at the study, Liu Qi saw Cen Yan take the bow he had been carrying down from the wall. "..."
Cen Yan: "I've made up my mind now."
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