Chapter 145 Under the Bed I have never regretted falling in love with you, no matter what...
Wanted by the entire city, the man suddenly appeared here, leaving Yu Nie both surprised and delighted.
Fearing she would be discovered by the guards stationed inside, she quickly let Xiao Chengyan, who was in disguise, in.
Although Cuiwei and Song Ai were also shocked, in order to prevent the maids and eunuchs guarding the door from noticing, Song Ai quickly walked to the door, told the others not to come in, and then hurriedly bolted the door shut.
Fearing that this was still not safe, Song Ai returned to Yu Nie and suggested, "Princess, you should speak with His Highness Prince Xiao first. Cuiwei and I will stand guard at the door to prevent anyone from eavesdropping and being discovered."
Yu Nie hummed in agreement. Then, Song Ai and Cui Wei went behind the door, cautiously observing the movements outside.
Yu Nie led Xiao Chengyan to sit at the table and poured him a cup of tea.
She inquired about his whereabouts these past few days: "Where have you been these past few days? And how did you end up here?"
Having finally arrived at Hongzheng Pavilion, Xiao Chengyan was able to relax a little.
He placed his hands on his knees and recounted what had happened to him over the past few days.
It turned out that after Zhao Yuntuan used himself to exchange for him, Han Jie, who was left at the Siyi Residence, was arrested by the Imperial Horse Administration. Fortunately, he managed to escape from prison by injuring Bai Zhiwei, but he was also injured.
During this time, they all hid in the cellar of Lady Qu's house and dared not come out.
"At Madam Qu's house?" She never expected that he would be at Madam Qu's house.
Taking off his straw hat, Xiao Chengyan nodded and said, "Han Jie and I had nowhere to hide, so we unintentionally ran into the backyard of Madam Qu's house. Because we had helped her family at the Li family's gate before, she risked taking us in."
“The city has been cracking down harder these days, so I only had a chance to come out and see you when it was late at night.”
"With such a strict check, aren't you afraid of getting caught?" Even though it was late at night, she didn't feel that he was completely safe.
As if his secret had been exposed, Xiao Chengyan's eyes darkened: "Whether I get caught or not, I must leave Jian'an immediately and return to Nanyin."
Yu Nie was puzzled. At such a critical juncture, why would he still take such a dangerous risk?
Before long, Xiao Chengyan realized how illogical his behavior was and revealed the real reason why he did it, his tone sounding somewhat empty.
“Huan Xun has gone to Lingnan, and a major war between the two countries is imminent. I can’t stay here any longer, no matter what.” He turned to her and said, “I have to go back and help my elder brother.”
He used the word "help," which proves his stance and that he is determined to stand on Xiao Daozun's side.
Even knowing that peace talks were hopeless and that it wouldn't be long before everyone turned against each other, Yu Nie still felt somewhat saddened.
Xiao Chengyan realized what her brief silence meant.
But there was nothing he could do; he couldn't stop everything. He was Xiao Chengyan, bearing the blood of the Xiao royal family, and the blood of Nan Yin flowed in his veins.
He could not betray Nan Yin, nor could he leave his brother to face everything alone.
It's true that his maternal grandmother had been kind to him, and many people in Beiye loved him too. But loyalty to his country and filial piety could not be reconciled, nor could gratitude be reciprocated.
Moreover... the decision to negotiate was not actually in his hands. Even if he persuaded his brother Xiao Daozun, Beiye would still go to war.
To be precise... it is Huan Xun who will start the war.
The following situation is simply an earlier occurrence.
His words were tinged with self-loathing as he lowered his head: "In this life, I have failed Beiye and all of you. Even if I am condemned to Avici Hell after death and to be burned by the flames of karma, I will accept it."
It's too difficult to choose; no one in his position could make a choice that satisfies both sides.
She wouldn't blame him; what he said that day was true.
Beiye also harbored the desire to unify the world.
As long as this desire exists, whether it is Nan Yin or Bei Ye, the two countries will inevitably face each other at war sooner or later.
The law of history is that the world should be united in harmony. No emperor is willing to be confined to a corner of the world. The grand ambition of becoming the ruler of all under heaven is too tempting. No one at the top of power can escape it.
After a brief pause, he raised his eyes, his expression filled with sorrow: "The reason I rushed here tonight is to say goodbye to you in person..."
Unable to contain the surging emotions within him any longer, he couldn't help but stand up, take her hands in his, and kneel before her.
Startled by his sudden action, Yu Nie stepped back halfway, pulling her hand away as she tried to stand up.
Xiao Chengyan was very strong, and no matter how much she struggled, it was useless.
Cuiwei and Song Ai caught a glimpse of this scene and were about to step forward to help when Xiao Chengyan pleaded, "Just this once, Qiqi... please..."
"Get up quickly, Xiao Chengyan, let's talk this out..." She finally managed to free one hand to help him up.
Xiao Chengyan, however, grabbed her wrist and pressed his forehead against her sleeve, as if clinging to the last bit of warmth.
His voice choked with emotion, which he forced down: "I am about to leave Jian'an. After this parting, I don't know if we will ever meet again in this life."
He said, "But... I have never regretted falling in love with you, no matter who you are, I have no regrets."
Watching his thin, bent-over back, she didn't move, letting him finish saying what he wanted to say.
He looked up, his bewildered eyes filled with extreme sorrow, and said with a slight twitch of his lips, "So, I hope you are happy. I hope you can see a peaceful and prosperous future. No matter who rules this world, I want you to be happy."
“Xiao Chengyan…” She saw the reluctance to part in his eyes.
From the moment she arrived in Jian'an, he treated her exceptionally well, and was one of the few people who initially showed her kindness.
She never imagined that one day they would end up like this.
"I have failed your trust..." he said to her, still feeling apologetic. Then he added, "Qiqi... the peace talks were never going to happen from the beginning. This is not something that you or I can control. Even if my elder brother stops the Northern Expedition, Huan Xun will not give him the chance..."
"What do you mean by saying Huan Xun won't give him a chance?" She was shocked by this earth-shattering secret, and countless questions arose in her mind. Confused and puzzled, she asked, "What...do you mean by that?"
She began to feel uneasy.
Faced with this question, he stopped the conversation. There were some things he needed to verify with his brother, Xiao Daozun, in person.
At this moment, he did not want to say anything that would be detrimental to his brother.
If what Huan Xun said is true, then once his elder brother loses this battle, he will surely be reduced to ashes by Huan Xun, and the Southern Yin will cease to exist.
Just as he was about to speak, Cuiwei, who was observing the situation at the door, turned around in surprise and said to them, "Princess! Someone is coming!"
As soon as he finished speaking, a commotion of footsteps and shouts arose outside: "Don't move! The Imperial Horse Administration is here, ordered to investigate!"
Upon hearing that they were from the Imperial Horse Administration, Yu Nie quickly stepped forward to check: "Is it Supervisor Gu?"
“The leader is a stranger; he’s not Lord Gu,” Song Ai said.
The Imperial Horse Administration was headed by Chang Yushan, the Grand Supervisor, and assisted by three Junior Supervisors. Gu Xiangzhi was just one of the Junior Supervisors.
Of the three, he was the most valued.
Upon hearing that the visitor was not Gu Xiangzhi, Yu Nie realized that trouble was brewing.
She quickly stopped and looked around the hall.
Xiao Chengyan picked up his bamboo hat and prepared to leave through the window he had come from.
She grabbed him, blocking his way: "They might have already sealed off the entire Hongzheng Pavilion. If you go out, you'll only be walking into a trap."
Xiao Chengyan: "My staying here will only implicate you."
"Does it matter whether you get implicated or not? Once the war starts, you'll lose your usefulness, and Zhao Yunfu will only use you as a sacrifice."
Before he could speak again, she pulled him toward the bed, the only place in the entire palace where he could fit and where it was safest.
She lifted the layers of brocade quilts and satin blankets on the couch, revealing the true appearance beneath the bed.
This bed is not a solid wooden platform that is sealed off, but rather it is enclosed by carved wooden panels and has a hollow bottom.
The narrow gap between the bed and the floor, though dim, was large enough for an adult man to curl up and hide inside.
"Go inside quickly."
She urged, quickly scanning the doorway: "Curl up to the very back and try to hide yourself. As long as you don't lift the draped bed curtains, no one will notice you."
As the footsteps outside grew closer, Xiao Chengyan no longer hesitated. He immediately nimbly slid into the gap, his tall body curled up and disappeared into the shadows.
Just moments after she had put down the blankets she had lifted, there was a knock on the door of her bedchamber.
Sui En's voice rang out: "Princess, have you rested? Lord Shentu from the Imperial Horse Stables has arrived and says he has important business to discuss."
Upon hearing this, Yu Nie and Song Ai Cuiwei exchanged a glance.
Song Ai replied, "The princess has already retired for the night. Lord Shentu, if you have any urgent matters to discuss, you may report them tomorrow morning."
This time, the response wasn't from Sui En, but from a not-so-deep male voice that pierced through the palace doors: "Your Majesty, Shen Tu Zheng, the Junior Supervisor of the Imperial Horse Administration, has disturbed Princess Shunhe's peace and deserves death. However, my men have personally witnessed a suspicious individual sneaking into the residence. I am worried that it might be a villain with ill intentions, or perhaps Xiao Chengyan and his ilk, who are currently wanted throughout the city. To ensure the princess's safety, I humbly request permission to investigate!"
Shen Tu Zheng showed no intention of leaving, his tone leaving no room for discussion.
Inside the hall, Yu Nie and Song Ai exchanged a glance.
In an instant, both of them understood perfectly.
Shen Tu Zheng came in person, and his words were so certain that it was no mere idle talk.
Since he dares to point it out so directly, he must be confident. If we try to stop him tonight, he will not give up and may even force his way in immediately, at which point the situation will become even more uncontrollable.
The only way forward is to feign compliance and cooperate in order to seize an opportunity to turn the tide.
In a flash, Yu Nie almost rudely ripped off the pearl hairpins and jade rings from her temples and threw them into her dressing case. She then quickly ruffled her neatly combed hair, letting her long black hair fall down her back, creating the appearance of someone who had just gotten up from the bed.
At the same time, Song Ai, understanding the situation, called out to the door: "Lord Shentu, please wait a moment. My princess needs to change her clothes before she can be seen. This inspection is necessary to maintain decorum."
Upon hearing this, Shen Tu Zheng, who was standing outside the door, paused for a moment before replying, "Your subject awaits Your Highness." His tone revealed no impatience, but an invisible pressure had already penetrated through the door.
Having gained time, Yu Nie's men moved even faster, wiping away the lip rouge and some of the eyebrow makeup with a handkerchief to make the appearance of someone who had just gotten up from the couch look even more realistic.
Under the bed, Xiao Chengyan listened to these words, his whole body tense, his hand constantly touching the short knife on his body.
Once everything was ready, Yu Nie gestured to Song Ai.
Song Ai and Cuiwei, who had been guarding the door, opened the palace door a crack. After seeing the people outside holding torches, they then opened the door completely.
At the bottom of the steps outside the gate, Shentu was looking into the palace, but he saw that Yu Nie had not come out.
A moment later, she gracefully moved to the door, her figure slender and her plain face exuding an unapproachable air of sternness.
She yawned and saw a middle-aged man dressed in the official robes of an imperial horse stable standing under the lamplight outside the door.
He was not very tall, but rather stocky. His face was decent-looking at first glance, but his eyes were too sharp and piercing. When he looked at people, he always seemed to be scrutinizing them, giving people the impression that he was shrewd and not easily fooled.
Upon seeing her emerge, the person outside immediately lowered his eyes, bowed deeply, and greeted her with utmost respect: "Your subject greets Your Highness Shunhe."
As she surveyed the people below the steps, Yu Nie composed herself, appearing calm: "I heard what Lord Shentu just said, but I didn't see any villains come in. Are you mistaken?"
Shen Tu remained bowing, his tone certain: "My capable men witnessed a suspicious-looking figure, agile and nimble, scaling the wall and entering Hongzheng Pavilion. There is no mistake in their deception. I fear this person may be Xiao Chengyan, a wanted criminal recently issued by the court, and his henchmen. If they are hiding in Your Highness's residence and alarm the imperial carriage, we would be guilty beyond redemption even by death."
Just as Yu Nie was about to refute his words, he said, "Please understand, Your Highness, we are acting under orders and dare not overlook any clues to ensure that nothing goes wrong. Therefore, we humbly request Your Highness to allow us to enter and search carefully to put Your Majesty's mind at ease and to ensure Your Highness's safety. We hope Your Highness will understand our predicament."
Shen Tu Zheng's words were impeccable. He pointed out the evidence he had witnessed, invoked the orders from above and the warrant for the arrest of a wanted criminal, and disguised the purpose of the search as her safety. He adopted an extremely humble attitude, making it difficult for her to refuse directly.
She could understand what he meant, but she still wanted to secure a safe place for Xiao Chengyan.
Shen Tu Zheng kept glancing up to observe her reaction. He saw her brows furrow slightly, and the princess's pride and displeasure at being disturbed were immediately apparent.
"Lord Shentu," she raised her voice slightly, displaying the imposing majesty of a princess, "You may investigate the other parts of Hongzheng Pavilion as you wish. But my bedchamber is my private place of rest. If word gets out that an outsider has entered without permission, what will become of my reputation?"
She deliberately emphasized "outer officials" and "private places," attempting to use etiquette and reputation as a final barrier to block Shen Tu Zheng.
In response to this move from her, Shentu Zheng simply bowed deeply again, his concern evident yet respectful, and explained, "It is precisely because this is Your Highness's bedchamber that I am even more worried. If that villain truly harbors ill intentions and sneaks into the palace under the cover of night, launching a sudden attack when Your Highness is alone and the night is still, the consequences would be unimaginable!"
Shen Tu Zheng: "I know this is a rash move, but if the princess is put in danger because of my negligence, and the villains take advantage of the situation, then I will be willing to die a hundred times to atone for it."
He bowed even lower: "Your Highness, I humbly request permission to enter and conduct a thorough investigation to prevent future troubles!"
Shen Tu Zheng's sincerity and meticulous logic almost completely blocked all of Yu Nie's reasons for refusing based on personal reputation.
If she were to forcefully stop him again, it would only make her appear guilty or disregard her own safety. Shen Tu Zheng's words had already cornered her; if she insisted on stopping him, it would be tantamount to openly admitting that she was hiding something.
She knew she could no longer hold them off.
She twisted her hands tightly in her sleeves to maintain her composure.
After much deliberation, in order not to arouse his suspicion, she could only reluctantly make way for him: "In that case, Lord Shentu, please investigate. Just be quick and don't disturb this princess for too long. I've been exhausted all day and I'm very tired right now."
Shen Tu Zheng bowed and replied, "Thank you for your understanding, Your Highness. I will act quickly."
After saying this, he straightened up and, with two guards, entered her bedchamber. After giving brief instructions, the three of them began searching inside.
Shen Tu Zheng entered the hall and inspected it very carefully, scanning every corner of the hall, checking everything behind the screens and beams.
His heavy footsteps, each step like a death knell, sent chills down one's spine.
Beneath the bed, Xiao Chengyan held his breath, his body tense as iron. He listened to the sound of official boots stepping on the floor tiles, approaching from afar, carrying the threat of death.
A moment later, the sound stopped by the bedside, and his heart jumped into his throat.
In the darkness, he curled his body deeper into the shadows, watching the other person's next move.
Yu Nie and Song Ai stood to the side, seemingly calm, but cold sweat was seeping from their backs as they worried about Xiao Chengyan who was hiding.
Shen Tu was pacing back and forth by the bed, then he half-squatted down. When he reached out to lift the draped brocade quilt, Yu Nie's heart almost stopped, his palms clenched, and his whole body went numb.
Just as she was preparing to face the unknown danger, a loud "BOOM!" suddenly came from outside.
A muffled explosion came from the courtyard. Shen Tu stopped abruptly, turned around, and shouted sharply, "What happened outside!"
He disregarded the bed and rushed out of the bedroom with his men.
Everyone's attention was instantly drawn to the courtyard.
Seeing this, Yu Nie felt a little relieved and went outside as well.
Smoke billowed from a corner of the courtyard, where a small bronze furnace used for refining pills lay overturned on the ground, with some charred marks scattered around it, creating a messy scene. A pungent smell of saltpeter wafted through the air.
Affected by the pungent smell, Shentu covered his nose, waved away the blue smoke in front of him, and frowned as he asked, "What is that on the ground?"
Upon hearing the sound, Cuiwei coughed and rushed forward in a panic, kneeling down on the ground: "Princess, please forgive me! It was...it was my carelessness that caused the unrefined medicinal stones inside to suddenly explode. I deserve to die!"
Yu Nie was not surprised by this.
There's only one reason why this isn't unexpected: it was something she had planned beforehand.
As Shentu entered the inner palace and the others from the Imperial Horse Stables scattered to search, she worried that she could not stop the search for long. So she secretly signaled Cuiwei to take the opportunity to ignite a small amount of gunpowder, creating this seemingly accidental but actually diversionary commotion.
Shentu was currently being pulled away from the bedchamber by the sudden explosion, which was exactly what she wanted.
"That was the alchemy furnace I used to refine pills. I never expected this to happen."
Since Beiye was mostly populated by high-ranking officials and nobles who enjoyed alchemy, Shentu Zheng did not doubt her statement.
He simply said, "The princess is in the prime of her life; I never imagined she would be interested in these elixirs."
Yu Nie: "If my brother likes it, I'll try refining it for fun."
These words sounded like she was doing it specifically to please Zhao Yunfu.
With everyone following, it's understandable that she, as a princess, owes her current status and treatment to Zhao Yunfu's protection.
In this world, grasping at one's "lifeline" is the instinct for survival. To do the opposite is foolish.
Secretly observing his reaction, Yu Nie pretended to glance at Cuiwei, who was kneeling and begging for forgiveness, without any emotion, and continued, "It's all because my maid is clumsy and has disturbed your investigation. I'm really sorry."
Then, her gaze shifted to Cuiwei, who was still kneeling: "What are you still kneeling for? Go and receive your punishment later. Now hurry up and clean this place up, so as not to get in Lord Shentu's way any longer."
Shen Tu was pacing on the ground. Although he could understand that pill refining could sometimes result in explosions, out of professional habit, this explosion seemed too coincidental to him, and he couldn't help but take a few more glances.
After Cuiwei got up and left, he withdrew his gaze from examining the remains of the alchemy furnace and turned to Yu Nie with a perfunctory respect on his face: "Your Highness is too kind. Since it was an accident, there is no need to say that it was a disturbance."
Then, he changed the subject: "However, my duty is not yet complete. The bedchamber still needs to be thoroughly inspected." He spoke with a considerate tone: "The sooner I finish my inspection, the sooner the princess can rest."
Without giving her time to react, he lifted his foot to step back into the hall.
Yu Nie's heart tightened. He had exhausted all his excuses. If he tried to stop them now, it would be like trying to hide something obvious and arouse suspicion.
She could think of no reason to stop him and could only watch helplessly as Shen Tu Zheng's figure approached the palace gate.
Just as she was pondering her next move, a cold and authoritative voice rang out from the inner courtyard gate: "Isn't it against the rules for Supervisor Shentu to disturb Princess Shunhe so late at night?"
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Author's Note: Some place names in the book are the same as historical place names. Please don't try to match them exactly to historical accuracy, as I've made some changes. Thank you for reading!
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