Chapter 78 Chapter 78 "Will you marry me?"...
When Xue Yuanyin woke up, the prison seemed dark. It was still dark outside, and a little light leaked in through the narrow window.
Is this... morning?
Thinking of the execution last night, Xue Yuanyin was surprised to find that it was not as painful as she had imagined. She propped herself up and touched her back, only then she found that Ah Zhen seemed to have applied medicine on her. In addition, she was only hit with two boards and was not injured.
After five days, she is still alive?
Xue Yuanyin suddenly sat up from the couch. If she still couldn't guess that this was Zhang Jingxuan's work, then she had lived in vain all these years.
She ran to the cell door to call for help, but found that the prisoner was not standing by the iron door. Only Ah Zhen was sitting on a small wooden stool against the wall and taking a nap.
Looking more closely, I found that the iron door of the cell was not locked at all.
Xue Yuanyin was stunned for a second, and subconsciously looked at her wrists and ankles - the rings and chains were gone, leaving only a shallow red mark.
She... is free?
Xue Yuanyin pushed open the iron door and walked into the corridor outside the cell. Ah Zhen was awakened by the noise. She rubbed her eyes and saw her, then smiled.
"Girl, you're awake! Are you hungry? Breakfast..."
Xue Yuanyin interrupted her: "What's going on?"
Ah Zhen was a bit bewildered and said, "I don't know either. I only know that a eunuch came to say that the young lady has been acquitted and is free to go wherever she wants... That's right!"
She pulled out a folded piece of paper from her sleeve and handed it to her, saying, "This was left by that gentleman. He asked me to give it to you, young lady, saying that he has something for you."
Xue Yuanyin took the note and opened it. The handwriting was elegant and graceful, with sharp strokes. It was Zhang Jingxuan's handwriting. There were only two words written on it - study.
Study? What study? Was he waiting for her in the study?
Xue Yuanyin put the note away and hurried out. The lights on both sides of the prison corridor flickered as she ran past. As soon as she pushed open the iron door of the private prison, she realized that the scenery outside was very familiar.
The palace is magnificent, cold and majestic, with red buildings and green tiles. This is obviously the Zhuyue Palace.
She was actually imprisoned in the private prison of Zhuyue Palace!
Xue Yuanyin didn't bother to change out of her prison uniform and immediately ran into the main hall of Zhuyue Palace. No one stopped her, as if she had never been a serious criminal before.
She didn't care about these things and ran to the side hall, but didn't see Zhang Jingxuan. She went to the table and searched, but found nothing. There was nothing here at all.
Suddenly remembering something, Xue Yuanyin abruptly opened the wooden drawer. A rolled-up scroll, tied with silk, lay quietly inside. She picked it up and examined it. It was undoubtedly his nude painting.
What did he mean by asking her to come to the study to get the painting after she was released from prison? And then he suddenly gave it back to her...
Xue Yuanyin vaguely realized something, put the painting back, closed the wooden drawer, and ran straight out of the hall.
It was still dark. It had snowed all night, and the capital was covered with a layer of silver frost.
There were few people on the street, and for some reason it seemed more desolate than ever.
Zhu Yue Palace is located on the north wall of the imperial palace, and the main hall door is diagonally opposite Shenwu Gate. As soon as she ran out, she met Qin Fang who was leading a patrol on the street at the south gate of the palace.
For some reason, when their eyes met, Qin Fang looked away feeling a little guilty.
Xue Yuanyin immediately ran over, breathlessly blocking his way, and said anxiously:
"Why was I released from prison suddenly? Where is Zhang Jingxuan? Where did he go?"
Qin Fang hesitated for a moment, his face tangled, and after a while he sighed:
"Zhang Jingxuan is really good at giving me problems! He even asked me to keep it a secret from you for a while, but I said I couldn't keep it a secret! I'll tell you the truth, it was Zhang Jingxuan who asked the Crown Prince for a favor to get you out of prison. He set out with the army to Qintang Pass before dawn today."
Xue Yuanyin's expression changed slightly:
"Western Qiang started the war? Why would a civil official like him go? Is it...Ashilie?!"
She suddenly understood and turned to go into the palace to see the emperor, but suddenly remembered that she was not qualified to enter the palace. She turned around and grabbed Qin Fang's wrist, begging:
"Commander Qin, can you take me to see His Royal Highness the Crown Prince? He didn't kill Ashlie at all!"
Qin Fang was a little embarrassed.
Xue Yuanyin then realized that she had been desperately trying all sorts of methods. Qin Fang was the commander of the imperial guards, and bringing someone into the palace without permission would result in dismissal. As she was getting anxious, a figure approached from behind the East Palace and said in a calm voice, "I'll take you to see the Crown Prince."
Xue Yuanyin quickly turned around and saw that it was Chen Su. He said, "I don't have any official position at the moment. I'll take you there."
After saying that, he turned and walked towards the palace gate. Xue Yuanyin was stunned for a moment, then followed him and thanked him repeatedly.
She was not familiar with Chen Suo, and their only experience together was in Quanyang County. She did not expect that he would be willing to lend a helping hand and solve her urgent problem at this critical moment.
Chen Su had a badge to enter the palace, and he brought her in smoothly. Xue Yuanyin was worried and anxious, so she slipped in the snow on the side of the road. Chen Su was quick to help her, and Xue Yuanyin stood up and apologized to him guiltily.
Chen Lu shook his head and quickened his pace as he led the way. When they reached the square in front of the Imperial Study, he turned and left.
As Xue Yuanyin approached the imperial study, a young eunuch hurried over to block her way:
"Miss Xue, His Highness is in a meeting inside and has no time..."
Xue Yuanyin couldn't wait for him to finish his words and interrupted him: "I don't have time to wait! Father-in-law, please make way for me!"
After saying this, she walked around the eunuch and eagerly pushed open the door of the imperial study. The courtiers who were discussing matters inside stopped talking and turned to look. The crown prince, who was sitting at the top of the table, noticed the commotion and also looked up, his brows furrowed.
Xue Yuanyin didn't care what punishment she would receive for trespassing into the imperial study. She wouldn't die anyway, so she'd just give him a beating. She walked to the middle of the room, knelt down and saluted, then raised her head and said hurriedly:
"Your Highness, has Zhang Jingxuan gone to Qintang Pass?"
His Royal Highness the Crown Prince said in a stern tone, "I allowed you to be released from prison and regain your freedom, not to trespass into the Imperial Study!"
"If Your Highness wants to punish me, I will do it myself, but Zhang Jingxuan cannot face Ashlie!"
Xue Yuanyin kowtowed, suppressing the feeling of collapse in his heart. He said, "Why would the entire court send a single official to the battlefield? Your Highness, I was the one who killed Helian Ba! It had nothing to do with him! How could he have killed Helian Ba? How could a single official like him, if he went to Qintang Pass, withstand the butcher knife of A Shilie?!"
"You think I don't know?"
The Crown Prince was also annoyed to see her. This woman was his nemesis, born to quell him. If it weren't for the wrong occasion, he would have wanted to quarrel with her at the entrance of the palace to vent his anger. But this was the Imperial Study, so he suppressed his anger and said:
"Do you think I wanted him to go? It was clearly your good father who used public opinion to force him out! They don't care about the truth at all!"
Xue Yuanyin's face paled suddenly. This was indeed something Xue Chang would do. Her voice trembled as she spoke, "Your Highness, I volunteer to go to the border and replace him to fight against Ashlie! I beg Your Highness for your permission."
After saying this, she wanted to kowtow to him again.
The prince became angry again when he saw this. He felt that he really owed these two people in his past life, otherwise why would they keep asking him for favors? He felt helpless, a look of grief flashed across his face, and he said:
"I'm afraid it's too late... He's the people's favorite, you can't replace him."
Xue Yuanyin trembled slightly, knelt on the floor of the imperial study, which was gleaming with golden bricks, and closed his eyes weakly.
His Royal Highness the Crown Prince still had matters to discuss, a morning court session to attend, and the rules for his accession to the throne to prepare. He had no time to dwell on the guilt of a woman like her breaking into the Imperial Study. She had already been released from prison, and punishing her would only upset Zhang Qing. It was better to turn a blind eye. He waved his hand and said,
"Given your urgent need, I'll forgive you for trespassing into the Imperial Study, but I won't do it again! If you truly can't bear to leave him, why not ride your horse to the outskirts of the capital right away? The army needs to reorganize there before continuing on its journey. If you go now, perhaps you'll be able to see him one last time."
Xue Yuanyin kowtowed in thanks, then hurriedly stood up and left the imperial study.
After following the young eunuch out of the palace and returning to report, Xue Yuanyin, wearing a gray prison uniform, rushed to Zhuque Street north of the palace.
Officials flocked to the morning court, glancing at her before passing on either side. Xue Yuanyin paused alone at the street corner, breathless, a moment of anxious despair. She had no idea where the army was on the outskirts of the city. She had no horses, no riding gear, not even warm clothes.
She wanted to catch up with him, but how could she ever be in time?
It had just snowed last night, and it was terribly cold this morning. Xue Yuanyin didn't care anymore and decided to give it a try even though there was no time left. She was about to use her internal energy to raise her spirits and rush to the outskirts of the city when a clear voice suddenly called her from the side of the road.
Xue Yuanyin turned her head and saw six people standing in a row on the side of Zhuque Street.
The snow from last night had not melted yet, and the six familiar faces standing there like stakes in the snow and ice gave her a fright.
"I don't have time to catch up with you..."
Xue Yuanyin finished her words hurriedly. Princess Ning Yan, the first one standing still, had her nose red from the cold. She brought a horse over and handed her the reins, speaking quickly, "Miss Xue, I borrowed this from the palace stables. Master Zhang has only been leaving for the outskirts of the city for half an hour. You still have time if you hurry."
Xue Yuanyin was slightly stunned when he saw the reins handed to him.
The second one was Qin Fang. He handed over a set of thick velvet protective gear and said, "I just stole it from the Imperial Guards' armory. If you come back soon and return it, you won't be discovered."
Xue Yuanyin took the protective gear in a daze, her voice hoarse.
The third one was Chen Su. He handed over a black crane cloak and said succinctly, "He dropped it in the imperial study last night. It's cold when the snow melts, so he drove his horse with this to keep warm."
Xue Yuanyin took it and touched it gently with her tentacles. She seemed to be able to feel the lingering pine scent and the warmth of frost and snow on it.
The fourth and fifth standing still were Su Mian and Guan Bai, whom I hadn't seen in a while. The Su family and their steward hadn't participated in the palace coup that night, so they had managed to survive the court's crackdown on dissidents. However, as former loyalists of Prince Yu, they didn't dare to show their faces too openly. Both men had smeared dirty dust on their faces to disguise themselves, wearing servants' clothes and keeping a very low profile.
Su Mian looked at her with an inexplicable sense of guilt, and she didn't know what he had done to offend her. Guan Bai was unaware of it, his eyes still clear and upright. He handed over a map and said:
"Xue Ling, I heard you were going to the outskirts of Beijing to say farewell to Zhang Jingxuan? This is the forest where the army is stationed. I've marked it out for you. Go quickly!"
Xue Yuanyin thanked him and took it carefully.
Zhang Zimo, standing at the end, was crying heartbreakingly. Through tears and snot he handed over a letter, saying, "Please, please give it to him for me. I've been writing this letter all night. Everything I want to say is in it..." He then broke down and burst into tears. Standing on the side of Zhuque Street, he looked like a homeless vagrant, without the bearing of a young master from an aristocratic family. "I hate you all! You all bully my brother..."
The five people around him immediately moved away from him, thinking he was embarrassing.
If Gao Songlin didn't come, he would be imprisoned and unable to protect himself.
Xue Yuanyin said "thank you" without saying anything else. He quickly put on the protective gear, turned over and rode on the horse's back, gripped the reins tightly, and clamped his legs against the horse's belly.
The horse neighed and spread its hooves, carrying her towards the outskirts of Beijing.
-
In the western suburbs of the capital, the scenery was covered with snow, and the army was packing their bags at the edge of the woods.
General Xun had been a skilled warrior in his youth, and even now, despite his age, he was still quite strong. He took out two rough bowls, uncorked the wine jug, poured strong liquor into the bowls, and handed them to the young man on horseback beside him, saying:
"A drink of strong liquor will help warm you up for the journey."
Zhang Jingxuan didn't refuse General Xun's kindness. He took the bowl and drank half of it. The strong liquor burned his throat and made him cough a few times. He waved his hand and sprinkled the rest of the wine on the snow, saying:
"I would also like to offer this half bowl of wine to the capital."
He returned the bowl to General Xun, who laughed heartily. He drank the liquor and said:
"Why don't you take the carriage with the eunuch who oversees the army, Master Zhang? You'll be spared some suffering."
Zhang Jingxuan shook his head and said, "No."
General Xun sighed again, "You haven't slept in two days, have you? The march is tough, can you still hold on?"
Zhang Jingxuan smiled gently and said, "No problem."
General Xun did not try to persuade him any further.
The fiery red morning sun gradually appeared on the horizon, and with a horn sound, the army set out on its journey.
Zhang Jingxuan turned around and looked towards the capital.
He left without saying goodbye, always wanting to ride on the horse again and see the scenery behind him.
Suddenly, in the dim sunlight in the distance, I heard the sound of approaching horse hooves, and then a familiar figure appeared in my sight, speeding towards me.
The army also heard the sound of horse hooves, turned to look, and talked among themselves. The marching footsteps suddenly became chaotic.
General Xun immediately rectified military discipline and asked sternly:
"Who comes here?!"
Zhang Jingxuan's body suddenly froze in place, his eyes fixed on the man who was approaching on horseback.
She was dressed in plain clothes and a dark black crane cloak. She rode her horse with a graceful and elegant posture. The morning sun was rising slowly, and her clear eyes sparkled like stars in the contrast of the morning glow and the white snow.
This face is so familiar.
Why did she catch up?
"Wait a minute! Zhang Jingxuan, I have something to tell you—"
Xue Yuanyin was panting as he sped along, and finally saw the massive army in armored armor getting closer and closer.
The army is leading the way and cannot easily stop for others. General Xun is leading his troops forward and is about to leave the capital.
Xue Yuanyin gripped the reins tightly and spurred her horse to catch up, breathless. The cold wind blew against her face, making her look a little disheveled.
She looked at the gentle and clean person in front of her, who was far away. As if she didn't care, she gathered all her courage and shouted at him with all her strength:
"Zhang Jingxuan, do you want to marry me?"
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