Chapter 65 I'll wait for you to come back; I have something to tell you...
Chi Ying's shoulder injury gradually healed, and the two returned to their usual close and intimate state.
By the end of October, the Embroidered Uniform Guard discovered that the Prince of Hejian was suspected of recruiting private soldiers and privately forging armor and weapons in the mountains, which seemed to indicate a rebellion.
Emperor Yongcheng was furious upon hearing the news, but fearing that he might alert the enemy, he first sent secret agents to Hejian to investigate. However, the agents never returned and no news came back, so they were afraid that they had met with misfortune.
After much deliberation, Emperor Yongcheng thought of Yan Xuecui.
Although he was blind, he had solved many cold cases in the past six months. His subordinates, the Northern Garrison Command, had investigated and arrested dozens of officials who were corrupt, derelict in their duties, or formed cliques. Emperor Yongcheng trusted his abilities. If he could go to Hejian in person, he would surely find irrefutable evidence of the Prince of Hejian's rebellion and bring this group of rebels to justice as soon as possible.
This matter had to be resolved sooner or later, so Yan Xuecui agreed.
After returning to the manor, he and Chi Ying went to Shouchun Hall to pay their respects to Consort Zhuang. When Yan Xuecui mentioned this matter, both of them were surprised.
Consort Zhuang frowned: "Is there no one else in the court? They actually want you to secretly investigate the rebels?"
Yan Xuecui said calmly, "With the Rong Prince and Xuan Prince both in trouble, the princes of various regions will surely be keeping a close eye on the situation in the capital. However, it is not advisable to make a big fuss right now. My father hopes that I can expose the crimes of the Hejian Prince without losing a single soldier and bring him to the capital."
Chi Ying clenched the handkerchief in her hand and couldn't help but ask, "How long will it take? Is it very dangerous?"
Yan Xuecui looked at her and said, "I will set off the day after tomorrow and will be back in a month at the shortest, but by the end of the year at the latest."
A month or two was nothing out of the ordinary for Consort Zhuang. In the past, when they were away on military campaigns, it was not uncommon for Prince Ding and Prince Zhao to be away for two years at a time. It was just that the young couple had never experienced separation before, so they were inevitably reluctant to part.
Consort Zhuang sighed and instructed, "In short, be careful while you are away. Yingyue and I are waiting for you at home."
Yan Xuecui replied, "Yes."
On the way back to Shuyu Zhai, Chi Ying felt an inexplicable sense of depression and melancholy. It wasn't until Yan Xue called out to her that she slowly came back to her senses.
Once inside, after dismissing everyone else, Chi Ying couldn't help but hug him tightly, saying, "Your Highness."
Yan Xue chuckled softly, "What, you can't bear to part with me?"
Chi Ying's voice was deep and muffled: "My eyelids were twitching a lot just now, I was afraid you were in danger."
Yan Xuecui gently patted her back: "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. I'll bring enough Imperial Guards and secret guards, nothing will happen."
Chi Ying nodded. "Mm."
In the past, when he went out on business, he would return in a few days. She had never felt this way before. In fact, she felt relaxed when he was not around. At least she could rest for a couple of days and take the opportunity to visit her mother. But this time, she would not see him for more than a month, and a feeling of reluctance rose in her heart.
Yan Xue kissed her forehead gently. "Don't you always say I'm clingy? Aren't you happy that I'm leaving?"
Chi Ying: "But you've been gone for so long, and there's no one to take care of you. If you encounter any inconvenience while you're away..."
Yan Xuecui reassured her, "I will bring Qingze with me. Whether we are at home or outside, there will be no inconvenience."
Chi Ying nodded, then, as if remembering something, quickly asked, "What if Your Highness's old illness relapses?"
Yan Xuecui realized that the old ailment she was referring to was his skin-thinning disease.
To be honest, he wasn't sure either. Before he went blind, the symptoms were particularly severe. During the three days he went to the palace to investigate the case of the "Warm Love Incense," he was almost burning inside, his blood was churning like thick syrup, and he was constantly and desperately craving her scent. Later, the symptoms gradually subsided, also because she was with him day and night. In addition, now that his eyesight has been restored and he is intimately close to his beloved, he has indeed not had an attack for a long time.
Even he himself didn't know if, after more than a month apart, that intense anxiety and sense of loss of control would recur.
"If only I could have you by my side."
But the river is extremely dangerous, and everything is unknown. He cannot let her be in danger again.
Yan Xue lowered her head, her nose touching the crook of her neck, inhaling the faint scent of orange blossoms on her body, and unconsciously tightened the grip on her lower back.
Chi Ying hugged him back tightly, their intense heartbeats mingling closely, everything like a wildfire, impossible to control.
A hot, rapid kiss descended upon her, instantly consuming all her breath. The hands covering her body were more forceful than ever before, almost crushing her bones.
This was the first time Chi Ying had responded to him so passionately, giving herself completely to him.
It felt like she was back in those endless three days and three nights, but this time, she experienced not only the awkwardness and torment of that time, but also complete indulgence and unbridled joy.
Finally, she fell into a deep sleep from exhaustion. Yan Xue cleaned her up and, by the bright yellow light, saw her eyebrows and eyes, and every part of her body clearly, imprinting them deeply in his heart.
Chi Ying vaguely realized that her nightgown had been changed. As her consciousness returned slightly, she heard him whisper in her ear: "A-Ying, give me one of your personal items, I'll keep it with me."
She responded with a hoarse "okay," but not long after, she was drawn back into his vortex of depravity.
Until noon the next day, Yan Xuecui had to return to the Northern Garrison Command due to official business handover.
Chi Ying lay on the bed, her lower abdomen throbbing and aching, making it difficult for her to get up. She blinked, pondering what she could give him as a keepsake.
He was leaving tomorrow, and there wasn't time to embroider the sachet and nightgown. The handkerchief she had used was too perfunctory, so he could just take it without hesitation and even ask her what she was doing with it.
Chi Ying racked her brains for a long time, her gaze falling on a strand of hair twirling between her fingertips. Suddenly, she had a flash of inspiration, got up and fetched a pair of scissors.
Originally, it was thought that the two of them could continue their tenderness tonight, but Yan Xuecui was delayed by official business and did not return until late at night. After bidding farewell to Consort Zhuang at Shouchun Hall, she returned to Shuyuzhai and was about to leave after only a short while.
Chi Ying handed him the prepared items, and Yan Xuecui rubbed his fingertips together. "A purse?"
Chi Ying untied the drawstring of the purse and let him put his fingertips inside to feel it.
Yan Xue Cui lowered her head, but she had already seen it; it was a lock of black hair.
A thought flickered in his mind, and after a moment of silence, he still asked in a low voice, "What is it?"
Chi Ying said softly, "Last time at the hot spring resort, you recited a poem to me called 'Farewell to My Wife,' which says, 'We are husband and wife, bound by our hair, and our love is unwavering.' So I cut this lock of hair for you."
Yan Xuecui's Adam's apple bobbed, and she was speechless for a moment. She reached out and pulled the person into her arms, gently pressing her cheek against her heart.
Chi Ying's eyes suddenly stung, and at this moment he couldn't help but burst into tears, which also soaked his clothes.
Yan Xuecui rubbed the back of her head, her chest aching unbearably, but she still said in a very soft tone, "Don't cry, I'll be back as soon as possible."
Chi Ying nodded in his arms, "Take care."
Yan Xuecui: "Mm."
They embraced for a long time when the sound of horses' hooves came from outside. Yan Xue patted her back, and Chi Ying knew he should leave. She finally let go of his waist and slowly stepped back from his embrace.
Yan Xuecui looked at her intently, wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes, and imprinted her features deeply in his mind.
Chi Ying's throat tightened, and she suddenly called out to him, "Husband..."
Yan Xue raised an eyebrow slightly: "Hmm?"
Chi Ying felt an inexplicable surge of emotion welling up inside her, and couldn't help but say, "When you come back, I... have something to tell you."
Yan Xuecui stared at her for a moment, without asking what it was, only saying "okay", and then smiled at her and said, "When I come back, I will also tell you something, some good news."
Perhaps having something to look forward to will make her happier and stop her from dwelling solely on the sadness of parting.
Chi Ying finally smiled and said, "Alright, I'll wait for my husband's good news."
...
Yan Xue set off before dawn. Since it was a covert investigation, she naturally couldn't make a big fuss or attract attention.
After resting at the mansion for two days, Chi Ying planned to go to Liu Mian Lane. The days were getting colder and colder, and the winter was the hardest to endure. Her mother also needed to add some cotton clothes and charcoal.
But just the next day, when she was about to leave the manor, Xiangqin whispered in her ear with a troubled expression, "Madam requests that you return to the manor, saying that she has something important to discuss with you."
What has happened to the Yin family? Could it be because of Chi Yingyue?
Chi Ying frowned: "Just say that my shoulder injury has not yet fully healed and that I should not travel too much. Let's talk about it again in a while."
Xiangqin, who served you during your bath every day, knew this was just an excuse, but she was also in a dilemma. "Madam said that if you refuse to return to the manor, then... then she will ask Aunt Xue to come back with you..."
Chi Ying's face turned pale, and she clenched the handkerchief in her hand so tightly that her fingertips turned white.
Xiangqin whispered, "Madam has pressed me repeatedly, so I have no choice but to tell you..."
Chi Ying had always known that her mother's stay in Liu Mian Lane was only temporary. Xiang Qin was Zheng Mama's daughter, and it would be very easy for Madam Yin to find out where her mother lived.
However, she was confined to the Prince's mansion and had to be cautious in everything she did. She couldn't settle her mother in a place far away from the capital where no one would bother her for a while. Even if she could, she wouldn't be able to take care of her at all times.
Therefore, she has been thinking recently about finding a suitable opportunity to confess everything to His Highness.
She didn't ask for forgiveness. If he was still willing to keep her by his side, she would treat him with all her heart for the rest of her life. If she couldn't stay in the palace, she only asked him to spare her and her mother's lives. She would do anything he asked of her.
With Yan Xuechui currently out of the capital and not yet back, Chi Ying has no choice but to continue dealing with Madam Yin and has had to return to the Changyuan Marquis's residence.
Before Yan Xuecui left, she doubled the number of secret guards sent to the Zhaowang Mansion. Chi Ying's trip was no exception; the coachman and the accompanying guards were all top-notch experts, and Lian Yun and Feng Yue were still with her.
The Earl of Changyuan was on leave today, and upon seeing this display of force, he immediately took Lady Yin out to greet them, putting on a show of politeness.
After Chi Ying entered, Earl Changyuan gestured for him to dismiss his attendants and close the door so they could talk more easily.
Chi Ying had no choice but to have Lian Yun Fengyue stand guard outside the courtyard gate.
Both of them knew that the princess was hiding a secret, but His Highness had already instructed them not to monitor or inquire any further, but simply to protect her closely. Lian Yun and Feng Yue could only follow his instructions and retreat to the courtyard with the guards to wait.
Chi Ying stepped into the Osmanthus Courtyard, only to find Chi Yingyue, whom she hadn't seen in a long time, inside the gauze curtain of the Yin family's bedroom.
"It's been a long time since I've seen you. My third sister is becoming more and more glamorous now."
Chi Yingyue looked her up and down. She was adorned with gold hairpins and hair ornaments, brocade robes and fine clothes, and even her embroidered shoes were covered with pearls and gems. Chi Yingyue was furious and almost ground her back teeth to powder.
Although she was the legitimate daughter of the Earl's family, her family had fallen into poverty, and she herself had fallen to such a state that she was not even as well-dressed as a concubine's daughter.
But all of these originally belonged to her! She was truly blinded by greed, allowing this illegitimate daughter to take her place as princess and live a life surrounded by jewels and adoration.
However, thinking that everything would soon return to its rightful place and that she would soon reclaim all the wealth and glory that belonged to her, Chi Yingyue felt both resentful and frustrated, as well as extremely expectant and extremely happy.
Seeing the complex emotions on her face, Chi Ying calmly looked away. "Why did Mother call me back?"
Seeing that the guards outside had gone far away, Lady Yin decided to be frank: "The King of Zhao leaving the capital is a good opportunity. You and Yingyue should switch back as soon as possible, lest things get complicated."
Chi Ying frowned, almost doubting that she had misheard. "I spent more than half a year in the Prince's mansion, spending every day with Prince Zhao. Now that we've switched places, does Mother think Prince Zhao is a fool? How could he not notice?"
Chi Yingyue immediately replied, "Didn't you also impersonate me to marry into the Prince's mansion? Of course I can impersonate you too, just a little more obedient and gentle. What's so difficult about that?"
Chi Ying found it laughable: "When I first married, I repeatedly wanted to switch back, so why wouldn't you, Second Sister?"
Chi Yingyue said urgently, "Isn't this the reason why you were asked to marry in my place? We saved Aunt Xue's life, and you married Prince Zhao in my place. Now that the danger to Prince Zhao's mansion has been eliminated, isn't it only right that we switch back?"
Seeing her cold expression, Chi Yingyue curled her lips in a sneer: "Could it be that you're greedy for wealth and don't want to change? What, you think you're someone superior after being a princess for a few days, a phoenix rising from the ashes? Don't forget, everyone knows that the Princess Consort of Zhao is named Chi Yingyue, the eldest daughter of the Chi family. It's me, not you!"
Chi Ying clenched her fists and said coldly, "I will not change it. We will discuss this matter when His Highness Prince Zhao returns to the capital."
She turned to leave, but was blocked by Madam Yin and another Granny Tian. This Granny Tian was as strong as an ox and was the one who had whipped her and her mother years ago.
Behind her, Madam Yin angrily rebuked, "Do you really think that Prince Zhao can protect you? Believe me or not, if you dare to step out of this door, I will file a lawsuit against Shuntian Prefecture today, accusing you and Consort Xue and her daughter of coveting wealth and honor, deceiving the heavens and the sea, and impersonating the Princess!"
Chi Ying sneered: "I didn't even know that Shuntian Prefecture was run by my mother, allowing you to distort the truth and make baseless accusations at will."
Madam Yin stopped pretending to be a loving mother and daughter, staring intently at her: "Just now you said everything would be discussed after Prince Zhao returns to the capital. Could it be that you're planning to expose the truth about the substitute marriage? Do you think that just because you're truly favored, this crime of deceiving the emperor can be easily overlooked? Don't dream! This marriage was decreed by the Emperor. Even Prince Zhao has no right to pardon your death sentence!"
He then gave a sinister smile, "King Zhao won't be back for at least ten days to half a month, will he?"
Chi Ying gritted her teeth and said, "So what if His Highness Prince Zhao isn't here? The guards outside won't allow Mother to do whatever she wants."
A ruthless glint flashed in Madam Yin's eyes. "The Prefect of Shuntian Prefecture is a close colleague of your father. With just one word from me, the people of Liumian Lane can immediately send Aunt Xue to the Shuntian Prefecture prison for severe interrogation!"
Chi Ying stared at her in shock, her hand gripping the door frame trembling slightly, her nails digging into the wood grain, almost breaking it.
With red eyes and gritted teeth, she said, "If my mother goes to prison, my father, mother, and second sister will also not be able to escape. Does my mother dare to do that?"
Madam Yin's face hardened: "You're going to denounce us to Prince Zhao, what do I have to be afraid of? Either way, it's a capital offense. If the Chi family really wants to confiscate our property and imprison us, your aunt will be the first to die! With her frail health, she probably won't be able to withstand the torture and will die in prison before Prince Zhao even returns! You don't want her to have endured more than ten years of suffering for you, only to have her bones smashed and be beaten to death with clubs, do you?"
Chi Ying felt icy cold all over, as if she had fallen into a swamp, and her chest ached so much that she couldn't speak.
Madam Yin said, "Now all we want is for you to return what originally belonged to Yingyue. Everyone will be happy, and you can get what you want and take Aunt Xue away from the capital to live a simple life. Isn't that what you originally wanted? Or are you now blinded by this wealth and glory, and unwilling to give up your position as a princess and the favor of Prince Zhao?"
Chi Ying trembled and felt weak all over, only able to support herself by gripping the door frame tightly. She suppressed the choking in her throat and said, "Do you think everything will be fine once I leave? Did no one notice or suspect anything after the princess was replaced?"
Chi Yingyue raised her eyebrows and stepped forward, saying, "You don't need to worry about that. As long as you tell me everything about your relationship with Prince Zhao, big or small, without any concealment, I will naturally be able to take over from you and secure my position as the Princess Consort."
Chi Ying looked at the woman in front of her who looked exactly like her, remained silent for a long time, and finally looked at Madam Yin: "When do you want to switch, and how do you want to switch?"
Madam Yin had already made up her mind: "Five days from now is the Earl's birthday. During these five days, you should not return to the Prince Zhao's residence. Stay here and tell Yingyue everything that has happened in the past six months. After five days, you and Aunt Xue will leave the capital, and Yingyue will return to the Prince Zhao's residence. Everyone will go back to their own place."
Chi Ying: "How can you guarantee my and my mother's safety? What if you try to assassinate us halfway through the journey..."
Madam Yin interrupted, "The coachman and travel permit have already been prepared for you. If we really wanted to kill you secretly, why would we bother with this? You wouldn't even be able to leave the city gate before you were killed and buried."
Chi Ying trembled all over, as if a huge rock was pressing heavily on her heart. The Chi family, the Yin family, and Chi Yingyue looked down at her condescendingly, as if they wanted to crush her bones and tear her internal organs before they would stop!
She felt as if she were drowning in an abyss, each breath incredibly difficult, her throat filled with a bitter and bloody taste. She could only grit her teeth and try her best to hold on, to keep herself from crying out and collapsing.
Madam Yin coldly reminded her, "You should know what to say to those guards outside the door, right? If you dare to talk nonsense or ask anyone for help, Aunt Xue will be the first to suffer."
Chi Ying swallowed and said, "I understand."
After a long while, she slowly calmed herself down, opened the door and instructed Lian Yun, "Please go back and inform my mother that I will stay at home for a few more days and return after celebrating my father's birthday."
Lian Yun looked up and saw her slightly reddened eyes. Just as he was about to ask a question, Chi Ying smiled and said, "Go quickly, don't let your mother worry."
Lian Yun then bowed and agreed.
Chi Ying turned and went back into the house, like a lifeless puppet, feeling dizzy and numb, her heart numb, and she no longer felt any pain.
Lady Yin had already prepared paper and pen. "Write down everything about your interactions with Prince Zhao over the past few months, including the appearances and personalities of everyone in Prince Zhao's residence, as well as Consort Zhuang and the noble ladies in the palace. Write down everything you've met and spoken to."
After saying that, he reminded her again: "Don't try to trick me by missing or omitting anything. If things are exposed in the future, you and Aunt Xue will surely die."
Chi Ying looked up at her, and after a long while, a very faint smile appeared on her lips: "Things have come to this point. As long as I can leave safely, I will cooperate to the end."
She sat down at the desk, dipped her pen in ink, took a deep breath, and instead of writing from the past to the future, she began to recall from the most recent time.
From the lock of hair in her purse to the thirty bamboo slips at the hot spring resort, from the Milky Way night on Qixi Festival to the stars on the cruise ship on the night of the Spring Festival farewell, she recalled each item, wrote them down one by one, and bid farewell to them one by one in her heart.
Chi Yingyue was sitting on the couch not far away, eating some snacks. She got up and walked over, casually picking up a piece of paper with dried ink. When she saw the handwriting on it, she couldn't help but frown and scold, "How dare you call His Highness Prince Zhao 'husband'? You really are a shameless and despicable scoundrel!"
Chi Ying silently pursed her lips, "Yes, in the future, I can only ask Second Sister to learn from me, a shameless person, and do such despicable things."
Chi Yingyue was furious: "You..."
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Author's note: 50 red envelopes to comfort you! [heart][heart][heart]
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