Chapter 105 The Emperor was truly a master of seduction...
Xiao Zhuo looked at him with a puzzled expression.
Yuan Chaolu knew what he was thinking. She turned to the inner hall and said, "I'm not here to accompany you. It's just that I haven't been back to the Northwest for a long time, and this is a good opportunity to go back."
She guessed what reason Xiao Zhuo would use to persuade her to stay in Luoyang, but she remained unwilling to budge until Xiao Zhuo finally agreed.
Over the next two days, the emperor arranged the affairs of the court after his departure and handed over the power of overseeing the country to Jia Li.
Two days later, at dawn, a contingent of elite soldiers assembled in the square in front of the imperial city.
Xiao Zhuo sat on his horse and heard the sound of hooves coming from the palace gate. He looked up and saw Yuan Chaolu riding towards him.
She wrapped herself up tightly, wearing a fox fur hood, a rabbit fur face covering, and a cloak, with several layers underneath. Her slender figure looked somewhat bulky.
Yuan Chaolu noticed Xiao Zhuo staring at her, so she lifted her face from under her fur scarf and glanced at his attire. "Are you dressed like this? Aren't you cold?"
Xiao Zhuo said, "If the Empress is afraid of the cold, she can travel by carriage to avoid the cold wind. It's fine to arrive later."
Yuan Chaolu said, "No need."
She had finally persuaded Xiao Zhuo to ride with her, so how could she delay their journey for this? Yuan Chaolu looked Xiao Zhuo up and down and saw that he was hardly wearing anything to keep warm.
Yuan Chaolu reminded him, "Once we reach the Northwest, the north wind will be like a knife. Your Majesty is dressed so lightly, aren't you afraid of being blown off your horse by the wind?"
The emperor and empress said no more and set off westward under the escort of elite troops.
**
The group, weary from their journey, traveled day and night and finally arrived in Longxi, a thousand miles away from Luoyang.
To arrive here in such a short time shows how rushed the journey was.
The moment Yuan Chaolu's feet touched the ground, her legs went weak and she lost her balance. Fortunately, someone behind her reached out and firmly supported her.
Yuan Chaolu looked up at Xiao Zhuo. His face was pale, his eyelids were covered with a thin layer of white frost, and his breath was misty. He asked her, "Can you still stand?"
Compared to when he left Luoyang, he was dressed much more conservatively this time, wearing a fur hood and layers of warm clothing. Sure enough, no matter how stubborn he was before setting off, he quickly became obedient when faced with the north wind on the road.
But compared to Yuan Chaolu, he was dressed much more lightly and simply.
The prefect of Lintao Prefecture had been waiting for the emperor's arrival at the city gate for some time.
"Hot water and fine wine are prepared at the residence to welcome Your Majesty and Your Highness!"
Several hours later, after a short rest, Yuan Chaolu soaked in the warm water and finally had the most reassuring bath since leaving the capital.
As for Xiao Zhuo, he was in his study discussing the upcoming northern inspection tour with his ministers. He had his own matters to attend to, and Yuan Chaolu also had her own.
She leaned against the edge of the bathtub, her long hair floating on the water, watching the rising steam around her.
The situation currently facing the Yuan Dynasty is thorny and utterly perplexing.
Firstly, only Helan Yi knows the whereabouts of his younger brother.
According to what she asked Xiao Zhuo, Helan Yi was seriously injured in both eyes and has now returned to the Longxi General's Mansion to recuperate. He is currently in Jinzhou City, upstream of Lintao County, and has not yet gone to the northern frontier.
How can she get him to talk?
Secondly, after she obtains her brother's whereabouts, how will she avoid Xiao Zhuo's actions?
The younger brother is stubborn and acts without considering the consequences, even at the cost of mutual destruction, a trait he shares with Yuan Chaolu. This is evident in the various actions he takes to deal with Helan Yi.
If someone else goes to see him, they may not be able to bring him back.
Only Yuan Chaolu's personal intervention could persuade him to change his mind.
...
Just then, the palace door was knocked open, and the prefect's voice came from outside, "Your Majesty, Physician Cen has arrived."
After changing her clothes and drying her wet hair, Yuan Chaolu went to the outer room and gestured for the maid to open the door. She saw the Prefect's wife leading a young man across the threshold.
The Prefect's wife explained, "Her Majesty had just arrived at the Prefect's residence when she complained of a headache and fever, likely due to catching a cold during her journey. I dared not delay and immediately summoned Physician Cen for treatment. He is a disciple of a renowned physician from Jiangnan and possesses superb medical skills."
The Prefect's wife said, "Come quickly, Doctor Cen has come to pay his respects to Your Highness."
Yuan Chaolu nodded and smiled as he looked at the young man in front of him.
Soon after, the prefect's wife and the others withdrew.
Yuan Chaolu then stood up: "Senior Brother Cen, it's been a long time."
Cen Xiu cupped his hands in greeting, "I dare not accept such a compliment from Your Majesty."
Yuan Chaolu said, “Senior brother, there’s no need for such formalities. You are my sister’s savior, and therefore my savior as well. My sister instructed me to look for you as soon as I arrived. I never expected that the reputation my sister spoke of as senior brother would be this great. Before I could even send someone to summon you, the prefect’s wife brought you directly to me.”
Originally, Yuan Zhaobi wanted to accompany him on this westward journey, but unfortunately his knees had not yet recovered and he could not ride a horse for long, so he could only stay in Luoyang.
But before leaving, she instructed—
"Do you still remember that Physician Cen, my fellow disciple? When I was suffering from severe poisoning in Longxi, it was Physician Cen who stayed by my side, testing medicines to treat my body."
"When you arrive in Longxi, if you need anything, go to him. He is a man of excellent character and can be trusted. With him by your side, I can feel more at ease."
Yuan Chaolu looked at the person in front of her with a smile.
Cen Xiu said, "How is A Zhao now? In her letter to me, she mentioned Lu Changli's death, but I don't know the specifics."
Yuan Chaolu briefly explained the cause and effect of the matter.
“My sister always tells me that she is grateful to her senior brother. His medical skills are superb and his medical reputation is widespread. He originally treated ordinary people and practiced medicine to help the world. But when my sister was poisoned, he had to go to those high-class households to treat the nobles. He really worked hard.”
Cen Xiu smiled and said, "She's my junior sister, so it's only right."
Yuan Chaolu said, "But the tone of my elder sister when she talks about my senior brother is always different from when she talks about other people."
Cen Xiu coughed, his hand covering his lips, looking somewhat embarrassed, a stark contrast to his earlier composure.
Yuan Chaolu vaguely sensed something; her elder sister was recuperating in the Northwest, and it was this Senior Brother Cen who accompanied her...
She continued, "Senior brother has been frequenting high-ranking officials and maintaining close ties with military officers lately. You should be aware of the situation in the Northwest. There are some things I really don't know, and I'd like to ask you about them."
Cen Xiu nodded and asked her what she wanted to hear, then told her one by one.
Yuan Chaolu used the matter concerning Helan Yi as a starting point to inquire, and listened carefully to Cen Xiu's words. However, it wasn't long before she realized something was amiss.
"You mean, during Helan Yi's time in Luoyang, the officials sent by the court took the opportunity to transfer several of his capable subordinates who were left in the Northwest away from the central army? And there was no opposition from the three armies?"
Cen Xiu said, “Yes, the army is still stable. Those who obey the orders of the court are rewarded and promoted according to their military merits, so people’s hearts are at ease. Those who disobey are either suppressed or demoted. For example, General Zhou Chao, whom I went to check his pulse yesterday, complained to me a lot.”
Xiao Zhuo is making moves against Helan Yi's people.
But Yuan Chaolu was puzzled. What was he trying to do?
Even more strangely, Cen Xiu said that the deputy general Zhou Chao revealed that he wanted to contact Helan Yi but could not find him. Helan Yi's eyes were damaged, and he suffered a huge blow. A few days ago, it was rumored that he returned to his mansion, but he refused to see any guests.
Logically speaking, once Helan Yi returned to Longxi, he would surely have sought out renowned doctors to treat his eye ailment, so how could he have summoned Cen Xiu as well?
But strangely enough, there was no movement from the General's Mansion...
It's incredibly bizarre.
"You mean Zhou Chao?" Yuan Chaolu keenly caught the name.
"Yes, what does Your Majesty want to ask him? He was transferred from the central army to guard the granary in the rear. Just then, the court sent people to investigate the case of the drought last year and the corruption in Longxi. He was implicated and imprisoned. He is currently waiting for interrogation in prison."
Zhou Chao is one of He Lanyi's most capable subordinates. He has been by He Lanyi's side for many years and has handled all the dirty and hard work for He Lanyi.
When Yuan Chaolu first arrived at the Helan family, he tried to escape several times. He led troops to search for and capture him. Over the years, he has had many dealings with Yuan Chaolu.
He handled almost everything concerning Helan Yi...
He must know his brother's whereabouts.
Cen Xiu said, "Zhou Chao has been restless lately and asked me to pass on a message to Helan Yi."
Yuan Chaolu was worried about not having a breakthrough in this matter, but upon hearing this, his eyes lit up and he immediately got up and went to Cen Xiu's side to whisper in his ear.
"Please trouble you, senior brother, to go see Zhou Chao later and tell him this..."
Cen Xiu's expression changed drastically. "Your Majesty?"
Yuan Chaolu smiled and said, "Go."
The place where Deputy General Zhou Chao was imprisoned was not far from here. Cen Xiu's visit as a doctor was enough to keep his identity hidden.
The next day, he brought a message to Yuan Chaolu.
Zhou Chao was extremely cautious. After hearing Cen Xiu's report that a powerful person was willing to help him get out of prison, he did not take the bait.
Yuan Chaolu said, "He is always by Helan Yi's side and rarely at home. He neglects his wife and children, but he longs for his son born to a mistress, a fact that few others know. I would like to ask you to go to him this time as a substitute border patrol officer and ask him what his plans are for his child's future."
Yuan Chaolu had mastered the art of using enticement followed by blackmail to exploit weaknesses.
Zhou Chao was loyal to Helan Yi, but now he was in dire straits and could not contact Helan Yi. He was already far from being able to cross the river from the Bodhisattva. Yuan Chaolu did not believe that he could keep his mouth shut as tightly as before.
Cen Xiu accepted the order and went to carry it out.
As evening approached, Cen Xiu returned, bringing with him a map.
"Your Majesty, Zhou Chao has presented a map."
Yuan Chaolu looked at the map, her brow furrowing: "The area he circled is so large, with several cities. Where exactly is my brother?"
“Zhou Chao doesn’t know. He said that Ji An is hiding in these cities, and the remaining clues and information are in the hands of He Lanyi’s spies and informants in Rongbeijiang. Only they know the information. The red dot marks the location of the spy’s stronghold. If you want to know, you have to contact the spy.”
Yuan Chaolu looked at the circled red dot and sneered inwardly. He Lanyi was indeed meticulous in his work. The final link in Ji An's whereabouts required him to personally connect with the hidden agent, something no one else could obtain.
We can only proceed one step at a time and see how things unfold.
With his brother's location roughly determined, the next step was to figure out how to avoid Xiao Zhuobei.
"I would like to ask Senior Brother Cen to run an errand for me again..." She was about to speak when she heard voices outside the house, and the sound of footsteps getting closer and closer.
Yuan Chaolu quickly stuffed the map into the cabinet next to her, returned to the table and sat down, propping her forehead up with her fingers.
Xiao Zhuo walked in from outside and saw Yuan Chaolu with a rosy complexion. A handsome young man stood beside her and reached out his hand to him, saying, "Physician Cen, please take a good look at me and tell me what's wrong with me."
"How is the Empress?" Xiao Zhuo asked, leaning against the door.
"The Empress has caught a cold and needs to rest for the next few days, but otherwise there is nothing seriously wrong."
Cen Xiu gave a few instructions, paid his respects to the emperor, and left with his medicine box.
"What did the Empress say to this physician, and why did she have to avoid the many attendants? I heard he's come and go several times since yesterday," he asked with a smile.
Yuan Chaolu said, "Your Majesty asked me, but Your Majesty and the prefect were busy discussing matters. I only returned after I had rested last night, and Your Majesty was nowhere to be seen when I woke up this morning. I only saw a doctor, so what?"
"I naturally trust the Empress, but there are always men with a bit of good looks who are adept at seducing noble ladies. The Empress is not skilled enough, and I am really worried that she may be deceived by someone with ill intentions."
Yuan Chaolu was standing in front of the dressing mirror with her back to him, starting to untie the pearl hairpins in her hair. She was startled when she heard this and looked at the emperor, who was quite handsome, walking into the mirror.
Xiao Zhuo leaned down, slowly pushed her hand away, and grasped the hairpin in her hand. His deep voice sounded above her head: "I will set off for the north this evening."
Yuan Chaolu glanced at the sky and said softly, "The temperature difference between day and night is large at night, making it inconvenient to travel. Are we leaving today?"
"There are many things to do in the north, and it will take several days to get to the front-line military camp. If we set off before dusk, we can reach the first city before nightfall and gain more time."
He paused, then said, "That way, things can be finished sooner, and I can come back sooner to take you back to your hometown for a visit."
Yuan Chaolu gazed quietly at the hairpin on the table, but did not respond.
Neither of them spoke again after that.
The servants went inside and began packing his belongings. Amidst the constant noise, Yuan Chaolu finally stood up.
"you……"
The two spoke at the same time.
Yuan Chaolu said, "You go first."
Xiao Zhuo suppressed his smile and said, "This place is in the Longxi area. Although it is not the front line, it was once a place where the Helan clan's power was based. While I am not here, you should stay in the mansion."
He placed a jade talisman on the table, saying, "You already have your own men; I'll leave you another squad."
Yuan Chaolu nodded. "Okay."
Xiao Zhuo is about to go on a border inspection, which will probably take about half a month, while Yuan Chaolu's trip to the northern frontier is even more dangerous and unpredictable.
Her hands, hanging by her sides, clenched gently.
The candlelight illuminated her face. She lowered her eyes, hesitated for a long time, and was about to speak when she heard him say—
"I know you miss your family."
Yuan Chaolu stared blankly.
A ray of twilight shone in, casting a clear line of light and shadow between her and him.
He picked up the black fox fur cloak and said, "After I finish this matter, I will accompany you back to visit, but please remember this."
His gaze fell on her face, gently tracing her features from her eyebrows to her chin. "Aju, take good care of yourself."
This sound seemed to be wrapped in a heavy, indescribable emotion.
A general's voice came from outside, saying that preparations were almost complete and they could set off.
Yuan Chaolu suddenly remembered something, told him to wait a moment, turned around and walked inside. A moment later, she came out carrying something.
Xiao Zhuo looked at the rabbit fur scarf in her hand, raised an eyebrow and gazed at her cheek.
Yuan Chaolu tiptoed and said, “This is my collar. The north wind is strong, and there may be snowfall. You can’t be so short of warm clothes. Take this with you.”
Because it was a woman's item, the rabbit fur collar was decorated with pearl tassels and other ornaments, which seemed somewhat out of place with the emperor's temperament.
Yuan Chaolu naturally saw what he was thinking and immediately pulled off her collar. "If you don't want to wear it, then Your Majesty, please go."
The next moment, he grasped her hand.
His hands were warm, and he pulled her slowly closer, into a warm embrace.
With his other hand, he held the collar to his cheek, looked at Yuan Chaolu, and then gently rubbed the downy fur.
Two gentle taps.
This "quite handsome" emperor proved his earlier words with his actions.
Yuan Chaolu's eyelids trembled slightly.
He tilted his head to look at her, his eyes innocent yet seemingly filled with tenderness. He noticed the unnatural expression on her face and the blush on her ears, and the corners of his lips curled up.
"Since it belongs to the Empress, I will cherish it immensely and wear it throughout the journey."
**
Xiao Zhuo left the house a quarter of an hour later than the agreed time.
The Prefect of Lintao followed behind, saying, "Your Majesty, rest assured, leave the affairs of the rear to me. My wife and I will certainly serve the Empress well."
Xiao Zhuo glanced at her, his gaze icy: "Take good care of my wife. If anything goes wrong, I will come back and take your head."
The prefect bowed his head and clasped his hands: "Yes!"
A troop of soldiers was outside, fully prepared to depart. Xiao Zhuo nimbly mounted his horse, and his general Han Peng rode forward at that moment.
"Your Majesty, are you really going there? It's far too dangerous!"
"Your Majesty is of noble birth. This matter can be left to us to go deep and bring the person back. Your Majesty is the ruler of a country, and you must not go there."
Who would have thought that the Emperor's destination was neither the border camp nor the seven cities of Shuofang newly surrendered by the defeated vassal state?
Instead, it is in the northern border region of Rongbei.
This trip was incredibly risky; if anything went wrong, the consequences would be unimaginable. A cold sweat broke out on Han Peng's back.
"This matter requires my personal attention. No need for further explanation."
Xiao Zhuo covered his face with a black cloth to shield him from the wind, his eyes like stars. He slowly raised his gaze to look at the distant horizon where thick clouds rolled, then withdrew his gaze and headed north overnight.
-----------------------
Author's note: Let's organize the geography.
Longxi is an area that includes Jinzhou County, Lintao County, and other areas. It was the rear area of the war zone. The Helan family mansion was located in Jinzhou City, and their influence in Longxi was extremely deep.
The real front line was the frontier camp in Yongzhou and Liangzhou, further northwest of Longxi. Helan Yi was also in the military camp most of the year, only returning home occasionally.
Meanwhile, the northern neighboring state of Rouran offered seven new cities on the border, which were to be administered by Di Hu.
Further north of Rouran lies Rongbei Frontier, an enemy of Daqi, and also the place where Chaolu's younger brother resides.
Helan Yi in this chapter is certainly not at the mansion; the news was released by Xiao Zhuo.
To make things clearer, here's a summary.
Red envelopes will be dropped in this chapter!
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