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In her sleep, Xuan Yuan Tian felt someone calling her. She opened her eyes and saw Bai Yutang looking at Zhan Zhao with a worried expression: "Cat's body is burning hot, you should take a look."
After hearing Bai Yutang's words, Xuan Yuan Tianyi quickly sat up, his palm already resting on Zhan Zhao's forehead. Zhan Zhao's face was flushed, his forehead covered with fine beads of sweat, and he was muttering something incessantly. Without saying a word, Xuan Yuan Tianyi got up and walked towards the woods.
"Hey! Where are you going?" Bai Yutang's voice came from behind, but Xuan Yuantianyi had already gone far away. He only replied in a deep voice, "Going to find medicine."
Although Bai Yutang was worried about Xuanyuan Tianyi going into the woods alone so late, he had no choice but to give up considering Zhan Zhao's condition. After anxiously waiting for a long time, Xuanyuan Tianyi returned with herbs. Bai Yutang didn't say much, but carved a simple container from wood and fetched water from the river. Xuanyuan Tianyi had already placed branches over a fire, and Bai Yutang secured the container to the fire stand. Xuanyuan Tianyi then put the herbs into the water. Once the water boiled, Xuanyuan Tianyi took the container down, gesturing for Bai Yutang to help Zhan Zhao up, while he fed Zhan Zhao the decocted medicine. Setting down the container, Xuanyuan Tianyi sat down beside Zhan Zhao, taking him from Bai Yutang's arms: "Give him to me." He then leaned Zhan Zhao's upper body against his chest, his right arm encircling Zhan Zhao, his left palm pressing against Zhan Zhao's palm, continuously channeling spiritual energy into Zhan Zhao's body.
Bai Yutang was unaware that Xuan Yuan Tianyi had possessed spiritual energy protecting him since childhood. He had only entrusted Zhan Zhao to Xuan Yuan Tianyi because he felt awkward having two grown men embracing. Unexpectedly, Xuan Yuan Tianyi used his inner strength to force out the cold energy from Zhan Zhao's body. Remembering Zhan Zhao's expression when he forbade him to joke about him and Xuan Yuan Tianyi, Bai Yutang's heart stirred. "Tianyi…may I call you that?" Seeing Xuan Yuan Tianyi nod, Bai Yutang continued, "What kind of person do you think Mao'er is?"
After gazing at Zhan Zhao for a long time, Xuan Yuan Tianyi smiled gently: "He's someone who can't take care of himself."
Upon hearing Xuan Yuantian say this, Bai Yutang was slightly taken aback, then smiled and said, "Yes, this cat needs someone to take care of him."
“If he agrees, aren’t there plenty of people willing to take care of him?” Xuan Yuan Tianyi chuckled as he looked at Zhan Zhao in his arms, his tone unusually gentle.
Bai Yutang knew that Zhan Zhao was reserved and wouldn't say it even if he really had feelings for Xuan Yuan Tianyi. He thought it would be better to probe Xuan Yuan Tianyi's feelings for him, so he asked, "What about you? Would you be willing to take care of the cat?"
Upon hearing Bai Yutang's words, Xuanyuan Tian smiled slightly and said, "Aren't I taking care of him right now?"
Bai Yutang hadn't expected Xuan Yuan Tianyi to say that. Knowing she was unwilling to answer, but thinking of Zhan Zhao's dejected expression, he couldn't bear it and resolved to press Xuan Yuan Tianyi further: "You know that's not what I meant..."
"You've been up all night, go get some sleep." Xuan Yuan Tianyi interrupted Bai Yutang before he could finish speaking.
Bai Yutang was the kind of person who would never give up until he achieved his goal. Since this matter concerned Zhan Zhao, he was unmoved by Xuan Yuan Tianyi's words and continued, "You know that the cat likes you."
Xuan Yuantian smiled and said, "I don't know." But when he saw the annoyance on Bai Yutang's handsome face, he said half-seriously, "I really don't know."
Bai Yutang said hastily, "The cat is so good to you..."
"Who is he not good to?" Xuan Yuantian interrupted Bai Yutang with a smile before he could finish speaking.
Bai Yutang understood what Xuan Yuantianyi meant and said somewhat helplessly, "He is indeed good to everyone, but he only shows a doting expression when he is facing you."
Hearing Bai Yutang's words, Xuan Yuan Tianyi was slightly taken aback, clearly not expecting him to say such a thing. Because of her status as the mistress of Xiaoyao Tower, Xuan Yuan Tianyi had always been the center of attention in her family, indulging her every whim. This had fostered her indifferent nature, and coupled with her lack of regard for the proper boundaries between men and women, she naturally hadn't paid attention to Zhan Zhao's attitude towards her. Only now, hearing Bai Yutang's words, did she realize that Zhan Zhao liked her. Thinking of Zhao Zhen's intentional or unintentional arrangements, and his deliberate probing before coming to the Southern Frontier, she couldn't help but sigh softly, a bitter smile playing on her lips: "Zhen, is this what you wanted?" Indeed, if there were a day when even the royal family couldn't protect someone, only the Xuan Yuan family could. Zhen, I never imagined that your imperial schemes would be used against the two people closest to you in this world.
Just then, feeling that Zhan Zhao in his arms was sleeping restlessly, Xuan Yuantian quickly lowered his head, withdrew his left hand, and gently smoothed out Zhan Zhao's tightly furrowed brows, saying softly, "Be good, sleep peacefully. I'm here with you. Everything will be over after you wake up. Be good, sleep."
From beginning to end, Bai Yutang's eyes never left Xuan Yuan Tianyi. Looking at her gentle and tender expression, Bai Yutang was unsure what kind of feelings Xuan Yuan Tianyi had for Zhan Zhao. At this moment, Xuan Yuan Tianyi seemed to be coaxing a child, and the occasional heartache on her face was fleeting.
Seeing Zhan Zhao gradually quiet down, his previously flushed face turning pale again, Xuan Yuan Tianyi let out a long sigh. Looking up at Bai Yutang's probing gaze, he chuckled and said, "Go to sleep for a while, we still need to find our way at dawn."
Bai Yutang quickly averted his gaze, leaned back, closed his eyes to rest, and kept seeing the gentle expression on Xuan Yuantian's face when he looked at Zhan Zhao. After a long time, he finally felt sleepy.
After an unknown amount of time, Bai Yutang sensed someone approaching and sat up abruptly, realizing it was already broad daylight. A purple shadow flashed before him, and before Bai Yutang could even draw his Huaying sword, he heard a clear voice: "This subordinate greets the patriarch." He saw a woman in purple kneeling before Xuan Yuan Tianyi, her face delicate and pretty. Bai Yutang knew she was a member of the Xuan Yuan family's secret guards, so he said nothing and simply sat quietly to the side.
"How many people have come?" Xuan Yuantian didn't move, remaining in the same position, afraid of accidentally waking Zhan Zhao.
“Five came, two came down, and Thirteen went to search in another direction.” The woman in purple lowered her voice, clearly because she saw that Zhan Zhao was still asleep.
"Where did you come from?" Xuan Yuan Tianyi's voice was a little hoarse. Bai Yutang knew it was because he had used up too much internal energy and hadn't slept all night.
“They came from the southwest, where there are vines.” After the woman in purple finished speaking, she saw Xuan Yuan Tian wave his hand and then said, “Princess Qingyuan went missing yesterday.”
"I understand, you can go now." Xuan Yuan Tianyi didn't ask any more questions about Duan Qingyuan's disappearance. She knew that with Leng Moyan around, nothing would happen.
After the woman in purple left, Xuanyuan Tianyi looked at Zhan Zhao in his arms and chuckled, "She's gone now, how long are you planning to pretend to be asleep?"
Upon hearing Xuan Yuan Tianyi's words, Bai Yutang looked at Zhan Zhao, only to see that Zhan Zhao, who had just opened his eyes, had a face that was already flushed red. He was struggling to sit up, but Xuan Yuan Tianyi tightened his grip on him, holding him tightly in his arms: "Slow down, be careful not to get dizzy. You too, even if that girl has a sharp tongue, she won't dare to say anything with me here. What are you afraid of?"
Bai Yutang could no longer contain himself and burst into laughter, which annoyed Zhan Zhao. Knowing that provoking this petty cat would do him no good, Bai Yutang quickly suppressed his laughter and helped Zhan Zhao up. Because he was forcing himself to laugh, Bai Yutang's face turned bright red, drawing an angry glare from Zhan Zhao. Bai Yutang had no choice but to turn his face away, afraid that Zhan Zhao would truly be angered.
As soon as Zhan Zhao sat down, Xuan Yuan Tianyi's palm pressed against Zhan Zhao's back. Zhan Zhao was about to move when Xuan Yuan Tianyi stopped him and he said involuntarily, "Tianyi, I'm fine now."
"Still trying to be tough. Do you think that slap from yesterday will heal so easily? We still have to climb the cliff later, and I don't want to carry you." After saying that, he looked at Bai Yutang, who was turning back. Bai Yutang knew what Xuan Yuan Tianyi meant, so he smiled and said, "Then I'll carry this cat. Anyway, it's not much meat. In case it loses its balance and falls down, then someone will have taken care of it for nothing all night."
Upon hearing Bai Yutang's words, Zhan Zhao turned to look at Xuan Yuan Tianyi, only to see Xuan Yuan Tianyi withdraw his palm, stand up, and beckon to the two of them, "Let's go." After saying that, he took the lead and walked towards the southwest.
Seeing the vines hanging down the mountainside in the distance, Xuan Yuan Tianyi handed Bai Yutang a silken ribbon from his right sleeve. Bai Yutang knew this was the thing that had entangled him yesterday. He took it and was about to carry Zhan Zhao on his back when he heard Zhan Zhao say, "I can."
Before Bai Yutang could speak, Xuan Yuantian said, "If you don't want him to carry you, then I will carry you."
Upon hearing Xuan Yuan Tianyi speak, Zhan Zhao sighed helplessly and clung to Bai Yutang. Bai Yutang was surprised by Zhan Zhao's obedience; it seemed Xuan Yuan Tianyi had him firmly under his control. However, he didn't know that anyone, let alone Zhan Zhao, would have no choice but to obey Xuan Yuan Tianyi, because no one wanted to be subjected to his tormenting tactics. Bai Yutang secured Zhan Zhao firmly to his back, handed Hua Ying and Ju Que to Zhan Zhao, grabbed the vines, and began to climb. Xuan Yuan Tianyi stayed close to Bai Yutang, shielding him from branches protruding from the rocks. Two hours later, the three finally reached the top of the cliff.
Xuanyuan family guards were already waiting there. Bai Yutang untied the silken rope and put it down to Zhan Zhao. The three of them straightened their clothes and rushed back to the post station as quickly as possible.
In the Imperial Study of the Great Song Dynasty, Zhao Zhen slowly closed the memorial in his hand. His dark eyes revealed neither joy nor anger as he stared intently at the guard kneeling before him. Unlike his submissive demeanor in court, his voice was authoritative and dignified at this moment: "Speak."
"Reporting to Your Majesty, Princess Qingyuan has gone missing." The guard's voice was deep and hoarse, devoid of any emotion.
"Oh?" This was something he had already anticipated, and a playful expression appeared on Zhao Zhen's face. "Where's Tianyi?"
"The Xuanyuan family head is in Ailao Mountain." The guard's voice did not change because of Zhao Zhen's tone. From birth, they knew that there could be no emotions in their world, only absolute loyalty to their master. This proved to be their life-saving charm, because only those who are ruthless and without desire can act without restraint. A master's move can often determine life and death in an instant.
"She's gone after all!" Zhao Zhen murmured to himself with a smirk, then looked at the guards, "Where's Zhan Zhao?"
"With the head of the Xuanyuan family."
"Go down." Zhao Zhen waved to the guards without giving any further orders. With Xuan Yuan Tianyi present, Zhao Zhen knew that Duan Qingyuan would stand unharmed before him. Having gone through so many years together, no one understood the strength behind each other better than the two of them.
After the guards withdrew, Zhao Zhen opened the memorial in his hand again. A plain note fell onto the table: "Changes have occurred in Fangzhou." These four short words brought earth-shattering news. Were they preparing to take action? Zhao Zhen frowned slightly. The Chai family had painstakingly prepared for two generations, biding their time for so long. Was Chai Wenyi truly confident, or had he simply become impatient? He considered the court's and the public's assessment of Chai Wenyi: a debauched playboy. Zhao Zhen couldn't help but smile knowingly. He knew how to conceal his strength to lull the enemy into a false sense of security. Chai Wenyi had indeed improved considerably. The flamboyant, handsome, and righteous young man of yesteryear was gone. In his place was a dissolute playboy who spent his days in brothels, lacking ambition and indulging in extravagance. However, even if the whole world was deceived by his appearance, Zhao Zhen would not, because the occasional flash of domineering arrogance in his eyes could not escape Zhao Zhen's notice. But when did Chai Wenyi's once clear eyes become so deep and unfathomable that they were impossible to see through at a glance?
Shaking his head slightly, Zhao Zhen called out, "Someone come here."
Upon hearing Zhao Zhen's summons, Xu Yao hurriedly pushed open the door and entered the imperial study: "Your Majesty, what are your orders?"
"By imperial decree, Prince Zheng, Chai Wenyi, is to enter the palace tomorrow at Shenshi (3-5 PM)." Zhao Zhen maintained a smile throughout.
"This servant obeys the decree." Seeing that Zhao Zhen would not speak again, Xu Yao quietly withdrew. After closing the door, he whispered to Zhang Xi, the little eunuch waiting outside, "Tell the Imperial Kitchen to prepare bird's nest porridge for His Majesty. I'm afraid His Majesty will have another sleepless night."
"Yes, Eunuch Xu, His Majesty has not slept for two days. This cannot go on. If something were to happen to His Majesty's health, we servants would not be able to bear the responsibility." Zhang Xi glanced at the tightly closed door of the Imperial Study with some concern, his voice revealing a hint of worry.
“Who says otherwise? Alas… what can we servants do? It seems that after the morning court tomorrow, we will have to ask the Eighth Prince to persuade the Emperor.” Xu Yao sighed helplessly.
Upon hearing Xu Yao's words, Zhang Xi nervously said, "Eunuch Xu, His Majesty is most averse to servants relaying matters before him. If you go to invite the Eighth Prince, I'm afraid you will offend the Emperor."
"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. You can go now." After sending Zhang Xi away, Xu Yao gave a few more instructions to the eunuchs and maids on duty before hurrying off to the Prince Zheng's residence to deliver the imperial decree.
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