"Is the princess worried about the old lady and others?" the silent Qiao Ying asked in a low voice.
Yun Qianmeng stopped and looked sideways at Qiao Ying with a faint smile in her eyes.
Qiao Ying is usually quiet, and although he makes up for it with his own time, he is very insightful and can even guess half of what he is thinking.
Retracting her gaze, Yun Qianmeng looked towards the capital and spoke slowly, "How can I not be worried? My grandmother is old, so I'm naturally worried that she might be frightened. Besides, there's been no news from the Rong Mansion, the Yun Xiang Mansion, or the Rong Shan Tang, so how can I not be worried? Besides, my cousin is still in the hands of the Sea King. Although we captured Concubine Yuande and can temporarily restrain Prince Chen and make him hesitate before taking action, we don't pose any threat to the Sea King."
Furthermore, Hai Quan was a cold-hearted, ruthless man. If he couldn't find someone who could hold him hostage, he would likely alert the enemy. And the only person in the world who truly mattered to the Sea King was probably Hai Chenxi. However, Hai Chenxi was also as cunning as a fox, so how could he be easily deceived?
Prince Chen went on a mission in the name of filial piety, so it would be most advantageous for him to capture Concubine Yuande himself. In front of the people of the world, Prince Chen did not dare to abandon his biological mother for the throne, otherwise it would be contrary to the name of his mission and would be tantamount to contradicting himself. At that time, the people of the world would naturally no longer believe in such a liar.
However, Neptune rebelled in the name of Hai Rui, targeting the cruelty and brutality of the royal family. Such an excuse is really hard to break through.
"Don't worry, Princess. The prince will definitely rescue everyone." Qiao Ying has followed Chu Feiyang for many years. Naturally, she admires Chu Feiyang's abilities very much and is even more convinced that her master can overcome all difficulties.
Yun Qianmeng smiled brightly at Qiao Ying, but she was still worried in her heart. It was not that she did not believe in Chu Feiyang's ability, but now that he was being attacked from both sides by the Sea King and the King of Chen, even if Chu Feiyang had extraordinary abilities, he would probably make mistakes.
Take Chu Nanshan for example. He was extremely powerful and single-handedly supported Jiang Sujun to the throne against all odds. However, in the end, he was indirectly caused by Jiang Sujun and his wife died early.
Thinking of this, Yun Qianmeng frowned slightly, feeling a faint sense of unease in her heart. Her hands couldn't help but touch her chest, and she lightly touched the jade pendant hanging around her neck through her thin clothes. She carefully took the jade pendant out of her clothes, held it high in the sunlight, and looked at it carefully.
"Huh?" Unexpectedly, the originally flawless white jade plate emitted a dark copper color in the middle under the strong sunlight, causing Yun Qianmeng to gasp softly, with a strange light flashing in her eyes.
Yun Qianmeng couldn't help but raise the jade token a little higher to allow the sunlight to shine more thoroughly. With a sharp and calm light in her eyes, she stared at the jade token in her hand, looking carefully at the jade token she was holding tightly in her hand, trying to see clearly what was hidden inside.
"What's wrong, Princess? Are you feeling unwell?" It was noon now, and the sun was at its scorching hot. Yun Qianmeng was pregnant and weak, and she had been worried about the great changes in Xichu these days. Now she had been walking by the lake for a long time. Mu Chun was naturally worried that her body could not withstand the sunlight.
As Mu Chun spoke, he opened the paper umbrella in his hand and covered Yun Qianmeng's head to block the scorching sunlight for her.
A shadow loomed overhead. Yun Qianmeng clutched the jade pendant in her hand, her heart pounding with shock. However, as she turned to look at the girls, she had regained her composure and calmly instructed, "It's alright, let's go back."
After he finished speaking, Yun Qianmeng walked towards his wooden house with a slightly solemn expression.
"Mu Chun and Ying Xia, you two stay outside the door, Qiao Ying, come in with me." After returning to the outside of the wooden house, Yun Qianmeng immediately gave the order and led Qiao Ying into the room alone.
"What are your instructions, Princess?" In Qiao Ying's eyes, Yun Qianmeng, like Chu Feiyang, was a master strategist, rarely displaying such solemn and serious expressions. Now that Yun Qianmeng had sent her trusted confidant away to guard the gate, it seemed she truly had something important to tell her to do.
Yun Qianmeng clutched the jade token tightly in her palm. She seemed to understand something, yet still had some doubts. She didn't speak immediately. Instead, she walked to the window and gazed out at the clear sky with mixed feelings. After pondering it over and over again, she slowly walked back to the table and calmly sat down.
"Take apart this jade token and take out the contents. Be careful not to damage the surface of the jade token or the contents inside." Yun Qianmeng placed the warmed jade token in her hand on the table, pointing at the cross section of the jade token and instructed Qiao Ying.
"Yes." Qiao Ying did not ask the reason. As long as it was something her master ordered her to do, she would immediately follow it.
Qiao Ying walked forward quickly and took out an exquisite and sharp dagger from his sleeve. He pointed the blade at the cross-section of the jade token and used his clever strength to cut the jade token in an instant.
The originally complete jade plaque was split into two horizontally, but the patterns and seal script on the front and back were not damaged.
"Ding-dong!" There was a sound, and the object hidden in the jade token fell onto the table.
Yun Qianmeng's gaze instantly fell on the round bronze plaque. She quickly reached out and picked it up, only to discover that its surface was covered in dense protrusions. It seemed to contain either words or paintings. Focusing her gaze on the plaque, she saw that it was indeed engraved with several lines of small characters. Upon closer inspection, Yun Qianmeng's expression suddenly changed.
"This..." Unexpectedly, this jade token really contained a secret. After listening to Chu Feiyang's story about Chu Nanshan and Yu Wange last night, Yun Qianmeng felt that something was fishy, but she didn't expect to find the answer today.
"Princess, this is a plaque made of purple copper." Qiao Ying did not notice the words engraved on the copper plaque. Seeing Yun Qianmeng's shocked expression, she thought Yun Qianmeng was surprised by the material of the plaque, so she reminded her in a low voice.
Yun Qianmeng nodded slightly, holding the bronze medal tightly in her right hand, but her emotions could not calm down. Her usually calm face was filled with a solemn and murderous look.
In this world, I am afraid that few people know that what is hidden inside this jade token is actually a red-lettered iron certificate, and what is engraved on this red-lettered iron certificate is actually the "Deposed Emperor's Edict".
The person who wrote the "Edict to Depose the Emperor" was actually Jiang Sujun himself. He must have been worried that the Western Chu kingdom he had worked so hard to build would fall into the hands of unworthy descendants. In order to let the Jiang family unify Western Chu for thousands of years, he personally wrote the "Edict to Depose the Emperor" and secretly gave it to Chu Nanshan, asking him to keep it for him.
If the kings of Western Chu were virtuous and loved their people, this "Deposing Emperor's Edict" would naturally be preserved forever in the jade tablet.
If a foolish and tyrannical ruler emerges among the kings of Western Chu, the Chu family will act on behalf of the previous emperor to depose and enthrone the emperor and choose another virtuous ruler.
However, in Yun Qianmeng's view, this Danshu Tiequan, which holds supreme power, is now a hot potato that he cannot wait to throw away.
If King Chen, King Hai and others knew that there was still a red-lettered iron certificate written by the ancestor emperor in the world, I am afraid they would find it even if they dug three feet into the ground, and then depose Emperor Yugan and ascend the throne themselves.
As for Emperor Yugan himself, he was even more unwilling to see the existence of something that threatened his throne, and he wanted to get rid of it as soon as possible.
Thinking of this, Yun Qianmeng felt a slight bead of sweat on the tip of her smooth, white nose. She wondered if her grandfather knew about this, and if Emperor Yugan and the others had noticed. Was hiding this Danshu Tiequan on her body the right thing to do, or was it an ill-advised move?
However, if Qiao Ying were to take the Red Book and Iron Certificate to the East Camp on the outskirts of the city, if something unexpected happened along the way and the Red Book and Iron Certificate fell into the hands of others, the situation would become even more unimaginable.
With a frown on his face, Yun Qianmeng pondered over and over again. The complicated look in his eyes gradually calmed down, revealing an unwavering look.
Quickly taking out her brush, ink, paper, and inkstone, Yun Qianmeng picked up the brush, dipped it in ink, and quickly wrote a few simple and clear words on the rice paper. She then sealed the rice paper, placed it in a bamboo tube, and handed it to Qiao Ying. "Qiao Ying, you will immediately depart for the East Camp outside the city and deliver this handwritten letter to the prince."
"But the prince has ordered me to protect the princess." Qiao Ying refused to leave. The prince had instructed her before he left that the princess's safety was more important than anything else. She looked at the bamboo tube containing the letter in front of her but stubbornly refused to take it, a look of loyalty and stubbornness in her eyes.
"Go quickly. This matter is of grave importance. You must personally deliver the letter to the prince. No one else can deliver it. If anyone else learns of it, we will all be doomed." Yun Qianmeng spoke firmly, her face stern and frosty. With a terrifying murderous aura, she thrust the bamboo tube into Qiao Ying's hand and ordered, "Apart from those maids, you are the one I trust most. Go and return quickly."
Seeing Yun Qianmeng so anxious, Qiao Ying thought that the usually calm princess must have discovered a secret that could not be told to her. A layer of cold sweat broke out on her forehead. Qiao Ying held the bamboo tube tightly with both hands, nodded slightly at Yun Qianmeng, and quickly turned and left.
Watching Qiao Ying leave, Yun Qianmeng's brows were furrowed, and her eyes, which were usually calm and composed, were now filled with worry.
"Princess, it's bad. Someone broke in from outside the valley." Before Yun Qianmeng could relieve her worries, Butler Hong, who was guarding the entrance of the valley, ran over with his clothes in his hand. He looked anxious, with sweat on his forehead and obvious worry in his eyes.
Seeing the usually steady Steward Hong so flustered, Yun Qianmeng hid the Red Book and Iron Certificate on her body and walked out of the cabin, calmly asking, "What happened?"
Chu Feiyang once said that apart from his grandfather, the Queen Mother was the only one in the entire Western Chu who knew about this valley. However, Emperor Yugan disappeared in the palace with the Queen Mother and others. Did they flee here to seek refuge?
Thinking of this, Yun Qianmeng frowned slightly, knowing that if this was true, things would become even more complicated.
"Princess, I saw a large group of people rushing towards us at the valley entrance. From a distance, the guards appeared to be wearing the uniforms of the Imperial Guard." Butler Hong, worthy of being the steward of Prime Minister Chu's residence, always reported everything after seeing it with his own eyes. However, he was still worried. This valley was almost isolated from the outside world. Surely the prince could hide the princess there without being discovered.
But if Emperor Yugan and others come, I am afraid that the target will be exposed too early, and then the princess will be in danger.
Yun Qianmeng listened to Butler Hong's explanation, frowning slightly, thinking that what is meant to come will eventually come.
But the situation is serious now, and if the secret he just discovered were to be spread out, the consequences would be unimaginable.
Thinking of all the possible consequences and situations, Yun Qianmeng's heart, which had been suspended in mid-air, instantly calmed down. She then calmly ordered Butler Hong, "There's no need to panic. Send out the secret guards to investigate first. Don't alert the enemy. Have everyone hide in the dark and don't be discovered."
If it truly was Yu Gandi and his men, she would have to protect herself first, and second, prevent Yu Gandi from discovering the hidden guards in the valley, lest he arouse his murderous intent. After all, the fact that Yu Gandi had escaped the capital under Prince Chen's command was a testament to his deep scheming and the power he wielded. If she confronted Yu Gandi head-on, the only ones who would benefit would be Prince Chen, Prince Hai, and the others. Yun Qianmeng would naturally not do such a thing, which would harm herself and benefit others.
And if it weren't for Emperor Yugan and others, they would not be able to alert the enemy. If these people wearing the uniforms of the Imperial Guards were soldiers sent by the enemy to scout the way, they would be the only ones who would suffer if they caused a fight.
Taking many factors into consideration, Yun Qianmeng ordered Butler Hong to secretly send out scouts to investigate the situation and make a decision after finding out the truth.
"I understand. I will go back right away." Butler Hong looked at Yun Qianmeng's calm expression and felt admiration in his heart. He immediately clasped his fists and retreated, turning around and walking quickly towards the entrance of the valley.
"Princess, you'd better hide first. If the people who come here have bad intentions, we will suffer. Now that Qiao Ying has left the valley, you are the most dangerous. What if..." Seeing Butler Hong busying around with a serious face, Mu Chun and Ying Xia had already realized the seriousness of the situation. They stepped into the wooden house and tried their best to persuade Yun Qianmeng.
Little did they know that Yun Qianmeng's face showed no fear at all. She looked calm as if everything was under control. She stood up and slowly walked to the window, looking at the valley outside that was as quiet as night. She thought about everything over and over again, and had already made several plans in her mind.
After a while, a secret guard came to the wooden house and asked for a meeting.
"Let him in." Yun Qianmeng ordered Mu Chun to bring the person in, and then she turned around and sat back at the table.
"Your humble servant pays respects to Princess Hong. Butler Hong asked me to come and report to Princess Hong that the people who came are indeed Emperor Yugan and his entourage who escaped from the palace. Butler Hong, please tell me how we should respond." The secret guard knelt on one knee in front of Yun Qianmeng and said everything Butler Hong had instructed.
Yun Qianmeng listened attentively to the secret guard's report and nodded calmly. Then she stood up and said calmly, "Don't panic. Let's go and see who it is before making a decision."
For now, the only solution was to take things one step at a time. Chu Feiyang was on the battlefield, and he absolutely could not let him worry and affect his judgment and decision-making on the battle situation.
Yun Qianmeng raised her hand to adjust the white marble magnolia hairpin in her hair, and with Mu Chun's support, she led everyone towards the entrance of the valley.
As soon as he reached the entrance, he heard the clear sound of footsteps. Yun Qianmeng looked towards the direction of the capital and saw tens of thousands of troops heading towards the valley. The guards were indeed dressed like the Imperial Guards.
A complex and cold light flashed across her eyes. Yun Qianmeng waved her hand in the air, and the secret guards stationed on the various hilltops hid themselves. In the entire valley, only Yun Qianmeng, accompanied by two maids and Butler Hong, stood at the entrance, watching the advancing group with a stoic expression.
"Who are you? How dare you block the Empress's carriage? Are you trying to kill yourself?" As the Imperial Guards gradually approached, the one leading the way was the deputy general of Zhang Lan, the deputy commander of the Imperial Guards. Seeing the few people standing at the entrance of the valley, the deputy general immediately shouted.
Xia Ji had been captured by Prince Chen, and Commander Wu's fate was unknown. Zhang Lan escorted the Emperor and Empress Dowager to the East Camp outside the city, entrusting him with the crucial task of protecting the Empress and other concubines. He was tasked with leading 40,000 guards to escort the Empress and several young princesses and princes to this refuge. The deputy general, fully aware of the heavy responsibility he bore, took every step with caution, not daring to let his guard down for even a moment.
"Your servant Yun Qianmeng pays homage to Her Majesty the Queen." Yun Qianmeng stood gracefully and slowly saluted towards the carriage protected by the imperial guards in the middle, but a sneer flashed across her half-closed eyes.
Prince Chen forced the emperor to abdicate, and Emperor Yugan fled the palace, yet the Empress remained so arrogant and unrestrained. Fortunately, it was me who encountered her today. If it were Prince Chen and his men, I'm afraid they would have been slaughtered long ago.
Hearing Yun Qianmeng's gentle and soft greeting, the person sitting in the carriage slowly lifted the curtain, revealing the queen looking a little embarrassed.
The queen's face was slightly pale, her clothes were wrinkled, and her hair was messy. It was obvious that she had indeed fled the palace in a hurry. However, her usually gentle eyes were now filled with a sinister look. It seemed that everything that had happened in recent days had already changed the queen's gentle temperament and turned her into a completely different person.
"It turns out to be the Princess of Chu. What a coincidence." The Queen glanced at the refreshed Yun Qianmeng. When she noticed that Yun Qianmeng was dressed neatly and had a smooth bun, a hint of dissatisfaction flashed in her eyes.
Her gaze quickly fell on where Yun Qianmeng was standing. Seeing Yun Qianmeng standing at the entrance to the valley the Empress Dowager had mentioned, the Empress couldn't help but feel a surge of anger. The Emperor's report was indeed correct. It seemed the Chu family had ulterior motives, having secretly moved Yun Qianmeng to a safe place, leaving the Emperor and his men trapped in the palace, nearly becoming the victims of Prince Chen's sword.
As the Empress looked at Yun Qianmeng, she also took in the scene inside the carriage. Only Empress Defei and several princes and princesses sat inside the carriage, but Empress Dowager Yugan and a group of ministers were not present. It was likely that everyone else was heading to the main camp to look for Chu Feiyang.
The carriage arrived in front of Yun Qianmeng. The Queen, supported by her maids, slowly stepped down from the carriage. She walked in front of Yun Qianmeng and said in a slightly unfriendly tone, "It seems that the Princess of Chu has already taken up residence in this valley."
"Replying to the Queen, it is like this." Yun Qianmeng did not dodge or evade, and directly gave the answer that the Queen wanted to know. His calm and generous appearance made the Queen slightly stunned, and she could not see through what Yun Qianmeng was thinking.
The Queen smiled awkwardly and came to Yun Qianmeng's side. She looked her up and down, her eyes as cold as ice and snow staring at her youthful and beautiful face. With a hint of coldness, she asked, "Princess, you wouldn't be unwelcoming to me, would you?"
Yun Qianmeng took a step back, half lowering her delicate face, and spoke softly, "Your Majesty, what are you saying? How could I not welcome you? Please invite your Majesty and all the princes and princesses into the valley."
As he spoke, Yun Qianmeng led the three people standing behind him, turned sideways, stepped aside, and asked the Queen to go ahead.
Seeing that Yun Qianmeng was sensible, the Queen nodded slightly, then took her biological daughter Princess Yao by the hand, asked the palace maids to keep an eye on the other princes and princesses, and stepped into the valley first.
But at this moment, Concubine De stepped forward, glaring at Yun Qianmeng with anger in her eyes, and said angrily, "The Princess of Chu is so leisurely, and the King of Chu is so loyal. He actually hid his Princess in this deep valley, but he kept his troops on hold and refused to send troops to Yangming Mountain to rescue the Crown Prince. I wonder what the King of Chu is thinking. Could it be that the King of Chu has a problem with me? And that he also dislikes the Crown Prince?"
Every word Defei said was heartbreaking. If it were in the Golden Palace at this moment, the Chu family would have been convicted of harming the country long ago.
Yun Qianmeng raised her eyes slightly and looked at the Queen and others who had already walked away. She saw that Concubine De got off the carriage at the back, and she knew that Concubine De must have been very angry with the Queen along the way.
However, the Empress was the true queen, and the Crown Prince, who had made Concubine De proud, was now missing, and no one had offered to rescue him. Concubine De had no place to vent her anger, so she took advantage of herself, the "soft persimmon".
A hint of sneer flashed across her half-closed eyes, and Yun Qianmeng replied softly, "Your Highness, I'm sure you're tired. I've asked the servants to prepare a room for you. Please go and rest."
As she spoke, Yun Qianmeng turned around and was about to follow the Queen's steps.
Seeing that Yun Qianmeng ignored her questioning and continued to talk about other irrelevant things, Concubine De became even more angry. She immediately stopped and glared at Yun Qianmeng fiercely, sneering, "Princess Chu, are you looking down on me?"
"I am dedicated to cleaning the rooms for you ladies, how can I look down on you? The Queen has already gone far away, we should hurry up and catch up with her." Yun Qianmeng still answered Concubine De's questions in a dignified manner, and after just two sentences, she turned the topic to the Queen.
But Defei's expression suddenly changed, and her gaze instantly turned to the back of the queen in front of her, and then she followed with angry steps.
"Princess." Steward Hong was filled with worry at the Queen's arrogant demeanor. The royal family was in dire straits and needed the Chu family's support, yet the Queen was still so arrogant. It was truly unbearable. Furthermore, this valley wasn't very large to begin with. With tens of thousands of people suddenly living there, plus the secret guards originally protecting Yun Qianmeng, they would likely be discovered sooner or later.
Yun Qianmeng raised her hand to stop Butler Hong from revealing his true expression in front of everyone. Looking at the Queen's flamboyant back, Yun Qianmeng let out a faint smile and whispered to Butler Hong, "It's alright. Have our people hide in the dark and don't let the Imperial Guards see us. As for the Queen, as long as she doesn't offend me, I won't bother with her."
After saying this, Yun Qianmeng turned and walked towards the valley. Although the scenery was still beautiful, the unexpected complications had caused people's mood to change drastically.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com