Chapter 23: Mei Xi (Twenty-three) Xia Jie Returns to the Palace
The dawn light dispelled the thick darkness over the royal court, but it could not dispel the bloody smell and the depression of surviving the disaster that permeated the depths of the palace.
The bloody mess in Zhao Liang's mansion had not yet been cleaned up, and the howling from the direction of Sikou's mansion had finally died down. Ku Ding, several city defense captains, and several of Sikou's confidants were coldly swept into the abyss of death by the Blood Wolf Guards like fallen leaves after autumn.
Those palace servants and eunuchs who were whipped and forced to do hard labor disappeared silently in the darkest corners of the royal court like crushed dust.
In the side hall, Lin Jiaojiao leaned on a low couch covered with thick animal skins, covered with a thin quilt that had been changed in spring and smelled of sunshine. The sunlight coming in through the window was chilly like winter and fell on her still pale face. She closed her eyes, her long eyelashes cast thick shadows under her eyes, and her breathing was steady, as if she had fallen into a deep sleep.
But Chun knew that the concubine had not really fallen asleep. Ever since the Blood Wolf Guards retreated last night and Shi Hu reported the news that Sikou had been executed and Ku Ding and others had been executed, the concubine had been lying there quietly, with a slight frown on her face, as if she was bearing an invisible pressure.
Chun didn't dare to disturb them, but just gently stirred the charcoal fire in the fire pit to keep the hall at just the right warmth.
[Host physiological indicators: Stabilizing. External environment: Threat level: Low (temporarily). Logic module: Recommend rest and recovery. Emotion simulation unit: ...redundant data (anxiety, vigilance)...slowly dissipating...] The system's notification tone carried a sense of post-event calm.
Lin Jiaojiao was indeed not asleep. She just closed her eyes and rested, forcing herself to relax her nerves that had been tense for too long.
The Sikou didn't attack her, the Blood Wolf Guards temporarily retreated, the supplies were recovered, and Shi Hu took control of the royal court's defenses... All of this gave her a brief respite. But the heavy feeling of exhaustion, like water-soaked cotton wool, weighed heavily on her heart.
She remembered Ku Ding's resolute and humble back as he stood in front of her, and his desperate wail as he was dragged away. The faint sense of guilt in her heart had not completely dissipated, but Shi Hu's words also echoed in her mind - if she had not acted decisively, the entire royal court might have been destroyed, and even more people would have died. In this chaotic world, protecting oneself is already difficult, and pity... is sometimes a luxury.
Forget it, she sighed softly and put aside the heavy burden for the time being. Right now, the most important thing is to restore her energy and consolidate this hard-earned "safety".
"Haru," she opened her eyes, her voice a little hoarse from just waking up, "What time is it?"
"My Lady, it's almost 9am." Chun quickly replied, concern on her face. "Are you hungry? Shall I get you something to eat?"
"Yeah." Lin Jiaojiao nodded and propped herself up to sit up. "Just keep it simple. Um... make some millet porridge, a little thicker. Then... see if there are any fresh bird eggs and steam some egg custard." After experiencing the horror and bloodshed of last night, she instinctively longed for some warm, light food that could soothe her stomach.
"Yes!" Chun responded crisply, a smile on her face. The concubine wanted to eat, which was a good thing! She trotted out.
Not long after, Chun came back with a tray containing a bowl of golden and thick millet porridge with the fragrance of grains, and a bowl of bright yellow, warm, mirror-smooth steamed egg custard dotted with a few green grains. The heat from the food dispelled the last trace of chill in the hall and brought a fresh breath of life.
Lin Jiaojiao took the bowl and drank the warm porridge in small sips.
The rice grains are soft and glutinous, with a simple sweetness. The warmth flows down the throat into the stomach, bringing a real comfort.
She scooped up another spoonful of egg custard. The delicate and smooth taste, with the unique aroma of eggs, made her squint her eyes in satisfaction. Being alive... It feels so good... At this moment, the power of food could soothe her frightened body and mind better than any words.
[Host ingests energy. Physiological Function: Accelerating Recovery. Emotional State: Positive Regulation.] The system captured this subtle sense of satisfaction.
Just after finishing a simple breakfast, a burst of brisk footsteps were heard outside the hall.
Wan and Yan came together. They had obviously washed and dressed carefully, and put on clean clothes. They also put on a thin layer of powder on their faces to cover up their haggardness, but the fear of last night still lingered deep in their eyes.
“Sister!” As soon as Lady Yan entered the room, she fluttered to the side of Lin Jiaojiao’s bed like a startled bird returning to its nest, her eyes instantly reddened. “Sister! Are you okay? Last night…last night scared us to death! Those Blood Wolf Guards… were so scary!”
Lady Wan also stepped forward quickly. Although she tried to remain calm, her voice trembled slightly: "Sister... are you okay? We... we heard that Sikou and Kuding... are..." She didn't finish her words, and a trace of fear flashed in her eyes.
Lin Jiaojiao looked at them and understood. The Blood Wolf Guards had come to the door last night and made quite a commotion. They must have heard the news, but were stopped by Shi Hu's men in their respective side halls and did not dare to come out. Only when they saw that she was safe and sound did they dare to come over.
"I'm fine." Lin Jiao soothed her softly, patting the back of Lady Yan's hand. She gave Lady Wan a soothing smile, "I'm sorry to have worried you. Si Kou and Ku Ding... they brought this upon themselves. They colluded with foreign enemies and betrayed the king. They deserved death. It's over now. There's no need to be afraid anymore."
Her voice was gentle yet firm, carrying a strange soothing power. Wan and Yan looked at her calm face, feeling the power in her words, and their panic subsided slightly. Lady Yan sniffed and whispered, "Sister... you must have been very scared last night, right? It's all our fault... we couldn't help..."
Lady Wan also lowered her head, a hint of self-blame and... a deeper dependence flashed in her eyes.
"Silly." Lin Jiaojiao shook her head gently. "You two being well is the biggest help to me." She gestured to Chun to serve them some porridge as well. "Come, have some porridge to calm your nerves."
Wanyan and the other daughters obediently took the bowls and drank the warm porridge in small sips. The warmth of the food and the comfort of Sister Yuanfei finally relaxed their tense nerves. The atmosphere in the palace also became much calmer because of this simple breakfast.
At this moment, Shi Hu's steady voice came from outside the palace: "I, General Shi Hu, request to see Princess Yuan!"
"Come in." Lin Jiaojiao put down the bowl.
Shi Hu strode into the hall. He had clearly washed and dressed in clean armor. The blood and fatigue washed from his face, and he regained his former fortitude and composure. He clasped his fists and saluted Lin Jiaojiao and Wanyan. "Greetings to the Concubine Yuan! Lady Wan and Lady Yan."
"General Shi, please don't be polite." Lin Jiaojiao looked at him. "What's the matter?"
"Reporting to Concubine Yuan!" Shi Hu's voice was loud and excited. "The supplies have been counted! The recovered food, medicine, and cloth have all been put back into the warehouse! I have sent a large number of troops to guard the warehouse, rotating around the clock! In addition..." He paused, a look of relief on his face, "There's news from Doctor Zhao. He and Asan and the others used the recovered medicine to treat many palace maids who were whipped last night. Although... a few were seriously injured and died, most of them survived."
When Lin Jiaojiao heard this, a light flashed in her eyes. That's great! The supplies were recovered and the wounded were treated. This was undoubtedly the best news. It not only recovered the losses, but also restored some humanity and hope in this cold royal court with great difficulty.
"General Shi has worked hard! Doctor Zhao has also worked hard!" Lin Jiaojiao said sincerely, "Pass on my order: all soldiers and palace maids who participated in recovering supplies, guarding the warehouse, and treating the wounded will be rewarded... well, double rations. If there are any extra merits, General Shi and Doctor Zhao will report them as appropriate, and I will give additional rewards!" She knew that supplies were tight now, but necessary incentives could not be lacking.
"Yes! On behalf of the soldiers, I would like to thank Princess Yuan for her grace!" Shi Hu clasped his fists, his voice filled with gratitude. At this precarious moment, double rations were a real blessing.
"Also," Lin Jiaojiao looked at Shi Hu with a calm gaze, "the defense of the royal court must not be relaxed. Especially... Although the Blood Wolf Guards have retreated, there's no guarantee that other villains won't take advantage of the chaos to cause trouble. General Shi, the safety of the royal court is in your hands."
"Don't worry, Princess Yuan!" Shi Hu straightened his back and spoke in a firm voice, "I will do my utmost to protect the royal court and will not let anyone disturb Your Majesty's peace!" He glanced at the two girls, Wanyan, and added, "I have already dispatched additional personnel to protect the safety of the palace for all the beauties!"
Upon hearing this, Wanyan and the other girl also showed a look of relief on their faces.
After Shi Hu finished his report, he bowed and took his leave. The hall returned to peace again. Lin Jiaojiao watched the color gradually returning to the faces of Wanyan and the other girl, feeling the rare peace and warmth in the hall. The taut string in her heart finally slowly relaxed.
In the next few days, the royal court seemed to have really entered a strange period of calm.
The downfall of Zhao Liang and Si Kou was like the removal of two huge cancerous tumors. Although it left bloody scars, it also temporarily deterred potential villains.
Shi Hu was strict in military discipline and guarded the royal court like an iron barrel. After Ku Ding's death, Shi Hu temporarily assigned a loyal and honest deputy to manage the affairs and the distribution of supplies became orderly. Zhao Yiguan led a nursing team including Asan and used the recovered medicine to treat many palace slaves who were injured in the previous chaos, winning the heartfelt gratitude of many palace people.
Lin Jiaojiao's life also became regular. She ate on time every day. Chun found ways to prepare some light and nourishing food for her. She walked in the courtyard to bask in the sun. Occasionally, she summoned Wanyan and the other two girls to talk. They almost became her regular "followers", or she went to the slope to look into the distance and sort out her thoughts.
The second daughter, Wanyan, became increasingly dependent on Lin Jiaojiao. Miss Yan almost became her little tail, chattering and sharing all kinds of gossip she heard.
Lady Wan was much quieter, but she always followed Lin Jiaojiao silently, handing her a cloak and bringing her a glass of water, her eyes full of respect and... an almost pious desire to protect her. The wildness and arrogance of the tribal beauties in them had long disappeared in front of Lin Jiaojiao's calm and powerful aura, leaving only complete obedience and dependence.
[External Environment: Stable (Temporarily). Individual (Wan Meiren) Intimacy: Significantly Increased (Protective Tendency). Individual (Yan Meiren) Intimacy: Peak (Dependence).] The system calmly recorded.
However, in this calm, Lin Jiaojiao did not let down her guard. The warning "Take care of yourself" from Blood Wolf Guard leader Li before he left was like a sword of Damocles hanging over her head, reminding her at all times that danger was not far away. Xia Jie's suspicion was like a poisonous snake lurking in the dark, which might show its fangs again at any time.
She was more cautious in her words and actions and no longer interfered in specific affairs easily. Except for occasionally caring about the treatment of the wounded, she handed over the management of the treasury and the deployment of palace servants to Shi Hu and Zhao. She lived in seclusion and spent most of her time in the side halls or courtyards, like a real imperial concubine recuperating from illness, but in the depths of her clear eyes, she always maintained a calm and vigilant look that saw through everything.
The sun was shining brightly that afternoon.
With Chun's support, Lin Jiaojiao came to the familiar slope again. The two personal guards sent by Shi Hu were guarding the slope from a distance. Wanyan and her two daughters also followed. Lady Yan picked a few unknown small wild flowers that bloomed tenaciously in the cold wind and handed them to Lin Jiaojiao like a treasure.
Lin Jiaojiao took the lavender flowers, her lips slightly curved, revealing a faint but genuine smile. She sat on a stone covered with thick thatch, wrapped in a cloak, looking at the rolling, desolate mountains covered with light snow in the distance. The sunlight shone on her body, warm and dispelling the winter chill.
Miss Wan sat quietly beside her, her eyes fixed on Lin Jiaojiao's calm profile. The sunlight outlined her perfect features, and her long eyelashes cast fan-shaped shadows under her eyes. That beauty was pure and untainted by dust.
An indescribable sense of peace and contentment welled up in Miss Wan's heart. As long as she could be by her sister's side... it would be fine...
Miss Yan chattered about the interesting stories she had heard, and her little face was filled with long-lost vitality.
Lin Jiaojiao listened to Lady Yan's chatter, felt the warmth of the sun, and looked at the small flowers swaying in the cold wind in her hands. A rare sense of true tranquility arose in her heart. Perhaps... days like this could last for a while?
However, at this moment——
Woo-woo-woo-woo!!!
A low, long, metallic trembling horn sounded like thunder from the distant horizon. The sound penetrated the biting cold wind and instantly resounded throughout the royal court with a primitive, desolate, and heart-pounding penetrating power.
This horn sound... was completely different from the one that sounded during Ming Tiao's defeat. It was more rapid and high-pitched, like it carried a... violent declaration?!
The smile on Lin Jiaojiao's face froze instantly, and the wild flowers in her hand slipped silently. She stood up suddenly, and her heart seemed to be grasped by an invisible big hand.
The two girls, Wanyan, were like frightened deer. They stopped laughing and talking in an instant, their faces turned pale, and their eyes were filled with extreme fear.
"This... this is..." Lady Yan's voice trembled and she was crying.
"The king... the king's flag and horn!" Concubine Wan screamed in disbelief and panic. "It's... it's the king! The king... is back?!"
Your Majesty?! Xia Jie is back?!
Lin Jiaojiao felt a chill running from the soles of her feet to the top of her head. The warmth of the sun disappeared in an instant, leaving only the biting cold. She stared at the direction where the horn sound came from - that was the direction of the main gate of the royal court.
How could he... come back so suddenly?! Shouldn't he be at Mingtiao? A huge wave of shock and panic washed over her like a tsunami. Xia Jie's sudden return was like a boulder dropped into a calm lake, instantly shattering the fragile balance.
[Warning! External environment undergoing drastic changes! Threat level: Sharply increasing! Core entity (Xia Jie) locked! Intention analysis: Unknown! Extremely dangerous! Logic module: High alert! Emotion simulation unit: ...Energy core: Overload! ...Zizizi...] The system's alarm shrieked, carrying an unprecedented sense of urgency and chaos.
The personal guards sent by Shi Hu also changed their expressions and immediately blew the warning whistle, the sharp whistle piercing the sky.
The entire royal court fell into silence in an instant, and then there was an even greater panic that spread like a plague.
"The King is back!"
"It's the King!"
"Quick! Get ready to welcome them!"
The palace servants and slaves ran around in panic like frightened ants, and the royal court, which had been relatively orderly, fell into chaos in an instant.
Lin Jiaojiao stood on the slope, the cold wind blowing up her cloak and hair. She looked at the billowing dust rising from the direction of the main gate of the royal court in the distance, and listened to the sound of horse hooves and the noise that were getting closer and closer like thunder. She knew that the person she really needed to face was back.
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