Chapter 51 Facing Yourself
Xiao Qing was startled, and Mei Shu was injured, causing a brief period of chaos at the scene. Fortunately, Zhao Youchen, with a cold face, directed the Imperial Guards to maintain order and control the situation, and then escorted them back to Chengde Palace.
Xiao Qing originally wanted to go to the council hall, but now she unconsciously touched her cold stomach and was obediently carried back.
Wang Xiang and his group then came to investigate, which took about half an hour.
During that half hour, Xiao Qing lay on the soft couch in the warm pavilion of the front hall, where Ming Xiu carefully examined her wounds, and then she gradually relaxed and began to think.
She thought with a touch of self-mockery that she was actually still afraid of death. Probably still very afraid.
If God hadn't given her another chance to live, or if she hadn't survived being stabbed in the stomach and forced to flee south, and had actually managed to survive and live a relatively comfortable life for so long, she probably wouldn't have realized this problem.
Perhaps she still feels as ignorant and fearless as when she first came into this world, unafraid of life and death.
But today, when that knife plunged down hard, and she didn't even have the strength to dodge, she clearly felt her fear.
A familiar fear.
It was as if she had returned to the Northern Capital Palace, shrouded in blood and fire, and felt the fear she felt when she saw the Grand Tutor holding a sword and treating people like dirt.
Even more terrifying than that.
Because this time, the knife was aimed at her, and the person holding the knife looked at her with such hatred.
She thought back to the assassination attempt at the Grand Tutor's residence. At that moment, she felt even more strongly that she had been possessed by something, which was why she had acted so bravely.
Even if you gave her another chance, she might not have the courage.
However, even though she is now afraid of dying and wants to live a good life, she has encountered all sorts of obstacles, just like one roadblock after another, which have blocked her way to live.
This feeling made her restless.
If what the soldier said is true, and the so-called imperial letter is also genuine, then the Grand Tutor must have been detained by the Northern barbarians. Worst of all, he himself is unconscious and it's unclear whether he even possesses consciousness.
Her current life and position were all arranged by the Grand Tutor. He was the one who understood her best, and the only one she could trust and rely on. Even someone like Zhao Youchen, despite his unwavering loyalty and dedication during this time, would probably kill her immediately if they knew she was a woman, and not their princess Xiao Yan.
As for Wang Xiang and others...
Even though the scene on the South Training Ground was chaotic and her mind wasn't very clear, she still noticed what she needed to notice.
While Wang Xiang and the others' composure could be seen as the demeanor of veteran officials, it also reflected their indifference towards the emperor and even the dynasty.
Therefore, she is actually fighting alone now.
He Shu and Ming Xiu knew about her situation, but they couldn't be considered a force capable of protecting her. As long as they kept quiet, she shouldn't be in danger of her identity being exposed in the short term.
She thought it over and over, and from any perspective, it was impossible to exchange anyone for the Grand Tutor. Even if "anyone" was a very large group of people.
She had just made up her mind when Wang Xiang arrived.
This time, neither Sun Jinyi nor Yu Zaiting came.
Wang Xiang bowed and inquired about Xiao Qing's health, whether he was taking any medicine, and then said that since the two of them were still at the South Training Ground, he, as a civil official, could not offer any assistance, so he had rushed to visit His Majesty.
After exchanging a few words, he inquired whether the afternoon's competition would proceed as scheduled, his attitude respectful and his tone calm.
Xiao Qing thought for a moment and said, "Although there have been some minor changes, the competition at the South Training Ground was decided long ago. If we change it arbitrarily, we may lose credibility. It's better to proceed as scheduled."
Wang Xiang nodded in agreement, then inquired about the matter of the State Letter and asked Xiao Qing for his opinion on the matter of the Grand Tutor.
This struck a chord with Xiao Qing.
She frankly said, "The Great Xiao cannot be without the Grand Tutor. It is far too arrogant for the Northern Barbarians to detain the Grand Tutor, who is an envoy, just because they sent some kind of official letter."
Wang Xiang agreed, took a look at the "letter of state" and said, "Your Majesty, this does not seem like a normal letter of state, but rather a private letter to Your Majesty."
Xiao Qing breathed a sigh of relief.
"Since it's a private message, there's no need to pay attention to it."
Wang Xiang presented the letter of state and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, such an important matter should be discussed in court."
Xiao Qing naturally agreed.
However, she said softly, "Prime Minister, you are a respected senior minister of the previous dynasty. Now that the Grand Tutor is gone, I am filled with anxiety and will likely have to consult with you more often. I hope you will not despise me."
Wang Xiang immediately knelt down and said, "Your Majesty is too kind to this old minister. I will do my utmost to fulfill Your Majesty's request."
After Wang Xiang left, Mingxiu quietly walked over, turned the incense burner in the room, and said, "Your Majesty, Attendant Mei's wound is not deep. The Imperial Hospital just finished treating it, and Attendant Mei has already gone to sleep."
Xiao Qing nodded without saying anything.
Mingxiu felt a little guilty. She was clearly closer at the time, but Mei Shu reacted faster than her.
She always seemed to be slow to sense danger.
Seeing her expression, Xiao Qing forced a smile and said, "What's wrong? Why are you making such a face?"
Mingxiu looked at the petite Xiao Qing nestled on the large dragon bed, looking particularly lonely and helpless.
I cannot let His Majesty worry about me.
Mingxiu thought for a moment, then quickly put on a smile and said, "I really want to know how far His Majesty's medicine is going. This servant will go and check on it. His Majesty should think less and rest more."
Xiao Qing nodded, feeling somewhat dizzy, and said softly, "Keep a close eye on Mei Shu. She was injured because she shielded me from disaster."
Mingxiu agreed and turned to leave.
As she walked out, Zhao Youchen stopped her by the door.
Zhao Youchen had traveled a long and dusty journey, clearly coming from the South Training Ground.
After sending them to Chengde Palace, he quickly deployed defenses and then went to the South Parade Ground.
"How is His Majesty? Has he eaten? Has he been frightened?"
Mingxiu said, "His Majesty has just finished seeing Prime Minister Wang. I lit some calming incense, and His Majesty is probably a little sleepy now. His Majesty is young, and thinking too much can affect his injuries. If General Zhao has nothing else to do, please don't disturb His Majesty."
Zhao Youchen was finally relieved.
He narrowed his eyes and said in a low voice, "Now that the matter of the Grand Tutor has spread, I'm afraid some people will lose their senses. Keep a close eye on what you eat and use every day, just in case there are any villains."
Mingxiu was startled, but seeing Zhao Youchen's serious expression, she solemnly agreed.
Zhao Youchen watched her walk away and sighed inwardly. If Mei Shu hadn't been injured, she would naturally be the best at handling these situations, wouldn't she?
Mingxiu is still quite young.
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