Chapter 836 Wounds
Shang Ruyi looked up at her and just smiled.
Tushe'er said softly, "It's fine for us servants to call him 'Little Prince,' but His Highness Prince Qin and Princess Consort can't keep calling him 'baby.' He's almost a month old, he should have a name by now, or at least a nickname."
Shang Ruyi laughed and said, "You seem to be in a hurry."
Tushe'er pouted: "How can I not be anxious about His Highness's affairs?"
"What's the use of your rush? We have to wait until his grandfather is free."
"Then, when will Your Majesty be available?"
Seeing her anxious expression, Shang Ruyi smiled and was about to say something when she looked up and saw Wo Xue walking in from outside, her steps much faster than usual. She immediately bowed to Shang Ruyi. Shang Ruyi promptly asked, "How is it?"
Wo Xue said softly, "I asked the people serving in the Liangyi Hall, and they said that His Majesty just took a nap and is now going to the inner court to play. It seems he is in the Thousand Steps Corridor."
"oh."
Upon hearing this, Shang Ruyi nodded and was about to get up to have someone prepare, but Wo Xue stepped forward again and said softly, "When I came back, I heard that His Highness Prince Qi also came to the palace today. It seems that he also knew that His Majesty was touring the inner court and went along with him."
"King Qi?"
Upon hearing that Yuwen Cheng had entered the palace, Shang Ruyi frowned.
She thought for a moment, then immediately stood up and said, "Help me change my clothes. She'er, come with me and the child to the inner court in a little while."
Although she didn't know what Shang Ruyi was going to do, Tu She'er understood that Shang Ruyi must be going to see His Majesty the Emperor. Originally, she shouldn't have said anything about these things, but since the appointed time hadn't come yet, she could only bite the bullet and gently advise, "Your Highness, you haven't finished your postpartum confinement yet. What if you catch a cold if you go out like this? You'll get sick from that."
Shang Ruyi said, "The sun is shining brightly outside today, and there's not much wind, so it's alright."
"But--"
"obedient!"
At this moment, Shang Ruyi didn't scold her, but with just two words, Tu She'er knew the gravity of the situation. She could only sigh and help Wo Xue help her change her clothes. After a little washing and grooming, she accompanied Shang Ruyi out the door.
As Tushe'er walked out of Qianqiu Palace, she was still a little apprehensive. Fortunately, the weather was cooperating; although the autumn rains of the past few days had made it a bit chilly, today there was sunshine and little wind. Plus, the clothes she had chosen for Shang Ruyi were thicker than what others wore at this time of year, so she wasn't too worried about drafts. So, carrying the swaddled baby, she followed behind Shang Ruyi for a while before entering the inner palace.
In autumn, the inner court also takes on a different look.
The lush vegetation that was once so vibrant has withered somewhat, but some of the flowers and trees that can withstand frost and snow have blossomed with a different kind of charm. Especially when walking through a flowerbed, there are many chrysanthemums planted here. One after another, large clusters of flowers are in full bloom. These things, which are usually cold and aloof, have shown a splendid spirit at this time.
The maple and osmanthus trees in the corner, some red and some fragrant, swayed even without wind, creating a lively scene.
However, such a beautiful view could not make Shang Ruyi stop. Instead, it was the child, who was wrapped tightly in swaddling clothes, who was stepping out of Qianqiu Palace for the first time and seeing such a new sight. Although he probably couldn't understand anything, this new experience excited him. He kept struggling and twisting in the swaddling clothes and making mumbling sounds.
Tusheer couldn't help but laugh and said, "Your Highness is happy."
The baby in the swaddling clothes blew a spit bubble, which made her laugh.
Shang Ruyi turned around and smiled, but immediately turned her head back to look ahead. Fortunately, there were not many people in the inner court today, and the flowers and trees were not lush. She immediately saw two figures in the pavilion not far in front of the Thousand Steps Corridor. They were Yuwen Yuan and Yuwen Cheng.
At this moment, Yuwen Yuan was sitting on a bench, while Yuwen Cheng was standing in front of him, seemingly whispering something.
Shang Ruyi took a deep breath, turned around and took the swaddled baby from Tushe'er's hands, and said softly, "Come with me. When we get there, don't leave. Just wait for me at a distance."
Tushe'er was also a little nervous, but she nodded obediently and took a deep breath before following Shang Ruyi up the Thousand Steps Corridor.
They walked slowly, taking quite a while to approach the pavilion. Eunuch Yu, along with several young eunuchs, were waiting on the corridor with their hands tucked in their sleeves. Clearly, Yuwen Cheng had come to request an audience but had been dismissed and brought here. Although there were many people, not a single cough or gasp could be heard. Coupled with the stillness and lack of wind, even when they were not very close, they could faintly hear Yuwen Yuan's low voice drifting past their ears—
"You recommended him?"
"yes."
"Yan Jie, I didn't hold it against you for returning to Chang'an without permission this time, but I have my own decision on how to fight in the Eastern Capital and who will fight there. You don't need to interfere."
"Father, I have no intention of interfering in this matter."
"Then what you just did—"
"Your subject wishes to share your father's burdens."
"..."
“Father, the Eastern Capital is even more prosperous than Chang’an. Emperor Yang has been managing it for more than ten years. The city is well-fortified, the palaces are exquisite, the people are wealthy, and there are countless rich merchants. How can such a good place be left to rats like Liang Shide and Xiao Yuansui? Even if all of that can be ignored, we only live in Guanzhong and cannot be considered the whole country. Luoyang must be taken. Your son is determined to fight for Father and take the Eastern Capital.”
"..."
Yuwen Yuan did not speak immediately.
These words didn't actually need to be spoken by Yuwen Cheng. Everyone knew the importance of Luoyang, and everyone knew that Yuwen Yuan wanted to take Luoyang. But Yuwen Cheng actually volunteered to lead the troops himself. This not only made Shang Ruyi, who was gradually approaching, hesitate, but also made Yuwen Yuan fall silent.
After a while, he said, "I know you are filial, but Luoyang... is not so easy to take."
Yuwen Cheng stepped forward and said urgently, "Father, it is only right and proper for me to serve you loyally. Why won't you allow me to send troops? You can't possibly expect me to—"
Before he could finish speaking, Yuwen Yuan interrupted him: "What I think is none of your business!"
At this point, his tone became harsh.
Making casual guesses about the emperor's intentions is something everyone in the court does, but absolutely no one can reveal it in front of the emperor. Even his own son, Yuwen Yuan, already showed displeasure on his face, as if he would change his expression if he said anything more.
Just then, Yuwen Cheng suddenly said, "Father, are you perhaps worried about my injuries?"
At this point, Yuwen Yuan's expression changed again.
Looking up at his youngest son again, and noticing the bandage on his forehead, his gaze softened. He said, "Your injury—"
Yuwen Cheng laughed and said, "My injury has long since healed. If you don't believe me, I'll take it apart and show you!"
After saying that, he actually reached out and ripped the gauze wrapped around his head. Yuwen Yuan wanted to stop him, but it was too late. He looked up and saw the injury on his face, and was immediately shocked: "You—"
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