Chapter 164 The Big Trouble Left by the Late Emperor
Han Ying lowered his head: "It is...it is definitely Yuwen Hong. But...we've lost track of him."
Yuwen Che's eyes sharpened: "Lost them? What do you mean?"
Han Ying's tone was grave: "Reporting to my lord, it was Ye Ying who personally led the pursuit. But... Yuwen Hong's skills are extremely strange and superb, probably... even surpassing mine and Ye Ying's. He managed to shake us off in a dense forest on the border."
Where did you lose track of them?
"The miasma forest at the border between Nanzhao and Xiliang".
Yuwen Che remained silent for a moment, his eyes flashing with cold light: "Order Night Shadow to send more men and expand the search area. No matter what, we must find him alive or dead. If we can capture him alive, that would be best. If he resists stubbornly... kill him on the spot and bring his head back."
"Yes!" Han Ying accepted the order and was about to turn around.
"Wait." Yuwen Che suddenly raised his hand to stop him, his brows furrowing slightly.
A hint of uncertainty seemed to cross his mind. "This matter... should be left to Mo Ying to handle personally."
Han Ying was taken aback upon hearing this, her face showing surprise: "My lord? Mo Ying... you never use him lightly unless it concerns the very survival of the nation. Why this time..."
Yuwen Che turned around, his back to Han Ying, his gaze fixed on the dragon throne in the distance, a symbol of supreme power. His voice was low and deep: "I don't know why... I just have a feeling that there might be something else going on behind this matter. I feel uneasy... I feel more at ease sending Mo Ying. As for Ye Ying... let him go and investigate the situation in Nanzhao with all his might, especially the unusual activity on the border with Xiliang."
Although Han Ying still had doubts, seeing that his lord had made up his mind, he immediately replied solemnly, "Yes! Your subordinate will do it immediately!"
Yuwen Che walked to the dragon throne but did not sit down. He tapped his fingertips lightly on the cold armrest and let out a barely audible sigh: "Father, Father... you have really left me with a... huge problem."
"Li Dehai".
"This old servant is here." Li Dehai responded and entered.
Yuwen Che pondered for a moment, then instructed: "The renovation of Guanju Palace shall proceed as usual, without rushing the work, but with the aim of achieving perfection. As for the Empress... from now on she shall reside permanently in Sizheng Hall, living with me."
Li Dehai looked troubled and carefully reminded her, "Your Majesty, the Sizheng Hall is, after all, the place where state affairs are handled. If the Empress were to stay here for a long time, I'm afraid the ministers outside would criticize her for...interfering in politics."
Yuwen Che waved his hand, his tone leaving no room for doubt: "There's no need to pay attention to those idle gossips. Before I... completely eliminate that hidden danger, Xue'er must stay by my side. It's safest for her to live in the Sizheng Palace. As for the Crown Prince, the Princess, and Prince An, let them be temporarily settled in the Fengyi Palace."
"Yes, this old servant understands." Li Dehai bowed and accepted the order.
After making the arrangements, Yuwen Che turned and entered the inner room.
Su Luoxue had already changed her clothes and was leaning against the headboard reading a book. When she saw him come in, she immediately put down her book, got up and went to greet him, her eyes filled with concern: "Ache, how... did things go?"
Yuwen Che reached out and pulled her into his arms, sitting down together on the edge of the bed. He began to unbutton the dragon robe himself, his tone deliberately relaxed: "Don't worry, everything has been arranged, there's nothing to worry about."
Upon seeing this, Su Luoxue quickly got up and personally removed his outer robe with gentle and skillful movements.
Yuwen Che looked at her gentle profile and said, "Xue'er, for the next few days... you will stay with me in the Sizheng Palace, is that alright?"
Su Luoxue knew in her heart that something big must have happened, but she didn't ask any questions. She just nodded obediently and straightened the belt of his nightgown: "Okay, I'll do whatever you say."
After the two finished changing, they sat side by side on the edge of the bed. Yuwen Che turned his head to look at her, his gaze scrutinizing her carefully: "Have you been feeling unwell lately?"
Su Luoxue shook her head, a slight smile playing on her lips: "No, all those tonics you've had people search for over the past few years have almost made me a little fatter."
Yuwen Che cupped her face in his hands and gently kissed her delicate cheek, his eyes filled with tenderness: "What do you mean? My snow is just as bright and beautiful as it was when I first entered the palace."
Su Luoxue nestled shyly in his arms, tilting her head up with a mischievous glint in her eyes and asking softly, "Then... in A-Che's heart, am I the most beautiful?"
Yuwen Che chuckled softly, his fingertips twirling her hair, his tone firm yet gentle: "Of course, you have always been the most beautiful in my heart."
He raised his hand to signal, and Fuling, who was waiting outside, immediately understood. She quietly led all the palace servants out and gently closed the palace door.
Su Luoxue's cheeks flushed even more as she was completely embraced by him, instinctively burying her face in the crook of his neck. Yuwen Che lowered his head and kissed her blushing cheek, his voice deep and chuckled: "Luoxue... you're still so easily embarrassed."
"Ah Che~" she called softly, with a hint of reproach.
Yuwen Che said no more, leaning down to kiss her lips, gentle yet firm. Then he gently lifted her and placed her on the soft bed. The brocade curtains slowly lowered.
The next morning, Su Luoxue woke up in his comforting embrace. She lay on her side, propping herself up slightly with her arm, gazing at the handsome face of the sleeping man beside her.
The contours of his eyes and brows softened her heart, and she couldn't help but lean forward and plant a gentle kiss on his cheek.
Yuwen Che's eyelashes trembled slightly as he slowly opened his eyes, meeting her smiling gaze. The corners of his lips unconsciously turned up.
He reached out and pulled her close, letting her rest against his chest, his voice hoarse with a hint of indulgence as he woke up: "Xue'er... are you being naughty again?"
Su Luoxue kissed his chin and whispered, "A-Che...don't you like me doing this?"
Yuwen Che tightened his arms around her, placed a kiss on the top of her head, and said in a voice full of satisfaction and affection, "I like it... I like it very much."
Just as Su Luoxue was about to move and get out of bed, Yuwen Che nimbly rolled over and gently pinned her down beneath him.
"Ah..." Su Luoxue exclaimed softly, subconsciously calling out, "A-Che..."
Yuwen Che lowered his head and gently kissed her trembling eyelashes, his voice carrying the languid tenderness of early morning: "Sleep a little longer, be good... I should go to court. The wet nurses and nannies are taking care of the children, you don't need to worry about them. Hmm?"
Su Luoxue was nestled beneath him, her cheeks flushed as she looked at his handsome face so close to hers. She nodded obediently. She raised her hand and gently cupped his face, mimicking his gesture, and placed a soft kiss on his closed eyelids, saying softly, "Okay... I know."
Yuwen Che was satisfied with her response and smiled, kissed her forehead, carefully tucked her in, and then got up.
"Li Dehai," he called out, his voice now as cold as ever, "change your clothes."
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