Her heart was filled with confusion and unease.
Outside the inn, a gentle night breeze brought a touch of coolness.
Qi Guze got up and walked to the window, gazing into the distance. He silently resolved to investigate again tomorrow and unravel this mystery. He couldn't let Xu Yuehuai remain in this state of worry; he had to find the answer as soon as possible.
Xu Yuehuai, also preoccupied, sat up in bed and quietly walked to the window, standing side by side with Qi Guze.
Their eyes met, and they both understood each other's worries and confusion.
They could only rely on each other to face everything together. Qi Guze gently patted Xu Yuehuai's shoulder to comfort her. He put his arm around her and prepared to go back to bed to rest.
Just then, a cold wind blew by, causing the curtains to flutter, and a figure flashed past the window. Their gazes instantly locked, a strong sense of unease rising within them.
Qi Guze suspected the man was an enemy tracking him, drew his sword, and decided to give chase. In the darkness, Qi Guze and Xu Yuehuai followed closely behind, passing through narrow alleys and leaping over babbling brooks.
The man moved with unpredictable speed and seemed extremely familiar with the terrain, always managing to evade their pursuit at crucial moments. However, after a fierce battle, they finally surrounded him in a dilapidated temple overgrown with weeds.
Just as Qi Guze was about to step forward and lift the person's veil, a gust of wind blew by, and the person's veil fell off.
They were stunned; the person before them was none other than Yan Qing, Qi Guze's subordinate. Yan Qing was also somewhat surprised, but quickly regained his composure.
"Your subordinate Yan Qing greets Your Majesty," Yan Qing said, cupping his hands in greeting.
"How did you end up here?" Xu Yuehuai asked in confusion.
"I have been searching for your whereabouts, Master and Madam, and I have finally found them today," Yan Qing explained.
Qi Guze and Xu Yuehuai exchanged a smile, finally relieved.
They followed Yan Qing back to the capital and arrived at Qi Guze's residence there. There, they listened to Yan Qing recount the events that had transpired in the capital during this time.
It turned out that the emperor's condition had worsened significantly during this period, to the point where he was unable to care for himself. The court officials were in an uproar, filled with anxiety. Although the crown prince had been appointed regent, real power remained in the hands of a few powerful ministers.
They colluded with each other to eliminate dissidents, leading to chaos in the government. The people suffered greatly and were destitute.
Qi Guze listened to Yan Qing's story with a furrowed brow. He knew he bore a heavy responsibility and had to take action as soon as possible.
Xu Yuehuai's expression was also solemn; she knew the road ahead would be even more difficult. "We can no longer sit idly by."
Qi Guze said firmly, "We must find a way to stabilize the government and ensure that the people can live and work in peace and contentment."
Xu Yuehua nodded in agreement: "That's true. We need to plan this carefully."
Yan Qing also expressed his willingness to fully support their actions. In the dim candlelight, Xu Yuehuai, Yan Qing, and Qi Guze sat around a worn-out wooden table, the atmosphere heavy and tense.
"We must act quickly; we cannot allow the political situation to continue to descend into chaos." Xu Yuehuai broke the silence, her eyes firm and sharp.
Yan Qing nodded silently, his eyes shining with determination. "We must not betray the late emperor's trust and must fight for the people of the Great Zhou Kingdom."
Qi Guze took a deep breath and said in a calm tone, "I know, but we must have a comprehensive plan, otherwise everything will be in vain."
The three discussed for a long time, sometimes deep in thought, sometimes engaged in heated debate. Outside the window, the night deepened, and inside, the candlelight flickered, casting their shadows on the wall like rebellious forces in the darkness.
Finally, a detailed plan quietly took shape in their minds.
They secretly contacted officials and generals loyal to the royal family, gradually forming a powerful force.
Under the cover of night, they frequently moved in and out of the palace, as silently as shadows.
Meanwhile, deep within the palace, in the emperor's bedchamber, his condition worsened daily. The crown prince stood by the bedside, looking at the emperor's haggard face, his heart filled with joy.
During this time, he constantly played the role of a lamb, and outsiders thought that he was too young and inexperienced, and was being manipulated by several powerful ministers.
When the night was quiet, he would study statecraft strategies alone in his study, pretending to study every day, but he didn't put his heart into it at all.
The government became increasingly chaotic, and the people were filled with resentment.
This was all part of Ah Qi's plan! He wanted to destroy the Great Zhou Kingdom!
Qi Guze saw it all, and it pained him deeply. He often stood alone atop a high building, overlooking the bustling capital city.
People on the streets and alleys were either busy or chatting, but those living on this land suffered greatly because of the corruption of the government. He clenched his fists, vowing in his heart to do his part for the country and the people.
After days of planning and waiting, the moment to act finally arrived.
Qi Guze sat in his study, his face grim. Yan Qing knelt before him, head bowed, silent. Qi Guze was filled with mixed emotions. He had sent Yan Qing back to Wuling Kingdom to bring Anan back, but now he received news that Anan had been assassinated on his way, seriously injured, and had suddenly disappeared. Qi Guze took a deep breath and shook his head helplessly.
He knew that Anan was his biological nephew and the crown prince of the Great Zhou Kingdom, and his disappearance would surely cause turmoil in the Great Zhou Kingdom. He had to personally lead a group to find Anan.
"Everyone, come with me! We must bring the Crown Prince back!"
At Qi Guze's command, a large number of troops immediately prepared to set off. He led Pei Xuan and a team of elite soldiers, traveling day and night towards Wuling Kingdom.
At the same time, Xu Yuehuai was very worried after learning the news.
She was well aware of the sensitivity of Anan's identity and understood the potential consequences of this matter. Therefore, she secretly followed Qi Guze's group, deciding to find Anan herself.
Xu Yuehuai proceeded cautiously, fearing discovery. She eventually learned of Anan's whereabouts and discovered he had been rescued and was hiding in a small village. Relieved, Xu Yuehuai immediately headed towards the village.
On the way, Xu Yuehuai unexpectedly encountered Anan, who was disguised as a beggar. His face was pale and his body was thin, clearly indicating that he had suffered serious injuries. Xu Yuehuai felt a pang of sorrow and immediately went over to help Anan up.
"Anan, I never expected to see you here. You've suffered so much these past few days!"
When Anan saw that it was Xu Yuehuai, she burst into tears.
"Royal Aunt!"
"I'm fine. I didn't expect you to be alright too. That's wonderful!"
Xu Yuehuai said, "Let's not say anything for now. I'll take you back first."
“Okay!” Anan was very obedient and nodded solemnly.
She brought Anan back to the capital of the Great Zhou Kingdom and secretly entered the palace to see the seriously ill emperor.
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