He put down his chopsticks and said awkwardly, "Empress, would you like to come with me to take a look?"
The Empress smiled helplessly: "I shall obey your command."
The couple went together to the Emperor Emeritus’s residence, only to find that many things had been packed and ready to be packed at any time.
When the Emperor Emeritus saw the couple arrive, he greeted them with a smile and said, "I have prepared everything that needs to be prepared, so you don't need to worry about it. From now on, you will be in charge of managing the affairs of the palace. I am going to travel the world like the young people!"
Consort Liu followed behind, but she was not as carefree as the Emperor Emeritus. Instead, she hid behind him like a child who had done something wrong.
She knew in her heart that what they were doing was somewhat unconventional.
The emperor, however, did not blame him. Instead, he looked at the retired emperor and earnestly said, "Father, you are getting old, so..."
"Alright, alright!"
He had barely opened his mouth when the Emperor Emeritus raised his hand to interrupt him, saying sternly, "I know what you want to say, but there's no need to say it. It's useless; I won't listen!"
emperor:……
"But the danger is unpredictable! This identity is too sensitive!"
For an ordinary person, the only concern would be avoiding being robbed by bandits on the road. But given the Emperor Emeritus's status, there are countless risks he might encounter along the way. If he were to fall into the hands of hostile forces and be used to threaten the Emperor, what would become of him?
The emperor felt that his father was becoming more and more childish, not caring about his own safety at all, and even less about the pressure he, as his son, had to face.
If this news leaks out, not only will the court officials oppose it, but the forces in the shadows will also deliberately target it, which is no small matter.
The retired emperor waved his hand dismissively and said, "As long as this news is kept completely under wraps, no one will notice me. Don't worry, everyone in my palace is one of my own. No one will dare to leak the news. As long as you all keep your mouths shut, I won't be targeted."
Having been an emperor for most of his life, he knew exactly how to ensure his safety. Even though he no longer pursued immortality, he was still afraid of death, especially being hunted down. Who could bear such a life of constant fear?
He can accept dying on the way, but it could be due to physical discomfort from the bumpy ride or illness caused by the change in environment. In that case, it's his own fault for not listening to advice and insisting on going out. If he dies, it's his own fault. But if he becomes someone else's victim, he would be very resistant to it.
His "I know what I'm doing" attitude left the emperor speechless, completely at a loss for words.
He looked at the Empress, hoping she could offer some advice to the two, but to his surprise, the Empress smiled and said, "Since Father and the Empress Dowager have made thorough preparations, why not go out for a stroll? One cannot live a life confined to this deep palace forever, can one?"
"Oh dear, the Empress is the most understanding one!"
The Emperor Emeritus clapped his hands, extremely pleased with the Empress, and praised her, saying, "The greatest blessing of my third son's life is marrying you!"
emperor:……
Suddenly, I felt like everyone had abandoned me.
The Empress took the Emperor's hand and said, "If Your Majesty is still worried, you can send more people to accompany you. It's easy to get sick from the change in environment when traveling. You can bring two imperial physicians with you. That would be the best you can do. Your Majesty, if there is an opportunity, I would also like to travel with you. We are currently tied up with various matters, so it wouldn't be unreasonable for Father and the Empress Dowager to go out for a stroll. What do you say?"
The emperor took a deep breath and said helplessly, "Since you've all said so, wouldn't I become a sinner if I objected? Alright, Father, then we'll listen to Xin'er and bring two imperial physicians with us. That way, I can feel more at ease."
The emperor made such a big concession, and it was for his own good, so the retired emperor naturally had no reason to refuse and nodded in agreement.
The emperor gave some instructions, and not long after, he arranged for someone to go to the retired emperor. He also summoned Lu Baichuan to the palace to discuss taking the retired emperor to Changzhou.
Lu Baichuan: ...
"The Emperor couldn't persuade the Retired Emperor?"
The emperor helplessly spread his hands, his tone even carrying a hint of anger: "Do you think I can persuade them? It's all your fault for being too carefree. Not only does your father want to go out, but even the empress is tempted... Do you think I'm not tempted? But if I just let go and go out to play, what will happen to the court? What will happen to the people of the world?"
Looking at the emperor, who was full of resentment, Lu Baichuan silently took two steps back, afraid that the emperor would spit on his face.
"Your Majesty, rest assured, your humble servant will escort the Emperor Emeritus safely to Changzhou."
After Changzhou, we went our separate ways.
The emperor shamelessly asked, "Since you're all going out to have fun anyway, why don't you take them with you along the way? That way, they can look out for each other on the road, right?"
Lu Baichuan did not answer immediately, but glanced at the emperor before saying calmly, "Does Your Majesty feel safe with me by your side?"
The emperor was speechless. Lu Baichuan hadn't done any cover-up during his trip, and all the forces knew his whereabouts. With the retired emperor by their side, he would be a sitting duck.
"Then let's forget about it. Pretend I didn't say anything."
Upon hearing this, Lu Baichuan breathed a barely perceptible sigh of relief. He was worried that the emperor would be shameless and insist on giving him the title of Emperor Emeritus, which would make it impossible for his family of four to travel by plane and enjoy life.
The next day, Lu Baichuan led the retired emperor and his entourage out of the city.
The Emperor Emeritus's disguise was impeccable this time. He shaved off his beard and, along with Consort Liu, disguised themselves as palace maids and eunuchs. Yesterday, they left the palace with Lu Baichuan and stayed at the Lu family's residence for one night, pretending to be servants sent by the Emperor to take care of Lu Baichuan and Jiang Jiuniang.
These two weren't just putting on an act. After returning to the General's Mansion with Lu Baichuan, they personally carried the gifts bestowed by the Emperor from the carriage into the mansion. Their hands and feet were as nimble as those of real servants, leaving Madam Sun dumbfounded.
"Your Majesty, your behavior is making it difficult for me to eat!"
During the meal, the Lu family members sat while the Emperor Emeritus and Consort Liu stood and served the food to the Lu family.
Apart from Lu Baichuan, who remained relatively calm, everyone else in the Lu family was terrified.
"Madam, you flatter me. This old servant was sent by the Emperor to serve you; it is only my duty."
The retired emperor remained unfazed, leaving everyone speechless.
Consort Liu couldn't help but laugh out loud and said, "Everyone, please don't be nervous. We'll take our leave now."
With that, he pulled the Emperor Emeritus out to their own courtyard for a meal, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
At this moment, watching the departing carriage, Madam Sun sighed softly, "Finally gone. That was terrifying! I never imagined I'd be served like this in my life..."
Old Lu also looked relieved: "Who says it isn't true!"
Once outside the city, Lu Baichuan asked the Emperor Emeritus and Consort Liu to get into the carriage, but the Emperor Emeritus refused: "It's alright, we can hold out for a while longer. We've only just left the city, and who knows how many people are watching us. It's better to be careful. Besides, no pain, no gain. This is nothing!"
Lu Baichuan: ...You're so aloof and impressive, you've endured so much hardship, you're a superior person!
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