Entrusted in the middle of the night
Tang Feng didn't care. He was used to being scolded by Master Tang every day at the Tang residence, so what was there to be upset about in a mere reprimand? "It's nothing, just curious." Zhou Ziliang looked down at the bloodstains on Tang Feng's knee, tugged at the reins, and Hongdou stopped. "You can rest at my house today! Your injury is serious, so I can take care of you. I'll send someone to let Uncle Tang know you're safe. I've also had Chen Ke escort Liu Liu and Liu Yiwan home. After what happened today, things will inevitably be turbulent for a few days, so you should stay home and rest!" Zhou Ziliang dismounted and had just helped Tang Feng down when Madam Zhou came out to greet them. "Oh dear, what are you all doing! Such a commotion! Is it because the Dingbei Army has been detained outside the city?" The news of Emperor Yun's entry into the city was already causing quite a stir, so it was inevitable that some rumors would reach Madam Zhou's ears, causing her considerable anxiety. Just then, Zhou Ziliang returned. "What happened to Xiaofeng?" "Mother, it's nothing. You went to find a doctor through the family. Xiaofeng's knee is scraped, and they might need to take a look." Zhou Ziliang carried Tang Feng straight to the bedroom, placed her on the soft couch, and gently lifted her clothes. The fabric at her knee was stained with blood. Zhou Ziliang was about to unbutton Tang Feng's pants when Tang Feng, blushing, stopped him. "Get...get the scissors, cut it open." Zhou Ziliang realized his mistake and scratched his head sheepishly. He turned and grabbed a pair of scissors from the table, slowly cutting away the fabric from Tang Feng's wound. "Luckily, it's not too serious." The knee wound was mostly bruises, and the bleeding wasn't heavy. It would probably heal with some medicine and a couple of days of bed rest. "It's nothing, it's nothing. Everyone gets hurt sometimes, it's just that my knees are a little numb." Tang Feng had barely finished speaking when Madam Zhou came over with the doctor. "Come, Xiao Feng, let the doctor take a look. What kind of suffering did you endure? How did you get like this?" Then she glanced at Zhou Ziliang, who was standing to the side with a worried expression. "Ziliang, come with me."
Before closing the door, Zhou Ziliang glanced at Tang Feng sitting on the bed, feeling somewhat uneasy. However, Madam Zhou was still waiting outside, so he had no choice but to close the door and go over. "Mother..."
"What's wrong with you! Do you think you can just accept that military tally like that?! Even your father wouldn't dare, and you, not only did you accept it, you even dared to bring people back! What will happen to Xiao Feng if anything happens to you?! Ah!" Madam Zhou was afraid Tang Feng would hear, so she had to suppress her anger and scold him, but it didn't vent her anger at all. She went up and kicked Zhou Ziliang again. "Tell me, what's the situation outside? You haven't had a moment's rest since early morning. You've kept me on edge all day."
Zhou Ziliang stared at Tang Feng's door, completely ignoring Madam Zhou's last words. He kept muttering, "Why hasn't he come out yet?" "You brat, I'm talking to you!" Madam Zhou was a little angry that Zhou Ziliang wasn't paying attention to him. "Don't worry, I just glanced at Xiao Feng's injury, it's nothing serious. Even if something were wrong, you wouldn't be able to run away. It's time to get married, you hear me? Stop thinking about running away!" "Mother... no, Xiao Feng and I agreed that we'd get married this time he came back." Madam Zhou was delighted to hear this. Ever since Tang Feng visited their home many years ago, she had liked the boy. He was quiet, gentle, and polite, and she had long wanted him to be her daughter-in-law. It was just a pity that Zhou Ziliang had refused to accept her back then, wasting so much time. But now so many years had passed, and no matter what the process was, the ending was good. The two had finally achieved their happy ending. Just as Madam Zhou was about to speak, Tang Feng's door opened, and the old doctor came out with his medicine box, handing Zhou Ziliang a prescription. "It's nothing serious, just knee congestion from kneeling for too long. Use this prescription, apply it twice a day, morning and evening, and you'll be fine within three days." Madam Zhou glanced inside the room, then turned and called the old steward to go with the doctor to get the medicine. She then slapped Zhou Ziliang hard on the back. "What are you standing there for! Go see! You really are something else, you can't learn anything right, but you've picked up every single one of your father's stubborn, short-sighted ways!"
Tang Feng stared blankly at the thick bandage wrapped around his knee. He'd already returned to Xiling! Just a few days ago he was still suffering from the cold. Time really flies; two years felt like a dream. "Xiao Feng, how are you?" Madam Zhou sat on the bed, looking at Tang Feng's thickly bandaged knee with a pained expression. "Sigh, really, you weren't careful! You've gotten yourself into this state. Hey, Xiao Feng?" Madam Zhou glanced at Zhou Ziliang, then at Tang Feng, and said with a smile, "I just heard from Ziliang that you two are getting married this time, is that right?" Tang Feng blushed and nodded. Upon receiving confirmation, Madam Zhou quickly stood up, her voice filled with joy, "Good, good, good! Once Xiao Feng's knee is healed, I'll have your Uncle Zhou and your father discuss how to arrange this marriage. Sigh, it's been so many years since either of our families has had a happy occasion."
After leaving the palace, Li Yunrui was taken back to the Prince's residence. Looking at the once bustling mansion, now only a few scattered servants remained. "They've all scattered? Yes... there's no future with me." Li Yunrui walked to the middle of the courtyard. The crabapple blossoms, which had bloomed in early spring, were already withered, and the bare branches made the courtyard appear even more desolate and forlorn. "Your Highness... don't be discouraged, you still have me," Lin Xiaomei stepped forward to comfort him. Li Yunrui turned and hugged Lin Xiaomei. "It's just that you and your child have suffered. I was hoping that when Father Emperor returned, he could spend more time with you, but now, how will you have a safe delivery?" Lin Xiaomei patted Li Yunrui's back reassuringly. "It's alright, as long as you're here."
Li Yunrui thought for a moment and then said, "You should go inside and rest. It's too cold outside, be careful not to catch a cold. I have some things to take care of, I'll come and keep you company when I'm done." After Lin Xiaomei went inside, Li Yunrui called Binghu over and asked, "Where is the Ninth Prince? Has he been arranged to return to the palace?"
"Your Highness, no, the Ninth Prince refuses to go back, no matter how we try to persuade him!" Hearing Binghu's words, Li Yunrui walked towards the Ninth Prince's room while instructing him, "I know all this, Binghu, I need you to do something for me. You know where the Tang residence is, right?"
Binghu nodded. Having accompanied Tang Feng on his mission to the Qiang and Hu tribes, how could she not know where Tang Feng lived? "You need to dig a tunnel from the Prince's residence to the Tang residence, and it has to be fast..." "Huh?" Binghu was bewildered by Li Yunrui's words. What kind of request was this?! Why was he starting to dig a tunnel...? But since Li Yunrui was her master, she couldn't refuse and had no choice but to agree.
Li Yunrui pushed open the door and saw a young man in red sitting by candlelight reading a military book. Hearing the sound, the young man turned around, saw Li Yunrui standing at the door, and quickly got up and ran over, "Big Brother!" Li Yunrui stroked the young man's head and said gently, "Yu'er, why don't you go back to the palace! Now your big brother is confined and can no longer protect you."
Li Yunyu was unwilling to leave. To him, the palace was like a cage. No one liked him except his mother, who was kind to him. But how could his father let him live with his mother? "Then I want to go with my elder brother... I don't want to leave, don't send me away... please," Li Yunrui said, looking at Li Yunyu's clear eyes. "Then, Yunyu... are you willing to fight for the throne?" Li Yunyu nodded. "If it's to help my elder brother... I'm willing." Although Li Yunrui knew that Li Yunyu was still young and didn't understand these things, he had no choice now. He felt... that his life might not be long.
Tang Feng's leg recovered almost completely in two days. It wasn't too serious to begin with, and with Zhou Ziliang's meticulous care, the recovery was naturally quick. Since he'd been staying at Zhou Ziliang's house since returning home and hadn't been back yet, he discussed with Zhou Ziliang about going home for a few days to discuss the marriage with Old Master Tang and the others. Zhou Ziliang naturally agreed. While seeing Tang Feng to the gate of the Tang residence, he didn't forget to remind him, "Even though your knee is better, don't forget to apply this medicine, understand?" Tang Feng nodded perfunctorily, "I know, I know, why are you acting like a nagging old woman... even my father isn't as long-winded as you..." Hearing Tang Feng's complaint, Zhou Ziliang wasn't angry. He tapped Tang Feng's nose, "I'll come see you again tomorrow. Promise me you won't go out these next few days."
Qin Jiujiu hadn't seen Tang Feng for about two years, and she was overjoyed to see him return. Qin Liuliu and Liu Yiwan had gone back a few days earlier than Tang Feng, but they hadn't dared to host the family feast without him. Now, Qin Jiujiu could finally show off her skills. "You've been away for two years, and your skin is all tanned, but thankfully, you haven't lost weight. Looks like you took good care of yourself while you were away," Qin Jiujiu said with satisfaction, watching Tang Feng devour his food. The house hadn't been this lively in a long time. It felt so good to be reunited with family. Tang Feng rubbed his bulging stomach and exclaimed, "I can't take it anymore, I'm too full..." Qin Jiujiu then got up and started packing her things. "Let's go to bed early tonight. Someone from the Zhou family just said that tomorrow the old Marquis wants to discuss your relationship with Zhou Ziliang with my godfather. What? Have you come to your senses? Weren't you crying all the time before you left?"
"Oh dear... Sister, please don't tease me." Tang Feng felt ashamed when he thought about how he used to act sullenly. The whole family worried about him, but he was the only one who was anxious. "Alright, alright, I won't tease you anymore. Put your things down, I'll take care of it. You go back to your room and rest!" Tang Feng knew there was nothing he could do to help, so going back as soon as possible would be a great help to Qin Jiujiu.
Tang Feng had gone back to his room intending to rest and go to sleep, but then he heard a noise outside. He slowly went outside with a book in hand. "Could it be a thief...?" He searched for a while but couldn't see anyone. Thinking he'd misheard, Tang Feng was about to go back inside when the floor tiles suddenly shifted, startling him. He ran to the side to see what was happening and saw a figure leap out after the tiles were lifted. Startled, Tang Feng threw his book down.
Ouch!
"Holy crap! What the hell can talk?!" Tang Feng was so startled he blurted out some classical Chinese phrases. Just as he was about to call for help, he saw Li Yunrui walking over with the book he had just thrown. "It's not a thing... It's me, long time no see!"
"Hiss..." Tang Feng thought his eyes were playing tricks on him and rubbed them. "Don't be surprised, I came to see you. Make a long story short." Li Yunrui pulled Tang Feng into the house, saying as they went, "Tang Feng, I have something to ask you, hurry!" Tang Feng was still standing there, stunned, and before he could react, Li Yunrui pulled him into the house. When Tang Feng came to his senses, the two were already sitting face to face. "Tang Feng, I have something to ask you." Looking at Li Yunrui's sincere expression, Tang Feng couldn't help but recall the days before he was sent as an envoy to the Qiang and Hu tribes. Back then, Li Yunrui had made the same request to him. "I..." Before Li Yunrui could finish speaking, Tang Feng directly refused. "You're begging me for help? It's never good for you. I don't care about anything," Li Yunrui said, not bothered by Tang Feng's angry expression with his hands on his chest. He continued, "Do you know I'm imprisoned in the Prince's mansion by my father, never to leave? I also have a younger half-brother named Li Yunyu, and I want you to help him seize the throne." Tang Feng couldn't sit still any longer. He stood up, pointed at Li Yunrui's nose, and yelled, "You're really something! You've been plotting and scheming for so long, so meticulous and calculating, and what's the result? Now you're trapped in the Prince's mansion yourself, and you still want your brother to continue vying for the throne? Do you have any conscience at all?!"
"No...it's not like that. I believe this imprisonment won't last long. Before long, I might be dead...Pushing the ninth brother up wasn't for anything else, it's just that the third and fourth brothers are now colluding together, and I'm afraid...there's something fishy about this. I can't let the Yan Yun kingdom fall into their hands. Even if I'm not the one who rules the world, I can't let someone who can't care about the people lead Yan Yun." Tang Feng sighed helplessly and sat back down silently. "Should I say you're just worrying about nothing, or that you're a good king who cares about the people? No...you're about to die, why are you thinking about this...wouldn't it be better to eat and drink well and have a few days of peace and quiet?" "Perhaps in your eyes I'm an unreasonable person, but put yourself in their shoes. Would you want to watch the family business you've worked so hard to build be destroyed in your hands?"
"Fine! Even if you want your ninth brother to participate in the succession struggle, but... what does that have to do with me?" Tang Feng truly didn't understand. He had been in Yan Yun for so long and met all sorts of people, but Li Yunrui, who was so fixated on him, was the first. Whether at Li Shan Academy or on his mission to the Qiang and Hu tribes, Li Yunrui was like a haunting ghost, following him relentlessly. "Although I took Yu'er to the military camp, she's still simple-minded and stubborn. Naturally, she needs a strategist to guide her and offer advice! After much thought, I've decided that you are the best candidate."
"I really trusted you, considering how much you valued me. Let me put it this way! I've never wanted to get involved in your royal family's messy affairs. Whether it was joining the pawnshop or being sent as an envoy to the Qiang and Hu tribes, it was all because I wanted to graduate from Lishan Academy back then, and I agreed by chance. But this time... I'm afraid I can't comply! Your Highness, please leave!" Tang Feng finished speaking and was about to get up to see him off, but Li Yunrui seemed not to have heard him and continued, "I heard... you've been looking for Yu Lingzi?"
How did you know?
“If you want to control the Spirit Child, you must first obtain the pawnshop. As long as you help your ninth brother ascend to the throne, the pawnshop will naturally be yours.” Li Yunrui stared at Tang Feng, showing no sign of lying. However, Tang Feng burst into laughter after hearing this. “My goodness… My Your Highness, this pie in the sky… is too far-fetched… Helping your ninth brother ascend to the throne, hahaha, what are the chances of success? Why do you believe I would assist your ninth brother in ascending the throne?”
"I believe you, not for any other reason than that you are Tang Feng. Is that reason enough?" Li Yunrui also stood up. "I'm entrusting Old Nine to you; it's a small wish of mine."
Tang Feng stared at Li Yunrui for a long while before sighing, "You really are... still harboring ulterior motives! I can help you take care of him, but I won't participate in the succession struggle, Your Highness. You know my personality; if I don't want to do something, no one can persuade me, not even Zhou Ziliang. So, please go back! Also, fill in that hole under my house. Don't let the eldest son come to my house in the middle of the night; it's quite frightening if word gets out." Li Yunrui knew that Tang Feng wouldn't agree immediately, so he had no choice but to go back. At the door, Li Yunrui looked at Tang Feng and said, "Tang Feng, think this over carefully. I'm entrusting Xiao Jiu to you..."
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