Ning Wenyi chuckled: "It's not entirely because I can't find the way. At first, I did remember, but my family wouldn't let me go back, saying I hadn't completed my mission. As time went on, I lost contact with my family, and eventually, we completely cut off contact."
"The Ning family has a history of going out to find their destined person. Some of my elders never came back after going out. I thought I might be the same, but who knew that Yao Yao would be the destined person."
"It can only be said that life is unpredictable. From the day I knew she was the one destined for me, I made a plan to go home. However, I can't remember exactly where. In addition, thirty or forty years have passed, and Licheng has changed too much. I can only search slowly."
Madam Ning did not doubt his words, but she was worried that it might be dangerous if she got involved with the Ning family.
"I understand what you're thinking, my lady. Now that I know Yao Yao's identity, she will definitely return to the Ning family. It's just a matter of time. However, the Ning family has its own capabilities and will surely be able to protect us."
In the stillness of the night, in a villa in Licheng.
"A secret agent reports that due to the news released by Nanjiang City, most of the refugees in the capital have left."
"In addition, Zhang Chengzhi, the son of Prime Minister Zhang, spread the news that since his master was missing, the country could not be without a ruler for a day, and he wanted to support the second prince to ascend the throne. Consort Shu's faction disagreed, and the situation became deadlocked."
Shen Wei looked at Shen Ce, who was seated above him, and said, "It is a good thing that the refugees have dispersed. The Prefect of Nanjiang City has made a meritorious contribution by finding a water source. Your Majesty should reward him."
"However, with the refugees gone and the capital no longer needing to defend against riots, other matters can be put on the agenda. His Majesty is merely missing, yet the Zhang family wants to push the Second Prince to the throne. This old minister suspects that their next step will be to use the excuse of the young emperor's inexperience to act as his regent, so that they can legitimately wield power in the court and among the people. Their intentions are crystal clear!"
Shen Ce leaned back in his chair, gently rubbing his temples: "Uncle is right. The Zhang family's disloyalty has long existed. The Lin family, who used to be well-behaved, also seems to want a share of the pie. But being the ruler of the world is not so easy, and the Shen family's world is not something they can just take away as they please."
"I... intend to return to the capital..."
Shen Wei looked at his nephew, the emperor, and sensed that he seemed preoccupied and lacked his usual energy.
"Cough cough..." Shen Ce covered his mouth and coughed violently.
The guard quickly brought him warm water: "Master, it's time for you to take your medicine."
"Give it to me." Shen Ce's voice was low and hoarse as he suppressed the metallic taste rising in his throat.
The guard skillfully handed him the medicine, which Shen Ce swallowed with practiced ease.
Shen Ci'an asked thoughtfully, "Cousin, is your heart meridian damaged?"
Shen Ce looked up at him and smiled slightly: "An'er has keen eyes. It seems you have learned a lot from your aunt."
When were you injured? And how were you injured?
Shen Ce remained silent.
Shen Ci'an turned his gaze to the guard: "Shadow, you speak."
Shadow is the bodyguard who always follows Shen Ce.
"In order to escape the control of the Zhang family, His Majesty took the Heart-Eating Powder. Later, he found Miss Rong Ning and discovered that the young prince was still alive. He was overjoyed and shocked, which injured his imperial body."
"The Heart-Eating Powder is a poison of a reclusive clan. Its toxicity will not kill people, but it will continuously erode the life of the poisoned person, causing them to live in pain and illness for the rest of their life."
Shen Ci'an sat up straight, frowned, and asked, "Is there an antidote for this poison?"
Shadow shook his head: "Apart from the person who made the poison, there is no solution!"
The room fell silent.
After a while, Shen Ce said self-deprecatingly, "Uncle and An'er don't need to worry. Anyway, they won't die. They'll just be a little weak. If they take good care of themselves when they return to the capital, they'll be no different from ordinary people."
Shen Wei sighed, "Well, that's all we can do for now. But we still need to do our best to find an antidote. Your Majesty, please take care of your health. From what you've said, the eldest young lady and the young prince are both alive and well. If possible..."
Shen Ce shook his head, interrupting him: "It's good that they are alive. I dare not have any other delusions. She said that I should return to the capital to stabilize all sides and bring peace to the people. So I will return to the capital, for the people, and for her and Yi Yi."
"Is the little prince named Yi Yi? That's a rather interesting name. The whole Zhenguo Duke's family is quite interesting."
Shen Wei thought to himself, "That old scoundrel actually beat me to it and became a grandfather first!"
Shen Ci'an seemed to be thinking of something, and the corners of his mouth involuntarily turned up, his eyes filled with laughter.
"The Ning family members are all eccentric. The Duke of Zhenguo is skilled in both literature and martial arts, the Duchess is shrewish, and even Qiong'er and her two siblings each have their own unique characteristics..."
Halfway through his speech, Shen Ce suddenly changed the subject: "Lele is pregnant, does the Imperial Uncle know?"
Shen Wei was taken aback at first, then jumped up and asked, "Really?"
Shen Ci'an also looked surprised.
Seeing their reactions, Shen Ce knew they didn't know this yet, so he explained in detail: "Lele was more than four months pregnant. At that time, she was still in the capital. After all this trouble, the child was safe and sound. The Ning family must have some ability!"
Shen Wei couldn't hear anything else; his mind was filled with the thought that Lele was pregnant and he was going to be a grandfather.
Just a moment ago, I was envious and jealous of Ning Wenyi, but now that feeling is completely gone.
Because he's going to be a grandfather soon!
"An'er, pack your things, let's go to the Ning family!"
Shen Ci'an was speechless: "Father, look at what time it is now. Eldest sister said she might not have rested yet. If we're going, we should go tomorrow during the day."
"Uncle, you're in too much of a hurry." After saying that, Shen Ce coughed twice: "If you go there at this hour, the Duke of Zhenguo probably won't even open the door for you."
Shen Wei paused for a moment, then changed his mind and said, "Then I'll go and make preparations first thing tomorrow morning!"
"Would Your Majesty like to travel together tomorrow?"
Shen Ce shook his head with a wry smile: "I won't go. I'll prepare a gift, and you can give it to Lele on my behalf tomorrow."
Shen Wei was lost in thought, but ultimately said nothing.
The next morning, when Shadow came to deliver the items, Shen Wei quietly inquired and was somewhat surprised to learn that there was nothing to bring to Ning Qiong.
He didn't think much of it, though. If it wasn't there, it wasn't there. He was busy going to see his daughter and couldn't think about anything else.
He led Shen Cile away in a hurry.
In the study, An Ying asked Shen Ce, "Master, why didn't you have the Prince deliver it there on the way? What if they accept it?"
Shen Ce shook his head: "She won't accept it, the Ning family won't accept it, and even Lele won't help me. Why should I bother them?"
Shadow remained silent for a moment, then asked, "Why didn't you seek help from Miss Ning for the poison in your master's body? She might be..."
"The Third Miss's identity has not been determined yet, so we cannot act rashly. Besides, this poison is not very potent, so let's put it aside for now."
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