He remained silent.
Zhuo Yan patted his back. His flesh had grown back, and coupled with diligent training, his shoulders were now broad and his body firm, a far cry from his former self.
Yet, leaning against Zhuo Yan, feeling her warmth and embrace, he was as he always had been.
"The two of us will go. We can be back within half a month. Others will watch over things here, so no harm will come."
Bai Li Chong Yan slowly raised his head and said softly, "Good."
After a moment's hesitation, he added, "Thank you."
"I've told you long ago, I don't want verbal thanks."
Bai Li Chong Yan hugged her with both hands and stood up, then walked away. "Yes, your husband obeys."
It wasn't the first time they had been affectionate in broad daylight, but as long as it wasn't excessive and Zhuo Yan held a proper status, no one said anything. After all, Bai Li Chong Yan currently had only one royal consort, so there was no reason to accuse him of being "obsessed with beauty and neglecting his duties."
That night, Bai Li Chong Yan's key advisors, generals, and important figures from the Song and Zhang families were informed of their decision to return to the capital.
Everyone unanimously opposed it.
"Although the capital is in chaos now, if the Prince returns and they discover you, they will spare no effort to deal with you. You cannot go back."
A hot-tempered general declared, "I say we just fight! Conquer the capital, and then we can go wherever we please!"
Bai Li Chong Yan replied, "They are merely struggling like trapped beasts now. There's no need to expend provisions and weapons, causing the people to suffer. Moreover, my martial arts have long since recovered, so I will be fine."
Prime Minister Zhang said, "A gentleman does not stand under a city in peril. Even with the ability, the Prince should not take such a risk."
Zhang Yi Cheng also objected, "Prime Minister is right. A gentleman does not stand under a city in peril. The Prince is the backbone of the entire south. If something happens to you, all our efforts will be in vain."
"I, however, believe the Prince should go back."
Song Fang Hua spoke up, "I heard that Consort Ling's memorial tablet is still in the palace. Filial piety comes first in the world. If a fight truly breaks out in the future, they might use Consort Ling to threaten the Prince. It would be better to retrieve it now while everything is in disarray."
Minister Song frowned, "Isn't there someone in the palace? Can't they steal it out?"
Song Fang Hua immediately retorted, "Are letting someone steal it and retrieving it oneself the same? Besides, that is the Prince's birth mother's memorial tablet. Who but the Prince and the Princess Consort has the right to touch it?"
Du Ruo also chimed in, "I agree with Miss Song's suggestion. The Prince can go back to retrieve Consort Ling's memorial tablet. After he comes out, we will lead troops to receive him and officially announce to the world that Consort Ling has left the imperial palace."
This way, no one would be able to hold them hostage in the future.
For a moment, no one could refute them.
Du Ruo indeed understood Song Fang Hua's intentions better, allowing them to work in tandem to persuade the others. In comparison, Zhang Yi Cheng, who considered more complex matters, didn't react as quickly.
Unable to find a reason to object, everyone finally agreed to let the two "venture into danger." However, it was impossible to let them go alone.
Nearly a hundred guards and hidden guards set off in a grand procession. The captain of the guards and Song Yu were among them. The two masters rode in a carriage, with some scouting ahead and others protecting them from behind, appearing to be a perfectly coordinated unit.
However, merely a few dozen miles out, as the captain of the guards tried to ask if they needed to rest, he received no response despite calling out several times. Mustering his courage, he lifted the carriage curtain, only to find no one inside. The person driving the carriage was also utterly bewildered. A carriage made of fine wood was heavy, and with the bumps along the road, he hadn't noticed when the people inside disappeared.
"Where are the Prince and the Princess Consort?"
Everyone exchanged bewildered glances. The captain of the guards had been following closely behind; he hadn't noticed either, and naturally, he felt too ashamed to blame others. After much questioning, Song Yu finally couldn't stand it and reminded them, "The master and mistress left shortly after departing from Lin'an City."
The captain of the guards was speechless.
"No need to worry. If we truly encounter an enemy that even the master cannot handle, then our going would be suicide anyway. Let's continue." With that, she tugged at the reins. The horse neighed and galloped forward. The captain of the guards could only dejectedly order his men to follow. He had forgotten the Princess Consort's capabilities. How could someone who could do so many bizarre things be kept in check by them? Sudian Novel Network.
One hundred miles away.
Bai Li Chong Yan and Zhuo Yan were riding a single horse, heading north.