"Besides, with Han'er holding the fort outside, even if the sky were to fall, it wouldn't crush this old man first. I might as well relax, drink some tea, and tease the birds."
With Ling Mohan around, he truly didn't need to worry about anything. This child would naturally handle everything perfectly.
"But... Grandpa, precisely because Ling Mohan is out there, you have no idea what's happening now. I'm terribly worried. Grandpa, you're so carefree. He's your own grandson, how can you not worry at all?"
Elder Master Ling could discern the meaning behind Feng Jin's words. She was blaming him for not caring about Ling Mohan at all.
"I know my grandson's capabilities better than anyone. There's nothing in this world that can stump him. Furthermore, this time is different from the last. What is there to worry about?"
He recalled how much more perilous the situation was when the former emperor passed away, yet he had managed to get through it. This time, things were clearly progressing smoothly. If Ling Mohan couldn't resolve it, it would truly be a disgrace to the Ling family.
"That's because you're carefree. You don't worry, but I do."
If Ling Mohan were to meet with any mishap, she would truly be left to live the rest of her life as a widow with the children. She didn't want to become a widow at such a young age.
"Alright, put your mind at ease. I guarantee you, Ling Mohan will absolutely be fine. If he truly were to lose his life, then I'll give you permission to remarry. Is that acceptable?"
"Grandfather, what are you saying? You want me to remarry? Aren't you clearly cursing Ling Mohan to his death?"
Feng Jin said reproachfully. How had Elder Master Ling become so unreliable as he aged? What kind of things was he saying? Now that Ling Mohan was still alive and well, he was already planning her remarriage. If Ling Mohan were to find out, he would be furious to death.
"See? You're worried, and yet you complain when I say something..."
"Then what you're saying is wrong. It's not to the point at all."
"I'm old and useless now. Even speaking a word is wrong. I won't say anymore, I won't say anymore..."
A few dark lines appeared on Feng Jin's forehead. She pressed her temples in exasperation, thinking that if she continued, she would be accused of being unfilial.
"Alright, girl, you don't need to worry anymore. Everything will be fine. Perhaps he'll be back tomorrow morning."
She basically let Elder Master Ling's words go in one ear and out the other, not truly taking in much of what he said. Having gained nothing from discussing it with Elder Master Ling, Feng Jin lost the mood to continue and returned directly to her room.
All night long, her heart was filled with worry for Ling Mohan. Every slight disturbance caught her attention, and she didn't sleep a wink. Even as dawn broke, there was still no news. Feng Jin, overcome with exhaustion, finally dozed off briefly with her head on the table.
As soon as she fell asleep, she heard the sound of a door opening. Feng Jin instinctively opened her eyes and looked towards the doorway. Seeing Ling Mohan standing there, her suspended heart instantly relaxed. She threw herself into his arms, the faint scent of him filling her nostrils, bringing immense relief.
"What's wrong? So eager to throw yourself into my arms."
"How are you? Is everything finished? Are you injured..."
Feng Jin bombarded him with questions, her gaze constantly scanning him to confirm he was unharmed. She finally exhaled a sigh of relief.
"I'm fine. It's all over."
"What exactly happened? Tell me about it."
Feng Jin pulled Ling Mohan down to sit, eager to know what had transpired.
"His Majesty has passed away. The Crown Prince ascended the throne at the mourning ceremony yesterday. Everything has been stabilized. However, Xiliang will be in turmoil for some time."
"Xiliang... has Baili Xi already been sent to Xiliang?"
"Baili Xi's guilt has been established, and his wicked deeds are clear for all to see. The ministers in the Xiliang court jointly requested Baili Xi's execution. The Xiliang Emperor, unable to withstand the pressure, ordered Baili Xi's execution and the confiscation of the Baili clan's assets."
It was a pity, though, that the Baili clan's century of endeavors was ruined. Xiliang would need time to manage its internal affairs and would have no opportunity to clash with other countries. They had already dispatched envoys to seek peace.
"Now that Chu... no, the new Emperor has ascended the throne, will you be busy for a while again?"
"I've handed over all the affairs."
"Then what will you do? You can confidently hand over the matters?"
"What is there to be not confident about? I've worked hard for so long. It's time for a good rest. Didn't you want to go out and explore? I'll take you to the grasslands to race horses, to see the great rivers and vast seas, the sunrises and sunsets."
"Really..." Feng Jin asked uncertainly.
"Of course, it's real. The carriage is already prepared outside."
Ling Mohan took Feng Jin's hand and walked towards the outside, carefully helping her onto the carriage. As the carriage gradually moved further away, two small figures rushed to catch up from behind but were still a step too late.
"Daddy, Mommy, wait for me..." Da Bao sat on the ground dejectedly, still a step too late.
"Let's go. We'll go back."
Er Bao was more pragmatic. He pulled the crying Da Bao back home.
"Your Majesty, this is a memorial submitted by General Ling."
Chu Chenyi opened the memorial and his eyes widened. He was so angry he almost flipped the table. Was Ling Mohan playing him? At this time, he had abandoned all his duties and gone out to have fun with Feng Jin. He could actually do such a thing.
"Someone, go chase them! Bring them back."
"What are you doing? Sister Feng Jin and General Ling finally have a chance to go out and explore, and you go and chase them back. Look at what you've done."
Lin Yu Wei questioned him angrily. Wasn't this going too far?
"With so many matters in the imperial court, if he leaves, who will handle them?"
"You! You are the Emperor now. If you don't do it, who will?"
"I..."
"What 'I'? Hurry up and approve your memorials. I'm going out for a walk. Sister Feng Jin said that walking more makes childbirth less difficult."
Chu Chenyi mournfully approved the mountain of memorials, looking utterly miserable. Was there any emperor in this world as wronged as him?
"Are you sure it's okay to leave like this? Will the court really be fine?"
Feng Jin asked with some lingering worry. Could Chu Chenyi, with his lack of foresight, really manage?
"It's fine. Just relax and watch the sunset."
"The sunset over there is so beautiful. Do you think the sunsets on the grasslands will be this beautiful?"
"Naturally, they will be..."
"And the sunset on the mountaintop?"
Ling Mohan gazed at Feng Jin intently, as if wanting to engrave her image in his heart.
"Why are you looking at me like that? Is there something on my face?"
"No, I just want to accompany you to watch all the sunrises and sunsets, to be together forever, never to be separated."
"I also want to be with you for eternity. In the next life, I still want to be with you."
To have met Ling Mohan in this life and to spend it with him was her greatest fortune.