Yun Xiao spoke again, her voice devoid of any change in tone, "Your Highness summoned Leng Yue here for what reason?"
"Qiao Fan, a mere young girl, has gone mad. It's quite pitiful, and Wu Yun feels very concerned for her. I have granted you permission to treat her and allow her to remain at Qingfeng Pavilion."
Upon hearing his aunt's words, Ye Wu Yun quickly rose and respectfully said, "Thank you, Your Majesty."
The Empress Dowager smiled gently, "Wu Yun, we are all family, so there's no need for thanks. As long as Leng Yue can heal Qiao Fan, why would I not be happy to oblige?"
Her words were soft, but Yun Xiao always felt a different meaning flickering in her eyes.
But what connection could Qiao Fan, a young girl, have with the Empress Dowager? Logically, it shouldn't affect her. Could there be some hidden secret?
If the Empress Dowager kept Qiao Fan, it was likely with ill intentions. The thought sent a cold sweat down Yun Xiao's back. She didn't want Qiao Fan to be in any more danger, and quickly lowered her head.
"Reporting to Your Highness, Leng Yue entered the palace for the Emperor's matters. As for Qiao Fan's illness, it will be the same to diagnose and treat her after Leng Yue returns to the medical hall."
Ye Wu Yun was surprised by Leng Yue's response. He glanced up, knowing that his companion's personality was always peculiar. If he angered him, he might refuse to treat Qiao Fan, so he followed Yun Xiao's lead.
"Since Young Master Leng is busy, we can postpone it for another day."
As soon as Ye Wu Yun finished speaking, before Yun Xiao could reply, the Empress Dowager interjected, "Young Master Leng is idle anyway, so please treat the girl Qiao Fan. Otherwise, Wu Yun will be uneasy."
The Empress Dowager's words confirmed Yun Xiao's suspicions. Qiao Fan's madness was definitely not simple. There must be something hidden behind it, perhaps she had overheard a secret she shouldn't have, and that was why she was treated this way.
Yun Xiao remained composed. Now that the Empress Dowager wanted to keep Qiao Fan in the palace, she likely intended to get rid of her. There were her people in the palace.
"Your Majesty, please do not trouble Young Master Leng."
Ye Wu Yun stood up. His elegant and refined features were lightly tinged with frost, his starry eyes distant.
The Empress Dowager ignored Ye Wu Yun, her peach blossom eyes fixed coldly on Yun Xiao. She feared that if Yun Xiao refused, she would hold it against her.
*That old hag, you think you'll succeed by keeping Qiao Fan?* Yun Xiao sneered inwardly, then slowly said, "Since Your Majesty insists, then she shall stay."
Ye Wu Yun turned back. Seeing Yun Xiao agree, he was a little surprised. In his impression, Leng Yue wouldn't be so agreeable. However, he was still very happy that Ye Wu Yun agreed.
"Thank you, Young Master Leng."
Ye Wu Yun turned and instructed Qiao Fan, "From now on, you will live in the palace with your brother. When Qiao Fan recovers, I will take her back."
Qiao Fan nodded vigorously. Watching the two interact naturally, Yun Xiao couldn't help but think of her elder brother, Yun Zhen. She could see Ye Wu Yun's genuine concern for Qiao Fan, like that for a younger sister.
Perhaps he thought his cold poison could not be cured, and therefore he wanted to make arrangements for Qiao Fan's future, as who would take care of a simpleton? Qiao Fan would surely live a difficult life then.
Qiao Fan remained in the palace. The Emperor did not summon Yun Xiao for a short period, as if he had forgotten her existence, yet he did not allow her to leave either. Although Yun Xiao was anxious, she couldn't find a reason to leave the palace for now. She could only calm herself and treat Qiao Fan in Qingfeng Pavilion.
The palace had all sorts of rare medicinal materials, which were beneficial for Qiao Fan's illness. However, Yun Xiao didn't know when that dark hand might reach out to Qiao Fan. She instructed Liu Xing and Zhui Yue to protect her well.
Because she had promised to treat Qiao Fan, she could not break her word to Ye Wu Yun...
Half a month later, the flood diversion mountain channel in Lingnan Prefecture was finally dug, and water began to be released. It still rained intermittently.
But the mountain channel was dug, and a large amount of water was diverted into the low-lying mountain valley. The water level quickly receded, revealing the fields and irrigation ditches. The floodwaters in the city rapidly drained outwards, soon reaching the calves, then the feet, and finally, the floodwaters receded.
The diversion took only one day, and the water level fully receded.
Lingnan Prefecture and the two counties were finally saved. On the streets, shoes, socks, clothes, and various household items were scattered in puddles of various sizes.
The houses were devastated by the floods, but fortunately, the water had receded. People felt as if they had been reborn. The Governor of Lingnan Prefecture ordered everyone to return home and rebuild their homes.
As for disaster relief, it continued. Additionally, the fields outside the city would be replanted. Although affected by the disaster, at least basic sustenance would be secured.
Inside the Prefectural Office, Shangguan Lin handed over more than two hundred thousand taels of disaster relief funds, excluding food and supplies, to the Governor of Lingnan Prefecture, instructing him to ensure proper coordination and help the disaster victims safely through the period of famine.
Then, Prince Shangguan, along with the people he brought, departed Lingnan and headed back to the capital.
Outside the city gates, all the citizens of Lingnan Prefecture gathered to see off the prince who had worked for the welfare of the people. Only after the convoy disappeared did they return to the city to rebuild their businesses.
Shangguan Lin led his guards and a troop of elite soldiers back to the capital in grand fashion.
After passing through two towns without incident, he couldn't help but be surprised. Had Shangguan Yao given up on assassinating him after the failed attempt?
However, his thought quickly became unrealistic. Because of the large number of elite soldiers he had brought, it was inconvenient to stay in inns and disturb the public, so under normal circumstances, they would camp outdoors.
This night, they set up camp at the foot of a tall mountain peak. Those who had traveled all day were tired and ate and rested early.
In the dead of night, the stars and moon were absent, and the light was dim.
The cold night was thin. Torches were lit around the tents. The other tents were dark, except for one that was lit. Shangguan Lin sensed something unusual tonight and called Mu Li and Qiao Chu in, giving them quiet instructions.
"There might be trouble tonight. You two should seize the opportunity to withdraw."
"Your Highness, and you?"
"I have my own arrangements. You wait for me thirty li ahead. We will return then."
"Your Highness?" Mu Li and Qiao Chu were worried and didn't understand the prince's intentions. However, regarding the current situation, they had a vague understanding: the Emperor wanted to get rid of the prince. So, had the prince met with Murong Chong of the Divine Dragon Palace a few days ago to enlist their help?
"I'm fine, this is an order."
Shangguan Lin's expression turned cold, his voice dark and leaving no room for refusal. The chilling aura around him was much more mature and steady than before.
"Yes, your subordinate obeys."