Murong Chong did not open his eyes, his lips moved slightly, and he softly uttered two words. Whatever he did, he never hid it from Yun Xiao. As long as she asked, he would tell her. Sooner or later, he would tell her the whole story.
It was Yun Xiao who was a little surprised. Why was he going to Jiangnan? A pretty face was suffused with a clear light, and she had long forgotten her previous sulking. Now her whole heart was concerned about Murong Chong leaving Yanjing.
"You're going to Jiangnan? How long will you be gone?"
A deep sorrow of parting had already risen in her words. Her ethereal and striking face under the moonlight was half shrouded in darkness, her long eyelashes blinking, creating a touch of melancholy.
The person lying on the bed suddenly opened his eyes. He saw the rippling waves in those eyes, a smile curved on his lips, and a warmth emanated from him, making even the surrounding air feel as warm as early spring.
Hearing Yun Xiao's slightly sorrowful words, Murong Chong's annoyance from the entire night vanished instantly, and his mood brightened.
This girl also knew the sorrow of parting. This was a good thing. He raised his eyebrows and smiled brilliantly.
"Why don't you accompany me to Jiangnan?"
Ever since he saw Yun Zhen, he had been restless. The man's gaze was too direct, too overbearing. He felt uneasy leaving her alone in Yanjing. He had been thinking about how to handle this matter, and now it seemed that the only way to feel truly at ease was to take her with him.
Yun Xiao was stunned. She hadn't expected Murong to want to take her to Jiangnan. To be honest, she was quite happy in her heart. Moreover, she had a deep affection for the misty Jiangnan and had always wanted to visit Suzhou.
But what about Yun Zhen? She couldn't just abandon him. She should help him return to Fengya Pass as soon as possible. If anyone discovered him lingering in Yanjing city, not only would he be implicated, but her father and others in the mansion would also be affected.
Then there was Shangguan Yao's request for her to enter the palace in three days. If she couldn't be found by then, and Shangguan Yao became angry and accused her of defying the imperial decree, the people in the medical hall might not escape misfortune. After careful consideration, Yun Xiao shook her head resolutely.
"Murong, I'll wait for you here."
She said decisively, then raised her smiling face like a blooming flower, delicately picked up her fair, jade-like fingers, and tapped lightly, "You have to bring me Jiangnan lotus roots and longans."
"Alright, anything you want, I'll bring it back for you."
Murong Chong said indulgently, no longer insisting that she accompany him to Jiangnan.
Because if she was determined about something, ordinary people couldn't change her mind. However, his heart couldn't help but worry. His deep, dark eyes were shrouded in a frosty chill, with a slight hint of coldness. He spoke faintly, "Wait for me to return."
"Alright, I'll wait for you."
It was rare for Yun Xiao to agree to something, and since she had promised seriously, she would definitely fulfill it.
"Then let's sleep, don't think about it anymore," Murong patted the space inside the bed, signaling Yun Xiao to rest. It was already very late, and she shouldn't think too much.
Yun Xiao got up, shook off the silver light, and walked over quietly. She lay down beside him on the bed. In the darkness, their heartbeats were so fervent, and the fragrant scent filled the air. Sleepiness gradually crept upon her, and she fell asleep with her eyes closed.
In the darkness, Murong opened his eyes and looked at her. Seeing her naturally curled up beside him, like a delicate and adorable kitten, a wave of tenderness rose in his heart. He reached out his long hand and gently touched her soft skin.
He only wished to etch her eyebrows and eyes deeply into his heart, to never forget them for eternity.
As the night deepened, he watched her all night. When a faint blue-white light appeared in the east, he got up and left. The person on the bed was still sleeping soundly, so beautiful and sweet.
Murong sighed in his heart. When everything was completed, he only hoped to embrace her in the morning and at dusk. With a flash of his figure, he disappeared from the small building.
In the court of Dong Qin, there was a somber and cold atmosphere. Continuous heavy rains in Jiangnan had breached the riverside embankments, submerging an entire prefecture and two counties.
Now, the prefect of Lingnan Prefecture had sent an urgent dispatch to the capital at express speed, hoping that the imperial court would send officials to combat the floods and rescue the disaster-stricken areas, otherwise Lingnan and the two neighboring counties would be lost.
Shangguan Yao, upon receiving the memorial, did not sleep all night. During the morning court, with dark circles under his eyes, he brought up the matter for discussion, hoping to quickly devise a plan and decide who to send to Lingnan for disaster relief.
Lingnan was located in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. If one prefecture and two counties were submerged, it was likely that several surrounding counties would not be spared. This matter could be major or minor, depending on how it was handled.
For a time, the court was filled with discussions and clamor, yet no one stepped forward. Chancellor Sima Qingyun had been killed, Grand Tutor Ye and Minister Ye were injured, and some others had been frightened and had not appeared. In the Jinxuan Hall, the sight was sparse and desolate.
Shangguan Yao's pupils darkened, and he decided to quickly place his own people. His gaze, as if unintentional, swept towards Shangguan Lin, who was standing silently beside him, and he spoke slowly.
"Prince Lin, who do you think should be sent for this matter?"
The hall instantly quieted down, and all eyes focused on Prince Shangguan, awaiting his next words.
Shangguan Lin smiled slightly and looked up at the man on the high seat. His handsome features, though equally outstanding, were still far inferior to the true crown prince. Moreover, his eyes were now narrowed, and a chilling light shot from his pupils.
What did this mean? It meant his guess was correct. This emperor on the throne was indeed Ye Qingtian's child, and Ye Qingtian suspected him. Was this fake emperor preparing to make a move against him?
Was he the next victim after Sima Qingyun?
However? Shangguan Lin stepped forward, clasped his fists, and respectfully said, "Reporting to Your Majesty, your humble brother is willing to serve as the Disaster Relief Minister, go to Lingnan to provide relief, and resist the flood along with the local people."
As soon as Prince Shangguan finished speaking, the vast Golden Imperial Hall fell into silence. Everyone was surprised that a dignified prince was willing to serve as a disaster relief envoy. Prince Shangguan truly loved his people like his own children. Thunderous applause erupted in the hall.
Shangguan Yao's lips curved into a smile, his expression amiable.
"Good, indeed worthy of being of royal blood," Shangguan Yao praised, then turned and issued an imperial decree, "Where is the Minister of Revenue?"
The Minister of Revenue immediately stepped forward and knelt respectfully, "This minister is here."
"Immediately allocate three hundred thousand taels of silver for flood relief."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Shangguan Yao then sternly ordered the Ministry of War, "Where is the Assistant Minister of the Ministry of War?"
Lan Qinglun immediately stepped forward. Because Minister Ye of the Ministry of War was seriously injured and bedridden, he had not attended the morning court. The matters of the Ministry of War were fully managed by Lan Qinglun. Lan Qinglun was extremely vigilant and reported everything he did daily to Minister Ye Siyuan of the Ministry of War. Ye Siyuan was very satisfied and confidently handed over temporary control to him.
"This minister is here."
"Allocate a team of elite soldiers to escort the silver and protect Prince Shangguan's safety."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Lan Qinglun received the order and withdrew.