"Last night, I apprehended Shen Siyuan. It has now been confirmed that Shen Siyuan is still a member of the Xi Shan Skeleton Blood Bandits. Both he and Wen Jianian are part of the organization. To protect the only son of the Shen family, Shen Siyuan surrendered a treasure map of the Blood Bandit organization, which must have been drawn by him privately."
"Xiao'er wants to retrieve something from the treasure."
Shangguan Yin's expression was heavy. He nodded coldly, then spoke with earnestness.
"Actually, I don't know if Prince Yun is aware, but the current Dong Qin is deteriorating day by day. Problems are arising everywhere, and the national treasury has very little silver. That's why Xiao'er was so determined to venture into the Qingyun Mountain Range as soon as she heard about these things."
Upon hearing his imperial brother's words, Shangguan Lin's heart grew heavy. He had some inkling, but he hadn't expected it to be so serious. They could not lose the Shangguan family's throne, so he had to work hard alongside his imperial brother.
"Imperial brother, why don't you let your brother go to the Qingyun Mountain Range?"
Shangguan Yin glanced at Shangguan Lin. He doted on Xiao'er, but he also felt for his younger brother. He was uneasy about either of them going, but since he had already promised Xiao'er, he could only have his imperial brother accompany her.
"I have already promised Xiao'er, but I am still worried. Therefore, imperial brother, you should accompany her. Ensure her safety above all else, and you must also be careful."
"Yes, your subject will do his utmost to protect the Imperial Consort."
Shangguan Lin bowed his head to receive the order. Yun Mo, standing by, had remained silent throughout, worried about his daughter.
Shangguan Yin spoke slowly, "This matter requires careful planning. Both of you will be involved. Not a single word must slip out."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Both of them received the order simultaneously, not daring to show the slightest carelessness.
"How about this? Xiao'er and I will quickly decide on a course of action. You two will go back and spread the word that you are ill and resting at home. I will assign you two to lead troops to accompany Xiao'er in eliminating those Blood Bandits and bringing back the items from the treasure. Once the national treasury has funds, everything will be much easier to handle."
With Shangguan Yin's command, Yun Mo and Shangguan Lin acknowledged and withdrew.
In the imperial study, Shangguan Yin, having lost his appetite even for breakfast, rose and, accompanied by Fu Hai, headed for Qingxiao Palace.
Yun Xiao had returned from the morning court and had gone back to sleep. She was still sound asleep. Shangguan Yin waved his hand, signaling everyone to withdraw, and got into bed to hold her for a while.
Yun Xiao groggily opened her eyes and looked at Shangguan Yin. He gazed at her with complete affection, then leaned down and kissed her red lips.
"Tired?"
He spoke softly, and thinking about how he had fallen into this girl's trap last night, he felt both amused and exasperated. He had never imagined this girl would stop at nothing to achieve her goals.
After sleeping for a while, Yun Xiao felt much better. Now that she was awake, she couldn't fall back asleep. She nestled in Shangguan Yin's embrace, lazily waving her hand. In her hand was a drawing. Shangguan Yin took it; indeed, it was a hand-drawn treasure map.
Shangguan Yin looked at it for a while. The treasure map was not complexly drawn, but finding the location in the vast Dongjing Mountain would not be easy. Unless guided by locals, it would be very difficult.
However, seeing the determined look in Xiao'er's eyes, he could not say anything to dampen her spirit.
"Let's discuss how to proceed."
Yun Xiao snuggled in his arms, pointing here and there with her finger. The two began to discuss.
They finally reached a consensus: not to alert the Blood Bandits yet, but to secretly find the treasure map's location and transport the items from the treasure out. Then, they would send a secret message to lure all the Blood Bandits into their old den and capture them all in one go.
Shangguan Yin decided to have General Xiao Yao of the Imperial Guard lead two thousand elite soldiers, divided into small groups, disguised as merchants, to infiltrate the Qingyun Mountain Range in batches. Yun Xiao and Shangguan Lin would be part of one such group.
They would rendezvous at the foot of the southern side of Dongjing Mountain. Prince Yun would lead a thousand elite soldiers via the water route, stopping at a canal thirty li away from the Qingyun Mountain Range. The items from the treasure would be transported back by water.
Yun Xiao and Shangguan Lin would then execute a feigned retreat, leading two thousand elite soldiers to charge into the Blood Bandits' lair and eliminate them all.
After much discussion, both of them felt hungry, their stomachs rumbling.
Shangguan Yin reached out for clothes and carefully helped Yun Xiao dress. A man had never dressed a woman before, and he was clumsy, yet he refused to let Yun Xiao call for attendants.
Yun Xiao reached out to snatch the clothes and dress herself. The two chatted and laughed for a long time before finally getting dressed.
Shangguan Yin held her close to his chest and said softly,
"Xiao'er, I will worry about you every day. You must return safely, and return soon."
"I know you are waiting for me. Don't worry, I will return as soon as the matter is concluded."
Yun Xiao tilted her face up and gave him a sweet smile.
Shangguan Yin's heart remained uneasy, as if a string was taut. He would not relax until she returned.
"Come, serve the meal."
The imperial kitchen attendants of Qingxiao Palace and the Emperor's personal eunuch, Fu Hai, entered in a procession. They saw the Imperial Consort was already dressed, but had not yet washed. Wanwan and Qiao'er immediately went forward to attend to her.
The morning meal was served successively. By the time it was all arranged, Yun Xiao had also finished washing and tidying up. Everyone in the hall withdrew.
Shangguan Yin and Yun Xiao sat down to eat. In the sleeping chambers, there was a rare tranquility. Sunlight streamed through the intricately carved window lattices, soft and gentle, carrying the fragrance of flowers and plants, mingled with the clear chirping of birds. Yun Xiao paused and looked out, sighing involuntarily,
"Spring has arrived as scheduled."
"What is it, Xiao'er?"
Shangguan Yin asked with concern, unaware that Yun Xiao felt a sense of release. Yes, she had now completely let go of her past life.
Time could settle many things. She believed that her parents in her past life would live well, and they must have found other sources of solace. With this thought, her heart felt lighter.
"It's nothing. Spring is a vibrant and colorful season, most suitable for going out."
Yun Xiao pursed her lips and smiled, her radiant face exceptionally alluring.
As she spoke, Shangguan Yin's heart grew heavier, as he thought of her impending journey to the Qingyun Mountain Range, his worry intensifying.
He should have accompanied her to Dongjing Mountain, but at this moment, the wedding procession from the Northern Dynasty was about to arrive in Dong Qin. How could he, as Emperor, leave?
He had originally wanted to have Lin represent him in the palace to handle state affairs, but now, the affairs of the provinces were in disarray. Moreover, with the matter of the Northern Dynasty's alliance, any misstep would lead to trouble, which was why he dared not leave. Now, he could only hope they would have a safe journey.
After they finished their meal, Shangguan Yin went to the imperial study to make arrangements for the trip to Dongjing Mountain, while Yun Xiao remained in Qingxiao Palace.
The weather was clear, and the sun was warm. Yun Xiao led her attendants for a stroll in the imperial garden.
The flowers and grass were lush and green. Though it was not yet the blooming season, the verdant and tender, flourishing scene was refreshing to the heart. A gentle breeze wafted through the garden, swaying the green branches and carrying a delicate fragrance.
Besides the flowers and plants, stone paths meandered through the garden, interspersed with ancient trees, tall and verdant.