Si Rui An and Gu Shen Ci remaining in Zhong Zhou was a decision made after careful deliberation by the brothers Si Feng Wu and Si Feng Ming.
Although Si Feng Wu was lost and dejected at the time, he was also prepared.
After a brief period of sadness, he quickly regained control of his emotions.
"This King is fine. Let us rest first. Tomorrow morning, we will bid farewell to Father King and Mother Consort, and then go to the Hall of Reincarnation to pick up Yuan'er."
As for Lu Qing Wan, as long as Si Feng Wu was alright, she cared about nothing else.
She agreed to everything and nestled into Si Feng Wu's embrace, sleeping soundly.
Days turned into nights, and a new day dawned.
The couple tidied themselves up and, as they stepped out, saw Yan Song Lin waiting outside.
Upon seeing them emerge, Yan Song Lin immediately stepped forward. "Reporting to Your Highness, this humble official reported the news of the living Crown Prince of Southern Qi, Wu Lie, to the imperial court last night.
Furthermore, this humble official has also arranged for a team to head straight to Ye Du to spread the news of Crown Prince Wu Lie's survival.
Does Your Highness have any further instructions?"
Waiting here early in the morning just to report to Si Feng Wu, Lu Qing Wan was touched by Yan Song Lin's dedication.
Si Feng Wu, on the other hand, adopted a businesslike demeanor. "This King will personally discuss matters concerning Southern Qi with my imperial brother. You need not concern yourself with it.
There was an incident on the southern islands, and this King is having people handle it.
You dispatch people to guard the coast and the docks, and do not allow anyone near that area for the time being. This King will have people notify you separately once the matter is resolved."
Yan Song Lin agreed to everything. Seeing Lu Qing Wan and Si Feng Wu appear to be leaving, he proactively offered, "May I ask where Your Highness and Your Highness Consort are going? Should this subordinate send escorts?"
Si Feng Wu was the only Prince in Da Qin.
If anything were to happen to this couple on his territory, his head would not be enough to compensate for it.
Si Feng Wu, however, clearly refused. "This King and his Consort are returning to Tian Feng. Escorts are not needed. Just ensure the matters I've entrusted to you are handled properly."
After saying this, the two got into the carriage. Yan Song Lin watched them leave before turning to return to his residence.
However, Lu Qing Wan and Si Feng Wu did not leave Yazhou immediately. Instead, the carriage, after leaving the post station, passed through several streets and arrived at a secluded courtyard.
Ying Yi stepped forward and knocked on the door. Three short knocks, then two longer ones, a rhythmic pattern. The signal finished, and without a word, the person inside opened the door.
They respectfully saluted the couple. "Your Highness. Your Highness Consort."
Si Feng Wu led Lu Qing Wan directly into the house.
In the tranquil courtyard, Si Rui An and Gu Shen Ci sat opposite each other, each with a cup of tea beside them. They sat in silence, simply waiting.
Upon seeing Lu Qing Wan and Si Feng Wu enter, a flicker of life appeared on their faces. "Feng Wu, A'Wan, you're back.
We heard there was quite a commotion at the Three Lives Pavilion. Are you alright?"
As she spoke, her eyes continuously scanned Si Feng Wu, fearing he might be injured.
Lu Qing Wan nudged Si Feng Wu's arm. He uncomfortably replied, "Mother Consort, do not worry. It's all the people below handling things. This King and A'Wan are unharmed."
"That's good, that's good..."
Gu Shen Ci repeated the words excitedly. It was evident that although she cared deeply for Si Feng Wu, nearly thirty years of separation had made the mother and son extremely estranged.
Not only was Si Feng Wu uncomfortable, but Gu Shen Ci and Si Rui An were also somewhat uneasy.
Seeing this, Lu Qing Wan did not want to put Si Feng Wu in a difficult position. She directly said, "Mother Consort, please be at ease. The King and I are fine.
The King and my imperial brother have made arrangements. My imperial brother's people are on their way to escort you two back to Zhong Zhou.
Today, I will perform surgery on Father King first. By the time my imperial brother's people arrive, Father King should be able to speak again."
Upon hearing that his voice might recover, Si Rui An's eyes welled up with tears of excitement. He looked at Lu Qing Wan, but could not speak.
Gu Shen Ci quickly asked on his behalf, "Can your Father King's voice truly recover?
A'Wan, you're not just comforting us, are you?"
Lu Qing Wan smiled gracefully and composedly. "Mother Consort, you do not seem unfamiliar with the word 'surgery.' It is likely that over the years you and Father King have gained some understanding of such treatment methods in the Cold Heaven Hall.
What I want to tell you is that Father King's voice merely has a minor issue.
Not only I, but many physicians in Zhong Zhou and Tian Feng can treat it.
It just so happens that I am here this time, so I will be the one treating Father King.
Father King and Mother Consort need not worry. It is a very simple minor surgery, and there will be no problems at all."
Lu Qing Wan intended to patiently reassure them further, but Si Feng Wu spoke for her.
"A'Wan's medical skills are unmatched in the world today. If you do not even trust her, then no one in this world can cure Father King's voice."
Although it was a simple statement, everyone present heard his displeasure and his intention to protect Lu Qing Wan.
Gu Shen Ci quickly said, "Feng Wu, don't be angry. Father King and Mother Consort do not distrust A'Wan. Aren't we just worried about you, Father King?"
She then said to Lu Qing Wan, "A'Wan, since that's the case, thank you for your trouble.
Your Father King's throat is in your hands."
Since it was a task she had taken upon herself, Lu Qing Wan did not overthink it. She directly said, "Mother Consort, you are too kind. You two chat first, let me prepare.
I will perform surgery on Father King shortly."
After speaking, she directly asked the hidden guards attending to Gu Shen Ci and Si Rui An, "Is there a room here suitable for an operating room?"
The hidden guard pondered for a moment and pointed to a side room. "That room is quite spacious, and the windows can be opened. If Your Highness Consort is performing surgery now, the light inside should be just right."
Lu Qing Wan followed his gaze. The morning sun was streaming through the windows there, indeed a good operating room.
"Find someone who has worked at Jici Hospital to assist me."
Before she finished speaking, she had already set off and headed directly towards the temporarily chosen operating room.
The courtyard was suddenly left with only Si Feng Wu and the Crown Prince and Consort of Cheng An. The atmosphere became somewhat awkward.
Gu Shen Ci hesitated for a long time before tentatively asking, "Feng Wu, over the years, Mother and your Father King have never fulfilled any parental responsibilities. On the contrary, we have brought much danger to you and A'Wan. Do you resent us?"
"Separation of flesh and blood was not something you wished for. Moreover, the Master of the Hall of Reincarnation also told this King and A'Wan that without your years of forbearance and lying low, he would not have obtained the staff lists and strength distribution maps of the Hall of Reincarnation and the Three Lives Pavilion.
Although it was this King who led the forces that destroyed Phantom Night Island, your role in the process cannot be overlooked..."
He spoke intermittently, saying quite a bit. The fundamental meaning was that he did not blame the Crown Prince and Consort of Cheng An for not raising him.
Nor did he blame them for the troubles they had brought, and furthermore, the Crown Prince and Consort of Cheng An had not only brought him trouble.
At least, in dealing with the Cold Heaven Hall and the Three Lives Pavilion, they had helped them considerably.