ebookland Chapter 190 Expedient Measures
Chapter 190 Expedient Measures
Xiao Jinghan rode his horse, and together with Luo Lingyue sitting behind him, he galloped towards the north plateau. Suddenly, the sound of horse hooves resounded through the sky, and a team of majestic guards dressed in brocade rushed over like a whirlwind.
The well-trained guards quickly dispersed and blocked their way. The leading guard saluted with his fists and shouted loudly: "Prince Xiao! His Majesty has ordered that Prince Xiao return to the capital immediately!"
Hearing this, Xiao Jinghan reluctantly tightened the reins, stopped his horse, turned around and followed the group of guards back to the capital.
Luo Lingyue was full of suspicion and couldn't help asking, "Why did His Majesty ask you to go back?"
Xiao Jinghan's face was calm, and he simply replied, "Maybe it's because someone from Nanyi has come." There was a subtle worry in his voice, but he quickly concealed it.
Luo Lingyue's heart sank. She knew that Nanyi had always been an important border area. Now that Emperor Wen urgently summoned Xiao Jinghan back to the capital, it must be a serious matter.
Luo Lingyue frowned slightly, raised her eyebrows, and asked with a puzzled look on her face: "Are we going to give up on Beiyuan? Are we not going to move forward and explore?"
Xiao Jinghan shook his head helplessly, and responded with a sigh: "Judging from the current situation, King Qin is powerful enough to ensure Nanzhi's safety. After she has had enough fun, she will surely return to her secluded place on her own. There is no need to worry too much." His voice was low and firm, and he seemed quite confident in this judgment.
On the way back to Beijing, a well-equipped and majestic imperial guard followed closely to ensure a safe and smooth journey. Xiao Jinghan and Luo Lingyue had just stepped into the city gate when they were attracted by the noisy sounds in the city. When they got closer and listened, they found that the people around them were discussing the Yuewu delegation.
"Have you heard? These days, our people are really terrible. They are actually colluding with rats!"
"Yes, I also heard that Princess Yuewu is actually the reincarnation of a rat spirit! If she were to marry into our Dazhao royal family, wouldn't it bring disaster to our country?"
"Alas, I don't know what the emperor was thinking. He actually let Yuewu's envoys into the city. Now we've let a wolf into the house!"
"Who said it wasn't? I thought it was just an ordinary diplomatic visit, but it turned out to be a group of evil spirits! It seems that I have to be more careful in the future..."
Everyone was talking about it, their voices full of fear and disgust towards the Yuewu Envoy. Xiao Jinghan and Luo Lingyue looked at each other, secretly surprised. They had never thought that the Yuewu Envoy would cause such a stir, and they had never expected that the people would associate it with rats.
After hearing the news, the Third Prince flew into a rage and asked, "Who on earth is so bold as to spread such rumors? Could it be... the Crown Prince?"
The staff member at the side quickly echoed: "Your Highness, calm down! Ever since the Yuewu envoys entered the city, the rats in the city have gone crazy and swarmed towards the envoys. Add to that the rats that were already in the city, and I'm afraid the number has reached tens of thousands!"
The Third Prince couldn't help but frown and asked in confusion: "How could such a strange thing happen?"
The staff member came forward and answered in a low voice: "According to the report from the spies sent by my subordinates, this abnormal situation first appeared when the eldest princess appeared in Huang Zhirui's mansion!"
Upon hearing this, the Third Prince gnashed his teeth and cursed, "Great! It turns out that Chu Chengli is causing trouble again! I already knew that Huang Zhirui is his lackey! This time, they will pay the price!"
After hesitating for a long time, the aide finally mustered up the courage to speak: "Your Highness, please think twice! This month, the eldest princess of Yuewu has been infamous. The people are talking about her and pointing fingers at her. If your Highness marries her, it will probably affect your noble image! In my humble opinion, why don't you consider other candidates? For example, the daughter of a brave and warlike general, which can not only show your majesty, but also help consolidate your position!"
However, the Third Prince glared at his staff fiercely and said firmly, "What do you know? This transaction with Yue Wu is crucial. As long as we can help the eldest princess stay in the capital, then all the secret agents that Yue Wu has planted in the capital will be under my control in the future! Marrying Hu Yanzhuozhuo is just a matter of power. When I achieve something earth-shaking in the future, it will be easy to get rid of her! So don't worry about these details now, and put the overall situation first!"
Xiao Jinghan and Luo Lingyue followed the imperial guards without hesitation and stepped into the magnificent and solemn gate of the imperial palace.
After passing through layers of magnificent palaces and pavilions, they finally arrived at the Yihuan Palace where Emperor Wen was. After entering the palace, the two of them respectfully bowed to Emperor Wen and Concubine An.
Emperor Wen looked at them with a smile on his face and said, "You don't need to worry too much about Princess Nanzhi. I believe Chengjin will take good care of her. The reason why I summoned you here today is actually for another reason - next month will be Luo Xiaoqi's coming-of-age ceremony. The Imperial Astronomical Observatory has also carefully selected a perfect day, which is October 8th. This is an auspicious day and the best time for marriage!"
Emperor Wen's words were full of joy, but Xiao Jinghan and Luo Lingyue looked at each other in surprise and confusion. However, facing the emperor's will, they could only bow their heads to thank him and express their obedience to his orders.
Luo Lingyue couldn't help but stare with wide eyes in shock, but soon lowered her head to hide her inner shock. In the present time and space, she was a lonely and helpless person. Since being sent to the orphanage, the director has celebrated the day each child was admitted to the orphanage as their common birthday.
However, at this moment, Luo Lingyue was full of doubts. For this new world, she didn't know when the original owner was born. After some hard thinking, she finally remembered that the original owner's birthday seemed to be on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month, which was the traditional Zhongyuan Festival.
It might seem a little unlucky to put such a special birthday date here, but fortunately, with the pampering and protection of the General's Mansion and the Duke's Mansion, others naturally dare not gossip or spread rumors easily!
Concubine An at the side said softly, "The emperor originally intended to hold a grand and luxurious coming-of-age ceremony for you to celebrate. Unfortunately, your grandfather and mother thought that they could do it themselves. In addition, the previous incident with the Crown Princess... well... in short, when the big day comes, the emperor will definitely grant you the highest honor, making you the focus of all the noble sons and ladies in the capital!"
Emperor Wen smiled after hearing this and said in a gentle tone: "When the time comes, if you need anything, you can speak to me directly. Han'er was raised by me personally, and to me, he is just like my own son! Xiaoqi was also raised by me. During your trip to Jiangnan, I believe your relationship will be further strengthened! Han'er, please follow me to the imperial study. You can return with Xiaoqi in a while."