Chapter 89

The next day, Wei Ji's condition had indeed improved significantly, and Chu Shaoling's mood had also brightened. The servants in the main tent all breathed a sigh of relief, inwardly praying to Buddha that Wei Ji would continue to recover.

When Wei Ji's wounds had mostly healed and he could walk on his own, the matter of the migration of the Western Yi people had also come to an end. After Chu Shaoling wrote a memorial to the Imperial City, he immediately ordered his men to pack up the military supplies and return to the court.

On the day of their return, as the soldiers were preparing their luggage, Lian Yu was boasting to Wei Zhan about the Liaoliang war horse he had captured. Lian Yu patted the horse's neck and laughed, "Look at these teeth, just the right age. And this physique, tsk tsk, it's just that its temperament is unstable and a bit naughty. Haha, wait until I bring it back to the Imperial City and see how I..."

"How what?" Wei Zhan, who also loved horses, was prying open the horse's mouth to examine its teeth. Seeing that Lian Yu didn't continue, he asked, "What do you plan to do with it when you get back?"

Lian Yu stared blankly at Chu Shaoling's carriage not far away and said, "General, what is the Grand General trying to do?"

Wei Zhan turned his head and looked in the direction of Lian Yu's gaze. Not far away, Chu Shaoling carefully helped Wei Ji to the front of the carriage. When the coachman saw Chu Shaoling coming, he brought over a mounting block and placed it next to the carriage, but Chu Shaoling ignored it. He bent down, picked up Wei Ji, and directly carried him into the carriage.

Wei Zhan was too far away to hear what the two were saying, but he could see that Wei Ji seemed anxious to tell Chu Shaoling something. Chu Shaoling showed no impatience on his face and quietly waited for Wei Ji to finish speaking before responding with a few words. Wei Ji still seemed a bit uneasy, glanced around, and said a few more words. Finally, Chu Shaoling smiled, lowered the carriage curtain, and no longer paid attention to Wei Ji.

Lian Yu swallowed and looked at Wei Zhan, not knowing what to say. If Wei Ji were a woman, Lian Yu could at least offer congratulations, but in this situation, it seemed inappropriate to say anything. Lian Yu, not wanting to bother anyone further, paused for a moment and said, "Well, I'll go inform those grooms to take good care of my horse on the way."

Wei Zhan nodded. When he looked back at the carriage, Chu Shaoling had already left. Thinking about the scene just now, Wei Zhan's heart sank.

Chu Shaoling and Wei Ji had been together for more than just a day or two. Before, no matter what, Chu Shaoling would always show some restraint in front of others. But after the battle outside Fenghe City, Chu Shaoling had completely stopped avoiding suspicion. No matter how many people were watching, he did as he pleased.

Yesterday, when the officers went to the main tent to discuss the matters of breaking camp, Chu Shaoling had been discussing with them from behind a screen the whole time. At first, everyone thought that Chu Shaoling had just gotten up and hadn't tidied himself up yet. After a while, when Chu Shaoling rolled up his sleeves and came out from behind the screen, they realized that Chu Shaoling had actually been wiping Wei Ji's body inside. Everyone looked at each other, not knowing what to say, but Chu Shaoling acted as if nothing had happened and calmly said, "Continue, I'm listening."

Wei Zhan frowned slightly. Chu Shaoling wasn't like this before. Ever since the last incident, not only had Chu Shaoling's temperament changed greatly, but he had also lost all restraint in this matter. Chu Shaoling's temper had never been good, and Wei Zhan could understand that. But shouldn't Wei Ji know the rules? Wei Ji had served in the palace since he was young and was the most disciplined person. How could he be so reckless now? Wei Zhan wanted to remind him a few times, but unfortunately, Chu Shaoling kept a close eye on him and never gave him the chance.

Wei Zhan had really misunderstood. Wei Ji had told Chu Shaoling more than once these past few days that they should avoid suspicion in front of others, but unfortunately, Chu Shaoling treated it as nothing more than a passing breeze and ignored it after hearing it.

After Chu Shaoling had given clear instructions on various matters, he also boarded the carriage. As soon as he sat down, he saw Wei Ji wrapped in a blanket with a worried look on his face. Chu Shaoling smiled, "What's wrong? You were so long-winded just now. Are you angry that I didn't pay attention to you?"

"I wouldn't dare," Wei Ji said bitterly. "Your Highness, just now, with so many people watching, my elder brother must have seen it too. Your Highness, how can you be so disregardful of your own reputation?"

Chu Shaoling smiled, "What did I do?"

Wei Ji's face turned red. He didn't dare to argue with Chu Shaoling, but Chu Shaoling had been too outrageous these past few days. After some thought, he still solemnly advised, "Your Highness hasn't ascended the throne yet. No, even after ascending the throne in the future, you can't act so recklessly. There are so many people and so many eyes watching by your side. If you keep doing this, what will the people of the world say about Your Highness?"

"No, you still haven't said what I did wrong." Chu Shaoling sat further in and took Wei Ji's hand, pinching it. His phoenix eyes contained mischief. "General Wei, it's good that you want to advise me, but you haven't gotten to the point in half a day. What exactly did I, this prince, do wrong?"

Wei Ji paused, opened his mouth, but couldn't say it. Chu Shaoling laughed softly, "Say it, which thing was wrong?"

Wei Ji's face turned slightly red. He hesitated for a moment and said in a low voice, "It's just that, how could Your Highness carry me just now?"

Chu Shaoling couldn't help but laugh out loud, "I've heard that in ancient times, wise monarchs lived and died together with their soldiers. From this perspective, I haven't done anything wrong. Think about it again. Is there anything else I did wrong? Say it all, and we'll judge the reasoning. General Wei, you can't let me die a wrongful death."

When it came to eloquence, even if Wei Ji practiced for another hundred years, he wouldn't be half as good as Chu Shaoling. Wei Ji was indignant in his heart, but he couldn't argue with Chu Shaoling, so he had to shut his mouth. Chu Shaoling moved closer to Wei Ji, holding him in his arms, and laughed softly, "Alright, it's not a big deal. You're just feeling guilty, so you think everyone is looking at you. Who has the time for that? Besides, I just carried you for a bit because I was afraid it would be inconvenient for you to get on the carriage. Haven't I carried you many times before?"

Chu Shaoling's voice lowered, and he slightly lowered his head to kiss Wei Ji's ear, "That time on the bed, didn't you cry and tell me that you liked it the most when I held you?"

Wei Ji's ears instantly turned bright red from the kiss. He urgently said in a low voice, "Your Highness!"

Chu Shaoling laughed, "You said it yourself, and now you won't admit it? Every day after getting out of bed..." Seeing that Wei Ji was truly embarrassed, Chu Shaoling kindly didn't continue this topic. He laughed and said, "Are you hungry? Should I have them send in the snack box?"

Wei Ji shook his head, "I'm not hungry. Your Highness, did you hear what I just said?"

Chu Shaoling nodded casually, "I heard."

Wei Ji was afraid that Chu Shaoling would become impatient, so he didn't dare to advise him too deeply. He only reminded again, "Then, Your Highness, don't do that in front of others in the future."

"Mm, I'm afraid I sometimes don't care," Chu Shaoling kissed Wei Ji on the lips. "Don't always waste your energy on these trivial matters. You got up early today, so if you're not hungry, lie down and sleep for a while."

Wei Ji nodded. The carriage was very spacious. Wei Ji covered the wound on his leg, moved inward and lay down. Chu Shaoling also leaned next to Wei Ji. Before long, Wei Zhan came on horseback to report that arrangements had been made above and below. Chu Shaoling lifted the carriage curtain, glanced outside and nodded, "Then let's go. The injury on the Cavalry General's body hasn't healed yet. Tell them to go slower, not to rush around like they're fleeing from disaster."

Hearing this, Wei Ji couldn't help but laugh. Through a small crack in the carriage window, Wei Zhan saw that inside, Wei Ji was lying on Chu Shaoling's legs. Wei Zhan's eyes darkened and he lowered his head, "Yes."

Outside, the horn sounded in succession. The carriage shook slightly and then stabilized. Chu Shaoling put down the window curtain and gently touched Wei Ji's moist lips, laughing, "What are you laughing at?"

Wei Ji shook his head, "Nothing, just find it amusing."

Chu Shaoling lowered his eyes and chuckled lightly. Do others think he spoils Wei Ji too much now? That's because they're not used to seeing it. Once they get used to it, they won't find it strange or think it's wrong.

Previously, Chu Shaoling had many concerns, but now these concerns will disappear one by one. After those annoying people are gone and others get accustomed to how well he treats Wei Ji, then Chu Shaoling can do what he has always wanted to do.

Chu Shaoling looked down at the silly thing in his arms who was fiddling with the jade pendant at his waist and laughed inwardly. There's no need to tell Wei Ji about these things.

"You like this? Take it." Chu Shaoling untied the jade pendant and brushed the tassel against Wei Ji's face. "You don't usually like to wear these things. Do you find them bothersome?"

Wei Ji turned his head to the side to avoid the ticklish tassel and laughed, "No, Your Highness doesn't know, guards are not allowed to wear jade, for fear that the sound will disturb the master when moving. I haven't worn any since joining the Imperial Guard, so I'm used to it now. Wearing it feels awkward instead."

As he spoke, Wei Ji reached back to tie the jade pendant for Chu Shaoling, smiling, "I was looking closely at it because I found the patterns on it unique."

As the two were talking and laughing, an imperial guard rode up outside and said through the carriage window that a secret letter had arrived from the imperial city. Chu Shaoling ordered the carriage driver to stop and took the letter.

The secret letter was sent by Chu Shaotao. After reading it carefully, Chu Shaoling laughed coldly, "What a pity, it wasn't by my own hand."

Seeing Chu Shaoling's unusual expression, Wei Ji asked in a low voice, "Your Highness, did something happen in the imperial city?"

Chu Shaoling handed the letter to Wei Ji and said softly, "It can't be considered an incident, just a couple of deaths."

Wei Ji took the secret letter and read it carefully. Consort Li was actually already dead!

Since the Emperor fell ill, the entire Zhen family had been imprisoned. No one came to plead for them, but there was no shortage of people kicking them while they were down. The Emperor's condition fluctuated, conscious rarely and unconscious often. Although the Empress Dowager was angry with the Emperor, he was still her only son. The Empress Dowager feared that the Zhen family matter would aggravate the Emperor's condition and forbade anyone from mentioning it again.

But the case was there, and it couldn't be left unattended. It was easy to deal with others, as the Empress Dowager had already handled them on behalf of the Emperor. However, Consort Li and Chu Shaoruan were the only two that were difficult to deal with, so they had been delayed. But Consort Li would occasionally make a fuss in the cold palace, and the Empress Dowager couldn't stand the disturbance. Just as the Empress Dowager was thinking of dealing with Consort Li first, Zhen Si beat her to it.

After the Zhen family ran into trouble, Zhen Si decisively confessed her guilt and escaped disaster. After all, she was still the mother of the Sixth Prince. After entering the palace, she had not committed any major mistakes. Back then, in order to keep the Sixth Prince, she had taken many potent medicines that had ruined her health.

The Empress Dowager still had some consideration for her hardships. When dealing with the Zhen family, she left a way out and did not execute Zhen Si's biological father, Zhen Binwen, only stripping him of his official position and demoting him to a commoner, which was much better than the other members of the Zhen family. Zhen Si was also very tactful. Upon receiving the news, she immediately went to Ci'an Palace to kneel and thank the Empress Dowager for her great kindness. She even volunteered to be demoted to a mere noble lady to atone for her maternal family's crimes. The Empress Dowager, considering the Sixth Prince, simply told Zhen Si to keep a low profile.

After Zhen Si had secured the safety of her own family, she finally put her mind at ease and no longer had to worry about her own affairs. Of course, she then began to think about the affairs of others.

Zhen Si could also see that the Emperor did not have much time left to live. Zhen Si was not at all afraid that the Emperor would suddenly recover and protect Consort Li or anything like that. Seeing that the Empress Dowager was also very impatient with Consort Li and was only concerned about saving face and not taking action, Zhen Si saw through it and no longer had any fear. She brought a few strong and sturdy old palace maids to the cold palace.

In the cold palace, Consort Li was still dreaming, only hoping to wait for the Emperor to wake up and take her out. When she saw Zhen Si, Consort Li was like seeing a ghost coming to claim her life, and she sat on the ground trembling in fear. Zhen Si had endured for so long and was not anxious at this moment. She laughed, "Aunt, are you well?"

Consort Li's eyes were full of dread as she stammered, "If I'm not well, what are you here for? Who let you come? Was it the Emperor?! Tell the Emperor that I want to leave, I don't want to stay here anymore. Everyone here is crazy!"

"Tsk, tsk," Zhen Si looked at the disheveled Consort Li and shook her head in pity. "You were once the most favored Consort Li in the rear palace, but now you've fallen to this state. Alas, I feel sorry for you. Originally, it didn't have to be like this, but unfortunately, you were too stupid, so stupid that even the heavens couldn't bear to watch."

A hint of viciousness flashed in Consort Li's eyes as she hissed, "What do you understand?! You think that just because you've given birth to a prince, you're something special? You can't even compare to a bit of the glory and favor I enjoyed back then, yet you dare to come and shout in front of me!"

Zhen Si laughed lightly, "I may not compare to the favor Aunt enjoyed back then, but rather than one day of glory and favor, I prefer a lifetime of stability." Zhen Si leaned on a palace maid, walked closer, and looked fixedly at Consort Li, saying softly, "I now have a prince by my side. As long as I don't become enemies with the Crown Prince, I can live well with the Sixth Prince. What about you?"

Consort Li was filled with great hatred and angrily said, "You think Chu Shaoling will let you off so easily?! If I were you, I would take over my burden and cultivate the Sixth Prince. Wait until the Sixth Prince grows up and have him seize the throne from Chu Shaoling! That's what someone with great ambitions would do! The Sixth Prince is truly pitiful, to be born to a worthless woman like you with no ambition!!"

Zhen Si laughed loudly: "I am not comparable to aunt. Aunt is a person who does big things and is truly formidable, that's why she has fallen to today's situation! Haha aunt, you are truly foolish beyond belief. You still haven't understood that the crown prince is Empress Ling's biological son, and has the support of Empress Ling's maternal family and the Empress Dowager's maternal family behind him. You thought that with your momentary favor, you could surpass the crown prince? Your and Chu Shaoruan's only reliance is the Emperor's love, but what did you do? Haha, poisoning the Emperor? Chu Shaoruan actually thought of that! Hastily severing your own last path of retreat, and still blaming others? Just blame your own stupidity!"

Consort Li was rendered speechless by Zhen Si's interruption. Zhen Si sneered, her voice gradually lowering: "Aunt need not worry about my future days, whether the crown prince will let me be so carefree. Of course he will, because I will present a big gift to him. His Majesty has been unconscious, and the Empress Dowager is inconvenienced to deal with you due to her reputation. Naturally, it will also be difficult for the crown prince to take action after returning. Hehe, for the sake of the Sixth Prince and my future peaceful days, I can only relieve the Empress Dowager and crown prince of their worries."

Zhen Si's eyes turned cold. Consort Li instantly understood Zhen Si's intention for coming today, her whole body suddenly turning ice-cold. She urgently shouted: "Someone come! Someone come!! Save me!!"

"Shout all you want." Zhen Si smiled indifferently. "I also want to know, who will still come to save you now. Granny Feng, why aren't you taking action yet?!"

Hearing this, the two grannies behind Zhen Si pulled out the white silk hidden in their sleeves and shook it out. Consort Li was so frightened she fell sitting to the ground, repeatedly crawling backwards. Zhen Si smiled contemptuously. The two grannies walked over, one holding down the struggling Consort Li, the other taking the white silk and looping it around Consort Li's neck.

Zhen Si walked a few steps closer, looking at Consort Li's terrified eyes and said softly: "Aunt, go in peace. Before long, Chu Shaoruan will also go accompany you. Hehe, no need to worry about me. I will safely wait until the Sixth Prince becomes an adult, and will also ask the crown prince for a good marriage and fief for the Sixth Prince. At that time, I can still ask the crown prince, oh no, the future Emperor, to bestow grace, allowing me to go enjoy favor at the fief together with the Sixth Prince. My good days are ahead."

Zhen Si lightly patted Consort Li's face and sighed: "What a pity. If you hadn't made an enemy of Empress Ling back then relying on momentary favor, hadn't thought to fight unwinnable battles against Chu Shaoling... Of course, if you could have thought this way, I also wouldn't have entered the palace and suffered these hardships."

Zhen Si's voice was light: "You ruined my whole life. I'm personally sending you off. Aunt, we're even now."

Finishing her words, Zhen Si got up, turned around and walked out. Consort Li shouted in fright: "Consort Zhen! Zhen Si!! No, I'm your aunt, no!! Ugh, ugh..."

Zhen Si turned her head to the side and glanced at the dying Consort Li, then coldly turned back and left the Cold Palace.

Wei Ji folded up the letter and softly advised: "It's very good that Your Highness's hands aren't dirtied."

Actually, compared to Consort Li, Chu Shaoling had hoped more to receive news of Chu Shaoyang's death. Chu Shaoling took Chu Shaotao's letter and threw it into the incense burner to burn, nodding: "Yes, this is very good."

Wei Ji sensed the fluctuations in Chu Shaoling's mood. He couldn't fathom Chu Shaoling's current thoughts, and just instinctively thought for a bit before saying: "Your Highness, this servant is a little cold. Your Highness..."

Wei Ji endured his shyness, lowered his head and softly said: "Your Highness, hug this servant for a bit."

Chu Shaoling's heart felt like it had been scratched by a little kitten, his discontent swept away. Compared to the news of Consort Li's death, Wei Ji's clumsy attempt to please was more delightful.

Chu Shaoling moved closer and embraced Wei Ji, coaxing: "Cold?"

Wei Ji shook his head, lightly putting his arms around Chu Shaoling's waist and contentedly closed his eyes.