Chapter 2, the truth is revealed

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Suddenly, there was a whistling sound of the wind by her ear. She turned her head to look, and it was an arrow! An arrow gleaming with a cold light! It was already within arm's reach, too late to dodge.

Startled, she quickly opened her eyes and woke up

Seeing Bai Wanlu in this state, Liu Xiaoyun had no choice but to agree and quietly withdrew

Is that so? Find the best doctor to treat her?" Zhou Junyi, who had been watching the scene at the door, walked in with his hands clasped behind his back and said, "It is indeed necessary to take a good look; otherwise, if she is acting madly, it will be difficult for me to interrogate her about the poisoning of An He.

This matter may no longer rely on Zhou Yueling. If Shumei is truly in danger, then the only ones who can save her are her father and him

However, the young prince continued to cry incessantly, and no matter how Liu Xiaoyun tried to comfort him, he could not be soothed

"How do you expect me to save her? Should I declare in front of Zhou Junyi that Shumei is my lover?" Zhou Junyi slammed the teacup heavily onto the table and said fiercely

This sentence suddenly emerged in her mind, and Zhou Yueling felt a stir in her heart, recalling the scene when she was taken away from her mother.

After they left, Bai Wanlu, who had remained calm all along, suddenly staggered and fell weakly to the ground. Zhou Junyi, quick to react, caught her and exclaimed: "Wan'er..."

Beneath lies an unfathomable darkness, resembling a vast net, and terrifying like the mouth of a ferocious beast

"Ghost... ghost..." The words trembled from Zixiu's lips. Shumei sensed something was amiss and helped Zixiu to her feet, but Zixiu was already so frightened that she could not stand up at all

Xiaoling said: "It is indeed the late Concubine Gui, there is no mistake, Xiaoling has also seen it"

Let me be quiet for a while, Bai Wanlu said again

However, Lord Zhou calmly asked: "Then let me ask you, I have dealt leniently with Concubine Shu, who will provide an explanation for An He? Who will provide an explanation for my deceased child?"

Miss Liu! A familiar voice sounded at the door

"Can't find it, don't come back..." Zhou Junyi said blankly, her fingertips icy cold

I did not poison her!" Li Lianyi said indignantly

"Yes!" After receiving the order, Gu Ying's figure flashed and he dashed out of the Yan Ge Hall

Just as he was about to turn and leave, Bai Wanlu suddenly got up and shouted, "Don't—don't touch my child—"

The monarch of a nation knelt halfway on the ground, his hands tightly clenched into fists, forcing himself to speak calmly: "Take the young prince away and give him a grand burial"

He was taking her to the residence of the Fourth Prince, and just as they were riding in the carriage, they happened to encounter An Cheng returning from Zhou Junyi. The wind lifted the curtain of the carriage, and An Cheng saw Bai Wanlu lying peacefully in Zhou Yueling's arms, sleeping soundly

Uncertain of the hour, I only feel a gentle ray of warmth beyond my thin eyelids

Sister Yun, hurry and escape!" Wang Qiu pulled Liu Xiaoyun through the night, and the little prince in her arms cried even louder from fright. His cries, in such a quiet night, were undoubtedly the most dangerous presence!

A faint cold smile crept across the ghost's face

"Your Majesty is wise, I, your loyal minister, express my gratitude to you!" Shu Guoyu repeatedly bowed, his hunched body could not endure such torment

Suddenly, the night sky was filled with a storm, and because their wings were drenched, the little birds could not fly, losing contact with Liu Xiaoyun. Liu Xiaoyun, holding the young prince, ran to the edge of a cliff

Sister Bai? The Princess of Ancheng, who was walking towards her, quickly approached upon seeing this scene. She supported the staggering Bai Wanlu and asked with concern, "Sister Bai, are you alright? I have heard everything."

A few sparrows suddenly appeared above Liu Xiaoyun's head, as if guiding them to move in a certain direction. Once they escaped to a hidden place, Liu Xiaoyun grasped Wang Qiu's hand and said: "Wang Qiu, listen to me, we must split up. I will take the young prince with me, and you hurry back to the royal city to get reinforcements"

My whole body hurts, as if my bones have been disassembled and then reassembled. My hands instinctively touched something, and it seemed that I was lying on a bed, covered with sheets of mediocre quality that did not feel very good to the touch

Watching the ethereal figure of Bai Wanlu, An Cheng murmured: "It is truly distressing, I wonder if His Majesty is feeling sad as well. Xiaoling, let us go and see His Majesty."

Liu Xiaoyun felt a jolt in her heart and quickly raised her head, only to see Gu Ying hurriedly approaching with a bowl of water in hand

Hui Ying listened, frightened to the point of tears. She sobbed, saying: "Your Highness, I swear by this head on my neck that no one instructed me, and I have never done such a thing. If I have, may heaven strike me down! Your Highness..." Hui Ying crawled over, tugging at Bai Wanlu's skirt, crying out in despair, "Your Highness... Everyone says you are so approachable and perceptive. I beg you, Your Highness, to investigate this matter thoroughly. This matter truly has nothing to do with me, nor with my beloved..."

Shu Guoyu dispatched the last resort, saying: "Go find the Fourth Prince and ask him to save your sister"

Zhou Junyi decreed: "I hereby announce that, effective immediately, the title of Consort Shumei is revoked, and she is to be demoted to the Cold Palace. It is necessary to find a skilled physician to attend to her, so that she may recover soon and accompany Princess Anhe in her burial!"

"Are you missing your mother?" Liu Xiaoyun looked at Wang Qiu with a sense of helplessness

The young prince cried loudly in Liu Xiaoyun's arms, while Liu Xiaoyun walked back and forth in the room holding him. Wang Qiu, holding the warmed milk, teased the young prince beside him: "Little nephew, be good, I am your little uncle, are you hungry? Come and have some milk."

"Your Highness, Brother Six..." Suddenly, the door of the Yan Ge Hall was pushed open, and Xiao Fangzi rushed in with Wang Qiu. Wang Qiu was drenched all over, staggering a few steps before kneeling in front of Zhou Junyi and Zhou Jingyuan, crying out, "Your Highness, Brother Six... the little prince is in danger..."

Gu Ying did not know what to say; he could only hold Liu Xiaoyun, using his embrace to help her calm her emotions. However, he understood that she could not find peace...

Looking up at the autumn sky, his face wet from the rain, he said: "Half an hour ago, the people from the Eastern Capital found our hiding place and killed Seventh Master... Sister Yun asked me to hurry back to inform you, she has escaped with the young prince, and the people from the Eastern Capital are already in pursuit. The young prince and Sister Yun are in grave danger..."

Sister Yun

His poor Anhe was thus harmed to death by this cruel woman! This is her longed-for hometown!

The wind howled by the ear, while Liu Xiaoyun protected the most vulnerable part of the young prince, her body seemingly falling into a dream, unaware of where the end lay

The goal of that group of people is the young prince, not Wang Qiu, therefore, they only followed the sound of the young prince's cries.

Bai Wanlu stopped him and said: "My lord, please do not be anxious! Consort Shu has committed murder, and the national law will take care of her!"

Hmph. Zhou Junyi turned around with his hands behind his back and said, "Come here."

In response to Liu Xiaoyun's apology, Bai Wanlu did not reply, but instead walked in a daze, unaware of her destination. Birds perched in rows on the palace wall, seemingly feeling sorrow for Bai Wanlu.

As for Wang Qiu, he chose another route back to the royal city

Shu Yi quickly clasped his fists and said, "I did not mean that."

The faint candlelight in the Yan Ge Hall was extinguished by the wind, and the dim moonlight poured in through the window, enveloping the ghost of An He. An He walked step by step towards Shu Mei, who trembled and hid under the quilt, emitting low sobs

"Oh, what kind of business are you up to?" Bai Wanlu's voice sounded inappropriately, and Li Lianyi, despite her many unwillingnesses due to her low status, could only lower her head and offer a greeting

At that moment, a guard entered.

Li Lianyi lowered her head and let out a self-deprecating laugh. Then, she wiped away her tears, raised her head, and said: "For some matters, if the elder sister has the answer in her heart, there is no need to ask the younger sister, after all, nowadays the younger sister and her family are of little worth in life."

Bai Wanlu did not answer her, but gently pushed An Cheng aside and continued to walk forward in a daze.

Liuxiaoyun was both sad and happy, and many emotions gathered in her eyes, forming a clear pool of tears. Suddenly, as if she remembered something, Liuxiaoyun grabbed General Gu Ying's hand and asked, "General Gu, where is the little prince? Where is he?"

Just as the words fell, a face full of fear and gloom suddenly appeared in front of Shumei. In that moment, Shumei was so frightened that her eyes widened, her mouth opened wide, and her voice became mute in her throat.

However, what really gives him a headache is far more than just the White Night Reed.

Consort Wan, don't be sad. The dead cannot be brought back to life. You must live well. - Zhou Yuelin said.

Zhou Junyi stared blankly at the infant in the wooden coffin, reaching out his hand to touch the cold face, but after extending it, he slowly withdrew it again

"Come to claim your life, come to claim your life!" An He's ghost drew closer and closer, and Shu Mei shouted loudly, scrambling onto the couch and wrapping herself tightly in the blanket.

Possible translation: Purple Xiu seemed to be scared silly, trembling there without moving, murmuring in her mouth: "It's not my business, it's not my business..."

Liu Xiaoyun struggled to get up, only to realize that she had changed into the clothing of a peasant woman, with various parts of her body wrapped in gauze... The pain was emanating from beneath that gauze...

"Waner, it is all my fault; I failed to protect His Highness properly." Liu Xiaoyun closely followed Bai Wanlu; when she stopped, she stopped as well; when she walked, she walked too

Shu Yi hesitated for a moment, finally sighed, and left with a wave of his sleeve.

Uncle Qi--" Liu Xiaoyun screamed, but one of his hands had already been grabbed by Wang Qiu, and he crawled out from the window.

The Lord of Dongdu exchanged a glance with Zhou Junyi, his thick brows furrowing tightly. Fortunately, Bai Wanlu mentioned that she would bring the Lord of Dongdu to uncover the true culprit behind An He’s murder, thus the Lord secretly arrived at the royal city. Otherwise, both Zhou Junyi and the Lord of Dongdu would have fallen into the trap set by this unseen mastermind

The ghost of Anhe stood in front of Zixiu, looking down at her. Zixiu slowly lifted her eyes and looked at Anhe's face. In the next moment, as if a breath was stuck in her throat, she fainted.

Your Majesty! Shu Guoyu pulled Shu Yi to kneel before Zhou Junyi, pleading for Shu Mei, "Your Majesty, in light of this old minister's unwavering loyalty, I implore you to treat Mei'er leniently! Your Majesty, I beseech you..."

The capital mainly killed her with its own hands! The eastern capital is almost going crazy.

Miss Bai... As An Cheng watched her back, his eyebrows furrowed tightly. "What's going on?"

Anhe was killed by Shu Mei...

安荷的鬼魂没有再靠近, 只是静静地站在床榻边, 看着床榻角落发抖的女人发出哀怜又恐惧的声音。

Purple Xiu walked over to close the window. At this moment, a strand of black hair hung down from the eaves. Purple Xiu was startled, but upon closer inspection, she saw a pale and somewhat familiar face.

When has your master ever been imposing? Even if he becomes a good man, he is still just a lowly servant," Li Lianyi said self-deprecatingly.

The silent night sky became lively, filled with the sounds of thunder, the footsteps of pursuit, the clashing of armor, and the faint cries of a baby, all intertwining to create an atmosphere thick with danger

In fact, placing the blame for the assassination on June 15th on me is a scheme orchestrated by His Majesty and the Late Noble Consort. Guo Weiqing approached and said, "Only by letting the Fourth Prince know that His Majesty's greatest loyal subject is no longer around will his courage increase."

Zhou Junyi sighed and said: "Although that is the case, after all, it was Wan'er who endured ten months of hardship to give birth. Now that I have not protected the little prince well, it is only right for Wan'er to be angry with me."

Wang Qiu gently touched his head and said: "Wang Qiu cannot play the role of the young prince's mother either."

Upon thinking of this, Shu Yi could not help but furrow her brows

The red candlelight in the hall flickers uncertainly, and the long gauze curtains dance in the night, resembling the shadows of phantoms

"Your Highness, Brother, Ancheng is already aware of the situation regarding the young prince. Please do not be too saddened. Moreover, Your Highness can always have another one." Ancheng comforted Zhou Junyi.

"I have already thought it over three times." After saying this, Zhou Junyi coldly waved his sleeve and left the Yan Ge Hall

She clutched her chest, where a severe pain surged, refusing to subside no matter what. Bai Wanlu sobbed a few times and then burst into tears; there was no one here, and she cried with abandon

Bai Wanlu was quite a headache for him

The steward approached and made a gesture of invitation to Shu Yi, saying: "Commander Shu, please."

Bai Wanlu waved her hand and turned to look at Zhou Junyi, her eyes red and filled with resentment, saying, "It is all because of you! Do you think that sending us away for the sake of me and the child would ensure our safety? Then why did my child have to die?"

Zhou Yueling quietly picked up Bai Wanlu and took her away

The person in his arms was still softly sobbing. Zhou Yueling suddenly withdrew his arm and held Bai Wanlu even tighter. He protected her head and said softly: "Because of this damned fate, because you are not strong enough, that is why... they will leave..."

"Wretched person, you have harmed my life, come and pay with your life... come and pay with your life..." The ethereal and haunting voice echoed throughout the room, as An He, her blood-soaked garments swaying like a shadow, had already crawled to the bedside of Shu Mei

"I am your father, Mei'er!" Shu Guoyu's arm was stretched out in mid-air, yet Shu Mei, who had originally been watching Shu Guoyu warily, broke into a grin and said, "Hehe, father? What is a father, is it something delicious?"

"Zixiu, close the window. Why has the weather turned cold?" Shumei, who was about to go to bed, felt the chill coming in from outside. She hugged her arms and instructed Zixiu.

As Bai Wanlu spoke, Li Lianyi's expression grew increasingly grim. In the end, her tightly clenched fists slowly relaxed, her brows furrowed deeply, and tears welled up in her eyes

"Ayi," he called out

General Gu ... ... '' Liu Xiaoyun stared blankly at Gu Ying, thinking that he was dreaming

Liu Xiaoyun chuckled and said, "Who asked you to play the role of the little prince's mother, I..."

A sense of foreboding surged in Liu Xiaoyun's heart, and she widened her eyes, turning to look at the Guo family members. The three members of the Guo family also hung their heads, their faces displaying a look of regret

The young prince... Gu Ying felt a lump in his throat as he held Liu Xiaoyun's hand and said, "He is too young. Even if you protect him well when he falls from the cliff... it still... it still cannot..."

The child ... ... Sister Yun ... ... " Bai Wanlu murmured, her already weakened body, having just given birth, became even more frail.

Bai Wanlu walked up to Li Lianyi and asked imperiously, "Sister, what you just said..." Suddenly, she leaned closer to Li Lianyi's ear and slyly inquired, "Is it about poisoning the lady of the Eastern Capital's lord?"

She clutched his sleeve as if she had encountered the dearest person, fearing that he might accidentally leave, fearing that this was merely an elusive dream

Bai Wanlu lifted her hair and tore off the human skin mask on her face, revealing her true appearance

At this moment, a trusted aide of the Eastern Capital's lord arrived at the Yan Ge Hall, kneeling before the lord and saying, "My lord! There is a letter! The army has been attacked!"

Shu Mei furrowed her brows and said, "What ghosts are there? It must be someone playing a prank!" As she spoke, she walked to the window and shouted into the night outside, "Who is pretending to be a ghost?"

I entered the royal city an hour ago, how can I send someone to kill them?" the lord of the Eastern Capital said angrily

Shu Guoyu, kneeling on the ground, slowly raised his head, his face filled with an expression of unwillingness

As she spoke, Bai Wanlu staggered out, and Zhou Junyi was just about to chase after her when a servant from the small house came to report that Shu Mei had already woken up

"What are you saying?" Liu Xiaoyun could not believe it, tears gently fell from her eyelashes. She shook her head and said, "It is impossible... how could the little prince..."

What should I do? Liu Xiaoyun clutched Gu Ying's clothing, crying softly in his embrace, "How sad Wan'er must be, Wan'er won't be able to bear it... What should I do... Gu Ying..."

Upon seeing this, the assassins gathered at the edge of the cliff, gazing into the deep abyss. They exchanged glances and then retreated.

You certainly do not dare to act, but that does not mean there is no one behind the scenes instructing you to do so

Liu Xiaoyun and Wang Qiu were stunned, unable to react for a while. It was not until a sharp arrow pierced through Seventh Master’s body like the wind, and then struck straight into the wall behind Liu Xiaoyun.

In a moment of helplessness, Zhou Junyi said to Liu Xiaoyun, who was kneeling on the ground, "You go watch over Wan'er and pay attention to her safety"

Liu Xiaoyun leaned against the headboard, her gaze fixed on Gu Ying, her eyes quickly becoming blurred with tears. She said, "I am not dreaming, am I... General Gu, is it really you?"

Little Prince ... ... '' Liu Xiaoyun tightly held the child in her arms, watching the approaching enemies, slowly retreating.

Is that the late Concubine Gui?" An Cheng asked uncertainly

In that case, younger sister should cherish her life and clearly see who in this world can truly help her. Bai Wanlu smiled, turned lightly, and said, "Send Li Liangren back."

Shu Yi walked over to support Shu Guoyu and said, "Father, do not worry. We will find the best doctor in Lingzhou to treat my sister, and she will get better."

Previously, Zi Xiu had already been imprisoned, and considering that Shu Mei was a noble consort and the daughter of the Grand Tutor, Zhou Junyi decided to proceed with a formal trial for her

Zhou Junyi wanted to help Bai Wanlu, but was pushed away by Bai Wanlu. She slowly stood up, her figure somewhat unsteady, and her spirit a bit dazed

You have killed me ... come down and accompany me in death ... that is An He’s face, An He’s voice, that is the ghost of An He

Meier..." Shu Guoyu helplessly patted his thigh, tears streaming down his face.

"Feng'er, how are you? Do you miss your mother? Are you in pain..." Bai Wanlu murmured, as tears gathered in her eyes, dropping into the lake.

Gu Ying said worriedly: "But your injury..."

General Gu... the person in his arms had stopped crying; instead, she raised her head and, with swollen eyes, asked, "General Gu, can you take Yun'er back to the royal city, please?"

"My injury is not serious." The indifference on Liu Xiaoyun's face stemmed from a heart that felt as if it were dead. She said, "I ask General Gu to take Yun'er back to the city. Yun'er wishes to bear the burden of guilt and seek forgiveness from Wan'er..."

Why has it come to this

"Yes," replied the four guards.

Father

Only the place she had just touched was a patch of sticky fresh blood. With her fingers stained with blood, Shumei held her head and shouted in a muffled voice: "I was wrong... Don't look for me! Don't look for me! I won't dare again—"

Bai Wanlu hurried over, nervously staring at Wang Qiu

"Feng Er ... ... " Bai Wanlu muttered the name of the young prince in a daze, suddenly feeling light-headed and weak, and fell off the bridge, plunging into the lake

At this moment, Bai Wanlu was in unbearable pain. She did not care who the person in front of her was; she simply covered her face and leaned into the other person's embrace, asking sorrowfully: "Why... why... he is my flesh and blood..."

Watching the unsteady white evening reed ahead, Liu Xiaoyun felt as if a gigantic hand was tearing at her flesh. The white evening reed was sad, she was also sad, and she felt a deep sense of guilt.

At that moment, a flash of lightning exploded in the night, and the thunder rumbled loudly. When the lightning illuminated the Yan Ge Hall, Shu Mei happened to see An He's terrifying face, and she let out a scream, choked on her breath, and fainted onto the bed.

Ah—! Zhi Xiu was so frightened that she kept retreating and fell to the ground with a thud!

Everyone present was taken aback ... ! ... This is a scheme to sow discord!

Her flesh and blood are gone, as if something spiritual has lost its anchor, and that anchor has crumbled to dust.

Why must you take Ling'er away? He is my flesh and blood, my child

"But aren't you on your way to the frontier..." Liu Xiaoyun wanted to ask, wasn't Guo Weiqing killed?

The lord of the Eastern Capital, witnessing all of this, clenched his fists, and as the sudden downpour fell outside, warm tears streamed down his face

Amidst the heavy rain, Gu Ying's face bore an inextricable knot of sorrow. This journey was not only to rescue the young prince, but also to save Liu Xiaoyun

Not knowing where she had arrived, Bai Wanlu said in a dazed manner: "Sister Yun, please let me be alone for a while."

Sigh. Zhou Junyi sighed again and did not speak further

However, Zhou Yueling did not agree to help Shu Yi

Before the words had finished echoing, a powerful sound of a door being slammed open resounded. Liu Xiaoyun and Wang Qi turned to look in unison, seeing Seventh Master rush in, covered in injuries, shouting at Liu Xiaoyun: "Take the young prince and leave quickly"

They came to kill and silence, for they said not a word. Upon locating their target, they drew out arrows glinting with a cold light from their quivers, aiming at Liu Xiaoyun and the child in her arms

Bai Wanlu climbed onto a stone bridge, which was situated at a high position, allowing for a distant view. The entire surface of the lake was a lush green, with a few flowers scattered in the middle, appearing beautiful yet devoid of any vitality

It must be said that their mistress has truly suffered. Initially, they assisted Shu Mei in her tasks, but now that trouble has arisen, no one has come to her aid. Even when taking a stroll, there are three or four guards accompanying her.

The minister... obeying the command... Gu Ying lifted the wooden coffin in his hands and slowly rose.

Shu Yi expressed in surprise: "Why? Fourth Prince, my sister has helped you so much, and you know her sincere intentions towards you. At this moment, only you can save my sister."

The entire royal city was enveloped in a chilling cold. Inside the monarch's sleeping quarters, Gu Ying and the injured Liu Xiaoyun knelt on the ground, with a small wooden coffin placed before them. Inside the coffin lay the young prince, who had only been born a few days prior.

Looking at the cold body of the young prince, Bai Wanlu gasped several times, retreating repeatedly until she finally fell to the ground, emitting a hoarse sound of pain

Half an hour ago

With her legs giving way, she collapsed to the ground, gasping for breath as if she had lost her voice, unable to make a sound at all

Other than holding her, Gu Ying did not know of any other way to comfort Liu Xiaoyun

Standing on the bed, Shu Mei's eyes rolled around before finally landing on Zhou Junyi. She excitedly ran over, circling around Zhou Junyi, and asked, "Oh, who are you? You look so good! Let me tell you a secret, there are monsters here!"

Your Majesty, as the ruler of a nation, why do you demean yourself before a concubine? If you desire children, you can have as many as you wish. Looking at the current court, which concubine has not experienced miscarriage? As for An Cheng, Sister Bai is simply being pretentious

Gu Ying held Liu Xiaoyun's hand with a backhand grip and said: "It is not a dream, Miss Liu, you are still alive, you are fine. Please stop crying..."

Are you not dead? Liu Xiaoyun stared blankly at the scene before her; it was a tidy farmhouse, resembling a paradise far removed from the ravages of war

Zhou Junyi suppressed the worry in his heart and calmly said: "The Lord has a heart, and An He's remains are still fresh. Lord, you should prioritize An He. I believe Gu Ying will safely bring the young prince back."

Such pain comes from the heart, from the soul, and is more painful than the physical agony of being riddled with wounds.

After much effort, they finally pulled the white evening rushes onto the shore, and both of them were completely soaked.

Gu Ying hurriedly placed the water on the table, walked over, and sat down at the edge of the bed. Grasping Liu Xiaoyun's shoulder, he said: "Lie down quickly, you are injured all over..."

I know. Holding the handkerchief, Bai Wanlu lazily glanced at Li Lianyi and said, "It was you and the girl beside Tushu, Huiying, who did it."

The lord of the Eastern Capital wiped away his tears, and immediately, a fierce expression replaced his face. He fixed his gaze on the woman who had fainted on the bed and said: "I want her to be buried with me! I want her to be buried with me!"

"That is my child..." Bai Wanlu extended her hand, her fingertips almost touching the surface of the wooden coffin. She wept, saying, "That is my child... He has just received a name, and I have not yet had the chance to hold him properly..."

If she jumps, there is still a glimmer of hope for survival; if she does not jump, both she and the young prince are certain to perish under the rain of arrows

Liu Xiaoyun wiped away her tears and said, "What on earth is going on? Didn't I jump off the cliff?"

Upon returning to the royal city, the scene within the city was no longer as prosperous as in days gone by

After she fell, a person on the shore immediately jumped in as well

Zhou Junyi let out a cold laugh, remaining unmoved: "Loyalty and devotion? What a fine display of loyalty and devotion. For the sake of the Grand Master’s loyalty and devotion, I should indeed grant Lady Shu a lenient treatment.

Shu Guoyu and Shu Yi are both here, while Shu Mei sits on the bed, unkempt and without grooming, clutching a strand of her dark hair in front of her chest. Her innocent eyes gaze upward, her head tilted, and her facial expressions shift dramatically.

Without further ado, Gu Ying said: "Your Majesty, I shall go find the young prince right away!"

What happened?" Zhou Junyi stepped forward first, grasping Wang Qiu's arm, and asked, "What is wrong, Your Highness?"

It is not a dark hell, but rather a warm paradise

"Princess, the young prince has passed away, and the late noble consort is grieving greatly," said Xiaoling

You all..." Liu Xiaoyun stared blankly at them, not understanding what was going on.

After they took Li Lianyi away, Bai Wanlu's previously feigned expression gradually disappeared from her face, replaced by a confident and mysterious smile

"What a natural order that resides in the hearts of people," Bai Wanlu mocked, "You believe in the natural order that resides in the hearts of people, yet the root of calamity behind it does not allow you to believe."

Bai Wanlu's heart is also blocked by such a blood-red palace wall, on one side is her, and on the other side is her deceased child

Saying this, the master of the Eastern Capital rushed forward, intending to kill Shu Mei

"Your Highness, there is no need to apologize to the city of Tong'an, for you are the ruler of a nation," An Cheng said.

"Hui Ying, do not plead with her, for the way of heaven lies within the hearts of the people!" Li Lianyi supported Hui Ying, her temper also becoming resolute.

That very night, in the Yan Ge Hall

Zhou Junyi, without saying a word, picked up Bai Wanlu, while Wang Qiu quickly found an umbrella to escort Zhou Junyi and Bai Wanlu back to the Mingyue Pavilion

"What are you screaming for?" Shu Mei scolded as she walked over, at that moment Zi Xiu was sitting on the ground, trembling violently, her eyes wide with terror as she stared at the window, yet there was nothing outside.

"Miss Liu..." Gu Ying gently held Liu Xiaoyun in his arms, soothing her emotions, and said, "It is not your fault, it has nothing to do with you... you must not blame yourself like this..."

Bai Wanlu spat out a mouthful of water, choking and coughing a few times, still in poor condition: "Fenger... Fenger is dead..."

"Your sadness?" Bai Wanlu laughed sarcastically, tears continuously streaming down her cheeks. "Can your sadness compare to mine? Your Highness, I am merely one of your concubines. In this lifetime, I have only you, only Feng'er, but you are the sovereign... In your lifetime, you have not only me, nor only Feng'er..."

"The person behind you is the greatest enemy of the nation and its territory, isn't it?" Bai Wanlu stared into her eyes and asked

Liu Xiaoyun looked up at Gu Ying, her eyes sparkling with subtle stars. Regardless of the location or situation, as long as Gu Ying was willing to help Liu Xiaoyun, her heart was filled with gratitude, and beneath that gratitude flowed a spring of water that no one knew about.

However, when he arrived at the Yan Ge Hall, Zhou Junyi realized that Shu Mei had gone mad

What? This time, both the Lord of Dongdu and Gu Ying were shocked

"Waner." Liu Xiaoyun, who had been kneeling on the ground, felt an overwhelming sense of guilt, but at this moment, nothing he said would hold any significance

Zhou Junyi lowered his voice and said: "Nonsense! You must not speak of your sister Bai like that!"

"It is we who saved you." Another voice sounded. Liu Xiaoyun looked over in surprise, and standing at the door was none other than the entire Guo family!

Li Lianyi helped Hui Ying up and glared at Bai Wanlu, "What do you mean?"

Upon hearing the name of the young prince, Gu Ying suddenly lowered his head

"Your Highness, Brother." An Cheng stepped forward, gathered his sleeves, and stood before Zhou Junyi, asking, "Are you... are you alright?"

Zhou Yueling slapped Bai Wanlu's cheek and shouted: "Wan Guifei, Wan Guifei?"

Guo Weiqing smiled and said, "That is merely a scapegoat. Nowadays, the outside world believes I am dead, but I, we of the Guo family, are all living well, waiting for the day when the nation will need us!" He stated emphatically

In the past, when others said that Brother Jun had Sister Bai, things became different. An Cheng did not believe it, but now An Cheng has come to believe it. Brother Jun has never yelled at An Cheng, yet ever since An Cheng returned this time, Brother Jun has scolded An Cheng countless times. An Cheng, feeling wronged, twisted the handkerchief with his fingers and said with a sense of grievance

Zhou Jingyuan, upon seeing this, said: "Your Majesty, you should quickly take the late Concubine Gui back, for there is Old Six here."

Zhou Junyi then followed the small house to the Yan Ge Hall

Gu Ying grasped Liu Xiaoyun's hand tightly and said: "Please do not be agitated, Miss Liu. We have already done our utmost. Do you know? The fact that you are still alive is already... a miracle. It is all my fault for being useless, unable to save the young prince..."

"Beast! Not even such a small child is spared!" Liu Xiaoyun cursed fiercely, and in the next moment, at the instant the bowstring was drawn, Liu Xiaoyun suddenly shielded the young prince with her entire body and leaped into the abyss.

The wind and rain are more unrestrained, staging a tragic scene on this menacing night

"That is Wan'er’s child..." Liu Xiaoyun's voice was hoarse as she tightly clutched the quilt around her, her eyes bloodshot like they were soaked in blood. "Wan'er has only given birth to him for a few days... she has only seen him a few times... and the Lord has not even seen him once! How could the little prince die? I have... I have protected him so well... Is it that I have not done well enough... Is it my fault? If I had not taken the little prince to jump off the cliff... he would not have died! I have... I have protected him so well... Is it that I have not done well enough... Is it my fault? If I had not taken the little prince to jump off the cliff... he would not have died!"

Shu Guoyu gently stroked Shu Mei's head and comforted her, saying, "Mei'er, do not be afraid, father is here"

Why ... ... '' Bai Wanlu cried, her nose tinged with bitterness, her heart filled with sorrow. She took a deep breath, gazing at the overcast sky, and due to her tears, a wave of dizziness inexplicably washed over her.

Yes, Your Highness.

"It wasn't me, it wasn't me, I didn't mean to, it wasn't on purpose!" Zixiu curled up on the ground, her neck drawn in, her hands shielding her chest, waving them incessantly, "The Empress told me to do this, the Empress told me to do this... Don't come over... Don't come over..."

"The small house obeys." The small house bows.

"Humph, now there's a good show to watch," Ancheng said, "Xiaoling, let's go back to His Majesty's brother's sleeping quarters."

Evening... ..." Liu Xiaoyun felt uneasy

Hui Ying, upon hearing the words, hurriedly knelt down and repeatedly bowed her head, saying: "Your Highness, the Late Concubine, please see clearly, Your Highness, the Late Concubine! Even if I had a hundred times the courage, I would not dare to do such a thing, for it is a matter that could cost me my life! Your Highness, the Late Concubine!"

Your Majesty. The Lord of the Eastern Capital calmed down and cupped his fists towards Lord Zhou Junyi, saying, I am to blame for being too reckless before, which led to falling into the enemy's trap. I will send someone down immediately to search for the whereabouts of the young prince together with General Gu Ying

Liu Xiaoyun and Bai Wanlu relied on each other in the martial world, remaining inseparable even upon entering the imperial palace. ... Now, Liu Xiaoyun has failed to protect Bai Wanlu's child, and in addition to her sorrow, she is burdened with a heavy, boundless sense of guilt, even though the child's death has nothing to do with her.

Gu Ying sighed and looked up at Guo Weiqing and the others. Guo Weiqing nodded, indicating for Gu Ying to take Liu Xiaoyun back first. So, Gu Ying tidied up Liu Xiaoyun's hair and said, "Alright, I promise you, I will take you back to the city."

Zhou Junyi sighed and said: "Ancheng, I am sorry"

Ah—" Shu Mei called out first, timidly hiding behind Shu Guoyu, and with a pitiful expression pointed at Zhou Junyi, "That person is so fierce, I'm scared."

Zhou Junyi raised his head and wearily glanced at Ancheng: "Oh, it is Ancheng."

"Do not say anything! Hurry and call someone to rescue the young prince!" Liu Xiaoyun struggled to push Wang Qiu away, taking the young prince and running in another direction. At that moment, the night sky was filled with flashes of lightning and thunder. As Liu Xiaoyun ran, she removed her outer garments and soft armor, wrapping the young prince tightly.

"Wan'er..." Zhou Junyi lowered her eyelids, her face filled with sorrow, "Feng'er is no longer here, my sadness is no less than yours"

"Yes, Your Majesty." Liu Xiaoyun bowed deeply, then got up to find Bai Wanlu

"Yes, Ayi will go now." Shu Yi hurriedly left the Yan Ge Hall and headed to the Fourth Prince's residence to find Zhou Yueling

"But those people are indeed wearing the clothes of the Eastern Capital..." said Wang Qiu.

The candlelight rekindled, casting a bright and warm glow over the Yan Ge Hall. Five individuals stood within the hall: Zhou Junyi, Zhou Jingyuan, Gu Ying, the Lord of the Eastern Capital, and Bai Wanlu, disguised as An He.

"My dear, let's not speak of such things. Having a title is better than having none. We have not engaged in such matters, and one day the truth will come to light," Hui Ying comforted Li Lianyi.

The lord of the Eastern Capital extended his hand, hesitating to speak.

Guo Mingcheng, Guo Weiqing, and his wife

Your sister's matters are her own, and your matters are yours. I advise you to focus on your own responsibilities. As for your sister's side, when the time is right, you will naturally understand.

The group that arrived was from the Eastern Capital, consisting of more than ten individuals, all carrying bows and arrows, and their faces were all covered.

An Cheng lifted her skirt and hurried to Zhou Junyi's chamber. At that moment, Zhou Junyi was sitting on a pear blossom chair, anxiously rubbing her brow.

Zhou Junyi turned to the Lord of Dongdu and said, "I will give An He a fair treatment, a small house, and escort the Lord out of the city."

The next day at dawn, the maid Huiying took her master out for a walk

Zhou Junyi quickly embraced her and said, "Wan'er, Wan'er... don't do this, don't do this..."

Shu Mei, hiding under the blanket, was drenched in cold sweat, her teeth chattering. Suddenly, she felt something sticky on the bed, and as she reached out to touch it, she was horrified, letting out a scream and fleeing to the corner of the bed.

Zhou Junyi reached out and grabbed Bai Wanlu's arm

"Daughter..." Shu Guoyu felt a pang of heartache and wanted to step forward to embrace Shu Mei, but Shu Mei startled and jumped up, saying: "Don't come over! Don't come over!"

Bai Wanlu did not hear Zhou Yueling's words, for she had already fainted in Zhou Yueling's embrace

Bai Wanlu coldly looked at Li Lianyi and recounted: "Li Lianyi, your father, Tongde, was a prominent businessman. Last year, he offended someone and was suppressed, leaving your family in dire straits, living in a dilapidated farmhouse that leaks and is drafty. The daughter of the Li family, with no other choice, entered the palace to serve others, and in the end... she gained nothing, only able to secretly send out some jewelry each month to sell for the family's sustenance. How pitiful indeed"

Your Majesty—" Shu Guoyu once again knelt on the ground, "Your Majesty, please think thrice.

The lord of the Eastern Capital sighed and had no choice but to leave with the small house first

Zhou Junyi held Bai Wanlu tightly and exchanged glances with Gu Ying, who then took the young prince away from the palace. The moment the young prince left, Bai Wanlu felt all her strength drain away, and she sat weakly on the ground, lost in thought as she asked, "Why? Why..."

In the long palace alley, Bai Wanlu and Liu Xiaoyun walked one after the other