Chapter 4, Returning to Court

If Your Majesty is tired, please rest a little longer" she said softly, wiping the moisture from the corner of his lips

Su Ying gazed at the flower at his fingertip, which resembled a grain of rice, and replied dreamily: "... someone will catch me." As soon as the words left her mouth, she immediately realized her indiscretion and lowered her head in embarrassment

Since his condition improved, he has not mentioned the words he spoke that day when he presented her with a box of fresh flowers. He will absolutely not forget, nor will he treat those arrangements, akin to last words, as if they were never spoken. What new plans are brewing beneath this calm exterior

The emperor, bedridden, could no longer remain still; was he finally curious to investigate? Su Ying stole a glance at the emperor, only to be caught by him. She hurriedly lowered her head and said with a hint of melancholy: "Speaking of 'returning to the capital'... Your Majesty must have refrained from mentioning it out of consideration for my dignity, right? Today is the day General Longxiang returns to the capital."

The emperor set aside the memorial in his hand and casually asked, "Do you wish to intercede for him?"

Xie Zhen observed her expression and could tell that she had little confidence in the emperor. He could not help but say: "Others are not to be trusted; only trust my sovereign. If even the sovereign is not to be trusted, how can one serve as a minister?"

Upon hearing about this rare individual, Su Ying was momentarily taken aback, but she did not say much, only offering a faint smile. She had never seen the youngest brother of the Emperor. At the time of the enthronement, the Prince of Yong claimed to be ill, and only the Princess of Yong came to the capital to offer her congratulations. Since then, the Prince of Yong had remained inconspicuous in the fief, just as he had for the past twenty years. Su Ying believed that within the palace, she was not the only one who had forgotten about this person's existence

Su Ying thought for a moment and replied earnestly: "Approximately, yes."

Xie Zhen noticed that she did not inquire further about the content, yet he was anxious for his own safety, and candidly said: "This is a confidential report, and I entrusted it to a reliable person for delivery, so I believe there will be no mistakes"

Wang Qiuying said softly with her head lowered: "As usual"

Although Su Ying did not take Zhen Ning's provocative expression to heart, the phrase "Delivering to the Capital" still left her feeling depressed for several days. The northern country has historically valued military generals; once in command, they possess immense authority on the battlefield, with the power of life and death, and can act without prior approval. They are free to deliberate and decide, rarely sending defeated generals or captives back to the capital. Most defeated foes are executed on the battlefield, at most their heads are sent to the capital. As for those who have served in the military, they are always left on the battlefield to redeem themselves through merit.

On the day before going to the Jade Flake Palace, Su Ying changed her head adornments, adhering to the usual decorum. However, the Emperor had fallen into a deep slumber. Su Ying knelt beside his pillow, carefully observing him: a memorial had fallen to the floor by the bed. One hand rested on his chest, while the other hung down by the side of the bed; his sleeping posture was steady, and his brows and features were calm, unlike the pain he had shown when he first fell ill

Uncertain whether it was due to having just walked a distance or the excessive quietness of the Yanqing Hall, at this moment she could clearly hear her heart beating rapidly. The more she listened intently, the faster her heart raced, compelling her to take a deep breath

A warmth surged in Su Ying's heart, and her smile relaxed. "There is also one in the Prince Ping's residence," she said. "When I was young, there was a time when I recklessly took a risk to obtain it, even falling from the tree. Unfortunately, it was only for a moment, and then it shattered into pieces. Perhaps for this reason, I regard it with a different perspective."

"I, your humble servant, have not shown proper courtesy, and I hope Your Highness will forgive my offense." Xie Zhen did not tell her that during the rescue of Su Sa from the enemy camp, he had been pierced in the leg by a long spear. It has been more than three months since that incident, and the wound has yet to fully heal. She had no idea how long it takes to recover from such a wound. Why should he add to her worries?

Su Ying wanted to ask further, when suddenly she heard the sound of the quilt being rubbed on the imperial bed, and the emperor's deep voice inquired: "Who?"

Su Ying hurriedly asked Wang Qiuying to leave, then walked around the carved screen and smiled brightly at him. The emperor had just awakened, his gaze still somewhat dazed. He slightly parted his lips as if wanting to call out a name, but he paused and held back his voice, gradually calming his gaze as he looked at Su Ying. In this moment, Su Ying served him a cup of clear water while kneeling, assisting him in drinking it.

With his word of honor, Su Ying naturally knew how to arrange things. She expressed her gratitude and did not intend to disturb him further. However, he reached out and plucked something from her shoulder—a small osmanthus flower. Su Ying's heart trembled, surprised that his gaze was not as bad as she had imagined.

I am not a saint, and I cannot forget my feelings. Moreover, he is my only brother, born of the same mother; to say that I could remain indifferent would be rather hypocritical

A cool breeze floated down from the distant heights, stirring the golden bells hanging from the eaves, their crisp tones evoking enticing reveries. The clear echoes penetrated deeply into Su Ying's heart, drawing forth a soft murmur from within, akin to self-reproach, yet reminiscent of an inescapable fragrance, awakening her once more: "Ah—where lies the boundary between dependence and exploitation?" Su Ying's heart tightened, and she lowered her head to kick a pebble at her feet into the pond, the splash startling the fish into a frenzy.

Xie Zhen approached the entrance, intending to pay his respects, but was abruptly pulled back by Su Ying. The two fell into a moment of silence, and Xie Zhen cleared his throat before speaking: "General Long Xiang has been delivered to the capital's prison, and my memorial with Princess Sheng Le has also been submitted. Victory and defeat are unpredictable; I trust that His Majesty will be understanding."

A figure blocked the sunlight at the door, and upon seeing that silhouette, Su Ying's emotions stirred once again, rendering her earlier efforts futile

The emperor listened with his eyes closed. Su Ying thought he was becoming impatient and felt somewhat disappointed. However, he slowly said, "After all, blood is thicker than water... If you do not care about what others say or think, you must meet him—this is acceptable." Although he agreed, his words hinted that, when others are scheming and trying to use this opportunity to undermine the Hou family, acting on impulse is never a prudent way to handle matters. Beyond this, he said no more.

The emperor smiled, reached down to pick up the memorial that had fallen under the bed, and said while reading it: "It is necessary to maintain good spirits—Prince Yong has submitted a petition requesting to return to the capital to meet the emperor. I have approved it"

In the palace garden, there are two exceptionally fine osmanthus trees, which are currently in bloom. Soon, a eunuch entered carrying a large plate filled with branches adorned with both flowers and leaves. Su Ying selected three branches from the plate, brought them to her nose to sniff, and then gently smiled, saying, "If one does not perk up at this time, they will be looked down upon by others"

Su Ying had made up her mind to find out what had happened at the front from San Ge, and at this moment, she no longer argued with Xie Zhen. She paused for a moment, brushed her hair at the temples, and asked: "How does the osmanthus compare to ours?"

Wang Qiuying replied calmly, "The Emperor's condition is extraordinary; wasn't his complexion better before the onset of the illness than it is now? This cannot be inferred by common reasoning. I fear that it may still occur silently in the future"

Su Yingxin thought: It also depends on what matter is being presented. If it is truly only shown to the Emperor, his reaction is even more unpredictable, and one cannot know what cruel tricks he might devise. Perhaps it would be better for everyone to be aware of it, as binding his hands and feet might be more advantageous.

He revealed the plea in the memorial, and Su Ying gently said: "This matter is not difficult to handle, so there is no need to worry. Fortunately, you have been taking care of Third Brother all along; it has been hard work for you." She quickly sorted out the doubts in her mind and asked in succession: "I believe my experience in leading troops in the Eastern Palace is not rich, and I am not as good as General Long Xiang. Why has he been victorious all the way? Is it that the Eastern Palace's consort has a brilliant strategy, or does the Eastern Palace have a unique approach to military affairs? Or is it that there are opportunities arising from changes in the situation within the Western Kingdom?"

Su Ying saw that Cui Luohua had indeed understood her meaning and smiled at her as a form of praise. Cui Luohua inclined her body slightly but did not approach; instead, she turned her back to Su Ying, facing the only path that led here. With her watching, Su Ying felt less tense and turned her gaze to examine Xie Zhen closely.

Su Ying was taken aback: "Had it been discussed with anyone before?"

I do not dare to let Your Majesty's brilliance be diminished for my own selfish reasons. After solemnly stating this, Su Ying earnestly requested, "Even if he is a person awaiting punishment, he is still my brother. What I seek now is merely to see him as soon as possible. I do not know how he has been loyal to Your Majesty over these past few months, how he could have fallen to such a state. This time, having brought shame to the country, I also wish to personally reprimand him..." I do not know how he has been loyal to Your Majesty over these past few months, how he could have fallen to such a state. This time, having brought shame to the country, I also wish to personally reprimand him..."

The man walked somewhat slowly, seemingly unwell. Su Ying could not help but feel concerned, paying close attention to whether his voice was as clear as usual. Fortunately, when he paid his respects to the throne, his breath and tone remained as calm and steady as ever: "I, Minister Xie Zhen, pay my respects to the Most Holy and Most Wise Emperor Tianyou, and I wish for Your Majesty's blessings and longevity to be as vast as the heavens. I pay my respects to the Most Kind and Most Virtuous Empress, and I wish for Her Majesty's health and countless blessings."

He seemed not to have noticed, softly allowing her to take her leave. It was as if he suddenly remembered something, and in a tone that suggested nonchalance, he asked: "Is it just that you want to see Su Sa for a moment?"

The matter is confidential and cannot be disclosed externally

Su Ying unknowingly bit her lower lip, and when she realized the pain, she let out a short sigh. Can he really only live for one year

She did not touch the memorial, gently and slowly placing his arm on the bed, then beckoning behind her. Wang Qiuying quietly approached her side, lightly resting her fingers on the emperor's wrist. Although Su Ying was staring intently at Wang Qiuying, the female doctor seemed wholly focused on listening to the messages conveyed by the patient's body, as if deliberately avoiding inquiry, lowering her head and not making eye contact with Su Ying. After a while, her eyelids fluttered gently, and she raised her head to glance at Su Ying, her expression somewhat evasive. Although Su Ying was staring intently at Wang Qiuying, the female doctor seemed wholly focused on listening to the messages conveyed by the patient's body, as if deliberately avoiding inquiry, lowering her head and not making eye contact with Su Ying. After a while, her eyelids fluttered gently, and she raised her head to glance at Su Ying, her expression somewhat evasive.

Your Highness!" Xie Zhen gently interrupted her question, composed himself, and replied: "The details are complex, and I, a humble minister, am unable to comprehend them fully. The matter has already been reported to His Majesty...

He looked at her silhouette, smiled slightly, and gently flicked away the insignificant osmanthus flower, which immediately vanished from his sight, leaving him unaware of where it had landed among the dust.

The palace maid adorned her hairpin with osmanthus flowers. Su Ying gazed into the mirror for a moment, then suddenly sighed: "In the blink of an eye, no one resembles their former selves..." This sigh caused those around her to feel a sense of unease, exchanging glances and refraining from speaking casually.

Xie Zhen was momentarily taken aback, and his brow instinctively tightened. There was no need for him to elaborate; Su Ying had already guessed that the situation in the war was difficult. However, to her surprise, Xie Zhen said, "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince leads the army, and there is no battle he cannot win." Although he seemed to be stating a fact, his tone carried a hint of uncertainty. Su Ying understood that in such a setting, it was impossible to engage in a deep conversation, so she smiled gently and said, "Recently, His Majesty has been slightly unwell and is unable to summon the general. He has instructed that a banquet be held in the palace to welcome the general." After saying this, she cast a glance at the attendants nearby, and they immediately proceeded to prepare the banquet.

"Do you like osmanthus?" he asked suddenly

Su Ying's lips curled upward—here, underestimating anyone is a mistake. Those who live here truly have their reasons for surviving. Her smile deepened as she said to the palace maid who was combing her hair, "Today, there is no need for so much gold and jade. Go and pick a few branches of unique osmanthus flowers." The maids, seeing her creative enthusiasm, secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Today is the day General Long Xiang is being escorted back to the capital; it is unclear how she can remain so carefree and unrestrained, but it is certainly better than wearing a solemn expression all day.

Su Ying and she quietly walked to the other side of the screen, conversing in a whisper-like low voice: "How is His Majesty's condition?"

He laughed upon hearing this naive story and then asked: "What about now? Are you afraid of falling from a height?"

The emperor smiled slightly and pointed to the carved screen, saying, "Do you know what those sixteen characters mean?" Su Ying nodded. "It means that I can never indulge in personal desires here," he said softly, "and you cannot either."

When Xie Zhen stood up, his movements were clearly hindered. Su Ying slowly said, "I see that the general seems to be injured."

Suyington Foot Massage: "How could you be so reckless! The memorial has already changed hands several times; how can there be any secrets left? If there truly is a significant secret, it should be approached through another channel, presented directly to the Emperor. Now that it has been seen by outsiders, are you not afraid that others will turn against you?"

Su Ying frowned—this was not the first time she had heard Wang Qiuying's unchanging response. She couldn't help but begin to doubt: "Really? I see that the Emperor looks much better than usual."

It seems uncertain

Su Ying said nothing further, offering a faint smile as a gesture for him to leave first. As she watched his figure disappear among the lush flowers and trees, she let out a gentle sigh

Upon careful consideration, the sole son of the Eastern Palace being detained by the Empress, and not allowing Su Sa to remain at the front lines, not only deprived him of the opportunity to achieve merit despite his guilt, but also placed the Empress in a difficult position, which indeed serves as a good strategy

Su Ying was secretly startled, pondering whether her performance had been too excessive, causing him to become suspicious. She offered a faint smile as an ambiguous response and bowed slightly before exiting.

Xie Zhen is a head taller than Su Ying, and a faint fragrance wafts from the tip of his nose. When Su Ying inquires, he gives her a deep glance, nods slightly, and replies: "Much more beautiful."

Su Ying recalled that the last time the emperor personally dealt with a defeated enemy was nearly twenty years ago—on that occasion, it was the rebellious Prince Xiu, the emperor's brother, who was captured and brought back to the capital. The crimes of Prince Xiu were indeed grave, and it was not surprising for the emperor to personally pass judgment. However, the fact that Su Sa was captured and sent back after several consecutive defeats seemed somewhat excessive, catching people off guard instead.

After three rounds of drinks, Su Ying borrowed an excuse to exit the hall and walked slowly to the edge of a pond. At this moment, the scenery appeared somewhat desolate, yet it possessed a unique charm. Su Ying had no intention of admiring it; she lowered her head to gaze into the pond, where the ripples created by the colorful koi either gathered or dispersed. A sudden autumn breeze arose, causing the water's surface to shimmer with gentle waves. Her mind became slightly tranquil as she heard Cui Luohua softly cough—a sign that Xie Zhen was following behind her, approaching.

Su Ying carefully examined herself and, satisfied, nodded her head. Accompanied by the female officials and palace maids, she grandly arrived at the Yanqing Hall. Inside the hall, the imperial thrones for the Emperor and Empress had already been placed. Su Ying paid her respects to the vacant imperial seat several times before taking her place on the rear seat, nodding her head and saying: "Summon."

Su Ying smiled and said in a clear voice, "General, the journey has not been easy; please take a seat."

Su Ying felt a bit regretful for her words: she should not have disregarded the situation on the battlefield and the Eastern Palace, yet she first inquired about his injuries. She hurriedly asked again: "Is the situation on the battlefield particularly perilous? How has the Crown Prince been?"