Chapter 5, Letdown

She suddenly felt a surge of fear, her gaze involuntarily lifted. After a moment, she finally spoke softly, "Prince Ning, have your injuries healed?"

Yuan Hao narrowed his eyes, the massive silhouette of the imperial city loomed like a mirage in the haze. In this increasingly oppressive storm, the young man was acutely aware that the most difficult era of the Jin Dynasty was about to arrive

The heir to the empire was established early on, as Empress Zhou came from a prestigious family, and the intricate web of relationships made it nearly impossible to shake her son's position as the legitimate heir. Nevertheless, the father still entertained thoughts of changing the heir. Ultimately, this did not come to fruition, but the empress's hatred towards them had already taken deep root.

He turned his head to glance at her, her graceful profile, rosy thin lips, and elegant nose... He had been deliberately avoiding the thought that today, dressed in bridal attire, she was so beautiful... Yet the time he had spent by her side was now reduced to merely these few dozen steps.

King Ning remained motionless on the ground

It has always been her who acted coyly towards him, yet he has never been this persistent—Vaisang felt somewhat at a loss for a moment, struggling for a long time before finally saying: "The wound cannot come into contact with water... If you feel uncomfortable, shall I help you wipe your body?"

A group of officials, all of whom are prudent individuals, after deliberation, still decided to keep Prince Ning imprisoned in the heavenly prison. They resolved to first confiscate the military power of Prince Ning's former subordinates before transferring the case to the Dali Temple for legal execution. Furthermore, since Princess Jiahui has not yet married the Emperor and has suddenly encountered unforeseen circumstances, she cannot be regarded as a member of the imperial harem. Therefore, she was sent back to the original post station for further arrangements

Amidst the chaotic thoughts, the clearest is the responsibility on my shoulders and the overwhelming hatred.

King Ning took a deep breath, led his horse, and mounted.

But every time you come, you bring A Zhuang with you... A Zhuang lowered her head, on the verge of tears

Weisang hurriedly ran over, knelt before him, and anxiously asked: "Are you awake?"

Weisang, with tears in her eyes, smiled as she looked at him and said: "I do not want you to make so many promises... I only want you to agree to one thing for me."

In the spring, amidst the misty willows, the convoy raises a cloud of dust as it slowly makes its way along the official road to the northeast

With a crack, the jade sword split into two pieces

It felt as if a clear stream of water was flowing down her body, and her footsteps paused momentarily

After she finished speaking, she regretted it, took a deep breath, pulled him close, and said softly: "During the days when your aunt is not around, you must study diligently. Lord Zhao will supervise you... If there is anything you do not understand, you may also ask him."

Vaisang lay on the ground, and in that moment, he suddenly felt that his love was so insignificant

The emperor continued to stroke the ring on his thumb, smiling leisurely: "There is no rush regarding the marriage proposal; allow me to think it over a bit more."

Is there water nearby?" he asked somewhat insistently

Good

He could sense her hand trembling slightly, and for a moment, his heart lost its rhythm, yet he ultimately steadied himself and helped her into the car. As soon as Weisang settled in, she reached out to lift the beaded curtain in front of her. She knew that her actions were not in accordance with etiquette, but at that moment... she simply wanted to see him one more time. Jiang Zaichu had not yet left, and when she met his deep gaze, her heart suddenly began to race, filled with an indescribable weakness and confusion—she almost felt like crying.

He fell into a deep sleep again

"Aunt, are you crying?" A-Zhuang felt a warm and wet sensation on his neck. Held in her embrace, he remained still, yet he understood her feelings and comforted her, "Don't cry! You'll be back in July! Uncle Ning Wang will come back with you. A-Zhuang will be very good and wait for you."

The sound of hooves approached from behind, and Visang had no time to turn around. However, Xiao Rang had already grabbed her by the waist and tossed her to the person on the horse, shouting: "Your Highness, protect the princess and leave first!"

At that time, Yuan Hao Xing stood at the city gate watching the departing army, yet he gently shook his head, knowing in his heart that it was already too late

In the court, several high-ranking ministers remained, and within half an hour, the Jin Dynasty established the youngest emperor.

Good

On the 16th day of the 6th month in the 5th year of the Yuanxi era, the Emperor married Princess Jiahui

Xiao Rang's voice said: "Princess, the road ahead is too narrow; everyone must dismount. Let me assist you down."

If he rashly kills Prince Ning, I fear that his former subordinates in the northwest will not agree—after all, even in the capital, with the Jing family having a good relationship with him, how could they possibly stand by and do nothing

Jing Yun's expression stiffened, and he said in a deep voice: "Your Highness, General Xiao... he has led the team to completely annihilate the bandits."

"Is it a landslide?" Vissan was protected in the center by the soldiers, and some, trembling with fear, asked.

Princess Jiahui observed the mourning period for less than three months, which was too short both in sentiment and reason. Ultimately, the Empress Dowager issued a decree, instructing the princess to first enter the capital and settle down before proceeding with the wedding.

Outside the dilapidated temple, after a fresh rain during the day, the air was humid and carried the scent of earth. Weisang supported him as they walked outside, where the moonlight and starlight were quite faint, and their shadows stretched long on the ground, intertwining together in the distance.

Jiang Zaichu looked into her eyes and suddenly felt a surge of blood rushing to his head, overwhelming all his rationality

He could read her thoughts, yet he merely concealed that hint of melancholy. He lowered the curtain, took a deep breath, and commanded: "Set off."

"Silly girl, why are you crying?" He sat on the ground without moving, seemingly wanting to reach out to comfort her, but his body was constrained, so he chuckled softly, "Every man's dream is to save the woman he loves"

He slightly bent down, his laughter hoarse: "I understand."

Since he is infatuated with that woman, I want him to know whose world this truly is! The more the emperor thought about it, the more he felt at ease. "Mother, you have no idea how pleased I am in my heart."

The emperor felt a surge of joy in his heart, sitting calmly as his gaze fell upon the Prince Ning beside her. He showed no particular expression, and compared to previous days, his complexion appeared slightly pale

She also knows that now is the best opportunity for the two of them to leave together, as the court has determined that it is the work of bandits and will not implicate others

Jiang Zaichu had just knocked down one person with his right hand and was unable to return his gun in time. Seeing the blade about to strike Visang's waist, he urgently sidestepped and kicked away two knives. However, there was still one blade left, which struck his own back.

Jiang Zaichu's equestrian skills were exceptional; with one hand holding the reins and the other wielding a broad blade, he slashed diagonally, cutting down a horse thief from his mount. With a slight exertion of his legs, the steed let out a neigh and surged forward.

Weisang sat inside the carriage and reached out to lift the curtain.

The Empress looked at her son, a glimmer of joy sparkling in the corners of her eyes

On the last night before entering the palace, Weisang lay in bed, yet found it difficult to fall asleep. Unable to rest, she simply sat up, ordered her maid to brighten the lamp, ground the ink, and began to write on a piece of paper

Prince Ning raised his head with a smile, "Your Majesty, fortunately, there is nothing to report. The bandits have been completely annihilated. The princess is also safe. Otherwise, I would have failed in my duty."

The Empress pondered for a moment, "Do you want him to be responsible for preparing the wedding on June 16?"

King Ning arrived at the palace, where the Emperor was having dinner in the Hall of Purple Splendor. Upon seeing him, the Emperor set down his ivory chopsticks and smiled, saying, "You have returned?"

Where does the firewood used for making a fire come from

As July approached, Yuan Hao felt a hint of chill. He quietly gazed at the drifting clouds in the distance beyond the city wall, when he suddenly heard a guard report: "Princess Jiahui has passed away from shock at the post station."

All the civil and military officials were waiting on both sides of Longwei Road, watching as Prince Ning dismounted and assisted the princess from Shu.

Mother was not an ambitious woman; she was more suited to marrying into a wealthy family in Jiangnan rather than the scheming royal court. She never expected her husband to name her son as the crown prince, but instead, she early on implored the emperor to grant her son a fief in Jiangnan.

Overwhelmed by grief, Jiang Zaichu only wanted to throw his head back and laugh, but he had no strength left in his body. A slight sweetness rose in his throat, and he coughed up a mouthful of fresh blood, closing his eyes.

Among all the officials, only Yuan Haoxing noticed this subtle movement

Four fine horses were lined up in front of the carriage when suddenly there was a sound. The deep red curtain with golden edges was abruptly drawn back, and a figure dressed in a bright red wedding gown suddenly appeared

It seems as if a thread connects all of this together

Before long, Xiao Rang returned to the side of the carriage, "Your Highness, Prince Ning said that we should still pass through Moonlight Gorge today, though it may be a bit arduous, as it would be even more difficult to travel tomorrow if it rains."

Now let him stay in the capital for a while the emperor said casually after some time he may be sent to the frontier

Having resolved the most critical issue of the imperial heirs, the next question is how to deal with Prince Ning

The emperor's expression slightly changed.

Vesang's movements paused for a moment as his fingertips brushed over a scar on his abdomen. He looked up and asked him: "What is this?"

Zhao Dingyu is the Chancellor of the Shu region, deeply trusted by Han Yong, and now entrusted with great power, which reassures Wei Sang

His gaze scrutinized Vissang from head to toe once again, ultimately resting on her vaguely discernible features behind the beaded curtain. Although he had heard Wang Hu mention her before, the sight of this girl in a wedding dress exceeded his expectations of beauty. Her eyes, peering through the jade beads, were somewhat shy yet quietly met his gaze.

But what should we do

The Imperial Guards finally reacted, drawing their weapons and rushing from the entrance of the hall

Before the words had left his mouth, three long swords had already struck towards Weisang.

Weisang was also lying on the ground, in this hall where the sound of the falling needle could be heard. The footsteps of that person grew closer and closer, causing her heart to pound violently, and her mind was in a daze, with chaotic images scattering and drifting.

He saw the crimson eyes of Prince Ning, as well as the malevolent aura radiating from him, and shouted: "Save the Emperor!"

All the officials rose one after another

Later, Jiang Zaichu thought more than once that their hatred for themselves was not without reason. After all, in this royal family where human feelings are cold and power reigns supreme, only he had received a father's love. His father even expressed regret to his mother, saying: "In my life, if there is anything I feel guilty about, it is that I cannot accompany you back to your hometown to take a look."

The guards began to confront the enemy, with dozens of people in the center of the formation protecting Weisang as they moved forward, aiming to exit the canyon first

Fortunately, Jiang Zaichu's horse was exceptionally spirited. In just half a tea time, it had already taken the two of them far away from the battlefield behind, and they were about to exit the Moonlight Gorge. Just as he felt a sense of relief in his heart, he suddenly saw shadows of people ahead, and his heart sank. He knew that there were still ambushers at the gorge's entrance. If he were alone, he would naturally have no fear, but now he had to protect Weisang, which made him feel somewhat anxious.

A group of people has been traveling on the official road for five days

The carriage suddenly came to a stop

Yet at this moment, he lies here, gravely injured, calling her name over and over again

His longsword pointed to the ground, his gaze lowered and eyes closed, yet Vissang could sense the chilling aura emanating from him at that moment

Weisang instinctively closed his eyes, hearing two hissing sounds by his ear, as warm liquid splattered on his face. He knew he had just slain two enemies, yet he was unaware of how many more bandits lay ahead.

I entered the Hall of Hanyuan, will you... will you accompany me? She felt her palms gradually becoming damp, and the unknown before her suddenly filled her with a sense of fear

Lord Ning forcefully pushed aside the princess and directly plunged the sword into the emperor's back

Jingyun glanced at Weisang again, only to see her standing on tiptoe, anxiously asking: "Where is General Xiao?"

I will be there

Yuan Hao Xing reached out to rub his brow, then looked into the distance again, recalling the day he had suggested to the Emperor that Prince Ning marry Princess Jia Hui. The Emperor had already agreed, when unexpectedly, Zhou Jinghua let out a soft laugh from the side

I want to go into the water and wash my body He half-raised his body Although his face was pale, his expression was very determined

Yuan Hao was listening nearby, and a sudden jolt ran through his heart as he slowly turned to observe the Emperor's expression

On that night, Empress Dowager Zhou personally arrived at the Purple Hall. The Emperor had just returned from his meal and hurried to assist the Empress Dowager in taking her seat, smiling as he said, "Mother, what brings you here in person?"

He slightly composed himself, only to see the young Shu Marquis looking up, straining to stand on tiptoe, with an expression of urgency on his face

Weisang's heart finally fell heavily down

"I am fine," he said, feeling drowsy and wanting to close his eyes again, but he quickly opened them and asked, "How long have I been asleep?" In truth, he found it exhausting to say even a single sentence, yet he did not want her to worry or be afraid, so he forced himself to ask, "Have they come looking for me?"

Officials from both sides entered in succession, and the ceremonial officer began to read the imperial edict. Once the reading was completed, all civil and military officials knelt down and collectively shouted "Long live the Emperor"

She stood still for a long time before finally placing her hand in his.

"If there comes a day when I have wronged you, please... do not like me like this anymore." She took a deep breath, a drop of scalding tear rolled down, "It is not worth it."

"The grand wedding on June 16, is the date perhaps a bit too rushed?" The Empress Dowager added, "In my heart, I always feel that it is rather hasty."

The procession continued all the way to the imperial city, passing through the Danfeng Gate, and finally came to a stop in front of the Hanyuan Hall

The guards beside him had not yet responded when a group of bandits suddenly emerged, and the masked man at the forefront struck down with his blade, decapitating the guard. This was the first time Weisang had witnessed such a brutal scene; hot blood splattered across his face, and for a moment, he was at a loss, standing there in a daze, unable to move.

Prince Ning bent down to take it and drank it all in one go. Suddenly, he heard a child's voice softly say: "Uncle Prince Ning"

But I want to marry the emperor—" she was still crying heavily

How fast is it? A-Zhuang insisted, "Aunt, can I have three months? This way, I can still make it back in July to take A-Zhuang to see the lanterns"

Oh no! What is this? Suddenly, a soldier crouched down, covering his forehead, with blood between his fingers

He cannot make large movements, and this is the first time Visan has physically touched the body of a young man in such a direct manner

She wanted him to kill the emperor, so that no one would blame the people of Shu for this catastrophic disaster

"Where will you be?" Her voice was almost in tears

He seems to be deliberately emphasizing "having a beginning and an end." Prince Ning slightly lowered his head, clenching his fists tightly in his sleeves: "I, as a subject, am most willing."

The Hall of Supreme Harmony is exceedingly spacious, and it will take them some time to arrive. The great hall is in a state of chaos, and the eunuchs beside the emperor are quite astute, wielding their dusters to strike heavily at the jade sword in the hands of Prince Ning.

The pearl curtain on the phoenix crown faintly obscured her vision, so she obediently held onto the hand of the maid and walked to the door.

On the evening of June 16 in the fifth year of the Yuanxi era, thousands of black-armored warriors forcefully stormed the heavenly prison and rescued Jiang Zaichu

There is a lake not far away," Vissan hesitated and said, "What is it?

Weisang was momentarily taken aback and adjusted his attire, saying, "It won't do."

Both sides of Longwei Road were filled with officials. Weisang glanced with the corner of his eye and saw a sea of people, various official robes, and unfamiliar faces, feeling somewhat dazed

Jiang Zaichu respectfully said: "I kindly ask Your Excellency to lead the way, as I am also eager to enter the palace to meet with His Majesty and the Empress Dowager"

The princess may rest here at ease, as His Majesty has dispatched the Imperial Guard to watch over this place, and you will be able to enter the capital on an auspicious day. His gaze respectfully fell between her eyes and lips, I shall return to the palace to report, and bid you farewell now.

Tears fell in a string like pearls dropping down

It turns out that she had been deceiving him all along

Jingyun helped her onto the carriage and carefully observed her complexion, yet he could not detect anything unusual, only that her eyes were a bit red. He felt worried in his heart and could not help but say: "Your Highness..."

The wedding procession, solemn and dignified, was composed primarily of the emperor's imperial guards, all clad in silver armor, with red tassels tied to their helmets, appearing magnificent amidst the morning mist

"Do you want to drink water?" Vissang quickly ran to his side

Her resolute rejection of his proposal to elope was evident, yet at this moment, it turned out that deep down, she was still saddened, unable to express it in words

Weisang was taken aback but did not respond

After that night, Jiang Zaichu's injuries seemed to improve day by day, and he no longer slept all day. However, Weisang was quite worried that the two of them were now in this small valley, subsisting on wild fruits they foraged—how could these things help him recover? With some concern, she placed a bag of freshly washed fruits in front of Jiang Zaichu, saying, "I originally wanted to see if there were any fish in the lake, but I couldn't catch any..."

In the end, she sweetly smiled at him, her red lips slightly moving

I am here, I am here..." she replied repeatedly, patiently and gently, until the person in her arms, in a deep sleep, curled the corners of their lips and unconsciously grasped her hand tightly, as if sensing something

The emperor's body convulsed several times, and he spat out a large mouthful of fresh blood, immediately collapsing to the ground.

Weisang gradually let go of the child, her face still marked with tears, yet she forced a smile and said to him: "Auntie won't cry anymore. Auntie just thinks that if I don't see you for three months... I will miss you."

"Princess, the auspicious time for departure is approaching," the matron said, her eyes red as she stepped out to remind, "Prince Ning and General Xiao are both waiting. It is time to... depart."

Zhou Jinghua spoke in a casual tone, saying, "Before I left Jinzhou, I did meet the princess. At that time, Prince Ning had not yet taken office, but he already recognized the princess. Their conversation and demeanor were quite affectionate. If Your Majesty were to bestow this happy union, Prince Ning would indeed be able to fulfill his wishes, which would be a cause for joy and celebration"

The emperor could hardly suppress a hint of a smile at the corner of his mouth: "Mother, do you know why I wish to marry that barbarian woman?"

He uttered a sound of acknowledgment, "Send the orders to the rear, move faster. We must exit Moonlight Gorge before nightfall"

"No—" Wei Sang looked up and saw his expression, quickly saying, "Rest assured, I will not let anything happen to myself..."

She was so close to him that she could see his lips, thin as paper, without a trace of blood. A few strands of hair that had fallen by his temples brushed against her mouth, and she gently tucked them away, her fingers gliding over his cheek, lingering for a moment.

He held her hand tightly and smiled gently: "Alright. If that's the case, I will come shortly thereafter"

All she could hear was the howling wind, and the broad chest of the person behind her, with a heartbeat faintly resonating, was a scent she was all too familiar with

Warm tears gently fall into the ink on the inkstone, one drop, two drops, and then they softly splash, landing on the back of the hand, blooming into dark ink flowers

The head of the Jing family is Jing Guan, the uncle of Jing Yun. He personally sought forgiveness from the new emperor and the empress dowager, and led the Imperial Guard out of the city to pursue.

Jiang Zaichu! She quickly knelt down, gently lifting his head, calling his name with tears in her eyes, "Jiang Zaichu! Wake up!"

Having said that, she carefully brought a piece of broken porcelain filled with some water to his lips and said gently, "The fever has finally subsided a bit"

This day will eventually come. She and he quietly remain in this secluded little valley, and they will ultimately be found by someone

The minister said, "The younger brother has had little contact with her, but her appearance is quite proper, and her manners are complete." Prince Ning said lightly, "She is currently at the inn; Your Majesty, do you have any plans on when to bring her into the palace?"

In summary, the princess should retire early tonight, as there will be much to do tomorrow

I am fine, " Vissang gently held on, speaking in a soothing tone as if to a child, " why don't you take a little nap? "

He was taken aback, his body moved slightly, feeling as if his back was about to split open, and he couldn't help but let out a muffled groan

Weisang stared blankly, forcing back the tears that threatened to fall, and made an effort to display a faint smile: "Jiang Zaichu, you are dying, yet I am no longer afraid... At worst, we shall die together"

The ceremonial vessel for the wedding, he replied, is a jade sword

As the two conversed, he became somewhat listless, leaning against the pillar and closing his eyes

The Emperor and Yuan Haoxing's gaze fell upon him simultaneously, and Yuan Haoxing said: "What insights does Lord Zhou have?"

... ...

She repeatedly said sorry to him, so that is how it is

This trap was dug by her own hands

She looked at him in disbelief, did he even know what he was committing to

His hair fell messily over his shoulders, and as he half-sat up, his clothes were already tattered. However, the expression on his handsome face resembled that of a child, "I want to go"

He held the reins in his hands, galloping wildly without discernible direction, until the dusk deepened and the way back became indistinguishable

A sense of suffocation rises layer by layer, ultimately surging into a massive wave that engulfs oneself.

She originally just held onto his arm, gradually leaning closer, embracing his body, and with a sobbing tone said: "I am sorry, I am sorry... it is I who am sorry to you"

Unbeknownst to her, a hint of dawn had already appeared outside. She calmly set down her pen and lay back down on the bed. Before long, a maid entered and gently called out to her: "Your Highness, it is time to rise"

Seeing her obediently close her eyes, he pointed his long gun forward, forcefully squeezed the horse's belly, and charged towards the bandits.

How could he have been possessed, using the jade sword in his hand to slay the emperor

Weisang's body stiffened as he heard his name being called, each utterance so gentle and cautious, as if two extremely important words were being spoken

His lips had long since cracked, with purple-red scabs remaining on the upper lip. In such a disheveled state, she quietly held him, yet found it warm.

The emperor looked at his unfamiliar brother, his body beginning to tremble: "What do you... what do you want to do?!"

Jiang Zaichu slowly sheathed his long sword and said: "Get up. It is good that everyone is well."

In these days, they have not spoken, nor have their gazes crossed, yet she knows he has always been by her side

Perhaps due to the pain, Jiang Zaichu awoke, and upon seeing the cloth strip in her hand, she said intermittently: "Plant ash"

I am here

What just happened to me?! Why did I immediately withdraw all my consciousness upon seeing Weisang's gaze and hearing the low murmurs of incantations in my ears? What have I done?!

The excruciating pain in his back forced Jiang Zaichu to awaken abruptly from the dream of the imperial palace. Struggling to open his eyes, he found his vision still somewhat blurred. He was in an extremely dilapidated room, lying on a bed of straw, and the surroundings were eerily quiet, with not a single person in sight

"Let me tell you another joke. You get up first." The emperor pulled him up and, staring into his eyes, said, "There were people who suggested that you marry that princess. I thought it over, and with you being the only brother, how could I allow the legitimate wife of Prince Ning to be taken by a barbarian woman?"

The crimson in his eyes gradually faded, and the wicked fire in his heart was extinguished, leaving only a sense of bewilderment

This is also the first time Visan has seen such a magnificent palace

Protect the princess! Xiao Rang shouted loudly, drawing his long knife with a swift motion

"How can one succeed without reading?" Wei Sang said softly, "You must listen to Grandpa Zhao."

"Prince Ning has just visited me," the Empress said slowly. "What are your plans for his future?"

The Grand Jin Imperial City is renowned as the Palace of Ten Thousand Palaces, with three grand halls standing in succession along the central axis of the capital, exuding an unparalleled grandeur. He still remembers walking from Longshou Road to Hanyuan Hall, a journey that took a full hour. However, despite the majestic and magnificent nature of the palace, his mother did not favor it. Born in the Jiangnan region, she was accustomed to the delicate and graceful gardens of Jiangnan since childhood, and found it quite difficult to adapt to the resplendent red and gold of this palace.

Occasionally, the quiet chirping of summer insects can be heard, yet it accentuates the profound stillness of all things.

Relying on the armor of vines, the bandits displayed extraordinary bravery. Many guards around her were injured or had fallen, and Visang's heart raced increasingly faster as she looked around, yet she could not see Jiang Zaichu. Her anxiety grew, and she repeatedly asked, "Where is Prince Ning?"

Jiang Zaichu saw her wet skirt, and his expression darkened: "Did you catch it?"

Grandpa Zhao is so fierce! A Zhuang said with a苦 face, "He forces me to study every day"

It is said that the roads of Shu are difficult, more difficult than ascending to the blue sky

When lost in thought, the person leaning against herself suddenly moved and called her name in a voice so soft that only she could hear: "Weisang..."

Weisang's body was lifted into the air, only to be caught around the waist by someone and placed in front of the horse

Throughout this journey, she was filled with trepidation, but at this moment, when she truly faced danger, perhaps even losing her life, her heart instead found a sense of calm.

"On another day, let Yanfei bring your nephew over," the Emperor squinted his eyes, a glimmer passing through his gaze, and said with a smile, "You haven't met him yet"

Weisang handed him the wide brim and helped him to his feet, his expression calm and serene.

Having reached this point, there is no turning back

"Hmm." he said softly

Princess Jiahui slowly straightened her body and obediently placed her hand in the Emperor's hand

This action caused the wound on his waist to裂得更大, and two blades struck simultaneously. He could only use his back to block, resulting in two dull thuds as the blades sank into flesh. He inhaled sharply, then turned around, sweeping his long spear across, cleaving the two assailants in half.

Prince Ning has always walked at the forefront of the procession, while the princess has remained in the central carriage of the procession, hardly emerging except for resting and lodging at night

When his mind went blank, perhaps due to pain, Jiang Zai finally regained consciousness

The swift horse galloped back to his residence. After bathing, he changed into his official attire. The palace eunuchs had already been waiting at the Prince Ning's residence, and upon seeing him, they smiled and said: "Your Highness, His Majesty and the Empress Dowager have been waiting for you."

She suddenly found herself at a loss for words. Although he bore many scars, none were deeper or heavier than the three fresh ones on his back. ... If it were not for the sake of saving her ...? ... With his skills, how could he have been reduced to this state?

Jingyun lowered his head, "General Xiao... fought valiantly and died in action"

Weisang quietly gazed at him, the young man's eyes so sincere and earnest... This made her realize that in this world, he was the only one willing to give everything to her without reservation

"Be obedient." He moved slightly and slowly released her hand

Weisang had one hand resting on the yoke, but his fingers inadvertently tightened their grip

If he dies ... ... If he dies ... ...

The Han family is a lineage of sorcerers, entering the capital, encountering an ambush, sustaining severe injuries, recovering, and committing regicide

Until she stood in front of A Zhuang, she looked at him with red-rimmed eyes, bent down, and embraced him in her arms

At that time, his mother was softly coaxing herself to sleep, her long hair falling onto her neck, tickling him. He quietly opened his eyes to take a glance at her. In the candlelight, his mother wore no makeup, yet there was a faint glow around her brows and eyes. She simply said: "As long as you have this heart, I am content."

He could only feel that her tone was so calm and so desolate, as if a basin of ice water had thoroughly drenched him. He couldn't help but glance back; Prince Ning had already changed his bandages but did not enter the carriage, merely gazing from a distance, his eyes, though restrained, could not hide his concern

She hurriedly reached out to support him

One of her hands instinctively tightened around his waist, and suddenly she heard a low command: "Close your eyes!"

Subsequent generations referred to this meeting as the "Yuanxi Secret Discussion," in which all participants were the most influential officials of the court at that time. After they established the new ruler, they found themselves at an impasse regarding how to deal with the issue of the regicide committed by Prince Ning, with two factions holding opposing views.

This road is so difficult and uncertain, and at a glance, she cannot see the end... However, if Jiang Zaichu were to die, she would no longer be entangled in her thoughts; she could simply accompany him in death, which would indeed bring her a sense of relief...

He intends to personally deliver her to the emperor

He leaned down, brought his face close, and asked in a low voice: "What’s wrong?"

After the incident, Jing Yun, who was under house arrest, secretly took the city defense fish key from his home. He met with the others at the South Gate and, surrounded by them, Jiang Zai Chu left the capital, heading south.

Weisang hurriedly rubbed his eyes and asked, "Do you have any medicine for wounds on you?"

I know this, but what about others? Are they hurt?" Vissang furrowed his brow, "Where is he?"

He had numerous abrasions on his body and face, but fortunately, the moon emerged from behind the clouds, and with this faint glow, Weisang found Jiang Zaichu not far away. He lay motionless on the ground, and due to his deep blue robe, the bloodstains were not obvious, making it difficult to discern the extent of his injuries at first glance

"Weisang... Is there water nearby?" He groggily woke up again.

Her gaze shifted away from the imposing Hanyuan Hall, and she softly said, "Alright"

Having completed all of this, she felt a slight sense of relief, sitting beside him, carefully placing his head on her lap, draping half of her cloak over him, and wearily closing her eyes.

Weisang sat sideways in front of him, his heart still pounding fiercely, as he glanced at the surging river.

After some polite insistence, Lord Ning took a seat at the emperor's lower right. Just as he settled down, he suddenly remembered something, stood up again, and took out a small object from his bosom. Presenting it with both hands, he bowed his head respectfully and said: "Your Majesty has been blessed with a son. I have searched high and low, and this piece of ancient Han jade is the only suitable gift I could find."

At the moment it was torn open, Weisang felt as if all the blood in his body had turned cold.

The firelight gradually dimmed, and there was a certain chill in the night woods. Weisang was startled awake by his shivering, and she quickly reached out to feel his forehead, which was burning hot to her palm. She knew he had lost too much blood and was now running a high fever; he must be extremely cold. Just as she was about to add some firewood, Jiang Zaichu tightened his grip on her wrist, unwilling to let go.

In the fourth month of the fifth year of the Yuanxi era, Prince Ning escorted Princess Jiahui to the capital

Yet among those past events, my elder brother, father, and sister-in-law have all departed one after another... The soldiers who died in vain on the battlefield, the refugees who have lost their homes, the clansmen who sold their wives and children... All of this is because of that man who is walking towards his own fate

"Good. Aunt is back to check." Wei Sang raised his head and said to the old lady, "Old lady, I trouble you to take care of the Shu Marquis's daily life... just as you used to take care of me."

Until Yuan Hao stepped out from the crowd, he walked to the side of Prime Minister Wang Tinghe and whispered two sentences.

He did not dare to be the slightest bit negligent, kneeling and bowing his head according to the ceremonial rites, until the emperor personally came to help him stand up

The Empress Dowager stated that she is an ominous person, and her body has already been cremated

This action was too unexpected, leaving everyone in a state of shock, simply staring blankly at the three individuals standing in the center

Jiang Zaichu lowered his head to look at the bloodstains on his front, and the shattered jade sword on the ground... Did he kill the emperor himself

Startled by her, A Zhuang swallowed his tears back, looking at her timidly without saying a word

Weisang finally turned around and softly instructed, "Let's go"

King Ning remained motionless, lying down, and there was no discernible fluctuation in his voice: "Yes"

Please allow Prince Ning and the princess to return together with their entourage

Jingyun's eyes were slightly red as she knelt before Jiang Zai, softly saying: "Your Highness, it is Jingyun who is lacking."

Weisang could have refused, but in the end, he agreed

"The departure of the royal brother has indeed alleviated much. " The emperor grasped his hand, scrutinizing him closely, and sighed, "I have heard that you encountered bandits on your way back and were even injured?"

The stars at the horizon gradually dimmed, the brows and eyes like a painting, yet the ink on the scroll has slowly dried up, no longer possessing the vigor and vibrant charm.

The emperor was only three steps away from the princess

Weisang quietly held him and asked, "Why did you save me?"

The emperor chuckled: "I am rather curious about the girl that Prince Ning has taken a liking to"

Jingyun observed his expression and knew that he had not let go of his thoughts at all. Unable to help but sigh, he changed the subject and said: "Your Highness, we must be cautious on this road; there are increasingly more bandits along the way, and this is indeed the best place for an ambush"

King Ning's deep-set eyes continued to gaze silently at the Emperor, devoid of any expression, yet their dark luster was unsettling

The flames gradually extinguished, and Weisang carefully moved Jiang Zaichu aside, adding some firewood to the bonfire

Han Weisang, I ask you one last time. Beneath his sword-like brows, his eyes shone brilliantly like stars in the sky, also carrying a hint of undeniable tremor and tension. "Are you... willing to come with me?"

But I am going to marry the emperor!" She shook her head vigorously in his arms, "I want to bear him children, and you will feel sad when you see it.

"Tomorrow morning, Prince Ning will come to escort the princess into the palace," the lady-in-waiting said with a smile. "It would be best for the princess to review these once more tonight."

The emperor slowly stood up and walked towards Weisang

He knelt down again, pressing his forehead to the ground, and spoke word by word: "I, your humble servant, have taken the liberty to change the tax rate from one in four to one in five... Such audacity is deserving of your majesty's pardon."

"Are those scars on your shoulders and chest?" Weisang was taken aback.

"A favorable date has been calculated, it is June 16th, isn't it?" The emperor's eyes gleamed with pleasure, mixed with a hint of malice, "I fear that at that time, my royal brother will still have to toil for me, presiding over the ceremony and bringing her into the palace, thus ensuring a proper beginning and end"

Is it the wound on your chest?" Weisang was taken aback.

Weisang was originally sitting sideways, and amidst the bumps, her body kept sliding down. She had been holding onto Jiang Zaichu's waist, but felt her hand becoming wet and slippery, and she caught a whiff of the smell of blood. So, she secretly opened her eyes, only to see her hand covered in blood, realizing that he was injured. Startled, her body fell down even more heavily, and Jiang Zaichu, unable to do anything else, threw aside the reins and forcefully pulled her back up.

She leaned in closer and heard him calling "father and mother". She was momentarily taken aback, then remembered that he had once mentioned that the late emperor never allowed him to call him father and mother when they were alone, but instead instructed him to address them as "father and mother" like an ordinary family. A slight pang of sadness welled up in her heart, and Vissang gently held his hand.

In fact, the lake was not far away, but it took them more than a stick of incense to finally catch a glimpse of the shimmering water.

"Aren't you afraid?" He stood in front of her, smiling slightly, "What if the bandits come after us?"

The large group waited at the valley entrance, and upon seeing that they had found Prince Ning and the princess, they could not help but cheer.

Weisang quietly pondered for a moment, then lowered his head to grind ink for him, slowly saying: "It will be soon."

The wheel of fate begins to turn at this moment

Weisang gazed at herself in the bronze mirror, gently extending her finger to caress the phoenix. She exhaled softly, and for some reason, she felt tears welling up in her eyes.

Her gaze finally lifted, intersecting with his, devoid of a smile, her cheeks clearly adorned with makeup, yet her expression was as pale as white paper

Is he dead? Yuan Hao was startled, as he still had many questions in his mind and wanted to ask that princess.

Between you and the emperor. He felt a chill in his chest, "As long as you look up, I will be there."

It is unclear how long he rolled in a daze, but gradually the terrain became flat, and Vissang took a long time to finally get up.

The court was silent, and the hearts of the people were anxious and unsettled. The senior officials and ministers exchanged glances, yet none stepped forward to take charge of the situation

I am fine. " Vissang paused for a moment, a faintly cool smile appearing, " The journey to the capital is long. General Xiao... it is not necessarily a bad thing for him to remain in his homeland.

This medicine is surprisingly effective; fresh blood is still oozing out, but the flow has noticeably slowed down.

On the 18th day of the 4th month in the 5th year of the Yuanxi era, the Marquis of Shu bid farewell to Princess Jiahui and Prince Ning outside the city of Jinzhou

Vesang could not help but gaze into the distance

The emperor took her hand, turned to the crowd, and said with a smile: "All of you, please be at ease"

At this moment, Prince Ning also stood up

The name of Moon Canyon is indeed pleasant to hear, yet traversing it bears no relation to the romantic notions of wind, flowers, snow, and the moon; it only evokes a sense of breathtaking awe. The path is barely wide enough for a horse-drawn carriage to pass through, and looking down reveals the surging waters of the Min River, dozens of zhang below. A moment's inattention could easily result in a fall into the water

Turning back, those eyes gazed at her steadily, and the voice was gentle: "Are you afraid?"

Under the gentle pressure of her fingertips, he slowly relaxed his furrowed brow

"As long as you are happy, that is enough." The Empress reached out to pat her son's shoulder and said with a smile, "However, one should not rush him too much; it is always wise to leave a way out in everything."

The more they discussed, the less they seemed to reach a conclusion. In the end, Yuan Hao Xing frowned and said, "I believe that this assassination appears to be a spontaneous act by Prince Ning, lacking any meticulous preparation." He paused, "At this moment, the former subordinates of Prince Ning have yet to take action. If we can kill him in one fell swoop, they will have no recourse. It is only when they think of a way to rescue him that chaos will ensue across the land."

In this lifetime, why must she encounter such a person, yet cannot peacefully walk through this long life with him

He was taken aback; how could he not save her

This road is so difficult, she must, for him, resolutely continue to move forward

Aunt, I write five hundred words every day, and I will show them to you when you come back. This is probably the only comforting thing the little one could think of to say to his aunt

Weisang only felt that his breathing was becoming heavier, and the horse seemed to have galloped to an unknown place. Suddenly, it stumbled, and both of them fell heavily from the horse. The terrain appeared to slope downwards, creating a significant drop, and their bodies rolled forward uncontrollably like a stone.

Weisang knew that her hands were starting to tremble, so much blood... How should she help him stop the bleeding

The corners of his lips deepened into a smile, and the emperor summoned a nearby eunuch, whispering a command.

Weisang let out an "oh" and quickly used a branch to stir up the freshly burned ashes of the grass and wood. Once they had cooled, he carefully took some and sprinkled it on his wound, and then wrapped it up with a strip of cloth

Prince Ning, with his hair bound by a jade crown and a jade sword at his waist, donned a deep purple court robe adorned with a golden dragon displaying its fangs and claws, which accentuated his tall and slender figure and handsome countenance. He dismounted and personally came to assist her: "Your Highness, please get into the carriage"

"I was injured before," he said nonchalantly, "it doesn't mean much on the battlefield"

"Silly girl, although I cannot marry you, I can assure you—I will be by your side, very close to you." He said softly, "Thinking this way, will you feel a little better?"

Vissang subtly tilted his head, and his gaze coincidentally collided with that of the young man

The son knows

"That would be wonderful." Ning Wang maintained his smile, "How is the Empress Dowager's health?"

Aunt, when will you and Uncle Ning Wang return from your trip to the capital?" He supported himself on the table and practiced writing for a while, then suddenly looked up and asked.

Jiang Zaichu helped him up, and such a simple action surprisingly caused a light sweat to form. He merely said, "Get up, what does it have to do with you?"

He gently stroked her hair, softly saying: "I do not blame you"

The incident came so suddenly that the Empress let out a scream and fainted.

"Are there no bones left, did they fall off the cliff?" Weisang closed his eyes slightly, his voice hoarse

He turned around, and she carefully peeled back the tattered clothing on his back, gently wiping it in the moonlight

Weisang stoked the fire a bit more and returned to his side. In the flickering light of the flames, his brows were tightly knitted together, his face devoid of any color, murmuring to himself.

No, no..." Zhou Jinghua quickly straightened up and waved his hand, saying, "I think the same as Your Majesty. Your Majesty has resolved a matter of concern, and Prince Ning is also satisfied.

Weisang's body swayed slightly, her complexion suddenly turning pale as snow. She seemed about to retort, but in the end, she reached out to steady herself against the cart's yoke and softly asked, "He... where is his body now?"

How could Prince Ning dare to attempt an assassination of the Emperor in such a manner without any preparation?

In the past month, every day, the court ladies have come to teach Weisang etiquette, tirelessly ensuring that she remembers the intricate procedures

The voice still carried a hint of sobbing, yet it seemed to be a joyful release from burdens. Jiang Zaichu could not see her face, but a sense of relief washed over him as he asked, "Where is this?"

His silence is an implicit agreement

Are you out of your mind? You have just recovered from your fever!" Vissang pressed down on his shoulder, "You are not allowed to go.

King Ning seemed oblivious, his eyes bloodshot and his expression extremely terrifying. With great force, he thrust the shattered jade sword in his right hand into the emperor's chest with a hissing sound

Perhaps due to her uneven breathing, her nails lightly grazed his chest, causing a slight sting. Jiang Zaichu slowly raised his hand and held her hand in his palm

You speak. His brows and eyes are calm.

From now on, the deep palace is secluded, and it is difficult to meet again

Prime Minister Wang regained his composure and stepped forward to take charge of the situation. He first ordered the Imperial Guards to escort Prince Ning to the dungeons, then commanded the royal physician to attend to the Empress Dowager, and sent Princess Jiahui along with the other ladies into the inner hall

She nodded vigorously

Now, he is indeed going to leave after all

The return journey was smooth, and by the 20th, the carriages had already entered the outskirts of Kyoto

She walked past him and said in a very soft voice, "I think that one day, everything I do will have its consequences. Since there will inevitably be consequences, there is nothing to fear."

Does the princess not know that Prince Ning is arranging this marriage on behalf of Your Majesty

The worries and anxieties of these past few days finally erupted completely as she leaned against him... Weisang lay in his arms, crying to the point of near sobbing. She wanted to be with him, but she could not... she could do nothing at all... not even think about it.

Weisang had long since changed out of the heavy and elaborate wedding attire, now dressed in something more lightweight, and jumped down by herself. The river flowed tumultuously beneath her feet; just a glance at it made her feel dizzy.

Looking at the figure of Prince Ning prostrating on the ground, the emperor's smile had already faded from his face, leaving only a cold gaze. After a long while, he finally spoke: "Get up. This matter is not entirely your fault. Nowadays, the bandits in Sichuan are rampant, even daring to hijack your convoy, which shows how lawless and arrogant those lowly people have become."

As A Zhuang calmly practiced his calligraphy again, Wei Sang finally lifted his head and glanced at the delicate little fellow—he had lost a lot of weight due to missing his mother

Suddenly, someone in the bandit group shouted: "He is leading people in front of him!"

Amidst the chaotic sound of hooves, there is also the gentle clinking of armor and weapons.

The bride must not cry. The maid smiled as she wiped away the trace of moisture, "Your Highness, let us go out; His Highness the Prince of Ning has already arrived"

That battle took place more than ten days ago, and Jingyun still remembers Xiao Rang, whose armor was stained with blood, the blade of his sword dulled, gradually exhausted and unable to continue. Then, he was dragged back by the corpse of a bandit and fell into the abyss.

The princess is also the sister-in-law of my brother, and even if it means risking my life, I must ensure her safety said Prince Ning calmly

There is no explanation, no sense of guilt, nothing at all, only a vast expanse, lifeless and desolate

As he reached the palace gate, the young man's narrow and bright gaze fell upon the proud face of his colleague, and he coldly smiled: "Indeed, Lord Zhou is quite sharp-witted." Having said that, without waiting for a response, he directly lifted the curtain of the sedan chair and left.

His expression softened slightly, and after a moment he said, "When I was outside the pass, I suffered injuries even more severe than this. At that time, there were no fruits to eat, no water either, yet I still managed to endure it"

He trusted her so completely, willingly giving her everything.

The sound of hooves grew closer, and she gazed fondly at his brows and eyes, smiling: "In any case, I want to walk ahead of you"

He was in a daze from the heat, yet he heard and slowly let go of his hand

"Jiang Zaichu, I will add some fire." She leaned down and whispered in his ear, "I am not leaving, I am here."

Yuan Hao said calmly: "Esteemed officials, the new emperor has ascended the throne, and under the watchful eyes of many, Prince Ning has committed regicide and treason. He must not be allowed to live. It is imperative to cut through the chaos swiftly and execute him in prison immediately"

In the distance, Jiang Zai first saw her get out of the car, his gaze lingering on her for a moment before subtly shifting away

Perhaps this is fate

The chaos has become established, and there is no way to reverse it

Upon witnessing this dismal outcome, Jingyun suddenly felt that Weisang was indeed correct, "The journey to the capital is long and arduous," which, for everyone, is truly not a good thing

The wedding procession consisted of approximately one hundred people, including a dozen or so accompanying servants, while General Xiao Rang, the commander of the defense of Jinzhou, led three hundred elite troops from Shu and the personal guards of Prince Ning to escort the bride

Her father uniquely built a garden for her in the southeast corner of the palace, imitating everything from her mother's home. Even if this courtyard was completely out of place with the entire imperial palace, as long as she liked it, that was enough.

After Yuan Hao knelt in greeting, he left the rear hall together with Zhou Jinghua

"Do not be afraid. If it truly is a bandit and you are gravely injured and unable to fight back, please allow me to leave first." She gazed at him quietly

The imperial physician has arrived, examined for a moment, then stood up and said with a trembling voice: "Your Majesty... has passed away"

At that moment, Jingyun made a desperate grab forward, but only managed to catch the hem of his garment.

Weisang did not answer but instead asked: "Shall I give you some water to drink?"

The princess entered the palace, and the emperor sat high upon the dragon throne, slightly narrowing his eyes

After Jiang Zaichu thrust out that sword, he merely stood there in a daze, allowing the Imperial Guards to take him down without any struggle or resistance

The smile of Weisang deepened: "Jiang Zai Chu, we live and die together. If you can survive, then I will survive as well"

Yet he continued to gently stroke her back at a steady pace, saying, "You marry the emperor, and I will remain in the capital. There is no need to fear that no one will recognize you; I will always be there..." The smile at the corner of his lips remained unchanged, yet it carried a faint sense of sorrow, "Weisang, whatever you wish to do, I will always support you."

King Ning was momentarily taken aback, as if he had struggled for a long time, before finally saying: "Your Majesty, I am guilty."

The team moved forward at a pace that was not particularly fast, and finally emerged from the narrowest section of the road, with most of the cargo also transported out.

Farewell! The little one raised his small hand and shouted loudly towards the magnificent carriage in the distance, "Aunt, farewell!"

He closed his eyes briefly, yet he groped to grasp her hand, holding it tightly, and softly said: "Are you hurt?"

Then the invisible sword was thrust deep inside, its sharp edge twisting violently, grinding a heart into a bloody, pulpy mass

He looked at her for the last time

"The young man on the right is Yuan Haoxing." Perhaps to ease her current tension, Jiang Zaichu spoke to her in a lowered voice.

She shook her head in his arms

"The front placket." He began to speak with difficulty and in a halting manner

The elder sister began preparing her wedding dress for her long before, at a time when she did not yet know who she would marry. Nevertheless, the elder sister embroidered it with great care, using red silk thread interwoven with gold, creating a magnificent and beautiful piece. At that time, she could hardly wait to try it on; the phoenix on the front of the dress trailed its tail, poised to soar, an exquisite sight to behold. The elder sister also smiled with satisfaction, saying, "In the future, our Weisang will be the most beautiful bride."

He did not wake up, she gritted her teeth and carefully tore the fabric on his back under the moonlight

How can one not be afraid

A simple sentence, yet it is like a drop of water falling into a boiling pot of oil, causing a sharp sound and provoking a strong reaction

Stones began to fall from the cliff, initially resembling fine hail, gradually increasing in size, with rocks the size of a head rolling down and, in an instant, striking several soldiers.

He, however, avoided it, and Wei Sang suddenly understood that he was already trying to avoid suspicion

"Your Highness." The Prince of Ning softly reminded, "His Majesty and the Empress Dowager are both in the Hanyuan Hall"

A fierce and biting cold wind swept through, and the emperor instinctively sidestepped, narrowly avoiding it, yet the dragon robe on his shoulder had already been torn.

Step by step, treading on the rustling leaves, getting closer to the lake, Weisang released him, wetting and wringing out the handkerchief she carried with her, and walked back to Jiang Zaichu's side, "I will help you wipe it off"

She saw clearly, silently, he said to her: "Do not be afraid, I am by your side"

They stood until nightfall, the entire troop silently waiting, with the occasional whinny of horses further emphasizing the desolation of the surroundings

Shh..." Vissang gently lifted his head and placed it on his lap, "Don't speak, I'm here with you, just sleep a little longer.

In the tranquil grove, he first encountered himself, racing through the alleys of Jinzhou City late at night, on that snowy evening, he lowered his head and gently kissed himself

He gritted his teeth and, taking advantage of the fact that the bandit's knife had not yet been drawn, shot back with one hand, killing the man.

At that time ... Although it seemed that Zhou Jinghua was somewhat shameless and the emperor was somewhat petty, one could never have imagined the situation of today.

She has not yet emerged from the carriage, perhaps... it is because she dares not come out

The water is a deep blue, taking on a crescent shape; in such a treacherous place, the scenery is remarkably beautiful and magnificent. Vissang could not help but marvel at the wonders of creation, completely forgetting the extraordinary difficulties of this path

At the very front of the team is a figure she is familiar with

He reached out to lift her chin, gently kissed her forehead, and said softly: "If that day comes when you bear a child for the emperor, I promise you, I will place him in the highest position of the empire—this way, you will be a little happier, won't you?"

Weisang took a deep breath, then turned to walk westward, gazing at Moon Canyon from a distance, lost in thought for a long time

His back bore three deep knife wounds that penetrated to the bone, with the flesh rolled back, revealing the underlying tendons and muscle fibers, and blood was gushing out at a visibly rapid pace

His palm was so hot that it almost made her suspect he was starting to heat up again, yet his movements were clearly calm. "I want to take you and A-Zhuang away from here," he said with a faint smile. "What wrong have the world and the people done? But... what does that have to do with you and me?"

Several times in the deep of night, she woke up, always unable to resist the urge to check Jiang Zaichu's breathing, fearing that he might just fall asleep like that and never wake up again. However, just by looking at his peaceful sleeping face, Weisang felt a sense of calmness in her heart

... ...

The escort team led by Xiao Rang is also elite, equipped with fine weapons. However, little do they know that the bandits are equipped in a rather peculiar manner; the layer of rattan armor they wear appears soft, yet it is "impervious to swords and spears." Without exceptionally strong arm strength, it is quite difficult to cut through with a single blow.

When the large cloak fell far away, Weisang ran to retrieve it. Using his teeth to tear it apart, he fashioned many strips of cloth about a palm's width. Kneeling beside him, he bandaged him with these strips.

The word "good" was almost on her lips, ready to be spoken, but as she looked at him, her gaze filled with emotion and glistening with tears, she found herself unable to utter it

A watery haze silently crept up, gathering at the bottom of her eyes, a tingling sensation that almost made her tears fall. She took a deep breath, trying to hold it back, but ultimately, they fell, warm droplets landing on her arm, leaving an instant mark.

Your Highness, ahead lies the Moonlight Gorge, and the road is quite difficult to traverse. Would you prefer to take advantage of the remaining daylight to pass through, or shall we simply return to the inn for the night?

The palaces built by the emperors of the Great Jin Dynasty during the Five Dynasties, in this morning light, seem endless at a glance. The so-called nine-tiered palaces, the palace of a thousand palaces, possess a grandeur that is overwhelming, momentarily leaving Weisang breathless

The two characters emerged in his mind, as if pierced into his heart by an extremely sharp sword. Jiang Zaichu instinctively turned his head to look for Weisang

After solemnly replying to the messenger with Azhang's seal, the little one tugged at her sleeve, "Aunt, are you taking Azhang with you?"

When Wei Sang stood up, her figure swayed slightly, and someone beside her reached out to support her. In a daze, she looked up and saw that handsome face, and her heart was tugged heavily, almost making it difficult for her to breathe

Why have you never listened to what I said

Zhou Jinghua hurriedly said: "It is heard that the Ning Wang reduced the tax rate in Shu repeatedly just to please this princess"

"Marrying a barbarian woman is merely a way to gauge the court's intentions. With Han Yong already dead, and the current Duke of Shu merely a child, I naturally have ways to control the overall situation there," the Emperor said casually, "Mother, you need not worry."

Before the words had left his mouth, the sounds of weapons clashing and screams of agony had already echoed from both ends of the ranks

King Ning merely let out a cold laugh, then with a swift motion, struck the eunuch, sending him flying. Taking a step forward, he ultimately seized the emperor's collar.

He, who so despises the intrigues and power struggles within the court, as well as the rivalry among brothers, actually promised her that he would elevate her child to the position of heir to the empire... This means that for the next several years, even decades, he would have to navigate through those people and matters he detests, all for her sake

She sobbed and could not speak, feeling that the child in her arms was now her everything, and also... her own courage

Looking at Weisang's expression at this moment, he truly did not dare to utter those words again, merely hesitating as he cast a glance at Jiang Zaichu.

Unlike the fair-skinned, frail, and graceful noble young men, Jiang Zaichu's physique exhibited the robustness characteristic of military personnel, and even after sustaining serious injuries, the solid muscle structure was still evident

"Princess, be careful." Xiao Rang quickly pulled her inward and added, "After walking for about a cup of tea's time, we will be able to take the carriage again."

She lowered her head, turned slightly to the side, so that her nephew would not see her expression, and smiled, saying: "Good."

He supported her until she was seated in the carriage, never letting go, personally holding the curtain, and then slowly lowering it.

Weisang let out a sigh of relief, seeing that he had lost consciousness again due to physical exhaustion, knowing that the medicinal powder had taken effect, and gradually calmed down. She took out a fire stick from his front pocket, searched around for some dry twigs, piled them together, and after many attempts, finally managed to ignite this small bundle of fire.

In the past few days, there had been no time to properly cleanse him. Jiang Zaichu's once strong back was covered in dried bloodstains, and before long, the cloth had turned a dark red. She went to the lakeside to wash it and then helped him wipe it down. After several repetitions, it was finally clean. Weisang turned to him and hesitated to ask: "Shall I wipe your chest as well?"

She held him a little tighter, smiled slightly, and said: "I will not go."

The guard stepped forward to support Jiang Zaichu, who was about to step out of the temple door, and turned back to glance at her once more

Further on, even oneself is no longer by his side

Weisang hurriedly took out a small porcelain bottle from his chest, removed the cork, and poured all the powdered medicine onto the three wounds.

Yuan Hao Xing... Although he is not very old, why do his eyes appear so sharp, as if they could pierce through one's innermost thoughts? Wei Sang was taken aback and tried to calmly shift his gaze, inadvertently landing on the sword that Jiang Zai Chu was carrying. After a moment of thought, he finally asked: "What is that you have at your waist?"

After Father and Aunt left, she really hadn't cried for a long time

possessed by evil spirits

She sat up, allowing others to adorn and style her, donning the phoenix crown and colorful robes

The princess ... ... '' As Jingyun began to speak, he was interrupted by Jiang Zaichu.

Yuan Hao Xing later thought countless times that if the officials of the Jin Dynasty had listened to his suggestions during that court discussion, the historical records would have been written in a different direction. Unfortunately, at that time, he was still inexperienced and his words carried little weight, ultimately unable to change the fate of this era

The captain of the guards of the imperial guard has stated that the bandits have been eliminated, and for the past seven or eight days, they have been searching everywhere for their whereabouts

Jiang Zaichu slowly released her hand, letting it slip down weakly

If it could have been anticipated, one would truly exclaim that a joyous occasion has turned into a funeral, which indeed reflects the unpredictability of life.

Wrote one, then burned it; wrote another one...

You should go find them; they should also be looking for you

"Does it worry you when I tell you?" He smiled faintly, "It's not exactly a good thing."

Taking advantage of the power of this shot, the bandits did not dare to pursue for the moment. Jiang Zaichu tightened his grip on the horse and galloped forward.

He helplessly furrowed his brows, and Vissang reached out a finger, gently pressing it between his brows, and said with a soft laugh: "I like the way you look when you are not frowning"

"Come, come, come, let us first have dinner together," the Emperor said, pulling his brother's hand to sit down. "We will have the imperial physician examine your injuries later."

He fell silent for a moment and softly said, "Then I will strive to live on"

"I will." The old woman finally could not help but reached out to wipe her tears, "Your Highness, please be careful on your journey."

Han Donglan! Vissang suddenly felt an emotional surge and exclaimed, "How old are you! Still crying?!"

Upon hearing her nephew's call, Wei Sang disregarded the maid's obstruction, lifted her skirt, and rushed out.

A trace of doubt slipped through his mind; logically speaking, in such a ceremony, they should not have exchanged glances in this manner. He felt inexplicably uneasy, yet he saw that the Emperor had already stood before the Princess, smiling as he extended his hand: "Princess, you have traveled a long way, it must have been arduous."

He merely gazed at her slender silhouette and softly sighed, "Let her be for a while"

He probably doesn't know that he has been in a coma for three days and three nights. Fortunately, the horse later found them. She exerted all her strength to put him on the horse, and then found this dilapidated temple, where she put him in, finally finding a temporary shelter from the wind and rain and exposure.

He carefully walked beside her, guiding her onto Longwei Road, with a long procession of ceremonial officials behind them

Weisang was fiddling with the firewood when he faintly heard the distant sounds of carriages and horses. Instinctively, he looked towards Jiang Zaichu, who was indeed very alert, having opened his eyes and quietly asked, "Where is my sword?"

"It's almost good enough," he said with a calm smile at her, and before turning to leave, his thin lips moved slightly

Weisang had just dismounted from the carriage when he saw Jiang Zaichu approaching. He paused for a moment and asked, "Your Highness, will we be entering the city tomorrow?"

He walked very slowly, with almost half of his body weight leaning on her, able to feel each other's body temperature.

No one can escape.

Before Ning Wang returned to the capital, the emperor specifically disbanded his former subordinates to prevent him from gaining military power. Throughout the empire, the Northwest Army was spread everywhere at that time. However, unexpectedly, this made it easier for him to escape to his own fief in the south—along the way, he could encounter his old subordinates and continuously recruit new troops

You and I will go see her after we finish dinner. The emperor smiled and said, "Have you made progress during this year in Shu?"

He said in a deep voice: "If you are afraid, close your eyes"

In the river, a touch of sourness filled my original intention, and I couldn't help but turn back and take a glance.

On this day, it was already evening, and the convoy was resting at the post station, having caught a distant glimpse of the majestic city walls of the capital.

He strode forward and swiftly drew the jade sword from his waist

This general, despite his bravery, has indeed sustained injuries. The horse bandits became excited, each one blinded by rage, shouting: "Capture them, they must be important figures!"

A sharp whistle sounded from afar, growing closer, and Xiao's expression changed: "It's the horse bandits!"

My aunt has not been feeling well these days, so you must take good care of her!" he said anxiously, "She promised to come back in July to accompany me to see the lanterns! Uncle Ning Wang, you must come too!

This bright red wedding dress was all brought from Jinzhou.

Set off

The leader rushed forward, dismounted, and with a look of relief exclaimed: "Prince Ning, Princess!"

Jiang Zai slightly turned his body, glanced at her, and took in her current state of confusion and despair. Suddenly, the wound began to ache again, and he couldn't help but cough softly.

The prince Jiang Xiyi, who is over five months old, has been established as the new emperor, with his mother, Consort Yan, and the Grand Empress Dowager assisting in governance, and he will ascend the throne today

It is a pair of eyes that shimmer with brilliance

This is the woman he loves dearly

In a state of confusion, Jiang Zai Chu returned to the capital.

The emperor inexplicably felt a sense of unease, paused for a moment, and still finished his words: "I was thinking, it would be best to send that princess to the imperial harem. After all, she is a barbarian woman; what does it matter if I confine her to the cold palace for a lifetime?"

Jiang Zai Chuqing shouted loudly, and Wei Sang did not see how he moved. The long sword had already been sheathed, replaced by a silver spear she had never seen before. She looked up at him in a daze, and he smiled at her, letting go of the reins. He gently pressed her face against his chest, forcing her to lean against him, and wrapped her up with his cloak from behind. Softly, he said, "Don't look."

The clashing of weapons grew louder, and the bandits came on with great ferocity. It seems they had been tracking the wedding procession all along and had deliberately chosen this treacherous terrain to launch their attack.

The body temperature has gradually decreased

The Emperor's narrow eyes flickered with a cruel smile as he softly said, "Zai Chu, you are the Prince of Ning in my Great Jin Dynasty. How can you be compared to any princess from the Sichuan region?" He paused, with a smile on his face, and continued, "If it weren't for the sake of the overall situation at this moment, how could I have married her? You also know the commoners there, they probably don't even know what integrity, propriety, and shame are."

She had already applied an extremely bright makeup, with charming eyebrows and eyes, lightly flushed cheeks, and hair like clouds, yet she simply held the child tightly.

Her face was finally shrouded in darkness, completely unseen.

He changed the subject, "In your opinion, how is this Princess Jiahui?"

Xiao Rang pushed her slightly, and she barely dodged the blade, only a few strands of long hair fell, revealing the peril of that strike

Yes.

Their entire family is devoutly Buddhist, yet she... unexpectedly split the wooden Buddha originally enshrined in the temple so that he could keep warm. Jiang Zaichu let out a faint sigh, and a gentle expression suddenly appeared on his face: "You shouldn't have done this..."

She wants him ... to abandon everything, to plunge this empire into a state of fragmentation.

"Is it Prince Ning?" Wei Sang came to his senses, "Is Prince Ning here to pick me up?"

She has been helped up by the maid, standing behind the Imperial Guard, her lips a rosy red, yet her gaze, like his, appears somewhat dazed

The emperor curled his lips into a faintly sarcastic smile, stood up, and said slowly: "I have heard that Prince Ning was gravely injured in order to save the princess?"

Han Donglan, despite being only half a person tall, was dressed in the ceremonial robe of a second-rank official, and with a semblance of propriety, held a cup of wine in his hand to present to Prince Ning

After calling out for his parents many times in a disorderly manner, he finally quieted down, appearing to sleep a bit more comfortably. However, after a moment, he moved restlessly again and called out, "Weisang."

She turned her head slightly and waited quietly for a moment—sure enough, Prince Ning sensed her gaze and gently raised his head, his eyes seemingly asking a silent question. ... Her expression was calm, but she secretly bit her tongue hard, the metallic taste of blood instantly filling her mouth, and three words silently slipped through her mind ... . ... I am sorry

"You are unwilling to marry me, yet you do not allow me to keep you in my heart?" He gazed at her deeply, letting out a barely audible sigh, "Weisang, this matter, I may not be able to accomplish."

At the time of entering the palace, all officials were thoroughly searched and were not allowed to carry weapons. The jade sword that Prince Ning was adorned with was a ceremonial object, made of fragile jade, and naturally, he did not expect it to become a weapon at this moment

She hurriedly supported him

"Alright, I will keep an eye on your aunt," he said, wanting to reach out and pat A-Zhuang's head, but feeling it inappropriate, he instead clasped his hands together and said, "Shu Hou, we shall part ways here."

Well

Jiang Zaichu's martial prowess was naturally incomparable to that of the soldiers. With a sharp blade in hand, he made two swift cuts, slicing through the vine armor and clearing a path through the two leaders. As the hooves of his horse trampled forward, the sounds of screams echoed from both sides. Jiang Zaichu's expression remained unchanged, his long black hair cascading over his shoulders, his gaze resolute and sharp. With a swift motion, he would surely unseat one of his opponents. This overwhelming momentum was so fierce that it terrified the dozens of bandits, causing them to tremble in fear and wish to let him pass.

A low voice came from inside the carriage: "Ask Prince Ning. Let him decide."

Weisang instinctively clutched the hem of her skirt with both hands, shaking her head in confusion