The Bad Guys: Everyone, let’s revive the Tang Dynasty together!

Chapter 490 Li Mingzhao

As dusk settled, it enveloped the sprawling palaces and pavilions of the Qin Prince's mansion. The daytime clamor of cicadas finally subsided, leaving only the chirping of birds returning to their nests. The air was filled with the summer scent of plants and trees, mingled with the faint fragrance of lotus blossoms carried on the evening breeze—a truly pleasant aroma.

Xiao Yan returned from the eastern suburbs on horseback. He waved away Shangguan Yunque, Wen Tao, and other attendants at the gate of his mansion, handed his mount to his servants, and then walked back to his residence. He had just finished discussing various matters with Han Yanhui and others outside the city, and there was still a thoughtful look on his face.

Qianwu and Bago, who had been waiting, came forward together. The former took the outer robe that he had casually taken off, while the latter respectfully removed the turban from his head. They asked him if he wanted some tea to cool off and if he wanted to have dinner immediately.

Beneath the corridor, the surrendered official leaned against a vermilion pillar, her lotus-colored long dress standing out starkly in the deepening twilight. Her long hair was casually tied up, with a few stray strands falling beside her cheek. Seeing Xiao Yan approaching, surrounded by two women, she lazily spoke: "I know our prince is busy, but don't just focus on running around outside. I've checked the princess's pulse; the baby's position is correct, but contractions are becoming more frequent. I'm afraid your time as a father isn't far off."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan's eyes flashed with barely suppressed joy, but his voice unconsciously softened: "Really? How is Xue'er doing?"

The surrendered official scanned his face, seemingly trying to catch a fleeting hint of tension, then chuckled lightly, "How could it be false? It'll be in the next three to five days. As a father, you should keep that in mind. Xue'er's pregnancy is still a bit far off, but it's very stable. You should still go see her. As for the Princess Consort, there's no need to worry about her. She can rest quietly for the next few days. Oh dear, with the nation and the world at stake, our Prince is probably too busy to even have a cup of hot tea, he'll be constantly on the go again."

Xiao Yan laughed loudly, but did not reply. He simply took a step forward, grabbed the surrendered minister's hand, and led him inside.

Upon arriving at Ji Ruxue's residence, one would find the courtyard already lit, dispelling the twilight. Stepping inside, one would see her reclining on a softly cushioned rattan couch, with Miao Chengtian playing Go with her, while Xuan Jingtian gently fanned himself with a round fan, occasionally chuckling a few words.

Xiao Yan's deliberately light footsteps were still noticed by the three women. Miao Chengtian and Xuan Jingtian were pleasantly surprised and were about to get up to pay their respects, but he casually waved them off.

Ji Ruxue looked up, her beautiful face gentle and serene under the lamplight. Upon seeing him, a tranquil smile naturally appeared on her lips.

"My husband is back." Her voice was incredibly soft.

Xiao Yan walked a few steps to the stone table where the three of them were sitting, glanced at the chess game, and chatted with them for a few moments. Miao Chengtian and Xuan Jingtian exchanged a glance, then tactfully smiled and took their leave.

Xiao Yan then bent down, his gaze falling on Ji Ruxue's face: "How are you feeling? Is there anything wrong?" He reached out his hand, his broad palm warm, and gently placed it on the curve of her body, which was pregnant with life, through the thin fabric.

"All is well." Ji Ruxue's cheeks were slightly flushed, but she still raised her hand to place it on the back of his hand, feeling its warmth. "The little guy is very well-behaved, only occasionally making a fuss, as if reminding me of his presence. As for the Queen Consort, the surrendered minister, Corpse Ancestor, said it will be soon. Husband should spend more time with her. Everything is fine here, with the Holy Maidens and Qianwu taking care of me, so there's no need to worry."

Xue'er has always been like gentle water, flowing silently and endlessly. After marrying Xiao Yan, her chivalrous spirit faded a bit, making her even more gentle.

Xiao Yan sat down on the stone bench next to her and said gently, "You've worked hard, Xue'er. I will go to Yun Ji's place, but you can't neglect yours. Take good care of yourself and don't worry too much. If anything happens while I'm away, send someone to find me immediately."

"Mmm," Ji Ruxue responded softly, tightening her grip on his hand. A gentle evening breeze carried the faint scent of lotus blossoms from the distant pond. Neither of them spoke further, simply sharing the tranquility of the quiet courtyard. The lamplight cast their shadows on the ground, intertwining them.

After having a light dinner with Ji Ruxue, Xiao Yan processed several memorials from Taiyuan in his study, and then carefully reviewed the enthronement process that Han Yanhui and the ministers had discussed in the suburbs that afternoon. Only then did he leave the study and enter the adjacent bedroom.

Upon entering, he saw the Empress being carefully helped up from the soft couch by the window by Guangmu Tian. Hearing the movement, she raised her phoenix eyes and looked over, then smiled and called out, "Husband."

Xiao Yan took three steps forward in two, steadily supporting her outstretched hand, while his other hand naturally rested on her lower back. "Why did you get up? You should rest more."

"I've been lying down for too long, I'd like to walk around a bit." The Empress smiled slightly and casually placed her hand on his forearm. "How is it outside? I heard quite a commotion from the palace. I heard that you took them to the outskirts this afternoon?"

Xiao Yan did not immediately bring up the matter, but instead took her hand and led her out of the inner room, saying, "It's better to walk around in the courtyard and get some fresh air than to stay cooped up inside."

As night deepened, the moonlight, like quicksilver spilling onto the ground, bathed the inner garden of the Prince's Palace in a hazy, silvery-white glow. The fragrance of flowers floated in the cool night air, subtly permeating the air.

Xiao Yan led the Empress along the winding path, strolling slowly. Guang Mutian followed silently behind, accompanied by several female attendants.

"Today, as I left the city, I saw the people holding ears of wheat in their hands, their faces beaming with satisfaction. The scene was truly moving." He paused, his gaze seemingly piercing through the night, returning to that golden field. "They may not know what destiny is, nor what auspicious omens are, but the harvest they hold in their hands is their destiny, their fate. Seeing them smile makes all the long journey, the bloodshed and danger, worthwhile."

The Empress tilted her head slightly, the moonlight casting a soft glow in her eyes. "What my husband holds in his heart has always been the most real things of this land. The people's satisfaction and laughter are the most profound auspicious omens, the truest mandate of heaven." She gently stroked her high belly and whispered, "I only hope that our child will one day understand the weight of the word 'real'."

A night breeze rustled through the flowers and trees, creating a soft, whispering sound. Xiao Yan slowed his pace, his gaze fixed on the distant, moonlit outlines of pavilions and towers, as if gathering his thoughts. After a moment, he spoke slowly, "I haven't had a chance to discuss my brother's matter with you in detail..."

The Empress paused slightly, turning her head to the side. The moonlight, like water, reflected the complex emotions that surged within her phoenix eyes in an instant: a sense of relief, a hint of melancholy after the dust had settled, and a deep-seated longing. But she simply looked at Xiao Yan quietly, waiting for him to continue.

Xiao Yan then took her hand and recounted in detail how Li Maozhen relinquished his obsession with imperial ambitions, how he kowtowed and submitted to the emperor, and how he confessed his true feelings just to ask for a vague promise from his loved ones.

He even recounted Li Maozhen's anxieties about being "alone and alone," and his plea to the Empress without omitting a single word, "Do not, because of my past rebelliousness, take your anger out on them, mother and son, on some day or some night in the future." He concluded by saying:

"Now that the matter in Taiyuan is settled, I have ordered Wang Yanzhang to stay in Taiyuan and cooperate with Li Ting to stabilize the region. My brother-in-law has voluntarily returned all his military seals and insignia. He should be on his way back to Bianliang by now."

A night breeze brushed a few stray strands of hair from the Empress's cheek as she listened quietly, the moonlight casting soft shadows on her beautiful face.

“My brother… has finally let go.” Her voice was soft. “That’s good. Bianliang is prosperous and can accommodate a wealthy but idle man like him.”

She turned her head slightly, looked up at Xiao Yan, and in the moonlight, her eyes were filled with a thin layer of water, glistening as if about to drip. "My husband has been able to tolerate him to this extent, giving him the dignity to lay down his weapons and return home in peace. I am so grateful."

Xiao Yan gently embraced the Empress, stopping before the shimmering lake. He chuckled softly, “Now that you’ve let go, it’s a new beginning. My brother is a man of exceptional talent, with a mind full of wisdom. Why worry about not having a place to use his abilities? In the future, he will surely have a place in the Lingyan Pavilion. There will also be a position in the court that matches his talent and allows him to realize his ambitions.”

These words were like a reassuring stone. She softly hummed in agreement, resting her head on his strong shoulder, her emotions gradually calming down. Only the rustling of the wind through the flowers and trees remained in the garden, and Xiao Yan held the Empress even tighter, his chin gently resting against her forehead.

“Yunji, I have been thinking for a long time these days, and I want to give our unborn child a name.”

The Empress then slightly raised her eyes: "Does my husband have someone he desires?"

"If he is a boy, he will be named 'Mingzhao', Li Mingzhao."

“Mingzhao…” the Empress murmured softly, “bright and righteous like the sun and moon. A fine name, grand in scope and profound in meaning.” A look of delight crossed her eyes, but then she inquired with concern, “But this character ‘Zhao’… it clashes with the late Emperor’s temple name…”

Xiao Yan smiled knowingly and gently patted the back of her hand: "This 'Zhao' is not that 'Zhao,' and has nothing to do with the late emperor."

He raised his head, his gaze sweeping over the pavilions and towers of the palace before him, and looking up at the vast starry night.

"The character 'Ming' signifies 'brightness, wisdom, and insight.' May his heart be like a clear mirror, pure and unblemished, able to discern right from wrong and perceive the myriad phenomena of the world. The character 'Zhao' signifies 'illustriousness and proclaiming.' May his virtue shine brightly, like the sun and moon illuminating the heavens and the earth. It is also hoped that in the future, he will inherit this aspiration, proclaiming peace and prosperity to the world and laying the foundation for lasting tranquility. Mingzhao, Mingzhao together means 'bright and illuminating.'"

"In this chaotic century, the common people have been trudging through a long, dark night with no end in sight. I wish that our children would be born into a bright and just world, and live their lives in the light of day, without having to experience the hardships, displacement, and fratricide that you, I, and even our ancestors have endured."

The Empress listened quietly, the evening breeze ruffling her skirt and stirring the turbulent emotions within her.

Tenderness, pride, understanding, and a sense of triumphant excitement intertwined and settled in her eyes.

She grasped Xiao Yan's large hand, which was resting on the back of her hand, and slowly raised the corners of her lips into a gentle and contented smile, like a quiet orchid blooming under the moon.

“Li Mingzhao…a fine name. My husband has put a lot of thought into it. This name has profound meaning and is full of grandeur. I like it very much.” She raised her eyes, her gaze burning, and met his eyes. “I also wish that this child will shine like the sun and moon in the sky, illuminating our new Tang Dynasty and living up to my husband’s painstaking efforts to cleanse the world.”

The moonlight, like water, shone on the two people walking hand in hand, elongating their intertwined shadows and casting them onto the flower-swaying path.

But just as the two were about to turn back, the Empress's brows furrowed almost imperceptibly, and the hand on Xiao Yan's arm tightened unconsciously.

"What's wrong?" Xiao Yan immediately noticed something was wrong, stopped in his tracks, and looked at her nervously.

"It's alright," the Empress took a deep breath, trying to suppress the waves of heaviness in her abdomen, and forced a smile, "The little one... is a bit restless." Even so, fine beads of sweat had already appeared on her forehead, glistening faintly in the lamplight of the corridor.

Xiao Yan's face darkened, and he said no more. He grabbed her waist and carried her back to the inner room, while urgently ordering Guangmutian to invite the surrendered minister.

Upon reaching the house, she saw that the surrendered minister was already waiting calmly outside the door with a medicine chest, clearly having anticipated their return. Without a word, she immediately led Qianwu and the other women to surround the empress and methodically helped her into the inner chamber.

Xiao Yan was gently persuaded by Guang Mutian to go to the outer room. Through the beaded curtain, he watched the figures moving inside and listened to the Empress's suppressed moans and the surrendered minister's soft, comforting instructions. Every moment seemed exceptionally long.

He stood with his hands behind his back on the veranda, gazing at the deep night outside the window. Only the occasional twitch of his brow betrayed his inner anxiety.

After an unknown amount of time, the sounds coming from the inner room gradually calmed down, and the Empress seemed to have recovered for a while. Qianwu quietly lifted the curtain and came out, meeting Xiao Yan's questioning gaze, and said softly, "My lord, please rest assured, the princess is only experiencing the initial contractions of labor, and the intervals are still long. The Corpse Ancestor said that there are still some hours before the actual onset, so perhaps the princess should rest and recuperate as much as possible between tonight and dawn."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan felt somewhat relieved, but still felt a little helpless. He said in a deep voice, "Take good care of her and tell the Princess not to be nervous. If there is any unusual activity, report to me immediately."

After saying this, he hesitated for a moment. Although he knew that the surrendered minister was a renowned surgeon of the time with rich experience, he was still uneasy about asking him to leave at this moment.

He refused Qianwu's suggestion that he return to rest, and instead went to check on Ji Ruxue. Seeing that she was already asleep, he left quietly without disturbing the servants. In the end, he returned to the Empress's bedchamber and personally guarded the corridor all night.

------

Under the vast starry sky of Bianjing, a thousand miles away in the poisonous Raojiang region, the Yunnan Prince's Palace was also brightly lit.

Deep within the mansion of Dazhai, Xianshen was sorting through a pile of rare medicinal herbs, but kept complaining and muttering under his breath.

"Hey, you blockhead, are your ears stuffed with bugs or something? The drums and gongs in the Central Plains are practically banging on the roof, all this talk of white deer, auspicious grain, and the Yellow River running clear—I heard even the birds in the sky are forming the words 'Long Live the King of Qin!' And that Liu Yin brother next door, who used to practically want to be a local tyrant in Lingnan, is now practically begging to write a petition urging him to ascend the throne, he's shameless. Xiao Yan is about to don the yellow robe and become the true Son of Heaven!"

She abruptly threw a handful of medicinal herbs into the earthenware jar, then put her hands on her hips and glared at Chi Li, who was intently studying a scroll by the light of an oil lamp. "Where is our daughter? Still holed up in this mountain valley. And you, her father, do nothing but laugh like an idiot all day, running around the mountains looking after your precious rice-driving cart. You don't care at all about our daughter's feelings, her life's most important matter. When she goes to Bianliang, that gilded cage, she'll be unfamiliar with the place, surrounded by women whose hearts are more cunning than sieves. If she gets bullied, she'll have nowhere to cry!"

Chi Li reluctantly put down the letter from Liu Yin, the Prince of Nanping, which was full of flattery. He rubbed his temples, trying to clear his ears, which were ringing from the barrage of ginseng, and then let out a long sigh.

“Madam, what’s the rush? I’m preparing, aren’t I?” He pointed to another scroll of silk open on the table, covered with writing. “Look, this is the gift list to support our daughter. According to the etiquette of the Central Plains, especially the royal etiquette, it’s not that simple. Although Raojiang has submitted and been granted a princely title by the King of Qin, it is still a vassal state. If our daughter is to enter the palace, according to the rules, we must take the initiative to petition for her marriage and prepare a sufficiently respectable and compliant tribute. Only in this way can we show that Raojiang values ​​her, that our daughter’s status is noble, and that she won’t be looked down upon by the officials of the Central Plains or the empresses of the harem…”

The more he spoke, the more his brows furrowed, and his fingers unconsciously rubbed the edge of the silk scroll. "But this list of tributes... it has to reflect the unique treasures, poisons, and secret medicines of my Raojiang, but it can't seem stingy or shabby. It also has to comply with the complicated rules and taboos of the Central Plains... Sigh, I've been looking at this list these past few days, and my hair has turned white from worry."

Upon hearing the word "rules," Xiancan became even angrier, hands on his hips, and snapped, "Rules, rules! All you know is to rigidly adhere to those stupid rules! Is Xiao Yan the kind of person who only follows rigid rules? When have I ever misjudged someone?"

Chi Li gave a wry smile, trying to reason with Xian Can: "Times have changed. What was the situation back then? What time is it now? Wife, you haven't seen the emperors of the Central Plains. Even when Emperor Xizong was in power, the Tang Dynasty was already in decline, but the title of 'Son of Heaven' still truly represented the ruler of the world, with unparalleled power. If Emperor Xizong was like that, how much more so should an unparalleled ruler like the Prince of Qin be? Rules are rules, and they cannot be taken lightly!"

Fresh ginseng was speechless for a moment after hearing her husband's words, and she rubbed her forehead in frustration.

"Sigh, we knew back then that he was a dragon among men, and that our shallow waters of Raojiang couldn't possibly contain this true dragon. But... but this is too fast... only two years, or even less than two years, and this little guy is about to become the Son of Heaven sitting on the dragon throne... This speed is simply... monstrous!"

She cursed and sat down angrily, but then became worried again: "Even if he still cares about our past relationship and won't mistreat our daughter, we as her parents can't let her lose face and be inferior to others for no reason. You blockhead! You better think of something right now. If you can't come up with a decent and proper offering, I'll let you taste the newly concocted 'Hundred Claws Scratching Heart Gu' tonight!"

Just as the couple were nagging and pressuring each other, and the other was racking his brains over the gift list with a worried expression, a series of hurried footsteps approached from outside.

"Report——"

A servant from the Prince's residence practically rushed into the hall, urgently reporting, "Your Majesty and Madam, the envoy from the Prince of Qin of Bianjing has arrived. It is Zhong Xiaokui, the Imperial Attendant-in-Waiting who was detained last night, and Du Xunhe, the Minister of Rites. Their carriages have already arrived outside the mansion gate!"

"what?!"

Chi Li and Xian Shen were both startled and stood up at the same time. They looked at each other, stunned on the spot, their eyes instantly filled with great surprise and a trace of unexpected bewilderment.

The two subconsciously looked down at their simple, everyday village clothes. There was no time to change, so they quickly straightened their clothes and hurried out to greet them.

Torches lit up the area outside the mansion gate. Zhong Xiaokui stood there, looking capable and dashing, with a standard short blade from the Night Watchman hanging at her waist. Beside her stood Du Xunhe, the Minister of Rites, dressed in a purple official robe and wearing a turban. He was also extremely tired, but his long beard flowed down his chest, and his demeanor was refined and dignified, truly displaying the majesty of a high-ranking official of the Celestial Empire.

Behind the two were hundreds of elite guards, clearly having traveled day and night without stopping to reach this den of ten thousand poisons.

Du Xunhe was straightening his clothes, which had been slightly disheveled by the wind, as he faced the curious yet awe-inspiring gazes of the people from the Ten Thousand Poisons Cave around him.

When he saw Chi Li and his wife, dressed in ordinary villager clothes and without any royal regalia, he was taken aback at first, then immediately stepped forward and bowed respectfully: "Your humble servant Du Xunhe, by order of His Highness Prince Qin, greets the King of Yunnan and his wife."

His manners were impeccable. Zhong Xiao Kui, standing to the side, also stepped forward, clasped her hands in a respectful greeting, and performed the gesture cleanly and efficiently.

Chi Li quickly returned the greeting politely: "Minister Du and Clerk Zhong have come from afar, traversing mountains and rivers. You must be exhausted. Why didn't you send someone to inform us beforehand? The roads in Raojiang are treacherous. You must be very tired. Please come inside and have some tea to rest."

As he looked at these two unfamiliar high-ranking officials, Chi Li couldn't help but feel surprised and uncertain. He had always dealt with officials from Shu, so why was the King of Qin sending such high-ranking envoys?
Is there another major war in the Central Plains that requires the full support of the frontier for supplies? But such a matter can be resolved simply by informing the officials of Shu. Why should the Minister of Rites and the Night Watchman personally come?

The group moved to the main hall of the Prince's Mansion and took their seats. Du Xunhe did not exchange many pleasantries. After briefly answering Chi Li's questions about the journey, he became solemn and carefully took out a scroll of imperial edict wrapped tightly in bright yellow brocade from his sleeve.

He rose and walked into the hall, holding the imperial edict firmly in his hands, and announced loudly, "The Prince of Qin's decree has arrived—"

Chi Li was startled and hurriedly pulled the still somewhat bewildered Xian Can to the hall, where a group of Jiang officials bowed respectfully: "Your Majesty, we receive the decree."

"...Your Majesty, King Chi Li of Yunnan, have pacified the border regions, guided public morals, promoted agriculture and sericulture, benefited the border people, and shown sincerity and submission. Your contributions are great to the nation... Therefore, you are hereby promoted to King Zhennan, to govern Yunnan hereditarily... Your daughter, Chi Meng, is innocent and charming, possesses exceptional talent and intelligence, and has made meritorious contributions to national affairs. Furthermore, she has a deep friendship with Your Highness and is deeply loved... Therefore, Minister of Rites Du Xunhe and Attendant-in-Waiting Zhong Xiaokui are hereby appointed to escort her to Bianliang with imperial credentials and gifts to serve in the palace... In consideration of her merits, the rites of marriage proposals and tributes from other vassal states are hereby waived..."

Upon hearing this, Chi Li and Xian Shen both looked up abruptly, instantly stunned. Then, an overwhelming wave of joy washed over them.

Without them even needing to submit a petition for marriage, the King of Qin actually sent someone from afar to fetch them! And judging from the wording, "deep affection, deeply loved," where was there even a trace of worry that he would "forget his daughter once he returned to the Central Plains"?!
Chi Li and Xian Shen exchanged a glance, both able to clearly see the shock and relief surging in each other's eyes, as well as a series of complex emotions hidden deep within.

What is shocking is that my daughter has finally met a good man and has a bright future; what is gratifying is that the relationship between Raojiang and the Central Plains will become closer and stronger; what is complicated is that the palace is like a deep sea, and with my daughter's free-spirited nature, can she adapt to those strict rules? In the future, in that place where beauties gather, will she be able to live peacefully?

However, no matter how turbulent his thoughts were, Chi Li finally took a deep breath, suppressed his surging emotions, and kowtowed heavily, his voice filled with excitement and utmost respect: "Your subject Chi Li accepts the imperial decree and expresses his gratitude. The King of Qin's grace is boundless, and your subject and the entire Raojiang region are deeply grateful and will never forget it!"

Fresh ginseng also bowed gracefully: "Thank you for your grace, Your Highness."

Du Xunhe put away the imperial edict, a warm smile appearing on his face. He quickly stepped forward to personally help Chi Li up, addressing him as "King of Zhennan" instead. He then turned slightly to the side and pointed to the long line of carriages covered with tarpaulins outside the hall.

"His Highness is well aware that the journey to Raojiang is long and treacherous, and has prepared a generous betrothal gift for the Holy Maiden to show his favor and affection."

He gestured to his attendants to lift the tarpaulins covering some of the vehicles. In the firelight, boxes of silk brocades, jewelry, precious medicinal herbs, porcelain and jade artifacts, as well as entire boxes of books and classics, came into view. Even more eye-catching was a brocade box carefully held by a night watchman. When the lid was opened, inside was a set of embroidered robes made according to the regulations for imperial concubines, gleaming brightly in the firelight, exuding an air of noble grandeur.

Du Xunhe looked at the still-shocked fresh ginseng and the excited Chi Li, and smiled:
"His Highness said that the Holy Maiden is of noble status and deeply devoted to the people. All the ceremonial items and utensils have been prepared in accordance with those for a concubine, and everything is complete. I have come ahead of you and have only brought a limited amount of things. In addition, a large number of brand-new agricultural tools, skilled craftsmen, and classic texts will be transported to Raojiang in the coming days to aid the king's rule. I only hope that the Holy Maiden will be at ease and arrive in the capital soon..."

He paused, lowered his voice, and kindly reminded her, "Your Highness, the Prince of Zhennan should know that His Highness's enthronement ceremony is imminent. Such a momentous national event is ordained by Heaven and will not be delayed. If the Holy Maiden can arrive in the capital before the ceremony, the significance... will be quite different..."

boom.

Du Xunhe's last few words were like thunderclaps, exploding loudly in the ears of Chi Li and Xian Shen.

Leaving aside the procedure of exempting all vassal states from presenting their daughters, the key point is the ceremony for welcoming Chi Meng, which was prepared according to the standards for a concubine.

This is not a concubine taking in; it's clearly giving Rao Jiang and his wife an enormous amount of face! It's irrefutable proof that Xiao Yan values ​​Chi Meng highly!
Chi Li felt a surge of heat rush to her eyes, her throat tighten, and she was speechless for a moment. Xian Shen was overjoyed, clutching the hem of her clothes tightly, repeatedly saying, "This...this is truly...for us, husband and wife..."

She was so excited that she couldn't speak coherently. Remembering that she had just been cursing Xiao Yan as a monster, her face burned even hotter, and she was filled with shame and gratitude.

Chi Li suppressed his turbulent emotions and said to a maid beside him, "Quickly, go and let Chi Meng come to receive the imperial decree and express her gratitude!"

The maidservant responded and hurried away. The hall was filled with a joyful atmosphere. Du Xunhe stroked his beard and smiled, about to exchange a few pleasantries with Chi Li about the duties of the newly appointed Prince of Zhennan, while Zhong Xiaokui quietly observed the surrounding environment.

Just then, Chi Li was about to express his gratitude again when the maid returned, holding a letter that had obviously just been opened. Her expression was strange, and she seemed a little anxious.

"Your Majesty... the Holy Maiden... is not in the room. She only left this on the table..."

Chi Li frowned and unfolded the letter. Xian Shen also hurriedly leaned closer to look.

However, the ink on the letter was still fresh, and Chi Meng's handwriting, which she had practiced diligently, was still not very good.

"Dad, Mom, don't be angry!"
I told you he'd come to pick me up, but you're all always so worried and cautious. I don't believe you! He said he'd come, and he definitely will! But all those elaborate rituals, like banging drums and counting steps as you walk, are so annoying! I don't want to be carried away like a sacrificial offering!
I'm going by myself. Like I said before, I'll go wherever I want, like a wandering knight errant! I want to see the scenery along the way, see if the Central Plains under his rule are truly as good as they seem, if there's really no one picking up lost items on the road, if everyone can eat their fill, and if the Yellow River is truly clear. Don't come looking for me, you won't find me! I know the way, and I can run very fast…

Don't worry, I'll be waiting for you in Bianliang City. I'll treat you to the best snacks in Bianliang then!

The hall fell into a deathly silence.

After reading it, Xian Shen couldn't help but put his hand to his forehead, feeling both annoyed and amused: "That brat!"

Chi Li clutched the letter, his hand trembling slightly. The excitement and joy on his face were instantly replaced by a mixture of amusement and exasperation. He looked at Du Xunhe and Zhong Xiaokui, who were equally astonished, and explained awkwardly, "Minister Du, Clerk Zhong, this... my daughter is mischievous, please forgive her..."

Du Xunhe took the letter and glanced at it. His refined and composed expression instantly froze, and he even forgot to stroke his beard. His eyes widened as if he couldn't believe the contents of the letter.

"This...this...this is outrageous! The future imperial concubine actually...actually left the mountain without permission? This...this disregards royal dignity, disregards etiquette and moral principles! How...how can I explain this to His Highness Prince Qin!"

Of course, in the end, the last sentence is the most important. Du Xunhe was so anxious that he was sweating profusely, as if the sky was about to fall.

Although Zhong Xiaokui also showed surprise, she quickly calmed down. She stepped forward, took the letter from Du Xunhe's hand, and scanned the contents with lightning speed before decisively saying:
"Minister Du, please calm down. Things have come to this point, panicking will not help. The Holy Maiden is also quite skilled in martial arts, quick-witted, and deeply devoted to His Highness. She will surely arrive in Bianliang safely. The most urgent task is to ensure that the Holy Maiden's journey is without any mishaps."

She reassured Du Xunhe, then turned to Chi Li and Xian Shen: "Please rest assured, Prince Zhennan and Princess Consort. With Ye Bushou here, we will ensure the Holy Maiden's safety!"

Chi Li was momentarily at a loss, repeatedly saying, "Minister Zhong, my daughter is unruly, there's really no need for such a fuss..." Xian Can also opened his mouth to explain that his daughter might not need protection. But Zhong Xiao Kui didn't allow them to say anything more, and had already sternly given an order to one of the night watchmen accompanying her.

"Immediately send a message by carrier pigeon to notify all guerrilla strongholds, post stations, and garrison checkpoints along the route from Shu to the Central Plains, especially the troops of Xu Yanqiong, the Shu Road Support Commissioner, Shi Hongzhao, the Kuizhou Water and Land Commander, and Wang Xiancheng."

"In the name of the King of Qin, all departments are hereby ordered to search for the Holy Maiden's whereabouts with all their might. If she is found, she must not be disturbed. She should be secretly protected to ensure her absolute safety. Her whereabouts must be reported daily without error!"

"Yes, sir!" The centurion clasped his hands in acceptance, turned and ran off to carry out the order.

Du Xunhe was taken aback by Zhong Xiaokui's imposing manner and paused for a moment before nodding hurriedly: "What you say is absolutely right, Clerk Zhong. I will immediately issue an urgent document in the name of the Ministry of Rites to inform the local governments along the way and fully cooperate with the night raid operation."

Chi Li looked at the massive machine that was instantly mobilized, sighed deeply, feeling both grateful and helpless. He wanted to dissuade Zhong Xiao Kui from going to such lengths.

But Zhong Xiaokui said solemnly, "Prince Zhennan, this is a matter of great importance personally ordered by His Highness Prince Qin. It concerns the imperial family's dignity and the safety of the future imperial concubine. There is no room for carelessness! It is the duty of the night scout. Please do not refuse, Your Highness!"

Inside the main stronghold of the Ten Thousand Poisons Cave, the lights, which had just quieted down for a moment, were lit again, and the place became even busier than before.

Carrier pigeons fluttered into the deep night sky, while the rapid sound of horses' hooves rose and fell like drumbeats outside the village, enveloping the entire village in this sudden atmosphere.

Chi Li and Xian Shen stood in the brightly lit hall, their expressions gradually shifting from initial shock and panic to worry, and finally to a wry smile tinged with helplessness and affection.

(End of this chapter)