Returning after a three-year escape from death, the tyrant has turned evil.

Chapter 95 Departure
Upon hearing this, Song Yi immediately said, "Why? Can't I just say it back just because others are talking about me?"

Jiang Lanye suddenly felt a headache coming on.

There was a reason why she angered the Empress Dowager to the point of having a headache three years ago.

This person is indeed very quick-witted; once they open their mouth, they leave others speechless.

Jiang Lanye and Song Yi had only argued twice. In both arguments, without exception, Jiang Lanye would only say one sentence before Song Yi would immediately spout dozens of sentences.

Even Jiang Lanye was often rendered speechless by her words.

"Song Yi, if you really want to go with me, then listen to me. You are not allowed to argue with anyone tomorrow."

His expression was serious and earnest. Song Yi was taken aback, as if she was really afraid that Jiang Lanye would go back on his word. She nodded reluctantly, "Then okay."

She tried her best to restrain herself, but it wasn't enough.

Then, under Jiang Lanye's unwavering gaze, she reached out and touched the belt around his waist, carefully tying it up.

"Let's talk things out. Don't just loosen your belt all the time."

Her cowardly yet defiant little face made him laugh.

"Then you sleep?"

Song Yi pulled her face back under the covers. "Sleep."

Seeing that she had finally calmed down, Jiang Lanye extinguished the candle and embraced her.

In fact, Jiang Lanye did have his own selfish reasons. He didn't want to be separated from his little sun, and he didn't want to leave her alone here.

This feeling of being out of control is extremely unpleasant.

So when Song Yi cried and begged to go with him, Jiang Lanye felt a mix of endless worry and a touch of exhilaration.

She wanted to go on her own, even knowing the journey would be arduous.

The next morning.

The sun had not yet risen, and the moonlight shone faintly through the window. Jiang Lanye got up, looked at Song Yi who was still asleep, and kissed her.

Song Yi woke up groggily, and before she could say anything, Jiang Lanye lifted her up by the back. Her eyelids were a little swollen, and she stared blankly.

"This is the last time you'll sleep on this bed for a while. If you want to back out, it's not too late."

Jiang Lanye said softly.

Song Yi woke up halfway from her nap, raised her hand to rub her eyes, and said in a muffled voice, "I won't go back on my word."

Jiang Lanye chuckled softly, "Then get up."

Song Yi quickly changed her clothes, put on her shoes and socks, and neatly put her hair up, revealing a small, fair face. She said, "I'm ready!"

Jiang Lanye walked over and skillfully tucked a stray strand of her hair inside, saying, "Have breakfast first, otherwise your body won't be able to handle it."

This breakfast was simple: vegetable and lean meat porridge, a dish that both of them love.

The porridge was thick and hot, and it felt especially warm when I drank it.

Jiang Lanye then grabbed Song Yi and wrapped a cloak around her, after which Jiang Lanye put away the little clay figure that Song Yi had made.

After making sure Song Yi hadn't forgotten anything, he took her hand and walked out.

Outside the Golden Palace, several soldiers dressed in weapons stood silently, their expressions solemn and stern, each with an identical sword at their waist.

Among them, a particularly burly man was facing Jiang Lanye. Upon seeing him emerge, he immediately cupped his hands and said, "Your humble servant greets Your Majesty!"

His voice was rough.

Jiang Lanye said softly, "His name is Zuo Sheng."

Song Yi nodded blankly and called out, "General Zuo."

He looks like a general.

Zuo Sheng looked at the delicate woman standing next to Jiang Lanye and immediately frowned deeply.

"Your Majesty, what is the meaning of this?" Jiang Lanye said calmly, "This is Consort Yun. You should pay your respects to her."

"Could it be that Her Highness the Imperial Concubine intends to accompany us to Qingzhou?"

Song Yi was about to answer, but then she remembered Jiang Lanye's instructions from the previous night and silently shut her mouth.

"Yes."

Jiang Lanye's expression remained remarkably calm, as if to him this was just a perfectly normal thing.

Zuo Sheng asked incredulously, "A woman? Your Majesty wants to have a woman by your side?"

"This trip out of the palace is not for leisure. Your Majesty truly cannot understand why you would want to bring a burden along with you?"

He kept referring to women as a burden, his words filled with disdain for them.

Song Yi held back for a moment, but couldn't hold back any longer. She said coldly, "General, this seems to be the first time I've met you. I wonder what I did to offend you that you see me as a burden?"

"Perhaps you are the most useless person in this industry."

Zuo Sheng couldn't help but laugh when he heard her words.

He was a general personally appointed by Jiang Lanye, and had killed countless enemies. He had long seen blood and corpses. He was the most useful person in this line of work!

"As a woman confined to the inner palace, Your Highness is truly not qualified to judge my abilities."

He slightly raised his chin, his eyes filled with arrogance.

Song Yi narrowed her eyes, then suddenly rebuked coldly, "How dare you! I am a Noble Consort. I just bowed to His Majesty. Do you think you have forgotten all manners just because you see me?"

Zuo Sheng's expression changed.

I never expected this woman to use her status to pressure him!
Jiang Lanye said calmly, "Greetings."

Zuo Sheng stiffened when he heard him speak very softly.

Even though Jiang Lanye didn't raise his voice intentionally, those two words, spoken so casually, still sent shivers down his spine.

"Your humble servant pays respects to Your Highness the Imperial Concubine."

He bent one knee, knelt on the ground, and bowed with his hands clasped in greeting.

Song Yi neither looked at him nor told him to get up, but turned to Jiang Lanye and said:

"It's still early morning. For some reason, the weather is foggy today. Let's get in the carriage quickly, or we'll catch a cold before we even set off."

Jiang Lanye hummed in agreement and reached out to tug at her cloak.

"You are the one who should be careful, as you are weak."

Song Yi nodded with a smile.

Hearing Jiang Lanye say that he was physically weak, Zuo Sheng's anger intensified.

I really can't understand why His Majesty would keep such a frail person by his side!
"Let's go."

No sooner had she finished speaking than Xichun suddenly ran over quickly from a short distance away.

"Xichun."

Upon recognizing the person, Song Yi asked in surprise, "What are you doing here?"

Xichun looked at Song Yi and said quickly, "Is Your Highness also leaving? Your Highness, please take me with you. Along the way, I've seen only burly soldiers. No one can serve you. I really can't bear to watch you leave the palace like this!"

Song Yi was moved by this, took Xi Chun's hand, and said softly, "Have you thought this through? This journey will definitely be difficult. If you come with me, I'm afraid you will suffer."

Xichun shook her head, "If Your Highness is not afraid, why should I be afraid?"

Seeing her insistence, Song Yi's eyes welled up with tears, and she said in a muffled voice, "Xichun, thank you."

When Zuo Sheng saw another woman arrive, his anger flared even more. If Jiang Lanye hadn't been standing right next to him, he probably would have already started cursing.

Starting from this chapter, we'll be leaving the palace! This is my first time writing a plot like this, so if you find any parts illogical, please feel free to offer suggestions. I'll consider revising accordingly.

But! Please, please don't scold me, sob sob. The author is easily hurt and easily affected. If you scold me... then I'll just run away.
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(End of this chapter)