Chapter 11.1: The Dog Emperor Faints

Xiao Huaishuo had clearly seen Su Qingning’s fingers move just before a gust of wind swept through the doorway.

Even though he had been shocked by Su Qingning countless times today, he still felt a tingling sensation on his scalp.

If he hadn’t secretly pinched himself just now, he would have thought he was dreaming!

However, he usually had good psychological resilience, and he quickly suppressed his shock. Pretending to be concerned for his wife, he gently patted Su Qingning’s back with a look of pity.

“Don’t be afraid… it’s okay now… the assassin has left.”

The Imperial Guards didn’t believe in any supernatural winds. But after failing to find any trace of the assassin, they heard someone in the crowd say they saw a shadow heading east, so they immediately sent a team to chase after it.

After ensuring the unconscious crown prince was settled, the mission was taken over by the commander of the Imperial Guards, Li Guangli.

Li Guangli was a close friend of Xiao Huaishuo’s father, and his gaze towards the Xiao family members was quite complex.

He didn’t deliberately make things difficult for the Xiao family; he simply had them searched and changed into prison clothes as per protocol, turning a blind eye to some concealed silver notes and jewelry.

Despite having mentally prepared themselves numerous times, the moment the heavy, cold handcuffs were placed on them, everyone truly realized the difficult journey they were about to face.

Eldest sister-in-law Li Xuanyi and younger sister Xiao Qingya, who had never experienced much hardship, could not help but start to sob softly.

Seeing everyone’s spirits low, Liu Qing struck her cane several times and said sternly:

“Pull yourselves together! With this weak attitude, how are you going to make it through the long journey of exile?! Your grandfather led your father to fight against the Western Rong, charging thousands of miles in heavy armor. Now, with just this little weight, you can’t bear it?!”

The old princess had a determined look, and her words seemed to carry a continuous source of strength, always able to uplift people’s spirits.

Li Xuanyi quickly wiped the tears from her face: “Grandmother is right, there isn’t a single coward in our Warlord’s Estate!”

Fourth brother Xiao Huaijin also straightened his back, supporting Xiao Huaishuo’s wheelchair with both hands.

“Grandmother is right! Our ancestors in the Warlord’s Estate followed the late emperor in rebellion, completing the eight-thousand-mile Long March with just a pair of worn-out shoes. What does this three-thousand-mile journey of exile count for?!”

The young man’s voice was clear and bold, invigorating those around him. Everyone stood tall, walking confidently outward.

Su Qingning looked at the united Xiao family members and felt her emotions being unconsciously influenced by them. Just the thought of being able to travel alongside them filled her with anticipation and gratitude.

As the saying goes, with space in hand, I can walk my own path.

The current hardships were only temporary; once they were out of the crowded capital, the script would be in her hands!

According to the original plot, the crown prince intended to make things difficult for Xiao Huaishuo, even confiscating his wheelchair, and it was fourth brother Xiao Huaijin who carried him through the journey of exile.

Now, Li Guangli intended to go easy, not only leaving Xiao Huaishuo’s wheelchair but also not touching many daily necessities he had with him. This spared the Xiao family a lot of trouble.

Su Qingning took one last look at the majestic palace, silently vowing to return!

Turning her head, she found Xiao Huaishuo was also quietly gazing at the palace. “What are you thinking, my lady?”

Su Qingning sniffled, her eyes filled with sincerity. “We’re about to leave; I wanted to give His Majesty my most sincere blessings before we go.”

Xiao Huaishuo’s lips curled slightly. “I feel the same way.”

If there was a blessing to be given, it would be for him to ascend to paradise soon. In the next life, he should be reborn as a creature with as much sensibility as he has now!

In the Eastern Palace, not long after the crown prince was carried back, he woke up. As soon as he opened his eyes, he saw a house frame that was draftier than a slum, and after a few seconds of daze, he erupted in fury.

“Bastards! A bunch of bastards! Where have you thrown me? Do you really think I’m easy to bully? Do you think you can just twist and turn me at will?!”

The personal attendant hurriedly stepped forward, trembling as he replied, “Your Highness, this… this is your Eastern Palace courtyard! Just like the palace, it was completely ransacked yesterday…”

The crown prince felt as if he had been struck by lightning, disbelief filling his eyes. “Impossible! Absolutely impossible!”

How could anyone have emptied not only the palace and the Warlord’s Estate but also the Eastern Palace in a single night?!