The next day Bai Su moved to Qing Lu Hall without any delay.

As for Chen Daren, who previously achieved a great victory against natural disasters in Huainan, the people welcomed him along the way for a hundred miles. After more than half a month of travel, he finally returned to the capital.

In the court, the courtiers were divided on both sides, with only a middle-aged man around forty years old, standing in the center, appearing fatigued but still unable to conceal his shiny complexion.

“Chen Daren^[1]陈大人 – Lord Chen; Daren means Lord, your spirit seems lively after such good news. You look different from before when you departed,” The teasing mark hiding a subtle edge.

There was a momentary pause in the atmosphere of the hall. The man kneeling in the center suddenly smiled and said, “After successfully resolving the disaster in Huainan, the people are extremely grateful to Your Majesty. As soon as this official thought about bringing such good news to His Majesty, this half-month journey felt like a fleeting moment, with boats and carriages passing swiftly. not tired at all. One’s spirit is indeed uplifted in the face of good news. Your Majesty’s words are quite accurate!”

Duan Changchuan silently observed him for a while, then lightly raised the corners of his lips. “Indeed. When I heard about Chen Daren‘s achievements in Huainan, I immediately dispatched General Rong to welcome you on behalf of the court. However, I wonder why General Rong did not return with you. Did you not meet him on the way?”

Chen Xiuyong, being an old fox of a thousand years, sighed as if burdened and said, “This official received news seven days ago that General Rong would come to welcome me, but don’t know why, we have not met. And don’t know what happened, even the messenger could find me, yet General Rong seemed to have missed me.”

With one sentence, he shifted the focus to Duan Changchuan, occasionally blaming General Rong for not being competent, subtly implying that he did not handle things well. It was equivalent to giving General Rong a severe blow in front of the court, later whenever Rong Wu was mentioned, he might be labeled as someone who couldn’t even handle a simple task such as welcoming a guest.

Duan Changchuan’s hand clenched tightly inside his sleeve.

“Qingxi, you must remember, as a ruler, you must not lose composure. Even if your heart is uneasy, your expression should remain unchanged. Endure like a mountain under immense pressure, without collapsing before others.”

These were the words his father had said to him when he was young.

“Duan Changchuan, you cannot lose control. The more they want to see you angry due to incompetence, the more calmly you should face it.”

He silently reminded himself to maintain a calm expression.

He said, “Is that so? Well, then…”

Just as he was carefully choosing his words to respond, a messenger’s voice came from outside the hall, and the words “urgent report” were faintly audible, and it was related to the Ministry of War.

Instantly, there was a stir in the hall.

“The border under the rule of the Regent has been free of warfare for three years. How can there be an urgent report from the Ministry of War all of a sudden?”

This… Could it be an invasion from Xinjiang of the northern border?”

“I haven’t heard anything… if war breaks out suddenly, the people will suffer again.”

As the courtiers spoke one after another, the Regent calmly stepped forward to the center of the hall. A low cough made the entire hall silent again.

“Declare the messenger from the Ministry of War to report, he will be questioned in front of the hall,” he said.

A series of edicts followed, and in less than a moment, the Chief of Imperial Guard had brought forward a man with blood-stained clothes, kneeling before the throne. Duan Changchuan was familiar with this person, one of General Rong’s subordinates stationed in the western camp in the capital, Duan Changchuan once met him before outside the capital.

“Reporting to Your Majesty, our General urgently rushed to welcome Chen Daren, taking a shortcut with a fast horse. Unexpectedly, on the seventh day, he encountered traitorous bandits who colluded with the enemy in the canyon of Shaoguan. When we received the news and rushed to the scene, the General’s horse was severely injured and died… our General, he… he’s missing.”

As he spoke, he handed over a document covered in mud.

Duan Jing’an took the document first, read it with a solemn expression, and then handed it to Chang Le to present it to Duan Changchuan.

–

This matter was too important, The Regent personally drafted an order and sent the General of the Southern Garrison to personally investigate. Duan Changchuan gripped the jade seal in his hand, covered in golden and white silk.

The edict was then passed down. After the court session, it was late afternoon. The Regent hurriedly took his leave and returned, without dragging his feet. Perhaps it was because the situation arose suddenly, and he needed to go back to make arrangements.

Chang Le came over and asked, “Your Majesty, should we announce lunch?”

Duan Changchuan took out a silk book from his sleeve, placed it under the lamp, and burned it. Then he stood up, adjusted his clothes, and said, “Go to the Imperial Astronomical Bureau. My military general has encountered trouble, and this incompetent one is going to find Yun Xie to drown his sorrows in alcohol.”

When he arrived at the Imperial Astronomical Bureau, it was already afternoon. Wei hour (1 pm to 3 pm) was almost over, and Duan Changchuan’s stomach growled with hunger.

Yun Xie, dressed in all white, hurried over.

Contrary to his usual carefree appearance, he immediately knelt upon arrival. Even the fan that usually hung from his waist was held securely in his hand, and he looked much more serious.

“Have you changed your personality?” Duan Changchuan scrutinized him and asked skeptically.

Yun Xie first paused, then blinked desperately. “What are you talking about? I’ve always been like this.”

As the conversation ended, a clear and steady female voice came from behind, saying, “Yun’er, why didn’t you use polite language when meeting His Majesty?”

Following the voice, Duan Changchuan saw a woman also dressed in simple white clothes, walking gracefully towards them.

She was none other than Feng Yao, she was an external member of the Imperial Astronomical in name, but in reality, she was the owner.

A few years ago, Yun Xie’s master, the owner of the Imperial Astronomical Bureau, Zuo Wuya passed away, leaving all his plates to Yun Xie.

At that time, Yun Xie was only seventeen. Zuo Wuya worried that being young, Yun Xie wouldn’t be able to control the many people in the bureau. So, he sent a message to his junior sister, Feng Yao, to come and assist.

It was said that Feng Yao was the youngest disciple Yun Xie’s grandmaster had ever taken, although she was only twenty-three, she was addressed with great respect by Yun Xie and the entire bureau, everyone respectfully addresses her as “Aunt Lin.”

“Feng Yao greets Your Majesty.” As the woman approached, she slightly bent her knees and respectfully saluted.

Duan Changchuan quickly helped her up and said, “Aunt Lin, please don’t be too polite.”

The woman raised her eyes and seemed somewhat surprised when she saw him.

But it was only for a moment, and she quickly redirected the conversation with a casual “Please follow me, Your Majesty.” She led him and Yun Xie through several turns, pushed open a seemingly inconspicuous courtyard door, and entered.

The narrow wooden door creaked open. Upon entering, they were greeted by a sweet floral fragrance, followed by clusters of pear blossoms in sight.

Despite being only mid-February, in the entire Shengjing, only the spring flowers had blossomed, and here, pear blossoms had already outshone the snow.

“I have been traveling outside for several days and only returned to Shengjing last night. I only learned about Yun’er instigating Your Majesty to send General Rong Wu to investigate the Huainan area today… Although this plan may have obtained the desired results, it is ultimately a case of killing a thousand enemies and harming oneself by eight hundred, it’s not the best strategy. If it weren’t for Miss Bai Su accidentally overhearing the small talk of the servants, finding Chang Le to convey the message, our strategy might have taken a wrong turn.”

As Feng Yao spoke, she led them inside.

“Bai Su?” Duan Changchuan looked puzzled.

Feng Yao raised the corner of her lips slightly and nodded, “Yes, Bai Su.”

As she spoke, they entered the room.

Afterward, Duan Changchuan saw the person standing by the window.

Long hair flowing, crimson lips. Even though she was only wearing the servant’s clothes, it couldn’t conceal the aristocratic air that surrounded her.

The scent of peonies wafted through the air.