Scharlachroter Regen überflutet die Stadt

Kapitel 51

"Lan Ruo—" Lu Li saw her distress and realized he had lost his composure, so he quickly sighed, "You know I wasn't doing this to you."

Madam Qin nodded, turned her back, wiped away her tears, and then calmed down before asking softly, "If Your Highness finds that day awkward, I'll go to the palace and ask Consort Ding for her opinion. Perhaps there's still room for change."

Lu Li had regained his usual composure and shook his head. "They say a word is as good as gold, there's no reason to make the Emperor change his mind. You should get ready, the day is approaching."

Qin is right. We've endured it for so long, why can't we endure it now?

Lu Li turned to leave.

"It's so late—" Madam Qin hurriedly caught up with him.

"study."

Those two words again. Why did I even chase after them to ask? Qin smiled faintly at herself; perhaps it had become a habit. And his response, too, had become a habit.

Madam Qin sighed. Why that particular day of all? So many auspicious days and nights, yet the Emperor insisted on choosing that woman's death anniversary. Madam Qin knew that the Prince would become increasingly withdrawn as that day approached. And this time, the Emperor's deliberate act had likely struck a nerve with Lu Li again; no wonder he couldn't control his emotions.

"I want to go to the palace and ask my father what he really means."

Upon hearing that the Emperor had set a date for the Seventh Prince's marriage, the Fourth Prince flew into a rage.

"Look, I knew I couldn't tell you this, because if I did, I knew you wouldn't be able to control your temper," the Fourth Princess said, trying to stop the Fourth Prince while comforting him. "Why are you in such a hurry? The Seventh Prince agreed without saying a word. What's the rush?"

"Seventh Brother?" Fourth Master sighed. "He hardly speaks to me anymore. Who else can he say a few words to?"

"So, can't you just calm down too?" The Fourth Princess shook her head. "If Mother finds out, she'll definitely scold you."

"Father really hit a nerve this time." The Fourth Prince sat back down, fiddling with his jade pendant. "Seventh Prince... has had a tough time too."

"Perhaps, they want to test the Seventh Prince's attitude." The Fourth Princess sat down next to the Fourth Prince, gently pinching the sleeve of the person next to her. "Or perhaps someone is waiting to see what happens."

The Fourth Prince pondered the Princess's words and snorted coldly, "Who's waiting to see this boring show?"

The princess was in no hurry. She leisurely poured a cup of tea for the man beside her and pushed it towards him. "Everyone says it was the Emperor who decided on it, but among us sisters-in-law, we say that Consort Lin chose the date for the Emperor. Don't you think there's something interesting about this?"

Fourth Master thought it over and nodded, "Seventh Brother was right not to say anything. Oh, is Zhi'er's annual allowance ready? The day is approaching."

"How could I forget? Did you go see that child today?"

"Of course I've seen it, and I've already learned to call him Fourth Uncle, and I pronounce it very clearly."

The night was quiet.

Another sleepless night.

Lu Li stood at the window, looking at the crabapple grove sleeping in the night. He didn't know when he had planted her favorite crabapple trees in the yard in front of his window, so that no matter when, he could see the whole crabapple grove just by looking up.

But the woman under the crabapple blossoms...

She begged him to fight for her.

At that time, he didn't understand.

She saw that power as her only hope for survival, but he viewed it as something she shouldn't have.

He hated himself for not asking further, hated himself for not understanding her situation.

But deep down, he had clearly made that promise.

He said he would give her anything she wanted.

So when she asked him for help, he silently agreed.

He would fight for that position, for her sake.

Chapter Two: Yan Zheng

"Madam Yanzheng," a maidservant called softly from outside the tent, "the Prince Consort has returned."

The woman by the fireplace lifted the curtain, bent down and went outside the tent, and saw the man in full military attire standing on his horse.

I bowed slightly, and he dismounted from his horse. Without saying a word, he took my hand and led me into the tent, his voice low and deep, “From now on, there is no need to greet me outside.”

I removed his armor and set it aside, then took the hot gun from the fire and handed it to him, still warm. "How was the training today?"

He smiled slightly, "I've improved a lot since a few days ago."

I simply nodded and turned my back to tidy up the trench coat I was wearing in the spring.

His gaze fell on her back, and he seemed to realize something. Out of the corner of his eye, he slightly moved his lips, as if he wanted to say something, but in the end, he didn't say anything.

The curtain was lifted again, and Princess Huyanlie entered. She was voluptuous, and her high, protruding belly gave her a serene beauty.

The man quickly stood up and went to help her, saying, "Princess, why are you here? Didn't you say you were going to rest and prepare for childbirth?"

The princess smiled slightly, "I heard Zheng'er tell a few stories yesterday, and I'd like to hear more."

"In that case, it would be good if the princess sent someone to find me and you."

She shook her head. "I feel more comfortable here than where I am."

The man beside her unfolded a tiger-skin robe and draped it over the princess's shoulders. "In that case, you women chat. I'll go find General Yesu."

The princess nodded, watching the man depart with boundless love. She sighed softly. "I'm always afraid... he'll miss home..."

That man was the son-in-law of the Golden Horde. Or rather, he had another name: Lu Hong.

This is the Golden Horde of Mongolia, which faces the Central Plains of China from afar.

From the very first day I woke up, I was already in this large tent.

Two years ago, I still insisted that he take me back. I tried everything, knocked over countless medicine jars, and threatened to kill myself countless times, until I finally gave in, exhausted. In my dream, that familiar land of fish and rice... white mourning banners were everywhere on the streets, and I could only watch helplessly.

I am already dead.

That Princess Ningshuo has already been buried in the Chaoyang Hall of the Imperial Palace.

On the very night after Princess Ning Shuo's burial, the former Crown Prince Lu Hong rebelled and surrendered to the enemy, and then peacefully ascended to the position of Prince Consort of the Great Mongol Empire.

I never asked him whether it was worthwhile for a prince of a great nation to condescend to the authority of a foreign woman.

Now, I am this man's concubine, and those who respect me call me "Madam."

I sat under the dim light, chuckling softly, when a chill ran down my spine.

"What are you laughing at?"

"It's nothing," I replied expressionlessly.

Seeing my coldness, he pursed his lips, his hand, which was about to touch my temple, paused in mid-air. "In a few days, there will be another great battle."

He stood up, his back to me, and said, "I'm not sure about the outcome of this battle. If our army suffers a major defeat, we'll both be walking into the tiger's den again."

I gasped. "Even the emperor is so devoted to punishing his rebellious son. But you, by siding with the Great Meng and relying on your father-in-law to fight against your own father, are certainly doing a good thing."

He sighed. "Staying in court, what right does a deposed crown prince have to compete with them? If I can't win in court, I'll fight on the battlefield. If I can't win the throne, I'll fight for the empire. Zhaozhi, have you forgotten what my mother asked you to support me before she died?"

I smiled faintly. Aunt, you truly are a shrewd woman. She calculated everything and knew all along that the Crown Prince's weakness was only superficial. He was a Crown Prince whom you personally trained. How could I underestimate him?

“Actually, my life is not important, but the Nalan token in my hand is different.”

"Yes." He answered without hesitation. "The Empress Dowager said that you are my last trump card. The Rong family needs the two of us to work together to make a comeback. You help me gain the throne, and I will return the power of the Rong family to you. Isn't that good?"

“I believe… your royal father said the same thing to my father back then.”

Lu Hong frowned slightly, finally sighed, and turned to leave.

The last sentence seemed to have been left specifically for me.

"Today is the anniversary of your death, but it seems... the Prince Ning's residence is holding a celebration."

Nalan Ling.

It is indeed something that everyone in the world dreams of.

For many years, rumors have circulated that whoever obtains the Nalan Decree will rule the world.

After establishing his dynasty, the founding emperor personally created the Nalan Decree to ensure the stability of imperial power for ten thousand years, aiming to create a world where everyone in the martial arts world would be completely loyal to the court. However, a century later, the Nalan Decree has been passed down through several rulers, and has become a force capable of destroying the world.

Preventing Nalan Ling from being tainted by the bloodshed of power has been an unyielding mission for all the previous lords of the manor.

Lu Hong stood outside the tent.

The lost and lonely figure bore a resemblance to that person.

I walked up slowly and said softly, "If you survive this fierce battle, I will help you."

He stiffened upon hearing this, looked at me, and remained silent, pursing his lips.

“You took me out of the capital and sheltered me for two years. I am not an ungrateful person.” I turned around and looked directly at him. “It’s just that… I will not use the Nalan Decree to help you. The Mongol cavalry will not trample our land, because… I will invite you back to the palace to ascend the throne.”

Lu Hong nodded firmly, "I believe you."

The desert was desolate and silent at night, with the eyes of the wolf pack flickering like ghosts in the distance, and the wind as cold as a knife.

On the very first day of the battle, Lu Hong sent me away from Da Meng.

I want to go back and pave the way for his return to the capital.

Early spring in Yangzhou is the perfect time to visit gardens.

Many literati and scholars traveled from afar just to see the spring scenery of Yangzhou and participate in the annual Peach Garden Gathering at Hongzhanlou.

Having been in Yangzhou for half a month, he infiltrated the Hongzhanlou under the pretense of selling himself into servitude to bury his brother.

I have to wait for someone here. I can't go to him in person, so I can only wait for him to appear in the place where he usually goes.

Lan Pavilion.

The spring sun is bright and warm outside.

Inside the room, there was a beautiful woman, as lovely as jade.

"Who knows, the head of the hall might personally select the most beautiful courtesan again at this year's Peach Garden Gathering." The speaker was Hong Xiangyu, a senior girl from Hongzhanlou. I pretended not to care and served them tea.

"Sister Hong, do you perhaps covet that position?" the younger girl said with a playful laugh. Hong Xiangyu blushed immediately, turned her head away, glanced at me, and frowned in disgust. "You little brat, what are you doing getting involved in this? Hurry up and go serve in the outer room. If you make a mistake when Miss Jin arrives, you'll be kicked out."

I panicked and backed away repeatedly.

The lobby of the Red Exhibition Building was bustling with men and women, and I was busy serving them from all sides.

Lan Mo'er was sitting in a corner, leisurely drinking. I walked over and put on a smile. "Girl, you have a good temperament."

Her smile was like a pear blossom in the spring breeze: "Xiao Zheng, help me upstairs."

"Didn't I hear that Miss Jin was coming?" I was stunned for a moment.

She waved her hand, "Are you going to stay and listen to her taunts?"