Dongfang Yan was a martial artist, strong and healthy, and his injuries healed quickly. Although he was still unable to get out of bed, he could carry and hold things without any problem. He took the medicine bowl from Dongfang Heng and drank it all in one gulp. The bitter taste of the medicine spread in his mouth, and waves of heat flowed into his chest to heal his injuries.
"How is the Sixth Prince?" Looking at Dongfang Heng, Dongfang Yan suddenly thought of the Sixth Prince, born to Consort Shu. His mother and uncle rebelled, and his entire maternal clan was exterminated. His fate would probably not be good either.
Dongfang Heng's eyelids darkened: "Execute him along with Duke Mu and Consort Shu." The Sixth Prince is already thirteen years old. He is clever and quick-witted. Having been immersed in the palace for many years, he knows a lot. Having grown up by Consort Shu's side for many years, his personality is also like hers.
His mother's clan was wiped out. He may not say it outwardly, but he must be extremely angry inside. If he were spared, he would definitely become a major threat to Ye Qianlong in the future. The emperor loves Ye Qianlong and will eliminate all enemies for him. The execution of the sixth prince was expected.
Dongfang Yan's gaze darkened. In order to protect the Western Liang kingdom, a ruler must be ruthless and show no mercy to those who disobey him. Even his own sons must not be spared, especially someone like Consort Shu, who would inevitably become a major threat if left alive.
A soft knock sounded, and Zi Mo pushed the door open and walked in: "Your Highness, Prince, a message from the Azure Flame Pigeon!"
Dongfang Heng had already sent a message by carrier pigeon to Dongfang Xun of the Holy King's Mansion that the Holy King and Holy Queen were still alive but seriously injured. The letter that was sent back was to inquire about their condition and to send their regards.
Dongfang Heng took the note, unfolded it, and his deep gaze suddenly sharpened.
"What happened?" Dongfang Yan asked, puzzled, looking at Dongfang's solemn expression.
"My elder brother told me to return to Qingyan immediately. He didn't write anything about it, only that it was extremely urgent." Dongfang Heng's obsidian-like eyes were unfathomable.
The Holy King looked at the note; the handwriting was vigorous and elegant, written by Dongfang Xun: "Your elder brother is always calm and collected. His urging you to return to Qingyan must mean something big has happened in the capital. Pack your things and go back quickly." Holy King, the Holy Queen is seriously injured and needs to rest. She cannot travel and cannot return to Qingyan with Dongfang Heng.
"You and Mother are both seriously injured, I'm worried about you!" This is a villa on the outskirts of Xiliang, not the Qingyan Holy King's mansion. How could he abandon his seriously injured parents and leave alone?
Shen Lixue's gaze sharpened. She put down the empty medicine bowl, carefully pulled the blanket up for the Holy Princess, and turned to look at Dongfang Heng: "I'll stay here to take care of Father and Mother. You go back to Qingyan first."
The situation in the capital is urgent and cannot be delayed. Her parents are seriously injured and must be cared for. She and Dongfang Heng can be separated for the time being.
Dongfang Heng's handsome face instantly darkened: "How much power can a weak woman like you have in the capital of Xiliang?"
The Holy King and Holy Queen are seriously injured and will not recover for at least one or two months. The journey from Xiliang Capital to Qingyan Capital is long and will take at least half a month to twenty days. If Dongfang Heng and Shen Lixue work separately, they will not be able to see each other for at least two months.
The two were newly married and a loving couple. A day apart felt like three autumns, and if they didn't see each other for two months, they would definitely miss each other terribly.
Shen Lixue was puzzled by Dongfang Heng's vehement opposition: "With the Duke of Mu executed, the capital of Xiliang has been stabilized and there will be no rebellion in the short term. What's wrong with me staying here to take care of my father and mother?"
When they came to Xiliang, they brought a lot of secret guards. When Dongfang Heng leaves, he will take half of the secret guards with him and leave the other half to protect the Holy King and Holy Queen. In the peaceful capital of Xiliang, nothing major will happen. What is Dongfang Heng worried about?
“My father is the Holy King of Qingyan. He has rendered meritorious service in suppressing the rebellion in Xiliang and has a fairly good relationship with the Prince of Yan. After his injuries improve, many ministers from Xiliang will definitely come to visit him. It would be inconvenient for you, a woman, to go out and receive them.” Dongfang Heng casually gave an excuse. Leaving Li Xue in Xiliang while he returned to Qingyan alone and slept on a cold bed was a joke.
"Then I'll decline their visits first, and let them come to visit after Father's injuries have fully healed." Ancient people had somewhat feudal ideas, and it was considered somewhat presumptuous for a woman in the inner courtyard to receive male guests. Since the Holy King was injured, most of the visitors would be officials from the court, and she could not receive them, so she had to politely decline.
"The method is feasible, but the officials in the court are all arrogant. People come with gifts and good intentions, and you send them away with just a word. Anyone would feel uncomfortable in that situation."
Dongfang Heng's rebuttal was tactful yet direct, hitting the nail on the head. No matter what reason Shen Lixue came up with, he could always find a negative aspect. In short, Dongfang Heng had to stay and take care of the Holy King and Holy Queen with Shen Lixue, and they couldn't work separately.
Looking at the stalemate between Dongfang Heng and Shen Lixue, the Holy King smiled slightly and said, "My injuries have improved a lot. I will be able to get out of bed in a few days and take care of Meng'er. I don't need you to worry about me anymore. You can all go back to Qingyan together."
Dongfang Heng's emotions were well hidden, but Dongfang Yan, being his biological father and an experienced man, quickly saw through his son's true intentions. In short, he didn't want to be separated from his wife. He had been young once and knew that newlyweds liked to be together all the time. As a father, he couldn't cause his son any unhappiness in this matter.
Dongfang Heng's obsidian-like eyes flashed with a cold light. His gaze deepened, and he remained silent. With his father's intervention, there was no need for him to impart his teachings to Shen Lixue.
“Father, both of your wounds are on your chest, and it will take at least a month for them to heal. Only a few days have passed, and it’s still a long way before you can get out of bed…” Shen Lixue didn’t understand, but continued to insist on her opinion.
"The capital of Xiliang is now at peace. I have done my part for Xiliang, and our Qingyan has a good relationship with Xiliang. The Emperor and the Crown Prince will send people to take care of me, so you don't need to worry." Half of the guards from the Holy King's Mansion will also stay behind, which will be enough to take care of the two of them. Their injuries need to heal on their own. Dongfang Heng and Shen Lixue will stay in the villa and won't be of much help. It's better to return to Qingyan as soon as possible and deal with the important matters in the capital.
“Like this…” Shen Lixue was still somewhat hesitant. In ancient times, people valued filial piety the most. Her father-in-law and mother-in-law were seriously injured. Was it appropriate for her, as the daughter-in-law, to leave?
"That's settled then. It's still early, so hurry up and pack your things so you can get back to Qingyan soon!" Shen Lixue might not listen to Dongfang Heng's words, but she had to obey her father-in-law's wishes. Since her son couldn't persuade her, the Holy King would help him.
"Alright!" Since the Holy King invited them to return to Qingyan together, Shen Lixue no longer insisted and nodded in agreement. After bidding farewell to the Holy King, she took out the empty medicine bowl and went back to her room to pack her things.
Dongfang Heng's sandalwood carriage was like a small living room, with everything you could need for food, clothing, and entertainment. Shen Lixue didn't have much to pack, so she just took a few changes of clothes that she and Dongfang Heng usually wore, as well as some jewelry that she liked to wear, and left the room.
After bidding farewell to the Holy King and instructing the guards on precautions, Dongfang Heng gently put his arm around Shen Lixue's shoulder and walked towards the door.
Zi Mo had already harnessed the carriage and was waiting at the gate. When he saw Dongfang Heng and Shen Lixue come out, he hurriedly lifted the curtain and said, "Your Highness and Your Highness's Consort, please come in."
Shen Lixue walked slowly to the carriage, her delicate hand gently touching the edge. Just as she was about to get on, a familiar voice called out from beside her: "Lixue!"
Shen Lixue glanced to the side and saw Ye Qianlong riding a fast horse towards her on the flat road. His black brocade robe fluttered in the wind, and his jet-black hair was gently tied up with a purple-gold jade crown. He looked radiant.
Dongfang Heng frowned, his deep eyes flashing with displeasure, but he remained silent. They were about to leave Xiliang and get away from Ye Qianlong, so let Ye Qianlong get close to Li Xue once, in front of him. He figured Ye Qianlong wouldn't do anything out of line.
"Li Xue!" Ye Qianlong dismounted five meters away and hurried over. Perhaps because he had rushed all the way, fine beads of sweat appeared on his full forehead. When he saw Shen Li Xue, the anxiety that had been flashing in his clear eyes disappeared instantly. Fortunately, he was not too late.
"You must return to Qingyan."
"Yes!" Shen Lixue nodded, a slight smile on her lips as a sign of politeness to her friend: "Qianlong, did you need something?"
"I... came to see you off!" Ye Qianlong looked at Shen Lixue, his clear eyes filled with a solemn and sincere smile. Lixue was the Princess Consort of Qingyan Anjun, while he was the Crown Prince of Xiliang. He could not keep her, nor could he keep her.
"Thank you." Shen Lixue returned a sincere smile, then turned to look at the villa: "Father and Mother are seriously injured and should not be subjected to any rough travel, so they will remain in Xiliang for the time being..."
"The pacification of the Duke of Mu's mansion owes a great deal to the Holy Prince and the Prince of An. I will take good care of the Holy Prince and the Holy Princess!" Ye Qianlong solemnly promised, his smile clear and warm, without any impurities.
"Thank you." Shen Lixue looked at the sun high in the sky: "Qianlong, it's getting late, we'll be going now, take care."
The Emperor of Xiliang intends to make Ye Qianlong the emperor and has arranged many strategists for him to teach him the ways of governing the country. The Duke of Mu's mansion has been eliminated, and Ye Qianlong has no formidable enemies in the palace. With the emperor's protection, he will surely be able to successfully ascend the throne. Shen Lixue no longer needs to worry about him.
Ye Qianlong looked at Shen Lixue and nodded heavily: "Take care and have a safe journey!" His eyes flashed with undisguised bitterness.
Shen Lixue didn't see him and went straight to the carriage. All good things must come to an end. She was a Qingyan person and would eventually return to Qingyan with Dongfang Heng. Ye Qianlong was the future emperor of Xiliang and would stay in Xiliang to benefit the people.
They are friends and will meet again in the future. There's no need to be too sad about this temporary separation.
Dongfang Heng glanced at Ye Qianlong, then followed Shen Lixue into the carriage. Once the two were seated, Zi Mo sat in front of the carriage, cracked the whip, and the carriage moved away slowly.
As the carriage drove further and further away, Shen Lixue also drifted further and further away from him. A hint of reluctance flickered in Ye Qianlong's clear eyes, and his lips moved, but he said nothing.