A pure heart in a jade pot - Chapter 110
"She seemed quite frightened, and called several maids in to keep her company."
Just then, the sound of hurried hoofbeats could be faintly heard in the distance, growing ever closer.
"Your Highness! Your Highness!" someone cried out urgently, their voice trembling with obvious sobs, making everyone who heard it uneasy. Mo Yan grew even more frightened upon hearing this voice, clutching Zhan Zhao's clothes tightly. The latter wanted to go out and see what was happening, but he could feel the body trembling slightly in his arms, and for a moment he couldn't bear to push her away.
Many people in the camp were startled by this person and came out of their tents to see. Yelü Hongji, wearing a brocade outer robe, also hurriedly stepped out...
The man dismounted and crawled on his knees to Yelü Hongji's side until he was not far away.
"Your Highness, Your Highness!"
"What exactly happened? Tell me quickly!"
"Your Highness, the Empress Dowager, the Empress Dowager... has passed away."
Upon hearing this, cries of anguish immediately erupted from the surrounding Liao people, their faces filled with sorrow. Yelü Hongji stood frozen for a long while, then turned and sternly ordered, "Break camp immediately and return to Zhongjing!"
"I obey!"
Mo Yan had been listening intently to the sounds outside. As soon as she heard the words "Empress Dowager has passed away," her eyes widened, and she said to Zhan Zhao with absolute certainty, "Look, look, that was definitely the Empress Dowager just now!"
The coincidences were too great for Zhan Zhao to explain, especially since things must be in chaos outside. He needed to go out and arrange matters for the Song people here, and also discuss things with the princess. Seeing Mo Yan clutching her clothes, looking pitiful, Zhan Zhao couldn't help but lower his head and kiss her forehead, smiling as he said, "Don't be afraid, we still have a lot to do."
Mo Yan took a deep breath, touched her forehead, and then nodded vigorously.
When the two left the tent, they saw many figures moving about in the camp. The Liao people were bustling about, but they were not chaotic at all and were carrying out the various tasks of breaking camp in an orderly manner. Zhan Zhao went first into the princess's tent and told her everything. After discussing for a while, the two sent word to order all the Song people accompanying them to change into mourning clothes to show their grief.
The Liao people moved swiftly, and within half an hour, everything was ready. Zhao Yu was also invited onto the wedding carriage, which was decorated with silver ornaments on its roof and lintel, and was pulled by a white camel.
"The Empress Dowager has suddenly passed away, and we must travel day and night to get back. The journey will inevitably be tiring, and I'm afraid we will have to trouble the princess." Yelü Hongji came to Zhao Yu's carriage to apologize.
“Your Highness is a very filial person, so there is no need to worry. I understand perfectly well,” Zhao Yu replied.
"Thank you for your compassion, Princess."
Yelü Hongji flicked the reins, turned his horse around, and galloped straight to the front of the group, with Xiao Guanyin following closely behind him.
A note from the author: Wenwen doesn't have a group yet. Friends can create their own. Just tell Lion, and Lion will post the group number in the text.
Chapter Forty-Three
The large group marched at a rapid pace until dawn, when Yelü Hongji finally ordered a short rest.
Traveling through the night, Zhao Yu could rest in the camel cart, but the bumpy journey and his heavy heart, coupled with not sleeping all night, left him utterly exhausted. Mo Yan, on the other hand, had been a constable, often patrolling the streets late at night, so he didn't feel particularly tired.
During the rest period, the Liao people quickly lit a fire and started a stove on the spot. Mo Yan waited by the pot for a while. When the porridge was cooked, she first ladled a bowl and ordered her maid to take it to Zhao Yu. She herself didn't even have time to eat. She took a bowl of porridge and ran to find Zhan Zhao. That night, she could still rest in the carriage with her maid, but Zhan Zhao had been riding all night. Now he was busy taking care of the other Song people in the wedding procession and also had to mediate other matters with the Liao people. He was very busy.
To show his grief, Zhan Zhao had changed into a plain white robe and was talking with Yelü Pusa Nu. In the cold morning wind, his robes fluttered, making him appear even taller and thinner.
Knowing she couldn't approach, Mo Yan could only wait quietly a short distance away, holding her bowl. She glanced at Zhan Zhao, thinking to herself, "Once we get to Zhongjing, I'll have to cook him something delicious." She looked down at the goat's milk and wild vegetable porridge in her hand; its aroma was enticing. The Liao people liked to drizzle a large spoonful of raw oil on top. Fortunately, she had declined the offer in time; otherwise, with the oil, Zhan Zhao would have certainly not been able to swallow it.
After waiting a while, Yelü Pusa Nu walked away expressionlessly. She quickly stepped forward and handed the porridge to Zhan Zhao: "Brother, you should also try their porridge. It's still hot."
Zhan Zhao took the bowl and smiled slightly at her: "Have you eaten?"
"There's still plenty left in the pot," she replied with a smile, glancing out of the corner of her eye as Yelü Pusa Nu walked away. "What does that coffin lid want with you now?"
"Shh! Don't talk nonsense!" There were many Liao people around, and fearing that too many people would overhear, Zhan Zhao stopped her.
Mo Yan lowered her head slightly, immediately realizing her mistake. When she looked up again, she pursed her lips and whispered, "What...what does he want with you?"
"I asked him about the route to Zhongjing and the arrangements for some of my dowry items."
"oh……"
"Come on, go and get a bowl to eat too." Zhan Zhao pulled her towards the stove and said gently, "We are now in the Liao Kingdom, so you must be careful what you say in the future."
His tone held no blame, and Mo Yan nodded obediently, secretly glancing at him, only to meet Zhan Zhao's gaze...
"Brother, aren't you angry that I've been so reckless?" she thought to herself, then said aloud.
Zhan Zhao smiled and shook his head, tightening his grip on her hand.
"Why?" Mo Yan asked, puzzled.
Instead of answering, he asked, "Do you feel bored when you're with me?"
She shook her head and said in surprise, "Of course not."
“Me too,” he laughed.
Mo Yan paused, then suddenly understood what he meant. No one is perfect, and two people should be tolerant of each other when they are together. He pointed out that his recklessness was all due to being in a foreign country, but he himself did not think it was offensive.
She couldn't help but smile and look down. When she looked up again, her eyes sparkled: "Big brother, can you kiss me again?"
With Liao and Song people still walking around, Zhan Zhao never expected her to say such a thing. He didn't know how to react for a moment, and after a moment, a warm smile appeared on his face. He reached out and stroked the hair on her forehead, and said softly, "It's inconvenient with so many people around."
Mo Yan looked around in annoyance, scratched her ear, and then sighed softly.
As they approached the stove, someone caught up with them—it was Zhao Yu's personal maid. Zhan Zhao called out to her, "Has the princess had breakfast yet?"
"Your Excellency, the princess only managed two bites before saying she couldn't eat anymore and pushed the rest away," the maid reported.
Upon hearing this, Zhan Zhao frowned slightly. The princess was of noble birth, and the long journey combined with the change in environment would surely cause her to fall ill.
"Brother, you eat first, I'll go take a look."
Mo Yan seemed to understand Zhao Yu's inner turmoil. She refilled her bowl with hot porridge and headed towards Zhao Yu's camel cart. Behind her, Zhan Zhao, holding his bowl, stared intently at her retreating figure. He had almost forgotten what it felt like to be cared for; it was truly wonderful.