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Qin Liu Yan was also shocked: "Princess, it can't be our people!"
Yin Luo's gaze fell on the list, her mind racing with thoughts. Not knowing what had happened, she couldn't panic; she had to understand the ins and outs of the situation and whether Mu Changqing was safe.
By midnight, the mansion was brightly lit.
After sending Ye Qing Ge to rest, Yin Luo sat alone in her room waiting for news. At the hour of Zi, Qin Liu Yan suddenly returned from outside, looking travel-worn: "Princess, the prince has returned."
Yin Luo immediately stood up without saying a word and headed towards the mansion gate.
On the way, she saw Mu Changqing in his court attire, walking steadily towards her. Although he looked the same as usual, there was an unmistakable weariness in his brows. Behind him were He Ren and He Xin, who stopped in place upon seeing Yin Luo, leaving only Mu Changqing to approach her.
"Still awake?" His expression remained unchanged. Yin Luo scrutinized him closely and noticed he was unharmed, which eased her worries. She then asked, "What happened?"
However, he did not answer immediately. Instead, he stepped forward and took her hand. Upon feeling the coldness of her hand, his brow furrowed: "Why are you so cold? You shouldn't have come out at night when it's so chilly."
After saying this, he took off his cloak and wrapped it around her, carefully fastening it. Yin Luo watched his actions in silence. Mu Changqing glanced at her and understood she had many questions for him; thus, he took her hand and said, "Let's talk in the room."
Yin Luo didn't speak again and silently followed him back to the room.
"Some unexpected events occurred today, so I discussed matters with several ministers all day. I scared you."
So that was it. Yin Luo sighed in relief and said, "I don't understand court matters, but even if there's an urgent issue, you should have someone come back to inform me; it made me worry unnecessarily."
Mu Changqing's brow twitched as he lowered his gaze to look at her: "For me?"
Yin Luo glanced at him with a knowing look. Mu Changqing smiled and embraced her: "Luoluo, hearing you say such things at this moment makes me feel especially reassured."
He lowered his head and kissed her hair, saying, "The days ahead in Capital City may not be peaceful. During this time, you should stay in the residence as much as possible. If there’s anything, let Zhong Bo handle it. As for Qing Ge's marriage..." He paused and continued, "Let's put that on hold for now. You just need to focus on your health and recovery in the residence. If you feel bored, you can ask Zhong Bo to invite some skilled dancers from the capital; you enjoy those, and it will help pass the time."
Yin Luo frowned, "Will you be very busy lately?"
Mu Changqing replied affirmatively and added after a moment, "I’m afraid I won’t have much time to accompany you either. I can only ask you to bear with it for now."
"What is there to bear?" Yin Luo chuckled, lifting her head from his embrace. "I know you are busy with state affairs. Since you have matters to attend to during this period, just focus on your work without worrying about me. I can take care of myself."
Mu Changqing looked at her deeply, gently stroked her Azure Silk hair, and after a long while, nodded.
The next morning, Mu Changqing went to court for the morning assembly. After breakfast, Qin Liu Yan brought news in the form of an urgent pigeon post: "A message has come from Qizhou; it is an urgent letter."
Yin Luo unfolded the note and carefully read its contents. Before she had even finished half of it, she was already startled enough to stand up. After reading it completely, a different light sparkled in her eyes: "No wonder he didn’t return yesterday; no wonder he said Capital City isn’t peaceful. So that’s what happened."
Seeing Yin Luo's reaction, Qin Liu Yan couldn't help but ask, "Princess, what has happened?"
Yin Luo handed the note to her. After reading it, Qin Liu Yan was equally shocked: "Qiwang is raising an army to rebel? And he has allied with the two princes of Nanjing Chimei? They have already attacked ten checkpoints in a single day?!"
Qin Liu Yan exclaimed, "Why would Qiwang suddenly rebel when he was fine guarding Qizhou? And these two princes have always been straightforward in their own territories; they haven’t made any significant moves over the years. Why would they lead their troops north this time? To risk everything for rebellion—how could this be possible?"
"If it weren’t so sudden, Jin Wang wouldn’t have called an emergency court session today. The reason for sealing the palace gates is likely to prevent news from leaking out. After all, such a major event would surely cause panic if it spread! Moreover, given that Qizhou is at least ten days' journey from Capital City, it means that news won’t reach the capital until at least ten days later. Once the situation escalates, there will surely be refugees everywhere. By then, with so many people flooding into Capital City, it will undoubtedly be unsafe!"
Qin Liu Yan's gaze suddenly shifted as she looked at Yin Luo and lowered her voice: "Princess, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! At such a moment, a single strike could succeed; do you still need to consider?"
Yin Luo was taken aback and turned around.
Qin Liu Yan looked at her and said: "If the princess desires freedom, now is the best time. If you miss this opportunity, there may never be another chance again. If you choose not to pursue it, Jin Wangfu is indeed a good place to settle down; then just consider that I said nothing!"
Yin Luo lowered her gaze thoughtfully. Qin Liu Yan was right; if she wanted freedom, this was indeed a rare opportunity. However, the cost would be Mu Changqing’s irreversible loss. Was she being too selfish?
After deep contemplation, she lightly parted her red lips and said, "Initiate the first phase of the plan. Unless absolutely necessary, do not proceed to the final step."
Qin Liu Yan's eyes brightened, and he clasped his fists together. "Yes, I will take care of it right away!"
Things progressed quite smoothly because Mu Changqing was fully focused on resisting the invading rebel forces. For seven consecutive days, Yin Luo had only seen him once; for the rest of the time, he was either not at the residence or in the Study Room discussing state affairs with high-ranking officials. Since he became busy, he had even taken to staying overnight in the Study Room and rarely came to Cold Jade Garden.
The Qizhou Army advanced northward with unstoppable momentum, capturing key strongholds one after another. It turned out that over the years, Qiwang and several commanding generals had already colluded, leading many cities to surrender without a fight; some even welcomed them with open gates. Under such circumstances, the Qizhou Army reached Linjiang in less than half a month and stood across the river from Capital City. If they crossed the river, they would be able to invade Capital City in under half a month.
Refugees began to pour into the capital city one after another. On one side were the approaching rebel forces, and on the other were the surging refugees. Mu Changqing had no choice but to issue an order mandating that refugees enter the capital and arrange for various provincial governments to set up places to accommodate them.
Several generals sent out could not withstand the rebel army. After discussing with several high-ranking officials, Mu Changqing ultimately decided to lead the expedition himself.
He had always been invincible in battle; in this current situation where morale was low among the troops, his departure was undoubtedly a source of reassurance for both the court and the common people.
This suggestion naturally received unanimous approval from everyone. On the eve of their departure, Mu Changqing moved back to Cold Jade Garden. Yin Luo had already learned of his impending expedition and warmed a pot of wine in advance for his return.
Inside Cold Jade Garden, a fragrant aroma filled the air.
As Mu Changqing approached the door, he smiled. Yin Luo was kneeling gracefully in her blue water-sleeved long skirt. In front of her on a low table were two wine cups, several small dishes, and a pot of wine.
Seeing him enter, Yin Luo lightly curved her lips and said, "Knowing you are leaving tomorrow, I specially ordered from the kitchen for you to taste."
Mu Changqing's gaze shifted as he stepped inside.
Although the side dishes were simple, each was exquisite. His eyes lit up as he looked at Yin Luo and asked, "When did you learn to cook, Princess who never touches spring water with her ten fingers?"
Yin Luo shot him a glance and replied, "There are plenty of ladies in the palace who never touch spring water with their ten fingers; many can cook."
Indeed, most ladies did not know how to cook; they learned after entering the palace. The motivation behind this learning was often just for that lofty man above them.
Mu Changqing couldn't help but smile. Her intention was clear: this dish was specially learned and prepared for him, so he naturally had to savor it.
The cold bamboo shoots were crispy and tender, leaving a fragrant taste in his mouth. He couldn't help but laugh and say, "This isn't something that can be made with just ordinary skills; it seems you've put in a lot of effort."
Yin Luo smiled as she poured him more wine. "I'm glad you like it."
Mu Changqing raised the wine cup to his nose and took a sniff, looking at her. "Did you brew this as well?"
"I don't have that kind of skill. There's a farm in the west of the city that has a few decades-old wine stored away. I had someone buy a jar for me; it's not cheap!"
Mu Changqing took another sip, looking at her with an even deeper smile.
With fine wine and delicious food by his side, this was the scene he had dreamed of for many years. Now that it had finally come true, even though parting was imminent and he might die on the battlefield soon, he felt content.
Early the next morning, he got up early, not wanting to disturb Yin Luo, but unexpectedly, she woke up anyway.
Holding a wooden box, Yin Luo walked over to Mu Changqing. "Swordsmanship is blind; the battlefield is most ruthless. Take this for self-defense."
Mu Changqing glanced at her and opened the box. When he saw the Golden Silk Armor inside, he was momentarily stunned. His gaze fell on Yin Luo as he suddenly reached out, pulling her and the box into his embrace tightly. Taking a deep breath, he said, "I'll keep this soft armor. Don't worry; I'll be fine. You just wait for me at home, and I will definitely return safely!"
Yin Luo lifted her head from his embrace and looked at him for a long time. In her clear eyes, there was clearly a glimmer of tears. Mu Changqing's heart trembled at the sight, and he couldn't help but lower his head to seal her lips deeply with his own.
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