Imperial Consort Yi was also sleepless in Bai Province Palace. The emperor had already fallen asleep after taking the medicine. The curtains were pulled down to block the moonlight.
Imperial Consort Yi was the only one in the hall. Even her exquisite makeup could not hide her pale complexion.
She quietly looked at herself in the mirror. The flower hairpin on her head was slightly askew, so she reached out to straighten it. However, her hands were trembling violently. When she finally touched the hairpin, she accidentally knocked it down and fell to the ground.
Imperial Consort Yi was a little absent-minded. She sat there in a daze, as if she was still thinking about the emperor taking the medicine.
The jade-colored porcelain bowl was filled with a black medicinal soup that emitted waves of bitter smell.
Imperial Consort Yi reached out to take the bowl from the palace maid's tray and had the palace maid leave. Then she quickly moved to the side and put her left pinky finger into the soup. Her fingernails were like spring onions, hiding a murderous intent.
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty." She called out to the man lying on the bed in a daze.
The emperor opened his eyes in a daze and spoke in a hoarse voice.
"Emperor, it's time to take the medicine." Imperial Consort Yi had a smile on her face as she gently looked at the emperor.
"Help me up." The emperor said with difficulty.
Imperial Consort Yi put down the porcelain bowl in her hand and helped the emperor up. She then placed a soft cushion behind him to let him lie down comfortably.
After everything was done, she picked up the bowl and carefully scooped up a spoonful of the medicine. She put it to her mouth and blew on it before bringing it to the emperor's mouth.
The emperor opened his mouth to take a sip. He quickly swallowed and choked. Then he began to cough.
Imperial Consort Yi reached out and patted his back to help him breathe.
The emperor calmed down after a while. Imperial Consort Yi scooped up another spoonful of medicine for him and asked: "Why didn't the emperor bring An Le this time? That girl likes to play, so the emperor left her in the capital."
"An Le is not young anymore. This time, I left her in the capital to settle down. When we go back, I will give her a marriage."
"Really?" Imperial Consort Yi asked in surprise. "That's good, An Le is indeed about to get married. Which family's young master did Your Majesty take a fancy to? "
"I'm still thinking about it. Han Wenfu's son and Xiao Jianlin are both not bad."
Xiao Jianlin was Xiao Rong's brother and Imperial Consort Yi's nephew. As she fed the Emperor the medicine, she said, "Minister Han is from a scholarly family. I think the young master is also good. Although Jianlin is spoiled by his brother, there is nothing to say about his character. The people the Emperor chooses are all good."
After the emperor took the medicine, his spirit seemed to be better and he spoke more: Beloved imperial concubine, who do you think is more suitable?
Imperial Consort Yi smiled and said, "Of course this concubine is selfish towards Jianlin. If An Le marries him, Jianlin will definitely treat her well."
The Emperor was famous for spoiling An Le. If An Le could marry into the Xiao family, then Huan Xuan's chances of success would increase. Imperial Consort Yi thought about it in her heart. She heard the Emperor say, "In the end, this matter still depends on An Le's opinion."
Imperial Consort Yi said, "Your Majesty is wise. When we return to the capital, let the two children meet. Maybe it will work out."
The Emperor nodded and said, "Zhen will leave this matter to you."
Imperial Consort Yi beamed with joy and agreed, "Rest assured, Your Majesty, this concubine will do a good job."
After the Emperor fell ill, his entire body became thin. The bright yellow clothes made his face look even more sallow. He nodded and asked, "What happened in the court?"
Imperial Consort Yi coquettishly said, "Your Majesty is asking again. The imperial physician clearly said to rest in peace. Xuan 'er and Zhuo' er will take care of the court matters. Besides, my brother will also help. What is the Emperor worried about?"
The Emperor helplessly shook his head, "Alright, alright, I'll listen to you. I won't ask anymore."
Imperial Consort Yi helped him gather the quilt and said, "That's good. Your Majesty should rest well. There's no need to worry about it when you're better.
The Emperor nodded and let Imperial Consort Yi help him sleep. After a while, he fell into a deep sleep.
"Consort, Consort." A palace maid's voice pulled her back from her thoughts. Imperial Consort Yi returned to her senses. She looked at the palace maid beside her and asked, "What's the matter?"
The palace maid lowered her head and quietly replied, "The Prime Minister sent news."
Imperial Consort Yi looked back at the sleeping Emperor and asked in a low voice, "Where is he?"
"He's waiting outside the hall."
"Idiot!" Imperial Consort Yi frowned and scolded, "Why did you bring him here?"
The palace maid panicked and hurriedly knelt down to beg for forgiveness. "Consort, please spare me."
Imperial Consort Yi impatiently waved her hand, "Alright, you can leave now. Don't disturb the Emperor's rest."
The palace maid hurriedly got up and followed Imperial Consort Yi out of the hall.
Bai Province was in the north, and the temporary imperial residence was on the mountainside. The summer night wind was a bit cold. Imperial Consort Yi walked out of the hall and saw a person waiting for her with his head down. When he saw her come out, he stepped forward and bowed, "Consort, may you be happy forever."
"Get up. Don't show your face directly in the future. If you have something to say, tell Qing 'er." She pointed at the palace maid behind her.
The person understood and nodded, "This little one will remember. Consort, the Prime Minister said that General Yi Ling will go to war tomorrow. He will lead 50,000 troops to reinforce Yan Yuan."
"Is everything okay in the capital?"
"Consort, rest assured. With the Prime Minister there, everything is fine."
"That's good. You can leave." Imperial Consort Yi nodded and waved her hand to let him leave. The person bowed and prepared to leave.
"Wait." Imperial Concubine Yi suddenly spoke up to stop him.
"Consort, do you have other orders?"
"Tell the Prime Minister to pay attention to An Le and Gu Yan."
"Madam Pingyang?" The person was a bit surprised, but immediately responded, "This little one understands."
The person turned and hurriedly left. His figure was like a ghost hidden in the night. The moonlight was faintly covered by a dark cloud. It was quiet all around. The palace lanterns in the temporary imperial residence flickered like will-o '-the-wisps. An invisible net was gradually being pulled open.
— — —
Beyond the Great Wall, the lonely moon shone coldly on the desert border. The biting cold wind blew the banners on the tents and made a sound.
The tent was brightly lit. Under the candlelight, everyone's face had an indescribable expression. Only one person was expressionless. It was impossible to tell whether he was happy or angry.
A blood-soaked silk cloth was spread out on the table.
Everyone's eyes were fixed on the thin silk cloth. Only Yi Ling sat on the chair with his eyes closed. His back was straight, like an unsheathed sword, ready to drink blood on the battlefield.
The soldier next to him picked up the silk cloth and looked at it. After looking at it one by one, he said, "General, there's nothing wrong with this."
Yi Ling's eyes were still closed. His lips moved slightly, "Sun Tianen, tell me how you found this silk cloth."
A young soldier on the left and right cupped his fists and accepted the order. He then said, "Yesterday, it was my turn to be on duty. At midnight, I couldn't sleep so I got up to relieve myself. Coincidentally, I saw a soldier leaving the camp. It was late at night, and I felt that something was amiss. I stopped him and asked him a few questions. In the end, I realized that there was something wrong with his expression. When I questioned him again, he turned around and tried to escape.
"Was he a spy?" Jiang Xun frowned and analyzed.
"Nonsense, if he wasn't a spy, why would he commit suicide when he was caught?" Li Feng on the other side echoed loudly.
"Then what is this? Is it a token of love from his little sister?" An older soldier said with a smile.
"If he was hiding something until his death, it can't be that simple." Jiang Xun said.
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