FBC – Chapter 363 Schemes of the Heart

Zhao Yuxuan called out in a panic, “Imperial physician! Imperial physician!”

Zhao Yuwen scolded the maid beside him, “What are you standing there for? Hurry, carry her into your carriage and change her into warm clothes!”

Because of this unexpected incident, the ceremonial escort, which had been supposed to rush directly to Jinzhou, now had to set up camp midway.

The eunuchs advised the crown prince to let the girl leave the escort, and even the commander of the imperial guards suggested it, but Zhao Yuxuan thought they were overreacting and decided to keep her as a maid.

The next day, the girl changed into her maid’s attire and kowtowed to the crown prince in thanks.

Zhao Yuwen and Zhao Yuxuan were stunned by her beauty.

Both of them had seen countless top-tier beauties, and although this girl’s appearance was slightly inferior to the finest noblewomen in the capital, she had a pair of lively, expressive eyes. Her graceful figure exuded a charm different from that of the capital’s aristocratic ladies.

Seeing this girl, the eunuch’s brow twitched with suspicion.

From his extensive experience with women, he could tell that this girl had intentions.

“Your servant Qing’e greets Your Highness, the Crown Prince, and Your Highness, Sixth Prince.”

Zhao Yuxuan said gently, “No need for formalities. Follow the escort for now. You don’t need to do anything—just recuperate. Once we return to the capital, we’ll inform your mother and make proper arrangements for you.”

Zhao Yuwen, however, smiled. “Qing’e? That reminds me of the Qingnü mentioned in Huainanzi, a girl who descends with frost and snow, pure and pristine as ice and jade.”

Qing’e beamed. “Sixth Prince is truly learned. My father named me after that poem.”

Zhao Yuwen nodded proudly, swaying with self-satisfaction.

Zhao Yuxuan shot him a cold glance. “Hurry up and let the escort continue.”

Zhao Yuwen made a few “oh-oh” sounds and quickly waved to the eunuchs and the imperial guard commander. “Let’s go, let’s go.”

The escort traveled all day before finally reaching Jinzhou.

The prefect of Jinzhou received them with utmost courtesy, arranging a banquet with music and dance to entertain the crown prince. But an accident occurred.

Among the dancers was a hidden assassin, and Qing’e threw herself in front of the assassin’s sword to protect others.

However, the sword was poisoned, and Qing’e became critically ill that night.

Zhao Yuxuan was frantic. The prefect of Jinzhou nearly fainted; if the crown prince had been assassinated under his jurisdiction, and someone had died, it would not only ruin his career but also endanger his entire family.

He hurriedly searched everywhere for a renowned doctor to save her.

Although she was revived, the poison could not be completely removed, and seeing Qing’e so frail and near death was heartbreaking.

The eunuch, fearing she might die, suggested throwing her out so her death wouldn’t bring misfortune to the crown prince’s escort.

For the first time, Zhao Yuxuan flew into a rage and ordered the eunuch to be flogged fifty times, almost to death.

That night, however, Qing’e disappeared, leaving behind a final letter for Zhao Yuxuan. She wrote that a dying person loses their beauty and she did not want the crown prince to see her in her most wretched state; she wanted him to remember her at her most beautiful.

She also expressed that since the crown prince had saved her, her life already belonged to him, and from now on, they would know each other across the world but not meet again.

For the first time, Zhao Yuxuan felt as if a gaping hole had been torn in his chest, leaving him empty.

He gave orders to the imperial guards like a madman, declaring that he would not move until she was found.

Two thousand imperial guards were forced into action; half were sent to search while the rest remained on high alert to prevent further assassination attempts.

But Qing’e seemed to have vanished from the face of the earth.

Zhao Yuxuan was heartbroken to the point of tears.

Zhao Yuwen was also deeply distressed.

The eunuch, barely alive from the punishment, was a servant of Empress Dowager Sun, tasked with assisting the crown prince in winning the hearts of the people.

He was carried in front of Zhao Yuxuan and, gasping, tried to persuade him to continue south.

Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Zhao Yuxuan reluctantly ordered the escort to move south while instructing the imperial guards and the Jinzhou prefect to keep searching.

Another incident occurred.

Just before departure, Crown Prince Zhao Yuxuan disappeared.

The escort, the Jinzhou prefecture, and the garrison panicked.

But like Qing’e, he had vanished without a trace.

It wasn’t until the fifth day that Zhao Yuxuan inexplicably returned to the Jinzhou official residence.

He seemed like a different person, dazed, almost like a puppet.

The eunuch, dragging his lame leg, and the commander of the imperial guards were both anxious, fearful that another mishap might occur.

When the crown prince’s escort reached Gongzhou, they saw Mu Junyan and his wife, along with Zhao Luoxuan, waiting at the city gate.

Zhao Yuwen was the first to dismount and ran toward Zhao Luoxuan. “Xuanxuan! I didn’t expect to see you here!”

Zhao Luoxuan, eyes reddened, respectfully kowtowed. “Xuanxuan greets Sixth Prince.”

Zhao Yuwen quickly held her back. “What happened? You never used to act this way.”

Zhao Luoxuan hid her sorrow and regained her composure. “Courtesy cannot be neglected, and after all, we are all royal family.”

Mu Junyan, accompanied by Guo Hua, bowed to Zhao Yuxuan. “Greetings, Crown Prince.”

Zhao Luoxuan also kowtowed. “Greetings, Crown Prince.”

Seeing them stirred many emotions in Zhao Yuxuan, who hastily returned their bows. “Greetings, Prince Yong and Princess Yong.”

Looking at Zhao Luoxuan, his voice choked. “Xuanxuan, it’s truly good to see you.”

Zhao Luoxuan felt a mix of emotions. But at this point, there was no turning back.

They were destined to be on opposing sides.

Zhao Yuwen excitedly looked at Mu Junyan. “Brother Ziyuan, long time no see.”

Mu Junyan nodded slightly, saying little, leaving Zhao Yuwen feeling a bit snubbed.

The group then escorted the crown prince into the city. Magistrate Du came to report, giving a full account of the disaster relief in Gongzhou, and personally guided the crown prince’s group to the dike.

Zhao Yuxuan sighed sincerely, “In truth, you didn’t need me here. Prince Yong has done exceedingly well.”

Mu Junyan smiled. “I also feared the crown prince might overexert himself. Since the empress dowager ordered Princess Yong and her son to return to the capital, it made sense for them to accompany the escort. It also allowed the Black Armored Guards to provide protection. The princess, worried about her mother, brought along the heir of the Dali Kingdom as well.”

Zhao Yuxuan was surprised and looked at Zhao Luoxuan. “Xuanxuan, you are returning to the capital with me?”

Zhao Luoxuan nodded. “I miss Mother very much. Since my sister is returning to the capital, I asked her to take me along.”

Zhao Yuxuan’s expression darkened. “Bianjing is your home. You can return anytime. Why must you ask Princess Yong to take you? If Mother heard this, she’d be heartbroken.”

Zhao Luoxuan smiled. “You are right, Your Highness.”

Thus, Guo Hua brought Tuantuan, and Zhao Luoxuan brought Duan Qi, and they all returned to the capital with the crown prince’s escort.

The group departed from Jinzhou.

Upon arriving at the city, they rested.

Late at night, in Guo Hua’s residence, a man and a woman entered.

The woman wore a cloak, her head hidden under a large hat.

Once inside, Sui’er closed the door.

The woman removed her hat and knelt before Guo Hua. “Qing’e greets Princess Consort.”

Guo Hua helped her up. “Qing’e, you’ve been through a lot.”

Qing’e’s clear face showed a smile. “Not at all. Princess Consort saved my life, buried my parents for me, and took in my brother to study with the young masters and young ladies of the estate. I can never repay your kindness. To serve you is my willing duty. Besides, it’s not entirely for you…”

Her smile faded. “It’s also to avenge my parents.”

Guo Hua held her hand. “You don’t have to force yourself. You’ve already done so much. Leave the rest to me.”

Qing’e shook her head. “Princess Consort, I’ve captured the crown prince. Now I belong to him. I also believe he cannot let me go. I’ve made up my mind. I will also go to the capital, waiting for the right opportunity to see the crown prince. I will refuse to enter the palace, forcing him to keep me outside. The poison has been administered. The rest will proceed according to plan.”

Guo Hua’s feelings were complicated.

If Empress Dowager Sun could place a woman with her man, she could accept that.

But Qing’e was innocent. Involving her, even risking her life, made her feel guilty.

“Protect yourself. The Black Armored Guards will escort you to the capital and arrange everything for you. Someone will also protect you secretly. If you want to leave, you may do so at any time.”

Qing’e smiled. “Understood.”