TGCFNM -Chapter 567 What Are Your Plans?

After resting for another two days at Prince Su’s residence, Chu Ling thought it over and decided to return to the Wan residence.

Upon returning, Madam Xiao had someone bring over a variety of restorative medicines, and Xiao Hua prepared different medicinal dishes to help replenish everyone’s health. They all ate together.

During this time, Uncle Hong came by once. Seeing that she was recovering well, he mentioned that Wan Xing would be back in a few days, and then they could all go to the palace together to pay a visit.

After Uncle Hong left, Lord Lu and Madam Lu also came to see them.

Lord Lu specifically called Chu Ling aside, looked at her seriously, and asked, “What are your plans?”

Chu Ling shook her head. “I don’t really have any plans.”

Understanding her answer, Lord Lu patted her shoulder. “That’s fine too.”

Chu Ling smiled, her eyes sparkling. “Lord Lu, you should come visit Sishui County someday. I’ll make sure to treat you well.”

Lu Shi nodded slightly and smiled in response.

After seeing off Lord Lu and Madam Lu, the Wan residence returned to its usual calm. Every day was either spent fishing in the garden or playing Pai Gow with Shiyu and the others—though they kept losing, as usual.

Five days later, Wan Xing finally returned.

—

Wan Sanjin was pacing around the front hall, looking even more anxious than Chu Ling.

Su He glanced at him, then stood up and left the hall. “I’ll get you some tranquilizing medicine. Take it, sleep for a day, and you’ll feel better.”

Before Wan Sanjin could react, Su He had already left.

Chu Ling propped her chin on her hand, tilting her head to look at Wan Sanjin. “Why are you so nervous?”

“How could I not be nervous? My big brother isn’t my big brother anymore; he’s now a big brother to a lord. Can he still do business in the Wan family? If he can’t, won’t I be dragged back by my parents? I might even have to go on blind dates!” Wan Sanjin said anxiously, flopping back into his seat. He looked at Chu Ling. “My lady, should we just run away now?”

Chu Ling gave him a look that said words alone couldn’t explain. “You’d better wait for Coroner Su’s tranquilizing medicine—I think you’re definitely going to need it.”

Wan Sanjin exhaled heavily, the light in his eyes fading.

Chu Ling couldn’t help but laugh. Just as she was about to tease him further, Wan Xing returned.

Chu Ling looked at Wan Xing and suddenly felt a little awkward, so she waved. “You’re back, Young Master Wan.”

Wan Sanjin, looking utterly listless, also waved. “You’re back, Young Master Wan.”

Wan Xing: “……”

So the injury back then… also messed with his brain?

“First, don’t overthink things. Second, Chu Ling, come with me to the palace—Prince Rui has something to say. Lastly, Sanjin, if you have nothing better to do, write a few more characters; your allowance this month isn’t much. I’ve already sent word to our parents not to help you.” Wan Xing said, waving to Chu Ling as he prepared to leave.

Wan Sanjin looked as if the sky had fallen, completely dumbfounded.

Chu Ling patted Wan Sanjin on the shoulder with a ‘good luck to you’ expression and happily got ready to head to the palace.

Wan Xing looked at her, seeming to recall something. “Everything in the Empress Dowager’s treasury has been sold off under Prince Rui’s orders, converted into provisions for the border. As for the Empress Dowager’s items you temporarily left with me, those were sold too.”

Chu Ling froze mid-step, her mind full of question marks.

“Of course, the Wan family contributed half of their wealth this time as well,” Wan Xing added, then led Chu Ling into the palace.

Wan Sanjin did a quick calculation—both of them were in roughly the same condition—so he felt balanced.

On the road.

Wan Xing looked at Chu Ling. “The people who killed your parents have been dealt with, and there are leads on where the bodies were buried. Should we send them to Sishui County or leave them in the capital?”

“To Sishui County,” Chu Ling said softly. “That was where we were originally supposed to reunite.”

Wan Xing nodded quietly.

After a while, the carriage came to a slow stop. Once they got out, the two of them headed straight for the Imperial Study.

The palace felt much quieter now. Apart from the attending eunuchs and palace maids, all the other women had been given a sum of money and sent out of the palace.

Chu Ling stared at the wide street ahead, a bit dazed.

Wan Xing quietly said beside her, “You probably don’t know—yesterday the emperor was sent to the imperial tomb for burial. He wasn’t interred with the empress.”

Chu Ling was surprised. “No ministers opposed it? After all, he was the emperor. Even for appearances’ sake, some of them would at least make a show of protesting.”

“They didn’t dare,” Wan Xing said. “Prince Rui and Prince Su were like death gods—no one dared speak up. On top of that, the emperor died dishonorably, and you exposed his secret desire for immortality.”

Chu Ling clicked her tongue. “Serves him right.”

Wan Xing smiled lightly and led Chu Ling into the Imperial Study.

Inside, Prince Rui and Prince Su were seated on either side, dealing with memorials while sipping tea irritably. But when they looked up and saw who had arrived, their irritation flared anew.

Prince He sat to the side, lifting his teacup with a sigh. “How can some people quarrel from childhood all the way to adulthood?”

Princess Consort Su glanced over, showing disdain. “I’d rather follow Princess Consort Rui to the battlefield—it’s much more relaxing. These two are too annoying.”

Prince He’s eyes lit up. “Speaking of which, my sister-in-law is really impressive. After all these years, she can still lead troops into battle and earn respect from everyone. If it weren’t for my wife and kids, I’d definitely go see the battlefield myself.”

“Princess Consort Rui is a general with consecutive victories, admired even by the late General Chu. She was injured later and had to leave the battlefield. Now she’s recovered well, and with border conflicts tense, her presence can stabilize the troops’ morale,” Princess Consort Su said. Just then, Wan Xing and Chu Ling arrived, and she smiled, waving them over.

Wan Xing and Chu Ling stepped forward and performed a bow.

Prince He gestured for them to sit, speaking in a low voice, “They’re dealing with affairs over there—each one more hot-tempered than the last.”

Chu Ling looked at Prince He. “Your arm… is broken?”

Prince He looked at his sling and said helplessly, “The bone’s fractured, needs to be suspended… But hey, you’ve recovered well, haven’t you?”

“Yeah, I’ve been eating well and taking care of myself,” Chu Ling said proudly. “And I don’t have to worry about anything.”

Prince He was envious. “That’s true… Want to come with me to my fief to take a look?”

Chu Ling shook her head decisively. “No. You’re grinning too slyly. Feels like you just want me to do work.”

Prince He’s scheme was exposed, and he sighed, “Well, I am your eighth uncle, after all.”

Princess Consort Su couldn’t help but laugh softly.

By now, it seemed the two princes had finished their business. After setting aside the memorials, they slowly stood up and walked over.

Wan Xing rose and bowed.

Prince Rui gave a slight nod, then looked at Chu Ling, who was sitting beside Princess Consort Su, frowning slightly. “How much do you know?”

“Ah?” Chu Ling looked dumbfounded. What did he want her to know?