Chapter 0144: Favor Cannot Be Wasted

Chapter 0144: Favor Cannot Be Wasted

As expected, after the Empress threw out this matter, there was a stir among everyone.

Those who couldn't keep calm, like Yun Xiao Yi, were the first to send gifts to Zhengyang Palace.

Zhou Baolin followed closely behind.

Yunli watched them perform for a few days. She wasn't in a hurry herself. Besides, what difference would it make whether she could go or not?

It wouldn't change much, would it?

On the night of the ninth day, He Jinli arrived at the Yuqu Palace.

Yunli paid her respects, and as she was helped up, she saw the Emperor smiling.

What a laugh.

Yunli didn't understand, but she didn't ask.

It was the Emperor who took the initiative, embracing her and whispering in her ear, in a tone only they could hear, "Tonight, there's no need for a bloody battle, is there?"

The Emperor mainly wanted to laugh at the thought of those four words.

He truly hadn't expected that one day he would use those four words elsewhere.

That day, he struggled not to burst into laughter.

In the days that followed, he kept pondering, and the more he thought about it, the more peculiar it seemed. The more peculiar it seemed, the harder it was to forget that phrase.

Yunli's mouth twitched. Emperor, do you have some sort of problem?

He Jinli just got to the point, saying seriously, "The Empress said, His Majesty will set out for the northern expedition on the thirteenth."

"Yes," Yunli took the initiative to lean in and hugged the Emperor's waist, oblivious to their surroundings. "Will Your Majesty take me?"

He Jinli lifted her chin. "Do you want to go?"

"I do. I want to be with Your Majesty," Yunli replied.

"Once everything is prepared, I will take you," He Jinli said.

"Hmph." Yunli huffed, then stepped back. "Your Majesty isn't treating me well. It's just a matter of taking one more person with you, yet you insist on changing. I belong to Your Majesty and wish to be cherished by you. Why must everything be subject to change?"

He Jinli remained unmoved. "Keep pretending."

Yunli...

"Hmph! You have no heart," Yunli stomped her foot.

He Jinli remained unfazed and walked into the room ahead. "Continue. Let's see what else you have to say."

"Fine, if Your Majesty doesn't take me, you must have your reasons. I won't press further," Yunli composed herself.

He Jinli chuckled. "Alright, you're persistent. If you want to go, I'll take you. Just don't complain later. This northern expedition won't be comfortable."

This was the truth. Despite being the Emperor, the journey would last over a month by carriage, and camping would be required on the border, with fewer stays in palaces.

It would indeed entail exposure to the elements.

"Going out is mainly to accompany Your Majesty and see the landscapes of our Great Jin. As for suffering, one must endure when necessary," Yunli didn't mince words about hardship.

He Jinli nodded. "I almost forgot. You enjoy reading travelogues and storybooks, naturally, you're interested. Instruct your attendants to prepare, bring along some necessities to avoid discomfort when we arrive there."

Yunli leaned over, "Thank you, Your Majesty. You're so kind."

"Hmm, if I grant your wish, I'm good. If not, I'm heartless," He Jinli replied calmly.

He was used to it; this woman was bold and sweet-tongued.

"Your Majesty just arrived, forgot about the past?" Yunli teased.

He Jinli glanced at her, "Alright, but wait for me to tidy you up."

Yunli blinked innocently, "What did you say? I don't understand."

He Jinli ignored her and ordered the servants to set the table.

Eat early, then indulge.

The long-lost dragon riding activity was in full swing. Yunli, with her tired body, was secured onto He Jinli.

The jolting ride seemed endless.

After He Jinli had his fill of fun, he allowed her to dismount.

They kept at it until late into the night, and Yunli was completely exhausted.

Fortunately, the Emperor had a conscience and had someone report her absence in the morning.

He himself skipped the morning court, leaving only after having breakfast.

Since it was Jiong Palace where the Emperor dined, there was no need for her to pay respects.

However, everyone in the Fengyi Palace assumed that Jiong Palace was a given with the Emperor. They wondered how many people the Emperor was actually taking, thus occupying one slot.

They didn't have to wait long; the list came out that afternoon.

Consort Jin, Lady Ye, Lady Jiong, Lady Jing, Lady Ye Baolin, and Lady Xu Baolin.

Six people, neither more nor less.

With four days left before the 13th departure, everyone hurried to pack and prepare.

For those not going, it was either because the Emperor didn't value them or because they had children. It was quite normal.

Lady Lan was somewhat disappointed but understood it was because of her child.

As for Consort Jin, with the Crown Prince being older and the need for a significant concubine, it made sense.

Since Lady Jiong was chosen, there was no need to include the Consort's name.

If Lady Mei weren't pregnant, she would have been chosen, but her condition made it unsuitable for her to travel.

Thus, Consort Jin was the most suitable candidate.

Yunli also selected her people, "Zhu Ding and Bai Lu will accompany me. Zhu Yan, you stay behind; I'll rely on you for information."

Zhu Yan hurriedly said, "Rest assured, Beauty. If anything happens, this servant will pay close attention."

"Zhi Fu and Zhu Yu, Yin Cha and Lu Wei, you will come with me," Yunli said.

The four maidservants quickly agreed.

"After I leave, be cautious at the Jade Channel Palace. I don't hold the main position, so I don't have the authority to close the entire palace. But during this time, keep a close watch. If anyone causes trouble, you must be aware," Yunli instructed.

"Yes, Beauty, rest assured," Zhu Yan said.

Yunli trusted Zhu Yan. In fact, this person was not inferior to Zhu Ding.

Zhu Ding had more experience after all.

"Although I can't close the gates of the Jade Channel Palace, those who remain must be careful. No gambling or drinking recklessly. Be wary of traps. You beauties are hated by others now. Inside and out, distinguish all kinds of information clearly. Plotting while I'm away, you'll be the first to suffer. It's not worth it even if you get beaten to death."

Zhu Yan and the others hurriedly agreed, feeling the need to be cautious.

Indeed, even if they were innocent, if the master wasn't there, who would save them?

Seeing they understood, Yunli continued, "Guard the gates. There will be rewards when I return."

"Yes," they all replied hurriedly.

After all, it's a three to four-month journey, one must be careful.

Yunli wasn't worried about other things, like incidents on the road.

Yunli requested a separate carriage last night, a small request that the Emperor fulfilled.

After riding a dragon all night, requesting her own carriage as a beauty wasn't exactly proper, but one must be bold in their demands.

After serving for so long, if she didn't dare to ask even for this, why expect favor?

Yunli remained calm.

There were two large carts of items to bring along, which wasn't surprising considering the long convoy, half of which were supplies.

Yunli brought mostly clothes, fewer pieces of jewelry. Clothes were more essential; it was summer, getting hotter as they traveled, she might need to change two or three times a day.

Luckily, she had plenty of clothes. Her body hadn't changed much in the past two years. It was enough.

[Comments about resembling someone's work, someone's strategy, I'm not quite sure what you mean. If you accuse me of plagiarism, please provide evidence. If not, please refrain from such comments; no author likes to hear them. I admit I'm quite straightforward and don't beat around the bush. Writing a book takes a lot of brainpower; hearing such comments is very distressing. If you don't like it, you don't have to read it; I don't mind. Well, if my tone isn't pleasant, I apologize, but I'm a sturdy 200-pound man and don't know how to act cute. Let me wish you a happy Chinese New Year, may the zodiac bring you joy.]