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Emperor Jia You spoke warmly, "Don't worry. Master Fan Qing is an exceptional healer with profound Buddhist knowledge. There's no need to be concerned about Qingxi."

Empress Qi hummed in response, lowering her eyes as she picked up the teacup on the table and sipped silently.

After finishing her tea, Emperor Jia You noticed her fatigue and instructed Wang Dehai to escort Empress Qi back to the Kunning Palace.

Half an hour later, Gui Zhong came for an audience. Snowflakes still clung to his clothes, and he looked weary from his travels, indicating that he had just returned from an assignment.

Wang Dehai, aware that Gui Zhong must have confidential matters to discuss, led the group of eunuchs out of the palace hall and even took care to close the door diligently.

In the grand hall, Emperor Jia You put down the imperial edict in his hand and asked calmly, "Did you see clearly? Both the Crown Prince and the Empress visited that small temple?"

"Yes, Your Majesty," Gui Zhong replied. "Though it was from a distance, this servant could see distinctly. After the Empress left the small temple, the Crown Prince entered, and didn't come out until late at night. He then hurried back to the capital without stopping."

"Did you find out who resides in that small temple?"

Gui Zhong hesitated before saying, "This servant couldn't uncover that information. When the Empress left the temple, she was followed by two hooded figures."

Emperor Jia You's expression gradually turned solemn.

Gui Zhong was the head of the Supervisor of Ceremonies, and Emperor Jiayou was well aware of his capabilities. The failure to uncover the incident at the small temple wasn't due to his incompetence, but rather, because others had more cunning methods to conceal what had transpired there.

Emperor Jiayou tapped lightly on an imperial edict on his desk and said coolly, "There's an increasing trend of unity among the Jurchen tribes in Liaodong. We cannot allow them to unite against Great Yin. In half a month, I'll have the Crown Prince make a trip to Liaodong."

Gui Zhong's expression turned grave.

The Emperor intended to... send the Crown Prince away?

Chapter 107

After the Lantern Festival, government offices reopened, shops began trading, and carriages filled with families returning from visits to relatives turned the snow at the city gates into a muddy mess.

The entire capital of Shangjing was once again bustling with the sounds of people and horses.

On the sixteenth day, Rong Shu and Shen Yizhen arose early to visit the Obeying Heaven Mansion, where they changed her registration in the household records.

From that moment on, she was now a member of the Shen family, no longer belonging to the Rong family.

When the news reached the Eastern Palace, Gu Changjin had just finished his court duties.

Emperor Jiayou was an unusual presence in the Throne Room today, as all the officials gathered in anticipation. Standing below him, Rong Shu held the red brush, assisting the emperor in reviewing official documents.

The ministers were well aware of the emperor's intentions.

It was no secret that the emperor's health had been declining for quite some time now.

After the festive season, the courtiers appeared energetic and vibrant. However, Emperor Jiayou, seated upon his dragon throne, looked even more pale than before. If not for his usual composed demeanor, they might have suspected another severe illness had befallen him.

As the emperor's health continued to deteriorate, it was possible that the prince's ascension to the throne would come sooner than expected.

Thus, after the court session, the Eastern Palace received numerous visits.

It was Chang Ji who conveyed messages to Gu Changjin. With Xiao Fu out of the picture, only he and Empress Qi knew of Rong Shu's true identity.

Since their return from Daci'en Temple, Empress Qi had barely summoned him.

When Gu Changjin visited the Kunning Palace to pay his respects, he stayed for no more than a brief tea time before leaving. Neither of them mentioned the events that transpired at Daci'en Temple that day, maintaining a mutual understanding.

"Master?"

Seeing Gu Changjin lost in thought with a somber expression, Chang Ji couldn't help but speak up.

His master had instructed that they must never relax their guard in protecting the young madam, regardless of whether Xiao Fu was alive or not. After delivering the message, he still needed to return to Minglu Yard to continue safeguarding both the young madam and Madam Shen; he had no time to accompany his master in his reverie.

Gu Changjin came back to his senses and acknowledged with a soft "Mm."

"Shall I be on my way then?" Chang Ji ventured. "Does Master have any message for the young madam?"

"No need for a message." She knew what he wanted to say, and he was aware of her intentions.

"Be cautious when you return to Minglu Yard. Don't let anyone track your movements."

Chang Ji furrowed his brow. "Is someone watching Master, or... the young madam?"

Gu Changjin pondered for a moment. "I haven't seen Gui Zhong in the palace for quite some time now."

Upon hearing this, Chang Ji's expression turned serious. "Master, please rest assured, I will be extra vigilant."

Gu Changjin replied, "Go back then."

As Chang Ji approached the entrance, he suddenly recalled something and called out to stop him, "Tell her that Datong Prefecture is currently thriving, and General Mu is likely to bring good news by the end of the month."

After Chang Ji left, Gu Changjin took out a report and flipped it open. It detailed a snow disaster in several regions of Hu-Guang. However, after reading just two lines, he found himself unable to continue.

Moments later, he closed the report, rose from his seat, and headed for the Purple Imperial Palace.

The inner chambers were empty, save for a eunuch standing guard at the corridor. Upon seeing him, the eunuch bowed respectfully.

"Dismissed," Gu Changjin instructed.

He pushed the door open and entered the bedroom, which still held the same aura as when she had left. On the bedside table sat a brand new crescent-shaped pillow. The man sat on the bed, picked up the pillow, and gently squeezed it.

Through Chang Ji, he had conveyed to her that he would soon send her away from the capital city to Datong.

She should be delighted, he thought.

Lowering his gaze to the smiling face embroidered on the pillowcase, Gu Changjin's lips curved slightly. "I imagine that once you hear what Chang Ji has to say, you'll immediately start packing. When the time comes, you'll leave the capital without looking back."

Minglu Yard.

Two maidservants carried several wooden chests from the pharmacy, and Ying Que wondered, "Why are we packing now? Didn't Miss say it won't be that soon? It's not even mid-February yet." Miss had clearly mentioned that they wouldn't know when they were leaving for Da Tong until after February.

"Miss said the situation in Da Tong is very promising, and we might set off by the end of the month," Ying Yue took the medicine chests from the servants, referring to Rong Shu's list as she selected the medications they would need for the journey.

Ying Que sat beside her, helping with the selection. After the maidservants left, she glanced at Ying Yue and asked, "Do you think we'll come back?"