Chapter 1785 - 1771

"The Emperor is wise." The Old Gang Leader smiled, "Actually, the Prince is also a person of character. Even though he hasn’t encountered such mysticism as this, if explained to him, he should understand."

"You, you just stop making excuses for Lao Wu. Do I not know him? He’s quick-tempered. The two of you have been at odds in court for so many years, I’ve seen it all. I also know that you only disagree on political views, in private there’s not much relationship or conflict between you."

The Old Gang Leader nodded, acknowledging the truth of these words.

"But while there’s not much between you two, the people below aren’t so easy to speak for."

The Emperor looked meaningfully at the Old Gang Leader. Though he was high up, he was well aware of the intrigues among those below him.

Though the leaders are clear, the minor followers often get confused, frequently hearing bits of gossip brought back by the little eunuchs and palace maids who come and go.

"Indeed, but their little squabbles are harmless, let them be." The Old Gang Leader chuckled.

"You, you, always so broad-minded." The Emperor said, then took out a gold medal from his chest, handed it to the Old Gang Leader, and said, "Keep this gold medal well, seeing the gold medal is like seeing me. Unless you absolutely must, you must not show it to the world."

"Yes." The Old Gang Leader quickly knelt to receive it. He looked up at the Emperor, "Your Majesty, what is the intention of giving me this gold medal?"

"To guard against Lao Wu really giving you trouble, if he truly dares to obstruct, let him come see me directly. If he sees the gold medal and still obstructs, then it would be a sin against the imperial decree."

"Thank you, Your Majesty, I will follow your orders."

...

The next day, although the busy street had few people, it was heard that the Emperor would be present at the city gate tower to see off the departing troops, so everyone went outside the tower just to catch a glimpse of the Emperor’s demeanor.

But there were some who were simply not interested in this.

The restaurant was empty, not a single person on the first floor. In a private room on the second floor, Ye Liang quietly leaned against the window, watching the departing troops heading towards the city tower, his expression indifferent, as if having no disputes with the world.

"Even at a time like this, you still have the leisure to watch the commotion here."

Ru Xue pushed the door open and entered. Today she was dressed in plain clothes, white and blue, in men’s attire.

"Princess Consort, you seem to be in high spirits, not sending off your husband but coming here to ask me for a drink instead."

Ye Liang replied indifferently.

Ru Xue sat down and poured herself a cup of tea, "No need for wine, I came to ask for tea."

"Oh?"

"Originally, the Prince was supposed to travel with the troops today, but the Emperor ordered him to leave tomorrow instead, not knowing what they need to discuss, so I can’t have wine."

Ru Xue held the teacup, explaining.

Ye Liang slightly curled his lips, "It seems you’ve adapted well to life here."

Ever since she arrived here, she had been alone. At first, Chu Ge had kept her company, oh right, and Mrs. Wu as well, suddenly she missed Mrs. Wu dearly, not knowing how she was doing at the Marquis Ye Mansion, whether she was being bullied.

Noticing Ye Liang distracted, Ru Xue raised an eyebrow, "What are you thinking about?"

Ye Liang snapped back to reality, slightly curled her lips, "Wondering why you suddenly sought to cooperate with me."

"There’s no need to wonder; we have to cooperate." Ru Xue said resolutely.

Ye Liang suspiciously looked up, "No choice but to cooperate?"

"You or I alone are no match for Chu Ge. His martial arts are unfathomable. If we confront him head-on, even combined, you and I might not be able to defeat him."

Ye Liang slightly lowered her eyes, "Then what do you think we should do?"

Hearing this, surprise flashed in Ru Xue’s eyes. She had thought today would involve more persuasion.

Unexpectedly, Ye Liang was proactively asking her, seems she’s agreed to collaborate.

"Since you’ve said so, does that mean our cooperation is finalized?" Ru Xue raised her teacup.

Ye Liang slightly nodded, clinking cups with her, "Consider it finalized."

The two of them raised their heads and drank the tea in one go.

"So, tell me, what plans do you have?" After considering it, Ye Liang decided that no matter what Ru Xue’s motivations were, if she wanted to complete the task, she must leverage Ru Xue’s current power.

Whatever it takes to complete the task, she’d do anything!

She wanted to prove herself, show she could complete the task brilliantly! Ultimately, how it was done didn’t matter, what mattered was the result, whether she completed the task!

Of course, she didn’t share these thoughts with Ru Xue.

"I’ve inquired, though women aren’t allowed to enlist in the army, female doctors are permitted, including his enforcers.

"Are you suggesting I go work for the doctor as an errand girl?" Ye Liang asked puzzled.

"Besides that, there’s another way, but it’s not an easy one." Ru Xue’s eyes dodged a bit. Initially, she didn’t plan to mention this option, but after thinking it over, figured given Ye Liang’s nature, she’d likely refuse, so it didn’t hurt to say it.

She provided Ye Liang with two paths, whatever the result, it wouldn’t be her fault.

"Men get lonely at night, the other option is to be the Prince’s bed warmer."

"You!" Ye Liang suddenly stood up, cheeks flushed with a hint of red, staring at Ru Xue, wondering how she could say such shameless words without any embarrassment?

"See, I knew you’d resist and find it unacceptable." Ru Xue shrugged, "So there’s only the first path, become a doctor’s apprentice, but if you can treat patients, I could recommend you to directly become a military doctor."

Ye Liang sat back down, lifted her eyes to glance at Ru Xue, then quickly averted her gaze, murmuring, "You know well enough that we learned similar things, how could I possibly treat patients!"

Anyway, she’d never be a bed warmer for the Prince! Now, apprenticing was the only path left.

"But don’t worry, I’ll instruct the military doctor to treat you as a figurehead, you won’t really have to do any work."

Seeing Ye Liang’s discomfort, Ru Xue couldn’t resist teasing, "Actually, speaking as a fellow woman, I think being a bed warmer is more comfortable, doing no work, just lying down and enjoying the heavenly bliss."

"Stop it!" Ye Liang stood once again and walked to the window, back to Ru Xue, "I won’t be a bed warmer for anyone!"

Ru Xue’s lips suppressed a smile, "Alright, alright, I know you’re tenacious. If you’re unwilling, I won’t force you. As I said earlier, let’s take the first path."

The gentle breeze outside cooled down Ye Liang’s inner heat somewhat.

She pondered, then turned to Ru Xue with a puzzled expression, "What about you? How will you go to the military camp?"