Chapter 1314 - 990: I’m Going to Luoyang

Lu Xiao’s eyes widened like never before in her life.

She was born into poverty and sold herself into servitude at a young age, developing a cunning and charming personality; as she grew up, her exceptional talent made her famous throughout the Two Capitals, becoming a sought-after dancing girl pursued by many young aristocrats. For someone like her, a soft demeanor to please these men was essential for a better life, so her face rarely showed any expression other than captivating allure and tranquility.

However, whether it was due to this period being the only time since birth when she didn’t have to rely on pleasing men to survive, she had become somewhat careless with her expressions, showing a look of astonishment that was not particularly beautiful.

She said, "You, what do you mean?"

No troops, yet going to relieve the crisis at Xiazhou?

Could it be that Shang Ruyi, a mere woman, could intimidate the Western Turkic army into retreat without a fight? How is that possible?

Shang Ruyi replied, "Of course not."

"Then you—"

"This isn’t the issue we need to discuss right now. I know you’ll go with me, and that’s enough."

"..."

"But I also need to make it clear to you, my official reason for leaving Chang An this time is to visit King Qin in Luoyang, but the real objective is to resolve the crisis at Xiazhou. Only after solving Xiazhou’s predicament will we have a chance to go to Luoyang. If we encounter danger at that time, or if we need to turn back because the timing is wrong—"

She didn’t finish her sentence, but Lu Xiao understood naturally.

After a moment of silence, she calmly said, "I’ll come back with you."

Shang Ruyi looked at her, eyes gleaming with a tinge of distrust, but she didn’t mind, knowing that this time she was giving Lu Xiao the opportunity to approach Luoyang and possibly draw closer to Xiao Yuansui, fully aware of her desires.

So she said, "Alright."

Lu Xiao nodded, eagerly asking, "Then, when do we set off?"

Shang Ruyi said, "In a few days. The Emperor hasn’t yet made the final decision, and I need some preparations. Use this time to get ready."

Lu Xiao shook her head, "I’m all alone, nothing to prepare. Just call me when you leave."

"..."

Seeing her eagerness, Shang Ruyi said blandly, "Alright."

After the two agreed, Shang Ruyi left the quiet courtyard. As she walked to the main hall, she saw from afar that Chang Wan had also returned. She stood there lost in thought, not reacting even when Tushere hurriedly tugged at her sleeve upon seeing her return. Only when Mr. and Mrs. Shen rose to greet her did she snap out of it, hastily following everyone to the hall’s entrance.

Shen Shiyan asked, "Princess, how is she?"

Shang Ruyi slowly walked in, softly said, "Uncle, I need to leave Chang An for a while, and I’ll take her with me."

"You want to leave Chang An? Where are you going?"

"Yes, with the chaos outside, where do you plan to go after leaving Chang An?"

Seeing their immediate panic, Shang Ruyi quickly held their hands to sit back down, soothing them in a soft voice. For this couple, who had already gone through numerous hardships and changes, Chang An seemed like the safest place in the world, despite potential suspicion from the Emperor and political intrigues at court. But leaving Chang An was to face the unknown.

Precisely because they thought this way, Shang Ruyi didn’t tell them the truth from the beginning, only saying now, "I want to go to Luoyang."

The couple immediately understood. Shen Shiyan said in a low voice, "Is the Princess going to see Prince Qin?"

Shang Ruyi nodded.

Shen Shiyan frowned, not knowing what to say next, but Yu didn’t hesitate, saying, "But there is a war in Luoyang. Even though Prince Qin won several battles, hasn’t Luoyang still not been taken?"

"..."

"If you go, with swords and spears flying, what if—"

As she spoke, her face already showed great alarm, as if Shang Ruyi would inevitably encounter warfare and fall into danger. Yu quickly held Shang Ruyi’s hand, solemnly saying, "Princess, you mustn’t play with your safety."

Though Shen Shiyan agreed with her, hearing her words makeshift an inappropriate comment, he chided lightly, "What are you talking about? How could the Princess make light of her own safety?"

Yu immediately realized her slip, hurriedly correcting, "I meant it’s dangerous, dangerous!"

Shang Ruyi smiled, shook her head, and indicated for them not to mind such inappropriate wording, then said, "I know Uncle and Aunt are worried about me, but I also worry about King Qin. He’s been gone for so long, I want to see him."

"..."

"Actually, it’s not the first time I’ve gone to the military camp myself. I went during the Xingluo Granary incident."

"..."

"During the Battle of Fufeng, I was with him, wasn’t I? And didn’t we return safely?"

"..."

"Uncle and Aunt don’t have to worry about me."

Hearing her say this, knowing she’d made up her mind, the couple exchanged a worried yet helpless glance. Shen Shiyan thought for a moment and said softly, "Then, has the Emperor permitted it?"

Shang Ruyi smiled, "Of course, it’s only with the Emperor’s consent that I can go."

Shen Shiyan seemed incredulous, deeply looking into Shang Ruyi’s smiling eyes, "The Emperor truly agreed?"

Shang Ruyi nodded without any trace of hesitation, "Mm."

She showed no hesitation at all, but Shen Shiyan quietly observed her for a long while. Those deep and gentle eyes flashed with brilliance, but ultimately, he said nothing, just sighed softly, and said, "Since the Emperor has granted permission, then we have nothing more to say. Princess, you must take good care of yourself!"

Shang Ruyi smiled, "Rest assured, Uncle."

They talked for a while longer, Shang Ruyi doing her utmost to comfort them until Yu was somewhat reassured. Seeing that it was getting late, she bid them farewell and left.

On the way back to the palace, with the sun blazing, Shang Ruyi had Tushere and Chang Wan board the carriage. Luckily, Princess Qin’s carriage was broad enough that the three of them sitting inside wasn’t cramped. But whether due to Shang Ruyi’s heavy thoughts or the other two’s own concerns, the three sat quietly, making the carriage’s atmosphere inexplicably somber.

After an unknown duration, Tushere sighed longingly, "Sigh..."

Shang Ruyi turned her head to glance at her gloomy expression, and said crossly, "Why are you sighing without reason?"

"I just saw Young Master Sun like that, and I felt he was quite pitiful."

"Didn’t you always find him troublesome before? How come you’re so compassionate today, even sympathizing with him?" she said with a slightly raised brow and a subtle, playful smile, "Do you have—"

Hearing Shang Ruyi’s seemingly meaningful words, Chang Wan immediately turned her head to glare at Tushere.