Shang Luoshu, the renowned Tiger and Dragon General of yore, was about to embark on a military expedition!
Although the imperial court had gone to great lengths to conceal the uprising of the commoners in Yangxian, some whispers still managed to leak out. Moreover, Shang Mozheng had fanned the flames behind the scenes.
Fortunately, the commoners in the capital didn't hold a favorable view of the rebels. After all, the ordinary people preferred peace to war.
Therefore, when the news of Shang Luoshu's expedition spread, most people hoped that he would quickly quell the rebellion and restore peace to the world.
"Brother, are you really going to Yangxian?"
After the morning court session, Shang Luoze, with a cold expression, detained Shang Luoshu in the imperial study. "If you leave, the capital will be..."
"I'll leave Chen Guang behind," the man replied patiently. "During the campaign against the Southern Chu State years ago, Chen Guang served as my deputy general. With him here, Uncle won't dare to act rashly."
"In that case, why not send Chen Guang to Yangxian? With you in the capital, Shang Mozheng will be even more afraid to make any trouble."
There was a moment of silence in the imperial study. After a long while, Shang Luoshu's voice sounded again. "Your Majesty, do you think the uprising in Yangxian and the collective leave - taking of the military officers are just coincidences?"
"After yesterday's court session, I sent someone to investigate. Most of those military officers are indeed unwell, or rather, someone drugged them."
They chose to drug them on the day before the news of the rebellion in Yangxian reached the capital. Isn't this a pre - meditated plot?
As if just figuring it out, Shang Luoze's eyes widened suddenly. "Brother, do you mean..."
"Yes, Uncle wants me to leave the capital," the man said gravely.
Even if he didn't go as Uncle wished and insisted on defending the capital, Uncle would surely have other tricks up his sleeve. In that case, it would be better to accept the mission directly, so that the military officers would suffer less.
Moreover, Yangxian couldn't wait.
The longer the matter of the rebels dragged on, the more out of control its future development would be.
"Your Majesty, don't worry. I'll make all the proper arrangements before I leave. Moreover, Prime Minister Lu will also be in the capital. You can discuss anything with him."
At this point, Shang Luoze had no choice but to accept the reality reluctantly. "I understand. I'll guard the capital and wait for your return."
After thinking for a while, he added, "Since the incident in Yangxian may be related to Shang Mozheng, I'll send Lin Zihan from the Supreme Court to go with you. Let him investigate thoroughly."
Shang Luoshu didn't refuse. Quelling the rebellion in Yangxian was indeed crucial, and the reason behind the rebellion couldn't be ignored either.
When the man walked out of the palace gate, the sun was directly overhead.
Suddenly, there was a thunderclap in the clear sky. The once - blue sky instantly turned gloomy, and a heavy rain was inevitable.
"Miss, the rain is coming in."
The young girl responded and moved aside to let someone close the window. Her mood grew low as the rain fell.
"Hongmei, do you think your master will go to Yangxian?"
The hand on the window frame paused slightly. Hongmei pondered for a moment and replied, "I can't fathom my master's thoughts."
"I think you just know but dare not say."
Glancing at her, Lu Yinxi's mind drifted away involuntarily.
She originally didn't know about the rebellion in Yangxian. However, when she went to the main hall just now, she overheard Prime Minister Lu and his wife talking about it. But she was discovered by them before she could hear the whole story.
"Never mind. Whether he goes or not, I'm still his fiancée."
Picking up the needle and thread on the table, the young girl devoted all her attention to it. He had said he wanted a sachet before. This time, she would fulfill his wish!
Jing Prince's Mansion
Shang Luoshu returned to his mansion before the heavy rain fell. Then he took Chen Guang into the study and solemnly placed the token in his palm.
"During my absence from the capital, all the spies in the capital, the private army, and all other affairs will be entrusted to you."
"My lord!"
Chen Guang wanted to say something, but the man interrupted him forcefully. "Chen Guang, you've been with me for so many years. I trust you completely."
"The incident in Yangxian is probably a move by Uncle to force me to leave the capital. There must be a bigger conspiracy behind it. So during my absence, you must protect His Majesty's safety."
"If it really comes to the worst, you can take extraordinary measures."
"What about you, my lord?"
Chen Guang's voice choked with emotion. "The spies and the private army are all left in the capital. What will you do?"
"Don't worry. I'll take Fang Qinhu with me. He has a thousand troops under his command. Moreover, the court will also dispatch 50,000 troops to go with me."
In just half a day, he had almost made all the arrangements and envisioned all the possible problems.
Even so, Chen Guang still couldn't feel at ease. "My lord, let this subordinate go to Yangxian on your behalf. You can stay in the capital and command from behind the scenes."
"Do you think Uncle won't think of this method?" Shang Luoshu sneered sarcastically. "I must go to Yangxian this time."
Hongmei didn't receive any letter from Jing Prince's Mansion today.
After asking twice and getting the same answer, Lu Yinxi stopped asking. She already knew his choice.
Unable to tell the truth and reluctant to lie to her, Hongmei simply said nothing.
Forcing back the heat in her eyes, Lu Yinxi forced a smile. "Hongrui, go and tell Mother that I'm going to Anguo Temple tomorrow."
Hongrui answered and retreated. The young girl also sent Hongmei out of the room, leaving herself alone.
When the country is in trouble, a good man should stand up to defend the country and guard the territory. She didn't blame him!
However, she also wanted to protect him in her own way.
The next day, the light and the faint darkness in the sky were mixed together. The faint shadow of the moon from the previous night could still be vaguely seen.
In front of the Prime Minister Lu's Mansion, a carriage whipped up and headed towards the brightening sky in the distance.
Lu Yinxi wasn't a religious person. Even after experiencing time - travel, she didn't change her mind. But now, for Shang Luoshu, she was willing to believe once.
Taking the triangular - folded amulet from the abbot, Lu Yinxi solemnly held it in her palm.
"Thank you, Abbot, for the amulet."
"You're welcome, Miss Lu."
After asking Hongmei to donate some money for the incense, the young girl turned to leave. Unexpectedly, the abbot called her directly.
"Does the master have anything else to say?"
The abbot chanted a Buddhist mantra and said compassionately, "A few months ago, your mother came to our temple to inquire about something. Today, please do me a favor and pass a message to her."
Lu Yinxi thought for a moment. There was indeed such a thing. They even met Fang Qinhu here at that time.
"I wonder what message the abbot wants me to pass?"
"Everything is predestined. Don't force it."
The words sounded a bit inexplicable, but the young girl didn't ask further. After all, it was her mother's business.
When she returned to the mansion, it was already broad daylight, and even Prime Minister Lu had returned from the court session. As usual, Lu Yinxi planned to greet her mother first and then go back to her courtyard.
However, as soon as she entered the door, she saw the surprised look on Mrs. Lu's face.
"Didn't you see His Highness, the Jing Prince?"