Du Gu Luanyue knew that Huo Wei must be upset again. If he met Sheng Yunqi, it would surely be a fight between two tigers.
But there was no better way now. After all, the Coptis chinensis was crucial. She frowned slightly. "Huo Wei, I..."
Huo Wei turned his head away without saying a word and strode onto the south city gate tower alone.
Du Gu Luanyue stood behind him, biting her lips. She looked at his back and then turned away as well.
"Aunt Mei Jiang, order someone to clean up the empty courtyard inside the yamen and let Yunqi settle down first.
Assign all the other doctors and medicine boys to Military Advisor Shen. All the personnel arrangements for the treatment should follow Military Advisor Shen's instructions."
Sheng Yunqi returned to the yamen with her. As soon as Du Gu Luanyue entered the yamen, she took off her mask. "Yunqi, it's so dangerous in Danyang City. Why did you come?"
Sheng Yunqi stepped closer to her and took her hand. "Luanyue, I know it's dangerous, but I also know this is a chance for me to see you openly.
Why did you come to Danyang City? You're the queen of Northern Yan. That Murong Min is so incompetent that he pushed you, a woman, out!" Sheng Yunqi looked at her, his eyes full of pity.
Du Gu Luanyue noticed that the hair in front of Sheng Yunqi's forehead was a bit messy. It was obvious that he had rushed here. The tired look on his travel - worn face showed a trace of exhaustion.
She quickly said, "Yunqi, it's too late today. You should go and rest first. We can talk in detail after you've rested well."
But Sheng Yunqi refused to leave. He tightly held her soft hand. "No, I can't bear to leave you. I want to look at you for a while longer."
Du Gu Luanyue sighed. "Yunqi, you've had a hard time. I'm sorry for what happened in the past."
She felt guilty towards Sheng Yunqi. For some reason, this guilt had become stronger when they met today.
Sheng Yunqi hugged her regardless. "Let me hug you properly.
Luanyue, you've never done anything wrong to me. You're the most qualified and outstanding crown prince of Southern Chu. I don't blame you. But why did you come to Danyang City? And why are you with Huo Wei?"
Du Gu Luanyue caught her breath and quickly pushed him away. "Yunqi, don't do this. I'm already married."
Sheng Yunqi still maintained the hugging posture. He looked at her with red - rimmed eyes. "There's no one else here. You're also distancing yourself from me. Is it because of that Huo Wei?"
Before Du Gu Luanyue could explain, he laughed to himself. "The emperor of Northern Yan didn't make you change your heart, but the Prince of Yuzhang in Northern Yan, who appears in front of you every day, has made you fall for him, right?"
Du Gu Luanyue instantly clenched her hand hidden under her sleeve. Her jade - like eyes showed a slight shock.
"This is not the time to talk about these things. Now I just want to quickly quell the plague in Danyang City and prevent it from spreading southward and harming the people of Southern Chu."
Sheng Yunqi's pale thin lips curved helplessly, and his smile turned cold.
"I'm a few years older than you. I've watched you grow up. We've been childhood sweethearts and have been together for years.
I know what you're thinking from just a look, a word, or an expression of yours. From childhood to now, whenever you don't want to admit a fact, you'll change the topic."
Aunt Mei Jiang was listening outside. She pressed her forehead with one hand. Oh no, the Prince of Yuzhang had just been appeased, and now the eldest young master of the Sheng family was causing trouble.
Fortunately, her empress had never planned to have a harem. Otherwise, just pacifying these men would have taken most of her energy.
Aunt Mei Jiang quickly went to the tea - room and brought in the brewed tea. She added a little herbal tea with a sleeping effect, hoping to make Sheng Yunqi go to sleep quickly.
"Eldest young master, you've had a tiring journey. Have a cup of tea." Aunt Mei Jiang said with a smile as she handed over the teacup.
Sheng Yunqi took the tea and casually put it aside. "Aunt, you can leave. Yunqi and I have something to talk about."
Aunt Mei Jiang glanced at Du Gu Luanyue, full of helplessness. "Yes, this old servant will leave first."
Danyang City was close to the south, and summer came rather quickly. The wind was hot, which made her feel irritable.
Du Gu Luanyue smoothed the hem of her skirt behind her and sat down on the wide chair beside her.
"Yunqi, I don't know what to say to you. I even dare not make some promises. But we've known each other for so many years. You should know what's on my mind."
Sheng Yunqi walked over quickly. His heart was in turmoil, but he was desperately suppressing it. "I know, I know!
But are you really going to be with Huo Wei secretly and make him give up his desire to attack Southern Chu forever?
What if one day you leave and he violates the contract with you? Will you meet him on the battlefield then?"
Du Gu Luanyue said, "No. Huo Wei has never attacked Southern Chu to occupy its territory. What he wants is all in the court of Northern Yan.
As long as I help him get what he wants, Huo Wei will have no reason to mention attacking Southern Chu to Murong Min again.
Moreover, during this trip to Danyang City, I always feel something is wrong. I think the one who wants to attack Southern Chu is not Huo Wei, but someone else."
Sheng Yunqi asked, "Who could be so vicious?"
Du Gu Luanyue slowly shook her head. "I'm not sure yet, but this is not the most urgent matter for now.
According to my estimation, as long as the one who sends troops to Southern Chu is not Huo Wei, our generals in Southern Chu don't need to be too afraid."
She had also made the worst - case scenario plan. If that day really came, she would do everything possible to stop Huo Wei from going on an expedition. If he did go, she would also make sure he didn't attack with all his might.
Hearing this, Sheng Yunqi felt even more heart - broken. He gritted his teeth and said,
"I know how you'll make a man agree to these conditions. Luanyue, are you trying to kill me?"
Du Gu Luanyue raised her eyes and looked at him with teary eyes.
"Yunqi, I'm sorry. I've let you down. How about this? Let's just forget about the promises we made to each other. You don't have to wait for me to return from Northern Yan.
After returning from Danyang City this time, I'll give you the freedom to marry. How about that?"
Sheng Yunqi's heart sank from the ground into a crack and was crushed when the ground closed. It shattered into powder all at once.
On his handsome and gentle face, there was only gloom. His gentle and jade - like eyes were now covered with ice.
"If there wasn't someone else in your heart, how could you say such things to me?"
Du Gu Luanyue lowered her head. She really couldn't face Sheng Yunqi.
She had married Murong Min and was also involved with Huo Wei. How could she have the face to ask Sheng Yunqi to accept her like this as soon as she returned to Southern Chu?
The prestigious Sheng family also cared about their reputation. Even though she was a member of the royal family of Southern Chu, she couldn't act without any scruples.
Aunt Mei Jiang rushed over quickly. "Empress, the Prince of Yuzhang is back. He even scolded the third prince. Hurry up. He's coming this way!"
Du Gu Luanyue's pupils shrank. She quickly stood up. "Yunqi, you go back to your room first."
After saying that, she walked out of the room. Du Gu Luanyue thought Huo Wei would come to question her, but this time, Huo Wei didn't show up.
For some reason, she walked to Huo Wei's door and couldn't help but knock on it.