Upon hearing Murong Yan's words, Xuanyuan Sheng cast aside his doubts about her.
"Yan'er, you think thoroughly, but I have already instructed him to investigate, so please refrain from jesting."
"He, if lacking moderation, will surely suffer my severe punishment."
Murong Yan maintained a smile, but inside, she was somewhat uneasy.
More than half of the people from the South had been lost. The remaining few were strong, but were no match for Qin Yuchuan. A minority couldn't confront the majority.
It seemed she needed to find another way. She hoped the medicine her brother had given her would be effective.
"Your Majesty, the chrysanthemums in the Imperial Garden have bloomed. If you have time, would you accompany me to see them?"
Upon hearing Murong Yan's sweet voice, Xuanyuan Sheng immediately nodded, "If Yan'er wishes, I will gladly accompany."
"However, I still have some memorials that need my attention today. Once I have finished, I will accompany Yan'er."
"Thank you, Your Majesty. Then, I will wait nearby." Murong Yan attempted to stand, but was held back by Xuanyuan Sheng.
"Stay with me, Yan'er."
Murong Yan hesitated a little, "But the harem should not meddle in politics, I should wait nearby."
"You are not like others."
Xuanyuan Sheng insisted that Murong Yan sit beside him, and she eventually complied.
If Qin Yuchuan weren't in Tianqi, it would undoubtedly be theirs for the taking.
A monarch who was easily swayed by feminine charm was not to be feared.
At present, Xuanyuan Sheng had no plans to revoke the military power, which made her anxious.
However, all this was hidden behind her gentle smile, not easy to detect.
With Xuanyuan Sheng's agreement, Qin Yuchuan quickly set into action.
Although they had been investigating silently before, it was done covertly.
There was too much to consider, too many concerns, and now they could investigate openly.
Shengjing, despite its vastness, was not an easy place to hide a group of people.
Qin Yuchuan sent out a group of his men, who began to search house by house.
As the saying goes, the most dangerous place is the safest. Qin Yuchuan felt that they were likely hiding in Shengjing.
However, three days passed, and they still found nothing in Shengjing City.
At the General's Mansion, Bai Wei was chatting with Yan Yang.
"Today I went to Jishi Medical Hall to pick up medicine for the princess, and I noticed that the doctor was looking for the Cold Ice Herb."
"They said someone was offering a high price for it, but this herb is native to the North, and its medicinal value is not high."
"The Cold Ice Herb is quite cold in nature, and most people simply can't withstand it. It would be more suitable to buy a century-old Lingzhi mushroom for medicinal use."
Yan Yang suddenly asked, "Bai Wei, do you know who is buying the Cold Ice Herb?"
"I casually asked, and the doctor said that the person was wearing a bamboo hat, so they couldn't see their face clearly," Bai Wei replied.
Yan Yang hurriedly left, leaving Bai Wei a bit confused. She didn't think she had said much, so why did he rush off like that?
When Yan Yang found Qin Yuchuan, he relayed the information he had just received from Bai Wei.
Qin Yuchuan pondered for a moment. They had been at a dead end lately, much like headless flies. This might be a breakthrough.
The South is a harsh environment, arid throughout the year, but extremely cold in the winter.
Those who grew up in such an environment have a strong ability to adapt.
Cold Ice Herb, a medicine of extreme chill, when mixed with other drugs, can exhibit extraordinary medicinal effects. It can even accelerate wound healing, but not many can withstand it, perhaps it has something to do with them.
"Yan Yang, go to the medical hall and inquire around. If there's any news, report it promptly."
Yan Yang bowed his fist, "I will do it right away."
Xuanyuan Sheng was not satisfied with his investigation of the people in the south, and if he could not provide a satisfactory answer, he might take the opportunity to make a fuss.
He hopes to gain something this time. Being in Shengjing, every word and action of his need to be extra cautious.
The literati in the court, eloquent and persuasive, can speak lies as if they were truths.
No one could match their skill in twisting right and wrong. He needed to protect and defend the country, but he was also worried about his high power intimidating the ruler.
If it weren't for his responsibilities, why would he need to worry about these things?
Compared to the prosperity of Shengjing, he preferred the evening glow of the desert.
When all the dust settles, he would hang up his armor and return to the fields, far away from the disputes.
But he didn't know if he would still have the right to choose by then.
...
On the way back to the villa, Feng Qingyi saw the ginkgo leaves turning yellow, and the fallen leaves on the ground added a bit of color to this autumn.
She also put on her sweater, the autumn afternoon was particularly warm and peaceful.
Walking into the villa, Feng Qingyi placed the snacks she bought on the coffee table and took the vegetables into the kitchen.
With only half an hour left until the agreed time, Feng Qingyi comfortably nestled on the sofa waiting for their arrival.
The doorbell rang, and Feng Qingyi, wearing a pair of pink slippers, walked towards the door.
"Yue Yue, Jingqiu, you are here, come in quickly!"
Shen Hanyue and Qu Jingqiu glanced around at the door, both shocked by the mansion.
Shen Hanyue handed the strawberries in her hand to Feng Qingyi, "Oh my, this is too luxurious, this must be the world of the rich!"
Qu Jingqiu was also quite surprised, but her reaction was slightly more composed than Shen Hanyue.
"Qingyi, these are the grapes I bought for you when I passed by the supermarket."
Feng Qingyi took the bags from the two of them.
"I told you I'm treating you to a feast, why did you still buy things for me?"
"Alright, don't just stand at the door, come in quickly!"
Shen Hanyue and Qu Jingqiu cautiously walked in, and Feng Qingyi was somewhat helpless.
"You're here as guests, not thieves, you don't need to be so careful."
Upon hearing Feng Qingyi's words, Shen Hanyue immediately returned to normal, took the only single sofa in the living room and sat down.
"I've always wanted this single cloud sofa, but I'm poor and never bought it. Today this is my throne, you guys don't mind, right?"
Qu Jingqiu was silent for a moment, "You could sit on the sky and no one would stop you."
Feng Qingyi sat down next to Qu Jingqiu with a smile, "Don't be restrained, do whatever you want, you can look around the rooms too."
"You can stay over tonight, but there are only two guest rooms. Of course, I don't mind if you sleep with me on my two-meter bed."
Shen Hanyue: "Shouldn't it be a three-hundred-meter bed?"
Qu Jingqiu scoffed, "You've been reading too many Mary Sue novels! A bed three hundred meters wide? I think you're more suited to sleeping in the school's sports field."
Shen Hanyue replied, "I was just saying... When Xi arrives, we can all go and visit your big house together."
"Do you need any help from us at the moment?" He continued. "Jingqiu and I are more than willing to lend a hand."
Feng Qingyi didn't hesitate, "Well, in that case, would you two please head to the kitchen and help me wash the vegetables?"
"Alright, let's go!" Qu Jingqiu and Shen Hanyue followed Feng Qingyi into the kitchen.
Shen Hanyue looked around, "This kitchen is so cool, I wish I had one just like it."
"I'll wash the vegetables, Hanyue, you can do the chopping!" Qu Jingqiu instructed.
Shen Hanyue agreed, "Sure, I'm actually quite good at chopping. I even help my mom chop ribs at home!"
Seeing the two working efficiently, Feng Qingyi felt like she had nothing to do for a moment. She quietly began to wash the rice and prepare dinner.
