"Speak." A low, hoarse voice resonated.
"Recently, the Su family has suffered a series of misfortunes. The Su Family Grandson was poisoned, and the Su Family's Third Son was also poisoned and gravely injured. For a time, even the Divine Doctor Xuan was at a loss. Later, it was his fellow disciple who came to cure the poison and heal the wounds of the Su family members."
The covert guard kneeling below spoke in an emotionless, machine-like tone.
"Tell me about the woman."
"That woman... initially disguised herself as a man, and her medical skills were exceptional. After she treated Su Yi, she voluntarily revealed to the Zhenguo General that... she claimed to be the daughter of Consort Yun."
"Then... what about Yun'er?" The Emperor's voice trembled, yet filled with hope.
"Consort Yun... according to that woman, she passed away after giving birth to her."
"Thud!" The inkstone hit the ground with a heavy sound.
"Your Majesty! Please take care of your imperial body," Zhang Fu looked concerned.
The Emperor's face turned pale, his lips quivering slightly. Though only in his forties, he appeared much older than his actual age. Emperor Wu stared fiercely at the covert guard below, his fierce eyes piercing.
For so many years, even though he had his suspicions, as long as he hadn't seen the corpse, he still held onto hope—hope that one day, that woman whose smile was like the sun would appear before him, fawning over him, being angry at him, smiling at him.
The Emperor closed his eyes, and when he reopened them, a calm expression had settled. "Can you verify if what the woman said is true or false?"
"As soon as the news came, the leader sent people to investigate. The information has not returned yet, but it is most likely true."
"How so?"
The covert guard raised his head slightly, meeting the crescent-shaped jade pendant on the Emperor's waist. "That woman's appearance bears a six-tenths resemblance to the late Consort Yun."
"There are many similar-looking people in the world. Can you determine she is Consort Yun's daughter solely based on this?" The Emperor's tone carried a hint of anger, his aura oppressive. "Is this how the Covert Guards Pavilion operates nowadays?"
"Your Majesty, please calm your anger and allow me to finish."
"Speak!"
"This is only one reason. Additionally, she bears a four-tenths resemblance... to Your Majesty. Moreover, she also wears the other half of the same jade pendant as you. The Zhenguo General has verified that it belonged to the late Consort Yun."
The Emperor fell into deep thought, then said after a moment, "You say... she bears a four-tenths resemblance to me?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. And she also revealed an important piece of information—a birthmark. According to the Zhenguo General, Consort Yun and the Zhenguo General's wife had the same birthmark, which is how they confirmed it."
"Bearing a four-tenths resemblance to me?"
"Yes... yes, Your Majesty."
"Yan'er resembles her mother, almost as if they were cast from the same mold. I never imagined that you would give birth to a daughter who resembles both you and me. How wonderful." The Emperor's eyes glistened. "When will they return to the Capital City?"
"When I hurried back on a fast horse, the Zhenguo General had decided to set out in seven days. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, they should reach the Capital City within a month."
"That long?"
"...A large army travels slowly."
Just one more month, and he would see his daughter. A daughter who resembled both him and her—the Emperor was elated.
Having occupied a high position for many years, the Emperor was deep in thought and rarely showed such visible joy. It seemed this lost princess was highly regarded by His Majesty.
In Xuancheng City.
Su Yu led the troops southward, while Su Yu headed north. In just three short days, they had mostly cleared out the so-called "mountain bandits" in the surrounding areas. The remaining ones, they had no intention of pursuing, allowing them to report back to their masters.
The military camp was exceptionally busy at this time, with many military affairs to be arranged before the Zhenguo General's return to the Capital City in a few days.
"Third Son, how are you feeling today? You seem to be in better spirits," said Su Lifen.
"Father, your son feels much better. I'm not as dizzy today," Su Yi tried to get up but was held down by a pair of small hands.
"Little Uncle, your body has not fully recovered yet. It's better for you to stay in bed and recuperate," said a voice.
"...Uncle? Who are you?"
"Oh, Third Son, you've been in and out of consciousness while recuperating these past few days, so you don't know. Yue'er is your younger sister's daughter, so naturally she should call you Uncle."
"Yun'er's child? Father, is this true?"
"Of course it's true. Do you not believe your own father? Take a closer look at her face."
Su Yi stared unblinkingly at Su Yue for a long while before finally speaking, "She resembles... her eyes resemble Yun'er's, and her brows too. Is she really Yun'er's daughter?"
"Little Uncle, my name is Su Yue. You can call me Yue'er."
"Yue'er, Su Yue, Su Yue is good, very good." He tried to get up again.
"Little Uncle, please stay down. Although the poisoned arrow has been removed and the poison cured, your injury is severe and requires recovery. Please don't push yourself."
"Third Son, listen to Yue'er and stay in bed," said Su Lifen, walking into the tent covered in dust from travel.
"Have you made all the arrangements?"
"Yes, Father. I've arranged most of it. Yu'er and the others are also making smooth progress. They'll return after they're done, and then we can set out."
"Set out? Father, are you returning to the Capital City?"
"Yes, I'll be returning to the Capital City in a couple of days. You stay here and recover. Once you're healed, assist your older brother. I'll take Yu'er and Yu'er with me."
"Father, why the sudden decision to return? You didn't plan on going back before, did you?"
"The past is the past, and the present is the present. I don't want to endure any longer. This time when I return to the Capital City, I plan to step down. I will inform the Emperor that I am old and allow your eldest brother to take over my position. Then I will stay in the Capital City and see how they can deal with me."
Su Yi looked at Su Lifen, then at Su Yue, and quickly seemed to understand something. "I will follow Father's arrangements. For all these years, we have indeed been too passive. As a family, as long as we are of one mind, we need not fear anything. Those monsters out there, let them come one by one, and we'll fight them off."
"Yes. On this return trip, I plan to finalize Yu'er and Yu'er's marriage arrangements. I've delayed them for too many years, especially Yu'er—he's already twenty-five."
"I understand, Father. We will follow your arrangements."
"Yes, listen to Father."
Su Yue listened to the conversation between the father and sons, feeling the warmth of a family. Having a family together is truly wonderful. No matter the circumstances, what is there to fear as long as the family is united?
Night fell.
"Xuan Little Five, you're going to the Capital City, huh?"
"Yes, Xuan Little Four, aren't you coming with me?"
"Of course I'm going! Wherever you go, I'll go." Xuan Little Four scratched his head. "But you've never mentioned that General Su's family is your paternal grandfather's family."
"Why would I tell you?" Xuan Little Three slapped the back of his head.
"Xuan Little Three, you hit me again! You can't keep hitting my head like that."
"You were born stupid, not because I hit you."
"You... hmph!"
"Xuan Little Five, have you decided? To go to the Capital City? Once you're there, there'll be no turning back."
"Yes, I'm going. I have to go sooner or later and resolve this matter."
"If you've decided, then don't be afraid of anything. We're here for you. I've sent word to our eldest and second seniors. Rest assured, you can boldly do whatever you want."
"Yes, Xuan Little Three and Xuan Little Four, thank you."
"What's there to thank? Do we even need to say that?"
"That's right, Xuan Little Five. I may not know what you're up to, but rest assured, I'll help you with whatever you do."
"What help can you offer Xuan Little Five? Eat the enemy?"
"Xuan Little Three, don't underestimate me..."
Watching the two bicker, Su Yue felt touched and reassured. She was not afraid, because they were by her side.
