During the days when he left, Mai Mai would come to Nian Xi Palace every day, stand where he often stood, look for the angle he often stared at, and think about the things he often thought about.
Stroking the dead branches and leaves, he murmured and asked, "A Shang, hasn't the emperor issued an order for him to return to the court?"
"No," Ashang shook his head.
Smiling lightly, "How silly, how could he let him come back?"
He left for seven days and she waited here for seven days. She could only learn about him through the battle reports obtained by the court.
Qisa's army met with Tiandu's army at Minglan Mountain. Instead of using all their forces to fight to the death, both sides set up camp first and sent only a small number of troops to conduct a tentative attack. Wanqihao had been fighting since the day of the expedition.
On the grounds of physical discomfort, the command was handed over to General Shi, and facts proved that he was indeed unfit to join the army. He either had a high fever or fainted from exhaustion. Not to mention commanding operations, even self-protection was a problem. Shi
The general had to send a thousand troops to protect him. Everyone in the court was very critical of the choice of Wanqiu as general.
The two armies have been officially fighting for a few days. There are no small battles in the war. The Tiandu Kingdom seems to be waiting for something and has never sent out the main force. This result seems to have been expected by Emperor Zong. He just issued an order to attack Qisa.
, but be sure to protect Wan Qi Xun.
Wan Qiqing had gradually begun to become suspicious of Emperor Zong's attitude, especially when he suggested that Wan Qizhao lead the army, Emperor Zong refused without thinking, as if he was protecting him. His father
When did the emperor care so much about his sixth brother? Would he rather let his sick seventh brother go on an expedition?
I'm afraid, there must be some ulterior secrets hidden in it.
Royal study room.
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, General Shi came to report and said...said..."
"Why are you in such a panic? Tell me quickly!" Emperor Zong looked at the little eunuch who stumbled in with a straight face.
"Your Majesty, King Xi..." The little eunuch fell to his knees with a plop, "Xian Wang Xi has gone..."
"What, what did you say?!" Emperor Zong stood up with a look of disbelief on his face, "Old Qi... it's impossible!" He immediately denied the news, "Absolutely impossible!"
"General Shi has been urgent for eight hundred miles. The letter said that King Qi couldn't stand the military expedition. He has been ill since he left the palace. He had vomited blood for three days before. He has been hiding it and refused to report back. But, last night
, King Hao... suddenly passed away. His body is on the way back to the court."
Emperor Zong stood there dumbfounded, his wide eyes showing shock and uncertainty, and then he said urgently to the young eunuch, "King Xuanzhao."
"twitter."
With an urgent order, Wan Qizhao quickly entered the palace. When he saw Emperor Zong's appearance, he asked in confusion, "Father, what happened?"
"Lao Liu, take a look..." Emperor Zong handed him General Shi's dispatch.
At first glance, Wan Qizhao turned pale with shock, and his handsome face was also full of surprise, "This, this...could it be that Lao Qi's poison has taken effect?" But judging from his previous physical condition, it shouldn't be so fast.
.
Emperor Zong responded in a deep voice, "I also suspect that the poison in his body broke out prematurely. Coupled with the bumpy road and unaccustomed climate, it is likely to speed up the spread of the poison. Alas," he hit the dragon case hard, some
Zhi Qi said, "I had stopped poisoning him as early as when he went to Huguo Temple. I only thought about sending troops this time, but I didn't expect... Hey, after all, God's calculation is not as good as man's calculation!"
His body had always been very weak, and he originally thought he would be able to hold on until he could attack Tiandu, but God just didn't want him to get what he wanted, so he took his life right now.
"Father, have you verified your true identity?" Wan Qizhao still couldn't believe it. After all, this incident was too sudden. But think about how Wan Qizhao usually looks down on everything and turns away from the world. On this day, sooner or later
It was coming, but when it actually came, they were a little at a loss. Perhaps, they were all used to his unreal presence.
"I secretly set up General Shi to closely monitor his every move. Judging from the deterioration of his body every day, it is very possible that such a result will occur." Although Emperor Zong did not want to face it, he had to
Admittedly, his chess piece was completely worthless when he took the first step.
The father and son pondered for a long time, both of them caught off guard by this unexpected situation. Wan Qizhao's slanted eyebrows tightened, and his charming eyes flashed through the complex. Although this younger brother has a special status, his dedication to him was also deliberate. But it is undeniable.
, the brotherhood established since childhood still makes him willing to shed tears of sympathy for him. But in the face of certain realities, this kind of relationship is like walking on thin ice, so fragile that it is vulnerable.
Perhaps, for him, this is the best outcome.
There is no need to be burdened by these so-called family ties, and there is no need to be hurt by feelings.
From beginning to end, he has never really existed; in this conspiracy battle, it is a blessing to find a piece of quiet land, at least, in his opinion, so.
"What to do about the next war?" Now, this is the most important key.
Emperor Zong's face was solemn, his lips were pursed, and his eyes were straight. He walked back and forth for a few steps, then stopped, "After he knows the news, he will definitely attack aggressively without sparing any effort. From now on, everyone can only rely on their own abilities.
"
"Father," Wan Qizhao narrowed his eyes and revealed a hint of determination, "Let me take charge and go on the expedition."
"No!" He turned around and refused without any discussion, "You have no experience in leading troops. Although we must win this battle, we cannot let you take risks. Just stay here obediently, and I will make my own decision."
Lao Liu is the heir to the throne whom he has cultivated with all his heart, and he will not let him be threatened in any way before he ascends to the throne.
Wan Qizhao insisted on what he had seen and took a step forward, "Father, the situation is urgent. I am confident enough to defeat Tiandu."
"No need to say any more," Emperor Zong waved, "you can just settle down and get married to the Dragon Girl. Being able to marry the Dragon Girl will definitely be of great help to you! I have never promised my fourth son to make her my concubine again. You should understand
My painstaking efforts.”
Xuanyun?
Yes, how could he forget her?
Slowly stepping aside, thinking for a moment, Fang raised his eyes and asked, "Father, do you still want one of our brothers to take charge?"
After glancing back, Emperor Zong returned to the dragon chair and sat down, "Lao Liu, who do you think has greater power in the dark, Lao San or Cai Si?"
"In recent years, because of the support of my father, the fourth brother has many forces attached to him. However," the topic changed, "he has also made many enemies, General Shi is one of them. And the third brother, on the surface, is chatting and laughing.
Ignoring trivial matters, in fact, I am stepping up my efforts to cultivate my own power. Now it seems that I have the momentum to surpass my fourth brother."
"Yes," Emperor Zong nodded, "yes. The fourth child is a big tree and attracts the wind, and almost all spearheads are aimed at him. The third child is like a hidden arrow, and will be hit by his unpredictable blow at any time."
"Then Father wants to..."
"I will make arrangements in the court tomorrow. In this battle, we can only win, not lose! We cannot let him have a chance to stand up and take revenge!" Emperor Zong said with a fierce look on his face.
Brother Mo Huang, even if you find someone to support you, even if you are already the Imperial Master of Tiandu, you will never want to return to Qisa!
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
^^^
In the mist, Maimai took out the farewell letter again and read it over and over again. When she first saw it, she felt sad and blamed herself, blaming her hindsight and her uncertainty. Now when she reads it,
Looking at it, it was like seeing his handsome face like a breeze. She could laugh and be happy. Almost every word on it was imprinted in her heart, where it took root and sprouted.
She believed that everything that belonged to him and her was not over. They would end. Because the outcome was in her hands.
The door was slowly pushed open.
When she turned around and saw Ah Shang, Mai Mai smiled softly, "Ah Shang, why don't you say anything?"
He returned his gaze, still focusing on his handwritten letter.
"Miss..." Seeing Mai Mai's focused look, Ashang murmured for a long time, really not knowing how to speak. Seeing the deep affection in her eyes, he didn't dare to say a word.
"Eh? Ashang, what's the matter with you?" Without waiting for an answer, Mai Mai put down the letter in her hand and raised her head and looked at her strangely.
"I..." Ah Shang avoided looking directly, she was afraid that the tenderness there would instantly collapse.
"Ah Shang, tell me, what happened!" Mai Mai stared intently, a bad premonition filled his mind without warning.
"Miss," taking a deep breath, Ah Shang finally mustered up the courage to face her. What should come will come sooner or later. Even if he doesn't say it, the lady will know it through other channels.
"Yeah." Her heartbeat accelerated a little, and Mai Mai unconsciously stretched out her hand to touch it, trying to suppress its wild beating.
"King Wang... has passed away." When he said these words, Ah Shang looked at Mai Mai closely, so that if anything happened to Wan, she would rush to her side as soon as possible.
Her brain was stagnant and blank. What was she talking about? She couldn't understand it, no, she didn't hear it at all.
Mai Mai said a faint "Oh", then sat back at the table and looked at the letter seriously. She seemed to be yearning for it and looking forward to it. It was not difficult to guess the scene in her mind at this time. It must be
It was an exciting scene after a long absence. However, the slightly trembling hands cast a layer of gloom on the scene.
"Miss?" Ashang called nervously.
"Ah Shang, you must have never seen lily of the valley. The flower is so beautiful, pure and white, like a shy girl. It makes people like it so much." Mai Mai smiled sweetly, "That's him
Favorite flower,”
"Miss, the King is dead, he is dead." Ashang couldn't bear to see her like this, so he sat down and held her shoulders tightly, "Miss, the King is dead."
"Ah Shang, can we plant lilies of the valley in Yanxia Residence next year too?" Mai Mai turned a deaf ear and asked happily.
"Miss..." Looking at Mai Mai distressedly, Ah Shang really didn't know what to say.
"Ah Shang, I'm so sleepy." Mai Mai stretched and yawned. He smiled apologetically at her, "I want to sleep." After saying that, he stood up and walked to the bed without taking off his shoes.
He immediately put on his clothes and went to bed, taking the quilt and covering his head.
After staring for a moment, Ashang nodded gently, "Yes," stood up and exited the room quietly.
The room was quiet, without a sound. The people on the bed did not move. Time seemed to have stopped, no ticking could be heard, and even the air was frozen.
Gradually, the body of the quilt began to tremble slightly, and then the trembling became more and more severe. It was so trembling that even the bed was about to fall apart at any time. The whimpering was like a wounded deer, sad and whining, tightly surrounding it.
The pillow was wet. She bit her lower lip and reminded herself that she heard nothing and knew nothing. That was not true, he was not dead!
But the tears seemed to have set their own route, one drop after another, one after another, wiped dry, and then poured out again.
"Damn it! He's not dead at all! Why are you crying?"
The suppressed sobs broke out instantly. She sat up quickly, raised her knees, and hugged her tightly. Her face, already wet with tears, was buried deep in her eyes, "No, he won't die, he won't leave me..."
"
He said that he only wanted her to treat him well...
"Fool, fool, fool! You are a big fool! Why don't you tell me that you are not the murderer?! As long as you say it, I will believe it! Why should you protect them? Why?!"
He is dead, he is dead...
"You are so cruel, so cruel..." Let her accept this reality alone, let her face his death sadly.
Is this a punishment for the mistakes she made five years ago? Enough! She has repaid enough! The successive losses have left her unable to bear any more! If this is a must, she would rather add more mistakes to each other!
The dusk overflowed the bloodthirsty red, bringing endless blackness to the sky and earth.
The tears have dried up and no more tears can be shed.
The letter he held tightly in his hand was wrinkled due to exertion. The handwriting on it was a little blurry and was blurred by tears. His eyes were dull and empty, his heart was empty, and it seemed that he could hear a weak heartbeat.
The echo that came was only beating, not throbbing.
He took away everything from her.
Compared with his own life, how much better is it for him to be a prince? In the end, when he left, was he relieved or helpless?
"Isn't it cold there?" He whispered softly, like the wind.
"Don't be afraid, I will go with you. I will tell you jokes, make you laugh, and let you know what it means to be alive." There was a hint of longing in the wet tears.
The slight raise of the corners of his lips gradually subsided. His dull eyes slowly grew colder, and he clenched the letter tightly in his hands, making a harsh sound.
"Before that, I will get everything back for you! And for... Qing'er!"
She stood up, walked to the window, opened the window, and let the cold wind in. The September wind was cool, but not as cold as her heart. The only brightness in the night sky was both real and illusory.
He said that if you need a reason to live, then hate it.
No, she doesn't hate. She just does what she has to do.
Emperor Zong, Wan Qizhao, Tiandu Kingdom... no one who has hurt them can even think of escaping!