Chapter 130 - A Hot Bath

They did not stop along the way. Perhaps Xiaoguo was oversensitive, but she felt like they were rushing to reach the capital.

At noon, they only took breaks on the spot. They only entered the counties during nighttime. Xiaoguo was sure that the magistrate was worried about her not being able to take it, otherwise he might not even enter the counties at night and would just rest wherever they were.

She was guessing this because the magistrate would regularly send someone to ask her how she was taking it, and whether she needed to stop and rest. He would do this at least four or five times a day.

Xiaoguo felt that there was no harm in arriving earlier and returning home sooner.

Beijing.

“Your Majesty.”

Jiang Danhe was summoned to Shao Zhan’s bedroom early in the morning. Shao Zhan looked at the man who had arrived late and was taking his seat unhurriedly.

“Sit down and eat.”

Shao Zhan also knew that it was early morning, and since neither of them had eaten yet, they might as well eat together. In any case, it had been a long time since the two of them ate at the same table.

Jiang Danhe nodded and walked over to sit down.

The palace maid quickly served the dishes. Jiang Danhe waited for Shao Zhan to start eating before he tucked in.

Shao Zhan also noticed Jiang Danhe’s actions and felt rather frustrated. “In the past, there was no need for the two of them to be so particular about this. But now… sigh…” 

Both of them maintained the good habit of eating without speaking.

After dinner, the two of them moved to the main hall. There was no need for morning court assembly as it was a rest day today.

It was also a rare day off for Shao Zhan. He sat on the dragon throne and said helplessly to Jiang Danhe, who was still standing, “Why are you becoming more and more estranged?”

Jiang Danhe was stunned. He knew that Shao Zhan was referring to him. “Well, there are obvious distinctions between an emperor and his subjects…”

A long sigh sounded. Jiang Danhe looked up at the man who had his back to the light. A sense of loneliness was emanating from him. Jiang Danhe was puzzled. “Why had the emperor become much more tired than before he ascended the throne?”

The words popped out of his mouth while they ran through his mind. Shao Zhan shook his head with a confused look in his eyes. “Prior to this, all I wanted was revenge. Now that I’ve succeeded and am sitting on the throne, I do not feel any joy.”

It’s always lonely at the top.

Jiang Danhe didn’t know how to comfort him, or provide suggestions to resolve the problem. This was the way emperors had lived since ancient times. What was he to do?

Seeing Jiang Danhe standing there like a block of wood and not continuing the conversation, how was he going to continue with his act? How was he going to deliver the words that he had prepared?

Helpless, he could only continue talking and slowly get to the point.

“What do you think will happen to me if you go home?”

Shao Zhan pretended to be pitiful and referred to himself as “me”, instead of using honorifics, but Jiang Danhe was furious when he heard those words. So that was what he was getting at. After saying so much, he was just asking him to stay.

He looked at Shao Zhan, who was still putting on an act. Over this period of time, he had used all sorts of threats and promises, and this time, he was using pity to persuade him?

Too bad, this would not work on him.

“Your Majesty.”

Jiang Danhe cupped his fists and knelt on one knee. He looked at Shao Zhan seriously. He did not speak, but Shao Zhan knew his decision.

It seemed that there was only one last move left. He could only wait for Qin Xiaoguo to come. Shao Zhan narrowed his eyes and thought to himself.

After Jiang Danhe left the palace, he headed to the training ground first. It seemed that he had to quickly prepare everything. If he could settle everything early, he would be able to get home sooner. If he delayed any longer, who knew what would happen?

Thanks to the Emperor’s probing, Jiang Danhe had been able to speed up his plans. He spent every day and night at the training ground. He did not have time to look for Li Shouji either, and that gave the man time to rest for a few days.

–

Time passed quickly. Together with the convoy, Xiaoguo and Zhuang Zhuang arrived at a small town not far from the capital. As it was too late, everyone including the horses were exhausted from the past few days of traveling. Therefore, County Magistrate Liu ordered them to stop for the night.

After traveling for several days, Xiaoguo could finally lie down on a bed with a mattress. Zhuang Zhuang followed Xiaoguo and rolled around comfortably on the bed. He really couldn’t sleep on the hard wooden planks anymore. A bed was indeed more comfortable.