Chapter 238
Since the winter hunt, the Empress had taken quite a liking to the girl Gu Ying. She had originally wanted to bring her into the Prince Shu's manor. If it were not for the Zhao Prince acting first and marrying her, she might have become her own daughter-in-law by now.
Thinking of this, the Empress sighed again. "You must have already heard about the happenings in court. His Majesty also feels grieved upon hearing the news of the Eldest Prince's disappearance. He has already sent people to Yueyang to look for the Eldest Prince's whereabouts."
Gu Ying did not speak. Her face was slightly pale and her eyes were red, looking as if she had cried all night. She did not seem to be in good spirits.
The Empress did not blame her. It was understandable for a woman to feel this way in such circumstances. Gu Ying was not heartless after all, so the Empress sympathized with her. "I wanted to go to Yueyang to look for the Eldest Prince, but His Majesty did not agree and sent Prince Shu instead."
Gu Ying forced a pale smile. "Your Majesty, do not worry. The Eldest Prince has the fortune of a noble person. He will surely be fine."
The Empress looked deeply at Gu Ying a few times. She had not expected that at this time, Gu Ying would instead comfort her.
It was obvious she was an extremely sensible and tactful girl.
The Empress smiled. She asked someone to place His Majesty's rewards in the room and said, "You should rest well. His Majesty has already sent people to look for the Eldest Prince. Although Prince Shu is useless, Imperial Envoy Zhou Yan has quite a reputation in court. I believe they will surely find the Eldest Prince. As soon as there is any news of the Eldest Prince, I will immediately send someone to inform you."
That was what she said, but whether or not they could find the Eldest Prince was another matter.
After all, it was a once in a century heavy snow disaster, coinciding with the misfortune of an earthquake... No one was prepared. So many youths of the Qilin Army were buried underground. No one knew if anyone could dig them out and properly rebury them.
When people could barely feed themselves during such a natural disaster, who would still care about the Eldest Prince and the army?
Everyone knew that hoping for the safe return of the Eldest Prince was nothing but a fool's dream.
Gu Ying blamed herself for feeling distressed. There was a stifling pain in her chest and the tears in her eyes fell.
Seeing this pained the Empress as well.
She sighed and persuaded Gu Ying a few times. In the end, she could not say anything more and returned to the palace.
After the Empress left, Gu Ying wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes and got out of bed.
She understood what the Empress had said. The imperial family would naturally send people to save the Eldest Prince in order to pacify the old Duke. But they did not guarantee they could save him back.
Humph.
If she left the Eldest Prince's safety to these people, how could she feel at ease?
Silver Orchid said, "I can take care of my Lady's and Elder Sister Ning's living arrangements on the road. And I grew up begging on the streets, not pampered in boudoirs. I am not a delicate girl—"
Bai Zhi immediately said, "My Lady, I want to go too! I am not afraid of danger, hardship or even death! Even if I die, I still want to be with my Lady!"
"Bai Zhi, stop this nonsense! Finding the Eldest Prince is the most important matter. Taking care of A Ning at home is also very important." Gu Ying hated hearing Bai Zhi mention death the most. She glared at her and sternly said, "You even have to cleverly handle Madam Cheng and other madams or noble ladies who come looking for me. Your responsibility is even greater."
Bai Zhi did not know what to do and blinked anxiously, with eyes instantly turning red. "My Lady..."
Gu Ying advised heavily, "Listen to me."
Bai Zhi was at a temporary loss for words, not knowing what to say.
But Silver Orchid stood firmly behind Huai An with a determined look. She glanced at Gu Ying then glanced at Huai An's broad back. Her eyes lowered and she continued, "Silver Pearl should stay as well. The young master's legs are inconvenient. It would be dangerous without someone skilled in martial arts by his side. With Silver Pearl here, she can protect Bai Zhi and the young master. My Lady, please bring me along. I definitely won't drag you and Master Huai down."
"Silver Orchid, I'll only feel at ease with you staying at Changfeng Pavilion."
"My Lady worries too much. When Bai Zhi and the rest were still toddlers, I was already begging on the streets. Please bring me along, my Lady. My heart cannot be at ease in Changfeng Pavilion. I won't be able to eat or sleep well. It's better to follow along to watch over you. At least I'll know everything that's happening."
Gu Ying looked at her complicatedly before finally agreeing.
That night, Gu Ying made all the preparations. She travelled light with Huai An, Ning Shen and Silver Orchid, as well as a few highly skilled Qilin Army cavalrymen. They left the city.
...At the same time.
Prince Shu's entourage also set off from Bianjing.
Imperial Envoy Zhou Yan was a student of Lord Ning from the Ministry of Personnel and currently worked in the Ministry of War. As an advisor under Prince Shu this time, he would go to Yueyang together to handle disaster relief matters.
Jiang Yin, a guest at Prince Shu's manor, also left Bianjing with Prince Shu.
Although Gu Ying had stabbed him twice, he managed to survive under the imperial doctor's treatment.
Inside the spacious and luxurious carriage...
Prince Shu sat comfortably on the soft cushions and looked down condescendingly at Jiang Yin who was kneeling below. Displeasure flashed across his eyes.
"Is Zhao Changdu really dead or not?"