Chapter 22

Chapter 22

"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?"

"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.