Unexpectedly, Feng Tingyun had such a thrilling past. Song Yihuan noticed the "oath" he had just mentioned and said,
"So, the Lord of Yanyun's initiative to ally with the Northern Di and Western Rong and invade the State of Yu was a violation of your oath?"
Feng Tingyun replied, "Perhaps he thought I was already dead, so he could act without scruple, and there would be no one to compete with him anymore."
"However, he never thought that Yanyun has a special terrain. Most of the people live along the mountains, and it's difficult to cultivate and obtain food. It simply can't withstand the war. Moreover, Yanyun has well - developed mineral veins. Allying with the Northern Di and Western Rong is very likely to attract covetous eyes."
"So, Brother Feng is actually coming back this time to reclaim the throne?" Song Yihuan was anxious inside. "Then what about my father's medicine?"
She wasn't interested in the throne struggle at all. She believed Feng Tingyun's words and thought there was medicine in Yanyun, which was why she came here with him.
But Feng Tingyun said, "The medicine that can save your father is in the imperial capital of Yanyun, inside the imperial mausoleum of Yanyun."
After Feng Tingyun's explanation, Song Yihuan finally learned that there grew a medicinal herb that could cure all diseases in the imperial mausoleum of Yanyun. However, there was a rule in the royal family of Yanyun that the imperial mausoleum could only be opened after each new Yanyun emperor ascended the throne.
Song Yihuan originally thought it was just an ordinary medicinal herb. She didn't expect it to be such an important thing. She immediately said, "No, this medicinal herb is too precious. Brother Feng left Yanyun precisely because he didn't want to take on the great responsibility. Now, for the sake of my father, he has to return to this whirlpool of power. How could I be so selfish?"
Feng Tingyun said, "What, don't you want to save your father anymore?"
Song Yihuan clenched her fists tightly. She took a deep breath and said, "I'm sure I can find another way."
"What about Ji Lingchuan?"
Song Yihuan was stunned. Feng Tingyun said, "If I reclaim the throne, break the alliance with the Northern Di and Western Rong, and instead cooperate with the State of Yu, I can not only save Ji Lingchuan but also stop this war. So, you still don't want this?"
Song Yihuan held her breath and thought about Feng Tingyun's words in her heart.
The Northern Di and Western Rong had repeatedly harassed the border of the State of Yu. Ji Lingchuan had gone on expeditions twice, and this war had lasted for several years.
In a war, how could there be no casualties? When soldiers died, they had to be replenished from various places. All adult men couldn't escape the conscription.
A war also needed food and supplies. Without them, the soldiers would be hungry and have no strength to win.
But the young and strong had all been conscripted, leaving only the old, the weak, the sick, and the disabled in the civilian population. Coupled with natural disasters, how good could the grain harvest be?
On their way from Jiancheng to Sucheng in the north, they had seen countless disaster - stricken people and many deserted fields.
Although Ji Lingchuan was a brilliant general and had never been defeated, if the war could end earlier and allow the people of the State of Yu and Yanyun to recuperate, it would surely be a good thing.
If Feng Tingyun became the lord of Yanyun and the State of Yu befriended him, the two countries could communicate with each other and jointly resist the Northern Di and Western Rong. Wouldn't it be wonderful?
Song Yihuan wasn't a sheltered young lady who knew nothing. During these four years of living among the people, she could better understand how important a stable society was to the common people.
Moreover, the current emperor was not at fault. Instead, he was a wise ruler. Only when the people were at peace could the country last long.
It had to be said that Feng Tingyun's proposal was the best way to end this war.
To relieve her concerns, Feng Tingyun said, "I've been away from Yanyun for ten years. In these ten years, I've traveled all over the Northern Di, Western Rong, and the State of Yu, and I've enjoyed a free, peaceful, and worry - free life. Just as you can't let go of Ji Lingchuan, I can't let go of Yanyun and the responsibility I should bear."
"Since things have come to this, it's time for me to go back."
Song Yihuan finally agreed, "Since Brother Feng has invited me to go to Yanyun with him to get the medicine, there must be something I can do. If there's anything I can help with, Brother Feng can just tell me."
Feng Tingyun knew she was a very intelligent girl, and sure enough, she understood immediately.
He said, "Your disguise skills are excellent, and you're brave. If I want to reclaim the throne, I really need your help. After everything is settled, the medicine will not only be in your hands, but I'll also give you a surprise."
They rested in Yudu for one night. The next day, Song Yihuan disguised herself, Feng Tingyun, and several of his important advisors. Before they set off, Feng Tingyun said to Song Yihuan,
"I'm confident about this trip, but it's still a bit dangerous. When we get to the imperial capital, stay close to me all the time. When necessary, don't be polite. Use all your self - defense weapons. Don't worry about hurting anyone. I'll take care of everything."
Song Yihuan replied, "Okay, I understand. I won't be a burden to you, Brother Feng."
Feng Tingyun smiled contentedly and said to the others, "Let's go."
...
In the capital of the State of Yu.
Sandalwood was burning in the Buddhist hall of the Prince Ning's Mansion. The Princess of Prince Ning was kneeling on a cushion, fingering the Buddhist beads in her hand, and chanting scriptures with her eyes closed, praying for Ji Lingchuan, who was far away on the border defending the country.
A rush of footsteps came from outside, but the Princess of Prince Ning ignored them and continued what she was doing.
Nanny Chen stumbled into the room and knelt beside the Princess of Prince Ning. "Princess, n - not good!"
The Princess of Prince Ning opened her eyes and looked at her, looking dissatisfied. "What's the matter that makes you so flustered? Be careful not to disturb the Buddha."
Nanny Chen looked panicked and said, "Fu Zhou sent a letter overnight. The young master, the young master—"
The Princess of Prince Ning's heart skipped a beat. She grabbed Nanny Chen's wrist tightly. "Tell me properly. What's wrong with the young master?!"
Nanny Chen cried and said, "The young master was, was captured by the enemy when he was fighting with them!"
"What did you say?!" The Princess of Prince Ning felt dizzy. Her body went limp and she fell down. The Buddhist hall immediately became chaotic.
When the Princess of Prince Ning woke up again, she found herself lying in her room. She called out for Nanny Chen anxiously and said, "How's the situation outside? Is there any way to make them release the young master?"
Nanny Chen looked worried. "I heard that the emperor set off from the capital early this morning to negotiate peace with the Northern Di, Western Rong, and Yanyun. Princess, don't worry. The emperor and the young master have a deep relationship. He will surely exchange the young master back from the enemy!"
The Princess of Prince Ning covered her chest and cried, full of regret in her heart:
"The war is dangerous. Leading an army into battle is a life - and - death situation. He has rarely written to me to report his safety these years. I could only learn about his safety from others. I know he still resents me in his heart, resents me for choosing such a wife for him back then, resents me for not accepting that woman, resents me for interfering too much in his marriage."
"Do you think I really did something wrong?" The Princess of Prince Ning asked Nanny Chen.
Nanny Chen sighed and said, "The Princess did that for the sake of the young master."
"It's just that the young master is a man with his own ideas. He's used to making decisions when leading an army into battle, so naturally he's dissatisfied with being restricted. In this old servant's opinion, the Princess is not wrong, and the young master is not wrong either. It's just that their choices are different."
The Princess of Prince Ning thought about it and felt that it was indeed the case.
She struggled out of bed, knelt facing the north, put her hands together, and silently prayed in her heart.
Heavenly Lord, please bless Chuan'er to come back safely. If he can return to the capital safely, from now on, I won't restrict him on what he wants to do or who he wants to marry.
Please.