Chapter 54
Song Ling, without prior notice, arrived at Mark’s castle. She inquired about Mark’s whereabouts and was informed that he was inside. The butler led her to the living room, where she found Mark and his servants busily packing boxes, seemingly preparing to move.
Curious, she approached Mark and greeted him. Mark, surprised and delighted to see her, set aside his task and rushed over to greet her.
“Miss Song, you’ve finally appeared! I’ve been looking for you everywhere! I thought I would have to leave without you. This is perfect timing!”
“What do you need me for? And why are you packing? Are you moving?”
“Oh, no, no. I’m going back to the Qing Dynasty. These are my belongings. I don’t think I’ll be returning anytime soon, so I’m taking as much as I can. That’s why I was looking for you. Where have you been all this time? I couldn’t find you anywhere.”
“What are you going back to the Qing Dynasty for? And why are you looking for me? You know I’m searching for Jun’er. I won’t leave until I find her.”
“That’s why I’m asking if you want to come with me. I received a message from the docks. It seems Miss Li has already returned to the Qing Dynasty. I did some investigating and learned that there’s been trouble there. It seems she went back to help. I’m also going back to assist.”
“She went back to the Qing Dynasty?! What happened? Why so suddenly? And the Emperor forbade her from returning! Why would she go back?”
“There’s been another jiangshi outbreak, and it’s worse than before. And the imperial court is facing a threat from the Prime Minister, who’s trying to take advantage of the chaos to overthrow the dynasty and force the Emperor to abdicate.
I suspect Miss Li received news of this and went back to help. I don’t know the details. I only learned a little from my correspondence with the prince. So, do you want to come with me? You can look for Miss Li while you’re there.”
“Yes, I’ll go with you. When are you leaving?”
“We’ll leave for the docks tonight and sail tomorrow morning. Do you need time to prepare?”
“No, I’m ready.”
“Alright, I’ll let you know when everything is ready. Go and rest for now. I need to finish packing. I’ll tell you the details on the ship.”
“Okay, I won’t disturb you any further.”
Mark finished his preparations quickly and had his servants load the boxes onto the carriage. Around evening, they set off for the docks.
They traveled through the night, arriving at the docks at dawn the next day. Mark supervised as the servants unloaded the boxes and carried them onto the ship. Once everything was settled, he and Song Ling boarded the ship. Mark’s butler and servants drove the carriage back to the castle.
This ship was larger and faster than the one Mark and Li Xinjun had taken. They would reach the Qing Dynasty in about two and a half months.
Meanwhile, Li Xinjun, upon returning to the Qing Dynasty six months ago, had immediately gone to the Grand General’s Mansion. Grand General Duoluo, bedridden from his injuries, his age working against him, was in critical condition. Li Xinjun, using her knowledge of medicine, did her best to treat him.
Thanks to her efforts, he was no longer in danger, but his recovery was slow. He would likely never be able to wield a weapon again.
Fortunately, he had already retired from the battlefield, his sons having convinced him to focus on managing the city’s defenses. Therefore, this setback was bearable for him.
Li Xinjun stayed by his side day and night, tending to his needs, until his condition stabilized. She then turned her attention to the jiangshi problem. From Brother Wu and Ah Qi, she learned the details of the situation. She knew that if she wanted to help, she had to contact Hongli to get a clear understanding of what was happening in the capital.
She instructed Brother Wu to inform the Emperor of her return. Brother Wu was now a junior general, serving as Grand General Duoluo’s right-hand man. With the general incapacitated, Brother Wu had taken over his duties, so attending court was no longer unfamiliar to him.
Initially, he was hesitant to inform the Emperor of Li Xinjun’s return, remembering the Emperor’s decree forbidding her from ever setting foot in the Qing Dynasty again. However, Li Xinjun persuaded him, arguing that they needed the Emperor’s help to resolve the crisis. He reluctantly agreed.
He went to the palace, informed the Emperor of Li Xinjun’s return, and then presented him with a letter she had written. Hongli recognized Li Xinjun’s handwriting. In the letter, she briefly explained her reasons for returning and expressed her confidence in her ability to help the Qing Dynasty overcome this crisis, but she needed the court’s cooperation.
Hongli read the letter and then, after a moment of silence, looked at Brother Wu.
“Where is she now?”
“Your Majesty, she is at the Grand General’s Mansion. Shall I summon her?”
“No. The palace has many ears. I want to speak with her privately. I’ll come with you to the mansion.”
Hongli, as he had done before, disguised himself as a commoner and left the palace secretly with Brother Wu. They arrived at the Grand General’s Mansion, where Brother Wu escorted Hongli to the living room and then went to inform Li Xinjun.
When Li Xinjun entered the living room, Hongli felt a pang of nostalgia. She was still as captivating as ever, her presence making his heart race. But things had changed. He knew they could never go back to how things were. He composed himself and stood up to greet her.
Li Xinjun bowed respectfully and then sat down with him to discuss the purpose of their meeting. Although there was no awkwardness between them, they both felt a sense of distance. Li Xinjun no longer addressed him as “Brother Hongli,” using the formal “Your Majesty” instead. Hongli didn’t mind. He was focused on discussing the situation with her.
“Your Majesty, I returned not only because I learned of my grandfather’s injury, but also because I believe I can help you and the Qing Dynasty overcome this crisis. However, I cannot do it alone. I hope Your Majesty will listen to my suggestions and consider my ideas. If you find them feasible, I hope to receive your support and manpower to implement my plan.”
“Miss Li, I am grateful for your willingness to assist the Qing Dynasty. I came here because I found your proposal in the letter promising. I will do my best to cooperate with you. However, times have changed. Although I am the Emperor, my power is not what it once was. Those who support the Prime Minister are constantly challenging my authority, trying to force me to abdicate. They’re practically plotting treason.”
“I know, Your Majesty. That’s why I want to expose the Prime Minister’s treachery. Then you will no longer be threatened.”
“You have a way to expose him?”
“If my suspicions are correct, the Prime Minister is the one behind the jiangshi outbreak. We’ve suspected it for a long time, but we haven’t been able to find any evidence. This time, I want to uncover the truth and find proof of his crimes.”
“If we discover that he is responsible, I will punish him and his entire clan! He will not escape justice!”
Hongli slammed his fist on the table, his face flushed with anger, his eyes blazing with determination. Li Xinjun and Hongli continued to discuss the details of her plan. After their meeting, Hongli returned to the palace to prepare the necessary arrangements for Li Xinjun’s investigation.
With the Emperor’s support, Li Xinjun made significant progress, uncovering evidence that strongly suggested the Prime Minister’s involvement in the jiangshi outbreak. His goal was to overthrow the dynasty and seize the throne. It was only a matter of time before he launched his attack on the capital.
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