Chapter 57: Save My Husband
“Monthly Period?” Huaiyu was taken aback, counting on her fingers and frowning, “It seems like it hasn’t come.”
Qi Jin withdrew her hand, her expression a bit surprised. After hesitating for a moment, she asked, “How many days late is it?”
“About ten days, I suppose,” Huaiyu mumbled. “It should have come at the beginning of the month.”
“……” A delay of ten days in one’s monthly cycle should raise suspicions, yet this lady before her looked completely bewildered as if she had no idea what this meant.
Unable to help herself, Qi Jin took her hand again to check her pulse. She swallowed hard, feeling uncertain but leaning towards a conclusion.
“What’s wrong?” Huaiyu felt a bit anxious from her reaction and frowned, asking, “Could it be that I’ve hurt myself by taking too many strange medicines recently?”
“No,” Qi Jin shook her head. “You might be pregnant.”
“Oh, as long as it’s not an injury, that’s good!” Huaiyu let out a huge sigh of relief.
The room fell silent for a moment.
Realizing something was off, Huaiyu turned back to look at her, slowly blinking. “What did you just say?”
Qi Jin stood up and bowed, saying, “Currently, the time is still insufficient, and the pulse is not clear enough, but based on your symptoms and the delay, you should be pregnant.”
This statement exploded in her mind like fireworks. Huaiyu stared at her blankly for a while, then turned to look at the statue of the Guanyin of Childbirth given by the old master on the side table.
Is it really that effective?!
A wave of emotions surged in her chest. She took several deep breaths, trying to calm down. “Qingsi…”
As she spoke, her voice trembled along with her body.
Qingsi held her hand tightly, and Huaiyu instinctively gripped her back, her lips unable to stop curling into a smile. “I’m going to have a child?”
Qingsi nodded dumbly.
Leaping up, Li Huaiyu laughed heartily, grabbing Qingsi and spinning in circles. “I’m going to have a child? Really? I’m such a lucky star, saying all sorts of auspicious things, haha!”
“Please calm down!” Qi Jin quickly supported her arm, frightened and stamping her feet. “Your body is already weak; you can’t afford to fall or bump into anything!”
After a moment, Huaiyu obediently sat back down on the bed, sitting up straight and properly. Then, with wide eyes, she asked, “Will my weak body affect the baby?”
“It will,” Qi Jin nodded seriously. “So from today on, you must take your medicine and meals on time, and avoid great anger or sadness.”
“Okay!” Huaiyu nodded repeatedly, then asked Qingsi, “Is there any news from the palace?”
This news must be told to Jiang Xuanjin quickly! He has been looking forward to having a child so much; if he knew, that usually stern face of his would surely break into a smile!
Qingsi glanced at Qi Jin beside her but remained silent.
Huaiyu realized and first turned to Qi Jin, saying, “You go prepare the medicine for me, and don’t mention this until the Emperor returns. I want to tell him myself.”
“Understood,” Qi Jin nodded, holding the medicine box as she retreated.
Once the door closed, Qingsi finally spoke, “Lord Xu has entered the palace but didn’t see anyone. When he asked the Emperor, the Emperor said that the Crown Prince is still investigating the case of Sima Xu and is temporarily residing in Feiyun Palace.”
Feiyun Palace? Huaiyu was taken aback, and the smile on her face slowly faded.
Jiang Xuanjin dislikes Danyang. Even if there’s something to investigate, he wouldn’t willingly stay in her palace.
“Something’s not right,” she murmured, “Is Qi Han also in the palace?”
Qingsi nodded. “Prime Minister Qi Han and Grand Commandant Situ Jing have both been in the Imperial Study these past few days.”
This is bad!
Feeling a heavy weight in her heart, Huaiyu stood up and said, “I need to find my brother.”
She must go into the palace to take a look, but without a rank, she could only ask Jiang Chong to take her along. If she could see Jiang Xuanjin, that would be good; if she couldn’t even see him…
That would be terrible.
Qingsi understood what she was thinking and immediately followed her to Jiang Chong’s courtyard to pay a visit.
Jiang Xuanjin had not returned for five days. Normally, it would be reasonable to check the palace, and Huaiyu thought Jiang Chong would surely agree.
However, after she explained her intentions, Jiang Chong unexpectedly refused.
“Official ladies cannot enter the palace at will. If you’re worried about your third brother, I can go into the palace to send a message for you.”
Huaiyu felt a bit anxious. “It might be better if I go myself.”
Jiang Chong shook his head, his expression grave.
From his gaze, Huaiyu sensed a hint of wariness. Although she didn’t know why Jiang Chong was wary of her, it seemed he wouldn’t help her.
Taking a deep breath, Huaiyu bowed to him and, with Qingsi, left the residence directly.
Today was Bai Dezhong’s day off, and he was at home reviewing documents when he suddenly heard a commotion outside.
“What are you doing?” Bai Xuanji blocked Huaiyu’s path, frowning and glaring. “You just barge into Father’s study? A married daughter is like spilled water; how can you come back?”
Li Huaiyu’s face turned cold. “Get out of the way.”
“You’re the one who doesn’t understand the rules, yet you glare at me?” Bai Xuanji gritted her teeth. “Don’t think that just because you’re the Crown Prince’s wife, you’re so important. The higher you climb, the harder you fall!”
“I don’t have time to waste with you right now.” Grabbing her arm, Huaiyu forcefully pulled her back and stepped forward to push open the study door.
However, before her hand could touch the door, it swung open by itself.
“What’s the meaning of this?” Bai Dezhong opened the door and scolded.
Huaiyu paused, completely ignoring his anger, and asked, “Have you been to the palace these past two days?”
“Of course I have. Why do you ask?” Bai Dezhong replied, puzzled.
“The Emperor hasn’t returned to the residence for five days, and there hasn’t been any news from the palace,” Huaiyu said, pursing her lips. “I’m very worried about him.”
Five days without returning? Bai Dezhong was taken aback, lowering his head to think for a moment. “It seems he hasn’t been seen at morning court either.”
“What about the Emperor?” Huaiyu asked. “Have you met with the Emperor privately in the Imperial Study?”
Bai Dezhong shook his head. “Aside from morning court, the Emperor has been with the Prime Minister, Sima, and the Crown Prince in the study, rarely allowing anyone to disturb them. Any matters are directly submitted in writing.”
“Don’t you find that strange?” Huaiyu frowned. “The Crown Prince was just about to confront Prime Minister Qi in front of the Emperor regarding the old case of Sima Xu. It’s one thing not to summon witnesses, but the Crown Prince hasn’t even been able to leave the palace? The Emperor is busy with governance; how could he not see other officials just because of this one case?”
Upon hearing this, Bai Dezhong also found it odd. “Logically, he should have been allowed to return home for a day or two. No matter how big the case is, it shouldn’t take this long. And the Emperor… the Emperor hasn’t been speaking much during morning court lately.”
“So,” Huaiyu asked him, “can you take me into the palace to see? To ask the Emperor where the Crown Prince is and if he is well?”
After a moment of contemplation, Bai Dezhong nodded. “Let me change into my official robes.”
Being able to enter the palace eased her furrowed brows. She went out to instruct Qingsi, “Find Xu Xian and the others to come and assist. If we haven’t come out of the palace after an hour, let them find a way to rescue us.”
“Understood,” Qingsi replied and went off.
Huaiyu stood outside waiting, her heart in turmoil, while Bai Xuanji stood in front of her, sarcastically saying, “Why don’t you go find your in-laws? Instead, you come back to your family; isn’t that embarrassing?”
Not wanting to deal with her, Huaiyu continued to lower her head, lost in thought. Unexpectedly, Bai Xuanji continued, “The Jiang family has been reluctant to discuss my marriage with the young master. Are you the one causing trouble?”
Irritated, Huaiyu looked up and coldly laughed, “That’s because he doesn’t want to marry you. What does that have to do with me?”
Bai Xuanji frowned and shook her head. “You’re talking nonsense!”
She clearly remembered that at the birthday banquet, Jiang Yan had a good impression of her. How could he not marry her if given the chance?
“If you don’t believe me, go propose to the Jiang family yourself,” Huaiyu crossed her arms. “Didn’t you hide twelve carts of dowry? Just right to use as a betrothal gift.”
“You!” Bai Xuanji’s face turned red with anger. “What nonsense are you talking about!”
A woman proposing to a man? How desperate could she be?
Bai Dezhong came out after changing his clothes, and Huaiyu had no intention of lingering with Bai Xuanji. She shot her a glance and followed Bai Dezhong out.
“Are you getting used to life in the Jiang residence?” Once in the carriage, Bai Dezhong casually asked her.
Huaiyu felt a bit touched and smiled, “How could I not be used to it? The Crown Prince treats me very well.”
“That’s good,” Bai Dezhong said, rarely lifting the corners of his mouth. “I just dreamed of your mother last night. She asked about you, and I answered her like this.”
This made Huaiyu pause, unable to help but look at Bai Dezhong again.
He was usually so stern and serious. When he mentioned her mother, there seemed to be a hint of tenderness in his words.
Love is indeed a strange thing; no matter what kind of person, it seems to soften them. Bai Dezhong was like this, and so was she.
Feeling warmth in her heart, Huaiyu instinctively urged the coachman outside, “Drive faster.”
She wanted to see Jiang Xuanjin, to hold his waist and bury herself in his embrace, to share the good news with him, and to see him smile happily.
Covering her abdomen with her hand, she daydreamed, her expression gentle and peaceful.
However, just after passing through the three gates in front of the palace, she and Bai Dezhong were stopped by someone.
The Lord Wei stood in front of them, cupping his hands and saying, “The Emperor has ordered that no one is to be received today.”
Bai Dezhong frowned. “Still not seeing anyone?”
“Yes, the Imperial Censor has been informed to return,” the guard replied.
A heavy feeling settled in Huaiyu’s heart. She tugged at Bai Dezhong’s sleeve, pulled him aside, and whispered, “There must be something wrong. Since there are still people in the Imperial Study, how could the Emperor not see anyone?”
Bai Dezhong also sensed something was off. After pondering for a moment, he said, “I can’t go alone; we need to invite more officials to enter the palace to see the Emperor.”
“That’s easy to arrange,” Huaiyu immediately took him back to the palace gate and instructed the Bai family servants to spread the word to various residences.
Half an hour later, a large crowd gathered at the palace gate.
“This…” Bai Dezhong looked at the crowd with a complex expression. Most of them seemed to be from the former “Princess Party.” Was it a coincidence or…?
There was no time to think further. Zhuji pushed him forward into the palace.
With such a large group, they were not something a mere Lord Wei could stop. Xu Xian led the way, his battle-hardened aura intimidating the palace guards to step aside.
However, as they approached the Imperial Study, more guards suddenly surged out from various places, silently blocking their way.
Only a few steps away from the Imperial Study, Huaiyu frowned as she hid in the crowd, watching the guards.
If they were normally ordered to block access, they would at least explain a few things, but these guards did not. Their spears pointed at them, clearly in a stance to intercept.
As she had suspected, the Emperor and Jiang Xuanjin were likely being held captive.
Taking a deep breath, Huaiyu quickly began to think.
Before Qi Han was promoted to Prime Minister, he served as the Minister of Rites, holding military power over ten thousand troops in the capital. Since his promotion, he hadn’t relinquished that power. It wouldn’t be difficult for him to surround the Imperial Study with those ten thousand troops, especially since he had Situ Jing, who commanded fifty thousand troops, by his side.
The Ziyang Prince’s case directly confronted him, and it seemed Qi Han was also in a desperate situation, knowing he couldn’t escape this calamity. He might as well take a gamble.
But what was he trying to achieve by trapping them like this? What could he do?
The only way out seemed to be—killing Jiang Xuanjin and using the Emperor to command the lords.
A sharp twist in her heart made Huaiyu’s face pale.
“I have to go in,” she murmured.
“What did you say?” Xu Xian didn’t hear her.
Huaiyu looked up, seriously meeting his gaze. “I have to go in. No matter what, I want to see Jiang Xuanjin!”
By the end, her voice trembled slightly.
Yun Lanqing and Han Xiao both heard her and gathered around her, whispering, “In this situation, there’s only one way to get in.”
“Rescue the King.”
Looking at the situation, it was clear the Emperor was being controlled, but he had still attended morning court, so he knew the Emperor was unharmed. But the Ziyang Prince… his life and death were uncertain.
Thinking that he might be in danger, Li Huaiyu couldn’t help but panic, her eyes darting around restlessly.
“Don’t be anxious,” Xu Xian said. “This matter needs to be considered carefully.”
How to consider it carefully? Huaiyu shook her head; she only wanted to break through the guards in front and see how Jiang Xuanjin was doing!
Bai Dezhong stood beside her, watching the group’s attitude towards Zhuji with surprise. But given the current situation, he couldn’t ask anything else. He could only inform them of the law: “If the Emperor hasn’t shown himself for two days, the lord of the fief can enter the capital to pay respects. If they can’t see the Emperor, they can rescue the King.”
“But the Emperor has been attending court every other day recently, so this situation makes it impossible to rescue the King. If military force is used recklessly, it will be treated as treason.”
This was all part of their plan. With Huai Lin attending court, the feudal lords had no reason to rescue the King, allowing them to control Huai Lin indefinitely.
Jiang Xuanjin was clever, but one person couldn’t withstand so many.
“Lord,” the deputy commander of the city guards, Jiang Qu, ran over from a distance, cupping his hands towards Xu Xian. “I’ve inquired, and there have indeed been unusual troop movements in the palace recently. The guards around the Emperor have all been replaced.”
Everyone was stunned. Huaiyu, who had been hesitant before, finally became resolute.
“I have a way,” she said.
In the secret chamber of Ming Mountain Palace, there was not only a document but also the military token of thirty thousand forbidden troops left to her by the late Emperor, hidden in a secret mechanism that had not been discovered by Liu Yunlie.
Huaiyu set off to retrieve it and handed it to Xu Xian.
“Prepare to rescue the Emperor at tomorrow’s morning court.”
Xu Xian looked at the military token in surprise. “This…”
No wonder the palace guards could be changed at will; it turned out the military power was in the hands of the Princess.
Without the military token, the guards would follow the commander’s orders, but once someone had the token, the guards would ignore the commander and pledge loyalty to the token holder.
The late Emperor’s gift to the Princess could be seen as a special favor.
After discussing how to act carefully, Huaiyu returned to Bai Dezhong’s side and bowed, saying, “The situation is special. If their actions violate the law, please turn a blind eye.”
Bai Dezhong looked at her with a frown. “What do you want to do?”
Huaiyu raised her eyes, her gaze determined. “To save my husband.”
There was no other choice. Not being able to see Jiang Xuanjin made her heart twist in knots, and she couldn’t help but think of the worst possibilities.
She used to wish for his death, but now… no matter what, she wanted to confirm that he was still alive.
Bai Dezhong looked at her with deep eyes, as if hesitating.
“I won’t make it too difficult for you,” Huaiyu said. “The Emperor is soft-hearted. He knows we are here to rescue him, so he won’t be too harsh. As long as you don’t add to his troubles, the rest will be handled well.”
Looking at the group still discussing in the distance, Bai Dezhong remained silent for a long time before lightly nodding.
Tomorrow’s morning court would allow him to see Huai Lin again, but the eunuchs and guards around him had already been replaced. If they rushed in to rescue him, who knows what chaos might ensue? Xu Xian and the others had been thinking about how to lead the Emperor down from the throne.
Huaiyu didn’t return to the Jiang residence but instructed Qingsi to go back and inform Xu Chuniang to avoid worrying her.
Xu Chuniang rested for a while in the guest building, remembering that she hadn’t given the snacks brought by the maid to the Crown Prince’s wife. So she got up to find someone in the main building. However, she not only found no one but also ran into Qi Jin delivering medicine.
“This…” Smelling the familiar medicinal scent, Xu Chuniang’s eyes brightened. “Sister-in-law is pregnant?”
Qi Jin hadn’t planned to say anything, but she didn’t expect the Second Madam to recognize the medicine. She immediately bowed to her, saying, “The Crown Prince’s wife doesn’t want anyone to know, saying she wants to tell the Crown Prince herself. Please don’t let it slip!”
Xu Chuniang was overjoyed, nodding repeatedly. “I won’t say anything. I won’t say anything.”
These two had married after her, but unexpectedly, she was the first to become pregnant. Thinking of how the Crown Prince doted on her sister-in-law, she couldn’t help but feel happy too.
The residence hadn’t been lively for a long time. Once this news spread, it would surely be a joyous occasion.
In a good mood, Xu Chuniang returned to the guest building for a good night’s sleep.
Li Huaiyu hadn’t slept all night. She carefully drew a map of the area near the court for Yun Lanqing and the others, arranged the personnel, and then sat in a chair, lost in thought.
Yun Lanqing glanced at her several times and finally couldn’t help but ask, “Tomorrow, will you go and watch?”
“How can I go?” Huaiyu frowned. “With my status, I can’t attend court…”
“Your Highness,” Han Xiao interrupted her, staring wide-eyed. “Why are you being so foolish? The Crown Prince’s wife can’t attend court, but can’t you change your identity? Tomorrow there will be so many guards; it’s easy to find someone to swap clothes with you!”
Being called foolish by Han Xiao was a great humiliation, but Li Huaiyu didn’t have the mood to care. She lowered her head and replied, “Then you all find me some clothes.”
Xu Xian looked at her deeply and suddenly smiled. “Your Highness truly has deep feelings for the Crown Prince.”
Look at how worried she was. The fearless person from before was now sitting here, trembling.
If it were before, she would have kicked the chair and charged into the palace to rescue him.
“You don’t understand,” Huaiyu murmured, shaking her head. “He has a bad temper and is stubborn. He won’t compromise when faced with problems. Now that he’s trapped, he must be angry and anxious. If I’m not there, who can comfort him?”
If she didn’t comfort him, he would get angry again. If he clashed with the enemy, he would surely suffer losses.
This time, she had to take care of Huai Lin, but she also had to take care of him.
The dawn came quickly, and the palace guards moved silently. When it was time for court, Huaiyu changed into a guard’s uniform and walked towards the court beside Xu Xian.
The sun was blocked by thick clouds, and the wind was a bit chilly. Huaiyu pressed down her anxiety and quietly said to Xu Xian, “Think twice before acting. If there’s no problem, after seeing the Crown Prince, withdraw the guards nearby first.”
“Understood,” Xu Xian replied.
It was unclear whether they had received wind of the situation or not, but there were not many people attending court today. Huaiyu stood quietly in the guard team, waiting.
As the hour arrived, Li Huai Lin slowly entered, accompanied by a eunuch and a guard. They were very close to him, and once he took his seat, they flanked him, looking very vigilant.
Frowning slightly, Huaiyu looked at Xu Xian.
According to their previous plan, Xu Xian stepped forward and reported to the Emperor that a meteorite had been discovered in the eastern suburbs of the city, which seemed to be an auspicious sign, and had it brought into the court, placing it in the center.
Li Huai Lin looked at it curiously and stood up. “Are there characters on it?”
“Yes,” Xu Xian cupped his hands. “I’m shallow and ignorant, and I dare not rashly conclude what the characters are. I ask the Emperor to demonstrate.”
Hesitatingly glancing at the two beside him, Li Huai Lin stood up and stepped down from the throne with them.
At this moment!
The guards beside him suddenly moved in unison, and she was caught in the middle. They flew over to separate Li Huai Lin from the two beside him, pulling him into the midst of the guards.
The court was in an uproar, not knowing what had happened, but Li Huai Lin let out a huge sigh of relief, looking at Xu Xian across from him. “Finally, someone noticed something was wrong.”
With his words, Huaiyu felt even more anxious, watching the guards subdue the two eunuchs, and couldn’t help but raise her head to ask, “Your Majesty, where is the Crown Prince?”
Li Huai Lin stiffened slightly, turning to look at her, carefully and slowly assessing her, then lowered his gaze and said, “In the Imperial Study, but… many people are watching him. It’s probably not as easy to rescue him as it seems.”
In other words, Jiang Xuanjin was still alive.
The heavy stone that had been hanging in her heart fell with a thud. Huaiyu took a light breath, covering her chest and saying, “As long as he’s still here, there’s still a chance to save him.”
“Let’s go,” she quietly reminded Xu Xian.
Xu Xian came to his senses, cupping his hands to the Emperor, and then led the guards towards the Imperial Study.
“I’ll go too,” Li Huai Lin hurriedly followed. Huaiyu naturally wouldn’t fall behind, while most of the officials in the court were confused, and those who knew a bit of the situation didn’t dare to follow.
Dark clouds loomed over the palace, and the autumn wind was bleak. As Huaiyu and her group passed through Jing Chong Gate, they were met with a large number of guards. Without saying a word, they rushed up to attack. Seeing this, Xu Xian immediately led the guards to fight back, protecting the Emperor closely.
Li Huai Lin’s expression was not good, as if he was a bit scared. Huaiyu stood beside him, almost instinctively comforting him, “Don’t worry. With General Xu here, no one can harm you.”
Once again, this exceptionally gentle voice made Li Huai Lin pause for a moment, and then he chuckled softly, “The Crown Prince’s wife is truly suitable to be an older sister.”
That’s only suitable for you to be an older brother. If it’s for others, I’m afraid I’d scare someone to death.
Huaiyu silently cursed in her heart but smiled at him, continuing to watch the battle ahead.
Swords clashed, blood splattered against the palace walls, and screams and cries echoed continuously. Many people were trying to intercept them along the way, and by the end, they stepped over a corpse with every step.
Even though she was used to bloodshed, Li Huaiyu felt a bit of compassion. Covering her mouth, she asked Xu Xian, “Do we have to kill our way through?”
Xu Xian sighed helplessly. “These people have been charging up recklessly. If we don’t kill, I’m afraid we won’t be able to protect the Emperor.”
The smell of blood in the air grew stronger, and Huaiyu couldn’t help but gag repeatedly. Xu Xian looked at her worriedly, but she waved her hand, “Don’t mind me, keep going. We’re not far from the Imperial Study.”
They could already see the grand hall of the Imperial Study, but many people were standing in front, equally matched with the guards they brought.
“Have the ambushers prepare to support us,” Xu Xian whispered.
The people beside him took their orders and left.
The two forces faced off, and the area around the Imperial Study was filled with people, creating a spectacular scene. If one didn’t know the situation, they might think someone was staging a coup.
Li Huai Lin was protected at the center of the group, while Huaiyu stood at the front with a long sword. As soon as the two sides clashed, she seized the opportunity to rush towards the Imperial Study.
“Take it slow!” A guard dressed similarly to her hurriedly followed.
Swinging her sword to fend off the incoming attacks, Huaiyu’s eyes were only on the door of the Imperial Study. She didn’t care about the battle around her; she just wanted to see him quickly.
With her leading the charge, the guards behind her attacked fiercely, and in less than half an hour, they tore open a gap in front of the Imperial Study, covering her as she advanced through the door.
“Creak—” The door of the Imperial Study was pushed open, and Li Huaiyu urgently shouted, “Jiang…”
Xuanjin.
A cold light fell at her throat, freezing the last word in her throat.
Huaiyu looked up in shock, only to see a long robe of deep turquoise fluttering in the wind outside the door.
With a jade crown perfectly in place and a calm demeanor, Jiang Xuanjin’s ink-like eyes gazed at her. He was not shackled, nor was he being held by anyone, just standing there calmly, a three-foot-long sword gleaming in his hand.
The sounds of slaughter behind him seemed to vanish instantly. Huaiyu stared at him blankly, her mind a complete blank.
“Tell them to stop,” Jiang Xuanjin said coldly.
Huaiyu couldn’t come to her senses and unconsciously shook her head.
She didn’t quite understand what was happening or why Jiang Xuanjin was pointing a sword at her. He had always been so tender towards her; even when she bumped into a table corner, he would rub medicine on her. How could he…
The sword pressed in an inch, and a sharp pain shot through her throat, warm liquid flowing down her neck.
“I told you to tell them to stop.” His eyes were steady, but his tone suddenly carried a murderous intent.