Chapter 22: Confirmation
Story: Spring Breeze in the Attic Author:Velvet Verity Novels words:8651 Update time:2023-07-16 07:34:45
After being taken away by Lin Chai with Song Jiang, Yun'er met the Empress Dowager. As a princess who had been missing for many years, the Empress Dowager undoubtedly loved her dearly. Therefore, Yun'er was naturally adopted into the royal family with the surname Song, and she was named Song Yun. Following the late emperor's last wish, she was bestowed the title of Princess Anle.
After waking up, Song Yun was greeted by a splendid sight of gold and jade, which made her feel as if she had returned to the imperial palace of the Kang Kingdom. Upon closer thought, the Kang Kingdom had been destroyed, Tang Yu had been captured, and she had been caught while trying to save someone in the palace. So how was she now in this place?
Song Yun struggled to sit up, her wounds all neatly bandaged and carefully tended to.
"Princess, you're awake!" A young palace maid ran over and stood at a distance of one meter from her, bowing in respect.
Song Yun looked around, confirming that there were only the two of them in the room: herself and the little palace maid. She asked uncertainly, "Did you just call me princess?"
"Yeah! Princess," the little palace maid still replied obediently.
"What is this place? How could I be a princess?" Song Yun endured the pain in her body and stood up, running outside the door. She was immediately stunned by the scenery before her. It was the imperial palace, the palace of the Song Kingdom. Why had she become the princess of the Song Kingdom?"
"Princess, where are you going?" the young palace maid hurriedly chased after her, but Song Yun stood at the doorway for a moment before hastily descending the steps, leaving the young palace maid trailing behind. She quickly lifted up her skirt and hurried to catch up.
I don't know how long I've been running, but this palace is so vast and boundless that I can't run out. With a loud "bang," Song Yun bumped into someone. She heard a group of people panicking as they helped the person she had knocked down, saying, "Are you alright, Empress Consort?"
Then he turned his gaze towards her. The Noble Consort, who had been knocked down by her, wasn't angry. Instead, she bent down and helped the fallen Song Yun up. Curiously, she asked, "Which palace are you from? How did you manage to escape dressed like this?"
"I... I don't know," Song Yun said blankly, looking at the imperial concubine in front of her who was even shorter than herself. She was at a loss for words for a moment. If the imperial concubine were to get angry, her own life would surely be in danger!
"You must be new here! Recently, there have been many newcomers in the palace, and it is inevitable that there will be some mistakes. Fortunately, you bumped into me. I don't like to make things difficult for others." Shui Qingling also looked at her, speaking in a way that made people feel a bit mischievous. Song Yun suddenly lost her wariness towards this noble imperial consort.
Shui Qingling continued, "Judging from your appearance, it seems that you're lost. How about you come with me to Qiyang Palace!"
"Okay."
In the dark and damp dungeon, Xuan Tianxin sat in a corner wearing gray and white prisoner's clothes, reminiscing about how his family had served as prime ministers and assisted the kings for generations, only to end up in such a miserable state in his own generation.
"Father, Father." Xuan Tianxin lowered his head and faintly heard Jinghua's voice. He lifted his head and indeed it was Jinghua who had come. A hint of surprise could not be concealed in his eyes. As he had become a condemned prisoner, why would Song Jianglin allow Jinghua to see him?
"Ye'er, why have you come?" Xuan Tianxin asked. Ye'er was Jinghua's childhood nickname, given to him by his mother. He also had another name, Xuan Ye.
"I begged His Majesty to let me see you, so naturally I came. Father, how have you been here? Have they been giving you a hard time?" Xuan Tianxin appeared to be a loving father in his eyes, and Shi Weiran was undoubtedly a filial son. Otherwise, he wouldn't have helped Xuan Tianxin solidify his position and become a stepping stone for Xuan Tianxin.
"Sigh!" Xuantian Xin let out a deep breath, moving his hand away from the door and turning his back towards Jinghua.
"Father, what's wrong with you?" Jinghua asked anxiously.
"Ye'er, there is one last thing I hope you can help me with before I die," Xuantian Xin said. He knew he must unravel the doubts in his heart, or else he would truly not be able to rest in peace.
"What's wrong?" He would definitely accomplish whatever it was, as long as it didn't harm Song Jianglin. He was willing to do anything.
"You go and confirm something for me, then leave the palace and never return!"
Xuantian Xin may regard him as a stepping stone, but after all, he is still his son. Now that he has fallen from power, Jinghua's life in the palace will surely be less comfortable than before. Even though Xuantian Xin had vigorously suppressed the memorials concerning Jinghua during his time in court, the piles and piles of them that Song Jianglin receives from all directions are staggering. Perhaps, Jinghua will be Song Jianglin's next target.
"Father, I..." Jinghua hurriedly rebutted.
"If you still recognize me as your father, then obediently listen to what I have to say." Xuan Tianxin shouted loudly, causing Jinghua to be frightened. This was the first time that Xuan Tianxin had spoken so harshly to him. "Listen to your father. The Emperor's feelings towards you cannot be genuine, especially now that he has Tang Yu. Your mother's name is still hanging on some property at the foot of Tianque Mountain, near the Heavenly Summit. After leaving the palace, go to the study in Xuan Mansion. There is a secret compartment behind the wall. Show the token inside to Old Wu, who resides at the foot of Tianque Mountain. He will give you everything there. You can live a good life there and never come back."
Xuantian Xin instructed, watching the solemn expression on Jinghua's face. He beckoned to him, and Jinghua leaned in close to listen. Xuantian Xin whispered a few words in his ear, causing Jinghua's heart to sink a little heavier. "I understand," he murmured.
Watching Jinghua gradually move further away, Xuantiexin sat down on the damp ground and murmured, "Yanni, I was wrong."
After returning from the dungeon, Jinghua appeared lost and disoriented. The task given to him by Xuantiang Xin seemed neither difficult nor simple. After all, it was rare for Song Jianglin to proactively seek him out. At this critical moment, even if he were to meet with Song Jianglin, it was unlikely that he would be able to see him.
Jinghua suddenly thought of someone. He may not be able to see Lin Songjiang, but there is someone who can see him!
In the Dragon Chen Palace, Tang Yu still stood in front of Song Jiang Lin, while Song Jiang Lin still followed behind him. However, both of them stood there, and even a group of palace maids and eunuchs dared not move.
"You've been here for over half a month, staying indoors all day long. How about I accompany you for a walk outside?"
Song Jiang's heart was in a flurry, afraid that Tang Yu might refuse. This was also the first time he felt so nervous.
Tang Yu was determined to go to Lingyou Pavilion to thank the person who had blocked a dart for him. Song Jianglin made this suggestion, and Tang Yu naturally agreed. He also inquired about the specific location of Lingyou Pavilion.
"Ah."
Hearing Tang Yu's promise, Song Jiang felt even happier than if he had eaten honey. For a moment, he wondered if, by treating Tang Yu better, he could make him stay by his side forever.
Saying that he was accompanying Tang Yu out for a walk, Song Jianglin was actually just accompanying him, regardless of where Tang Yu went, Song Jianglin stayed by his side, allowing him to roam and play in the imperial palace. With Song Jianglin's pass, Tang Yu smoothly went wherever he desired, eventually stopping at the entrance of the Ling Youge.
The dark figure following them broke out in a cold sweat. Unexpectedly, Tang Yu's ultimate goal was actually the Lingyou Pavilion. However, judging by the attitude of the Emperor, it seemed like he had no intention of stopping him at all.
"Can I go in?" Tang Yu pointed to the door of Lingyou Pavilion, attracting the attention of those inside. They all quickly turned to look. This was the Lingyou Pavilion, the place where His Majesty nurtured the secret guards. How could just anyone be allowed to enter? The crowd immediately felt that the person beside His Majesty was really indulging in wishful thinking.