Traveling through the Tang Dynasty: The Concubine Goes to War

Outside the palace, in Zhu's mansion, Zhu Shixian sat in his study, frowning. He kept looking out the window, as if waiting for some news. Suddenly, a servant ran in hurriedly, panting and reporting: "Master, the young lady...she's back!" Upon hearing this, Zhu Shixian stood up suddenly, with an unbelievable look on his face, and hurriedly followed the servant to the front hall.

Zhu Cairen was standing in the middle of the front hall, her face was haggard, her eyes revealed deep fatigue and fear. When she saw her father, she couldn't help but burst into tears, choking and saying: "Dad, I am an unfilial daughter and made you worry..." Then she threw herself into Zhu Shixian's arms and burst into tears.

Zhu Shixian hugged his daughter tightly and comforted her, "Hongxia, you are finally back! Daddy misses you all the time. It's great to see you safe and sound now!" Zhu Cairen sobbed and said, "Daddy, my daughter can come back thanks to the help of Concubine Ye Shufei and the palace manager. Otherwise, I am afraid I will have to stay in the cold palace for the rest of my life..."

Zhu Shixian frowned and asked in confusion: "What happened? How did you escape?" Zhu Cairen wiped away her tears and slowly told her about her experience in the cold palace. It turned out that after Concubine Ye Shu learned that she was pregnant with a prince, she wrote to her and told her from her own experience that although she was pregnant with a prince, she was afraid that other concubines would know and frame her in the cold palace, so she should leave the palace first to give birth to a prince and then make plans. So, the steward of the palace asked her to change into a maid's clothes and sneak out of the palace at night.

After listening to his daughter's story, Zhu Shixian's face became very solemn. After thinking for a moment, he said to Zhu Cairen: "Hongxia, this matter is of great importance. We must handle it carefully. If the news leaks out, it will be a serious crime to escape from the palace secretly. Let me think of a foolproof plan first."

Zhu Cairen nodded in agreement, but his face was full of worry.

Zhu Shixian paced back and forth in his study, thinking about how to deal with it. He knew that once this matter was exposed, it would not only affect the safety of Zhu Cairen, but also bring disaster to the Zhu family. He decided to plan this matter secretly, thinking of a way to protect his daughter's safety and let her continue to enjoy the emperor's favor.

Zhu Shixian only noticed the slightly bulging belly of Zhu Cairen at this time. He frowned and thought to himself: This palace is really as deep as the sea. I originally thought that sending my daughter to the palace would give her a good future, but I didn't want her to suffer so much.

"Dad, although I have escaped from the cold palace, I am still a criminal. What should I do?" Zhu Cairen asked with a worried look on her face.

Zhu Shixian comforted her, "Don't be afraid, Daddy will protect you. I will go find your uncle tomorrow. He is also an official in the court, and his words carry more weight than mine. Maybe he can find a way to save us."

Zhu Cairen felt a little relieved, and the father and daughter decided to keep a low profile for the time being and wait for the right opportunity. However, they did not know that a bigger crisis was quietly approaching them...

After a lot of effort, Zhu Shixian finally arrived at the residence of the Minister of Personnel on the second day. After some greetings, he explained his purpose. Upon hearing this, the Minister of Personnel's face became solemn.

"Brother Zhu, this matter concerns the succession of the emperor, which is of great importance. Although I am also an official in the court, it is difficult for me to directly interfere in the affairs of the harem. However, I can introduce you to a key person - Chen Zongguan. He is a favorite of the emperor. If you can get his help, things may turn around."

Zhu Shixian thanked the Minister of Personnel and a glimmer of hope ignited in his heart. A few days later, under the arrangement of the Minister of Personnel, Zhu Shixian was able to meet the chief eunuch, Eunuch Chen. "Eunuch Chen, this is a small gift from me. I leave my daughter's affairs in your hands. I will never forget your kindness in the future."

"Sir Zhu, I have heard about this matter. The matter of the royal heir does need to be handled with caution. I will do my best to say a few good words for Lady Zhu in front of the emperor. However, everything depends on the emperor's will." Eunuch Chen said slowly.

Zhu Shixian was filled with gratitude and thanked him repeatedly. He knew that the fate of himself and his daughter was now in the hands of this steward Chen.

In the evening, in Xingqing Palace, the afterglow of the setting sun shone through the windows into the room, casting a golden light. The emperor sat quietly at the table, enjoying his dinner, but a trace of worry appeared on his face.

Eunuch Chen stood aside, carefully observing the emperor's expression, and asked with concern: "Your Majesty, is the food today not to your taste?" The emperor shook his head and sighed: "Alas! Not really, I just saw a few dishes on the table and thought of Concubine Zhu." His eyes stayed on the dishes, as if he was lost in memories.

The emperor slowly raised his head, with complex emotions flashing in his eyes, and said softly: "I don't have many children, and the empress dowager often advises me to expand the royal family..." There was a sense of helplessness and responsibility in his voice.

Eunuch Chen lowered his head slightly and agreed, "Your Majesty, the Queen Mother is right. The continuation of the royal bloodline is of vital importance."

The emperor was silent for a moment, nodded in agreement, and continued to eat.

After meeting Eunuch Chen, Zhu Shixian felt a little relieved. However, he knew that the court was full of uncertainties and that anything could change.

Zhu Shixian returned home and informed Zhu Cairen of the situation. Zhu Cairen felt relieved after hearing this, but she was still worried. She knew that the struggles in the palace were complicated and changeable, and she would get into trouble if she was not careful. Despite this, she decided to trust Zhu Shixian and Eunuch Chen's judgment and hoped that everything would go well.

As the days passed, Zhu Shixian anxiously waited for the emperor's order. Every day he sent people to the palace to inquire about the news, but he never got a definite answer. Zhu Shixian was extremely anxious, and he was worried that the longer the time dragged on, the worse it would be for Zhu Cairen. Just when he was almost desperate, an imperial edict came to Zhu's house.

Zhu Shixian took the imperial edict nervously, unfolded it and saw a flash of joy in his eyes. The imperial edict announced that Concubine Zhu had returned to the palace and was canonized as Concubine Zhu.

This sudden good news made the entire Zhu family rejoice, and everyone was happy for the return of Concubine Zhu.

Zhu Shixian's heart finally settled down, and he kowtowed to the sky several times in gratitude to express his thanks.

However, Zhu Shixian also understands that this is just the beginning and there is still a long way to go.

Although Zhu Cairen was named a beauty, the competition in the palace was still fierce, and they had to be more careful to avoid encountering unexpected events again.

Zhu Shixian was determined to protect Zhu Cairen and let her live a stable life in the palace. At the same time, he also had to work hard to improve his own status so that he could better support Zhu Cairen.

Zhu Shixian told Zhu Cairen the good news, and Zhu Cairen was so excited that tears welled up in her eyes. She thanked God for his favor and Zhu Shixian for his companionship and support.

Zhu Cairen said that no matter what difficulties she encounters in the future, she will face them bravely.

With the return of Zhu Cairen, the Zhu Mansion regained its former vitality. Zhu Shixian began to prepare for Zhu Cairen's return to the palace. He selected a group of loyal and reliable servants and palace maids to ensure Zhu Cairen's safety and comfort.

At the same time, Zhu Shixian also actively interacted with other officials, expanded his personal network, and laid a solid foundation for Zhu Cairen's future development.

Zhu Shixian was well aware of the cruelty of court struggles, so he told Zhu Cairen to keep a low profile and avoid causing unnecessary trouble.

Zhu Cairen knew this very well, so she decided to present herself as a gentle and kind person to others and not to compete with others for favors, so as not to make too many enemies.