Traveling through the Tang Dynasty: The Concubine Goes to War

Last time we talked about Yunxi returning to the Yang Mansion and meeting the original owner’s mother whom she hadn’t seen for many years.

They talked about Ye Ling'er. When Yunxi returned to the palace, Yang's father came back and his mother told him about Yunxi's request, which made Yang's father fall into deep thought.

On the other side, Yunxi had already returned to the palace. The sunset gradually sank to the west, and the blood-red sunset glow dyed half of the sky red, also illuminating the Prince's Eastern Palace, adding a touch of sacredness and solemnity to it.

The buildings of the East Palace looked even more magnificent against the backdrop of the sunset, with flying eaves, brackets, carved beams and painted buildings, which were extremely beautiful. The walls of the palace were dyed orange-red, as if covered with a layer of golden gauze, shining brightly.

Yunxi stood quietly in the courtyard of the East Palace, gazing at the sunset. Her figure appeared lonely and determined in the sunset glow. The breeze blew, and her skirt fluttered gently, like a fairy descending to the earth. At this moment, she might be thinking about all kinds of things in the palace life.

The flowers, plants and trees in the courtyard were also dyed red by the sunset, looking particularly charming. The birds returned to their nests, making crisp calls, as if cheering for the beautiful scenery. The entire East Palace was immersed in a peaceful and beautiful atmosphere, like a peaceful painting.

Entering the bedroom, Xiaowan was waiting for the prince to paint. The prince was sitting in front of the desk, holding a paintbrush, concentrating on painting the scroll in front of him. His brushstrokes were light and delicate, as if dancing, presenting the scene in his mind on the paper bit by bit.

When the prince heard Yunxi coming back, a bright smile immediately broke out on his face and he shouted happily: "Fu Mu Yang, you are finally back." Yunxi looked at the prince's smile as warm as the sun, and the sorrow in her heart instantly disappeared.

Yunxi bowed to the prince and walked to his side. She carefully examined the painting and couldn't help but admire it: "Your Highness's painting skills have improved. This landscape painting is really magnificent and breathtaking." Xiaowan also echoed and said: "Yes! The prince's paintings are now lifelike, just like real scenes."

When the prince heard the two people's praise, he showed a look of joy on his face, but he still said modestly: "This is all due to the teaching of Yang Fumu. If it weren't for your careful guidance, I wouldn't have made such progress."

After saying that, he looked at Yunxi, his eyes revealing a hint of expectation, and asked: "I heard that Yang Fumu went out of the palace today. Is there anything interesting? Tell me quickly."

Yunxi smiled slightly and replied in a relaxed tone: "I just went out to take care of some trivial matters." She knew very well that the prince was still young and should not be allowed to know too many complicated things, so as not to affect his growth and state of mind.

The prince keenly caught Yunxi's concerns. As smart as he was, he naturally understood the reason, so he obediently stopped asking questions. He turned to another topic, and the two of them talked happily. The happy atmosphere filled the air, and time passed quietly without them noticing.

As the night deepened, the candlelight flickered in the palace. Yunxi carefully took care of the prince's sleep, gazing at his peaceful sleeping face, her heart filled with endless warmth.

She clearly realized that, under the high walls of this palace, only by staying alert and cautious at all times could she have a chance of survival in the intricate power struggles. And the road ahead was still long and difficult...

Yunxi walked out of the prince's bedroom and strolled in the quiet corridor.

Her steps were light, as if she was afraid of waking up the sleeping court.

The moonlight sprinkled on her like water, reflecting her beautiful and resolute face.

As he walked, Yunxi came to a window and stopped.

She stared at the bright moon outside the window, her mind churning. In this palace, power struggles and intrigues were happening all the time.

Although she was the prince's biological mother, she could only educate him and protect him as his tutor. A breeze blew by, bringing a hint of coolness.

Yunxi involuntarily tightened her clothes and was about to turn around and leave.

At this moment, there was a sound of footsteps behind her. Yunxi looked back and saw that it was the emperor. Her heart tightened and she bowed quickly.

"See Your Majesty."

The emperor waved his hand, signaling her to get up. "It's so late, why haven't you rested yet?" There was a hint of concern in the emperor's voice.

"Your Majesty, what is the matter that has brought you here?" Yunxi secretly guessed the emperor's purpose.

The emperor was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "I just went to see the prince, he was sleeping soundly."

"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. The prince is young and needs your care." Yunxi said with his head down.

The emperor looked at Yunxi, with a complex emotion in his eyes. "Yunxi, I have seen all your teachings to the prince. I hope you can continue to assist him and become his mentor and helpful friend." The emperor's tone was very serious.

"I will do my best to live up to your majesty's trust." Yunxi replied respectfully.

The emperor nodded and continued, "The prince is my heir. He will be responsible for the future of the country. He needs someone like you who is smart, kind, and responsible to guide him in his growth."

Yunxi felt the emperor's love for the prince, and a warm current surged in her heart. She raised her head, looked at the emperor firmly and said, "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will do my best to teach the prince."

The emperor nodded with satisfaction, then smiled and said, "I believe in your ability. However, in addition to teaching the prince, you must also take care of your own health. After all, only by taking good care of yourself can you take better care of others."

Yunxi was filled with gratitude and bowed again, saying, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I will always remember it in my heart."

The emperor patted Yunxi's shoulder gently and asked softly, "Have you sent anyone to investigate Ye Cairen's case? How is the situation?"

Yunxi bowed her head slightly and replied respectfully: "Your Majesty, I went to Prince Rui's mansion during the day and asked Prince Rui's wife, but I haven't found anything unusual yet.

However, Your Majesty, please give me some more time. Once the people sent out find out who Ye Cairen’s adoptive parents are, I will report to Your Majesty.”

The emperor's expression became a little complicated. He was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "If Ye Cairen is fine, and there are just some conflicts between you, can you please not pursue Ye Cairen for my sake?"

Yunxi was shocked when she heard the emperor's words. She never expected that the emperor would plead for Ye Cairen.

However, Yunxi quickly regained her composure, and she tactfully responded, "Your Majesty, I am not deliberately trying to make things difficult for Lady Ye. This matter is related to the safety of the palace, and I must be cautious. If Lady Ye is indeed innocent, I will naturally not pursue the matter further."

The emperor nodded in approval, and continued, "That's good. I don't want to see constant disputes in the harem." His eyes were deep and firm, as if suggesting his hope for peace in the harem.

Yunxi understood what the emperor meant. She knew that she needed to be more cautious in handling this matter. She had to maintain the order of the palace while not making the emperor unhappy.