Both worlds are like dreams

Xue Huang's expression changed, "Is he okay?"

"Everything is fine. It was not easy for him and Brother Wei during the time we were away, but thanks to Qinglan's efforts, Shen Congfeng is no longer the only one in power in the six ministries. There are many loyal and brave people in the court, most of whom are disciples of loyal and old officials. They can all be promoted."

"He won't have an easy time these days either. I'm afraid he'll make a lot of enemies."

"Xu Yao has also helped a lot in the dark, don't worry." Mo Ruilin handed her the hand warmer, "You have been on the road for such a long time and haven't had a good rest. Don't think too much about it for now."

Xue Huang took it and said, "Where's my second uncle? Why don't you see him?"

"He has other plans." Mo Ruilin looked a little unnatural. Afraid that Xue Huang would notice, he quickly changed the subject. "I see you've lost weight again. Did nothing else happen along the way?"

Xue Huang briefly recounted what had happened in Jiuxiao City before and after, naturally hiding the fact that she had been injured.

After listening to this, Mo Ruilin was silent for a while, and said, "It seems that there is indeed a deep gap between him and Shen Congfeng."

The carriage drove all the way to the palace and finally arrived.

The civil and military officials were already in the court. Xue Huang followed Mo Ruilin and walked into Tai'an Palace together.

Her gaze unconsciously fell on the row of civil officials. The official uniforms of civil officials were white, but she still saw the familiar figure from behind at a glance.

He had lost a lot of weight and seemed even more aloof and indifferent.

Gu Qinglan turned his head and their eyes met.

After not seeing him for many days, he was still as bright and handsome as before, but with a more tranquil temperament like an ancient well or deep pool.

His eyes were indifferent, but the hands clenched tightly in his sleeves showed his suppressed emotions.

Xue Huang avoided his gaze and didn't dare to look at him any longer, for fear that she would not be able to control herself.

The three of them stopped in front of the steps.

Mo Ruilin said, "I have fulfilled my mission and have safely escorted Princess Xingyue and the Regent back to Dongchu. I have come to report to my father."

Emperor Ling's physical condition is indeed very bad now. He has lost all his energy and spirit. He can only speak by half leaning on his body, and his voice is also a little weak. "Okay, I hope you come back safely. Did you have a smooth journey?"

"Thanks to the great help from Princess Changle and King Hanxi, everything went smoothly for me."

"I heard that you were attacked by Tianqi at the border. It was Changle and Mo Qing who risked their lives to save your life. I will reward you handsomely."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Emperor Ling coughed a few times and was unable to speak.

Mo Ruilin was very worried when he saw this, "Father, how is your health?"

"It's okay. I'm relieved to see you guys come back safely. Ahem... "

"Father has waited until now to see my fifth brother." Mo Yiming said quietly. "My fifth brother is such a great honor."

"Please punish me, father." Mo Ruilin knelt down and said.

"Your safe return is related to state affairs, and I will not blame you. Get up."

As soon as these words came out, everyone had different expressions.

Now anyone with a discerning eye can see that Emperor Ling is becoming more and more fond of Mo Ruilin.

Although he was clearly in poor health, he still insisted on being summoned and even brought civil and military officials with him, giving the emperor enough face.

"Your son is terrified." Mo Ruilin said quickly.

"It's not easy for you to come back. I plan to hold a banquet in the palace to celebrate your return."

"Your Majesty," Xue Huang suddenly said, "Changle has something to report."

"What's the matter?"

"Changle and the Fifth Prince were ambushed by the Apocalypse Army when they turned back from the border. However, there were also people in Beiling who colluded with them. If it weren't for the rescue of the Muhua City garrison, they probably wouldn't be standing here today."

As soon as these words came out, people had different opinions.

Emperor Ling asked, "Who is colluding?"

Xue Huang looked at Shen Congfeng, "Jiuxiao City's defender Lu Jing."

Shen Congfeng looked at Xue Huang coldly, "Princess, please be careful with your words. It is a serious crime to slander our generals with your words."

"This is about the life and death of the fifth prince, and also about the marriage between the two countries. Changle dare not speak without thinking."

"What evidence do you have?" Shen Congfeng asked coldly.

Xue Huang looked at Mo Yunchen, "Your Majesty can testify to this."

Mo Yunchen raised his lips slightly, and when he looked up, he looked cold and ruthless again. He took out a letter from his sleeve and said, "I have intercepted a letter between Beiling and the Apocalypse assassin organization Dark Moon Pavilion. There is Lu Jing's private seal on it."

Immediately, an eunuch presented it to the emperor. As expected, Emperor Ling was very angry after reading it. "How dare you."

"How can a letter be proven to be authentic?" Shen Congfeng asked.

Mo Yunchen presented another object, "This is Lu Jing's personal confession. Please pass it to Your Majesty on my behalf."

Emperor Ling read them one by one and asked, "Where is Lu Jing now?"

"He has confessed his guilt and committed suicide."

Shen Congfeng looked at Mo Yunchen coldly, and murderous intent filled their eyes as the two looked at each other.

Mo Yunchen chose to testify, which was to make his position clear in court. This was his revenge and warning.

Emperor Ling coughed a few times, breaking the atmosphere in the court. He knew that this matter was not that simple, but he was happy to see it happen.

So he said: "Jiuxiao City cannot be left unguarded. Since Lu Jing has apologized, let's find someone else to guard it."

Mo Ruilin said, "Father, Jiuxiao City's deputy general Duan Feng is a suitable candidate."

Shen Congfeng objected, "Duan Feng is still young, how can he be qualified to be the defender of a city?"

"Duan Feng has been guarding Jiuxiao City for several years and has never made any mistakes. He has also made many military achievements, so of course he can do it." Mo Ruilin said.

Shen Congfeng looked at Emperor Ling and said, "I think it is inappropriate."

Xue Huang said, "Your Majesty, Changle has no right to interfere in the affairs of the Beiling court, but Changle is the eldest princess of Dongchu after all, and she shoulders the important task of the alliance between the two countries. If she attacks me, she will be an enemy of Dongchu. Why did Lu Jing collude with Tianqi to assassinate Changle? Is there someone else behind this?" Xue Huang looked at Shen Congfeng, "General Shen, if I remember correctly, this Lu Jing is your nephew. Do you know why?"

"How would this general know?"

"I thought it was General Shen who wanted to kill me. After all, as the defender of a city, Lu Jing is under the jurisdiction of General Dingguo."

"Princess Changle," Shen Congfeng looked at her coldly, with murderous intent and warning in his eyes, "You'd better have evidence for what you say."

"Don't be nervous, it's just a joke."

"How can you speak nonsense in the court?"

Xue Huang didn't care about the murderous intent in his eyes, but looked at Emperor Ling, "Your Majesty, colluding with Tianqi is a crime of treason. General Duan Feng has made great contributions in eliminating the rebellion and should be rewarded. I hope Your Majesty will consider it carefully."

Hearing this, Emperor Ling began to cough again. After a long while, he said weakly, "Forget it, forget it. We will discuss the affairs of the court another day. You are tired from the journey, so go back and rest first."

Everyone retired from court.

The court officials gradually dispersed, and Shen Congfeng stopped when he passed by them. "I heard that the prince and the princess have gone through life and death on the way, and now they are acting more in sync."

Mo Yunchen said indifferently: "How can I fail His Majesty's trust when I am entrusted with the important task of marriage?"

"It is indeed not easy for the prince to return safely." The third prince said, "It is worth it for General Shen and I to worry about him."

Xue Huang was too lazy to pay attention to their sarcastic probing and looked at Mo Ruilin and the Second Prince. The Second Prince was also expressing his concern for their safe return.

But when Xuehuang looked at him, she always felt that he seemed different from before, and seemed to be worried about something.

She really didn't want to continue being polite, so she walked out of the hall first.

Gu Qinglan stood at the bottom of the stairs, not knowing whether he sensed anything or not. He slowly turned his head and met Xue Huang's gaze.

Xue Huang paused and walked over slowly.

At this moment, she wished time would stop. Even if it allowed her to just look at him a few more times, she would be satisfied.

As the two gazed at each other, all the past events flashed through their minds. The brief separation seemed as distant as an old dream.

Tears welled up in Xue Huang's eyes uncontrollably. This road had finally come to an end.

Gu Qinglan greeted her, "Princess Changle."

Xue Huang clenched her hands tightly, trying to control her mind. Those four short words were like a steel needle piercing her heart.

There is now a difference in status between them.

Xue Huang stopped after him, tears in her eyes could no longer be held back, falling like pearls from a broken string, she didn't dare let him see. "Are you okay?" She tried to suppress the trembling in her voice.

"I'm very good."

Xue Huang smiled with relief, "Me too." After saying that, Xue Huang hurried to leave. She was afraid that if she stayed for a moment longer, it would stimulate the outbreak of the heart-eating insect, even though she was reluctant to leave.