The carefree sixth prince, my father respectfully invites me to ascend the throne.

He didn't do anything wrong at all.

“Ah Chen,” Liu Yue patted her chest, “Don’t be afraid. Once we get back to the capital, I’ll take you away.”

This silly girl...

Ah Chen's expression stiffened: "Miss Liu Yue, you've misunderstood, I really didn't..."

"It's okay, I understand." Liu Yue interrupted Achen. "Anyway, you can just stay with me. I won't let anyone bully you again."

The journey to the desert is long and will take a month, so...

Liu Yue decided to take advantage of this month to let Achen get used to this new place, so that he wouldn't feel uncomfortable.

……

The vast desert, the Eastern Mausoleum.

The vast square was bustling with activity, as many talented young people gathered there, engaging in lively discussions.

Yang Ling stood in the square with Chang Qing, both of them looking somewhat shocked.

"Your Highness, I feel there's nothing here. Why did we come here?"

Changqing stared blankly at Yang Ling, completely bewildered as to what his lord was thinking.

“Because,” Yang Ling smiled, and he walked slowly forward, “I want to see the local customs and culture of Dongling.”

Changqing's lips twitched slightly.

Your Highness can't even come up with a better reason for lying.

If Your Highness only wants to take a look, you can always enjoy it at your leisure when you get back.

Why did you have to come all the way here?

However, Changqing could not disobey Yang Ling's orders.

"Your Highness, what should we do now?"

"Wander around as you please," Yang Ling said casually, flicking her sleeve. "I can't wait to see the difference between Dongling and Xichi..."

Changqing was filled with doubt.

He felt something was off, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it...

"Your Highness, look!" The little palace maid's eyes suddenly lit up. She pointed to a spot and excitedly pulled the girl beside her. "That's the Empress Dowager and His Majesty the Emperor!"

Liu Yue looked in the direction the little palace maid was pointing.

On that high platform sat two elderly men.

One of the old men was thin and frail, yet he possessed a fierce aura, like a sword, its sharpness fully revealed and unstoppable.

The other elderly woman was dignified, beautiful, gentle, and kind.

"Father and Mother," Yang Ling said with a smile as she walked towards the two elders.

The Empress Dowager was stunned. She stared blankly at Yang Ling walking towards her, her entire face frozen.

It took her a long time to recover, and she trembled with excitement: "Ling'er, Ling'er... you're back, you're finally back..."

Tears streamed down her face, her voice choked with grief.

"Ah."

Yang Ling smiled gently.

He had already anticipated that the Empress Dowager would have such an expression.

Because she is not Liu Yue from the first life, but a soul from another world.

The soul must possess the body and seize its memories at the moment of death.

Therefore, the Empress Dowager never raised him in her lifetime, nor was she aware of his existence.

"Ling'er, when did you return?" The Empress Dowager gripped Yang Ling's arm tightly, her voice filled with anxiety.

Yang Ling pondered for a moment, then turned her gaze to Liu Yue: "Yesterday."

"Yesterday?" The Empress Dowager was taken aback. "Ling'er, where have you been all this time? Why haven't we heard any news of your return?"

Yang Ling's eyes were deep and seemed capable of devouring everything.

"Mother, when I first woke up, there were several strangers taking care of me."

The Empress Dowager released Yang Ling's hand, her brows furrowed in coldness: "Ling'er, you've been deceived! The people around you are definitely not ordinary people!"

“I believe they are good people,” Yang Ling looked up at the Empress Dowager, “and even… I consider them my family.”

The Empress Dowager was stunned, her beautiful eyes filled with confusion and helplessness.

How could you be so foolish?

"No matter what, I believe in them!"

"You... sigh, never mind, never mind," the Empress Dowager sighed. "Since they are good to you, I will trust them for now. When you return to Dongling, I will help you find out their identities, is that alright?"

"Okay," Yang Ling replied with a light smile.

The Empress Dowager affectionately patted Yang Ling's head: "I'll have your uncle arrange for you to rest first. Don't worry, in the Eastern Mausoleum, apart from the Imperial Palace, no one can harm you."

"Ah."

Yang Ling nodded obediently, a faint smile on his lips. His gaze swept over the many talented young men around him, a dark glint flashing in his eyes.

"Uncle, please settle Ling'er first. Changqing and I will go for a stroll around."

"it is good."

……

The desert is vast.

The people here are extremely fierce; each one possesses immense strength and is brave and skilled in battle.

However, there are also many cultural figures here.

Yang Ling and Chang Qing wandered in the desert for several days before returning to Dongling.

As soon as they stepped into the imperial city, a burst of cheers suddenly erupted.

"Congratulations on your triumphant return, Your Majesty! You have rendered outstanding service to Dongling!"

Yang Ling glanced down at Chang Qing beside her, her eyes filled with a smile: "This time, you also made a contribution."

He chose the desert this time to train Changqing.

If he wants to hand over Dongling to Changqing, he must cultivate enough loyalty; otherwise, how can he feel at ease?

"Princess."

Changqing had a pained look on his face, looking pitiful.

"Don't worry, I'll tell you what to do when we get back to the manor."

Changqing breathed a sigh of relief.

He thought the prince consort would directly exploit him.

"Ling'er, you're back."

Yang Yi's face was beaming with a bright smile, and beside him stood a delicately beautiful young man.

The boy's facial features resembled Yang Ling's by about 60%.

But the boy was more handsome, especially his eyes, which were even darker and clearer than Yang Ling's, like a deep pool with no bottom in sight.

“Uncle,” Yang Ling’s smile gradually faded, and he cupped his fists and said, “I’m sorry I’m late. Please forgive me.”

"It's alright, Ling'er. I'm already very satisfied that you've returned safely."

"Thank you, Imperial Uncle," Yang Ling lowered his eyes, concealing the cold glint in them. "I heard that Imperial Aunt has been unwell recently. How is Imperial Aunt's condition?"

Yang Yi paused, his expression darkening. "Her...her condition isn't very optimistic. I'm afraid she won't make it through three months..."

Three months?

Well, this is much shorter than expected.

But he couldn't let his aunt leave!

“Uncle,” Yang Ling’s voice was firm, “Aunt is my only remaining family in the world. Now that she is in trouble, how can I stand idly by? I will stay until I die, and I will cure Aunt’s illness.”

Yang Yi frowned. He wanted to refuse Yang Ling's suggestion, but Yang Ling didn't give him a chance and turned and left.

"Ling'er, after you return to the capital, you must find the Holy Pharmacist in the Valley of the Holy Maidens. She can save her!"

Watching Yang Ling's departing figure, Yang Yi murmured to himself.

……

Eastern Mausoleum, Imperial Palace.

Inside a palace, Liu Yue lay back on a soft couch, her pale face showing signs of fatigue.