Chapter 1199: War Breaks Out

After listening to these old stories and the grudges of the previous generation,

Xia Ruqing had almost understood the reason behind Prince Yan’s rebellion.

Indeed.

He was such a proud and outstanding person back then, almost becoming the Crown Prince.

Suddenly, his leg was broken, and he had to live the rest of his life paralyzed.

Anyone would find it hard to accept.

But...

These can’t be blamed on anyone else!

Who made him harbor malicious intentions, even scheming cruelly against his own brother.

If the former emperor didn’t resist back then, it would have been the former emperor who ended up paralyzed later!

This kind of thing would be unbearable for anyone!

So the former Emperor decided to act decisively!

Arranged things perfectly for his younger brother.

While making him swallow his own bitter fruit, the former Emperor seized the Crown Prince’s throne, leaping to become the Crown Prince, taking over the empire of Great Chu Dynasty.

Such a scheme.

Xia Ruqing couldn’t help but raise her thumb and praise: Well done!

If there’s to be another word of admiration, it would be: Truly ruthless!

...

After recounting these old stories, the two fell silent again.

The fishing boat drifted aimlessly on the sea.

Xia Ruqing felt bored, suddenly stood up and walked toward the bow, standing at the front railing.

Looking at the vast and endless blue sea.

Suddenly, she felt inspired, imitating the movie "Titanic" where Rose stood at the bow, she opened her arms and closed her eyes.

Embracing the coolest sea breeze, embracing the most beautiful sea.

Her blue gauze dress fully spread in the wind, her dark hair fluttering up and down with the wind.

Like seaweed beautifully stretching in the water, fluttering freely, an indescribable beauty.

Her skin, smooth as jade, reflecting in the sunlight, like a peeled egg, radiant and smooth.

Her rosy neck, like an elegant swan, slender and fair, graceful and long.

Her arms, her forearms, her fingertips, every inch of her body was beautiful.

She looked like a fairy descending to the mortal world, about to ascend to immortality, beautifully ethereal, beautifully graceful, beautifully taking one’s breath away.

Zhao Junyao involuntarily walked up.

Walked to her from behind and embraced her.

Xia Ruqing felt sweetness in her heart, just leaned into his arms.

"Don’t move, let me lean for a while, this pose is classic!"

Zhao Junyao: "???"

Although he didn’t understand, he still tightened his arms, holding her in his embrace.

...

The small fishing boat drifted on the sea for over half a day.

The two played at the bow for half a day, sat by the side for a while, ate some snacks at the stern, chatted.

Until the sun set and it was about to get dark.

The other side showed no sign of movement.

Both felt puzzled.

"Could it be, coming to raid at night?"

"With the courtyard so heavily guarded, can they even get here?"

"What exactly are they up to?"

Thinking through this, Xia Ruqing couldn’t help but sulkily ask Zhao Junyao.

"Emperor, how come you can’t even find a person?!"

Zhao Junyao’s mosaic-colored eyes darkened suddenly, speaking coldly.

"Finding him is no big problem, but figuring out how many people he has under his command is not easy!"

After all, they’ve been operating in their old base in Guangnan for so long, hidden so deeply.

If we really want to investigate, it would take a major operation!

"I don’t want to make known those matters of the past!"

He didn’t want such a scandal of fratricidal royal family to become widely known.

Xia Ruqing nodded thoughtfully.

"The Emperor is indeed considerate!"

A complex look flashed in Zhao Junyao’s eyes.

"What’s there to consider? It’s just wanting to solve this trouble quietly!"

Xia Ruqing said nothing further.

...

Night fell, and the group, still waiting for something, finally returned to the courtyard.

Xia Ruqing bathed and changed into fresh clothes, comfortably lying on the bed, sighing.

"I’ve been outside all day, my face is all dried up from the sun!"

"Zi Su quickly apply some lamb fat cream for me!"

"Oh!"

Zi Su responded, bringing over a jar of lamb fat cream.

"Fortunately I thought it might be needed beforehand, otherwise where would we get it now!"

"The sea breeze blows, makes my face so dry!"

Zi Su laughed as she carefully applied the cream.

"Still, the Empress is thoughtful. I didn’t even think of it!"

Xia Ruqing smiled with eyes closed, enjoying the moment.

"You don’t come often, of course, you wouldn’t think of it!"

"Actually, I’ve also asked Imperial Doctor Zhang for some aloe powder from the Imperial Medical Bureau, later you can make it into a paste and apply it more!"

"Oh!"

Zi Su responded again.

While the mistress and servant chatted idly, suddenly a commotion started outside.

First, the chickens in the backyard began squawking wildly, followed by some screams.

Then someone yelled outside.

"Not good! The other side brought people here!"

"Protect the Emperor!"

"Protect the Empress!"

As the words fell, someone rushed in to take Xia Ruqing and her companions away!

Xia Ruqing panicked.

"What’s happening? Who even dares to intrude here? Are they tired of living?"

"Empress, the Emperor ordered us to escort you away; it’s dangerous here, please follow us quickly!"

Xia Ruqing found the voice of the Little Eunuch in front somewhat unfamiliar.

She was about to take a closer look at his face.

Unexpectedly, the Little Eunuch suddenly screamed, spitting a mouthful of blood, then collapsed before her.

"Qingqing!"

Zhao Junyao strode in with a bow and arrow, pulling her along to leave.

Xia Ruqing was scared into weak knees.

"Emperor, what’s going on!"

Zhao Junyao reassured her.

"It’s fine, they didn’t come during the day, so they came at night!"

"Don’t be afraid, I will stay by your side, listen to me, close your eyes, don’t look!"

Then he picked her up and walked out quickly.

Xia Ruqing obediently curled up in his arms, closed her eyes.

After roughly the time it takes for a stick of incense to burn, Zhao Junyao brought her to a cave.

"Qingqing, wait here, I’ll go out and check!"

Seeing the pitch-black surroundings, Xia Ruqing clung to his arm, frightened.

"No way!"

"I’m scared!"

"It’s just me and Zi Su here, what if someone comes?"

Zhao Junyao smiled.

"It’s okay, I’ll be right outside the cave door!"

Then he took a letter from his robe and stuffed it into her hands.

"Don’t read it tonight, open it tomorrow morning, listen to me!"

Xia Ruqing didn’t care about the letter in her hand, just grabbed his sleeve.

"Are you sure you’ll be nearby?"

Zhao Junyao smiled.

"Of course!"

"I’ve already prepared everything thoroughly. No matter how many people come, they’re walking into a trap, rest assured!"

Xia Ruqing finally felt relieved.

"Alright then!"

"Come back soon, I’ll wait here for you, won’t go anywhere!"

"Okay!"

Zhao Junyao smiled, pushed her hand away, and left in quick strides!

...

This cave is the safe place he found earlier, with a concealed path leading straight out of the mountain, so Qingqing will be safe here.

This hillside is also entirely surrounded by his forces.

Zhao Junqi!

Today, it’s either you or me, there’s bound to be an end!