Chapter 284: Xiao Yunjing Prepares to Enter the Capital

Chapter 284: Chapter 284: Xiao Yunjing Prepares to Enter the Capital

“OOH, OOH, OOH…” Little Round thought Gu Qingli was still playing with him, his mouth going “WOO WOO WOO.” Gu Qingli found it very amusing, gently pinched his little face, and whispered softly, “You little rascal.”

Gu Qingli finally managed to pry Little Round’s fingers from Xiao Yunjing’s hair. She then helped smooth Xiao Yunjing’s hair behind his back. After that, the father and son went off to play. Gu Qingli also picked up Little Round and followed.

「In the afternoon」

The two of them left the Space and went directly to Yun No. 4. This was the courtyard where the old Villa Master lived. Its luxuriousness was no less than Qingchen’s, perhaps even greater. Every item inside was priceless, making Gu Qingli’s eyes sparkle. Even the men from the Secret Sect standing to one side had gleaming eyes. Xiao Yunjing wasn’t stingy; with a wave of his hand, he allowed each of them to choose one item. The men from the Secret Sect were overjoyed, each snatching an item and stuffing it into their bags. Gu Qingli pursed her lips and smiled.

They all had their eyes on something specific, huh?

They mostly took gold, silver, and jade items—things that could be easily converted into cash. No one wanted the antique calligraphy or paintings. Gu Qingli sighed.

They’re all people like me, practical folk,

she thought.

We all prefer real gold and silver; only those things are truly useful in a crisis.

Gu Qingli, as usual, collected all the useful items and moved the rest into storage in the rear warehouse.

“Master, what should we do with this old Villa Master?” Yun No. 4 asked, having brought over everyone from the courtyard. The others were easy to deal with, but this old man was problematic.

Xiao Yunjing glanced at the old Villa Master, who stood with his head hanging low. “Lock him up for now,” he said. “Treat him well.”

This old man might be useful in the future,

Xiao Yunjing thought.

Even if we can’t use him to threaten Qingchen, we might be able to get some information out of him. We can leave this to the Secret Sect; their methods will surely extract plenty.

While Yun No. 4 was still there, Xiao Yunjing gave him instructions. “Be careful not to kill him. He’s still useful.”

Yun No. 4 nodded and turned to handle matters in the courtyard.

Gu Qingli and Xiao Yunjing stayed for three or four days, dealing with the original inhabitants of the villa. Those who needed to be dealt with were handled, and those who needed to be killed were eliminated. This was especially true for the Secret Guards Qingchen had trained. Their loyalty to him was absolute, unlike the ordinary soldiers who could still be used after having their memories wiped. These Secret Guards could absolutely not be used. Their loyalty to Qingchen was as unwavering as the Secret Sect’s loyalty to Xiao Yunjing—it was etched into their very bones. They were completely unturnable. Xiao Yunjing directly ordered the execution of these more than two hundred men.

When Gu Qingli learned of this, she said nothing.

Although I hate to witness killing and dislike bloodshed, this is unavoidable,

she thought.

Keeping these people alive would undoubtedly lead to future disasters. No matter the place or era, the transition of power is always built upon mountains of corpses and seas of blood. Since we’ve chosen this path, extreme measures are sometimes necessary, and mercy cannot be afforded. Showing mercy to enemies is being cruel to oneself.

「With matters at the mountain villa settled」

They had only two days left before the New Year, so they had to return to Qinghe Village. They left instructions for people to guard the place and had Wuqing stay behind to assist Yun No. 4. The couple then hurried back to Qinghe Village, traveling through the night.

「Traveling day and night」

They finally reached home around noon on New Year’s Eve, just in time for the reunion dinner. Xiao Yuling, remembering her son and daughter-in-law’s words, had waited for them right up until the last possible day.

Due to their hurried return, the meal was also rushed. During dinner, Xiao Yuling briefly asked about how things had progressed. She was very happy to hear that everything had gone smoothly. After eating, she urged the couple to go and rest immediately.

Her longing to see her precious grandchildren would have to wait for now,

she thought.

Both of them were indeed exhausted. After a quick wash, they went to sleep. To save time on the journey back, Xiao Yunjing hadn’t stopped at all, just as on their journey out. Only after the two had fallen asleep did Xiao Yuling finally feel at ease.

I know the things my son and daughter-in-law are doing are dangerous,

she thought.

Their safe return is more important than anything else.

She then busied herself with arranging the household affairs.

This New Year was much like the previous ones. On New Year’s Day, everyone exchanged New Year greetings and received red envelopes. On the second day, the young wives in the village began visiting their maternal homes, and Gu Qingli also took her family to visit hers. Xiao Yuling had long grown accustomed to life in Qinghe Village. She got along well with the villagers and enjoyed friendly chats with Ms. Qiao and the others. She was completely like a village grandmother now.

「On the third day of the New Year」

They went to Gu Chang’an’s house for a New Year’s feast. Xiao Yunjing took his entire family, and Gu Dalin took his entire family as well. Afterward, Gu Qingli only sent gifts to Gu Qingmei’s, Gu Dayou’s, and Aunt Niu’s homes, not bothering with others with whom they weren’t close.

It would be awkward to visit people we don’t know well, anyway,

she reasoned. They didn’t host a New Year’s feast at their own home this year. They only received a gift from Gu Qingqiu, to whom Gu Qingli reciprocated. With that, the New Year’s feasting more or less concluded.

「On the fifth day of the New Year」

Early in the morning, Xiao Yunjing brought Gu Qingli to the study, pulling her onto his lap. “Li’er,” he said, “I’m planning to go to the Capital City. The plan has changed, so I have to leave early. You and the children must take good care of yourselves at home.”

Gu Qingli nodded.

I have some idea why he’s decided to go to the Capital early. Qingchen will surely try to seize power when the court session opens on the Lantern Festival. Xiao Yunjing is going then to stop him. The original plan was to wait for Qingchen to successfully ascend the throne before confronting him. But the situation has changed. It’s not just that things are different; Qingchen has cleared all the obstacles ahead for us. We’re like the oriole waiting to snatch the prize. Xiao Yunjing is going to be that oriole.

Gu Qingli supported Xiao Yunjing’s approach.

Taking the throne without losing a single soldier would benefit both the country and its people.

“Will Mother go back with you?” Gu Qingli asked.

Xiao Yunjing nodded. “She must. She is Father Emperor’s Imperial Concubine.”

The current Daqian had no Empress Dowager and no Empress. Although Xiao Yuling was supposedly dead, it wasn’t unheard of for people in the Imperial Palace to ’return from the dead.’

Everyone knows the real reasons, and besides, Xiao Yuling’s rank is still valid.

Now that she was returning with the Prince at this critical juncture, those who didn’t support Qingchen would naturally rally behind Xiao Yunjing.

In the eyes of the world, Xiao Yunjing was the legitimate heir, the most qualified to ascend the throne.

As for Qingchen, an upstart from who-knows-where, many people would likely oppose his attempt to seize the Daqian Empire. Especially those self-proclaimed righteous scholars; they have no tolerance for such power-grabbing usurpers. In their view, only the imperial lineage of Chu Xiong is legitimate.

“Alright then. You must be careful on the journey and take more men with you.”

Actually, I really want to go with him,

Gu Qingli thought.

I could help him if necessary. But then I think of Qingchen’s deranged nature… he’d definitely target me, and that would only hold Xiao Yunjing back.

“Li’er, don’t worry,” Xiao Yunjing said, hugging her tightly with firm determination. “Once everything is settled, I’ll immediately send someone to bring you and our son to me.”

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