Free Web NovelChapter 1062: Chapter 1053: One Step (Part 3)
Chunliu also had tears in her eyes, but still said, "You have the nerve to say you miss me." After saying this, she pushed her aside and looked her up and down: "Let me see, you truly have the demeanor of a madam now."
Bihuai gestured anxiously and said: "Please don’t say that, the Second Madam will be displeased if she hears this." She understood now, having followed Tong Quanzi meant there was no choice left, even if she reached for the sky, she would still be just a concubine in this life. Although it was against her initial intentions, when she thought of Tong Quanzi, she had no regrets.
During their three years in Liaodong, they took care of and relied on each other, and such wonderful memories cannot be replaced by anyone.
"Sixth Sister." Tong Quanzi patted his chest as he replied: "I am a Captain now, and this time I will definitely meet the Emperor. With brother-in-law’s assistance, I am sure my wish will come true." Though he did not understand Xiqiu’s ultimate goal, he still followed her instructions.
Xiqiu nodded and said: "I trust you with this task."
Tong Quanzi laughed heartily, and Xiqiu, unable to hold back, said: "Marriage is a big matter, it’s not a solution to keep avoiding it. You must resolve things with Aunt."
"I know." When speaking of this matter, Tong Quanzi looked helpless, and recounted his time in Liaodong with Bihuai to her: "I was injured, she heard that eating black fish is good, so she braved the north wind to catch fish in the icy waters... In winter, there were no vegetables to eat, so she filled her room with soil and grew vegetables inside, but she didn’t eat them herself, always saving them for me when I returned... When a comrade was injured, she cared for them day and night, even Lord Huang praised her for being virtuous and capable, which earned me rewards. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her significant contribution."
Xiqiu didn’t expect they went through so much hardship in Liaodong, listening made her heart ache.
"She may be a servant, but the kindness she has shown to me is etched in my heart. I can’t give her a title in this life, but..." he paused and said firmly: "But I will not give this title to anyone else either."
Xiqiu was moved and emotionally said: "I understand." After a moment, she added: "When I meet Aunt, I’ll speak to her as well."
Tong Quanzi nodded repeatedly: "Mother listens to you the most, whatever you say will work."
Xiqiu didn’t know whether to feel happy or sad for Bihuai. For Tong Quanzi to break tradition and take her as his wife was impossible, but his words, given his status, were praiseworthy, and perhaps the best outcome for Bihuai.
"Fourth Master is back." Lyuzhi peeked in from outside and said: "Fourth Master requests Third Master to go to the outer courtyard if he has finished speaking with the madam." Then she looked at Xiqiu and said: "Lord Zhou and Lord Han seem to be here."
"Then you should go, Fourth Master must have something to discuss with you." Xiqiu stood up to send Tong Quanzi off, who nodded and added: "Please inform Bihuai."
Tong Quanzi was detailed despite being brusque, Xiqiu smiled and nodded, watching him leave.
Soon after, Bihuai, Bihuai and Chunliu entered the room, and Xiqiu noticed Bihuai’s hand, seeing her face full of happiness without any sign of grievance, she couldn’t help but think of Tong Quanzi’s attitude...
Feelings for each other make status trivial!
A few days later, the Emperor summoned Tong Quanzi. Tong Quanzi was a renowned general in Liaodong, accomplished many feats, and with Lord Huang’s recommendation, the Emperor appreciated this young man, full of vitality. Min brought the sickly Third Prince to meet Lord Tong, who had returned from Liaodong on home leave. In contrast, the Emperor found his sons increasingly frail.
"Could Lord Tong teach us brothers some martial arts for fitness?" Min asked, then looked at the Third Prince: "Third brother is weak, it would benefit his recovery."
Tong Quanzi did not hesitate, awaiting the Emperor’s order, who thought of his own health, seeing his sons’ frailness felt their suggestion was reasonable, so he nodded and agreed.
"Sixth Sister." Tong Quanzi said with a smile: "Just as you predicted, the Emperor agreed immediately."
Xiqiu nodded with a smile, it was not surprising for the Emperor to agree, his health was poor, except for Min, who was healthy, the rest of the princes were all frail, especially after the Third Prince’s incident, the Emperor would only emphasize the royal children’s physical strength more.
Tong Quanzi would stay in the Capital until spring next year, then wait for instructions from the Five Governor’s Mansion and the Ministry of War, whether to return to Liaodong or go elsewhere. Thus, he went to the palace daily, teaching crown princes football and horseback riding in the morning with Shi Shengjie on the training grounds, and alternating to teach martial arts in the afternoon to improve health and self-defense.
In just half a month of practice, the Third Prince’s frail condition noticeably improved, seeing the effect, the Emperor felt his decision was right.
After Chongyang, whether due to the recent martial trend in the palace, the Emperor suddenly wanted to visit the training grounds, watching from the stands was unsatisfactory, he went down for a test, recalling the days he spent on horseback with Fourth Master to return to the Capital, it seemed like a lifetime ago.
Min, and both Second and Third Princes served him nearby, the Emperor, with high spirits proposed: "Why don’t us father and sons have a competition?" The princes agreed.
On horseback, hooves raised high as they galloped like lightning, the weak Third Prince quickly fell behind, even Min couldn’t keep up and dropped back too, only the Second Prince kept pace behind the Emperor, who looked back at him with eyes full of gratification, Second Prince was ecstatic, when suddenly, his horse went wild, frantically crashing around like headless flies.
Second Prince was terrified, clinging to the reins tightly with one hand, breaking in cold sweat, the Yulin Guards on the sidelines rushed to rescue him, Shi Shengjie shouted: "Your Highness, hold the reins with both hands, steady yourself!"
The Emperor, nearest to him, turned his horse to aid him, but unexpectedly, Second Prince’s horse suddenly charged toward the Emperor’s mount.
"Pull the reins." Everyone shouted in panic, chaos erupted.
The mad horse raced rapidly, and the Second Prince, long stunned with fear, struggled with one-handed strength, while his left hand wouldn’t obey him, wanting to dismount but dare not.
The Emperor froze for a moment, seeing his son in everyone’s shouting, though slightly scared, holding onto the reins single-handedly, with no intention to stop the coursing—and charging toward him.
In an instant, many possibilities flashed across his mind, seeing the mad horse almost upon him, his eyes filled with chill.
At this moment, an arrow flew over, precisely hitting the horse’s leg, causing it to draw back, kneel and tumble, throwing the Second Prince off.
Everyone was stunned, breaking into a cold sweat, the Emperor sat high on horseback, expressionless at the sight before him, he had time to flee, yet at that moment unbeknownst why, his heart harbored a sense of despair.
For just then, atop the horse was his son, and in his eyes, he saw only self-preservation!
