SFS Chapter 318 Farewell
Chapter 318 Farewell
Zhao Yi knew that by putting on the robes of a Northern Qi prince, he was essentially acknowledging his identity and agreeing to return to Northern Qi with the imperial tutor and his entourage.
But he never imagined that the Imperial Tutor would entrust him with the task of transporting money and grain.
If this is done well, it will solidify his position in Northern Qi.
If this matter is not handled well, it will face condemnation from officials and the people.
Zhao Yi couldn't figure out what the Imperial Tutor was thinking. Was he paving the way for him, or was he trying to cut off his chance to make a comeback in Northern Qi?
He collected his thoughts and asked, "Is this all the Imperial Tutor instructed you to do?"
Yan Yi had been observing Zhao Yi, and seeing that he remained calm after hearing the news, he felt that the Northern Qi royal family had finally produced a decent prince.
If other princes heard the Imperial Tutor's arrangements, they would either feel flattered and overwhelmed by the Imperial Tutor's favor.
They might guess that the Imperial Tutor was going to ruin their future, and they would be so frightened that their faces would turn ashen.
"The Imperial Tutor is preparing to depart for Northern Qi early tomorrow morning. He asks you and the Crown Princess to pack your belongings and bid farewell to your relatives."
Seeing the change in Zhao Yi's expression, Yan Yi continued, "The Imperial Tutor said that when he returned to Northern Qi, he passed through a city that was adjacent to Yingcheng. You then transferred money and grain from there to Yingcheng."
At this point, he turned to look at Shen Qingtan: "The Crown Princess will then return to the capital with our carriages."
Zhao Yi frowned, and then Yan Yi said, "As a prince of Northern Qi, there is absolutely no reason for your princess consort to stay in Great Zhou. Your status is different now than before. If you and your husband are separated, it is inevitable that someone will take advantage of the situation and cause you trouble."
Zhao Yi understood what Yan Yi meant. If Shen Qingtan stayed in Da Zhou and he returned to Bei Qi alone, people would inevitably make a fuss about his marriage.
If Shen Qingtan were to return to Northern Qi with him, and his principal wife remained by his side, those with such thoughts would be more restrained.
"I have delivered the message. I will return to the Four Barbarian Inn to report to the Imperial Tutor."
After saying this, Yan Yi left the Duke's mansion.
Zhao Yi lowered his eyes to look at Shen Qingtan, who had fallen silent. He knew that this trip to Northern Qi would likely be fraught with danger, and he had no intention of taking her with him.
Now the Imperial Tutor has sent someone to deliver a message, specifically reminding him to bring Shen Qingtan along, and that he must depart tomorrow.
It was too rushed.
She had only recently reunited with her family when she was about to leave them again for a long journey.
“Manman…”
"Second Master, the Imperial Tutor is right. You went to Northern Qi, how can I, as your wife, stay in Great Zhou?"
Shen Qingtan secretly didn't want Zhao Yi to go to Yingcheng to deal with the plague, as it was too dangerous and he could lose his life if he wasn't careful.
But she knew Zhao Yi's actions in the court; the moment he put on the robes of the Northern Qi prince, he was no longer in control of his own destiny.
She couldn't stop him from going to Yingcheng.
Since she couldn't change the outcome, she decided not to create any worries for him, lest he become preoccupied with her.
Shen Qingtan concealed her worries and said softly, "Husbands and wives should share joys and sorrows and support each other. We've come this far with this belief. Now that you're going through your most difficult time, how can I let you face it alone?"
When Zhao Yi goes to Yingcheng to deal with the plague, someone from Northern Qi will surely obstruct him and prevent him from successfully controlling the disaster.
If she stayed in the capital of Northern Qi, she could at least protect him from all sorts of evil spirits and prevent him from being caught in a pincer movement.
After all, she was in the capital, so she was better informed than Zhao Yi, who was in Yingcheng.
More importantly, the reason she dared to go to Northern Qi was due to the attitude of the imperial tutor.
Before Yan Yi came to inform Zhao Yi to go to Yingcheng to deal with the plague, she had reservations about going to the capital of Northern Qi.
Now that the Imperial Tutor has issued this order in Shengjing, the capital of the Great Zhou Dynasty, it is clear that he has given Zhao Yi and Emperor Jing'an time to respond.
This reveals that the Imperial Tutor did not want Zhao Yi to get into trouble. If he wanted to harm Zhao Yi, he could have arranged for Zhao Yi to go to Yingcheng to deal with the disaster after leaving the Great Zhou Kingdom.
Furthermore, the Imperial Tutor's intention was not simply to send Zhao Yi to Northern Qi as a hostage to restrain Great Zhou. If the purpose were to use Zhao Yi to control Great Zhou, there would be no need to assign him to manage the plague and allow him to gain power in the process.
After all, as a prince who has accomplished nothing and is practically invisible in Northern Qi, he is easier to control, so why bother with unnecessary actions?
From the series of actions taken by the Imperial Tutor, it can be inferred that the Imperial Tutor had some schemes against Zhao Yi. Before achieving his goal, the Imperial Tutor would absolutely not allow the Emperor of Northern Qi to touch Zhao Yi and ruin his plans.
The Imperial Tutor uses them... They can also use the Imperial Tutor as a tool to gain a place in Northern Qi.
Zhao Yi saw through Shen Qingtan's thoughts and couldn't bring himself to refuse, so he held her hand tightly.
"it is good."
He relented.
Shen Qingtan felt relieved, took his hand and got into the carriage together, sat down close to him, and rested her head on his shoulder.
She had always thought that Zhao Yi was the second son of the Duke's mansion, deeply favored by the imperial family, but simply frail and sickly.
After his illness was cured, her only worry was resolved, and she was free from sorrow. She dreamed of having one or two children and living a simple and peaceful life together.
Who could have imagined that he would be a prince of Northern Qi?
This seemingly glamorous identity is accompanied by numerous crises.
Nobody knows what the future holds.
Shen Qingtan wrapped her arms around Zhao Yi's, cherishing the time they spent together.
The carriage stopped at the entrance of the Prince of Zhenbei's mansion. Shen Qingtan and Zhao Yi got off the carriage and saw Shen Du coming out of the mansion.
"Big brother." Shen Qingtan released Zhao Yi's hand and quickly walked over: "Where are you going?"
Shen Du's cold and stern face seemed to melt away like ice and snow the moment he saw Shen Qingtan, becoming slightly gentle.
"Manman, I was just about to look for you." Shen Du saw that Shen Qingtan was wrapped in a cloak, without a sleeve warmer in her hands or a hand warmer, her fingers were red from the cold. He frowned, turned and walked into the mansion: "Let's go inside first."
Shen Qingtan and Zhao Yi followed Shen Du to the study in the front yard, where the warmth dispelled the chill from their bodies.
A moment later, Shen Zhuo and Shen Lue also arrived upon hearing the news.
"Manman—" Before Shen Lue Ren even entered the room, his gruff voice boomed into the study, "Third Brother has acquired a new treasure. You've come at the perfect time. Let me take a look at it for you."
As soon as he finished speaking, he swaggered into the study, ready to present his treasure.
Shen Du glanced at him coldly.
Shen Lue paused, his hand still inside his robes. He looked at Shen Du, then at Shen Qingtan and Zhao Yi, and realized that something was wrong. He slowly withdrew his hand.
He touched his nose and said awkwardly, "Continue, you guys go ahead."
Shen Qingtan's gloomy mood was slightly relieved by Shen Lue's actions.
Shen Du frowned slightly, but did not reprimand Shen Lue. He got back to the point and said, "Manman, your elder brother has received news that a plague has broken out in Yingcheng."
He said solemnly, "I plan to ask the Emperor for permission to go to Yingcheng. You stay in the capital and keep Mother company so that she won't worry about Father."
“Eldest brother, we also came for this matter. Also, there is something else I need to tell you.” Shen Qingtan relayed Yan Yi’s words to her brothers, her tone filled with reluctance: “Second Master is going to Yingcheng tomorrow to deal with the plague, and I am also heading to the capital of Northern Qi. I came here specifically to say goodbye to you.”
Shen Du fell silent, his face covered with a layer of frost.
Ever since he learned about Zhao Yi's background, he had anticipated this day.
The Northern Qi is now like a den of dragons and tigers to them.
It's likely that someone has laid a trap for them.
Shen Du said in a low voice, "My elder brother will explain the situation to the Emperor and arrange for several well-trained guards from the Prince's Mansion to escort you to Northern Qi."
Shen Qingtan nodded: "Thank you, brother."
Shen Zhuo took out a token from his sleeve and stuffed it into Shen Qingtan's hand: "If you encounter difficulties, give the token to the guards, and they will contact the people who are lurking in Northern Qi to help you resolve the crisis."
Seeing that his two older brothers had made their gestures, Shen Lue, not to be outdone, reached into his pocket and took out something, placing it in Shen Qingtan's hand.