Love Affairs in Chang'an - Chapter 253
Chapter 253 The Death of a Princess
The cook that Li Daozong brought from Chang’an was really good. Even a cunning girl like Princess Gaoyang couldn’t be picky. It could be seen how exquisite her culinary skills were.
There were no other people in the seats, and the three of them sat down in two seats. Dao Sect Li was an easy-going person. Seeing Princess Gaoyang insisting on sharing a table with Qin Mubai, it was no wonder that they were allowed to do so.
The three of them ate and chatted, from along the way to talk about the local customs of Xiang Zhou, chatting happily.
Princess Gaoyang didn’t eat much and didn’t drink much, so she was full soon. He was like an ADHD child, wandering around the room, looking around curiously, not paying attention to what Qin Mubai and Li Daozong were talking about.
“Your Highness, I would like to ask, why did His Majesty allow the princess to leave the palace and follow you to Xiang Zhou?” Qin Mubai asked a question that she had been pondering for a long time.
Previously, due to the disturbance of the marriage between the princess and the Fang family, Li Shimin was very unwilling to let Princess Gao Yang continue to show her face. In addition, Princess Gao Yang was ashamed of herself after imperial concubine Yin De moved into the Taoist temple. She took the initiative to stay with her mother in the palace and rarely left the palace.
“Actually, His Majesty has never imposed any restrictions on Gaoyang’s freedom.” Dao Sect Li smiled indifferently, but it revealed some mystery.
Qin Mubai could vaguely sense the meaning behind his words. She nodded and smiled, “Your Majesty has indeed always been magnanimous and doted on the princess. However, this time, His Majesty allowed the princess to openly come down to Xiang Zhou. Could it be the meaning behind this?”
“You’re very smart.” Li Daozong smiled and said, “This king has asked His Majesty about his intentions before, but he did not say it directly.” However, since the Crown Prince, Prince Wu, and this prince have all gone to Xiangzhou, there’s no harm in letting Gao Yang play with them. He also said that Gao Yang had been very obedient during this period of time, and he had never been so obedient since childhood. He was worried that Gao Yang would suffocate in the palace all day, so he asked me to bring her out to relax.
Qin Mubai understood that it was a big taboo for his subjects to secretly underestimate their sacred intent. This was actually an opportunity for Li Shimin to make use of the Xiangzhou Sacrificial Priest’s opportunity to let Gao Yang openly meet me. At the same time, it was equivalent to a disguised announcement that he had acquiesced in and acknowledged my “relationship” with Gao Yang.
“This means that from now on, my relationship with Gaoyang is completely’open ‘and’legitimate’.” Qin Mubai thought to himself, “Perhaps it’s because I’ve done well in Xiang Zhou. I’ve done a great job in eliminating the water ghost and retrieving the jade seal. Although I’m not in Chang’an, I must have made quite a lot of headlines in the court, making Li Shimin think that my’prospective son-in-law ‘is giving him face …”
“Brat, you really are a blessed general.” Li Daozong smiled and said, “You’ve only been in Xiangzhou for half a year. You’ve done a good job.” I heard Li Ke tell me about the twists and turns in his life. It was truly a battle of wits and courage that shook my heart. Even this king has some admiration for you. This was fine. It would be wonderful to unlock the treasure map and find Emperor Yang’s mausoleum, as well as find the jade seal at the same time. The jade seal was of no great significance to ordinary people, but it was extremely significant to emperors. You found the jade seal and let it return to His Majesty’s Imperial Court. This credit cannot be measured with accuracy. He had won a battle and slaughtered as many cities and lands as he could plunder, which could be seen at a glance. It can also be seen whether the governance of the country and politics is clear and whether the achievements are outstanding or not. But your credit lies in His Majesty’s heart. You made him happy. Very happy. Do you understand? ”
Qin Mubai smiled and said, “I’m just lucky.”
“Ai, this is the second time you’ve said this today. It’s not good to be too modest!” Li Daozong smiled and said, “His Majesty has been on the throne for more than ten years.” A few years ago, he had used the self-carved’appointed treasure ‘as a jade seal. To put it bluntly, this was to console himself. Although the throne was seated, he had always felt that something was missing-the jade seal. Don’t underestimate the jade seal. Officials need to report their identity, and women who marry their husbands need a marriage certificate. These are all indispensable. Otherwise, they will be faked and won’t be recognized by others. The emperor lacked a jade seal. Although others didn’t dare to say anything, he had such thoughts in his heart. Later, when the Turkic jade seal was settled, His Majesty smiled happily. However, he soon found out that the jade seal was fake. “So, I’m extremely disappointed, but I can’t talk about it to outsiders.”
“What? Your Majesty knows that the previous jade seal was fake?” Qin Mubai asked in surprise.
“Of course.” Dao Sect Li nodded and smiled, “It was Xiao Yu who helped him to distinguish the truth from the fake.” Because in the previous dynasty, Xiao Yu had helped Yang Guang keep the jade seal. At that time, His Majesty did not accept the letter. He just did not want to reveal this matter to the public, so as not to cause any trouble. However, he knew very well that Xiao Yu was an upright person. He would not lie, nor would he not tell the truth because he was afraid of making the Emperor unhappy. Since he said that the jade seal was fake, then it must be fake. Therefore, over the years, His Majesty had secretly sent people to search for the whereabouts of the jade seal, but there were no results. This once made him very distressed. Coincidentally, you found the jade seal in an unbelievable way in a place like Xiangzhou. What do you mean, this isn’t sending charcoal in the snow to His Majesty? “Therefore, His Majesty has praised you many times in public, saying that you are a member of the Great Tang’s Fortune General. Haha!”
“So there is such a mystery and reason. No wonder.” Qin Mubai shook her head and smiled. “If it was me who had been searching for something for so many years but couldn’t find it, and someone suddenly gave it to me one day, then I would definitely be very happy.”
“That’s what I meant.” Li Daozong chuckled. He turned to look at Princess Gaoyang, who was admiring the pictures on the wall, and whispered, “So His Majesty asked the Princess to follow me. Do you understand?”
Qin Mubai smiled and nodded.
“When a person has both luck and ability poured into his body, and he is modest and cautious in his conduct, then he is really not far from success and success.” Dao Sect Li nodded with a meaningful smile and said, “Mubai, your future is limitless!”
“Your Highness likes to make fun of me.”
Before Qin Mubai could finish laughing, a personal attendant of the Li Dao Sect walked over from outside the door. He reported that outside the mansion, a general from King Wu’s Mansion had an urgent request to see General Qin, claiming to be Xue Li.
“Oh, it’s him. There must be something important coming for me. Your Highness, I’ll see him when I get out.” Qin Mubai hurriedly stood up and said.
“It doesn’t matter, just invite him in.” Dao Sect Li instructed.
The attendant bowed back and invited Xue Rengui.
Li Daozong said, “I’ve heard Li Ke say many times that Xue Rengui is a talented person with outstanding virtue. It is said that his martial arts skills are exceptionally excellent. You recommended him, right?”
“Sort of!” Qin Mubai smiled.
Li Daozong nodded and smiled. “Li Ke is truly fortunate to meet you,” he said emotionally.
As he spoke, Xue Rengui came in.
Ever since Li Ke left Xiangzhou, Xue Rengui had not stayed in the military manor. She had been staying in the secretariat manor, mainly in charge of leading the palace’s personal soldiers, giving attention to both security and garrison.
Seeing Xue Rengui walk in wearing a military armor, Li Daozong’s eyes lit up and he blurted out, “Yingwu!”
“Despicable Xue Li greets His Highness. Greetings, General Qin.” Xue Rengui cupped his fists and bowed.
“There’s no need to be too polite.” Dao Sect Li sized up Xue Rengui and said with a smile, “Since you have something to look for Mubai, then you two can do as you please! However, this king has heard many times that your martial arts skills are very outstanding, so I always want to see you.”
Xue Rengui was slightly surprised as he clasped his fists and said, “I am a poor martial artist. I have taught myself some rough sabers and spears. They are not martial arts. I am afraid I will not be able to enter His Highness’s eyes.”
“You and Qin Mubai have the same problem. You’re too modest!” Dao Sect Li laughed heartily, “Alright, if you have something serious to say, I won’t delay you. Anyway, there will be plenty of time in the future.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.” Xue Rengui bowed and said to Qin Mubai, “General, the palace attendant hurriedly came to report that … the princess is sick, it’s very critical!”
“What?” Qin Mubai was stunned. “I went to see her this morning. It seems to be quite steady. Why did it suddenly …”
“I don’t know.” Xue Rengui frowned and said, “The doctor is already in first aid.” Su Lianqing said, “The situation doesn’t seem to be too optimistic. If King Wu isn’t here at the moment, we can only ask the general to come over.”
Xue Rengui understood the meaning behind her words. If the princess died at this time, if she left behind any last words, she could ask Qin Mubai to convey them on her behalf. After all, when Li Ke left, he entrusted the princess and princess to him.
Qin Mubai immediately stood up. Without waiting for him to speak, Li Daozong also stood up and shouted to Princess Gaoyang, who was still playing in the other room–
“Gaoyang, let’s go. Go to your third brother’s mansion!”
“What are you doing? Why are you screaming so urgently all of a sudden?” Princess Gaoyang ran over with a smile on her face.
“Your Imperial Sister-in-law is in critical condition!”
‘”Ah!” Princess Gao Yang was shocked.
“Let’s go!”
The group of people only rode their horses and quickly left Xingyuan for the secretariat’s mansion.
Princess Gaoyang and Qin Mubai rode together and were held in his arms. She anxiously asked, “Mubai, why is Imperial Sister-in-law suddenly seriously ill?”
“Not all of a sudden. I’ve been seriously ill for a long time.” Qin Mubai said with a frown.
“Then what are you waiting for? Hurry up and send a letter to urge Third Brother to come back!”
“… I can’t stop writing now!”
Everyone quickly rushed to the secretariat’s mansion, and the backyard was completely solemn. No one dared to speak loudly. A few maids and doctors nervously walked in and out of the princess’ bedroom, often taking out bags of cloth with a fishy smell.
Just as Qin Mubai, Li Daozong, and Princess Gao Yang were about to enter, a doctor hurriedly stopped them. He explained the origin and differentiation, but he still refused to let them go. He insisted, “Your Highness and the general, please stay. It’s fine for Your Highness to go in and take a look, but don’t stay for too long!”
Princess Gao Yang nodded in panic and entered the room. “Oh, then I’ll go in and take a look at the royal sister-in-law …”
With the doctor’s words, both Qin Mubai and Li Daozong probably knew how sick the princess was.
Actually, Qin Mubai knew a little about the princess’ illness. Simply put, it was probably a disease like “uterine cancer”!
According to Li Ke, the princess’ body was already weak, and she often had abdominal pain. Qin Mubai guessed that she had a tumor a long time ago. But it is clear that medicine in this era has not yet reached that level, especially in the case of “women”, which are so private that it is inconvenient to speak out publicly or ask for medical treatment. Later on, the princess suffered from dystocia during pregnancy and childbirth, which further aggravated her illness. A year later, it had actually deteriorated to such an extent!
Qin Mubai knew very well that the Princess did not have much time left. If she hadn’t gritted her teeth and waited for Li Ke to come back to see her again, she would have …
The two of them stood in the courtyard and waited, not saying much. After a long while, Li Daozong sighed leisurely and shook his head, “Hongyan Poor Life!”
“Princess Wu is a good person. She is a respectable and good woman.” Qin Mubai let out a sigh.
“Their father and son are really alike.” Li Daozong suddenly said, “Even the women I met are so similar. These two women are equally unlucky!”
Of course, Qin Mubai knew that he was referring to the Eldest Sun Empress and Princess Wu’s Yang Clan.
“I will immediately write a letter and send 600 li to Chang’an to urge His Highness to come back.” Qin Mubai said.
Dao Sect Li pondered for a moment and nodded, “Write! He doesn’t have to wait to come with the Crown Prince!”
“Alright!”
Immediately, Qin Mubai went to the study room to write a letter, covered it with the secretariat’s urgent order, and sent it to the post office to be sent to Chang’an immediately.
At this time, Princess Gaoyang had already come out of the princess’ room with a sad and sad expression, and there were still traces of tears on her eyelids. Princess Gaoyang muttered sadly, “Imperial Sister-in-law is so pitiful. She is so thin that she is only skin and bones. She is not beautiful anymore. Her face is yellow and white from the pain. There is only a trace of her aura left. I’m worried if she will …”
“Don’t worry.” Qin Mubai gently patted her hand to comfort her.
Li Daozong walked up to one of the doctors and said to him, “This is the end of the matter. No matter what, we must keep her alive until King Wu returns!”
“This lowly class will definitely do their best!” The doctors also knew that the princess’ life would definitely be lost, but sooner or later, it would be a problem. Right now, being able to live for an extra moment was considered a moment. Everyone had to listen to the will of the heavens!
Qin Mubai walked forward and said to Li Daozong, “Your Highness, 600 li of urgent documents will take at most two days to arrive in Chang’an. There will always be a delay in the middle. Counting in His Highness’ footwork, it will take at most six to seven days for His Highness to return.”
“Yes, I know.” Li Daozong frowned and shook his head, sighing, “Poor child, I really hope that she can endure this unbearable pain and endure these few days …”
“Poor imperial sister-in-law … wuwu!” Princess Gaoyang was already crying.
“Let’s go. Don’t cry here. It’s not good for the princess to hear you.” Qin Mubai took her away from this place, and the Li Dao Sect also left. The three of them temporarily left the courtyard where the princess lived and went to rest in the hall where Qin Mubai usually worked.
After a long time, the doctor came to reply as if relieved, saying that the princess had survived. Next, he would use all sorts of methods and needle stone potions, but it would probably be difficult for him to last for three days!
“It’s only been three days!” Dao Sect Li and Qin Mubai were both disappointed.
“Wuwuwu, then Third Brother definitely won’t be able to catch up with the last time he comes to see Imperial Sister-in-law!” Princess Gaoyang cried out sadly, “What should we do, Mubai? Hurry up and think of a way!”
At this moment, Qin Mubai was also completely helpless. He could only shake his head regretfully and say, “If I had a way … I wouldn’t stand by and watch.”
“If the will of heaven is like this, what can a person do?” Dao Sect Li sighed and shook his head with his eyes closed.
In the next three days, no one could be happy, let alone have fun. At dusk, the doctor said that the princess only had one last breath. After being unconscious for a long time, she suddenly woke up, and it was as if she was returning to her senses. If you have a last word, you have to send someone to listen.
At this moment, everyone could not care less about any taboos. Princess Gaoyang carried the young princess into her ward with Qin Mubai and Li Daozong.
The princess was covered with a brand-new brocade quilt, revealing only a face, and her hair was neatly combed. Just as Princess Gao Yang had said, she was thin to the point of being skin and bones. Her face was yellow and her eyes were sunken. Her lips were grey and had bubbles. Her entire body was gray and dim, and she no longer had any of her previous appearance.
She watched Qin Mubai and the others enter with half-open eyes. With the help of the maid, she turned her head with difficulty and said angrily, “Imperial Uncle, Imperial Sister, General Qin, I am seriously ill and am unable to stand up to welcome them. Please forgive me …” Li Daozong stared at her with a smile and said, “You gave Ke’er a good daughter. She’s so beautiful, just like you.”
The princess forced out a smile of shame and gratitude. She closed her eyelids as a return gift and said, “Is it possible that he won’t be able to make it back?”
“Yes.” Li Daozong nodded, his face still smiling as if he was chatting, “I will help you scold him.”
“Thank you, Royal Uncle.” The princess actually smiled, but two lines of tears had already flowed down from the corner of her eyes.
Seeing this scene, Princess Gaoyang burst into tears, but she covered her lips with her hands and didn’t dare to cry. Qin Mubai could only give her a gentle pat on the back to comfort her. She snuggled up to Qin Mubai, her body trembling from sobbing.
“Tell me what you have to say. We can pass it on for you.” Li Daozong hugged the little princess and said.
At this time, the young princess who was less than one year old suddenly burst into tears and stretched out her tender hand towards the princess.
The princess’s eyes were already a little absent-minded as she stared blankly at her precious daughter. Tears fell like rain, her lips moved, and she was speechless. He stretched out his hand with great difficulty, but it was still trembling non-stop. Dao Sect Li bent down and let her hold the little imperial daughter’s hand.
The princess panted heavily and said with difficulty, “Let him … take good care of … the woman …” At this moment, her eyes were already wide open, and the light in her pupils was dissipating.
“Alright, I’ll tell him.” Li Daozong frowned and nodded solemnly. At this moment, his eyes were also slightly moist.
“Wu … Your Highness!” The two maids who were serving at the side couldn’t help but cry bitterly.
Seeing that one of the princess’ arms was about to fall down, she swallowed her last breath!
Suddenly, a figure rushed in from the door and quickly ran to the princess’ bed and crouched down!
Li Ke!
With a “pa” sound, Li Ke grabbed her hand heavily and put it on his face.
“I’m back!”
“Ke … Ke!”
‘When the princess said the last two words, a gratified smile finally appeared on her face and she froze forever …’
