ushernet Chapter 121 Worried about Fan Junyu
Chapter 121 Worried about Fan Junyu
Listening to her son's methodical analysis, Madam Yang nodded slightly in agreement. Her shrewd eyes gleamed with thoughtful consideration, and after a moment's pause, she slowly said, "Tian'er, what you said makes a lot of sense. At first, I was a little worried, but after your explanation, it's like seeing a ray of light in the darkness."
After gaining his mother's approval, a barely perceptible glint of pride flashed in Yang Tian's eyes. Then, mother and son exchanged a knowing smile and began a meticulously planned and meticulously orchestrated scheme. They huddled together, whispering and discussing details, their faces lighting up with joy at the brilliant idea that sparked their conversation.
Just as the mother and son finished their discussion, a series of hurried and urgent footsteps suddenly came from outside the door, breaking the peaceful atmosphere. It turned out that the visitor was Yang Cheng! He had returned to discuss the specifics of his apology with Madam Yang.
Upon hearing the noise, Madam Yang stood up swiftly without hesitation. Her movements were exceptionally efficient, as if she had been prepared for this moment. Then, she methodically began directing the servants to meticulously inventory and organize the carefully prepared apology gifts. The precious gifts were dazzling and filled the entire room.
Before long, all the items had been accurately counted and neatly arranged. Once everything was ready, the gifts were carefully loaded onto the carriage. Madam Yang then personally led a well-trained entourage, marching swiftly and aggressively towards the Grand Tutor's residence.
Meanwhile, far away in the Dali Temple, Fan Junyu was completely unaware of this matter. He was currently immersed in his busy official duties, with mountains of documents and cases requiring his full attention. He focused intently on reading each document, carefully considering the details and issues, completely oblivious to the fact that deep within the distant imperial palace, the Yu Ning Palace had descended into utter chaos…
Within the magnificent and splendid Yu Ning Palace, exquisite carved beams and painted rafters, along with dazzling gold and jade, created an atmosphere of opulent luxury that was mesmerizing. At this moment, Lan'er stood carefully behind He Mingning, gently extending her hands, holding a delicate peach wood comb, and slowly combing He Mingning's silky smooth hair. Every movement was so light and delicate, as if afraid of hurting the noble princess before her.
Just then, a series of hurried footsteps approached from afar, like a sudden gust of wind. Immediately afterward, a figure rushed into the room like the wind. It was Cui'er, panting heavily, as if she had just been in a fierce chase. Between gasps for breath, she cried out anxiously, "Princess, something terrible has happened! I just heard Eunuch Chen say that Vice Minister Yang of the Ministry of War is complaining to the Emperor in court, and he's complaining about Lord Fan!"
Upon hearing this, He Mingning's heart skipped a beat, and she nearly dropped the hairpin she was holding. Her eyes widened in disbelief as she asked, "What? What happened?" Seeing the princess's panicked state, Lan'er also looked puzzled and quickly pressed Cui'er, "Yes, tell us quickly what happened?"
Cui'er took a few deep breaths, trying to calm her breathing a little, before continuing, "I don't know the specifics either. I just happened to pass by the Imperial Study and overheard Eunuch Chen and a few other eunuchs whispering that Vice Minister Yang of the Ministry of War was angrily reporting to the Emperor, and his words were quite vehement."
He Mingning stared intently at Cui'er, his eyes filled with worry, and pressed her again, "Have you heard what caused their argument?" Cui'er tilted her head and thought for a moment before replying, "Well... I vaguely heard that it was because Yang Shilang's son was severely beaten by Lord Fan for some reason. Yang Shilang was furious and went to the Emperor to demand that Lord Fan be severely punished and that justice be served for his son!"
Upon hearing this, He Mingning's delicate face instantly darkened, her brows furrowing tightly as she muttered to herself, "This is truly terrible! It must be a consequence of yesterday's events." Hearing this, the nearby nanny, Li, felt a pang of anxiety and quickly asked, "Does Your Highness know the reason for this?" He Mingning nodded slightly, her lips parting slightly as she replied, "Yes, yesterday, when Young Master Fan was escorting me back to the palace, we unfortunately encountered the son of Vice Minister Yang. That dissolute young master was extremely rude, daring to harass me in the street. Young Master Fan, naturally, could not tolerate this and immediately gave him a severe beating."
Lan'er, standing to the side, listened to this account but curled her lip in disapproval, saying, "Since it's to protect you, Princess, why worry about this?" However, He Mingning's face was full of worry as she sighed anxiously, "This Minister Yang is Consort Ning's own brother, a true member of the imperial family. Although Father hasn't visited Consort Ning's palace in a long time, so he's not afraid of her whispering in his ear, He Mingwen still has to attend court every day. If he takes this opportunity to exaggerate and spread rumors, given his status as a prince, what if Father believes his slander? Wouldn't Young Master Fan suffer injustice and be wronged for no reason? Young Master Fan got into this trouble because he saved me; I absolutely cannot stand by and watch him suffer! No, I have to go and see."
After saying that, He Mingning's figure flashed, like a light butterfly dancing, his toes lightly touching the ground, and he instantly transformed into a stream of light, rushing towards the solemn and magnificent Qianqing Palace.
Upon witnessing this scene, Granny Li's heart skipped a beat, her face turning deathly pale, a chill running down her spine to her head. Without a second thought, she hurriedly lifted her foot, trying to catch up with He Mingning's swift, wind-like figure as quickly as possible. But time is merciless; she was already old and frail, and each step felt like carrying a heavy burden, appearing exceptionally slow and labored.
Even so, Granny Li gritted her teeth and used all her strength to desperately chase after He Mingning. But before long, He Mingning vanished without a trace in the blink of an eye, like an unstoppable arrow released from a bow, leaving only a blurry afterimage in Granny Li's sight. Watching that receding figure until it disappeared completely, Granny Li could only stop helplessly, placing her hands on her knees and panting heavily. At that moment, she felt as if her heart was about to jump out of her throat, her breathing became extremely rapid, and even her forehead was covered with a fine layer of sweat.
After regaining her composure slightly, Granny Li straightened up with difficulty and turned to look at Lan'er, who stood behind her with an equally anxious expression. Her gaze was firm and urgent as she said to Lan'er, "Lan'er, hurry and catch up with the princess! We mustn't let anything happen to her!" Upon hearing Granny Li's command, Lan'er didn't hesitate for a moment, immediately replying, "Yes!" Then, without hesitation, she turned and ran off in the direction He Mingning had gone. Lan'er's petite figure moved like a nimble deer, weaving freely through the crowd, and soon disappeared around the corner.
Lan'er frantically pushed off with her legs, chasing after him as if her feet were on the wind, while shouting at the top of her lungs, "Princess, slow down! Wait for me!" Her voice echoed in the air, but it did nothing to stop the figure running ahead.
At this moment, He Mingning had only one thought in her mind—to get to Qianqing Palace as quickly as possible. Her gaze was fixed on the road ahead, and she had no time to pay attention to Lan'er calling out behind her. She moved as nimbly as a light deer, running forward without looking back, while casually replying, "You don't need to follow me. I will handle everything myself. You can go back now!" Before she finished speaking, her pace quickened, like a gust of wind, instantly widening the distance between them.
Lan'er watched the princess's retreating figure, which sped away like a rabbit, her heart filled with anxiety. She knew the matter was of utmost importance; if the princess were allowed to continue alone, the consequences of any unforeseen events would be unimaginable. Thinking this, she gritted her teeth, as if using the last ounce of strength in her body, and exerted all her remaining effort to catch up.
Every step she took was a tremendous challenge, the road beneath her feet seeming endlessly long and arduous. Yet, she held only one unwavering belief in her heart—she must catch up with the princess! Sweat streamed down her forehead, soaking her hair; her legs felt as heavy as lead, each lift requiring immense effort; her breathing grew increasingly rapid, like the whooshing of bellows.
But no matter how difficult the situation, she never stopped, nor did she ever think of giving up. She told herself that if she just persevered a little longer, she would get closer to the princess.
Finally, perseverance paid off. After a nightmarish and arduous chase, Lan'er finally spotted the familiar figure ahead. Without a second thought, she mustered her last strength and lunged forward, grabbing He Mingning's sleeve with both hands as if she were a drowning person grasping at a straw.
Lan'er was exhausted from running for so long that she was panting heavily and out of breath. Her mouth was wide open, her chest heaving violently, as if she were about to suffocate. Large beads of sweat rolled down her forehead like raindrops, wetting her cheeks and neck. She looked as if she had just been pulled from the water, her entire body soaked.
Despite her exhaustion and the pain of panting, Lan'er spoke haltingly in a trembling voice, "Princess...Princess, please...please slow down! What if you fall while running so fast? You are of noble birth; if anything were to happen to you, how could I face Your Highness?"
Lan'er's disordered breathing gradually calmed down. Seeing this, He Mingning hurriedly said, "Lan'er, we have to hurry! I've been so worried. I'm afraid that if we're late, Young Master Fan might encounter some misfortune and suffer a great loss!" As she spoke, her brows furrowed tightly, and her face was full of worry.
Upon hearing this, Lan'er smiled slightly and gently comforted her, "My dear princess, have you forgotten about this matter? Lord Fan is known for his intelligence, wisdom, and resourcefulness! Moreover, he has been the governor for three whole years and has handled so many thorny issues. How could he be so easily outmaneuvered and suffer such a great loss?"
However, He Mingning's heart was already pounding like a cat on a hot tin roof, filled with anxiety. She stamped her feet and shouted, "Of course I know these things, but if I can't see for myself and make sure Young Master Fan is safe and sound, I won't be able to calm down! Stop dawdling, let's hurry up and get going!" Before she finished speaking, she grabbed Lan'er's hand and ran forward like the wind.
Before long, the two arrived at the magnificent and solemn Qianqing Palace. After He Mingning stopped, her eyes anxiously scanned the empty palace, and she muttered to herself involuntarily, "Is it really too late? Could it be that Young Master Fan has been imprisoned by my father?" As she spoke, her brows furrowed, and her face revealed deep worry and unease.
Lan'er, standing nearby, took in the princess's disappointed and dejected expression, and her heart sank into a deep anxiety. She racked her brains for words to comfort her mistress when, out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of a familiar figure beside the emperor—the chief eunuch, Liu Quan. As if grasping at a straw, Lan'er quickly whispered to He Mingning, "Princess, look! Isn't that Eunuch Liu over there? Let's hurry over and ask him! He must know where Lord Fan is."
Upon hearing this, He Mingning quickly turned her head in the direction Lan'er pointed and immediately saw Eunuch Liu's slightly hunched figure. Instantly, her heavy mood lightened considerably, and she let out a long sigh before saying, "Yes, he was by Father's side the whole time during court this morning. He must know something about Lord Fan's whereabouts." Before she finished speaking, He Mingning strode quickly towards Eunuch Liu's location without hesitation.
Meanwhile, Eunuch Liu, seeing He Mingning approaching from afar, quickly straightened his clothes, preparing to respectfully bow and pay his respects to the princess. However, before he could even move, the anxious He Mingning hurriedly interrupted him: "Eunuch Liu, don't rush to bow! Let me ask you something, have you seen which direction Lord Fan went?" As she spoke, He Mingning's beautiful eyes were fixed on Eunuch Liu, her gaze filled with anticipation and anxiety.