ATPnovel Chapter 12 Hemorrhage
Chapter 12 Hemorrhage
The setting sun, like blood, stained the majestic imperial city with a solemn golden-red hue.
Xiao Qingkuang stood with his hands behind his back, his black dragon-patterned cloak billowing in the howling wind like a raging fire.
At this moment, his gaze was fixed on the end of the official road, where the dust had not yet risen and the place was empty and desolate. Only a few crows flew over the withered trees, uttering a few hoarse cries, which added to the bleakness.
"Where is Prince Su?"
After a long silence, Xiao Qingkuang finally spoke up and asked.
At the same time, the chief eunuch standing next to Xiao Qingkuang hurriedly stepped forward.
The chief eunuch, hunched over, held a whisk to his arm and spoke in a high-pitched, cautious voice: "Your Majesty, according to the time, Prince Su should be arriving soon... Your Majesty, look! Where the dust rises, you can vaguely see a bright yellow banner embroidered with a golden dragon. That... that could be Prince Su's imperial procession?"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Qingkuang immediately looked in the direction the chief eunuch was pointing.
On the distant horizon, a tiny black dot finally appeared. Accompanied by the dull thud of hooves and the sound of wheels crushing the frozen ground, the dot gradually grew larger, revealing a long line of soldiers.
The banners at the forefront fluttered in the wind, with the "Sun, Moon, Dragon and Phoenix Banner," symbolizing the highest status of a vassal king, being particularly eye-catching.
Under his command were dozens of elite guards, and in the very center of these guards was a four-horse carriage.
"Since Prince Su is almost here, I will wait a little longer!"
Xiao Qingkuang maintained her gaze into the distance, and murmured softly.
The wind picked up a bit more at that moment...
Whether it was because of the wind or something else, the chief eunuch involuntarily shrank his neck.
"Reveal my imperial edict!"
Just as the chief eunuch was lost in thought, suddenly, at that moment, Xiao Qingkuang spoke up and gave him an order.
"Order the Imperial Guards and ceremonial guards to form a line at the city gate, and have the Minister of Rites lead all officials to greet them!"
"I want the whole world to see that it's not just the Empress Dowager who is looking forward to Prince Su; I, too, am eagerly awaiting the return of my own brother!"
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"This servant obeys the decree!" the chief eunuch replied hastily.
As the chief eunuch relayed Emperor Xiao Qingkuang's orders, the imperial guards quickly formed ranks below the city walls.
In an instant, armor clanged and spears flew like a forest!
At the same time, the officials also arrived at the city walls one after another and stood in their positions according to their ranks.
However, even though they were standing in position, the whispers in the shadows never stopped.
"Prince Su has been training in the Western Frontier for quite some time now, hasn't he? The once most favored young prince has now become a powerful regional lord!"
"Shh—keep your voice down! The political situation is turbulent in the court and on the frontier. With Prince Su returning to the capital at this time... some things are likely to be stirred up again!"
"His Majesty himself was waiting for them on the city wall; it seems the brothers have a deep bond..."
"Hmph, the imperial family... I'd like to ask, is the relationship between your eldest son and second son really that good? Even if they occasionally show genuine affection, it's just an act for you, their father! In secret, aren't they each harboring their own ulterior motives..."
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Although these whispers were low, they faintly drifted up to the city wall.
Xiao Qingkuang had excellent hearing and naturally heard everything clearly, but he just smiled faintly and made no comment.
At this moment, the group had already reached the city gate.
Prince Su's carriage slowly came to a stop, and a young general in silver armor dismounted. He was none other than Prince Su's personal bodyguard commander.
He stepped forward, knelt on one knee facing the city gate, and proclaimed loudly, "Prince Xiao Suyue of the Western Frontier has been summoned back to the capital to pay his respects to Your Majesty!"
The voice is loud and has a strong penetrating power.
Xiao Qingkuang nodded slightly and said loudly, "Your Highness has come from afar; you must be tired from your journey! The Empress Dowager has prepared a welcoming banquet in the Hall of Supreme Harmony in the palace to celebrate your arrival!"
Upon hearing Xiao Qingkuang's words, Prince Su, who was still inside the carriage, immediately stepped out and bowed deeply towards the Empress Dowager's sleeping quarters: "Your subject thanks Your Majesty for your great kindness!"
After a slight pause, Prince Su bowed slightly to Emperor Xiao Qingkuang on the city wall: "Your subject also thanks Your Majesty for your great favor!"
"Come up to the city wall, I will enter the palace with you!"
Xiao Qingkuang waved, signaling Prince Su to come up to the city wall, his expression seemingly completely unconcerned about Prince Su's initial arrogance followed by obsequiousness.
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A moment later, a young man dressed in a prince's python robe ascended the city wall with the help of his guards.
The Prince Su, the emperor's younger brother, was handsome and bore a resemblance to Xiao Qingkuang in his features, but also possessed a more resolute and weathered look honed by the harsh winds and sands of the Western Frontier.
He walked up to Xiao Qingkuang, cupped his hands in greeting, and said with neither servility nor arrogance, "Your subject, Xiao Suyue, greets Your Majesty!"
"No need for formalities!" Xiao Qingkuang stepped forward, offered a slight hand support, and then took Xiao Suyue's wrist.
Xiao Qingkuang's fingers were slightly cool, and his strength was just right. He seemed friendly, but in reality, he was testing Prince Su's strength and weakness.
Then, Xiao Qingkuang noticed with some regret that Xiao Suyue's pulse was steady and strong, indicating that his health had remained robust and without any discomfort during his years in the Western Frontier.
"My brother has lost weight and gotten darker. It seems you've endured the hardships of the Western Frontier!"
Xiao Qingkuang calmly lowered his probing finger, his tone filled with genuine concern and emotion.
Xiao Suyue smiled slightly, bowing as if he knew nothing, and said, "Although the Western Frontier is harsh, it is my fiefdom, and even more so, my home... To defend Your Majesty's territory and bring peace to Your Majesty's people, I am happy to do so!"
"What a delightful surprise!" Xiao Qingkuang laughed heartily, patting Xiao Suyue's shoulder forcefully. "I knew I hadn't misjudged you! Come on, today you and I, brothers, will drink until we're both drunk!"
The two walked down the city wall side by side, with a long ceremonial guard and officials watching behind them.
The afterglow of the setting sun cast long shadows of them, their shadows intertwined yet seemingly separated by an invisible chasm...
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Meanwhile, deep within the palace grounds, the ambergris emanating from the golden beast-shaped incense burner swirled like mist, enveloping the vast Hall of Supreme Harmony in an atmosphere of extravagance.
One could see that the mutton-fat jade lamps hung high under the beams, illuminating the gilded and painted screens with a dazzling light.
At this moment, the Empress Dowager was sitting upright on a rosewood phoenix chair, her fingertips gently caressing the string of warm and smooth pearl prayer beads in her hand.
"Zhong'er!" The Empress Dowager suddenly spoke, her voice coming through the fragrant mist, carrying a hint of languor, yet inadvertently revealing a touch of majesty. "I ask you, is there any of the 'Thousand-Day Intoxication' that the late Emperor bestowed upon you still remaining?"
Huo Zhong, who was checking the banquet menu with his head down, paused slightly upon hearing this.
He looked up, and a complex expression instantly appeared on his face, which had been slightly relaxed after reconciling with his aunt—undoubtedly, it was the pain of impending financial ruin!