After Marrying the Disabled, I Became the Prime Minister’s Wife

Chapter 429

The two wrinkled babies were pitifully thin and small, yet their little chests were rising and falling slightly. They were actually still breathing!

Qin Yiru hurried over to examine them, shaking his head with a long sigh. "Alas, they are alive, but they were born far too premature. Their internal organs haven't fully developed. Even if they are breathing now, I'm afraid that in a little while..."

His words once again suspended Yan Zheng's heart in suspense.

At this moment, Yun Lang and the female relatives could wait no longer outside and barged in. Seeing the scene, they were all stunned.

Chu Jing asked, "Your Majesty, the Empress..."

"Miaomiao is fine." Yun Lang stared for a moment and suddenly smiled. "Your Emperor is perfectly fine and hasn't gone mad, which means Miaomiao is safe. I'm right, aren't I?"

The crowd blanked for a moment, and Yan Zheng nodded. "That's right, but it's hard to say for these two children."

Yun Lang's brows raised slightly. Hearing the old master repeat his diagnosis, he saw that this fearless old divine physician was unusually frowning in distress. "Alas, I've saved countless lives, but this is my first time seeing such premature babies. I cannot cure them, I cannot..."

He waved his hand as he spoke. The tension that had just relaxed because of the Empress's safety instantly tightened again.

Yun Lang gazed at his two little nephews for a while and suddenly asked, "Where is Aunt Luo?"

Qin Yiru paused and then realized, "Right, right! Quickly bring those Gu poison practitioners from Western Xinjiang over, they might have a way!"

The palace servants immediately went to invite her.

Before long, Aunt Luo came in. Hearing the situation, she was dismissive. "What's there to fear about a little over six months? In the early years of Western Xinjiang, there were babies who survived at exactly six months, as long as..."

Before she could finish her words, she saw the two little sparrows in the swaddling clothes and was stunned. "Why are they boys? And two of them?"

Everyone was dumbfounded. The midwife instinctively said, "Isn't it good to have boys? This is a joyous occasion!"

Which noble matriarch wouldn't be proud of giving birth to sons? Why did this old woman sound so disgusted?

The corner of Yun Lang's mouth twitched slightly as he supported his forehead. "Western Xinjiang respects women, especially with these Gu poisons and witchcraft, which can only be learned by the royal daughters..."

Everyone suddenly understood; it turned out she valued girls over boys...

Yun Lang continued, "Alright, let's not talk about this for now. Aunt Luo, what is the method you mentioned to save them?"

Aunt Luo curled her lips in dissatisfaction, her attitude no longer as enthusiastic as before. "A senior expert in Western Xinjiang once passed down a box. As long as a premature infant is placed inside, there is an eighty or ninety percent chance of survival. However, this box was lost during the turmoil over ten years ago..."

"What? Doesn't that mean we still have nothing?" Chu Jing cried out. Aunt Luo replied, "Not necessarily. After that turmoil, in order for the Princess to recover, the son-in-law arranged Mount Mei to look like the royal court of Western Xinjiang and retrieved the scattered items one by one. Perhaps the box is among them!"

The son-in-law she spoke of was the biological father of the Yun siblings, the Regent.

Yun Lang narrowed his eyes slightly and his face darkened. Chu Jing said, "Then what are we waiting for? Quickly send the little princes to Mount Mei!"

The palace was dead silent, and everyone looked at Yun Lang.

After all, he was the only one who could find Mount Mei...

Yan Zheng recalled Ayan telling him that this second brother hated his biological father to the core because of the past. His eyes flickered. "If you don't want to go, I won't force you. Just tell us the location of Mount Mei."

Hearing this, Yun Lang sneered. "So what if I tell you? It's covered in miasma, Gu poison, and traps. Can you even get up there?" After saying that, he gritted his teeth, as if making up his mind. "Forget it, to save my two little nephews, I will make this trip!"

After speaking, he gathered the two swaddled babies into his arms.

Yan Zheng said, "Wait!"

Yun Lang turned back to look at him, only to hear the Emperor say word by word, "It is best if the children can be saved. But if they cannot, I hope this news will never reach Ayan's ears."

Yun Lang instantly understood his meaning. "Are you saying we temporarily keep it from Miaomiao that the children are still alive?"

Yan Zheng nodded. Yun Lang tilted his head to look at the woman on the bed, his slender brows knitting together. "Alright, I promise you!"

After saying that, he swept out like the wind, leaving Qin Yiru shouting after him. "Wait! The injury on your left arm hasn't healed yet. I'll go with you!"

In the blink of an eye, the two disappeared from sight.

Yan Zheng slowly scanned the room. "My words were not just for Yun Lang. Do the rest of you understand as well?"

Everyone present answered in unison, except Chu Jing, who said, "Your Majesty, but if we hide it from Her Grace and let her think both children are dead, she will surely be heartbroken..."

Yan Zheng raised his hand to interrupt her. "She will only be heartbroken for a while. But if she knows the children are still alive, and Mount Mei cannot save them, experiencing hope and then losing them again will only hurt her more!"

The Emperor's face was extremely cold and stern, clearly leaving no room for negotiation.

Chu Jing looked worriedly at her niece on the bed and had no choice but to bow and comply.

At this moment, a soft moan came from the bed; Chu Ruoyan had woken up.

Yan Zheng immediately dropped his cold expression, softened his brows, and asked gently, "Ayan, you're awake. How do you feel?"

The young lady blinked and smiled weakly. "I'm alright... just very exhausted." As she spoke, she looked towards the outside but couldn't see the swaddling clothes and the babies. Panic seized her heart.

Knowing what she was looking for, Yan Zheng said, "I have already ordered them to be taken away, so you won't be saddened by the sight."

Chu Ruoyan let out a whimper, tears slipping from the corners of her eyes. "I knew it... It's my fault, I failed them!"

The Emperor tightly held her hand and gave a look to the people behind him. Knowing their place, everyone tactfully withdrew.

Just like that, Yan Zheng stayed by her side for five days.

Aside from not attending court, all the memorials from the imperial study were moved over. Even his audiences with ministers took place outside the Cold Palace, absolutely refusing to let the Empress move an inch.

By the sixth day, Chu Ruoyan finally couldn't bear it anymore and urged him to attend court.

The Emperor looked back every three steps, finally saying, "Alright, Ayan, get some good rest first. I've summoned your aunt and third sister into the palace to keep you company."

Chu Ruoyan was slightly taken aback and softly agreed.

Not long after, Chu Jing brought Chu Ruolan, and they were accompanied by a nun dressed in monastic robes.

"Cousin?"

Seeing the newcomer clearly, Chu Ruoyan was both surprised and delighted. Ever since Xue Ling entered the nunnery, no matter how much Chu Jing persuaded her, she refused to return. She never expected her to break her rule this time...

Xue Ling brought her palms together and chanted the name of Buddha. "Your Grace, the Buddha says all conditioned phenomena are like a dream, an illusion, a bubble, a shadow. When I was in the secular world, I also suffered agonizing pain because of this. But after seeking refuge in the Buddha, I realized that every cause and effect, every sip and bite, is predestined. I urge Your Grace to restrain your grief and accept the inevitable, and not harm your body further."

Chu Ruoyan knew she was consoling her, yet she still smiled bitterly in sorrow. "I know, I know all of this. That day when I asked the old divine physician to induce labor, I had already prepared myself. It's just that whenever I think about how they didn't even open their eyes or get a chance to see this world before leaving, my heart just..."

Her voice choked with sobs, unable to continue. Chu Ruolan hurriedly ran up and said, "Eldest Sister, don't think too much anymore! Let me tell you some good news, Father has already found Second Sister!"

Chu Ruoyan was stunned. "Really?"

"Yes! Father also passed on your message to Second Sister. He said she has already set off and should be back in a few days!"

Chu Ruoyan nodded. "It's good that she's coming back. When the time comes..."

As long as they found the old divine doctor to pass the news of the Prince of Qin to her second sister, it could be considered as fulfilling their wishes.

Speaking of this, she remembered something and looked up to ask, "By the way, Nanny Zhou, where is my second brother? Since I woke up, I don't think I've seen him."

Chu Jing's eyelids twitched, and she hurriedly said, "Your Highness, I heard from the Master that Pavilion Master Lang has returned to the Western Frontier. He probably wanted to escort your eldest brother back."

At ​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌​‍the mention of Yun Zhao, Chu Ruoyan's heart twinged with another bout of pain.

First her eldest brother, then her beloved son. Why was Heaven so cruel?

She suddenly remembered the note Liaokong had handed her—

The closest of kin, the furthest of strangers.

So this was what it meant!

"Aunt, I truly feel terrible. In a few days, could I ask Cousin to accompany me to the Huguo Temple to offer incense for them?"

Before Chu Jing could speak, a voice came from outside the hall: "Alright."

Looking up, it was surprisingly Yan Zheng who had returned.

Chu Ruoyan was surprised. "The morning court ended so quickly?"

He had only been gone for less than half an hour, hadn't he?

The Emperor cast a light glance at Chu Jing. "With Uncle as the Chief Minister, there is no need for me to worry. If you want to go to the Huguo Temple, then I will accompany you."

Chu Ruoyan shook her head. "The great rebellion has just been quelled. Yun Zihao and the remaining rebel factions of the Prince of Jin's lineage all require your personal attention. Yan Zheng, rest assured, I am fine. I just want to offer some incense and seek some peace of mind."

The Emperor did not force the issue, only looking at Chu Jing. "Then I will have to trouble Aunt and Cousin to accompany Ayan."

Chu Jing quickly curtsied. "I will obey Your Majesty's command."

Xue Ling also pressed her palms together in a bow. Looking at this Emperor who was so meticulously caring towards the Empress, her gaze flickered, her thoughts unknown.

Upon leaving the Cold Palace, a young eunuch guided the way for them.

Chu Jing went ahead first to arrange matters along the route.

Chu Ruolan secretly glanced at her cousin and was about to say something when suddenly a few giggles came from the side.

"Tsk, what a pretty nun!"

"It's really a pity for someone with such a figure to become a monastic!"

"Exactly, even that black robe can't hide her beauty. She'd be better off serving us brothers..."

Chu Ruolan's face darkened as she turned around. "Insolent! Where do you bastards come from, spouting nonsense here!"

Although those guards did not recognize Chu Ruolan, seeing her attire, they knew she was a noble lady and quickly shut their mouths.

Xue Ling said, "Alright, let's go."

"But they—"

"It is merely a sin of the tongue. My Buddha is merciful, and this poor nun will not take it to heart."

Chu Ruolan stared blankly at this cousin. In the past, she was clearly not like this.

If she had encountered a situation like today's, she would have definitely slapped them a few times to vent her anger, but now she was like a pool of stagnant water, unable to be stirred into ripples...

At this moment, an authoritative voice rang out: "What is going on?"

The guards hurriedly bowed. "Greetings, Commander Xie!"

Chu Ruolan's eyelids twitched, and she turned her head to look, only to see a ripple appear in the depths of Xue Ling's eyes before she quickly lowered her head, burying it without a trace.

"Commander Xie, it's these bastards running their mouths, teasing my cou... teasing this Master!"

Xie Zhizhou shouted coldly, "Are you not going to quickly apologize to the Master?"

The guards hastily complied, and Xie Zhizhou added, "Go down and stand in the horse stance for another two hours to improve your memories!"

"Yes, yes!"

The guards all knew that Commander Xie's wife had run away, and he had poured his heart into his official duties, becoming extremely strict.

Being able to just stand in the horse stance for two hours was already exceptionally lenient.

Just as they were about to take their leave, a low growl suddenly came from behind: "Ling'er?!"

Immediately after, someone received a kick to the backside. Xie Zhizhou exploded in anger, "Drag them away and give them ten strikes with the rod to improve their memories!"

The guards: "!!!"

After the men were taken away, Chu Ruolan stuck her tongue out at Xue Ling and also slipped away.

Outside the palace walls stood only the two who were once husband and wife.

Xie Zhizhou looked at the figure that haunted his dreams, a thousand words stuck in his throat. He rubbed his hands uneasily and finally asked, "Are... are you doing well?"

Xue Ling said calmly, "Benefactor Xie overstates it. This poor nun now serves the Lord Buddha, how could I not be well?"

Hearing the address Benefactor Xie, Xie Zhizhou only felt a dull ache in his chest. Looking at her serene face, it took him a long time to squeeze out a sentence: "I misspoke. Ling... Master Xue, the nunnery is bitter and cold, you... you must take good care of yourself."

Xue Ling brought her palms together and said, "Amitabha. Thank you, Benefactor Xie, for the reminder."

With that said, she stepped forward to leave past him.

When a wisp of her fragrant hair brushed past his nose, the man could no longer bear it and grabbed her hand. "Ling'er! Can you truly not give me one more chance?"

Xue Ling's body trembled. She struggled twice but could not break free, so she gritted her teeth. "Let go!"

Xie Zhizhou refused to give up, staring at her stubbornly. Xue Ling's serene mask finally cracked, and she let out a bitter laugh. "Zhizhou, there is a human life standing between us. We cannot go back!"

Xie Zhizhou looked as if he had been punched in the face, staggering as he let go.

Xue Ling cast an unbearable glance at him and walked away quickly.

After she left, the man slammed his fist heavily against the wall, letting out a low, agonized growl.

Xue Ling also closed her eyes, a tear sliding from the corner of her eye.

Not far away, Chu Ruolan saw this and ran over in surprise. "Cousin, why didn't Commander Xie escort you?"

Xue Ling gave her a deep look. "Benefactor Chu, the matters between this poor nun and Benefactor Xie are already in the past. You don't need to waste any more thought on it."

Chu Ruolan's small face flushed red. "You... you saw through it? But Cousin, Lord Xie has always had you in his heart, and you have him in yours. Why must you mutually torment each other? Can't you just talk things out and reconcile?"

A trace of bitterness flashed through Xue Ling's eyes. She turned around and took one last look at the high walls of the deep palace.

"This poor nun will not set foot in this place again. Let's go."

A month later, Chu Ruoyan went to the Huguo Temple accompanied by Chu Jing and Xue Ling.

The Buddha statues in the temple were solemn and majestic. She knelt alone in the Great Hero Hall for a long time, until dark, before walking out with the support of Nanny Zhou.

"Your Highness, look, who is that?"

Chu Ruoyan looked in the direction Chu Jing was pointing. White beard and white hair, holding a Zen staff, it was unexpectedly Liaokong who had returned.

She stepped forward and bowed. "Master Liaokong."

Liaokong hastily returned the bow. "Benefactor Yun is too polite. If it weren't for the Benefactor's enlightenment that day, this old monk would still be trapped in confusion without awakening. Today, hearing that Benefactor Yun's phoenix carriage had arrived, I specially came to offer Benefactor Yun another word."

Chu Ruoyan remembered his previous prophecy of the closest of kin, the furthest of strangers, and felt a sharp pain in her heart. "There's no need. The will of Heaven is like a blade, unavoidable. I will not trouble the Master."

Liaokong opened his mouth, just about to speak, when Yulu suddenly trotted in. "Your Highness, a message from the palace! Empress Pei has woken up and wishes to see you!"