My Princess and Crown Prince Are Revived
Chapter 242 Uninvited Guest

Chapter 242: Chapter 242 Uninvited Guest

"Princess, to accompany you and our Royal Ancestress on this pilgrimage is a fortune for Leqin."

Nan Leqin approached the Empress Dowager, speaking to Chu Baihan with a smile brimming on her face.

The fact that Nan Leqin herself had come likely meant that this journey to Yin Mountain indeed harbored a conspiracy.

"Since the journey to Yin Mountain is long, we must set out now; otherwise, traveling at night will not be safe," Chu Baihan said expressionlessly.

The Empress Dowager nodded in agreement, "Yes, it is time to depart."

"However, it seems that General Shi has not yet arrived?" Nan Leqin spoke, feigning hesitation.

Just at that moment, the sound of a mighty troop of horse hooves approached.

Soon, Shi Jing arrived with a company of soldiers.

The sight confirmed they were indeed elite troops.

But, the person following him...

Chu Baihan narrowed her eyes slightly.

Behind Shi Jing was another man, who bore a slight resemblance to Shi Jing.

Yet, when those features were on his face, there was a jarring discomfort, far less handsome than Shi Jing.

Most importantly, his eyes appeared so gloomy and oppressive that they made one feel uneasy.

He was a member of the Shi Family’s collateral line, named Shi Zhouhan.

In recent years, backed by King Xu, the collateral line of the Shi Family had also gained a foothold in the court.

She had previous encounters with Shi Zhouhan during battles.

He was too full of petty schemes, always looking to outshine others, which had nearly compromised the whole army on several occasions, so she eventually stripped him of his position as Deputy General.

Why is he following now?

She distinctly remembered that Shi Jing was also quite disdainful of the Shi Family’s collateral line, and naturally, of this insidiously scheming cousin as well.

As if anticipating Chu Baihan’s doubts, Shi Jing dismounted and quickly explained, "King Xu is concerned about our safety on the road, hence he assigned Shi Zhouhan to accompany us."

If this man has been planted by Uncle King Xu, it complicates matters.

A chill deepened in Chu Baihan’s eyes.

This matter, even Uncle King Xu is had a hand in it – what exactly are they plotting?

The Empress Dowager didn’t share a close relationship with King Xu either.

For she neither supported the Emperor nor King Xu.

Usually, she would just watch the two factions struggle against each other.

But today, when she saw Shi Minghan, she unexpectedly showed a warm smile.

"With General Shi and Vice Minister Shi escorting us, this journey is bound to be smooth," she said.

Vice Minister Shi?

It was then that Chu Baihan remembered that during her visit to Yan Country, the original Vice Minister suddenly died a violent death at home, and the Ministry of Justice couldn’t find any leads.

Later, when the Emperor considered promoting other officials to Vice Minister, without exception, they died under mysterious circumstances.

With no other options, the Emperor had to promote Shi Minghan.

In effect, Uncle King Xu had placed yet another piece on the court’s chessboard.

"This servant pays respect to the Empress Dowager, the Senior Princess, and the Eighth Princess," Shi Minghan also dismounted, then proceeded to greet them.

His manners were impeccable.

Moreover, his conversation seemed to become extraordinarily refined all of a sudden.

Chu Baihan’s eyelids twitched.

What was his actual purpose?

"Since everyone is here, let us depart," the Empress Dowager also spoke eagerly.

She seemed very eager to leave the capital city as soon as possible.

"Brother Shi Jing, it means so much that you came to protect us," Nan Leqin twirled her handkerchief, then shyly addressed Shi Jing.

Shi Jing’s expression was frigid, and without so much as a glance at Nan Leqin, he said directly, "Eighth Princess, it is time for you to leave."

Her attempt at friendliness was ignored, and Nan Leqin was seething with anger inside.

But thinking of her own careful planning...

She clenched her teeth and then forced herself to speak gently again, "Fine, I will go to the carriage first."

Chu Baihan watched their interaction, feeling as if she were watching a play, and found it extremely amusing.

"It seems that General Shi does not quite fancy the role of Prince Consort, does he?"

She said to Shi Jing with profound meaning.

Everyone could see Nan Leqin’s adoration for Shi Jing, clearly not even a blind man would miss it.

Thus, as long as Shi Jing showed even the slightest response, the position of Prince Consort would undoubtedly be his.

"Why does the Princess Residence bother to tease me? I have no romantic feelings towards the Eighth Princess," said Shi Jing expressionlessly.

Upon hearing his words, the mocking smile on Chu Baihan’s face faded a bit.

She said with a slightly cold tone, "General Shi, you made the right choice. The General Residence once fell into decline, but you brought it back up with your own strength. If your parents in heaven could see this, they would surely be consoled. Do not, because of any other matter, destroy all the efforts you have made over the years."

After speaking, she turned and entered her carriage.

She believed that her words would be clear to Shi Jing.

Since ancient times, commoners have regarded marrying into the Imperial Family or being wedded to a Princess as an honor.

But is that really glory?

Shi Jing was a talent, his military acumen unmatched by few.

Yet, if he were to marry Nan Leqin, his life’s achievements would be limited to that of a general.

The aristocratic families of West Chu were already tangled and complicated; such a strong marriage alliance could not be messed up any further.

Even if the Emperor did not interfere, she would intervene.

If Shi Jing had no interest in Nan Leqin, then all would be well.

She and the Emperor need not act against such lovers, and the General Residence would prosper for a long time.

But she hoped that Nan Leqin would not cause trouble.

Inside the carriage, Nan Xing said with a worried look to Chu Baihan, "The Eighth Princess has arrived, and Prince Xu has sent people as well. Princess Residence, what exactly do they want to do?"

"What they want to do? We will know very soon," said Chu Baihan with a cool tone.

Suddenly, she thought of something and asked sternly, "The Princess Residence, is it well guarded?"

Being away from the capital city, she could not be sure if anyone would harm the two little ones, so precautions had to be taken.

"Princess Residence need not worry, Wuji has already made arrangements. Now the Princess Residence is as secure as a fortress, and you’ve also written to the Eastern Palace; they will protect the two young masters as well," Nan Xing quickly replied.

Hearing this, Chu Baihan’s heart eased a little.

After a while, she continued to ask, "What about the arrangements I instructed you to make?"

"Reporting to the Princess, we from the Princess Residence have already dispatched nearly a hundred Hidden Guards and guards to keep watch halfway along the road," replied Nan Xing.

Hearing Nan Xing’s response, Chu Baihan nodded her head.

The Emperor’s Uncle Xu and the Empress Dowager were both extremely ruthless, and preparations had to be made in advance to avoid being completely devoured.

At that moment, Chu Baihan felt a severe pain in her hand.

"Princess? What’s wrong with you? I will go fetch Doctor Tang right away," noticed Nan Xing, her heart filled with concern as she sensed something was amiss with Chu Baihan.

"No need, this is a normal reaction. Wait until we reach the next post station, then call for Tang Zishen," Chu Baihan said softly, shaking her head.

"Yes, Princess."

...

Meanwhile, at the Princess Residence.

"Master, the Princess Consort has left the capital city an hour ago. It seems she does not wish to take us with her," said Ziyi with a resigned tone to Yan Lin.

Yan Lin was turned away from them.

His silhouette, how it appeared, bore a solitary and stalwart air.