Chapter 529: with translation of chapter title
Bai Xiaosheng coldly accused Emperor Longqing and his mother of tormenting him.
He had suffered abuse since childhood, and now he would recall all those past events; it didn't seem like acting but like the real thing, because he was filled with anger, fury, and despair, his body trembling slightly.
Emperor Longqing instead calmed down, staring fixedly at this son who had seemingly appeared out of nowhere.
Bai Xiaosheng said: "I know you are gravely ill; coincidentally, I heard you had recruited divine doctors from all over to help treat your illness. That day I was wandering the streets and almost got beaten to death; it was thanks to Princess Consort of Rui saving me."
Bai Xiaosheng softly laughed, tightly gripping that blood jade pendant in his hand: "Initially, Prince Rui discovered that this jade pendant of mine was an imperial artifact, and had me follow Princess Consort into the palace."
"Besides that, our stronghold abundantly produces medicinal herbs; this time Father was able to recover quickly because Princess Consort of Rui used my blood as a medicine guide, gradually improving your condition."
"Now I also understand that we share a father-son blood relation; if we used someone else's blood, this medicine guide probably wouldn't work."
"I came today not to talk about familial affection with Father; I just want money!"
"My blood can be used by Father as he wishes, but Father must give me money!"
Bai Xiaosheng had said everything he needed to say; afterwards he fell silent.
Empress Dowager Ning'an's face flashed with contempt; she thought to herself, after all he's just a jianghu person, his words are vulgar and uncouth; originally he was just using Gu Jiu Ling's hand to enter the palace to get money.
Emperor Longqing's expression instead softened; this child looks like an honest simpleton at first glance.
After hearing Bai Xiaosheng's words, Emperor Longqing coldly snorted and couldn't help but curse: "Even though you are my bloodline, to be so vulgar and uncouth truly disgraces me!"
As soon as Emperor Longqing uttered those words, whether it was Bai Xiaosheng or Empress Dowager Ning'an sitting nearby, their faces slightly changed.
Although Emperor Longqing had spat out those words, this tone had already regarded Bai Xiaosheng as his son.
Empress Dowager Ning'an, on the other hand, had not many demands regarding these; as long as it didn't touch her interests, she had no objections.
Bai Xiaosheng's mind stirred; he secretly admired Xiao Yin, who had actually analyzed Emperor Longqing's thoughts so precisely.
Indeed, the more forceful and shameless he became, the more Emperor Longqing seemed to rush to play the familial affection card with him.
Bai Xiaosheng stood there motionless; Empress Dowager Ning'an's thoughts stirred—this child looks extremely wild; if not restrained by something, he probably wouldn't stay in the palace.
Since his son now needs his blood as a medicine guide, why not give him an empty title, raise this child in the palace as a medicinal person, and consider it as fulfilling filial duty here.
Gu Jiu Ling waited outside for a while; the eunuch Wang came out and bowed to Gu Jiu Ling, saying: "In reply to Princess Consort, Your Highness will remain in the palace from today onward; Princess Consort, please return to your residence."
Gu Jiu Ling's expression changed slightly; she hadn't expected Bai Xiaosheng to be retained so quickly.
Furthermore, Eunuch Wang addressing Bai Xiaosheng as 'Your Highness' already indicates a ninety percent certainty.
She nodded and said: "Your Highness, this child has a hard fate; I hope Eunuch Wang will help look after him in the palace."
Eunuch Wang smiled and said: "This is what our household ought to do."
Gu Jiu Ling followed the attendant out to the Eastern Si Ma Gate and boarded the palace carriage.
Just as she boarded the carriage, she saw someone already seated inside—none other than Xiao Yin, who had been waiting for a long time.
Gu Jiu Ling fixed her gaze; Xiao Yin was leaning against the carriage wall, eyes slightly closed, hand resting on the sword at his waist.
That gesture gave the impression that he could draw his sword at any moment.
Seeing this, Gu Jiu Ling felt a warmth rise in her heart; she hadn't expected Xiao Yin himself to bring people to block the palace city.
This posture clearly shows preparation; if Gu Jiu Ling were trapped in the palace by Emperor Longqing and Empress Dowager Ning'an, likely Xiao Yin could blood-wash half the palace city.
The sound of Gu Jiu Ling lifting the curtain startled Xiao Yin; his eyes, which had been slightly closed, snapped open, and a murderous aura suddenly surged through his whole body.
Upon making contact with Gu Jiu Ling, Xiao Yin's cold gaze gradually softened with a hint of warmth.
This person probably only shows a trace of humanity and gentleness in front of Gu Jiu Ling.
Seeing Gu Jiu Ling unharmed, Xiao Yin also breathed a sigh of relief.
Tonight, everyone on the streets and alleys outside the palace city are his people; even the Imperial Guard is fully prepared.
Although the preparations aren't yet mature, if Emperor Longqing dares to lay a hand on his woman, he will make Emperor Longqing rot here for the rest of his life.
"Prince, please rest assured, the matter has been settled," Gu Jiu Ling said, smiling at Xiao Yin, and recounted everything that had just happened in the palace.
"Bai Xiaosheng has already been retained in the palace."
"Empress Dowager Ning'an's side also presents little obstruction to this matter; the rest is up to his fate."
"And furthermore…"
Before Gu Jiu Ling could finish speaking, Xiao Yin suddenly grabbed her and pulled her into his embrace.
"Prince?" Gu Jiu Ling exclaimed softly.
Xiao Yin used great force; Gu Jiu Ling could hardly breathe from being pressed.
Her nose touched Xiao Yin's cold, hard chest, causing a sore ache.
Xiao Yin's hand was like an iron clamp; Gu Jiu Ling was gripped so tightly she could hardly breathe, and a hoarse voice came from above his head: "Just this once; if you dare to put yourself in danger again, this king will show no mercy."
Xiao Yin's threatening words would be terrifying to others, but to Gu Jiu Ling they were like a spring drizzle—utterly lacking intimidation, yet rather romantic.
Gu Jiu Ling softly laughed: "Prince, I'm not a fool; I could hardly actually deliver myself into their hands."
"Now they have use for me, so they naturally won't kill me; otherwise how could they have sent Bai Xiaosheng into the palace? Sending you, Prince, would be even less appropriate."
"Sorry," Xiao Yin suddenly sighed.
Gu Jiu Ling was bewildered by Xiao Yin's apology; she quickly lifted her head to look at him: "What do you have to apologize for? We're merely partners in cooperation."
"Partners in cooperation?" Xiao Yin's eyebrows slightly rose; this girl has already borne him two children, yet she still calls it a cooperative relationship.
Gu Jiu Ling didn't realize she had again touched his bottom line; she cautiously retreated, but could not escape Xiao Yin's dominance as he seized her and fiercely kissed her.
The driver Ling Feng's face flickered with embarrassment; he tried to keep the carriage ride as smooth as possible.
The Prince and Princess Consort both have twisted feelings; clearly they love each other to the point of being willing to die.
These days, due to the Crown Prince's suppression, Xiao Yin has again fallen into busyness; he left Gu Jiu Ling at the clinic's entrance and departed with Ling Feng.
Gu Jiu Ling hadn't been to the clinic for consultation in some days; today she had the pharmacy assistant arrange some urgent, critical patients.
After performing a surgery and prescribing over ten medicinal formulas, she was nearly exhausted, hiding in the backyard to rest.
Just as she had taken a sip of tea, the pharmacy assistant hurried in, stood before Gu Jiu Ling, bowed, and reported: "Reporting to Princess Consort, the Crown Prince has arrived!"
End of Chapter
