Don't be tempted, sir

Seeing that New Year's Eve was approaching, Song Xiaoyuan and Zhao Chongtai had not returned yet, and both families were very anxious. The Song family was still better off because Song Jueming was in the court and would hear some of their words.

Emperor Yan also planned to send people to the Zhao family to express condolences and greetings before the New Year, and the prince volunteered.

"Father, I am willing to go to the Zhao family."

"Is it necessary for you, the prince, to go in person for such a small matter? Don't scare the women and children of the Zhao family and think that something has happened to Deputy General Zhao."

"My son...how could it be..."

"Could it be that the prince has ulterior motives? Who does he want to see?"

Emperor Yan had long known about what happened on the day of returning to the city, and the fact that the prince took care of the Zhao family's daughter on the day of Shen Changqing's funeral, and the palace servants around the prince also told Emperor Yan. Therefore, he deliberately mentioned the matter of going to the Zhao family in front of the prince, teasing him to see how he would react.

"I see that your Majesty cares about your family, so I should do it myself."

Emperor Yan said meaningfully, "Oh? Really?" He then said, "Go ahead! Then go there in person."

Song Xiaoyuan was the most seriously injured, and had a high fever and was unconscious from time to time. The military doctor of Tongzhou said that it would be better to rush to the capital to ask for the imperial physician as soon as possible. Zhao Chongtai was worried all the way. After all, he vowed to protect Mr. Song before he set out, and he never thought that he would not return home for a long time. His wife and children at home were very worried. Although Shen Changjun went home to comfort them from time to time, he was always worried because he did not see any letters or people returning home.

"Young Master, you're awake." A Wu brought some water to Song Xiaoyuan to moisten his mouth.

"Well, where are we?" Song Xiaoyuan's voice sounded a little weak at this moment. He had a fever for several days and it had not subsided.

"We have already reached the border of Huaizhou, and we will be able to enter the capital in less than three days."

"Okay... cough cough cough"

"There are many injured people on this trip, so our carriage is moving slowly, but don't worry, we will be in Beijing by the New Year."

"Is Lord Zhao okay?"

"Lord Zhao is fine. He has been resting in the carriage in front to recover from his injuries. Sir, I received a letter from the capital two days ago."

"Oh? What did you say?"

"It is said that... Second Master Shen died the day before the antidote arrived."

"..."

Song Xiaoyuan was speechless and only felt that the world is unpredictable.

——————Zhao Mansion

When they heard from the servant that the prince had arrived, everyone in the Zhao family came to the door to greet him. In fact, there were not many people, just Madam Zhao, Zhao Qizhu, Zhao Jinmo and the maids and servants around them. Military families have always had few people, and Zhao Jinmo would be old enough to go to the battlefield after the New Year.

Madam Zhao bowed and said, "Your Highness the Crown Prince has come to the Zhao Mansion in person. Thank you, Your Majesty, and the Crown Prince for your concern."

The prince responded politely, "Madam Zhao, what are you talking about?"

Madam Zhao extended her hand and gestured, "Your Highness, please come in."

The prince followed the direction indicated by Madam Zhao and stopped in front of Zhao Qizhu. “But is it Lord Zhao’s daughter?”

Qizhu bowed and said, "Yes, I am Zhao Qizhu, I greet His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. Long live the Crown Prince."

"It was you who threw the plum blossom that day." The prince was afraid that Qizhu would not remember, so he reminded her, "The day we returned to the city."

Qizhu remembered and bowed her head to apologize, "I was reckless that day and threw the flowers at His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. I hope His Royal Highness will forgive me."

"It's okay, I just want to return the flowers to you."

"Give it back to me? But...will the flower still bloom after so many days?"

"The flowers are no longer in bloom, but I found some new ones."

Later, the palace servant said, "Come here, bring me the plum blossoms I just picked in the imperial garden."

Then a palace maid came over with a large bunch of plum blossoms, and the prince spoke again.

"Hey... this is back to you."

Qizhu was a little embarrassed. "Thank you, Your Highness, for still thinking of me."

Afterwards, Qizhu's maid brought the palace maid holding flowers to Qizhu's residence to place plum blossoms.

Mrs. Zhao, who was standing by, thought to herself, "Why would Qizhu throw a plum blossom at the prince?"

Then the group came to the banquet hall.

The prince sat down, drank a sip of tea, and told Madam Zhao why he came this time. He then said, "Although I haven't received the letter, the prefect of Huaizhou reported that they all entered Huaizhou safely. Every time they passed a place, the local prefect would send someone to escort them and report it. Madam Zhao, don't worry, prepare your New Year's affairs and wait patiently for the New Year to come to Beijing."

Madam Zhao was happy but still embarrassed to reply: "It is such a small matter that I have bothered His Royal Highness the Crown Prince to come and tell me. I am really grateful to His Majesty for his concern."

"Father knows that the generals have only women and children left in their families, so he will take better care of them."

"Thank you, Your Majesty"

"After the New Year, Mr. Zhao's son Zhao Jinmo will be old enough to join the camp!"

When Zhao Jinmo heard that he was being mentioned, he quickly put down the tea in his hand and bowed to answer, "Your Highness, I will be seventeen after April this year."

"Well, will you go to the West Camp with your father? If you want to come to the East Camp, I will arrange it for you."

The West Camp was mainly used for fighting outside, while the East Camp was the Imperial Guard. Compared with the West Camp, it was safer and they could go home more often.

When Zhao Jinmo heard this, he quickly replied, "Thank you for your care, Your Highness. I still want to gain some experience with my father in the West Camp first! Then we can make plans."

"Well, since I am young and don't know where food and clothing come from, I should see all kinds of things in the world, so that I can truly relieve the people's worries." The prince suddenly remembered the battle of Tongzhou.

Zhao Jinmo bowed and said "Yes".

"Okay, Lord Zhao's situation has been reported, and the plum blossoms that should be returned have been returned... I'm leaving now."

Zhao Qizhu bowed and said, "Thank you, Your Highness."

Madam Zhao bows and says, "Farewell, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."

The prince looked at Zhao Qizhu, reluctant to look away because it was difficult to see her, but afraid of being too blunt and rude, he came back to his senses and got on the carriage.