Chuntao's voice was heard outside the door.

"Miss, someone has come from the palace. It's Eunuch Chang Xi himself. He wants to invite you to the palace again."

He entered the palace twice in one day, and both times he was personally invited by Chang Xi, the chief eunuch beside Emperor Shunqing. This was the first time in the entire Kyoto.

Shen Nanzhi estimated that it was either related to Xiao Shihua's case today, and she was summoned for questioning, or it was related to Xiao Chuyun who had just returned from Yuzhou.

No matter which one it is, there is no time to delay.

Shen Nanzhi responded, then turned to look at Zhou Jinxuan: "Sister Zhou, I'll go to the palace first, and we can talk slowly when we come back."

Zhou Jinxuan nodded: "Okay, you go ahead and do your work, it's okay here."

After saying that, she couldn't help but remind him, "I'm afraid that the emperor will ask about what happened today. If there is anything wrong, just push it to me. It's okay. Be careful."

Hearing this, Shen Nanzhi smiled slightly: "Don't worry, I will be fine. Sister Zhou, don't worry about me. Just rest assured and recover here with me."

Seeing Zhou Jinxuan nodded in agreement, Shen Nanzhi turned around and left, heading straight for the front yard.

Eunuch Chang Xi has been waiting for a while.

It was getting dark outside.

It was still morning when Shen Nanzhi first entered the palace. She had been spending most of the day in the teahouse with Xiao Shihua. When she came back, she had not even had a drink of water before she had to rush back to the palace.

When the shrewd eunuch Chang Xi saw Shen Nanzhi, he bowed and said, "Miss Shen has worked hard today and should have had a good rest. It was my servant who came here suddenly. Please forgive me, Miss Shen. It's just that the emperor is in a hurry..."

Shen Nanzhi waved her hand: "Eunuch Chang Xi is also following orders, it's his duty."

However, despite saying so, Eunuch Chang Xi was still afraid that Shen Nanzhi would be starving, so he had some fruits and cakes prepared for Shen Nanzhi in the carriage.

But Shen Nanzhi's heart was now in the palace, and she had no appetite at all.

After hurrying all the way, he finally arrived at the jade steps outside the imperial study, where he ran into the eldest prince who had just come out.

Xiao Huaimin nodded to Shen Nanzhi from a distance and gave her a reassuring look.

Although the evidence in Xiao Shihua's case was solid and indisputable, he was once the favorite son of Emperor Shunqing after all. Shen Nanzhi had been afraid that Emperor Shunqing would vent his anger on them because of this.

The moment she met Xiao Huaimin's eyes, Shen Nanzhi's originally tense heart finally eased a little.

At least, Xiao Shihua’s death can be put aside.

Emperor Shunqing called her over, probably because of Xiao Chuyun.

Shen Nanzhi also nodded to Xiao Huaimin and said silently with her mouth: Sister Zhou is awake.

Seeing this, Xiao Huaimin clasped his fists towards Shen Nanzhi in gratitude, and then passed by her.

When they arrived outside the hall, perhaps with the order of Emperor Shunqing, Eunuch Chang Xi brought Shen Nanzhi in directly without even waiting for the order.

As soon as Shen Nanzhi stepped over the threshold, he felt a wave of warmth coming towards him.

Summer is almost here, and in recent weather, ordinary people only need to wear a thin gauze. Unexpectedly, there is a floor heating in the imperial study.

The imperial guards at the door were so hot that the brims of their hats were wet with sweat and beads of sweat kept coming out of their cheeks.

As soon as he entered the door, the heat made Shen Nanzhi, who was always afraid of cold, feel a little uncomfortable.

Shen Nanzhi thought that Emperor Shunqing had caught a cold and was afraid of the cold, but when she entered the inner room, she saw Emperor Shunqing sitting in front of a half-open window enjoying the cool breeze from outside. He was wearing very thin clothes and was sweating like the imperial guards.

In contrast, Xiao Chuyun, who was sitting on a bamboo chair next to him, was wearing a black quilted brocade robe and a thick fox fur cloak on the outside.

Even so, there was not a single bead of sweat on his body. On the contrary, his thin lips were tightly pursed and his face was as pale as paper. His originally handsome face now looked like a jade carving, and just looking at it made people feel cold.

Xiao Chuyun's cold comes back again?

Calculating the time, there is still at least a month left, it shouldn’t be that fast.

But his condition now is more serious than when Shen Nanzhi saw him suffering from a cold attack in the carriage.

Was it because he gave her the heart-protecting icy spirit that caused his cold disease to get worse?

As soon as this thought flashed through his mind, Shen Nanzhi's heart felt as if it was suddenly clenched by someone's hand, and his heart ached terribly.

However, considering the burning earth dragon in the room, Shen Nanzhi couldn't help but be secretly surprised - this earth dragon was actually burned for Xiao Chuyun!

But, how is it possible!

Emperor Shunqing was extremely biased. He didn't care about Xiao Chuyun's life or death at all, and he would not endure the sweating heat in order to relieve his pain from the cold poison.

This is totally unlike Emperor Shunqing's style.

Could it be that he has other purposes?

Shen Nanzhi couldn't think of it for a moment, but she still didn't show it on her face. She just glanced at him and quickly lowered her eyes, bowing her head to greet him: "Your servant greets the emperor and the prince."

Emperor Shunqing, who was originally sitting by the window, finally turned his head, not knowing what he was thinking.

"No gift."

In less than half a month, Emperor Shunqing had lost a lot of weight, and his eye sockets were deeply sunken. He was not much better than his aunt when she first learned that Shen Changan was in trouble.

But those eyes were exceptionally sharp.

His eyes fell on the top of Shen Nanzhi's head, and he said as gently as possible: "Today's matter is all thanks to you."

Not only his appearance, but even his voice seemed much older.

Shen Nanzhi bowed quickly and said, "The incident happened suddenly and I was unable to save the Second Prince. I hope Your Majesty will forgive me."

If Xiao Shihua had done what anyone else did today, he would surely have died. However, as one of the few adult princes left by Emperor Shunqing, even if the matter was concluded, Emperor Shunqing would protect him. At most, he would have lost his chance of becoming the emperor, but he would not have lost his life.

The emperor who breaks the law is subject to the same punishment as the common people. This has always been just empty talk used by those in power to win over the hearts of the people.

Even though Xiao Shihua committed a huge mistake, he died in such a confused manner. Emperor Shunqing could not help but feel angry. In addition, the news of Xiao Qian'an's death had just been passed on. Two beloved sons died in one day. Anyone would be furious.

So, even if he was right, Shen Nanzhi still showed weakness as soon as they met.

Hearing this, Emperor Shunqing waved his hand and said in a cold tone: "I have already investigated the matter of the second son, so you can't be blamed."

As he spoke, he sighed heavily, and then slowly said, "It's all the second brother's fault. If he hadn't gotten the news that the seventh brother was in trouble and couldn't sit still, he wouldn't have made such a big mistake and almost got you and the eldest brother involved. If it weren't for you, I don't know how to clean up this situation. Not only do I not blame you, I should reward you."

Hearing this, Shen Nanzhi quickly declined, saying, "Your Majesty has already given me and the Shen family a great deal of honor by not caring about my recklessness. How dare I ask for a reward?"

This was just Shen Nanzhi's polite words. Unexpectedly, Emperor Shunqing continued: "I was right about you. You are a good child."

Just like that, he lightly revealed the reward that was about to be given to Shen Nanzhi.

It can be seen that Shen Nanzhi's guess was correct. He was indeed dissatisfied with Shen Nanzhi because of this incident, but he could not show it due to the overall situation. The so-called reward was just lip service and was not given sincerely.

Fortunately, Shen Nanzhi declined politely, otherwise who knows where he would find a way to vent his anger.

Still the same dog emperor.

His character hasn't changed at all, he's even become more cunning and selfish.

Shen Nanzhi cursed inwardly but didn't show it on his face.

Emperor Shunqing pushed a memorial on the table towards Shen Nanzhi and said softly, "I have been troubled by too many things recently, and the third brother is not in good health. The things prepared by the Zhenbei Palace were all handled by those people in the Ministry of Rites. It just so happens that the third brother is in much better spirits today. You can take a look together. If you need anything else, just ask."

After hearing this, Shen Nanzhi, who had kept his eyes lowered since entering the door and bowed, and didn't even look at Xiao Chuyun, finally raised his head and looked at Xiao Chuyun.

Xiao Chuyun was also looking at her.

They hadn't seen each other for just over ten days, but this one glance made Shen Nanzhi feel as if they had been separated for a very, very long time.

A glance lasts a lifetime, Xiao Chuyun's gentle brows and the deep affection in his eyes remain the same.

He smiled faintly at Shen Nanzhi and gave her a reassuring look.

Only then did Shen Nanzhi finally put his heart at ease.

Before she opened her mouth, Xiao Chuyun had already answered for her: "The Ministry of Rites will naturally not slack off on the task assigned by the Emperor Father. It should be very safe. I have no objection."

Emperor Shunqing nodded, "Nothing else matters, but I called you here today because I have something to tell you."

Shen Nanzhi and Xiao Chuyun both looked over.

Emperor Shunqing then said leisurely: "You all know about what happened in Yuzhou. The Zhou family plotted rebellion, and the southern border took the opportunity to cause unrest. The entire southwest region is in turmoil. At this critical juncture, I am afraid that the northern barbarians will also take advantage of the situation to rob."

Having said that, Emperor Shunqing turned to look at Shen Nanzhi, his eyes were sharp, but his tone was as gentle as possible, he said: "You also saw it today, I didn't expect that the second brother would collude with the Northern Barbarians. The Northern Barbarians are ambitious and will not let go of such a good opportunity, so..."

He didn't continue speaking.

But Shen Nanzhi and Xiao Chuyun looked at each other subconsciously and understood.

The Northern Barbarians need someone to take charge.

Although the country is now established by military force, looking at the court now, the generals who can take on important responsibilities are only so-so.

Especially the Northern Barbarians.

If Xiao Chuyun had not appeared out of nowhere back then, the northern part of the current Da Qi would have been swallowed up by it long ago.

To this day, Xiao Chuyun's name is still an existence that the Northern Barbarians' royal court is wary of or even afraid of.

Therefore, at this time, Xiao Chuyun was the only one who could send troops to suppress the Northern Barbarians.

However, Xiao Chuyun and Shen Nanzhi's wedding is imminent, and judging from Emperor Shunqing's tone and expression, he seems to be impatient.

Otherwise, Xiao Chuyun would not have been summoned to the palace to make such arrangements as soon as he returned from Yuzhou.

He couldn't wait for their wedding and had to rush to the North.

If Xiao Chuyun had not married Shen Nanzhi, he would probably have been secretly transferred to Yuzhou like before, and would have been told to the outside world that he was seriously ill, and no one would have known about it.

But because it was his wedding, he could claim to be sick to fool everyone, but he could not fool his bride, Shen Nanzhi.

To continue the play and have Xiao Chuyun suddenly appear in the northern border and kill the Northern Barbarians by surprise, Shen Nanzhi's cooperation is needed.

This is the reason why Emperor Shunqing summoned Shen Nanzhi here.

Just letting them look at the booklet from the Ministry of Rites was just a prelude.

This is not asking them, it is informing them.

They have no right to refuse.

Moreover, putting aside his dislike for Emperor Shunqing, Shen Nanzhi also agreed with the idea of ​​going to the northern border.

Only when there is a country, there is a home.

No matter how hateful Emperor Shunqing is, the people and soldiers on the border are innocent.

Going one day earlier can prevent problems before they happen to a greater extent, stabilize military morale, and reduce casualties among border residents and soldiers.

As for their wedding, it was just a ceremony and formality, and Shen Nanzhi didn't care.

The only thing she cared about was Xiao Chuyun's health.

Even a healthy person might not be able to endure the days of hard work and calculation, let alone Xiao Chuyun.

The dog emperor knew that Xiao Chuyun had been poisoned by the cold he had given him, knew how poor his health was, and knew that he would not live long, but he still treated him as a brick in the city gate and moved him wherever he was needed.

He seemed gentle and generous, but he never really felt sorry for his son.

Only now, when Xiao Chuyun is needed the most, would he hypocritically ask someone to remove the earth dragon in advance.

Although Xiao Chuyun's real body is Xiao Yanchu, not Emperor Shunqing's biological son, but at least, in the eyes of Emperor Shunqing, he is his biological son.

But after what he did to Xiao Chuyun, Shen Nanzhi even began to suspect whether he knew Xiao Chuyun's true identity and did it on purpose.

But as soon as this thought came up, it was rejected by Shen Nanzhi in an instant.

If Emperor Shunqing knew the truth, he would never tolerate Xiao Chuyun, let alone let him go to the northern border with a large army.

You know, there is an irreconcilable hatred between him and King Ning.

Thinking of this, Shen Nanzhi subconsciously raised his eyes, looked at Xiao Chuyun with some heartache, and said hesitantly: "Your Majesty, the prince's health..."

Shen Nanzhi only wanted to remind Emperor Shunqing, and she did not think that just one sentence could make Emperor Shunqing give up.

Sure enough, upon hearing this, Emperor Shunqing immediately expressed his opinion: "Don't worry, I will ask the best imperial physician to go with him. I will also have people search for rare and precious herbs throughout the country, and issue an imperial decree to find famous doctors from all over the world. They will definitely keep him safe and even cure his cold."

The implication is that there is no turning point in this matter.

Shen Nanzhi had nothing to say.

Xiao Chuyun nodded at her, and then said to Emperor Shunqing: "Don't worry, father, I will definitely fulfill my mission, but..."

At this point, Xiao Chuyun turned his head and glanced at Shen Nanzhi, his eyes full of worry, "If I don't show up on the day of my wedding, the rumors about my terminal illness will only get more and more intense. At that time, Miss Shen will definitely become the target of public criticism. She is kind by nature and weak in body. I am afraid that she will be bullied by others. At that time, please support her, father."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Shunqing, who was calm and reserved and almost never showed his emotions, couldn't help but twitch his lips.

Shen Nanzhi is kind by nature, but also weak in body?

This was simply the biggest joke he had heard today!

Not to mention anything else, just the conflict she had with Concubine Wang in the Imperial Garden a few days ago was heard by him word for word.

In addition, before in the Spring Hunting Ground, facing the frame-up of Jiang Shiyan and his son, Shen Nanzhi was able to turn defeat into victory. Even Xiao Shihua's calculations today were thanks to Shen Nanzhi's turning the tide.

Xiao Chuyun told him that such a woman was kind-hearted by nature, weak and fragile, and easy to be bullied?

Emperor Shunqing's eyelids twitched, but Xiao Chuyun's words put him in a difficult position and he had to make a statement.

Although he was helpless, Emperor Shunqing still opened the box in front of him and took out a palm-sized brocade box from the secret compartment inside. After opening it and taking a look, he signaled Eunuch Chang Xi to hand it to Shen Nanzhi.

After seeing what was inside, even the worldly-wise Eunuch Chang Xi couldn't help but reveal an expression of surprise.

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