"Besides, with Han'er holding the fort outside, even if the sky were to fall, it wouldn't hit this old man first. It's better to relax, drink tea, and tease birds."
With Ling Mohan around, he truly didn't need to worry about anything; this child would naturally handle everything perfectly.
"But... Grandfather doesn't know anything about Ling Mohan's situation outside. I'm very worried. Grandfather, you're so carefree. He's your own grandson, and you don't worry at all."
Old Master Ling could tell what Feng Jin meant by her words; she was blaming him for not caring about Ling Mohan.
"I know my grandson's capabilities better than anyone. There's nothing in this world that can stump him. Besides, this time is different from the last. What is there to worry about?"
The situation when the late emperor passed away was many times more perilous than this, and he had gotten through it.
This time, things had clearly reached a point where success was within reach. If Ling Mohan couldn't resolve it, he would truly bring shame upon the Ling family.
"That's because you're too carefree. If you don't worry, I certainly do."
If Ling Mohan were to suffer any mishap, she would truly be a widow for the rest of her life, raising the children alone. She didn't want to become a widow at such a young age.
"Alright, just put your heart at ease. I guarantee that Ling Mohan will absolutely be fine. If he truly loses his life, I'll personally arrange for you to remarry. Will that suffice?"
"Grandfather, what kind of talk is that? Arranging for me to remarry, isn't that clearly cursing Ling Mohan to his death?"
Feng Jin complained. How was her grandfather becoming more unreliable with age? What was he even saying?
Ling Mohan was still alive and well, and he was already planning her remarriage. If Ling Mohan knew, wouldn't he be angered to death?
"See... aren't you worried? I said it, and you still find fault with it..."
"Then what you said is indeed wrong, and not at all to the point."
"I'm old and useless now. Even speaking is wrong. I won't say anymore, I won't say anymore..."
Several black lines appeared on Feng Jin's forehead. She rubbed her temples helplessly, thinking that if she continued, she would be accused of filial impiety.
"Alright, girl, you don't need to worry anymore. Everything will be fine. Perhaps by tomorrow morning, he'll be back."
She essentially let Old Master Ling's words go in one ear and out the other, not really taking much to heart.
She couldn't get any satisfactory answers from Old Master Ling, and Feng Jin, with no mood to continue, went straight back to her room.
All night, her heart was consumed with worry for Ling Mohan. She noticed every slight rustle of wind and grass and didn't sleep a wink.
It wasn't until dawn that there was still no news. Feng Jin, overwhelmed with fatigue, finally leaned on the table for a brief nap.
Just as she fell asleep, she heard the sound of a door opening. Feng Jin instinctively opened her eyes and looked towards the doorway.
Upon seeing Ling Mohan standing there, the stone in her heart instantly dropped. She threw herself into his embrace, the faint scent of him filling her nostrils, bringing a sense of profound peace.
"What's wrong? So eager to throw yourself into my arms?"
"How are you? Is everything over? Are you injured..."
Feng Jin's string of questions poured out, her gaze darting over Ling Mohan's body, confirming he was unharmed. She slowly let out a breath of relief.
"I'm fine. It's all over."
"What exactly happened? Tell me."
Feng Jin pulled Ling Mohan down to sit, eager to know what had transpired.
"His Majesty has passed away. Yesterday, the Crown Prince ascended the throne before the spirit tablet. Everything has stabilized. However, Xiliang will be in turmoil for some time."
"Xiliang... has Baili Xi been sent to Xiliang?"
"Baili Xi's guilt has been proven, and his heinous deeds are as clear as day. The officials in the Xiliang court jointly requested Baili Xi's execution. The Emperor of Xiliang, unable to withstand the pressure, ordered Baili Xi's death and the confiscation of the Baili clan's assets."
It was a pity, though, that the Baili clan's hundred years of operations were ruined. Xiliang would need time to handle its internal affairs and would have no opportunity to conflict with other nations. They had now dispatched envoys to seek peace.
"Now that Chu... no, the new Emperor has ascended the throne, will you be busy for some time again?"
"I've handed over all my affairs."
"Then what will you do? You can just hand over the matters with such confidence?"
"Why wouldn't I be confident? I've worked hard for so long; it's time for a good rest. Didn't you want to travel? I'll take you to the grasslands to race horses, to see vast rivers and seas, sunrises and sunsets."
"Really..." Feng Jin asked uncertainly.
"Of course, it's true. The carriage is already prepared outside."
Ling Mohan took Feng Jin's hand and walked out, carefully helping her into the carriage.
As the carriage gradually moved away, two small figures from behind rushed to catch up, but they were still a step too late.
"Daddy, Mommy, wait for me..." Da Bao sat dejectedly on the ground, still a step behind.
"Let's go, let's go home."
Er Bao was more philosophical. He pulled the crestfallen Da Bao back home.
"Your Majesty, this is a memorial submitted by General Ling."
Chu Chenyi opened the memorial and read it. He was so angry he almost overturned the table.
Was Ling Mohan playing a trick on him? At this time, he had abandoned all his responsibilities and gone out to have fun with Feng Jin. He really had the nerve to do such a thing.
"People, go after them! Bring them back."
"What are you doing? Sister Feng Jin and General Ling finally have a chance to go out and travel, and you, of all people, are trying to bring them back? Look at what you've done."
Lin Yuwei questioned him angrily. This was going too far.
"With so many affairs in court, if he leaves, who will handle them?"
"You! You are the Emperor now. If you don't do it, who will?"
"I..."
"What 'you'? Hurry up and review your memorials. I'm going out for a walk. Sister Feng Jin said that walking more makes childbirth less painful."
Chu Chenyi, with a mournful expression, reviewed the mountain of memorials, looking utterly miserable. Was there any other emperor as aggrieved as him in the world?
"You're leaving just like this? Is the court really alright?"
Feng Jin still asked with some concern. Could Chu Chenyi, with his lack of intellect, really manage?
"It's fine. Just enjoy the sunset with peace of mind."
"The sunset over there is so beautiful. Do you think the sunsets on the grasslands will be this beautiful?"
"Naturally, they will be..."
"What about the sunset on the mountain peak then?"
Ling Mohan gazed at Feng Jin intently, as if wanting to engrave her image in his heart.
"Why are you looking at me like that? Is there something on my face?"
"No, I just want to accompany you to see all the sunrises and sunsets, to be together forever, never to be separated."
"I also want to be with you for eternity. In the next life, I still want to be with you."
Meeting Ling Mohan in this life and spending it together was her greatest fortune.