Yun Jinnian didn’t feel a shred of guilt about this.
Especially after learning from Chu Yu that the Emperor knew the Yun Family had collectively mistreated her but had only summoned Yun Chen for a few questions of reprimand, she was disappointed.
So when she found out the poison he suffered from was by her own hand, Yun Jinnian felt a bit of schadenfreude.
"Then I will send someone to escort you!"
It was an escort, but also surveillance.
"Yes!" Yun Jinnian rose to perform a courtesy and then added, "I hope the Emperor sends female guards, and they’re to be under my command for the time being!"
"Rest assured on that matter, I have it in mind!"
"Then I will take my leave to make preparations for our departure first thing tomorrow morning!"
The Emperor waved his hand, "Master Han, you may also return now!"
After Han Xuzi had clenched his fist towards the Emperor and left Yangxin Hall with Yun Jinnian, the Empress was still waiting outside. After the granddaughter and grandfather paid their respects to the Empress, they were led by Eunuch Hai out of the Imperial Palace and left in Han Xuzi’s carriage.
"Grandfather!" Yun Jinnian quietly called out.
Han Xuzi looked at Yun Jinnian, "You..."
He wanted to say that Yun Jinnian had lied, but in the end, he couldn’t bear to question her.
Taking a deep breath, he asked, "Where to first?"
"Let’s go to the Princess Residence of Prince Rui first!" Yun Jinnian said, holding Han Xuzi’s arm tightly and leaning her head on it.
Her heart felt sour, somewhat uncomfortable.
Han Xuzi stroked Yun Jinnian’s hair, "You child, I don’t know what to say to you. At this point, it’s impossible to ask you not to go. You can only bring more poison and wound medicines with you. Your journey to Nanjiang will be fraught with difficulties. Be very careful and make sure to protect yourself well!"
Yun Jinnian responded, feeling a bit like crying.
This was her first act of defiance.
What she received was not reprimand, but sympathy.
"Good girl!" Han Xuzi hugged Yun Jinnian’s shoulders tightly, gently patting her.
He was very proud inside.
While his fame as a Divine Doctor might have been somewhat undeserved, since he lacked a compassionate heart.
Not like Yun Jinnian, whose compassionate heart attracted good karma.
If it were not for the Han Family’s teachings, he wouldn’t want to treat the Emperor.
"Grandfather, I will come back safely, and all of our family will be fine!"
Han Xuzi felt a slight tightness in his chest, "I wanted to accompany you on your journey!"
She knew that her grandfather truly loved her.
She wasn’t an ignorant girl; she understood everything.
"Then let Tianci accompany you!"
Yun Jinnian was taken aback, looking up at Han Xuzi in shock.
"Tianci is already seven, and in a few months, he will be eight. It is said that traveling a thousand miles teaches more than reading a thousand books. Let him accompany you to gain some experience. Besides, Tianci’s martial arts and strategy are both quite good. With you siblings together, I can rest easy!"
Yun Jinnian thought for a moment before saying, "I will protect my little brother well!"
The Emperor leaned back on his bedpost, and a dark shadow landed in front of him, "Your Majesty!"
"Where is Prince Rui?"
"Prince Rui has left the Capital City to welcome Prince Yanjun back!"
The Emperor frowned, "Prince Yanjun is coming back?"
"How is the Prince Rui Residence doing?"
"The spies report back that His Highness Prince Rui is still taking medicine, and there are no maids in the residence; he still falls ill from time to time!"
The Emperor gestured for the shadow guard to leave.
A vindictive thought crossed his mind.
Could Yun Jinnian cure only him and not Chu Yu? Or might Chu Yu be urged to favor a woman and meet with an early death?
This thorn in his side, this source of hatred, truly infuriated him!
The carriage stopped at the gate of Princess Residence of Prince Rui. Han Xuzi said to Yun Jinnian, "You go alone; I won’t go in!"