Chapter 1515: Chapter 1515: Collapse Again
The capital remains unaware of the situation at the snow-capped mountain, nor does it know about Prince Qin’s heart full of hope.
Zhulan listened to Zhao’s report, “The eldest branch has Ran Wan, you don’t need to worry too much.”
Zhao understood that her mother-in-law intended to train Ran Wan, “I understand, Mother.”
“Lau Jia’s mother has arrived. Your sister-in-law is away, and Ran Wan isn’t suitable for dealing with Lady Ma. You should talk to Lady Ma more often to ensure they don’t fall into a deadlock between mother and daughter.”
Zhao responded, “I’ll go over shortly.”
Lady Ma had just arrived and was now sharing heartfelt sentiments with her daughter.
Zhulan made a small sound of acknowledgment, “Lately, you and Su Xuan should look after things more attentively.”
Zhao replied, “Understood.”
Zhulan had not rested well the night before and now had a severe headache, “I’ll lie down for a while.”
“Mother, please take good care of yourself and rest more.”
“I’m aware of my limits.”
Zhao left with concern but didn’t return to her own courtyard. Instead, she visited the fourth branch, where Su Xuan was tallying accounts. “Second Sister-in-law, you didn’t stay with Mother?”
She hadn’t followed her second sister-in-law earlier to avoid being seen as bothersome. Yet, here came the second sister-in-law just moments later.
Zhao said, “Mother looks exhausted. After giving instructions, she decided to rest.”
“Ah, Father and Mother must be feeling troubled at heart.”
Zhao pointed at her own eyes, “We’re troubled at heart too. I haven’t slept at all through the night. Thankfully, our eldest sister-in-law isn’t home, sigh.”
By noon, Xue Han arrived as well. “Mother, I just found out about the news.”
After speaking, Xue Han sighed helplessly. Due to the health of her youngest son, most of her attention was preoccupied. After having harmed her own body during childbirth, her youngest son became frequently ill, and she hasn’t fully recovered from her own ailments.
Since Rongchuan left, she had stopped attending banquets. Her youngest son’s condition was one concern, but her father had also insisted that the Qin Prince Residence should maintain a low profile while Rongchuan was away, especially given the care from the Retired Emperor and Empress Dowager toward the residence.
Despite the news spreading yesterday, she hadn’t been informed of it. Today, upon learning of the situation, it was only through the hesitant words of the residence’s steward.
Zhulan sat up, “You caught a chill a few days ago, so I didn’t send someone to inform you. Rongchuan didn’t tell you because he was worried you couldn’t bear it. The Retired Emperor and Empress Dowager are also concerned about your health.”
Xue Han’s youngest son had been taking medicine since birth. The label of a “medicine jar” stuck without needing further confirmation. Just a few days ago, the rain had caused the child to catch a cold. While caring for him, Xue Han herself also fell ill. The child’s constitution was just too frail.
Xue Han’s eyes were visibly darkened, “Mother, I’m worried about both you and Father.”
Zhulan raised her hand and gently touched her daughter’s hair, “I’m even more worried about you.”
Xue Han clutched her mother’s hand tightly, “I have people looking after me, and the Imperial Physician said Xiaxia’s condition will improve by the time he turns one. Mother, whatever happens at home, please tell me in the future.”
Seeing her daughter’s tear-filled eyes, Zhulan nodded, “Alright.”
Xue Han refrained from mentioning Ming Teng too directly, not having heard the final outcome. She was more worried about her parents. “Mother, once Xiaxia’s health improves, I’ll bring him over to visit you.”
“Very well, that child is clever. Last time he came over, it seemed like he remembered me.”
This year, Zhulan had visited the Qin Prince Residence many times because she worried about her daughter and grandson. The grandson didn’t have a formal name, only the nickname Xiaxia, given by the Retired Emperor in hopes of longevity for the child.
The capital was closely watching the Zhou Marquis Residence, but the household remained calm. Apart from Fourth Master Zhou leaving the city, everyone else went about their daily routines as usual. Those working at the government office continued their work, and no rumors surfaced about Old Master Rong’s ill health. The discussions had notably dwindled.
At the Liu household, Liu Yuanbo was eager to visit the Zhou Marquis Residence, but Lady Gu suppressed him, “You must not go at this time.”
Even the Wang family hadn’t visited yet. To approach them now would be like poking at the Zhou family’s wounds. Anyone showing up uninvited would only add insult to injury.
Liu Yuanbo said, “Mother, too many people in the capital are hoping for something to happen to the Zhou family.”
Lady Gu glanced sideways, “The Zhou family is not as fragile as you think. Marquis Zhou attending the regular court meetings proves that all is well.”
Liu Yuanbo understood but still couldn’t help being anxious about Yu Die. The Zhou family puts a significant emphasis on familial bonds. Even for relationships between cousins, the affection equates to that of siblings. Yu Die must be heartbroken right now!
Lady Gu sighed deeply, thinking she might as well have fed her son for nothing. Is this boy’s eagerness an attempt to sell himself off? The way he fusses, it almost feels like she’s ready to marry him off. This boy keeps showing greater generosity toward the Zhou family, even when they’ve hardly needed help, yet here he is frantic!
Not wanting to look at her son, Lady Gu said, “You should be grateful that your mother has a broad mind and can tolerate people.”
She considered herself one of the rare good mothers-in-law in the capital. Her son cared so deeply about his future wife that, apart from feeling a pang of jealousy, she couldn’t bring herself to blame him.
Upon leaving the government office, Mingyun hurriedly signaled the coachman to drive faster, eager to return home. As they approached the residence gates, Mingyun froze.
Yu Yueyang, upon seeing the Hou Residence carriage, instinctively tried to run but was immediately called out, forcing him to awkwardly turn around. “Mingyun, Brother.”
Mingyun didn’t disembark from the carriage. “What are you doing loitering around the Hou Residence walls?”
Yu Yueyang’s face turned bright red. “I didn’t mean to climb over the wall.”
Mingyun obviously knew better. No one would dare scale the Zhou Marquis Residence walls. Seeing Yu Yueyang’s expression, he pieced things together. “Are you worried about Yu Yi?”
Yu Yueyang’s thoughts were exposed, and he dryly responded, “I haven’t overstepped. I know today isn’t appropriate for visiting. I trust the Princely Heir will be fine.”
Mingyun’s mood lifted slightly. “Thank you. I’ll pass your sentiment on to Yu Yi.”
Yu Yueyang waved his hands hastily, “No, no need.”
He felt utterly foolish, truly.
Mingyun watched Yu Yueyang walk away before returning home and calling over a maid to send a message.
Yu Yi’s eyes were swollen from crying. Upon hearing the news, she muttered, “Fool. Only he would foolishly stand near the walls like that.”
At the snow mountain, two horses were unearthed before nightfall. The horses were frozen in twisted positions, their forms distorted. Rongchuan didn’t leave and ordered the excavations to continue.
The city defender of the residence approached quickly, “Prince, we’ve found civilian corpses.”
Rongchuan stood up, “Go and take a look.”
The defender stopped him, “It’s dangerous ahead. The bodies are being brought over, Prince, please wait a moment.”
Rongchuan’s heart felt increasingly heavy—especially after seeing the tragic state of the horses. Humans were so insignificant before the wrath of the snow mountain. When the bodies were brought forth, Rongchuan signaled his subordinates for identification. “Are they the ones who left with the Princely Heir?”
“No, they’re not.”
Rongchuan felt a faint sign of relief. If they weren’t, hope remained alive. “Dig, keep digging.”
In the instant the words fell, the snow mountain ahead collapsed on a small scale.
Rongchuan staggered slightly. “Send someone to check the situation ahead.”
The defender quickly dispatched personnel, and moments later, they returned with a report, “The civilians performing the excavation have been buried under the snow. Those who managed to escape are now rescuing the others.”
Rongchuan staggered once again. The efforts of the past few days had been in vain. Around them, an eerie silence hung heavy.
Suddenly, amidst the detained civilians, someone burst into laughter, muttering in their native tongue, and went on to worship the snow mountain.
Having spent considerable time on the grasslands, Rongchuan had learned much of the local language. While he couldn’t hold proper conversations, he recognized certain words. Anger flared across his face, “Kill them.”
Since arriving on the grasslands, the city defender’s men and others had endured unrelenting grievances. So much had happened. There were soldiers horrified enough to lend assistance, only to be killed in return; poisoned water sources; and other abhorrent actions that wore away their patience.
Now, with the Princely Heir’s disappearance, the other side still seemed unrepentant. They deserved to die.
Rongchuan didn’t sleep through the night, his eyes fixed on the snow mountain. Finally, at dawn, he drifted into a short rest—only to be startled awake by cheering outside.