Chapter 386 - More Than Ten Years
In the Prison house, Ying Lili, Jian Guozhi, General Xiao, and Commander Yang could be seen. "Your highness, why did you not let him take the name of Zhilao Mi? You did not even show the real evidence to His Majesty about her," Xiao Zhan complained as he was confused about the Crown Princess's decision.
"If I had revealed that she is the daughter of Tan Gengxin, then this would have been spread entirely in the Empire. Sheng Li is in the Northern Province. I still believe that the spying network of Tan Gengxin could have informed him in a day. We only caught a few of those spies. Su Feng wanted to use me against Sheng Li, and he wanted to confirm through me where Sheng Li had left for," Ying Lili pronounced.
"Crown Princess, I could not understand why you let Su Feng talk about the Wei Family? It could have created more problems for the First Prince and Princess Consort Xue," Commander Yang confusedly peered at Ying Lili.
"I know it could have been dangerous. Those few Ministers in the court might have urged the Emperor to remove Brother Jian from Governorship and even have asked for his banishment. However, with this, it was cleared that the enemy wanted to use the Wei Family against everyone and under their shadow wanted to execute his plans. Now, no one will raise the question on the First Prince and his second wife," Ying Lili explained to Commander Yang. Jian Guozhi felt overwhelmed upon hearing the words of Ying Lili. Even if he would thank her millions of times, it would still be insufficient.
"Also, Sheng Li has promised the late Empress Wei that he will protect his First Brother from all this," Ying Lili stated. Jian Guozhi was stunned to hear that. Protect him? Why? He always thought ill of Sheng Li except when he had a change of thoughts. Sheng Li indeed had no enmity between them and had forgotten the past things that happened between them.
"Crown Princess, do you think that the Crown Prince is in danger? Commander Sun has reached the Northern Province today with high-quality trained soldiers. Still, I believe that I should go there to aid them," proclaimed Xiao Zhan.
"I will leave for the Northern Province. Su Feng might have sent the news about all this to Tan Gengxin, but he refused that. However, I do not trust his words that he did not inform Gengxin about this," Ying Lili was a little worried.
"Crown Princess, you shall not go there. It is dangerous. General Xiao, I, and Commander Yang will lead the army to aid Sheng Li," Jian Guozhi advised the Crown Princess. "Brother Sheng wants you to stay in the Capital so you shall stay here. I have sent him the message earlier not to do anything for a few days. He will receive the message by the morning," stated Jian Guozhi.
"I agree with the First Prince in this. Crown Princess shall not leave the Capital," Xiao Zhan supported Jian Guozhi's advice.
"I will be restless if I stay here. I know that he also told me to stay here but this time the situation is dangerous," Ying Lili affirmed. "Last time in the South-Western Province, General Xiao saw how he got lured by the enemy. Every time he cannot be lucky," Ying Lili proclaimed. "After today's incident, I am terrified, but it does not mean my fear will overpower me," she stated.
"Your Highness, we agree with the orders of the Crown Prince only. However, this is the first time I have seen a woman leading and executing the plans. I have been in the army for more than ten years, but never once have I encountered a brave woman like you. I support your decision. If you want to go to the Northern Province, I will safely take you there," Commander Yang stated. Xiao Zhan and Jian Guozhi looked at him. "General Xiao, I think we need the Crown Princess there who can lead us," he said.
Xiao Zhan, after contemplating for a few minutes, he said, "Crown Princess, then you also shall accompany us. Let's leave for the Northern Province. I will follow your orders from here." Ying Lili thanked him for understanding her.
"Prepare the best of the soldiers. Five Commanders will accompany us to the Northern Province, and the remaining will protect the Capital," Ying Lili commanded General Xiao.
"Crown Princess, but before that what shall we do with Zhilao Mi. In our absence, she might plan something dangerous," Xiao Zhan raised a doubt.
"Do not worry. I have handled her well. She will not do anything because she knows I know about her intentions," Jian Guozhi assured him.
"Brother Jian, Zhilao Mi cannot be taken lightly. She has to be punished for betraying the Emperor and you. I think that the King of Southern Province does not know that his daughter was killed midway and Zhilao Mi not only replaced her but also gained her identity. They want the throne through you. I suggest you stay in the Capital. Sheng Li and I will bring Tan Gengxin alive in Luoyang, and then they both will be punished," Ying Lili asserted.
"But, Crown Princess, your safety is of utmost importance," Jian Guozhi argued.
"I can take care of myself. The safety of the Empire and its people is above mine," Ying Lili proudly said and passed a smile to him.
Jian Guozhi acknowledged the decision of the Crown Princess.
"General Xiao, prepare everything quickly. We will leave in an hour. The route we will take is the shortest one, even if it's tough to use. Our target to reach the Northern Province will be two days. We need to reach there within two days," Ying Lili said with a menacing expression.
"Brother Jian, make sure these things shall not spread out of the Palace. If anyone asks about me, tell them I have gone to the shrine for two days." Jian Guozhi told Ying Lili not to worry.. He would keep everything in check and would not let people find out about her.