Shan Chao had only seen Xie Yun injured before, but he had never seen her sick before.
However, this serious illness came so suddenly that he was caught off guard.
That afternoon, Shan Chao hurriedly invited the imperial physician over. After checking her pulse for a long time, the physician could not find anything wrong with her. He could only say that it was a cold wind that had entered her body and prescribed a mild medicine. When the temperature dropped at night, before Shan Chao could even take a breath of relief, the fever rose again the next day.
"Why is there no improvement after drinking the medicine? Where is the imperial physician from yesterday?!
Find him for me! "
The housekeeper stood at the side and nodded. Xie Yun leaned against the pillow and weakly lectured her disciple, "Illness comes like a landslide, but goes away like silk. How can there be an effect so quickly?
If he could really write a prescription that could cure the illness, he would have already gone to treat the Emperor. Do you think you would have a chance? "
Shan Chao walked around the room twice with his hands behind his back. He said angrily, "Then let's drink for one more day. If tomorrow is not good, I will personally go and find him!"
"Stop walking around, you are making me dizzy." Xie Yun pointed to the side of the bed, "Where is the ghost story book I bought a few days ago? Sit here and read it to me. Here."
Shan Chao had no choice but to take out the book from under the pillow and sit beside the bed. He held Xie Yun in his arms and read the story to her.
However, the temperature did not go down on the second day. On the third day, it went up again.
When Shan Chao woke up early in the morning, he touched Xie Yun's forehead. The temperature was so high that it was scalding. For the past two days, she had been sober, but now she was in a daze. She could not even speak clearly.
Shan Chao was not the kind of person who would seek a doctor for help. At this moment, he deeply understood the feelings of the patient's family.
He hurriedly invited the imperial physician to the residence. In the end, the old man was mumbling and reciting the medical book in front of the bed. He could not understand two out of three sentences. Shan Chao immediately became angry, "Excuse me, Old Mister, can you speak human language?"
The old imperial physician said, "Both the righteous and the evil are insignificant. They see the appearance first, but they don't know the body …"
In his heart, Dan Chao had already tossed and turned the old man over and over again. After a long while, he finally got the chance to write a prescription. He hurriedly thanked the old imperial physician with a large sum of money and closed the door to brew the medicine.
This time, the doctor was finally willing to prescribe a stronger medicine. However, Xie Yun was already unconscious from the fever. She couldn't even open her mouth. Shan Chao could only force her to open her mouth. He then drank the bitter medicine and fed her mouthful by mouthful.
In the beginning, he didn't feed Xie Yun well. She kept choking on the medicine when she was unconscious, and both of them were in a sorry state. Shan Chao had never learned how to take care of people since he was young, and his living habits were also quite rough due to his many years of war.
However, no matter how careless a person was, when it came to taking care of the person he loved, he would naturally develop an exquisite mind. Very soon, without anyone teaching him, he figured out the technique of feeding the medicine. Slowly, practice made perfect. He could even chew up the porridge and egg yolks and feed them.
After a few days, Xie Yun finally woke up.
When she woke up, it was late at night. Shan Chao was sleeping soundly beside the bed. He didn't even take off his outer robe.
Under the shadow of the lamp, his side profile was tall and deep. Xie Yun squinted her eyes and quietly observed him. She saw that even in his sleep, his eyebrows were slightly furrowed, as if he was still worried about something. Because he hadn't shaved for a few days, there was stubble on his lips. He actually looked like a mature man who had experienced the vicissitudes of life.
An indescribable feeling gradually appeared in Xie Yun's eyes. It seemed like tenderness, but also like reluctance before parting.
She reached out and stroked Shan Chao's stiff and messy hair. Unexpectedly, just as she moved, Shan Chao woke up, "… Xie Yun?"
The high fever that had not yet subsided made Xie Yun's face pale. The corners of her eyes were abnormally red. Her voice was hoarse, but there was a smile in it, "Why are you sleeping while sitting?"
Shan Chao suddenly sat up straight. After a while, he let out a long sigh. He held Xie Yun's hand tightly in his palm. There was a faint joy in his expression, as if he had just regained what he had lost, "You're finally awake … God, you're finally awake."
Xie Yun moved slightly to the side and patted the bed, "Come up and sleep."
Shan Chao hesitated for a moment, but still blew out the oil lamp. He took off his outer robe and carefully leaned against the side of the bed. Then, he hugged Xie Yun in his arms.
However, Xie Yun was not obedient despite her illness. After a while, Shan Chao dodged several times. Finally, he couldn't take it anymore. He grabbed her hand and stuffed it under the pillow. He scolded in a low voice, "Do you want to die?"
In the darkness, only Xie Yun's soft laughter could be heard. It was a little seductive and mischievous.
Shan Chao didn't know whether to laugh or cry. He pinched the tip of her cold nose and said with a straight face, "Go to sleep!"
Shan Chao closed his eyes and felt Xie Yun's hand move. He immediately grabbed it nimbly.
After a while, her other hand went under the blanket. Before she could do anything, she was grabbed again. Her two hands were held together by Shan Chao's warm and strong palm.
Xie Yun opened one of her eyes and saw that Shan Chao's breathing was steady. He was as still as a mountain. He was pretending to be asleep and was very focused.
"… …"
Thus, Xie Yun quietly bent her knees and moved under the silk blanket. After a few times, Shan Chao finally couldn't pretend anymore. He got up with a red face and said angrily, "Xie!
Yun! "
Xie Yun made the first move, "How is it?
Evil disciple?! "
The evil disciple Shan Chao's arrogance was completely gone. He could only awkwardly hold Xie Yun's hands and feet and forcefully wrap her in his arms. If there was any movement, he would use brute force to suppress it.
However, it was not a good idea to have skin to skin contact on such a warm night. After a while, Shan Chao's heart was like a monkey and a horse galloping. His mouth was dry and his lower body was so hard that it was about to explode. His heart was filled with complaints as a man.
Xie Yun buried her face in the soft pillow and laughed. Shan Chao bit the tip of her ear and said sadly, "It's all your fault!"
Xie Yun struggled to turn her face away. Just as she was about to act like a master and lecture him, Shan Chao covered her mouth.
The two of them kissed intermittently. Shan Chao was breathing heavily and rubbed against her body through the clothes.
The hot steam evaporated into a blurry and charming summer night. After a long time, Shan Chao finally could not help but put his hand under the blanket. He quickly stroked it a few times and suddenly flipped open the blanket, got off the bed, and rushed out of the room.
Xie Yun slapped the bed and laughed. After a while, Shan Chao finally turned back. His clothes were disheveled and he looked like he was in a mess. His firm chest was violently moving up and down as if he wanted to curse.
"Sleep!"
Shan Chao became angry out of humiliation. He climbed onto the bed and pressed Xie Yun into his arms. Without any explanation, he blindfolded Xie Yun.
Perhaps it was because he had been tormented day and night during this period of time, but suddenly his body and mind were relaxed. When Shan Chao woke up the next day, it was already morning.
The sound of birds chirping accompanied by the sunlight shining through the window. Shan Chao stretched and suddenly sat up straight.
Where is Xie Yun?
"Where is Commander Xie?!" Shan Chao rushed out of the bedroom and grabbed the housekeeper who had been waiting outside.
"Aiyo — —" The housekeeper had a bitter face, "Commander Xie went out early in the morning. I couldn't stop her no matter what. It seems that she is not going back to the Commander's Residence.
This one sent people to chase after her. It seems that she is going into the palace … … "
Going into the palace?
The Heavenly Empress was under house arrest. Naturally, Xie Yun became a thorn in the eyes of many people. Who knows how many people in Chang An City hated her to the core.
Especially since the little emperor had failed to force Shan Chao to send out troops. Who knows what he is going to do with Xie Yun? Why is she going into the palace at this time?!
Shan Chao was restless and restless. He paced around the room a few times. Countless thoughts flashed through his mind.
Suddenly, he stopped in his tracks. He thought of something that he had neglected.
— — Today was the Heavenly Empress' birthday.
Qing Ning Palace was no longer as magnificent as it used to be.
Although the carved beams and embroidered rafters were still there and the food provided should not be too little, it was no longer as grand as it was when the Heavenly Empress was in power. Now, it was deserted, making the beautiful palace reveal an indescribable sense of desolation.
Shan Chao waved his hand to dismiss the guards. He stepped through the desolate garden and came to the front of the corridor. He stood behind the door.
The door was ajar. Inside was a deserted side hall.
The sunlight seemed to have faded from that dark and serene space. Only dust was left in the air. The long and narrow figures of two people were cast by the table.
"… … The remnants of Gao Li are not enough to be feared. Xin Luo's hidden evil intentions are the root of An Dong's injustice.
However, Tibet is growing stronger and the threat from the northwest is increasing day by day. If there is a day when the two sides go to war, the situation will be extremely disadvantageous for our Tang Empire … … "
The Heavenly Empress' sonorous voice echoed in the hall. Xie Yun raised her hand to pour her a cup of water. Her face was as pale as snow and her fingers were trembling slightly.
"Considering the current situation, we should quickly cripple Xin Luo and accept the peace talks. Then, we should deploy our forces in Anxi and Anbei and wait for an opportunity to consolidate the four garrisons of Anxi … …"
"Who should be appointed as the Commander?" Xie Yun asked hoarsely.
The Heavenly Empress was silent for a moment. She said, "Xue Rengui."
Shan Chao crossed the threshold and stood quietly in the shadow of the door with his arms crossed.
The two people in the hall saw him but did not say anything. They did not even look at him. He only heard Xie Yun say, "Xue Rengui was demoted to a civilian after the Tang Army was wiped out at Dafei Chuan. Is he going to rise again now?"
"The defeat at Dafei Chuan was due to three factors: timing, location, and people. The Late Emperor, who stood his ground against all opposition and appointed Guo Daifeng as the Deputy Commander, cannot escape the blame.
Although Xue Rengui was demoted, we cannot ignore his excellence in tactics. After he rises again, he will be grateful to you and will do his best. "
The Heavenly Empress pondered for a moment and said, "He can be appointed as the Chief of Jilin Road. He will be able to dispatch 100,000 troops and manage the old Gao Juli."
"What if the young Emperor doesn't want to listen?" Shan Chao's voice came from behind.
The Heavenly Empress did not answer, but a mocking smile appeared in her eyes.
"Chang An's aristocratic families are full of debauchees and debauchees who fill the imperial court. The young Emperor believes in the wet nurse's son and Wei Xuanzhen. Dai Xiang, Premier Zhang, and the others are getting old one after another. There is a shortage of capable officials …"
The Heavenly Empress interrupted Shan Chao and said, "We can add a Palace Examination after the Metropolitan Examination. The Tribute Scholars will be asked questions and appointments will be made. This will eliminate the Ministry of Revenue's red tape and all kinds of tricks.
In addition to the Jinshi Examination, we can also set up a Military Examination. The main examination will be weightlifting, equestrian archery, shooting on foot, and horse spear. The secondary examination will be strategy, and the Four Books will be tested. "
Xie Yun stood up and took half a step back, indicating for Shan Chao to come over.
"…" Shan Chao hesitated for a moment, but still walked over and sat in Xie Yun's seat, facing Queen Wu.
"We can send the Imperial Censor and the Imperial Censor to recommend talented people. Regardless of their background, we can meet them personally. We can even add an Imperial Censor to test their talents."
Shan Chao thought for a while and said slowly, "In this way, a humble family can produce a noble son. It will definitely attract the loyalty of all scholars."
He stared at Queen Wu, only to see her smile. Her expression did not show any rebuttal or affirmation. After a long time, she sighed and said, "… He really is your biological son."
Queen Wu stood up and walked quickly to the desk in the hall. She took out a thick scroll of memorials and threw it in front of Shan Chao.
Shan Chao frowned. He saw that the words on the memorial were sharp and small. It was clearly written by Queen Wu herself. The first line read, "Persuade the farmers, reduce taxes.
Persuade the farmers, reduce taxes. Give the farmers three auxiliary plots of land to avoid labor in the capital. Quell the troubles of the soldiers and horses. Spread the word to prevent slanderous rumors. Prohibit the officials from the north and south from exaggerating. Hundreds of officials have been in office for a long time. Those who are talented in high positions will advance to the next rank … "
After that, there was a book on agriculture written by Queen Wu herself, "Zhaoren's Primary Occupation". It talked about the customs of farming and the four seasons of planting crops. It was used by county officials to guide the people in farming.
Shan Chao was slightly moved. He did not expect that the Empress would personally write a book on agriculture.
He looked up and sized up Queen Wu. She lived in seclusion in the palace, but still maintained the luxurious appearance of a powerful person. Her clothes were neat and tidy, and her bearing was graceful and at ease. It was as if she did not care about the ups and downs of life.
It was a kind of steadiness that was as firm as a rock. It made people fear her.
An indescribable feeling suddenly rose in his heart.
At this moment, in this cold and secluded Qing Ning Palace, for the first time, he felt that there was something in his blood that was very similar to this woman's.
Queen Wu said lightly, "Let's go. There's no need to congratulate me." After saying that, she turned around and left.
Her long dress disappeared from the side door. Xie Yun patted Shan Chao's shoulder from behind and sighed, "Let's go."
Shan Chao got up and supported her. Shoulder to shoulder, they walked out of the cold and secluded palace.
The two of them stood under the warm sunlight outside. Shan Chao sighed deeply. He opened his mouth to say something, but suddenly felt Xie Yun's body tremble in his arms.
"What's wrong with you?
This is … Xie Yun! "
Xie Yun's face was ashen, but there was a sickly red color under her eyelids. It was as if she had finally exhausted all of her energy. She gasped for breath but could not squeeze out a word. Suddenly, she coughed out a big mouthful of scarlet blood!
The sudden change made Shan Chao's pupils contract. He shouted, "Someone, quickly summon the imperial physician — —!"
Before he could finish his words, Xie Yun collapsed to the ground.