Here, the east wind and the south wind are leading a group of guards in an anxious search through the mountains.
They trudge along the rough mountain path, the snapped twigs and leaves beneath their feet making a“snapping”sound.
"Carefully search, find the master!”
The east wind shouted to the guards, and the voice echoed through the mountains.
The south wind looked worried, darting her gaze around nervously.
Suddenly, he spotted a cave, the entrance hidden behind thick grass and thorny bushes. If not carefully examined, it was hard to find.
He walked over and brushed aside the weeds, stepping into the cave first.
The cave was filled with a damp smell, water droplets hanging from the stone walls, dripping softly.
The ground was littered with scattered stones and withered grass, and there were a few unknown insects crawling in the corners.
"Master."
The south wind immediately saw the Xuanyuan city and injured Yun Yao, and she immediately knelt down to bow, her voice respectful and trembling with reverence: "I have come late, I deserve to be punished!"
The east wind heard the voice and quickly came in, also kneeling down, he respectfully said: "The master is surprised, the servant deserves to die a thousand deaths for his sin!"
Xuanyuan City saw them and the tense expression on his face relaxed, and the soft sword in his hand was also drawn back.
"Get up, let's set off for the palace."
The south wind quickly had a stretcher brought over, Xuanyuan City gently placed Yun Yao on it, being careful not to hurt her.
Even so, the care was not enough to avoid pulling at the wound; Yun Yao winced in pain but did not make a sound.
Xuanyuan City saw the expression of restraint in her eyes and knew that she had been hurt, feeling very guilty.
"I'm sorry, my love, I hurt you," he said regretfully.
"Your Highness, I'm fine."
Yun Yao's face was pale, her voice weak, but she forced a smile to show that she was okay.
"You know, when will you stop being stubborn."
Xuanyuan City's expression was one of indulgent helplessness.
The two guards lifted the stretcher in front and back of each other, moving very carefully, fearing they might hurt Niushidie Niushifei, and anger the master with their actions.
A group of people quickly left the cave and walked out along the path.
The mountain road was rough and uneven, but the speed was not slow.
After passing through a dense forest, a luxurious carriage was seen stopped by the side of the road, with finely carved patterns on the car axle.
Xuanyuan City personally lifted Yun Yao onto the carriage, his movements gentle and extremely careful, afraid of hurting her.
The east wind and the south wind stood guard nervously by her side.
They knew that Niushidie Niushifei was injured by blocking an arrow for the master, feeling grateful from the bottom of their hearts.
They dared not imagine what the consequences would be if the master were to meet with any harm.
The carriage slowly began to move.
The east wind rode his horse, following closely behind the carriage, reminding the driver: "Drive carefully. The master and Niushidie Niushifei are injured. Don't shake them around."
The driver quickly assented and slowed down, choosing a more level path to travel on.
The carriage soon entered the capital city, but did not stop at Qin's mansion, but instead stopped at the palace gate.
Xuanyuan City held Yun Yao and entered the Shengwu Gate, heading straight to the Imperial Hospital.
The east wind and the south wind were panting and following behind.
This thrilling scene drew the attention of the guards, eunuchs, and palace maids in the palace, but none dared to obstruct.
The news quickly spread like a swift bird, reaching Xuanyuan Zan's ears promptly.
Xuanyuan Zan heard that Qin Wang was carrying a woman in disheveled clothes to the Imperial Hospital, and knew that something had happened. He promptly put down the document he was holding and rushed to the Imperial Hospital as well.
The Imperial Hospital.
"Quickly, save her."
Xuanyuan City rushed into the Imperial Hospital with Yun Yao and yelled at the full-house of doctors.
The doctors in the Imperial Hospital were all startled, and seeing Qin Wang covered in blood, they were even more frightened. How could they dare to delay.
The matter of the Qin King is of the utmost importance. Even if the concubines in the harem need to be seen, they must take a back seat.
How could they dare to delay. The Qin King is the guardian of the country, his safety is paramount. If he were to suffer harm, neighboring countries with their nefarious intentions might launch an all-out attack on the country.
The doctors in the Imperial Hospital all gathered around, at first no one checked on Yun Yao's condition, instead they surrounded Xuanyuan City for a diagnosis.
Xuanyuan City was also injured, covered in bloodstains, and looked no better than Yun Yao.
"I'm fine. Check on her instead."
Xuanyuan City impatiently waved his hand, his tone urgent and angry.
Only one doctor was left to treat his wounds, while the others went to attend to Niushidie Niushifei.
The doctor looked at the wounds on Yun Yao's body and whistled in surprise. These were arrow wounds, and they had penetrated her entire shoulder.
Although they hadn't hit any vital organs, they were still extremely dangerous.
Moreover, she was a weak woman and pregnant as well.
A doctor with a grave expression walked up to Xuanyuan City and bowed respectfully, "Your Highness Qin, the lady has become pregnant."
Xuanyuan City hesitated slightly, then his face lit up with joy, "Really?"
The doctor nodded, "This is indeed the case. The injury may affect the fetus, and proper care is needed."
Xuanyuan City frowned slightly upon hearing that it might affect the fetus. He was about to say something.
Then, Xuanyuan Zan hurriedly arrived at the Imperial Hospital.
"What happened?"
His stern voice carried a touch of anxiety, and his eyes swept the surroundings.
"We have met the Emperor."
All the people in the Imperial Hospital saw Xuanyuan Zan and immediately knelt down in a row.
Xuanyuan City also stood up to greet, "I have met my brother-in-law."
"All rise."
Xuanyuan Zan waved his hand, indicating for everyone to get up.
His gaze fell directly on Xuanyuan City's face, seeing him covered in blood and looking extremely disheveled, he was startled.
He quickly walked over, his eyes fixed on Xuanyuan City, and asked with concern, "What's going on? Did you encounter an attack? Who would be so daring?"
As he continued speaking, his voice became more angry.
Xuanyuan City nodded slightly, his expression grave, "My brother-in-law will tell you more later. Niushidie Niushifei saved me and suffered serious injuries. I'm not sure how she is right now. I'm very worried about her."
His gaze fell on the side, to the Yun Yao sleeping beside him, exhausted from her injury, and his expression was filled with concern.
Xuanyuan Zan looked at Yun Yao, who was unconscious, and thought that she had been injured to save the King's brother. A hint of jealousy flashed through his eyes.
Yet he masked it well and did not show it.
He furrowed his brow and instructed the doctors standing by, "Make every effort to save her. Take whatever herbs you need from the storeroom directly."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The doctors present bowed to accept the order.
"Don't worry too much. First, take care of your injuries," Xuanyuan Zan said to Xuanyuan City.
Xuanyuan Zan did not stay long in the Imperial Hospital and left soon after.
The Cening Palace.
The Empress Dowager was conversing with the consorts who had come to pay their respects, discussing domestic matters.
A eunuch rushed into the palace in a panic, kneeling down and trembling as he reported, "Madam Empress, something terrible has happened. The Qin King has entered the palace covered in blood, holding a woman and rushing straight to the Imperial Hospital."
Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager's face turned pale instantly, and the tea cup in her hand fell to the ground with a loud clang.
She suddenly stood up, her eyes wide with shock and disbelief, "City?"
"Quickly, follow me to the Imperial Hospital!"
The Empress Dowager's voice was urgent, and she took the hand of a palace maid, quickly leaving the Cening Palace.
The consorts present in the Cening Palace looked at each other in confusion, all curious about what had happened.
After leaving the Cening Palace, they all dispatched their servants to investigate.
The Imperial Hospital was filled with a tense and oppressive atmosphere.
The room was filled with a strong smell of medicine, with rows of medicine cabinets neatly arranged, filled with various herbs and medical tools.
There were a few bed pallets placed among them, some empty and some occupied by the wounded.
The spacious space was somewhat cramped due to the arrival of Xuanyuan City and Yun Yao.
On the ground were scattered strips of cloth stained with blood, and the water basin in the corner was murky with blood.
The doctors looked nervous and were busy moving around.
Some were flipping through medical books looking for information, others were discussing the condition in hushed tones, and some were busy preparing herbs and tools, all in a hurry.
Xuanyuan City anxiously stood by Yun Yao's bedside, watching her pale and exhausted sleeping face, feeling worried and guilty.
"Why were you so foolish, carrying my child and risking your life to save me?"
His voice was deep and hoarse, filled with deep remorse and confusion.
A child is of great importance to any woman, and she risked her own and her child's safety to protect him.
This deep affection is impossible for him not to feel.
Yun Yao had already fallen into a deep sleep from exhaustion, and she didn't hear a word that Xuanyuan City said.
She wouldn't respond of course.
Xuanyuan City was so anxious that he stood by her bedside, unbothered by his disheveled appearance, tightly holding her hand, checking her every time she made a move.
The Empress Dowager finally arrived at the Imperial Hospital, and many people were gathered at the entrance.
The eunuch's high-pitched voice called out, "The Empress Dowager has arrived."
Frightened by the announcement, the palace maids and eunuchs who were gathered around the entrance of the Imperial Hospital to watch or inquire about news dispersed quickly.
They then knelt down, "We have met the Empress Dowager, may she be well."
The Empress Dowager waved her hand impatiently, holding the hand of a palace maid and entering the Imperial Hospital.
Seeing Xuanyuan City covered in blood and sitting there, she was scared.
She rushed forward, two steps at a time, grabbed Xuanyuan City's arm with both hands, looking him over from head to toe, her voice trembling, "City, my son! What happened to you? You scared your mother dreadfully!"
