Chapter 83 - Merits and Demerits Would Be Recognized as They Were

In the wide public thoroughfare, a beautifully decorated carriage slowly moved forward, and from time to time, sounds of laughter and chatter could be heard. Inside the carriage, a stunning woman was leaning against the pillow and reading a book. On both sides of her sat two maidservants.

“Miss, isn’t it the same as when we first entered the capital? But at that time when we thought of returning to the Shen Family, we were very nervous. Now we are very relaxed.”

Inside the carriage was Shen Ninghua with her four maids. Hong Ling, who had the liveliest character, lifted the curtain beside the window. She looked at the scenery outside while talking to Shen Ninghua to relieve her boredom.

Shen Ninghua put down the book scroll. “You are the most heartless. I really didn’t see how nervous you were.” Seven days ago, they finally put the plague in Jiangnan under control. After discussing with Baili Jinchuan, they decided to quietly leave without letting many people know. After all, people in Jiangnan were greatly undermined, and many officials were also killed, leaving a lot of vacancies, so there was no need to let those people send them off.

Hong Ling stuck out her tongue and said, “I’m just saying. Haha, Miss, you’ve made great contributions this time. His Majesty will definitely reward you after you are back in the capital.” It would be best if they were allowed to live alone so that they didn’t need to live at others’ mercy.

Shen Ninghua smiled and said, “Reward? It’s already lucky for me not to be blamed this time.”

Bai Ruo took out some dessert from the hidden compartment of the carriage. “Miss, His Majesty is wise. He will definitely not implicate you because of the matters of the Shen Family. Otherwise, he would not give you the title of Prefectural Princess.”

Hong Ling pouted her lips in dissatisfaction. “It’s true that His Majesty will not do anything, but it’s not the same case with those princes. Do you think that Shen Linghan and Madam Zhao will bear to watch Miss having a peaceful life without causing trouble to her?”

Bai Ruo didn’t know what to say. After staying in the Shen Family for so long, they understood the characters of the Shen Family very clearly. Shen Dong, who was Miss’s biological father, pushed Miss out repeatedly as a shield. Madam Zhao, Shen Linghan, and Shen Xuanye wished they could get rid of Shen Ninghua as fast as they could. Now that the Shen Family was desperate to turn the table, how could they let go of this chance?

“Then what should we do after we are back in the capital?”

Shen Ninghua picked up a piece of dessert and took a bite. “I only said one sentence and all of you are worried. Don’t worry. Whether they have a covert or overt plot against me, I will always have a way to deal with them.”

Hong Ling’s eyes lit up. “Miss, what method have you come up with? Can I help?”

Shen Ninghua tapped her in the forehead. “Just wait for my order.”

Seeing Shen Ninghua’s relaxed expression, Hong Ling immediately became happy. As long as Miss had a way, there was nothing to worry about. “Miss, it won’t be long before your birthday banquet after we return. At that time, we must celebrate it in a good way to get rid of the bad luck.”

“Alright, alright.” Shen Ninghua readily agreed, but in her heart, she remembered what Chu Junyi and Baili Jinchuan had said earlier. Who knew how many troubles were waiting for her after she reached fifteen?

Bai Ruo took out the hot tea from the secret compartment and poured a cup for Shen Ninghua. She sighed in her heart. This carriage was exceptionally exquisite. Everything was well prepared. The only bad thing was that the carriage was sent by Mo Junqing. When they were back in the capital, she didn’t know if there would be any bad rumors.

It took them five days and five nights to arrive at Jiangnan. When they left, they took the carriage and traveled for about ten days before seeing the gate of the capital.

The Palace was already busy. The Internal Affairs Department and the Imperial Kitchen were all well prepared. They were just waiting for Shen Ninghua and the others to return and to hold a celebration banquet.

Baili Qingcang did not come out of the city to welcome them, but the Crown Prince, Baili Jinyi, volunteered to wait at the city gate.

The Third Prince and the Fourth Prince stood behind the Crown Prince. Looking at the vast group appearing in the distance, their eyes flashed with jealousy. This time, the Second Prince had completely stolen the limelight. Judging from Baili Qingcang’s expression, they knew that His Majesty had no intention of punishing Baili Jinchuan. He killed so many officials but without any punishment. Then, who would be able to suppress him in the future?

When they were about to arrive at the city gate, Baili Jinchuan ordered the troop to stop. They got off the horses and marched on foot into the city.

Bai Ruo helped Shen Ninghua out of the carriage. Looking at the majestic and towering city walls, a faint smile flashed in Shen Ninghua’s eyes. It had been a long time since she left.

“Greetings, Your Highness.” Baili Jinchuan immediately bowed when he saw Baili Jinyi. Behind him, five hundred guards and the imperial doctors shouted in unison.

“Greetings, Your Highness. Long live Your Highness!”

Baili Jinyi’s heart trembled as he looked at the people kneeling on the ground in front of him. An unclear emotion flashed in his eyes. “Second Brother, hurry up and stand up. It’s been a long journey. Father ordered me to welcome you and everyone into the Palace. Let’s go quickly.”

Both sides of the road were already filled with people. When they saw Baili Jinchuan and Shen Ninghua, they immediately cheered,

“Your Highness!”

“Long Live Your Highness!”

Many people even started to weep when they saw the tired soldiers. They could imagine how dangerous the situation in Jiangnan was. At such a critical moment, they were extremely touched by the fact that these people did not fear hardship and stepped forward to face the danger.

The Third Prince forcefully suppressed the jealousy in his heart and stepped forward. “Second Brother, you really had a hard time. His Majesty said that we can discuss other issues after the celebration banquet. Hurry up and enter the Palace.” You killed so many officials in Jiangnan. Even if His Majesty didn’t care, others would not let you off. Don’t think that you could easily escape unharmed because of your credit this time.

Baili Jinchuan narrowed his eyes slightly. “Thank you, Third Brother, for reminding me.”

Shen Ninghua slightly lagged behind and followed behind Baili Jinchuan. Baili Jinze, who had been silent for a long time, suddenly said, “Prefectural Princess Ninghua, are you alright?”

Shen Ninghua raised her head. Baili Jinze’s gaze was focused, with worry and concern that seemed to make people’s hearts tremble due to gratitude. Ordinary people would be so soft-hearted under such gaze. However, she did not buy this. “Thank you, Your Highness, for your concern. I am very well.”

“Well, then I’m relieved.” Baili Jinze didn’t seem to feel the alienation in her tone. “Everyone has been worried about you. I…I’m also worried about you. The Jiangnan plague was so serious, and I heard that the delivery of the medicinal ingredients was delayed. If something happened to you, I’m afraid many people would be sad.”

Shen Ninghua curled her lips and her eyes were filled with indifference. “No one expected that the medicinal ingredients would arrive so late. Fortunately, we had some help, so everything was alright.” Did you want to pry into the inside story and stir up trouble? Then I would tell you something and see what guesswork you could make.

“Some help? I’ve also heard about it. It was said that a man from the Mo family offered help.”

“That’s right.”

Baili Jinze’s heart trembled. The Second Prince was already eye-catching enough. After this incident, no one could rival him in terms of reputation. If he had the help of the Mo family, even the Crown Prince would not be a match for him.

“What’s wrong with Your Highness? You don’t seem happy to hear this news?”

Facing Shen Ninghua’s inquisitive eyes, Baili Jinze quickly adjusted his expression. “No, I just didn’t expect the Mo family to have someone walking outside after living in seclusion for so many years. I was just surprised. His Majesty will definitely be very happy to hear this news.”

“A just cause enjoys abundant support while an unjust cause finds little support. Prefectural Prince De relieved the disaster in Jiangnan and ensured the safety of the people. The heavens will naturally send a patron to help him. What do you think?”

“…Ninghua, you are right. Excuse me for a moment.” Baili Jinze’s expression changed slightly as he took two steps forward and walked away from Shen Ninghua.

He was even unable to conceal his emotions. How could he have the capital to fight against the other princes? She was really blind. Speaking of which, in her previous life, apart from her help, his success in seizing the throne had probably had a lot to do with luck. This time, she would see how far he could go!

The Chengqian Gate was filled with guards on both sides. When they saw Baili Jinchuan coming over, they immediately knelt on the ground and greeted. The solemn atmosphere made people unconsciously straighten their backs.

Baili Qingcang, dressed in an imperial robe, stood on the tall stairs with his hands behind his back, and beside him stood empress Zhao Huiying who was dressed in splendid attire.

Baili Jinchuan’s mood surged. He cupped his hands and knelt down. “Greetings, Your Majesty. Long live Your Majesty.”

Baili Qingcang walked down the stairs and personally helped him up. “My son, you’ve done a great job.”

Baili Jinchuan had never been treated in such an intimate manner before. His face was filled with excitement. “I’m willing to do anything for Your Majesty to relieve your worries. Also, my handling of the matters in Jiangnan was not well-considered. Please punish me.”

Baili Qingcang nodded. A trace of gratification flashed in his eyes. “I am very happy that you understand this. However, I have always distinguished between rewards and punishments. Merits and demerits will be recognized as they are. Today we are holding a banquet to celebrate your return. I will not pursue any other matters. We will talk about the rest three days later.”

Shen Ninghua involuntarily smiled. Baili Qingcang was truly a wise emperor as was praised by the people. This magnanimity of his was very rare and precious.

“Ninghua, I heard that you were sick. Is everything alright?”

“Your Majesty, I just overworked and caught a cold. I’ve fully recovered.” Shen Ninghua bowed and said.

Baili Qingcang nodded.

Empress Zhao Huiying suddenly stepped forward. She placed her hand on Shen Ninghua’s shoulder and pulled her to her side. “This girl is much thinner. Your Majesty, I remember that you said you would declare to the world your rewards for her when she finished relieving the disaster and returned from Jiangnan. I like this girl very much, and you can’t forget about what you said.”

Baili Qingcang laughed loudly. “Good. Ninghua, why are you still calling me Your Majesty? Shouldn’t you call me father instead?”

Shen Ninghua blushed slightly, but her voice was clear and crisp. “Father!”

“Alright, haha.” Baili Qingcang laughed heartily. “I’ll hold a banquet at Chengqian palace to welcome all the meritorious heroes!”

The officials all knelt on the ground and shouted in unison, “Long live Your Majesty! Long live Your Majesty! Long live Your Majesty!”

For some reason, maybe the empress had forgotten, but she kept holding Shen Ninghua by the hand and letting her stand by her side all the time.

Shen Ninghua could feel icy coldness in her hand, as if it could penetrate into her heart through her skin. She couldn’t help but twitch her fingers.

Feeling her movements, Zhao Huiying turned her head slightly and smiled reassuringly. “Don’t be afraid. Since you have already called His Majesty father, you should call me mother. If there is anything in the future, just tell me. I will definitely protect you.”

Shen Ninghua’s heart trembled, but her face remained calm. “Yes, mother. I see.”

Zhao Huiying smiled gently. Her faint smile was like a cloud on the horizon, making people admire her but still keep a respectful distance. “Ninghua, I remember that it won’t be long before your birthday. After your birthday, you will be fifteen?”

“Yes.”

“That’s good. It has been a long time since the Palace had any happy event.”

Shen Ninghua suddenly raised her head and repeated those words in her heart. Fifteen…Happy event…Did the empress want to interfere in her marriage?