Ping Zhao Lu

Chapter 144 Detour

The sky became increasingly gloomy, with thick dark clouds rolling and surging, as if a torrential rain would pour down at any time.

Shi'an looked up at the scene of dark clouds pressing down and impending storm, and his heart couldn't help but tighten.

He turned to look at the refugees pouring in, feeling a little worried.

"Your Highness, the number of refugees is increasing. It seems that everyone knows that Your Highness has set up a soup kitchen here to provide relief. If this continues, it will be difficult for us to escape." Shi'an said worriedly.

Chu Heyuan nodded, agreeing with Shi'an. He frowned slightly and asked, "Has the team led by Minister Pei not arrived yet?"

Shi An replied uncertainly, "It should be arriving soon, but I can't estimate the exact time."

Chu Heyuan thought for a moment before decisively ordering, "Tear down this porridge stall and continue on our journey. Tell these refugees that the sky is overcast and a storm is imminent, so they should take shelter for now. Over the next few days, the Lianzhou Governor will open a porridge stall at the city gate to distribute food. Tell them to line up at the designated time."

Shi'an immediately understood Chu Heyuan's intention and responded respectfully, "Yes, I understand!"

Chu Heyuan then ordered, "Also, immediately select a few capable men to enter the city first. Using my order, have the governor deploy troops to maintain order at the city gates. Make sure that Minister Pei and his entourage, who will arrive later, can enter the city safely. This matter is of paramount importance; no mistakes can be made!"

at the same time--

Pei Hong stopped the advancing team.

Pei Nanchao was filled with confusion when he saw this. He asked anxiously, "What's wrong, Grandfather? Why are we stopping here? Aren't we in a hurry to get to Lianzhou?"

Pei Hong did not answer his grandson's question immediately.

He narrowed his eyes slightly, stroking his dark beard thoughtfully. Then he turned to the driver outside and said in a deep voice, "We can't go any further on this road. Let's take a detour to Qing County."

The driver was bewildered after hearing this, and had no idea why such a sudden change had happened.

But he knew his master's decision had its reasons, so he didn't dare to neglect it. He nodded and said quickly, "Okay, sir! I will tell the brothers leading the way to turn around here and head towards Qing County instead."

After saying this, the driver jumped off the carriage and hurried forward to convey the instructions.

Seeing the convoy slowly turning around and changing its direction, Pei Nanchao felt more and more confused and uneasy.

He frowned and said worriedly, "Grandfather, if we go around to Qing County, the journey will be much longer. We originally planned to reach Lianzhou City today, but now after all this trouble, it will probably take at least two days. And there are so many refugees in Lianzhou City waiting for rescue. How can they hold out for so long?"

Faced with his grandson's worries, Pei Hong's expression became more and more solemn.

He lowered his voice, leaned in close to Pei Nanchao, and explained quietly, "My child, this journey is fraught with danger. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was foresighted and anticipated the possibility of interception of the supply shipment, so he divided his troops into three groups to disperse the risk. However, how can we guarantee that the enemy won't make further plans and specifically target our group? If we continue along this official road that leads directly to Lianzhou City, let alone two days, even if we were given an extra month, I'm afraid we wouldn't be able to reach our destination safely."

After hearing this, Pei Nanchao suddenly realized, "Then we have to speed up and bypass Qing County. If they react, we won't be able to escape."

Pei Hong nodded with satisfaction, "That's exactly what happened."

*

Chu Yunxiao frowned and glanced at the door from time to time, as if waiting for some news.

Finally, after hearing that Zhuang Yan had left, he could no longer suppress his anxiety. He threw the memorial in his hand aside, stood up suddenly, and strode towards Fengluan Palace.

When he rushed to Fengluan Palace in a panic, he found that Xu Zhouye was already sleeping peacefully.

Ever since having this child, his queen has become extremely sleepy. She is shrouded in drowsiness most of the day and always looks exhausted.

Looking at Xu Zhouye sleeping peacefully on the couch, Chu Yunxiao couldn't help but feel a deep sense of self-blame and pity in his heart.

He took light steps and slowly walked to the edge of the couch, fearing that any noise would disturb his sweet dream.

Then, he carefully reached out his hand, gently lifted a corner of the curtain, and silently gazed at Xu Zhouye who was sleeping soundly.

I was completely mesmerized by the scene without realizing it.

After a long while, he lowered the curtain, slowly took off his outer clothes, tiptoed onto the couch, lay down next to Xu Zhouye, closed his eyes, and soon fell asleep.

Chu Yunxiao slept deeply and for a long time.

When he slowly woke up, the sky outside the window was covered with a thick black curtain.

Chu Yunxiao subconsciously turned his head to see if Xu Zhouye was still sleeping beside him.

But when I turned around, the person who was supposed to be lying next to me was nowhere to be seen.

Chu Yunxiao's heart trembled.

He quickly turned over and sat up, pulled back the curtain, and looked around anxiously.

At this moment, a familiar figure came into his sight - Xu Zhouye was sitting in front of the window, with a faint smile on his lips, looking at him affectionately.

Seeing Chu Yunxiao's panic-stricken look, Xu Zhouye couldn't help but chuckle and asked softly, "Your Majesty, did you sleep well?"

Hearing these words, Chu Yunxiao's heart, which had been hanging in the air, finally settled down. He let out a long sigh, a bright smile bloomed on his face, and responded, "With the Queen by my side, I naturally slept very comfortably."

Xu Zhouye smiled with satisfaction and said softly, "Get up and have dinner."

Chu Yunxiao obediently got off the couch, put on his clothes, and walked to the round table and sat down. "The Queen is in a good mood today."

Xu Zhouye paused, "My eldest brother wrote to me not long ago. He said that his health has improved and he can now take up arms and go into battle. He also said that his injury was just an accident..."

Chu Yunxiao's expression changed slightly upon hearing this, but he quickly returned to normal. He raised his head, looked directly at Xu Zhouye, and said slowly, "I'm glad Jiang Lin is alright. Coincidentally, I received victory news today. Thanks to Jiang Lin's planning, our army has triumphed over the Rouran again. I expect the Rouran to be defeated soon, and your brother will be able to return triumphantly soon."

Xu Zhouye's eyes lit up when he heard this, "That's good. I should be able to see Big Brother before the New Year."