Chapter 155 The Prince is Missing
Chapter 155 The Prince is Missing
It had been almost a month since the prince left for the south, and no news had been reported back to the capital, causing the emperor to feel increasingly uneasy.
He was frowning all day long, pacing back and forth in the imperial study, and the prince's determined eyes and oath before leaving kept appearing in his mind.
The emperor was well aware of the complicated situation in the south. Although the prince had determination and courage, he lacked experience after all. The lack of news for a month made him feel that something had happened to the prince.
At this tense moment, the emperor decided to summon Prince Chen to the palace to discuss countermeasures. After receiving the imperial edict, Prince Chen immediately entered the palace.
He was dressed in a solemn court robe and walked into the palace with a solemn look. When the emperor saw Prince Chen, he nodded slightly and motioned him to sit down.
"Prince Chen, it has been nearly a month since the Crown Prince went south to provide disaster relief, but no news has been sent back. I am worried that something bad has happened to the Crown Prince. What do you think about this?"
There was deep worry in the emperor's voice.
Mu Chenye frowned slightly, thought for a moment and said, "Brother, the prince is kind-hearted and has a heart for the people. He will go all out this time. However, the situation in the south is complicated. Perhaps there are many obstacles, which leads to the lack of information. I think we should quickly send people to the south to inquire about the prince's news so that we can take timely countermeasures."
The emperor nodded in agreement: "I have the same idea. But I am really worried about sending someone else, so I can only..."
He looked at Prince Chen guiltily. He didn't want to send Prince Chen, but going south was dangerous and there was no news about the Crown Prince. After thinking through the entire court, only Prince Chen could do the job.
Something has already happened to the prince, and I'm afraid the relief grain has also been lost. The people who go to support him must not get into trouble again, otherwise the people will be too angry because of the drought, and the crisis will be even worse.
Prince Chen is deeply loved by the people and he is the best candidate now.
"You are newly married now, I shouldn't do this, but there is really no one available."
"Brother Emperor, there is a drought in the south, and I feel obliged to do my duty for the people."
Mu Chenye did not hesitate and agreed to the task immediately.
When the emperor heard this, he was very excited, but when he looked at him, there was guilt in his eyes.
He walked up to him, patted his shoulders twice, and gave him unlimited expectations.
"I will really give you the golden sword, so you can do anything first and ask for permission later!"
"Thank you, my dear brother!"
Mu Chenye nodded in agreement. Drought was raging in the south and the people were suffering. As a prince, he should take responsibility.
But he really felt sorry for Tang'er. She was already five months pregnant and he should have been with her, but now he couldn't.
It is not even known whether he will be able to return safely before the child is born.
Mu Chenye returned to the palace with heavy steps, his heart full of confusion and guilt.
He didn't know how to tell Shen Tangan that he was going south to provide disaster relief.
He knew very well that she was pregnant and needed his company and care, and he couldn't bear to leave her at this time.
Walking into the palace's garden, Prince Chen saw Shen Tangan sitting in the pavilion, quietly embroidering a baby's bellyband.
Her face was filled with a gentle smile and her eyes were full of expectations for the future.
Mu Chenye felt a sharp pain in his heart. He wished he could always be by her side, watch their child being born, and spend this happy time together.
He walked slowly into the pavilion and sat down next to Shen Tangan.
Shen Tangan raised his head and saw Prince Chen’s deep expression, and his heart moved slightly.
She put down the embroidery in her hands, gently held Prince Chen's hand, and asked with concern: "Prince, what's wrong with you? Are you worried about something?"
Mu Chenye looked at her gentle eyes and felt even more guilty.
He hesitated, not knowing how to start.
Seeing that he was hesitant to speak, Shen Tangan became more certain of his guess.
She smiled slightly and said, "Your Majesty, are you going to provide disaster relief?"
Prince Chen looked at Shen Tangan in surprise. He didn't expect that she guessed it so easily.
He nodded gently and said, "Your Majesty asked me to leave tomorrow. The drought in the south is urgent and cannot wait."
A hint of worry flashed across Shen Tangan's eyes, but it was quickly replaced by determination.
"Your Majesty, I know you care about the people. This is your responsibility. Don't worry, I will take good care of myself and the child."
Prince Chen held Shen Tangan's hand tightly, his eyes full of emotion.
"Tang'er, I'm sorry. You were pregnant, but I couldn't be by your side to take care of you."
Shen Tangan shook his head and said, "Your Highness, I know your intentions, and I know that you care about the people. The people are the most important. They are in dire straits and need your help. I will take good care of myself and the children and wait for you to come back."
Prince Chen looked at Shen Tangan's determined eyes and felt strong in his heart.
He knew that he could not let Shen Tangan down and must complete the disaster relief mission and return to her as soon as possible.
At night, Prince Chen and Shen Tang sat in the room, quietly enjoying this rare peaceful time.
Prince Chen gently stroked Shen Tangan's belly, feeling the baby's movements.
His heart was full of expectations for the future, but also full of guilt towards Shen Tangan.
Shen Tangan saw what Prince Chen was thinking, and she said gently: "Prince, don't worry about us. I will take good care of myself and the child. You go to the south to provide disaster relief, so be sure to pay attention to your safety. The child and I will wait for you to come back home."
Prince Chen nodded and said, "Tang'er, don't worry. I will be careful. You should also take good care of yourself and don't get too tired. If there is anything, go to the butler or the guard."
Shen Tangan smiled and said, "I understand, Your Majesty. Go ahead and don't worry."
The next morning, Prince Chen got up early and prepared to set off.
He came to Shen Tangan's room and saw that she was still sleeping soundly.
He kissed her forehead gently, then turned and left the room.
The Prince of Chen, carrying the golden sword bestowed by the Emperor, led a team of men and set out on a journey southward to provide disaster relief.
Along the way, he was always concerned about Shen Tangan and the child, but he also knew that he was shouldering an important mission and could not slack off in the slightest.
As soon as Prince Chen left, Shen Tangan immediately ordered his servants to start packing.
Her eyes revealed determination and resoluteness, and she had already made up her mind to follow Prince Chen to the south.
After Yunzhu learned about this, she ran to Shen Tangan with a shocked look on her face and spoke anxiously.
"Princess, what are you doing? How can you decide to go to the south at this time? You are pregnant with a little prince. This is too dangerous. You absolutely cannot do this!"
Shen Tangan raised his head slightly, looked at Yunzhu's anxious expression, and said softly: "Yunzhu, I know you are doing this for my own good, but I can't just sit there and wait in peace. I don't know how many difficulties and obstacles the prince will encounter on his journey to the south, and I am really worried. Moreover, droughts are often accompanied by plagues. Although I am pregnant, I also know some medical skills, so perhaps I can do my part to help those affected by the disaster."
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