CFSSIR

‧₊˚ 83 ‧₊˚

Having obtained the 'key' from Shen Qingyao, Lu Zhao's affairs proceeded even more smoothly. Although Princess An'ya didn't believe it, after repeated verification by her men, it was confirmed that the bracelet could indeed open the legendary treasure trove of the former dynasty.

Inside, there was nothing. But since she had already made her statement, she had no choice but to reluctantly agree and secretly lent 300,000 troops and horses to Lu Zhao.

Half a month later, Xiao Jing proclaimed himself Emperor in the capital. On the same day, various regional princes led by Xiao Mu aimed their swords at the capital, accusing Xiao Jing of patricide and regicide, of being unrighteous and unjust, and raised the banner of rallying troops. The nation mourned, and overnight chaos engulfed the entire Great Liang. Everyone felt endangered.

Since Shen Qingyao's sudden illness that day, her condition had been sporadic and had not improved. Kong Lin came daily to diagnose and change medications, but to no avail. She still experienced occasional severe chest pains, difficulty breathing, and more frequent attacks than ever before. The system said it was because the world plot had advanced prematurely, forcing her body into the state required by the current storyline.

Shen Qingyao earnestly recalled the books she had read. When the male protagonist seized power, it was the time when this cannon fodder supporting role was most seriously ill. Medical treatment was futile; death seemed imminent.

In other words, her body was on the verge of collapse. Either Kong Lin would develop a miracle drug, or her Eldest Sister's husband would quickly ascend to the throne, or... she would quietly die as per the original book's trajectory.

Shen Qingyao felt heavy-hearted, but she dared not show it on her face. She feared Lu Zhao would notice, feared he would also meet the same fate as described in the book.

However, seeing each other day after day, how could Lu Zhao truly not notice? The little girl was no longer as lively as before, her complexion worsening day by day. Kong Lin's expression also grew increasingly grave. With his intelligence, he naturally could guess that Yaoyao's condition wasn't good. Yet the little girl kept smiling in front of him, fearing he would worry. Hence, he also dared not show his concerns on his face, afraid she would be upset.

On this day, Kong Lin brought another bowl of medicinal soup. Shen Qingyao tasted it, bitter to the point of tears, but she drank it all without a word. After setting down the bowl, Lu Zhao, with a solemn expression, entered the room. As soon as he came in, he went straight to her bedside and gently took her hands.

"Elder Brother Lu Zhao, why have you come back at this time?" It wasn't surprising she asked. Lu Zhao had been busy every day for the past half month preparing reinforcements to the north. His return in broad daylight today was indeed unusual.

Unlike his usual smile, Lu Zhao looked even more serious. Holding the girl's hands, he said in a deep voice, "Today, news from Northern Border arrived. The Prince has ordered the army to march and seize the capital."

Shen Qingyao was stunned for a moment, then quickly realized what it meant. Unable to stop herself, she asked, "Then what about you..."

"Yes, we are closer than the Northern Frontier. We could have set off a little later, but communications on the road took some time. Counting the days, if we want to join forces with the Prince, we should set out with the troops we've gathered these days."

With the army marching, there were no other generals in Lingnan who could lead troops. Only Lu Zhao could.

Shen Qingyao blinked, her nose tingling at the mere thought. But she fought back tears. She just sniffled and lowered her head, softly asking, "So... when will Elder Brother Lu Zhao leave?"