Rebirth: The Journey of an Heiress-Chapter 888 - 885: Healthy Longevity

Quan Yu placed both hands over his lower abdomen, respectfully following behind Zhenming. As he stepped into Qinghui Courtyard, he saw Bai Qingyan’s silhouette reflected in the window, bent over writing, and his eyes welled up.

"Gonggong, please wait a moment. I will go in and report to the Eldest Young Lady." Zhenming greeted Quan Yu politely.

Quan Yu nodded in thanks, standing nervously under the porch. When he looked down, his disheveled hair and disorderly clothing reflected his state. Knowing he was about to meet the Princess of Zhen, Quan Yu quickly inspected himself, straightening his sleeves, brushing off the dust on his clothes, and smoothing his hair as best he could with his hands. Just then, he heard Zhenming call him inside.

Quan Yu thanked Zhenming and followed him into the room, with eyes lowered, focusing on Zhenming’s embroidered shoes. As they bypassed the screen and approached the soft couch, Quan Yu immediately knelt to pay his respects: "Quan Yu greets the Princess of Zhen."

"Gonggong Quan Yu, there is no need for such courtesy," Bai Qingyan set aside her pen and accepted the refreshing hot tea brought by Zhenguang. "Zhenming... bring a stool for Gonggong Quan Yu."

Hearing Bai Qingyan address him as usual, Quan Yu finally dared to look up at her, "Thank you, Princess of Zhen!"

Seeing Bai Qingyan looking thinner yet still dignified, and her gaze as familiar as ever, Quan Yu’s eyes welled again. He softly asked, "I wonder, how is the Princess of Zhen’s health?"

"Thank you for your concern, Gonggong Quan Yu. With Doctor Hong’s care, I have recovered quite a bit..." Bai Qingyan spoke as though making small talk. Seeing Zhenming bring over a small embroidered stool, she gestured for Quan Yu to sit.

Quan Yu nodded and rose, sitting as soon as he saw Zhenguang bringing tea. He quickly stood to thank, then sat back down, looking at Bai Qingyan. "Forgive my boldness, I have heard that the Princess of Zhen intends to ascend the throne. Is it because the Princess believes the Crown Prince is no longer alive, hence deciding to take the throne?"

Bai Jinse looked at her eldestsister, seeing Bai Qingyan seriously considering Quan Yu’s words and replying without evasion, "It is not so. Gonggong Quan Yu has served the Crown Prince for a long time and should know he deeply fears the Emperor. Even the Emperor of Jin’s ridiculous demand to build a nine-story tower was met just to please him! Now, since the Emperor of Jin is still alive... if the Crown Prince ascended, do you believe that under his rule, these thousand innocent children would escape their fate?"

Quan Yu’s grip tightened around his teacup. Without hesitation, he knew... they would not.

"In addition, the Crown Prince, with his abilities, could barely maintain the status quo if he heeded wise council—but he could never become a sovereign who expands territories and unifies the realm."

So, the Princess of Zhen indeed intends to become emperor...

Quan Yu, with tearful eyes, looked at Bai Qingyan: "Then... the Crown Prince was captured by King Liang. You will not rescue him, Your Highness? He has always believed in your loyalty! You must not forsake him!"

Quan Yu choked with emotion.

"King Liang likely took the Crown Prince to Luohong City where Qin Shangzhi is overseeing the canal construction. He has troops and is loyal to the Crown Prince. If King Liang wants to muster resistance, he must use the Crown Prince to command Qin Shangzhi. Therefore, for now, the Crown Prince is not in immediate danger. Moreover... my grandmother, the Eldest Princess of the Jin Dynasty, is there. She will not let King Liang kill the Crown Prince."

Because my grandmother may still harbor a last hope, wanting to support the Crown Prince’s ascension.

"Gonggong Quan Yu, I have always wanted to ask..." Bai Qingyan looked seriously at Quan Yu, "When my fourth sister Bai Jinzhi was investigating the military grain case, you guided her. Upon reflection, it seems you have shown deliberate care for my Bai family. May I know why?"

Hearing this, Quan Yu also looked seriously at Bai Qingyan, his eyes moist. "Guiding the Fourth Young Lady was to prevent her from recklessness. I feared if she disturbed the Crown Princess Consort’s unborn son, the Crown Prince might direct his anger at you, Princess. As for showing extra care to the Bai family, it was because of you, Princess of Zhen."

Bai Qingyan gazed quietly at Quan Yu, waiting for him to continue.

Quan Yu’s throat worked, and after a while, he spoke hoarsely: "Because when you look at me, Princess, you see a person, not an object. You are not like those who seek my help, flattering me to my face and cursing me as a eunuch behind my back! Only when you look at me, Princess, do I feel... like a human."

Bai Qingyan suddenly understood.

So the Bai family had given Gonggong Quan Yu nothing, yet it was her lack of disdain that made him willing to care for them.

As Quan Yu spoke, tears fell. He quickly wiped them with his sleeve, placed the tea aside, and formally kowtowed to Bai Qingyan: "Forgive my boldness, but I implore the Princess of Zhen... to save the Crown Prince’s life!"

"Rest assured, my second sister has already led troops to Luohong City," Bai Qingyan assured Quan Yu, then asked, "Quan Yu, would you be willing to stay and serve by my side?" fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓

Quan Yu was stunned that Bai Qingyan would ask him to stay, as he was the former Crown Prince’s personal eunuch!

Surprised yet with unintended joy, Quan Yu’s excitement soon turned to sorrow. Bowing deeply, he replied, "I am honored by your regard, Princess of Zhen. I would love to serve you, but I cannot abandon the Crown Prince! From a young age, I have served him. It was the Crown Prince who granted me dignity, sheltering me from harm, feeding me, and clothing me. His kindness is beyond measure! Even though... in the Crown Prince’s eyes, I am merely a servant attending his comfort, I cannot forget his kindness!"

With a thick nasal tone, Quan Yu continued: "Now the Crown Prince is in distress; I cannot forsake him. Currently, I have no support or money to buy a horse in Dadu City. I humbly request that you, Princess of Zhen, grant me a horse to make my way to Luohong City."

Bai Qingyan looked at Quan Yu, kneeling before her, and after a moment, said, "Gonggong Quan Yu’s loyalty is admirable. Zhenming... order someone to escort Gonggong Quan Yu to Luohong City."

"Thank you, Princess of Zhen!" Gratitude filled Quan Yu as he kowtowed again to Bai Qingyan, looking up at her. "May the Princess of Zhen enjoy peace, prosperity, good health, and long life."

This was Quan Yu’s most sincere blessing for Bai Qingyan, his only gift in return.

Bai Qingyan nodded in thanks to Quan Yu: "Gonggong Quan Yu, take care on your journey."

Tears streamed from Quan Yu’s eyes as he bowed to Bai Qingyan again, then with hands tightly clasped over his abdomen, he retreated respectfully from Qinghui Courtyard.

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