Don't Ask Where People Go After Time Travel

Chapter 1924 Offense
Huangfu Xin smiled slightly, "The Huangfu family will be leaving the capital soon to return to the northern border, so we should at least say goodbye to Lord Fang."

Fang Zilan snorted coldly, "The Huangfu family comes and goes as they please, why do they need to greet me? I don't have that much influence."

"Does Lord Fang hold a grudge against me because of Shangguan Min?" Huangfu Xin smiled, but Fang Zilan remained indifferent. "Being coerced into going to the camp outside the capital as a hostage was Shangguan Min's own choice. General Huangfu was merely telling the truth at the Tiancheng Mountain Palace. Why should I hold a grudge?"

Upon hearing this, Huangfu Xin chuckled and after a long while said, "With Lord Fang's abilities, he must have seen through my scheme long ago. This test is not only for Shangguan Min, but also for Lord Fang."

Fang Zilan looked at Huangfu Xin with interest and said, "If I say something too much and expose the Huangfu family, do you think General Huangfu would risk his life and fortune to make me die and be forgotten? I am all alone and have no ties, but it is different for General Huangfu."

"If Lord Fang truly has no attachments, why would he protect Shangguan Min?" Huangfu Xin asked instead of answering. "And there's the female physician from Lord Fang's household who accompanied you from the northern border to the capital, and your cousin from Mushan Pass."

Fang Zilan's expression froze, and Huangfu Xin said meaningfully, "Lord Fang's weakness is clearly laid out on the table. Not to mention me, even others can see it."

Fang Zilan remained silent. Huangfu Xin composed himself and said solemnly, "I am telling you this to show my sincerity. Your secrets are the same as those of my Huangfu family. I will not use this to coerce you, and I ask that you not use this to control my Huangfu family. Some secrets are better left to die with you."

"General Huangfu, rest assured, I have no intention of coercing the Huangfu family." Fang Zilan said solemnly, "But if the Huangfu family ever does anything to harm the capital, I will risk my life and reputation to expose their wrongdoing."

Huangfu Xin was stunned; he hadn't expected Fang Zilan to say such a thing. Although neither of them had said it explicitly, they both knew in their hearts who held the leverage over them, and what that person's ambitions were…

His father was unlikely to turn back, and the Huangfu family was deeply implicated. He was unwilling to betray his father and watch his family be dragged into the vortex of ruin, nor was he willing to compromise his principles and be manipulated by others, committing acts of disloyalty and injustice. Thus, torn by conflicting emotions, he dared not act rashly.

Until this incident in the capital, he saw an opportunity—Fang Zilan. He secretly visited her, partly to show his sincerity, and partly to test her. If she harbored ill intentions, he would find a way to expose her true nature to the Emperor. But now…

“General Huangfu, there’s no need for such a look.” Fang Zilan said calmly, “I have my own principles and I will never be easily swayed by others. General Huangfu’s frankness is not like your father’s. Since you have thought it through, it’s fine to entrust the safety of the Northern Border to you in the future.”

"Lord Fang, you..." A look of surprise flashed in Huangfu Xin's eyes. Fang Zilan chuckled, "What, if the information wasn't wrong, General Huangfu Lin hadn't decided that you would inherit the position of family head?"

Huangfu Xin pursed his lips, and Fang Zilan said frankly, "General Huangfu, you don't need to worry about me. Just go ahead and do it."

"Today, thanks to you." Chen's breathing was unsteady, and she could only say a few words before pausing for a moment. "I heard you were injured, and the High Priest..."

Before she could finish speaking, she coughed heavily. Murong Xun patted her back to help her catch her breath and gently comforted her, "Zilan is perfectly fine in front of us now, so just relax. If you have anything to say..."

“If I don’t speak up now, I’ll never have another chance…” Chen’s expression was anxious, and her cough became more and more violent. Murong Xun could not persuade her otherwise, so he had to agree, “Alright, whatever you say.”

Fang Zilan's heart tightened. Judging from Chen's appearance and her conversation with Murong Xun, her days were probably numbered... Chen seemed to sense Fang Zilan's thoughts and gently patted her hand, "Zilan, while I can still hold on, there are some things I need to say..."

"Princess, please speak freely." Fang Zilan tightened her grip on Chen's hand, but then she saw Chen glance at Murong Xun. He remained silent for a moment before standing up and walking out.

Fang Zilan turned to look at the upright figure standing outside the screen, her heart filled with mixed emotions. Madam Chen, however, thought she was being hesitant and said softly, "Zilan, don't be afraid. The Prince is actually a good person."

"Is she a good person?" Fang Zilan didn't speak, so Madam Chen continued, "The prince told me that you stole the token and saved Qing'er. This is not something an ordinary young lady could do."

Upon hearing this, Fang Zilan raised an eyebrow. "Your Highness and Princess Consort, do you suspect me?"

“I don’t care who you are,” Madam Chen shook her head. “It’s just that Qing’er… has suffered too much…”

Her eyes reddened as she spoke, and she coughed again. Fang Zilan patted her back to help her catch her breath. "How you live is the young master's own choice."

“I know, I know…” Chen’s lips moved, her voice weakening slightly, “Back then, the High Priest divined that the Mandate of Heaven had come to pass, and that I was already pregnant…”

She paused, tears welling in her eyes, "I originally hoped that I would give birth to a girl, who, under the protection of the Prince Zhongzheng's Mansion, could live a peaceful and uneventful life, no matter what."

Fang Zilan bit her lip, as if out of control, and said, word by word, "If we don't fight, where can we find peace and security? With the prophecy of fate upon us, even a girl cannot escape death. Does Your Highness think that the Miluo royal family is a soft-hearted bunch?"

Madam Chen paused, staring at Fang Zilan for a long while. Finally, a smile appeared on her face, "That's wonderful."

"What did the Princess say?" Fang Zilan asked subconsciously. Madam Chen smiled with relief, "With you by Qing'er's side, I don't have to worry. At least, you understand him."

"I..." Fang Zilan opened her mouth, but before she could refute, she heard Chen Shi say, "Zilan, you know his helplessness and ambition. You don't treat him like a sick and weak child and pity him. Nor do you worship him as a god and obey him in every way because of the prophecy of fate. In your eyes, he is just Murong Qing, and that is enough."

“Your Highness…” Fang Zilan frowned, and Madam Chen gripped her hand tightly. “Zilan, listen to me, Qing’er… he is a bit extreme, but I can see that he truly loves you. If I’m gone in the future, I beg you…”

Fang Zilan lowered her eyes, not daring to look at Madam Chen. She knew that Madam Chen had entrusted her with the care of her child, but this entrustment was too heavy for her to accept, nor could she bear it.

"Please, stay by Qing'er's side and take care of him..." Chen said each word with difficulty. Fang Zilan felt a pang of pity, but her mind was clear—no matter what it was, she absolutely could not agree.

Fang Zilan abruptly pulled her hand away. "I'm sorry, but I cannot agree to the Princess's request."