The Whole Dynasty Spoils the Tyrant's Beloved Youngest Daughter-Chapter 451 - 447: My Ah Ning Has Finally Returned

Chapter 451: Chapter 447: My Ah Ning Has Finally Returned
Qi Xiao listened to the gossip of the people, and his cheeks and ears suddenly became a bit hot. He was restless, uncomfortable no matter what he did.
He really wanted to know how Jun Ning would react to those discussions. But he was also worried that if Jun Ning discovered his unusual behavior, she would think he wasn’t manly enough, too emotional, too childish. So he didn’t immediately observe Jun Ning’s expression.
He adjusted his state of mind. After fully composing himself and ensuring he wouldn’t make a fool of himself, he looked at Jun Ning.
Jun Ning’s expression was calm, without a ripple.
The turmoil within him was like a river’s surge, yet it seemed he was the only one feeling it.
Jun Ning completely disregarded those words. Her indifferent demeanor even made him feel that he was not important to her at all, unable to move her joy, anger, sorrow, or pleasure.
She probably doesn’t like him!
"Sigh..." Realizing this, Qi Xiao deeply sighed in his heart, feeling a bit disappointed. He tightened the reins in his hand and dared not observe Jun Ning’s expression any further, fearing more disappointment.
As a result, he did not see Jun Ning glance at him the moment he lowered his eyes.
Her eyes also showed confusion, unable to understand why Qi Xiao was so indifferent and unmoved by the people’s gossip.
Ye Ying did see the way Jun Ning looked at Qi Xiao.
He smiled, but his smile was forced, even uglier than crying.
...
Emperor Yongning is now very ill, even finding it difficult to walk. Just sitting for a while makes him unbearably uncomfortable. He needs someone to feed him slowly, and no matter how finely cooked, he cannot consume indigestible foods. He relies on drinking porridge daily to maintain his vital signs.
He knows his life is nearly at an end, almost at death’s door.
But he doesn’t want to die.
He still has unfulfilled wishes.
Now, he’s relying solely on a strong will to support himself.
He wants to see Jun Ning return from victory safely and also witness Jun Ning and Qi Xiao’s marriage... A bit more extravagantly, he wishes to see Jun Ning’s child born.
However, he knows that is impossible. His only current hope is to see Jun Ning’s wedding.
Knowing that Jun Ning is returning to court today, he was elated and couldn’t stay in bed, nor sleep as of dawn.
He early on had Xiao Lizi help him get ready and push him in a wheelchair to the palace gate to wait in person.
The Emperor awaited them since early morning, and how could the concubines and the Princes dare to continue sleeping? After hearing the news, they all tidied up and came to wait.
However, those Princes were all wasteful, upside-down day and night, indulging in eating, drinking, and being merry. Now, waiting here for Jun Ning and others to return to court, they were all tired, unable to stand properly, as if standing on thorns.
Even the concubines didn’t look spirited.
Emperor Yongning looked at those Princes and couldn’t help but curse in his heart, "Worthless creatures."
The weather was a bit chilly, and Qiong Hua helped Emperor Yongning adjust the blanket on his knees, asking with concern, "Your Majesty, is there any discomfort in your body?"
After many years, Qiong Hua still looked the same, beautiful and youthful, with few marks of time on her face.
But due to managing the imperial harem for years and holding a high position, she had an added aura of authority and majesty.
"Quite fine," Emperor Yongning said, "Where is Seventeen? I haven’t seen him or heard from him in a long time. Is he truly planning to travel and never return?"
"Even when his father is dying, he doesn’t care?"
Saying this, Emperor Yongning became somewhat agitated and began coughing violently as soon as he finished speaking.
Qiong Hua quickly helped Emperor Yongning by rubbing his back and coaxing his breath, "Your Majesty, what are you saying? With blessings, you’ll surely live to a hundred. As for Seventeen..."
"What, you’re going to speak for him again? He hasn’t come home for years, how can you continue to speak for him?" Emperor Yongning was furious, still coughing, "The hardships Ah Ning has endured all these years, we’ve both witnessed. If you speak for him, what about Ah Ning?"
"That’s not it." Originally, Qiong Hua didn’t intend to explain, but she couldn’t help it now. Also, the timing was right, she could speak now.
She said, "Your Majesty, these past years, Seventeen hasn’t just been traveling. Ah Ning’s victory this time owes much to her clever strategy, the skillful cooperation of the military generals, and Seventeen’s silent contribution..."
"Hmm? What do you mean by that?" Emperor Yongning was bewildered by what he heard.
Qiong Hua continued, "Perhaps Seventeen isn’t great at reading or horseback archery, and he seems hesitant and reticent in interactions. But he’s an excellent hand at undercover work; for the Bei Xia war horses, he was the one who spread the plague that killed half of them."
Bei Xia didn’t dispatch many troops this time, allowing the Eastern Chu Kingdom to seize the opportunity and lay a solid foundation for victory with their significant numerical advantage.
Emperor Yongning was somewhat aware of this matter.
He also admired the one who dared to brave the dangers, go undercover in Bei Xia, and spread the plague among the war horses. He even thought of having Jun Ning properly reward that person when she returned.
He just didn’t know who that person was.
Hearing Qiong Hua say this, he was a bit surprised.
"Qiong Hua, you mean the one who spread the plague among the war horses is Seventeen?"
Qiong Hua nodded, "Yes, exactly him! He was worn down by the Empress years ago, making his character seem weak and lacking in ways befitting formal occasions. But he is still a citizen of Eastern Chu; facing this immense crisis, how could he leave it all to his sister and do nothing? He and Ah Ning had already discussed it, and he went to Bei Xia as an undercover agent."
Having heard these words, Emperor Yongning felt he had wrongly accused the Seventeenth Prince, Jun Yu, and felt a bit guilty inside.
His other sons were useless, but Seventeen was not!
Good, good, good, he was very pleased.
"So that’s how it is," Emperor Yongning said, "When he returns, I will certainly reward him heavily!"
As he finished speaking, a horn suddenly sounded sharply.
Jun Ning and the others had returned.
"Quickly, quickly push me over, let me see my darling..."
It had been almost a year and more since Jun Ning went to war. Emperor Yongning had been thinking about the young lady day and night, worrying about her day and night, praying for her day and night.
Now she was finally back.
His heart, which had been anxious, could finally settle down.
Qiong Hua also eagerly awaited seeing Jun Ning.
"Alright, I will push you over right now, Your Majesty," she said.
Qiong Hua personally pushed Emperor Yongning’s wheelchair toward the front line where the army stopped. The figure dressed in a full suit of armor, looking like a man, but unable to hide the heroic spirit in her demeanor, was walking.
That was indeed Jun Ning.
"Ah Ning..."
"Emperor, mother..."
Jun Ning dismounted swiftly and ran toward the two figures, tears falling, leaving them in place. The wind whistled by her ears, her heart burst with joy.