After Rebirth, She Becomes the Revenge Queen-Chapter 608 - 377: The Future of the Nation is More Important (Seeking Monthly Votes) _2

Chapter 608: Chapter 377: The Future of the Nation is More Important (Seeking Monthly Votes) _2

"Impossible."

Yang Yi said in unison with the other person, "For so many years, he has never made a mistake. Whatever the master orders, he only does exactly as instructed. Besides, he has nowhere else to go."

Fu Zhen also felt the gravity of the situation and quickly said, "As long as he is in the capital city, he can definitely be found. Besides, it’s impossible for him to leave the city for no reason. Don’t worry, I’ll send the guards to search everywhere for him."

Although Yang Yi felt it was a bit of a fuss, after all, He Zhao was closer to him than family, so he accepted her kind offer.

At this moment, he remembered, "Did you come over so hastily because there’s something urgent?"

"Indeed, it is an urgent matter!" Fu Zhen said, then explained the purpose of her visit and added, "Ming Zhi has already entered the palace. I estimate we’ll have to set off by evening at the latest. Brother Yang, you should also prepare for action."

Yang Yi had not anticipated Lian Yang’s quick actions. However, since things had come to this point, there was no need to waste time. The priority was to set off as soon as possible to handle the final aftermath of the war with Dayue in the northwest.

"I have nothing much to pack. Leaving in the evening is enough. I will write a letter to my mother. Wait here for me; after I finish writing, you can deliver it to the palace for me."

After speaking, Yang Yi turned back to the backyard.

Chen Song remained where he was, muttering to himself, "Where did He Zhao go? Where on earth did he go?..."

...

Pei Zhan’s visit to the emperor went very smoothly. After he explained the situation, the emperor agreed to his request with just a moment of thought and issued a decree ordering him to lead five thousand cavalry to the northwest to capture the wanted criminal, Lian Yang.

There were already a hundred thousand border troops in the northwest, more than enough to handle any potential conflict. However, the soldiers stationed in the northwest could not be mobilized arbitrarily, and Lian Yang’s whereabouts were still unclear. Therefore, an additional five thousand troops were needed specifically to deal with Lian Yang and his group. 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

After dismissing Pei Zhan and the Ministry of War officials, the emperor summoned the guard who had been waiting outside to enter.

"Where is He Zhao?"

The guard turned and brought He Zhao inside. Upon seeing his face, the emperor immediately stepped out from behind the imperial desk and came to his side.

After carefully scrutinizing He Zhao, the emperor nodded deeply:

"You have done very well. For years, despite our many efforts, we have not found Yi Yi’s exact whereabouts. You and Chen Song deserve much credit."

He Zhao knelt on the ground, "I beg Your Majesty for forgiveness."

"What crime do you have?"

The emperor reached out to help him up, "If I’m not mistaken, over these years, you have gone to great lengths to prevent me from finding him. Besides Yi Yi’s lingering resentment over past events, is there another reason?"

He Zhao raised his head, pursing his lips without speaking.

The emperor clasped his hands behind his back, "He refuses to see me partly because he resents me and partly because he harbors distrust. Is he worried that I’ve been searching for him all these years not to let him live in this world?"

"Your Majesty..."

The emperor turned to look at him, his gaze deep and profound, "Especially after he discovered that the second prince plotted against him behind his back, he probably became even more unwilling to see me?"

He Zhao lowered his head.

"These years must have been so painful for him." The emperor looked towards the morning sun outside the door, "I can completely imagine how, after being set up by his father, he finally mustered the courage to come to the capital, only to almost lose his life at the hands of a brother he’s never met. This must be such a cruel reality for him. It’s only natural that he hates and resents me."

"The master has never..."

"He doesn’t hate me, I know." The emperor took a deep breath, "But, to be fair, if these things happened to me, perhaps I would act more ruthlessly than he did.

"He ultimately inherited his mother’s compassion. He merely resents me, keeps his distance from me, and only accuses me when reunited.

"If it were me, maybe I wouldn’t even say a word. I wouldn’t give the one who betrayed me a chance."

He Zhao thought of how the emperor had killed the deposed Crown Prince without a word, and he pressed his lips together again.

The emperor before him was no longer the majestic and robust King Zhou of his youth. Time had etched deep lines on his face and body. Though still tall and upright, he was too slender, no longer exuding the same vigor and might.

Yet through his naturally authoritative presence, one could still recall his triumphant and legendary past.