Chapter 1887: 1875: Entering the Capital

Chapter 1887: Chapter 1875: Entering the Capital

However, Qi Le could disappear, but Muhal couldn’t keep doing that, or wouldn’t everyone start to suspect?

On further thought, although disappearing was out of the question, Muhal could fall ill!

Wang Yongzhu exchanged a pill from Chen Xing and secretly handed it over to Bi Zhu when she came for the second time.

This pill dissolves in water without color or taste, with no symptoms for the first few days, but after five or six days, the person starts to feel fatigued, powerless, and increasingly sleepy.

The body weakens day by day, and within one to two months, it weakens to death, even the most skilled doctor can’t determine the cause.

The pill was given to Bi Zhu, and whether to use it or not was her choice.

It was only ten days later that news of Muhal’s illness spread.

A few days later, Muhal’s periods of drowsiness grew longer each day, sensing something was wrong, he summoned several imperial doctors, including shamans, into the palace.

Yet none of them could diagnose what strange illness had befallen Muhal.

Later on, seeing his waking hours grow shorter, Muhal realized with his acute mind that if things dragged on, his sons would start fighting for the throne.

The throne he fought hard to seize had not yet settled firmly, and another upheaval like this could render all past efforts futile.

Therefore, after giving it much thought, Muhal had always favored Bayar and his mother; now, Bi Zhu had the power inherited from Queen Ah Lan, it seemed none could hold this position securely.

In the end, he directly passed the title of King of the Grasslands to Bayar.

Within just two months, the grasslands had seen three rulers, accompanied by bloodshed from the regime changes, claiming countless lives.

Fortunately, Bayar proved reliable, guided by Bi Zhu from above and aided by Batu along with allied nobles plotting from below, he managed to secure his position.

By the time Bayar and Bi Zhu had invigorated Wang City with their trusted men in key positions, several months had passed.

Trade caravans had already crossed the grasslands and even visited neighboring countries, earning abundance before returning.

Hearing that Wang City changed rulers three times after their departure startled everyone.

Recalling the envoy urging their hasty departure, some were reluctantly compliant, yet had they stayed, their graves would likely have grown tall with weeds.

The trade caravans returned, gathering the envoy’s group anew; the mission to the grasslands took place in early March, when traces of snow still lingered.

Now having finished their task, as they headed back to Great Chu, they found the grasslands in its lushest season.

The vast green plains dotted with myriad blooms, herds of cattle and sheep leisurely grazing on the slopes.

After months of various minor conflicts, the oppressive atmosphere lifted, restoring vitality to the grasslands.

Wang Yongzhu and her group bade farewell to Bayar and Bi Zhu, about to embark on their journey back to Great Chu.

Though they fought side by side these months, Bi Zhu long departed from Great Chu; now, being the revered Empress Dowager of the grasslands, she found herself alone at the top.

Only Wang Yongzhu treated her as before, while Bi Zhu expected her departure, she still felt some reluctance upon hearing it.

Soon, she collected herself, graciously agreeing without further mention, preparing countless precious gifts for Wang Yongzhu.

Even Bayar, hearing their return to Great Chu, paused in thought.

Complex emotions crossed his face as he looked at Wang Yongzhu; he was no longer the reckless young prince, now finally understanding the significant gift Wang Yongzhu had mentioned that day.

The disappearance of Qi Le and his father’s death involved shadows cast by his mother and Wang Yongzhu.

Once, he might have recklessly questioned his mother and Wang Yongzhu’s motives.

After everything, holding power, he introspected and couldn’t voice such questions.

He knew it was all for his betterment, and now, he even felt grateful.

Without his mother’s careful planning, he wouldn’t have ascended to the highest throne.

A man’s heart holds power above all else.

As for Qi Le, he hadn’t thought of her for a long time; when memories surfaced, his past vows to win her had faded.

Perhaps from the position of King of the Grasslands, recollecting Qi Le’s past actions seemed less sincere, with more manipulation evident.

With clearer foresight, thoughts of Qi Le had her towering above, viewing others as mere ants.

Those vying for favor and flattering her likely amused; not affecting her heart in the least.

Bayar reflected that once his father’s mourning period ended, he should select suitable noblewomen for queenship from among the nobility to stabilize their hearts, to be a worthy king.

Ultimately, Bayar said nothing, only wishing Wang Yongzhu well.

Of course, regarding the agreement between Bi Zhu and Wang Yongzhu, he gave his consent, planning to act jointly with Great Chu once he fully stabilized the grasslands.

In his plans, once ready, he could deploy Qi Le’s elite troops, which he’d saved for their time.

Though temporarily loyal to him and his mother, their true allegiance lay with Qi Le.

Such people could serve for a time but not indefinitely.

Once Bayar cultivated his trusted inner circle and seized full control, they could join Qi Le.

Wang Yongzhu, unaware of Bayar’s intricate thoughts, saw him transforming into a suitable king.

Thus, she felt assured.

With gifts from Bi Zhu and Bayar for both Great Chu and themselves personally, they eagerly embarked back to Great Chu.

Upon setting foot on Great Chu’s soil, everyone was moved to tears.

At the border, they were awaited by many, who rushed to usher them into the camp upon their return.

Inside the tent, the Emperor’s envoy had waited for days, upon seeing them, he had little to say besides urging them to enter the Capital City promptly.

Wang Yongzhu and Song Chongjin were taken aback, wondering if something had happened in the Capital City.

No matter their inquiries, the envoy remained tight-lipped, revealing nothing.

Song Chongjin and Fu Jian dared not probe further, fearing accusations of spying; the envoy’s stance made matters evident.

Thus, despite their weariness, they hastily collected Old Granny Zhang from Chicheng City and hurriedly resumed their journey with the envoy.

Remaining tasks were left for subordinates to manage.