Hidden Shadow – CH 354

Chapter Three-Hundred-Fifty-Four: The Word “Love” (2)

One of the collateral disciples chosen by the founding Emperor launched a coup and ascended the throne.

Empress Xiao sensed the impending coup and, knowing the situation was irreversible, ordered Ghost Shadow to secretly send Yelu Quancang to the Song Dynasty, where he would hide his identity and await his opportunity.

Afterwards, Empress Xiao was honored as Empress Dowager, rivaling the new Emperor and wielding power for over a decade. She also raised a daughter with excellent abilities in all aspects, Yelu Huangwu.

“As for hiding in Mei Mansion, it is because my identity in the Song Dynasty has been exposed, and the Liao Dynasty’s pursuit is even more intense. Therefore, I needed an opportunity,” Yelu Quancang said, “to make the Liao Dynasty believe I pose no threat.”

Thus, “Master Mo” “died” in the battle within Mei Mansion.

“I have no choice in this matter; you should leave.” Yelu Quancang rarely spoke so many heartfelt words in his life; this was the most care he could give Mei Ruyan.

“I offended the Hua family, and only escaped death thanks to Master Wei’s help. Do you really want me to go back to the Song Dynasty to die?” Mei Ruyan said angrily. “You, as the Emperor of a nation, cannot even protect a woman?”

Yelu Quancang suddenly smiled, like the first melting of snow. He stood up, walked to Mei Ruyan, and gently stroked her cheek, his expression showing an unprecedented gentleness. Mei Ruyan was stunned.

“I still have some old subordinates in the Song Dynasty; that is enough to protect you. You do not understand; there’s truly no place for you in the Liao Dynasty,” Yelu Quancang said directly. “I was able to ascend to the throne entirely thanks to the Xiao family’s strong support. I will soon marry a woman from the Xiao family as my Empress.”

“As long as I can stay by your side, even as a slave or maid, I will be willing.” Mei Ruyan knew her words were shameless, but she was never a noble person to begin with.

“Listen to me; go.” Yelu Quancang’s tone left no room for argument.

Placing Mei Ruyan in the palace meant he could protect her while he lived, but he did not know how many days he had left.

Yelu Quancang was born with the weight of the empire on his shoulders. Countless people and families placed their bets on him, leaving him no choice. Illness, scheming, and power struggles destined him for a life filled with darkness. The days hidden among the plum blossoms were like a dream, and Mei Ruyan was a vibrant color within that dream. He preferred this dream to remain forever in his memory rather than have it destroyed before his eyes.

Mei Ruyan was stunned for a long time, then stammered, “Can you not be Emperor…?”

After saying this, she suddenly came to her senses, her face flushing red. This was probably the most foolish and presumptuous thing she had ever said in her life. Even if Yelu Quancang truly had some feelings for her, he would not give up the empire for it.

But for some reason, even knowing that being by his side was fraught with danger, just seeing him made Mei Ruyan feel safe, as if there was no safer place in the world than being with him.

“It was not my will, but fate.” Yelu Quancang unfastened a token from his waist and handed it to Mei Ruyan. “This token can mobilize the remaining forces of the Piaomiao Mountain Mansion.”

Mei Ruyan hesitated for a moment, then took the token. “Can I use this however I want?”

Yelu Quancang nodded.

“Good!” Mei Ruyan put the token away and reached out to ask him, “Where’s the promised ten thousand gold pieces?”

Yelu Quancang guessed what she was thinking, but let her be and had someone bring her the currency of the Song Dynasty.

Mei Ruyan had followed Wei Yuzhi for a long time and knew that he had been searching for a certain medicine, and that medicine was with the Fourteenth Young Lady. This time, when Yelu Quancang was critically ill, Wei Yuzhi gave her the few pills he had obtained and sent them to the Liao Dynasty by fast horse, fulfilling her wish to see him one last time. At this point, what else could Mei Ruyan not understand? The medicine in Fourteenth Young Lady’s possession was Yelu Quancang’s life-saving medicine!

Mei Ruyan resolved to return to the Song Dynasty and help Wei Yuzhi obtain the medicine!