nashuaworldcup Chapter 469 Unnamed Draft
Chapter 469 Unnamed Draft
The night was deep, and all was silent except for the flickering candlelight in Ye Jiuchen's room. His steps were hurried, as if driven by an invisible force, as he quickly stepped out of the room. But his mind was frozen in place, filled only with her image—a delicate yet stubborn figure. That image was etched into his heart, impossible to erase.
He entered the courtyard, where the moonlight, like water, bathed his tall, imposing figure. His brow furrowed, he paced back and forth, each step heavy and hurried, attempting to calm the turmoil within him. But the woman's every smile and gesture kept replaying in his mind, stirring his restlessness.
Just then, the silence of the night was broken by hurried footsteps. A guard, looking flustered, rushed over and knelt on one knee before him, urgently reporting, "Your Highness, there is an urgent imperial edict from the palace!" Upon hearing this, Ye Jiuchen's brows furrowed even deeper, a surge of annoyance rising in his heart, but his years of experience in the court allowed him to quickly suppress his emotions. He took a deep breath, straightened his clothes, his expression cold and stern, and without hesitation, followed the guard towards the palace.
Inside the palace, the lights shone brightly. The emperor sat high on his dragon throne, his expression solemn. Upon seeing Ye Jiuchen arrive, the emperor nodded slightly, then mentioned the critical situation at the border, the enemy's advance was overwhelming, and the people were suffering immensely. He hoped Ye Jiuchen would lead the army to the frontier and save the situation. Ye Jiuchen's heart tightened. His thoughts instantly drifted to the woman he cared for, but as a prince, he knew he could not refuse his duty. After a moment's hesitation, he knelt on one knee, his voice firm: "Your subject obeys!"
Before setting off on his campaign, Ye Jiuchen, with mixed feelings, returned to her room. She had already woken up, leaning against the bed, her face still somewhat pale. Seeing him enter, a flicker of surprise flashed in her previously dim eyes, like a shooting star streaking across the night sky, fleeting yet dazzling. Looking at her, Ye Jiuchen's heart softened, and he said softly, "I must go to war. Take good care of yourself and wait for my return." She bit her lip, fighting back the tears welling in her eyes, and nodded firmly, her voice slightly choked, "Your Highness, please go forth without worry. I will take good care of myself." Ye Jiuchen's heart stirred, and he couldn't help but step forward, gently taking her hand as if holding the most precious treasure in the world: "Wait for my return." She slightly raised her head, looking at him with unwavering determination, her eyes filled with trust and expectation: "I await Your Highness's triumphant return."
On the day of his departure, the sun shone brightly on the earth, illuminating Ye Jiuchen's dashing figure as he rode a tall horse. Clad in silver armor, he was imposing and awe-inspiring, like a war god descended to earth. She, however, stood at the gates of the palace, dressed in simple white, watching him depart. Her gaze followed his figure intently until he disappeared on the distant horizon, only then did tears finally well up in her eyes.
On the battlefield, Ye Jiuchen commanded with unwavering composure, his voice booming like a bell as he issued precise orders. Under his leadership, the soldiers were in high spirits, successfully repelling the enemy on numerous occasions. However, war is always fraught with uncertainty and danger. In one fierce battle, while covering the retreat of his soldiers, Ye Jiuchen was unfortunately struck by an enemy arrow. The arrow whistled through the air, piercing his armor and striking his shoulder. He staggered, nearly falling from his horse, but he endured the excruciating pain, regained his balance, and continued to command the battle.
When the news reached the Prince's residence, she was frantic with worry, pacing back and forth in her room like a trapped wild animal. Ignoring everyone's advice, she quickly gathered the medicinal herbs, drawing on her years of medical expertise, and set off for the front lines with unwavering determination. The journey was arduous; she endured wind and rain, sleeping in the open, and overcoming countless hardships, finally arriving at the front-line camp.
Ye Jiuchen had fallen into a coma. His wound, delayed in treatment, had begun to worsen; the surrounding skin had turned bluish-black and emitted a nauseating odor. Ignoring her own exhaustion, her only concern was Ye Jiuchen's safety. She quickly went to his bedside and carefully examined the wound. Based on her extensive experience, she discovered the arrow was poisoned, and the situation was extremely critical.
Without the slightest hesitation, she swiftly retrieved the medicinal herbs and began preparing the antidote. Outside the tent, battle raged, and the shouts of war were deafening; inside, she was completely focused, sweat dripping incessantly from her forehead, soaking her clothes. Her hands trembled slightly, but her eyes were unwavering, her heart filled with only one belief: she must save him. After several hours of tireless effort, the antidote was finally prepared. She carefully fed the antidote to Ye Jiuchen, her eyes fixed on his face, silently praying.
After a long while, Ye Jiuchen's brows gradually relaxed, and he slowly opened his eyes. Seeing her by his side, Ye Jiuchen was both surprised and delighted, and said weakly, "Why are you here?" She looked at him tenderly, her eyes filled with heartache, "Your Highness is injured; how could I stay in the palace in peace?" Ye Jiuchen was deeply moved and wanted to raise his hand to touch her face, but found himself powerless. She quickly grasped his hand and whispered, "Your Highness, please don't move around; rest and recover."
After that, she stayed by Ye Jiuchen's side day and night, taking meticulous care of him. She personally prepared his medicine and changed his dressings, every movement gentle and delicate. Under her careful care, Ye Jiuchen's injuries gradually improved. She wasn't idle either; with her superb medical skills, she helped many wounded soldiers in the army recover from their injuries. She moved between the tents, patiently treating each wounded soldier, earning everyone's respect and gratitude. The soldiers looked at her with admiration and affection.
As Ye Jiuchen recovered, the tide of war turned. He donned his armor again, leading his army to a swift and decisive victory, with the enemy retreating in disarray. She, meanwhile, continued to treat the wounded soldiers in the rear, becoming an indispensable force in the army. However, the enemy, unwilling to accept defeat, resorted to a despicable scheme. They sent spies into the army, who, while she was preparing medicine, poisoned it.
After a soldier took the medicine, his condition suddenly worsened, and he writhed in agony in bed. The soldiers began to suspect her, and the camp erupted in gossip and hostility towards her. Ye Jiuchen, upon learning of this, was frantic with worry, firmly believing she wouldn't do such a thing. He immediately launched an investigation, scrutinizing every detail. After a thorough investigation, he finally uncovered the traitor, and the truth came to light. The soldiers, realizing they had wronged her, all apologized. Although she felt wronged, seeing the soldiers' trusting eyes, she chose to forgive them. From then on, she was even more careful in preparing the medicine, safeguarding the soldiers' health, repeatedly checking each dose to ensure absolute safety.
With their combined efforts, the war was ultimately won. On the day of their triumphant return, the people of the capital lined the streets to welcome them, their cheers resounding through the heavens. The streets were packed with people, waving flags and beaming with joy, welcoming their heroes home. Ye Jiuchen rode at the very front, exuding confidence and pride, his face bearing a victorious smile—a smile that reflected both his satisfaction with the people and his longing for her. She sat in the carriage, watching the lively scene outside through the window, her heart filled with joy. At that moment, she felt all her sacrifices had been worthwhile.
Back at the palace, Ye Jiuchen looked at her with deep affection in his eyes and solemnly said, "I owe you everything this time; otherwise, I wouldn't know what to do." Her cheeks flushed slightly, and she said softly, "Your Highness is too kind. This is what I should do." However, the peaceful days did not last long. News came from the palace that the emperor intended to bestow a marriage upon Ye Jiuchen to the daughter of the prime minister. Upon hearing this, Ye Jiuchen was filled with resistance. He had already chosen her; how could he marry someone else?
Ye Jiuchen immediately went to the palace to see the emperor. He knelt on the ground, his attitude resolute, and declared to the emperor that his heart already belonged to another and he was unwilling to marry the prime minister's daughter. The emperor was displeased, believing that Ye Jiuchen had disregarded the dignity of the royal family. He argued that bestowing a marriage was an honor, and Ye Jiuchen should not refuse. However, Ye Jiuchen remained unmoved. He looked up at the emperor, his gaze firm: "Your Majesty, I am deeply in love with her, and I will marry no one else in this life. I implore Your Majesty to rescind your decree."
Meanwhile, she learned of the news at the Prince's residence, her heart filled with bitterness and unease. She knew Ye Jiuchen's predicament and understood that a royal marriage was difficult to defy. To avoid burdening Ye Jiuchen, she decided to leave the Prince's residence quietly. She packed her belongings, left a letter, and under the cover of night, quietly departed this place that had once held so much hope and warmth.
When Ye Jiuchen returned from the palace and learned of her departure, he was frantic with worry, as if he had lost the most important thing in his life. He immediately sent people to search everywhere, leaving no corner unchecked. Finally, they found her in a dilapidated temple outside the city. The temple was dark and damp, and she was curled up in a corner, her face haggard. Ye Jiuchen held her hand tightly, his voice trembling slightly: "No matter what, I will never give up on you." Her eyes were full of tears, and she choked out, "Your Highness, the royal decree cannot be disobeyed. I don't want to be a burden to you." Ye Jiuchen embraced her tightly, as if trying to meld her into his own body: "Since I have already chosen you, how could I care about this decree? At worst, I will abandon my position as prince and wander the world with you." Hearing this, she was deeply moved, but still hesitated. She knew that Ye Jiuchen carried responsibilities, and she didn't want to put him in a dilemma because of her.
Just then, the sound of horses' hooves arose outside the dilapidated temple. It was the Emperor himself, accompanied by the Prime Minister's daughter. The Emperor looked at the two embracing and coldly snorted, "Ye Jiuchen, are you truly going to abandon everything for this woman?" Ye Jiuchen pulled her close and knelt on one knee, "Your Majesty, my mind is made up." The Prime Minister's daughter stepped forward and gracefully bowed, "Your Majesty, I understand the Prince's intentions and wish to withdraw from this arranged marriage." Everyone was astonished. The Prime Minister's daughter continued, "During this campaign, I heard that the Princess Consort's medical skills are superb, saving many soldiers. I admire her greatly and do not wish to be the one to separate these lovers." The Emperor, not expecting this turn of events, softened his expression. Ye Jiuchen and she looked at the Prime Minister's daughter with gratitude, their hearts filled with thanks. The Emperor pondered for a moment and smiled, "Very well, I will grant you two lovers your blessing." Ye Jiuchen and she were overjoyed and quickly kowtowed in gratitude for the Emperor's grace.
Afterwards, Ye Jiuchen and she held a grand wedding at the Prince's Mansion. On the wedding day, the mansion was brightly decorated and bustling with activity. Red lanterns hung throughout the courtyard, and guests came to offer their congratulations, their laughter echoing in every corner of the mansion. Ye Jiuchen took her hand and led her down the red carpet to complete the wedding ceremony. She wore a magnificent wedding dress, her face radiant with happiness, like a fairy descended from heaven. From then on, the two lived a loving and sweet life together. She continued to use her superb medical skills to help those in need, earning widespread renown. The people praised her highly, and her good deeds spread throughout the streets and alleys.
However, beneath the surface of their peaceful life, undercurrents were stirring. News suddenly arrived from the borderlands that a mysterious force had risen, frequently harassing the people and plunging them into misery. Ye Jiuchen, concerned for the people, decided to lead another expedition. Though worried, she supported his decision. Looking at him, her eyes filled with reluctance, she said, "Your Highness, you must return safely." Ye Jiuchen gently stroked her face, "Don't worry, I will definitely come back."
After Ye Jiuchen went to war, she prayed for him day and night at the palace. She set up an altar in the courtyard and devoutly offered incense for him every morning and evening, praying for his safety. At the same time, she used her medical skills to develop medicines that could ward off foreign enemies and sent them to the army. These medicines played a vital role on the battlefield, helping to reduce casualties among the soldiers.
With the efforts of Ye Jiuchen and his soldiers, and aided by medicine, the mysterious forces were quickly repelled. Peace was restored to the border, and Ye Jiuchen returned in triumph. The couple were reunited, their love deepening. They embraced tightly, as if the whole world consisted only of each other. From then on, they walked hand in hand through life, leaving behind an enviable tale in the royal palace, and her medical skills were passed down through generations, becoming a legend. Ye Jiuchen and she were overjoyed and quickly expressed their gratitude. Afterwards, Ye Jiuchen remained the majestic prince, and she became a revered princess. Together, they protected the royal palace and the people of this land, living a happy and fulfilling life.
At this moment, Ye Jiuchen suddenly thought of a plan. He took her back to the palace and immediately wrote a letter, detailing her merits in saving soldiers on the battlefield and the deep affection between them. In the letter, he spoke earnestly, recounting their experiences one by one, hoping to move the emperor. He ordered his trusted confidant to deliver the letter to the palace by fast horse and present it to the emperor.
After reading the letter, the emperor was moved by their sincerity and also considered Ye Jiuchen's illustrious military achievements. After some deliberation, the emperor decided to rescind the imperial decree granting them the marriage and personally issued an edict to allow them to marry.
When the good news arrived, the entire Prince's mansion was filled with jubilation. The servants busied themselves preparing for the wedding.