Chang'an.
The rain that had lingered for days finally stopped.
Though the casualties had been grievous, the gloom hanging over Jiannan and Longyou had finally dispersed.
In an age like this, merely maintaining a semblance of peace exhausted every ounce of strength.
To safeguard everything, to bring calm seas and clear rivers to the realm...
In the end, the will was there, but the strength was not.
"Your Majesty, Lord You has returned."
The old eunuch stepped lightly inside and spoke in a low voice.
The young emperor perked up, his eyes instantly brightening. "Summon him at once!"
Before long.
Two sets of footsteps sounded.
Dressed in white, You Wujiang looked ill at ease. Behind him, he was forcibly dragging an old man along.
It was none other than Zhao Zhongliu, deputy commander of the Demon Suppression Office.
Helpless, Zhao Zhongliu was pushed and pulled into the hall by You Wujiang, then had to muster what dignity his old face could manage and bow to the emperor.
"We pay our respects to Your Majesty."
The emperor paid no attention to these details. Leaning forward, he asked urgently, "Rise, rise! Where is Gu Yue? How is she? Was she injured? Where is she now?"
The questions came in a rapid barrage.
You Wujiang stiffened slightly and glanced at Zhao Zhongliu.
He had learned little else during his brief time with Jiang Yuechu, but his mind certainly worked a little faster than before.
If he reported this news alone, this emperor, fiercely protective of his sister, would likely berate him until he was drenched in abuse.
And so.
He quietly shifted half a step aside, exposing Zhao Zhongliu, who had been trying to shrink back.
"Your Majesty."
You Wujiang lowered his head, his voice somewhat shaky. "This matter... Deputy Commander Zhao knows