The cousin is beautiful but ruthless.

Chapter 164 Returning to Chang'an

Shen Hanyu recalled what had happened before, but couldn't see anything wrong with it.

Memories of the past life are useless, but the Empress Dowager will certainly not give up so easily, so we must be on guard.

Thinking this way, there's one more thing to do, but with Princess Yongning involved, it shouldn't escalate too much.

As long as someone from their girls' school passes the palace examination, even if the Empress Dowager objects, there will be nothing she can do.

These people are now just using the fact that the girls' school hasn't produced any significant results as an example.

Furthermore, the fact that the progress of ordinary people is slower than that of the civilians is also a problem.

Shen Hanyu stroked her chin. "In this matter, all we can do is work hard in the imperial examinations, and it would be best if we could pass the palace examination."

To be honest, Shen Hanyu herself wasn't very confident about passing the palace examination, as she had never had such an experience in either of her two lifetimes.

"You are intelligent and hardworking, I believe you can succeed."

As Ji Yuxiu spoke, she ate the meat on her plate. She had achieved her current status because of her merits on the battlefield, and Shen Hanyu's path was no easier than hers.

These days, Shen Hanyu has been reviewing her lessons in her spare time. She wonders how the girls' school is progressing. She'll ask Wei Ming when she gets back.

Chen Jianshan sat in the crowd accepting their congratulations. After a few drinks, his face turned red.

"Killing the foreign tribes before the New Year and making them get out of our territory is also to ensure that everyone can have a good New Year."

Chen Jianshan said with a smile, "At least we don't have to worry about those things this year. The foreign tribes have suffered heavy losses and I'm afraid they won't be able to recover for at least a year."

Zhang Fengzhi squatted down next to Chen Jianshan, flattering him.

"General Chen is truly mighty!"

Chen Jianshan pushed him aside: "Shaopin, it's a bit of a pity this time that we didn't capture the commander, but it's not a complete loss."

Chen Jianshan ordered his men to take the head out.

"Has everyone seen this guy before?"

The men below had indeed seen the thing he was holding. When they returned, they heard that Pei Du had killed someone, and it turned out that the person he had killed was this guy.

They all looked at Pei Du, whose expression remained unchanged, instead pondering what Li Jiangui would do.

It would be good to return to Chang'an as soon as possible, but I'm afraid something might go wrong along the way.

Chen Jianshan coughed lightly, drawing their attention back.

Listening to them talking over there, Ji Yuxiu stretched.

"I can't go back for a while. I still need to finish things up here. It might be a few months before I have time. Go back as soon as possible after New Year's Eve. The girls' school can't be delayed."

Ji Yuxiu planned to have someone accompany the Imperial Guards to escort Shen Hanyu, as this would be safer.

That was Shen Hanyu's plan.

After New Year's Eve, Shen Hanyu immediately summoned Wei Jianfeng. Wei Jianfeng covered half of his face and followed beside Shen Hanyu. Shen Hanyu asked Jin Chui to keep an eye on Wei Jianfeng.

Pei Du noticed him but said nothing, taking care of everything for Shen Hanyu and sending her on her way.

"Be careful on the road."

Shen Hanyu looked at him from behind the carriage curtain: "How much longer until you can return to Chang'an?"

"Most likely, like General Ji, since you and Princess Huaijiang have chosen to cooperate in Chang'an, we cannot let our guard down. The Crown Prince has been able to pretend for so many years, which shows his ability. We must always prioritize our own interests. I still thank you for coming to see me this time."

Pei Du smiled gently, and Shen Hanyu avoided his gaze somewhat.

The carriage slowly drove away. Pei Du turned around, and now he just had to wait for news from Chang'an.

The battle report arrived before Shen Hanyu's. Li Jiangui looked at the delivered items and smiled.

"Jing'er, how do you think I should reward him?"

Li Jing ordered the eunuchs to remove the head from the box.

“Father, I believe that Pei Du has both merits and demerits in this matter. He should be rewarded, but not excessively. We must not let this trend run rampant.”

Li Jiangui tapped the sandalwood table lightly with his finger: "You're right, but he's still young at heart, and quite bold. Others don't have his kind of courage. I'm thinking..."

Li Jiangui paused for a moment, recalling another request Pei Du had made when he asked for permission earlier.

Let his mother and Pei Mingjian divorce.

When Pei Du returns, we can bring this up with him.

Li Jing lowered his eyes. He didn't want Pei Du to come back. Pei Du was engaged to Shen Hanyu, and his return would make many things more difficult.

“It’s time for Pei Du to return to Chang’an.”

Li Jiangui picked up the pen, and Li Jing frowned.

"What title will Father bestow upon Pei Du?"

Li Jiangui started writing without saying a word. Li Jing glanced at him and couldn't bring himself to stop him, knowing that Li Jiangui wouldn't listen.

Sometimes he really felt that Li Jiangui treated Pei Du better than the rest of them.

By the time the imperial edict was sent to the border, Shen Hanyu was already close to Chang'an.

Wei Jianfeng sighed inwardly. He hadn't been back for a long time, and everything had changed, making him feel melancholy.

"Once you're in Chang'an, you should first conceal your appearance."

Shen Hanyu looked at Wei Jianfeng's face. Li Jing had many spies in Chang'an, and he would definitely keep an eye on her every move when she entered the city. So she couldn't let Li Jing discover Wei Jianfeng at this time.

Wei Jianfeng had already put on the human skin mask, and he reached out and touched it.

"Thank you girl."

Shen Hanyu was simply following orders, so there was no question of thanking her.

Upon entering Chang'an, Wei Ming waited for her at the city gate.

After a light snowfall, Wei Ming walked slowly, holding an umbrella.

"You're back."

Seeing that Wei Ming's complexion seemed a bit off, Shen Hanyu asked, "Are you feeling unwell?"

"It was too cold the past two days, so I caught a bit of a cold, but it's nothing serious."

Wei Ming stared at Shen Hanyu. After her trip to the border, Shen Hanyu's skin had become rough.

"Let's go into the city first, it's too cold outside."

Shen Hanyu rubbed her hands together. Although it was cold in Chang'an, it was much better than at the border.

Wei Ming went back with her, while Shen Hanyu went back to her own residence first.

Wei Jianfeng will take him to see Li Huaijiang later.

Wei Jianfeng didn't cause any trouble and just stayed quietly in the mansion.

"I'll have Miao Cui take you back."

Seeing that Wei Ming was clearly uncomfortable, Shen Hanyu decided to send her back.

Wei Ming nodded, left the notes, and got into the carriage to go back.

With the household affairs entrusted to Jin Chui, Shen Hanyu first sent Wei Jianfeng to Li Huaijiang.

Wei Jianfeng changed into Jin Chui's clothes, and from behind, you really couldn't tell the difference unless you looked closely.

Wei Jianfeng rubbed his hands together anxiously.

"Don't be nervous, Princess Huaijiang has a very good temper."

Shen Hanyu said something.

Wei Jianfeng's eyelids twitched: "I know. Princess Huaijiang is the eldest prince's sister. The eldest prince is kind to people, so the princess is naturally not much different."

Upon hearing this, Shen Hanyu's image of Li Sheng seemed to become more vivid in her mind.

Li Huaijiang had received the news long before they returned, and she personally waited for Wei Jianfeng at the entrance of the Princess's residence.

Wei Jianfeng got off the carriage and couldn't help but be stunned when he saw Li Huaijiang.