From a son-in-law to a favorite of the empress

Chapter 588

Guan Lu took his leave, and Zhou Yuan finally arrived at the side courtyard.

More than a dozen female guards were guarding here, protecting their leader.

Zhuang Xuansu seemed to be more seriously injured. Whether as a friend or as a comrade-in-arms who had fought side by side many times, Zhou Yuan should go to see her.

Although her heart was always with the eldest sister, this was not her shortcoming, but what she should do.

This was a simple person who could sacrifice everything for the empress.

This was also a complicated person. She had her own set of values ​​in her heart, but she always compromised with loyalty.

"See you, Duke Wei."

The female guards of the Inner Court were quite respectful to Zhou Yuan. This was not based on his status as a duke, but because he was indeed a favorite of His Majesty, and he was also close to Master Zhuang. At the same time... Duke Wei was generous and created many benefits for the Inner Court, and everyone remembered it in their hearts.

"How is Master Zhuang?"

Zhou Yuan asked casually.

The female guard beside him whispered, "She's still in bed, and she hasn't had dinner yet. She doesn't look very good. Duke, go and have a look."

Zhou Yuan nodded and said, "Thank you for your hard work."

The female guard blushed slightly and whispered, "This is our duty. Thank you for your concern, Duke."

Zhou Yuan smiled and walked slowly into the bedroom.

Zhuang Xuansu was lying on the bed, but her eyes were wide open, as if she was thinking about something.

Zhou Yuan sat on the chair and asked, "Do you need a doctor?"

Zhuang Xuansu didn't even turn her head to look at him, but slowly said, "No, she will be fine in half a month."

This was obviously a lie. She was more seriously injured than the Virgin Sister, but her kung fu was much inferior. How could she be healed in half the time?

Zhou Yuan did not expose the truth, but said softly: "Recover from your injuries before returning to Beijing. You should also rest for a while. This time, I did not do well. I did not expect that the other party could get the artillery."

"Now it has been found out that this artillery is retired from the Shenji Camp. When Wei Wei was the governor of the Beijing Camp, he was very close to Xu Shigong. The two should have colluded and kept the firearms privately."

Zhuang Xuansu said: "It's good to find out. These traitors are blessed by the emperor, but they still harbor evil intentions. They really deserve to die."

Zhou Yuan said: "Don't worry, none of them can escape."

Zhuang Xuansu turned her head to look at Zhou Yuan. She was pale at this moment. The previous capable and heroic temperament was gone, leaving only the rare weakness and the charm of a mature woman.

She was a very beautiful girl, but she had been promised to the country and had never married.

"Zhou Yuan..."

Her voice suddenly became very light, a little hesitant, and a little shy.

"We have known each other for two years. I still remember when we first met in Lin'an Prefecture, you were full of energy and it took you only a quarter of an hour to deduce the clues of the assassination of the governor."

She whispered: "You are just a centurion, but your attitude is very tough. You want to be my master and take us to Lingyin Temple, to the gambling house in the south of the city, and finally to Kuixingfang."

"You finally recovered Lin'an Prefecture, stabilized the foundation of Liangjiang, and prevented Han Tuo and Cheng Ping from succeeding."

"At that time, I thought that you were really a genius. You will definitely stand out in the future and become the right-hand man of His Majesty."

Zhou Yuan didn't understand why she suddenly said this. Was it because she was injured and became sad?

He didn't want to spoil the fun, so he continued: "Yes, I was able to go directly to Beijing thanks to the recommendation of Master Zhuang. You can be said to be my benefactor."

Zhuang Xuansu said: "You are also my benefactor. If it weren't for you, the Liangjiang Rebellion would never be so easily quelled, and I might also be punished."

"You helped me, and I have always owed you a favor, and there is no chance to repay it."

"Now you are a duke, and you no longer need my help."

Something is wrong. This woman has never been a sentimental person. Why would she suddenly say this?

Even if she was injured, she shouldn't be so sad!

Zhou Yuan frowned, then smiled and said: "Master Zhuang, you are too serious. Who doesn't need the help of the inner court?"

Zhuang Xuansu whispered: "I am seriously injured. My internal organs are shaking and my whole body hurts."

"Zhou Yuan, can you hug me? I am lonely and helpless."

Zhou Yuan had a smile on his face, but he was more confused in his heart.

Zhuang Xuansu was not a gentle person, and she was not one who would take the initiative to approach a man because of loneliness.

She was too abnormal.

Zhou Yuan walked over with a smile, but did not hug her, but just held her hand.

Her hands were very slender, a little cold, and a little trembling.

Her face was also red, and her ears seemed to be hot.

Zhou Yuan said: "Master Zhuang, you may just be tired, do you want to rest?"

Zhuang Xuansu suddenly stood up and hugged Zhou Yuan, and she put her hands around Zhou Yuan's neck, her head resting on his shoulder.

She trembled and said, "You... you don't understand what I mean? Or do you dislike my age?"

This sentence almost scared Zhou Yuan so much that his hair stood on end.

What does this mean? Zhuang Xuansu is courting? She was doing well as the emperor's lackey, why did she suddenly want a man? Even if she was at the age of sitting on the ground and sucking dirt, it wouldn't come so suddenly!

Zhou Yuan felt dry in his mouth and laughed dryly, "Master Zhuang, don't joke. I've been away from home for more than two months and can't stand such a test."

Zhuang Xuansu hugged him tightly, as if she wanted to rub herself into Zhou Yuan's body.

Her voice was obviously shy: "I... why do you always call me Master Zhuang? Can't you call me Xuansu? My name is not nice?"

Zhou Yuan didn't even dare to say anything.

"I have practiced martial arts since I was young, and my figure is very good. Although I am not as good-looking as the Holy Mother of No Life, I am not worse than your wife at home..."

"No man has ever touched me. My body is pure and innocent. Why do you despise me?"

Zhuang Xuansu's voice was shrunken, and his cheek was pressed against Zhou Yuan's side face. He breathed rapidly and exhaled like orchid.

Zhou Yuan's body, which had been suppressed for two months, could not withstand such temptation. For a moment, his mouth was dry and his whole body was itchy.

He could not bear it any longer.

Damn Zhuang Xuansu, taking advantage of my lack of concentration, deliberately tricked me. I must not be fooled.

Zhou Yuan gritted his teeth and said, "Master Zhuang, just say what you want to say. Don't really light my fire, or you can't escape."

Zhuang Xuansu hugged him and whispered, "I'm not young anymore. I miss men. I look down on other men."

"If you don't dislike me, just... take me."

"I don't want a name, and I won't marry. If I miss you, I'll find you. If I miss me, I'll accompany you. Okay?"

Zhou Yuan stood up and wiped the sweat off his face.

His eyes were a little red. Looking at Zhuang Xuansu with a blushing face, he gritted his teeth and said, "If you have anything to say, just say it! Otherwise, I'll take it seriously! Master Zhuang, don't act on impulse!"

Zhuang Xuansu's expression was very complicated. She was shy, afraid, guilty, worried, and determined. All kinds of emotions were shown on her face.

She whispered, "Zhou Yuan, I really want to be your woman. I don't ask for a name... accompany me back to Shenjing."

Damn!

I knew there was a problem!

Zhou Yuan said: "Return to Shenjing? You should know what I want to do! The money from Jiangnan is almost in place, I will take the money to Fuzhou!"

"Zeng Cheng is the deputy supervisor of the Firearms Bureau, he can't make the decision, I want to make guns and cannons, I want to go to the Baochuan Factory to build ships."

"Yes, His Majesty did issue an order, I will cooperate with Lord Zeng, I will not return to Shenjing in the short term."

Zhuang Xuansu almost begged: "Go back, Zhou Yuan, Shenjing is your home."

"Her Majesty has been very tired recently, she is under a lot of pressure, she I miss you."

"As long as you are willing to go back to Shenjing with me, I will listen to you and do everything for you."

"Okay?"

Zhou Yuan said coldly: "Is this your Majesty's intention or yours? Did your Majesty issue an order for me to go back?"

Zhuang Xuansu said: "Your Majesty asked you to punish all the Yangzhou salt merchant families and officials involved in the case according to law, right in Yangzhou..."

Zhou Yuan's pupils shrank. The eldest sister meant that I should be the executioner and bear the infamy.

Okay, this is what I, the imperial envoy, should do!

Zhou Yuan said in a deep voice: "No problem! I promise!"

Zhuang Xuansu said: "Your Majesty... I hope you will disband the Shenque and return to Shenjing..."

Zhou Yuan was silent.

There was already a coldness in his eyes.