The Whole Dynasty Spoils the Tyrant's Beloved Youngest Daughter-Chapter 414: Growing More Reserved and Withdrawn

Chapter 414: Chapter 414: Growing More Reserved and Withdrawn

After much hardship, they finally reached the town, where a doctor could be found for treatment.

Jun Ning was finally saved.

At this time, Jing Shu was so afraid that something might happen to Jun Ning that she had been crying all the way, her eyes red and swollen, looking pitiful.

In contrast, it was Jun Ning, the patient, who after being sent to the clinic for treatment, had to soothe Jing Shu while the doctor took her pulse and applied acupuncture.

Jing Shu finally stopped crying, but was still sobbing.

Jun Ning wanted to comfort Jing Shu further, telling her not to be afraid, but hearing the sound of Hai Dongqing’s fluttering wings at the window, she said, "Little girl, Aunt wants some snacks, can you help Aunt buy some?"

"Okay, I’ll go now, Aunt, you focus on the acupuncture." Jing Shu departed.

Jun Ning looked at Chao Jiu, who was standing beside her, "Follow her and protect the young lady."

Chao Jiu left too.

The two remaining guards were instructed by Jun Ning to guard the door, and she opened the window by the bedside to let Hai Dongqing land.

When Hai Dongqing was steady, she took a note from its foot, which was from Qianji Pavilion.

It said that Ye Ying, who had been treated at the Imperial Hospital, had disappeared.

Jun Ning was extremely anxious after reading it.

How could a person disappear just like that?

The old doctor helping with the acupuncture was somewhat annoyed and said, "Young lady, stop moving around. If you keep moving, I can’t give you the acupuncture."

"...I won’t move then."

Jun Ning stopped moving and let the doctor continue with the acupuncture. After the doctor brewed the medicine, she drank it all down without a word of complaint.

After three consecutive days, her cold had somewhat improved, she no longer needed to lie down all day, she could eat normally, and was ready to continue the journey.

She especially wanted to hurry back now to help investigate Ye Ying’s whereabouts.

To her, Ye Ying was not an ordinary person.

He was a comrade-in-arms, a friend, also like a protective elder brother, she couldn’t let Ye Ying’s disappearance go unchecked.

And she couldn’t entrust others to investigate with peace of mind.

...

This investigation lasted four years.

Jun Ning expended a great deal of effort and invested a large amount of silver coin, using all the influence of Qianji Pavilion, even employing the world’s most powerful intelligence organization, yet couldn’t find him — Ye Ying, a living person, seemed to have disappeared into thin air.

Meanwhile, Emperor Yongning had completely abdicated the throne. Although Jun Ning was not made Crown Prince, she was already acting in the capacity.

Having experienced the project of building embankments, the officials had seen her achievements and had no objections. Additionally, over the four years, Jun Ning accomplished many practical matters, braving pressure from all sides, lightening taxes, emphasizing exams, vigorously developing agriculture, encouraging childbirth, and appointing capable people...

In just a few short years, the national treasury’s income increased by twenty percent, and the population increased by hundreds of thousands, with the previous decline improving somewhat.

The officials knew all of this was due to the Eighteenth Princess’s efforts.

Their initial dissatisfaction with the Eighteenth Princess had turned into genuine admiration and submission.

Meanwhile, Jun Ning became busier and her smiles became fewer.

She spent her days buried in a pile of documents, reviewing memorials, convening meetings with officials, growing more silent and stable.

By that time, Jun Ning was nearly eighteen years old, and Qi Xiao had already returned after completing his studies, now constantly at the training camp, waiting for the right moment to render meritorious service.

On this day, Jun Ning accompanied Emperor Yongning for a meal. Emperor Yongning, looking at Jun Ning, tenderly said, "Ah Ning, you’ve been speaking less."

Jun Ning smiled, "As a daughter grows up, naturally, she talks less."

"Have you been very tired lately?" Emperor Yongning asked, noticing the dark circles under her eyes.

Jun Ning said, "Bei Xia had been quiet for a few years, but now they’re starting to stir again. This time, I’m afraid a severe battle is inevitable. Father, everything is ready. I intend to lead the troops myself, so there are many pre-battle preparations, which naturally means I’m busier."

"And if we win this battle, I will be able to inherit the throne rightfully, taking over this heavy burden from Father, so you won’t have to worry anymore."

Everything was developing as Emperor Yongning had previously envisioned, smoothly, yet his heart was far more filled with pity and concern than joy.

Emperor Yongning sighed and placed two pieces of meat in Jun Ning’s bowl. "Ah Ning, eat more."

Emperor Yongning’s body was no longer as fine and agile as before. Now, clothes and meals required assistance, and even picking up two pieces of meat took a lot of effort.

Jun Ning, noticing Emperor Yongning’s slight frustration over picking the meat, said, "Father, don’t be upset, and don’t rush. You must keep a stable mindset, otherwise, otherwise..."

She couldn’t finish her sentence.

Jun Ning said, "Your daughter is very selfish, wanting Father to accompany her for a few more years, to see her ascend the throne, to witness her and Qi Xiao’s marriage, to witness a house full of children. Father, as you’ve watched so many royal brothers complete their journeys, you mustn’t abandon Ah Ning, otherwise, Ah Ning will find you selfish."

"Silly girl." Emperor Yongning took Jun Ning’s hand and patted it, "Rest assured, Father will work hard to accompany you for a few more years. Father also wants to see you marry and have children."

"Father, you must keep your word."

"I keep my word."

Jun Ning finished the two pieces of meat in her bowl, "Your daughter will go get busy now."

"Alright."

Jun Ning was continuously preparing for war, frequently summoning several military generals, including Qi Xiao, who, seeing Jun Ning’s serious face, wanted to say a few more words to her and, like in childhood, run into her arms, but hesitated.

He feared Jun Ning wouldn’t like it.

——

"Alright."

Jun Ning was continuously preparing for war, frequently summoning several military generals, including Qi Xiao, who, seeing Jun Ning’s serious face, wanted to say a few more words to her and, like in childhood, run into her arms, but hesitated.

He feared Jun Ning wouldn’t like it.