Before Shang Qinghua could reply, Mo Yi rose to his feet suddenly, his voice shaking with urgency. "My lord! Please, allow me to lead men to the back mountain to rescue the Fifth Prince!"
His words hit Shang Qinghua like thunder. "What? You said Yue Mingxuan is in the royal ground back mountain?"
Mo Yi lowered his head, shame burning through him.
"Yes, my lord. Because one herb was still missing for the detoxification, the Fifth Prince said he might find it there…" His voice faltered.
Guilt weighed heavily on him, if something happened to Fifth Prince, he would never forgive himself.
Shang Qinghua clenched his jaw, his voice sharp with fury. "You won't go. I'll go myself." He turned toward the door, adding coldly, "And when I return, go to the military court and take one hundred strokes for lying to your commander."
He had barely stepped out of the study when Gu Xiang blocked his path. "My lord, please! You are too important to risk yourself. Think of the greater picture."
