The mute maid immediately turned back around, seeming somewhat incredulous as she looked at her, yet not knowing what to do. Jiang Ruan asked gently: “Were you going to fetch a physician?”
The mute maid nodded.
“No need for a physician,” Jiang Ruan laughed coldly. “I don’t trust the physicians here. You may go, and be more careful when preparing meals in the future.” Naturally she couldn’t let a physician come – if he detected signs of pregnancy, the situation would become uncontrollable. This mute maid appeared rather timid, though she didn’t know if it was an act. Jiang Ruan could only fool her for now.
The mute maid opened her mouth, seeming somewhat bewildered. Jiang Ruan frowned: “Why aren’t you leaving!” Only then did the mute maid hurriedly retreat. After the mute maid left, Jiang Ruan rubbed her forehead. This couldn’t continue.
But she had no way of knowing what was happening outside. These days she’d remained in the room, and though she couldn’t go out, standing by the window daily or walking in the courtyard had still revealed some clues.
This place was quiet and secluded with few people around. The meals were always extremely light – if not for Jiang Ruan having the mute maid specifically prepare meat and fish for the dog daily, the food would probably contain no trace of meat at all. This wasn’t coincidental. Sometimes at dusk, Jiang Ruan could even hear faint bell sounds. She roughly guessed this place was very likely a temple – perhaps in the mountains or perhaps in wilderness, but definitely with sparse incense and few people. Hiding her in such a place was rather bold, but thinking again, no wonder others couldn’t find her.
Jiang Ruan didn’t know how far this place was from the capital, but escaping now was impossible. Breaking through multiple checkpoints was a fool’s dream, and leaving before finishing her business wasn’t viable either. When would Xuan Li act? Only when Xuan Li took that step could the remaining matters proceed smoothly. Jiang Ruan reached for a small file nearby, lightly scratching the bedpost where numerous small marks already crisscrossed – marking her days here. Dozens of days had already passed. Surely Xuan Li should begin acting soon.
…
That night, the previously fine weather suddenly changed. By evening, strong winds rose abruptly with black clouds pressing down heavily. In moments, bean-sized raindrops fell from the sky. Pedestrians hurried for shelter as if the recent spring warmth had suddenly reversed. By nightfall, the wind howled miserably with rain, extraordinarily cold.
The palace halls stood lonely, with burning sandalwood slowly releasing azure smoke. The palace servants seemed accustomed to this oppressive atmosphere, each silently attending to their duties without speaking. In the Emperor’s bedchamber, on the enormous dragon bed, a man lay motionless. No matter how fine his brocade garments, they couldn’t conceal the deathly pallor on his face.
A pair of hands appropriately picked up a handkerchief nearby, carefully wiping nonexistent sweat from the Emperor’s forehead. Those hands were slender and white with bright red nail lacquer – beautiful and strikingly young. They immediately brought to mind spring flowers with an almost dripping tenderness. In contrast was the Emperor’s already gray face, seemingly only skin and flesh clinging to bone – aged and haggard. Beauty and ugliness, youth and senescence formed stark contrast at this moment, creating an indescribable aesthetic.
The woman’s face was like peach blossoms as she delicately held the handkerchief with her pinky, observing the person on the bed with interest. Her expression was serious as if watching something fascinating. After a moment, the woman tilted her head and giggled softly: “Your Majesty, how pathetic you look.”
This person was none other than Dong Ying’er. The palace servants outside had withdrawn, leaving only little Chen Zi – no, now Eunuch Chen. Hearing Dong Ying’er’s words, Eunuch Chen showed no particular expression, standing quietly in a corner as if he didn’t exist.
Dong Ying’er propped her cheek with one hand, studying the Emperor on the dragon bed carefully. This man ruled above all others below heaven. One word from him could determine life and death. She’d entered the palace because of this man, having seen him in his mighty, unstoppable glory. But what did being the True Dragon Son of Heaven matter? Now he lay like a dead dog on the bed, unable to move, at others’ mercy. Even she could easily kill this ruler of the realm.
“A day as husband and wife brings a hundred days of grace – thinking of it now, I really can’t bear to act,” Dong Ying’er said with a smile.
“Your Ladyship, please hurry,” Eunuch Chen said expressionlessly. “This servant still needs to return and report to my master.”
Hearing this, Dong Ying’er’s eyes flashed with disgust before she smiled again: “Eunuch Chen is so impatient. No rush – I won’t let you come for nothing.” After speaking, she withdrew a small bottle from her sleeve, removed the cork, and gently waved it under the Emperor’s nose.
The Emperor’s body stirred, and after a long moment, he slowly opened his eyes.
“Your Majesty has awakened?” Dong Ying’er asked softly.
The Emperor was stunned briefly before his expression suddenly became fierce, glaring at Dong Ying’er: “You’re harming me?” Though he tried to express his anger, his throat seemed blocked, only producing hoarse, murky sounds that were barely intelligible without careful listening.
Dong Ying’er smiled, leaning closer to the Emperor as if carefully listening to his words: “Your Majesty wrongs me with such words. It’s not me wanting to harm you – it’s your good son.”
She deliberately didn’t specify which son, and the Emperor’s face showed anger. But for someone on the verge of death, this anger only appeared more weak and powerless. Seeing this, Dong Ying’er seemed even more delighted, even saying: “Why doesn’t Your Majesty guess which son?”
The Emperor glared at her fixedly, making guttural sounds that broke into fragments, barely managing to call: “Someone… someone!”
“Whom does Your Majesty still want to call?” Dong Ying’er smiled slightly: “Your Majesty has been bedridden so long, perhaps unaware of the current situation. Your Majesty is personally cared for by me daily – no one else may interfere. I attend to Your Majesty with complete devotion daily, yet you still want to call others – truly heartbreaking for me.”
“Enchantress… enchantress!” The Emperor could only manage simple words.
“I’m an enchantress? So be it, but Your Majesty looks even worse than this enchantress.” Dong Ying’er’s hands caressed the Emperor’s cheeks: “Your Majesty’s expression seems to hope for someone’s help – who? Eunuch Li? Your Majesty probably doesn’t know that Eunuch Li, a few days after Your Majesty fell ill, committed suicide from excessive worry. Tsk tsk, throwing himself into a dry well – when they pulled him out, he was beyond recognition.”
Dong Ying’er spoke lightly while the Emperor’s eyes suddenly widened, looking at her and trembling: “It was you…”
“I told you it wasn’t me,” Dong Ying’er complained somewhat: “How could I have such ability? In this world, only Your Majesty’s good son has such capability. Does Your Majesty know which son?”
The Emperor said nothing, only glaring at Dong Ying’er. His gaze was too terrible – if not for being bedridden and physically weak, he would seem ready to devour Dong Ying’er alive. Like a dying goldfish with eyes nearly popping from their sockets.
“If Your Majesty doesn’t want to hear, I won’t say more – I’m quite understanding,” Dong Ying’er giggled, then said to Eunuch Chen: “Bring the medicine. This is Your Majesty’s final dose, and I must personally serve it to him.”
Hearing this, the Emperor’s facial muscles twitched rapidly as he hoarsely said: “What… are you doing…”
“Naturally feeding Your Majesty medicine,” Dong Ying’er feigned surprise: “Remembering our brief marital bond, I specially arranged for Your Majesty to be conscious briefly today. After drinking this medicine, Your Majesty can be freed. Master Hui Jue spoke well – the mortal world holds much suffering and conflict. Only by leaving this dusty realm can one achieve great enlightenment. I’m wholeheartedly thinking of Your Majesty. Shouldn’t Your Majesty reward me with some little trinket?”
Her words were extremely interesting, as if coquettishly speaking to a lover. Yet they contained undisguised murderous intent – regicide. The Emperor struggled desperately to sit up, shouting with all his strength: “Insolent! Someone…” But his voice was too weak to carry outside, and his body couldn’t move. What other options were there? He was like meat on a chopping block, only able to be slaughtered.
“Your Majesty, stop shouting – mind your health, it’s unseemly. The Empress Dowager has long retired. It’s late now, and Your Majesty’s care has always been my responsibility alone. Since our fate is nearly ended, let me speak clearly to prevent Your Majesty from having lingering concerns.” She looked into the Emperor’s eyes, saying word by word: “Your Majesty’s edict? The Prince has long obtained and naturally destroyed it, so Your Majesty’s intentions probably cannot be fulfilled. But the Prince asks Your Majesty to rest assured – he will properly ascend that position and govern Great Jin Dynasty well. Your Majesty may be at peace.”
When the Emperor heard “edict” in Dong Ying’er’s words, his face showed sudden shock before he angrily said: “Treacherous son… treacherous son…”
“Such is life in the imperial family – Your Majesty need not worry,” Dong Ying’er seemed to sigh lightly. “Well then, Your Majesty, no need for more words. The night grows deep and dew heavy – Your Majesty should rest early.” She nodded to the side, and Eunuch Chen appropriately brought the medicine bowl forward.
Dong Ying’er took the medicine bowl from Eunuch Chen, carefully spooning some and blowing it cool before bringing it to the Emperor’s lips. How could the Emperor drink it? He only stared at the medicine bowl with eyes full of anger and despair. Human survival instinct was always strong – the Emperor used all his strength to turn his head aside, spilling the spoonful of medicine across his pillow. Dong Ying’er sighed lightly as if very troubled: “Your Majesty acts like a child – why such fuss over taking medicine?” She smiled at Eunuch Chen: “Please help, Eunuch.”
The Emperor had long noticed this unfamiliar head eunuch. Eunuch Li had served him for years with genuine master-servant affection. Since this strange eunuch could replace Eunuch Li’s position, he likely played a part in Li’s demise. So now everyone inside and outside this bedchamber had been replaced – none were his people! He looked at Dong Ying’er. This woman habitually acted meek, and while he knew her scheming mind, he never expected such audacity – even committing regicide. Simply foolish – did she think she could escape unscathed after killing him?
Eunuch Chen acknowledged and approached the Emperor. Being very strong while the Emperor was currently weak and powerless, he effortlessly lifted the Emperor upright. Unable to move with his entire body restrained, Dong Ying’er smiled as she again fed the medicine spoonful by spoonful into the Emperor’s mouth.
Unable to move with his whole body controlled, the Emperor experienced this feeling for the first time. He closed his eyes. He knew his physical condition better than anyone – even without this medicine, he couldn’t last much longer. This bowl merely hastened that inevitable day, and he couldn’t avoid this outcome. At least… at least things hadn’t reached the worst point. The path he’d laid earlier finally proved useful – even in death, it wouldn’t be in vain.
Watching the Emperor close his eyes, Dong Ying’er didn’t seem to mind the trouble, her voice melodious: “After drinking this medicine, Your Majesty needn’t worry about future loneliness. I know Your Majesty most cherishes Consort Mu Zhao, so soon I’ll naturally send Consort Mu Zhao down to accompany Your Majesty.”
The Emperor’s eyes flew open, looking at Dong Ying’er. He said nothing, but his gaze held the final anger and gloom of the dying, so intense that even Dong Ying’er felt somewhat guilty. But she was ultimately bold, suddenly smiling again: “Consort Mu Zhao will be very happy too.” After these words, she fed the medicine even faster, with medicine flowing from the Emperor’s mouth corners. Her movements grew more vicious, carrying a hint of revenge.
The medicine was fed spoonful by spoonful into the Emperor’s mouth – lethal medicine, with life flowing away bit by bit. Actually, at some point during the feeding, the Emperor had already stopped breathing, but Dong Ying’er still conscientiously fed the final spoonful to his lips. Then she took out a handkerchief, carefully wiping the Emperor’s mouth corners and properly laying him back in his original position, covering him with blankets. Truly like the most virtuous wife serving her husband.
After finishing everything, Dong Ying’er said to Eunuch Chen: “Return and report to your master.”
Eunuch Chen nodded and left the bedchamber. Dong Ying’er sat alone beside the bed. The person on the bed was now a corpse, no longer having any vitality. That ruler who commanded wind and rain, above all others below heaven, was merely a shriveled corpse with no more intimidating power. But Dong Ying’er’s expression wasn’t as calm as before – her hands still trembled slightly.
After just a moment, the panic in her eyes vanished, replaced by deep ruthlessness. Looking at the person on the bed, she whispered: “What does ruling the realm matter? Just another pitiable wretch. Since that’s so, let’s go to hell together.” She sat statue-like beside the bed for a long time until the oil lamp nearly burned out and voices of little eunuchs could be heard outside. Only then did Dong Ying’er slowly look up at the Western tribute hourglass placed on a high shelf, her face showing a strange smile.
The next moment, her expression changed as panicked words burst from her mouth: “Something’s wrong! Something’s happened to His Majesty—”
The Emperor’s condition suddenly worsened severely. Even with all Imperial Medical Academy physicians mobilized, they couldn’t salvage the situation. When the physicians arrived, the person on the bed had lost all vitality.
This was actually something every physician had anticipated. When Golden Ling Divine Healer Xia Qing had personally examined him, he’d said medicine was ineffective. Since medicine was ineffective, they were merely prolonging life – there would inevitably be a day when the oil ran dry. They just hadn’t expected this day to come so quickly. All physicians gathered together with a sense of approaching crisis.
That night, the Emperor’s bedchamber was brightly lit. When dawn broke and the first ray of sunlight pierced the heavy palace walls into the dark, gloomy palace, a eunuch in court robes dragged out a long, shrill cry: “His Majesty—has passed away—”
Mournful cries shook the heavens as the entire court wailed.
The Eighth Prince, arriving upon hearing the news, stood before the Emperor’s bed with a grief-stricken face, unable to help shedding tears. He appeared extremely sorrowful, yet had to restrain himself from losing composure – in others’ eyes, he truly looked like a filial son. Eunuch Chen stood behind him, also hanging his head with an expression of grief.
Looking at the Emperor’s face, Xuan Li’s mind recalled Eunuch Chen’s words. The Emperor’s deathbed reactions to Dong Ying’er’s probing were indeed no different from their expectations. It seemed the Emperor had truly written another edict. With that edict now in his hands, there were naturally no more worries. Later, once this commotion passed and he found Qi Man to completely destroy the edict, he alone in this world would be the legitimate heir.
Thinking this, Xuan Li suddenly felt a gaze upon him. Following it, he discovered Xuan Pei watching him coldly. Xuan Pei’s face showed no grief but was quite calm. His gaze toward Xuan Li held understanding, as if he already knew exactly how all this had occurred.
Xuan Li didn’t know how Xuan Pei, merely a teenage youth, could have such a frightening gaze that seemed to see into one’s heart, making all thoughts impossible to hide from those eyes. He paused, then looked away. His lips twitched slightly – no matter how frightening, he had ultimately fallen behind in this game, and his life could end here. Since the Emperor had passed away, naturally it was his turn next.
Among the room full of sorrowful people, besides Xuan Pei, another person’s expression was also quite indifferent – Mu Xiurou. Her pretty face was cold as ice, showing no particular reaction. But Mu Xiurou had always been this cold by nature, so people didn’t find it strange. However, standing beside Mu Xiurou, Dong Ying’er appeared particularly pitiful.
Dong Ying’er’s eyes were red from crying, her hair somewhat disheveled, her face full of haggard exhaustion, seemingly not caring about her appearance at all. Palace people all knew this Dong Ying’er was sentimental – after the Emperor fell ill, she’d always cared for him, never finding it tiresome and doing better than anyone. Now with the Emperor’s death, she appeared extremely sorrowful. Compared to the expressionless Mu Xiurou beside her, she was indeed quite touching.
Empress Dowager Yide sat gravely in place, with people coming and going around her, but her expression never relaxed in the slightest. She understood better than anyone why things had reached this point today. Yet her gaze occasionally showed traces of grief.
At this moment, Xia Qing, who had been conducting the final examination of the Emperor’s body, emerged carrying his medicine box. His expression was grave. Though many court officials stood present, he’d always been straightforward by nature, so without considering taboos, he spoke directly: “Reporting to the Empress Dowager, His Majesty didn’t die from natural causes – there are suspicious circumstances.”
Hearing this, Empress Dowager Yide immediately focused and demanded sternly: “Xia Qing, do you know what you’re saying before me!”
“This commoner dares not deceive the Empress Dowager. When examining His Majesty’s body, I discovered he was poisoned. This poison isn’t rare, but mixed with His Majesty’s original illness, it’s not easily detected. If the other physicians examine carefully, they’ll certainly find clues.”
The physicians exchanged glances. They indeed hadn’t examined the Emperor’s body – how could just anyone touch the deceased imperial body? Moreover, with Xia Qing’s previous words, everyone knew the Emperor’s health was already failing. Physicians always acted conservatively with self-preservation paramount – who would think of this? Empress Dowager Yide’s expression stirred slightly as she touched the ruby finger guard on her hand, demanding sternly: “Investigate!”
Several physicians immediately complied. Soon, the remaining physicians emerged from the bedchamber with very ugly expressions, even sweating. Looking at Empress Dowager Yide, they tremblingly reported: “Reporting to the Empress Dowager, Divine Physician Xia is correct – His Majesty was indeed poisoned. The poison is fresh and should have been ingested recently, but the toxicity was so strong that…”
These words shocked everyone! Eyes involuntarily fell on Dong Ying’er. She was responsible for caring for the Emperor’s daily needs – if something went wrong, naturally she’d attract attention first. Dong Ying’er was also startled: “No… it wasn’t me. The medicine I fed His Majesty was all prepared by the imperial kitchen.” Her panicked, flustered appearance seemed unlikely to be fake, but the palace never lacked good actors – who knew if it was real?
“Imperial Grandmother, what do you think…” Xuan Li stepped forward, his grief mixed with appropriate anger: “Father Emperor suffered such a cruel death. This person’s crimes are heinous – we must find them and show no mercy!”
Empress Dowager Yide said nothing, her gaze pausing briefly on Xuan Pei, whose expression remained very calm. She slowly withdrew her hand from stroking the finger guard: “Investigate – thoroughly search the entire palace!”
…
At dawn’s first light, Xiao Shao stood with hands behind his back at the window, head lowered in thought. Steward Lin silently draped an outer robe over him, saying quietly: “Master, you should enter the palace.”
News of the Emperor’s death reached Prince Jinying’s manor almost immediately, but Xiao Shao didn’t immediately leave for the palace. Throughout the capital, countless officials were naturally worrying in their own manors about possible future situations from this sudden news. No carriages waited outside Prince Jinying’s manor, no guests visited inside – the manor was very quiet, while their master had spent the entire night in his study.
Even after caring for Xiao Shao all these years, sometimes Steward Lin couldn’t see through what Xiao Shao was thinking. For instance now – was there even a trace of sadness in Xiao Shao’s heart? He didn’t know. Probably there was some, given their blood relationship. That person had tried to compensate Xiao Shao for so many years – no matter how outrageous Xiao Shao’s actions, he’d always turned a blind eye.
Xiao Shao didn’t know Steward Lin’s thoughts. Learning of the Emperor’s death, his heart felt no great waves. All this was long anticipated. The Emperor was just a stranger to him. Xiao Shao had never met the former Prince Hongxi and Consort Xiang Xiao Yuan, but he’d been raised by the old Prince Jinying and his wife since childhood, naturally developing deep affection. The Emperor had destroyed all this – speaking of it, he should hate him.
But Xiao Shao didn’t even feel “hatred.” Toward Southern Border, he would exterminate them completely because this was something he could do. In his life, he seemed to have no particular purpose, not knowing the meaning of his solitary journey. Perhaps accepting the Embroidered Uniform Guards and avenging Prince Hongxi and Consort Xiang Xiao Yuan was his life’s meaning. So he’d indeed done this – disregarding his own life and death, viewing his life with indifference, living alone until meeting Jiang Ruan.
That was perhaps another meaning for his existence. That woman was vivid and different from others, unknowingly capturing his attention. And it was finally proven that they’d met in their previous life – Heaven’s predestined bond had always been there. Perhaps pitying their missed chance in the previous life, Heaven gave Jiang Ruan an opportunity to start over. He didn’t want Jiang Ruan to repeat past mistakes, so he wanted to spend his life protecting this woman.
And now, everything Jiang Ruan did was based on anticipating today’s events. Xiao Shao’s heart was very calm, his gaze showing no ripples, his face expressionless.
“Xuan Li is about to act,” Xiao Shao suddenly said. This non sequitur startled Steward Lin, who looked at his master with confusion. Though Xiao Shao was always aloof, what did saying something completely unrelated to the Emperor’s death mean?
“Very soon now.” Very soon, he could retrieve Jiang Ruan. Xiao Shao didn’t continue, donning the outer robe Steward Lin had brought and slowly walking out, leaving Steward Lin standing alone.
Though morning lacked sunlight, it still illuminated Steward Lin’s face with particular clarity. Looking carefully, that weathered face now showed much fainter lines. People’s appearances could change, but when white hair witnessing years quietly turned black and wrinkles gradually receded, youth made the entire face seem like another person.
Wearing an unfamiliar face, Steward Lin paused, then smiled and shook his head, suddenly sighing: “An old general going to battle, an old general going to battle – now it’s this dashing old general’s turn.”
…
News of the Emperor’s death spread through the capital like wildfire. People felt uneasy – in this spring season, Great Jin Dynasty’s True Dragon Son of Heaven had departed, leaving undetermined heir candidates. Civil and military officials each had their own plans, betting their entire fortunes on an unknown future.
Zhao Jin looked worriedly at her second brother: “Second Brother, with His Majesty like this, what’s the current court situation?” The future heir remained an unresolved issue. The Emperor’s sudden death was unexpected, and more surprisingly, he’d never indicated which prince to establish as crown prince. Before falling ill, the Emperor had already deposed the crown prince and should have established another early, but he’d delayed action as if observing something. This was understandable – Eighth Prince Xuan Li had always been excellent but had the disadvantage of Consort Chen as his mother, while Thirteenth Prince Xuan Pei was a rising star showing intelligence but lacked strong maternal family support. Both possessed equal learning and governing ability, but choosing between them was difficult.
But the Emperor’s observation probably didn’t anticipate falling ill so quickly. After his illness, he never regained consciousness until death, having no opportunity to establish an heir. Succession struggles were inevitable, but without an edict, things would become more chaotic with fiercer competition.
“His Majesty’s thoughts aren’t for us to speculate,” Second Brother Zhao interrupted his little sister: “Don’t say such things outside – avoid trouble. The capital is very chaotic recently.”
“Yes,” Elder Brother Zhao also approached, tapping Zhao Jin’s head: “You’re straightforward and don’t understand these complexities. I think it’s best to stay home obediently these days to avoid incidents.”
Zhao Jin pushed away his hand: “I’m worried about Father. He’s looked anxious lately, and I don’t know what I can do. His Majesty’s death came too suddenly – who can predict the capital’s future? Always optimistic Zhao Jin now felt worried. Without an emperor governing the court, would things really be fine? Empress Dowager Yide was old after all. Even emerging to maintain order now, she probably couldn’t suppress everything – still very concerning.