The next day, just as the sky was beginning to lighten, the Crown Grandson entered the palace.
But upon reaching Zichen Hall, he discovered he wasn’t the first to arrive. Prince Yan was already seated attentively beside the Emperor’s bed, dutifully helping him take his medicine.
The Emperor’s illness was the most pressing matter in the palace. Wei Yan and two other Imperial Physicians had taken turns keeping watch through the night at Zichen Hall.
Since Wei Yan’s medical skill was the best, and he enjoyed the Emperor’s deepest trust and regard, all decisions about acupuncture and prescriptions effectively rested with him. The other two physicians had, without quite meaning to, become his assistants. Whether they were truly content with this was another matter, but outwardly they appeared perfectly willing, and in private they often vied with each other to curry favor with Wei Yan.
Before Prince Yan arrived, Wei Yan had already given the Emperor his acupuncture treatment.
The eunuch in charge of brewing the medicine was a delicate, clever-faced young eunuch named Xiao Fuzi.
Xiao Fuzi had been castrated and brought into the palace from a young age, taking Eunuch Ding as his adoptive father. With Eunuch Ding’s patronage, he had done quite well for himself within the palace walls. At only fifteen or sixteen, he had already secured a post at Zichen Hall, taking on the coveted duty of brewing and tasting the medicine, which kept him frequently in the Emperor’s sight.
As usual, Xiao Fuzi carried the steaming medicine into the bedchamber. He first poured a sip into an empty bowl and drank it down without hesitation. After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, with no ill effects whatsoever, he then brought the bowl to the bedside.
Prince Yan had deliberately come early, and so he had already claimed the task of currying favor.
By the time the Crown Grandson arrived, Prince Yan made a show of false modesty. “There’s still a bit of this bowl left—why don’t you have the honor of helping Father Emperor finish it?”
“Sixth Imperial Uncle is far more careful and thorough than I am. It’s better that Sixth Imperial Uncle handle the task of feeding the medicine yourself,” the Crown Grandson replied, his expression somewhere between a smile and not.
Pleased to have gained the upper hand, Prince Yan said with a smile, “Well then, I won’t stand on ceremony with you. Seeing to Father Emperor’s medicine comes first.”
With that, he turned back, scooped up a spoonful of the brown medicine, and carefully brought it to the Emperor’s lips.
The Emperor opened his mouth and drank. Eunuch Ding, standing to the side, gently dabbed at the corners of the Emperor’s mouth with a pristine white silk handkerchief.
For the moment, there really was no opening for the Crown Grandson to step in.
Currying favor and playing the obedient grandson were not the Crown Grandson’s strong suits, and he had no real desire to compete for attention anyway. He simply stood quietly to the side. As it happened, Wei Yan was standing right at the edge of the bed, and their eyes happened to meet.
Their gazes crossed in the air, neither betraying any emotion, before quickly looking away again.
A while later, Princess Changping and Princess Anya arrived together.
Princess Changping sat down at the bedside, her eyes rimmed red. “When your daughter heard that Father Emperor was unwell, I was so worried I couldn’t sleep all night. I came to the palace first thing this morning to see you.”
Princess Changping was indeed worthy of being Prince Yan’s own sister—her words were delivered with such heartfelt emotion that they were genuinely moving.
The two chairs by the bedside had already been claimed by Prince Yan and Princess Changping, leaving Princess Anya to stand behind Princess Changping, where she simply called out, “Father Emperor.”
By now the Emperor had finished his medicine, though his spirits remained low. Still, with his sons, daughters, and grandson all gathered before him, he felt rather pleased, and said with a smile, “This is just an old ailment of mine—it flares up now and then, and a few days’ rest always sets it right. None of you need worry.”
No sooner had he finished speaking than an attendant came to report. “Reporting to Your Majesty, Empress Xu has arrived, along with several other ladies.”
…
With Empress Xu’s arrival, both Prince Yan and Princess Changping had to give up their seats.
“When this concubine heard that Your Majesty had fallen ill, it felt as though a knife had pierced my heart. I haven’t slept all night.” Empress Xu sat at the bedside, taking the Emperor’s hand, her voice choked with emotion. “Please, Your Majesty, take care of your health.”
They had been husband and wife for many years. Even though they hadn’t shared a bed in recent years, some measure of affection still remained between them.
To the Emperor, this was undeniably a display of Empress Xu’s genuine feelings, and his expression softened with emotion. “You do look rather worn, my Empress.”
Empress Xu, who normally took great care each day to appear ravishing and beautiful, had today gone without a trace of makeup. The fine lines on her forehead and at the corners of her eyes were plainly visible, lending her an air of age and fatigue.
Her eyes reddened, Empress Xu said softly, “This concubine only hopes Your Majesty recovers soon. If it would ensure your health, I would gladly give up ten years of my own life.”
Moved, the Emperor turned his hand to clasp hers in return. “My Empress’s devotion to me—I am deeply touched.”
“Your Majesty…” Empress Xu called out tenderly, then burst into tears.
Watching this scene unfold… everyone present felt goosebumps rise across their skin.
Wei Yan watched coldly, waves of revulsion and disgust churning in his stomach.
If he hadn’t known her true face, perhaps it would have been bearable. But knowing what he knew, watching Empress Xu put on such a performance was thoroughly nauseating.
After Empress Xu finished her emotional display, Wei Jieyu and the other consorts followed suit, each performing in much the same way. After years in the palace, which consort didn’t have the skill of summoning tears the instant she wished to cry?
…
Far more than just these few had come to pay their respects during the Emperor’s illness.
Most of them, however, lacked the standing to enter the Emperor’s bedchamber, and simply waiting outside counted as showing their concern.
Wei Yan, who had barely slept all night and had endured half a day more on top of it, could no longer hold out by the afternoon. He had another physician take over and went off to rest in his own room.
Before he could even lie down, the door was pushed open.
It was the Crown Grandson who entered.
Wang Tong did not follow him in; he quickly shut the door and stood guard outside.
Wei Yan didn’t seem surprised at all. He cupped his hands calmly in greeting. “This humble servant greets Your Highness.”
The Crown Grandson had no patience for pleasantries and looked Wei Yan straight in the eye. “You already know she’s going to be brought into the palace, don’t you!”
Wei Yan nodded. “Yes. I found out last night.”
A flicker crossed the Crown Grandson’s eyes, his voice turning cold. “What exactly is Empress Xu’s intention? You must have some idea, don’t you!”
Wei Yan’s gaze darkened. His fists clenched tightly as he forced out a single word. “Yes.”
Empress Xu’s actions held no good intentions whatsoever.
Once Ling Jingshu entered Jiaofang Hall, her every move would be under Empress Xu’s watchful eye. If Empress Xu wanted to deal with her, there would be no shortage of ways, open or hidden. And in doing so, it would also undoubtedly serve as leverage to keep Wei Yan in check.
“If Empress Xu discovers that you have feelings for Ling Jingshu, what will become of her?” The Crown Grandson stared fixedly at Wei Yan, his tone aggressive. “You once told me you cared for her and would do everything in your power to protect her. If it truly comes down to a dangerous situation, are you certain you can keep her alive?”
Wei Yan did not back down, meeting the Crown Grandson’s gaze. “I will protect her with everything I have, no matter the cost.”
Everything he had, no matter the cost?
“I hope you mean what you say.” The Crown Grandson gave a cold laugh, his words unsparing. “If she comes to harm because of you, I will never let you off!”
Wei Yan said evenly, “Rest assured, Your Highness. I will not let such a thing happen.”
And if that day ever truly came, he himself would be the first one who could never forgive him.