The Emperor had not yet noticed anything amiss, but the Crown Grandson’s heart suddenly tightened inwardly, and he instinctively spoke up to take over the conversation: “Father has been unconscious this whole time and doesn’t yet know the full details of what happened. Grandfather ordered a thorough interrogation, and the truth of the matter has already been uncovered.”
“That female assassin was sent by Consort Li. The attendant who tried to kill Father was a man of Prince An’s.”
“That mother and son were brazen enough to commit such a treacherous, unforgivable act. Grandfather will surely see justice done for Father and Sixth Uncle, and will never let them go unpunished.”
Each word sank into the Crown Prince’s ears.
Unmistakable shock showed in the Crown Prince’s eyes, but his expression gradually settled into calm. In a weak voice, he sighed, “I truly never imagined Consort Li and Prince An could be so utterly ruthless!”
Prince Yan truly had skillful methods!
To have secretly conspired with Consort Li and her son! The assassination attempt had failed at the final step, and now everything had been pinned on Consort Li and her son, neatly clearing and washing himself clean of any blame.
This was truly a formidable rival, not to be underestimated!
The Emperor offered the Crown Prince a few words of comfort with deliberate care, then rose and left.
Before departing, Ling Jingshu glanced once more at Wei Yan.
Wei Yan gazed silently at Ling Jingshu’s retreating figure, sighing quietly within. The two of them were so close, within arm’s reach of each other, yet they hadn’t even had the chance to speak.
Fortunately, the Crown Prince had already passed through the most dangerous days; from here on, Wei Yan would no longer need to keep constant watch by the bedside. He could always find a chance to steal a glance at her.
With this thought, Wei Yan’s mood brightened once more.
The Crown Prince was in good spirits today, and had himself propped up to sit upright. He said to Wei Yan with a smile, “This time, it is thanks to Imperial Physician Wei that this one’s life was snatched back from the hands of the King of Hell. No matter how I try to thank you for saving my life, it would never feel like enough. From now on, Imperial Physician Wei is an honored guest of the Crown Prince’s household. Whatever you may ask of me, I will grant it.”
The Crown Prince’s promise carried even more weight than the Crown Grandson’s had.
Wei Yan did not put on false modesty either, and solemnly accepted the favor: “This humble servant thanks Your Highness for such generous good will and will gladly accept it. These past several days, this servant has not had a chance to bathe or change clothes, which is unsightly before Your Highness. He will take his leave for now.”
The Crown Prince smiled and nodded his consent.
…
After Wei Yan withdrew, the Crown Grandson ordered the attendants on either side to withdraw as well.
Only father and son remained in the room.
“Father, I’m sorry.” The Crown Grandson lowered his voice, his face full of guilt. “It was all because I was too overconfident and arrogant, and didn’t take Prince Yan seriously enough. I never imagined he would set up such a meticulous and ruthless assassination plot. It nearly cost Father his life…”
Thinking back on the assassination attempt that day, the Crown Prince still felt a chill of fear himself, and cut off the Crown Grandson’s self-blame with a bitter smile. “Don’t speak only of yourself—even I never imagined he would be so thorough and ruthless. Nor did I expect that he would even drag Consort Li and her son into it.”
“This Prince Yan, not even eighteen years old yet, already possesses such cunning and depth—it’s truly beyond expectation.”
At this, sweat broke out on the Crown Prince’s forehead, his voice growing weaker. “A’Yao, none of this is your fault—you have no need to blame yourself. Fortunately, I managed to keep this life of mine. As long as I am alive, Prince Yan can never hope to seize the position of Crown Prince.”
“However, we can no longer allow Prince Yan to run wild as he pleases. Once this matter has settled, we must move against him ourselves! Root him out as soon as possible!”
A flash of cold killing intent passed through the Crown Prince’s eyes!
A flash of coldness passed through the Crown Grandson’s eyes as well, though his voice remained quite calm. “Father, rest easy and focus on recovering your health. Leave these matters to me!”
Compared to before, the Crown Grandson now carried himself with far more composure than his former cold, intimidating sharpness—like a sharp sword that had finally been given a sheath. All its edge was hidden away, ready to be drawn only when the enemy appeared.
Watching the Crown Grandson like this, the Crown Prince felt quiet relief well up in his heart.
Through this ordeal, the Crown Grandson had shed the excessive confidence and restlessness of youth, and had truly matured.
“Good, I’ll leave this matter to you.” The Crown Prince looked deeply at the Crown Grandson. “I don’t know how long it will take me to recover from this poisoning. What I am entrusting to you is not only dealing with Prince Yan. There are more important matters that need your attention as well.”
“Affairs of the court, affairs of the common people—both matter more than dealing with Prince Yan!”
One must not let hatred cloud one’s judgment!
The Crown Grandson solemnly accepted the charge.
…
At this same moment, Ling Jingshu was accompanying Consort Wei and the Emperor on a visit to see Prince Yan.
Although the Crown Prince’s poisoning had been a perilous affair, he had suffered no external wounds, and on the whole looked passable.
Prince Yan, by contrast, had suffered a sword wound.
The wound on his chest ran deep, having nearly damaged his heart and lungs. Prince Yan had lost a great deal of blood; his handsome face was utterly drained of color, and with sharp pain in his chest and layers of bandages wound around it, he could not be moved. Lying there motionless like this, he looked especially pitiable.
The moment the Emperor saw Prince Yan, he could not help recalling the scene of Prince Yan leaping forward to take the blade meant for him, and a wave of tender affection and heartache rose up at once.
The Emperor sat down at the bedside and, taking Prince Yan’s hand, asked, “How are you feeling today? Does your chest still hurt?”
Prince Yan summoned his energy and forced a smile. “This unworthy son only suffered a flesh wound, nothing serious. Father needn’t worry. By the way, how is Elder Brother doing? Has the poison all been cleared?”
Why hadn’t he managed to finish him off that day?
It was all because of Ling Jingshu—her reaction had been too quick. If she hadn’t spoken up to warn him, the Crown Prince wouldn’t have dodged so alertly, and that poisoned needle could have struck deeper. If she hadn’t fed the Crown Prince the antidote pill in time, the poison would have already spread through his blood long before now…
Prince Yan couldn’t help but steal a glance at the silent, downcast Ling Jingshu. In the end, since she was a woman he was fond of, he couldn’t bring himself to blame her too much. After much deliberation, he decided it would be more fitting to lay the blame at Wei Yan’s feet instead.
He couldn’t touch Wei Yan for now. But once his own body had healed, sooner or later he would find a way to take Wei Yan’s life!
Prince Yan’s thoughts were poisonous in the extreme, yet his face showed nothing but concern.
The Emperor said cheerfully, “Imperial Physician Wei has worked hard these past days, and has already cleared the poison from the Crown Prince’s body. His life is no longer in danger—he just needs to recuperate slowly now. You should focus on healing your own illness and not worry about the Crown Prince.”
Though he had known the chance of the Crown Prince dying outright was already slim, hearing this dismal news still made Prince Yan’s heart sink.
He had planned so meticulously for nearly a year, even nearly sacrificing his own life in the process, only to fall short at the very last step! The very thought of it left him so frustrated he could almost spit blood.
With the Crown Prince safe, it would soon be his turn to be in trouble.
The Emperor had been deceived and could not see the truth, but the Crown Prince and the Crown Grandson knew perfectly well that it was Prince Yan who had done it.
Before, out of regard for his own status, the Crown Prince had not taken the initiative to move against him. After this incident, though, he likely would no longer show any restraint.
The Crown Prince, after all, held the legitimate title of heir, enjoyed an excellent reputation both within and beyond the court, and had under his command a great number of officials loyal to the legitimate line. In sheer strength, Prince Yan was nowhere near a match for him.
All Prince Yan had to rely on were himself and the Emperor’s favor. Compared side by side, the difference in standing was plain to see!
Prince Yan sighed quietly to himself, yet did not fall into despair or discouragement.
He had weathered worse situations than this before. As for the storms yet to come, he had no need to fear them either!