“Return to the residence.” Following Pei Ji’s words, the coachman immediately drove the carriage toward the Pei residence several li away.

“Uncle Pei, why don’t we go to the Tang King’s residence first? It’s closer to here.” Facing Li Jiancheng’s words, Pei Ji said, “Though my place is farther, it happens that Imperial Physician Li is there, and his medical skills are far superior to ordinary physicians.”

Seeing him say this, Li Jiancheng found it inconvenient to object further and let the carriage proceed to the Pei residence. In the rolling of the carriage wheels, he spoke: “Uncle Pei, just now I tasted a slight astringent quality in the water bowl that Shimin drank from. I suspect Shimin didn’t suddenly fall ill, but rather someone bribed the jailers to secretly administer poison, intending to harm Shimin’s life.” After hesitating for a long time, he finally spoke of this matter.

But what puzzled him was that regarding this matter, Pei Ji showed no surprise whatsoever. More precisely, his expression didn’t change in the slightest, only saying indifferently, “I understand.”

Looking at Pei Ji, an absurd thought arose in Li Jiancheng’s mind: could it be that Pei Ji was the one who administered the poison? And he came to the prison to confirm whether the drug had taken effect?

But… what would be Pei Ji’s motive? He had always been quite affectionate toward Shimin and utterly loyal to Father. No matter how he thought about it, he couldn’t find any reason for him to poison and harm Shimin.

In this confusion and bewilderment, the carriage slowly stopped at the Pei residence. Several servants, having received word from the coachman, came out to carry the increasingly ill Li Shimin into the residence. After arranging him in the east wing room, Pei Ji said, “Very well, you may all withdraw.”

“Wait!” Li Jiancheng called them back, saying, “Isn’t Imperial Physician Li in the residence? Quickly summon him.”

The two servants said puzzledly, “Imperial Physician Li has never come to the residence. Why does Your Highness say this?”

Li Jiancheng stared at Pei Ji in astonishment. So the latter had been lying, but why?

Come to think of it, from the moment he stepped into the prison, everything had seemed strange. He vaguely felt these events were connected, yet couldn’t figure out where the connection lay.

Pei Ji waved his hand: “His Highness is joking with you. Go.”

The servants acknowledged, then tentatively asked, “My lord, should we summon a physician to treat the Second Young Master?”

“No need. The Second Young Master is fine – he’ll recover with some rest.” Seeing him say this, the servants found it inappropriate to say more and withdrew as instructed.

Although Li Jiancheng wished nothing more than for Li Shimin to die, before understanding Pei Ji’s true intentions, he absolutely could not reveal this thought in front of him. So he put on an extremely anxious appearance and said urgently, “Uncle Pei, what exactly do you mean? Shimin is already in this condition – how can rest alone cure him? Quickly summon a physician. If we delay… I fear Shimin’s life may be in danger.”

Pei Ji smiled slightly: “Your Highness, please remain calm.”

“With Shimin’s life hanging by a thread, how can you tell me to remain calm?” As he spoke, his face grew cold: “If Uncle Pei is unwilling to save Shimin, I’ll take him away right now.”

Pei Ji was about to speak when suddenly a muffled sound came from the bed. Turning to look, they saw Li Shimin’s body rigid all over, his wide-open eyes staring fixedly at the ceiling.

Li Jiancheng hurried over to grasp his equally rigid hand, saying nervously, “Shimin, how are you? Don’t frighten your elder brother!”

Li Shimin showed no reaction to his words, only continued staring at the ceiling. There, a tailless gecko was quickly crawling across, though Li Shimin was clearly not watching it, as his pupils were gradually dilating.

“Shimin…” Li Jiancheng had only said two words when Li Shimin’s throat emitted a strange sound, then his eyes suddenly closed and his rigid body relaxed.

A flash of understanding crossed Li Jiancheng’s mind. He reached out to test his breathing, then immediately withdrew his hand. There was complete silence – not even the slightest movement of breath.

In this moment, Li Jiancheng didn’t know whether to cry or laugh. Yunyi had extracted the truth from Xin’an’s lips, clearing Li Shimin of the charge of killing Yang You, making him think he wouldn’t be able to kill Li Shimin this time. Yet… the latter had died in such an inexplicable way, leaving his heart filled with mixed emotions.

Shimin, you’re finally dead. From now on, no one will compete with me for glory, and no one will threaten my position. As soon as Father ascends the throne, I’ll be the empire’s crown prince, and later, I’ll inherit Father’s imperial position and become the empire’s sovereign. The path ahead is brighter and smoother than ever before. He knew the empire’s strength was not yet great, but he was confident he could help Father pacify the Central Plains and subdue the four seas!

Shimin, you’d be happy for me too, wouldn’t you?

He wanted to laugh, but tears fell without warning. Humans are not plants or trees – who can be without emotion? Though he had repeatedly sought Li Shimin’s life, they had been brothers for over twenty years. Now separated by death, how could he feel no sadness at all?

However, even if he could do it all over again, he still wouldn’t change his determination to eliminate Li Shimin. Only with Li Shimin’s death could his great enterprise succeed.

So… Shimin, I’m sorry!

As this thought flashed through his mind, he snapped out of his daze and embraced Li Shimin, crying out in grief: “Shimin, wake up! Don’t sleep! Father already knows you didn’t kill His Majesty – it’s alright! He sent me to bring you back for a family reunion. Wake up and come home with me! Wake up!”

How could someone who had already stopped breathing respond to his calls? Everything was futile.

Li Jiancheng turned around with an angry expression, glaring hatefully at the unperturbed Pei Ji: “If we had taken him to the Tang King’s residence from the start or summoned a physician, Shimin might not have died like this. You killed Shimin – you!”

“Your Highness, please calm down and listen to me…” Before he could finish, Li Jiancheng was already roaring: “I have nothing to say to you!” As he spoke, his eyes turned red with tears: “I will tell Father about this truthfully. No matter how many accomplishments you had before, don’t think they can offset this mistake!”

With these words, he stepped forward to lift Li Shimin, whose body still held warmth, and choked out: “Come, elder brother will take you home!”

Before he could rise, a hand fell on his shoulder – it was Pei Ji’s. “Your Highness, rest assured – the Second Young Master is not dead!”

Li Jiancheng stared at him with a sarcastic expression: “Shimin has already stopped breathing, yet you still tell me he’s not dead? Lord Pei, your ability to speak such blatant lies is truly remarkable.” With these words, he brushed away Pei Ji’s hand and said without courtesy: “Get away!”

Pei Ji showed no anger and said gently: “I understand Your Highness’s feelings, but I haven’t deceived you – the Second Young Master truly is not dead!”

Li Jiancheng wouldn’t believe it and was about to speak sarcastically when he suddenly noticed Pei Ji’s completely serious expression. His heart, which had already settled back in place, suddenly jumped violently several times, and he involuntarily asked: “What do you mean?”