—”Xu Xiude!”
Xu Xiude, who was guarding the entrance outside Mifei Palace, heard this angry roar. Without knowing what had happened, he quickly responded and hurriedly pushed open the door to enter the room.
“Your Majesty, what are your instructions?”
The Emperor pointed at Li Fuxiang, who had just been dragged out from under the bed, and asked, “This is the disciple you taught?”
Xu Xiude felt as though a stone had slammed into his heart. Even if he were given a hundredfold courage, he wouldn’t dare claim that His Highness, Prince Xiang, was his disciple.
The key issue was, he still had no idea what Li Fuxiang had done this time.
Wait—Xu Xiude immediately realized something was wrong. Why was His Highness, Prince Xiang, in Lady Wen’s chambers?
Li Fuxiang, flanked by two cold-faced Imperial Guards, stood in a position where detaining or releasing him both seemed inappropriate. Clearly, he had caused trouble again. Meeting Xu Xiude’s questioning gaze, Li Fuxiang explained, “You once told me that the end result of a man and a woman’s intimacy is having a child… I asked you how it happens, and you refused to explain.”
He had heard that Lady Wen had just become pregnant, so he decided to sneak in and observe for himself.
In all his years of service, Xu Xiude had never made a single mistake—until now, when he stumbled headlong into this disaster.
The Emperor clutched his chest. “Did you not learn the principle of ‘do not look at improper things’ when you were a child?”
Li Fuxiang replied, “Everyone understands principles. But if everyone acted according to them, wouldn’t the officials in the courts starve to death?”
The Emperor was so furious that he leaned back, pointing toward the door. “Throw him out!”
Li Fuxiang didn’t wait for anyone to act and bolted out the door on his own.
The Emperor was so enraged that his chest hurt. Sons truly become unmanageable when they grow up. Keeping him around was nothing but a headache.
Not long ago, when he had just returned from the western frontier, the Emperor had genuinely cherished him.
Now, he was just as genuinely annoyed.
The Emperor once again entertained the thought that the palace might not be able to contain him. Perhaps it was better to let him go.
Li Fuxiang had already disappeared, and after calming himself for a moment, the Emperor couldn’t help but ask, “Where did he run off to?”
Xu Xiude frantically gestured to the Imperial Guards outside.
Unexpectedly, one guard bluntly reported, “His Highness, Prince Xiang? He left and immediately entered Lady Wen’s wine cellar.”
Lady Wen instantly crushed a small pastel porcelain cup from the Ru Kiln. “Stealing my wine again!”
The Emperor turned his ire on the guards. “I told you to throw him out. Does my decree no longer carry weight?”
The two guards exchanged helpless glances and reluctantly went outside to apprehend him.
Li Fuxiang had just emerged from the wine cellar with a round, small wine jar in his arms when he was seized by the guards at the entrance. One of them said, “Your Highness, forgive us. His Majesty has decreed that you must be thrown out.”
Just as Gao Yuexing arrived, she walked in at the perfect moment to see Li Fuxiang being dragged to the door, clutching the small wine jar tightly.
When Li Fuxiang spotted her, his eyes lit up. “Ah Xing!”
Gao Yuexing, not understanding the situation, looked at the scene before him and asked, “What on earth is going on here?”
Two guards lifted Li Fuxiang across the threshold. With a simultaneous effort, they lightly raised and tossed him. Li Fuxiang made a small hop and landed outside the threshold.
Gao Yuexing: “……”
Why are they playing games like this in Mifei Palace?
Gao Yuexing noticed that Li Fuxiang’s robe was disheveled and instinctively reached out to help straighten it.
On the attic of Mifei Palace, the Emperor and Consort Wen stood shoulder to shoulder, leaning against the railing, watching the scene under the osmanthus tree—two childhood companions playing innocently.
The Emperor spoke, “You, a frail noblewoman, crushing a porcelain cup with your bare hands is far too conspicuous.”
Consort Wen replied, “Your Majesty, it was a momentary loss of composure. I assure you it won’t happen again.”
The Emperor said, “Just this once. Let there be no next time.”
Their voices were so low that they dissipated into the wind almost as soon as they spoke. The palace maids and eunuchs serving them had been sent far away, all assuming that the Emperor and his consort were sharing an intimate moment.
Consort Wen glanced at the Emperor’s stern profile and said, “If Your Majesty wants to enlighten His Highness Prince Xiang, why not choose two female officials from the Bureau of Ceremonial Affairs? They are surely more reliable than Eunuch Xu.”
The Emperor gestured for her to look at that young lady from the Gao family and said, “Do you think he would agree?”
Outside Mifei Palace, Noble Consort Xian and her entourage intercepted Li Fuxiang.
Noble Consort Xian, mindful that Li Fuxiang was a child officially under her name, immediately began inquiring after his well-being with a flurry of concern. How have you been these past few days? Have you been eating well? Such questions poured out.
Gao Yuexing tidied Li Fuxiang’s collar and then stood a little farther away, remaining silent.
All the while, Li Fuxiang chatted and gradually adjusted his position, inching closer to Gao Yuexing.
Consort Wen smiled warmly and sighed, “Childhood sweethearts. Truly enviable.”
The Emperor remarked, “It’s a pity that the young lady of the Gao family is not yet of age. Otherwise, putting them together earlier would save me some trouble.”
Consort Wen said, “Commander Xi once spoke to me about the young lady of the Gao family, praising her for being exceptionally intelligent and resourceful.”
The Emperor replied, “He’s fearless, always scheming to lure a perfectly good young lady into the Jinyiwei. He doesn’t even consider whether her parents would agree. If he really went through with it, Gao Jing would surely make a scene.”
Consort Wen gave a faint smile and said, “Indeed. With her parents still alive and such a prominent family background, a proper young lady like her couldn’t possibly endure the hardships of the Jinyiwei.”
The Emperor pretended not to notice the underlying meaning in her words and said, “You haven’t yet witnessed the brilliance of Miss Gao. Sometimes even I feel inferior to her wit. If you encounter difficulties managing things in the inner palace, consult her more often. I brought her into the palace at this time precisely to have her lend a hand. She has likely already guessed your true identity, so there’s no need to hold back.”
Consort Wen nodded.
The Emperor glanced at her abdomen and added, “Your pregnancy might attract attention.”
Consort Wen touched her still-flat stomach and said, “Whenever Your Majesty wants him dead, I can ensure it is done flawlessly.”
The Emperor opened his arms in satisfaction, and Consort Wen, cradling her abdomen protectively, leaned into him softly. The two embraced as they retreated into the inner chamber.
Outside Mifei Palace.
Learning that the Emperor was present, Noble Consort Xian decided it would be inappropriate to disturb him. She took the princess back to her palace, having made a fruitless morning round in the palace.
Gao Yuexing also prepared to leave with them.
Li Fuxiang, however, opened his mouth and stopped her, refusing to let her go.
When only the two of them remained in the osmanthus grove, Gao Yuexing sighed helplessly and said, “What are you wandering aimlessly around the palace for every day? Are you bored?”
Li Fuxiang popped open the seal on the wine jar, tipped his head back, and drank half the jar in one go, replying, “Not bored at all—there’s plenty of excitement.”
Gao Yuexing asked, “Just now, what were you doing in Consort Wen’s palace?”
Li Fuxiang wouldn’t dare tell the truth in front of Gao Yuexing. He still had a sense of propriety, so he simply said, “I was just wandering around and ended up there. As soon as Father Emperor arrived, he kicked me out.”
Gao Yuexing believed him, glancing at the gates of Mifei Palace. She saw Xu Xiude emerging from inside. When he spotted Li Fuxiang standing there, he turned his head angrily, refusing to acknowledge him.
Gao Yuexing sensed something unusual was going on.
Before she could ask, Li Fuxiang pulled her along and said quickly, “Did you know that Imperial Physician Zhou has lost his mind?”
Gao Yuexing, confused, followed him and replied, “I heard, but I don’t know if it’s true.”
Li Fuxiang said, “Whether it’s true or not, we’ll find out soon enough. Let’s go.”
This time, they entered the Imperial Medical Bureau openly and without pretense.
Everyone in the palace knew that Li Fuxiang was the number one idle prince. Wherever there was excitement, he would go. The Emperor had given him command of the Xiaoqi Battalion, but he had become the first young general in the dynasty who refused to even show up for daily roll call.
At first, the battalion members awaited his arrival eagerly, but over time they grew used to his absence and went about their own business. They came to terms with it, realizing that a prince holding military power in the capital wasn’t ideal.
The further Li Fuxiang stayed from the battalion, the more at ease certain people felt.
When the Imperial Medical Bureau heard that His Highness Prince Xiang had arrived, the Chief Imperial Physician personally came out to greet him. After scrutinizing Li Fuxiang’s appearance and confirming he seemed healthy, the chief was relieved and asked if there was anything he needed.
Li Fuxiang said bluntly, “I heard things were quite unsettled here last night, so I came to check it out. I heard one of your physicians got scared out of his wits?”
His straightforward manner made the chief’s face stiffen slightly. He replied, “What unrest? It’s just that Imperial Physician Zhou is getting old, his eyesight is failing, and his legs aren’t steady. He took a fall at night—just some self-inflicted trouble.”
Li Fuxiang feigned understanding and said, “Oh, so that’s it—”
Gao Yuexing stayed silent, watching his antics.
Li Fuxiang continued, “Then take me to see Imperial Physician Zhou.”
The chief, thinking it was merely a gesture of concern from the prince, agreed and led them to the physician’s quarters.
As soon as they entered the room, an unpleasant stench hit them. It turned out that Imperial Physician Zhou had lost control of his bowels, and no one had cleaned him up. He lay on the bed, staring blankly at the beams above.
The chief stood at the doorway, called for two elderly maids to clean the physician, and asked Li Fuxiang to wait outside for a moment.
Though Imperial Physician Zhou heard someone enter, his gaze remained fixed on the beams above.
The chief went in and gently asked, “Old Zhou, what are you looking at?”
Imperial Physician Zhou hissed softly, “Shh, don’t make a sound. She’s watching me. Don’t alarm her…”
The chief sighed helplessly, stepped out, and spread his hands. “Your Highness Prince Xiang, as you can see, he must have hit his head too hard. He’s been muttering nonsense all night.”
Li Fuxiang glanced at Gao Yuexing.
Gao Yuexing caught his meaning and said, “Let me take a look.”
Once Imperial Physician Zhou had been cleaned up and dressed in fresh clothes, Gao Yuexing went in and checked his pulse.
It was utter chaos, as if his mind had fractured into countless pieces—truly and utterly insane.
Gao Yuexing’s suspicious gaze landed on Li Fuxiang. To this day, she still didn’t know what exactly Li Fuxiang had done the previous night.
Li Fuxiang waved his hand in front of Imperial Physician Zhou’s face, but there was no reaction.
The Chief Physician said, “Old Zhou’s family is in the countryside. It’ll take some time for them to travel to the capital. I’ve already sent someone to fetch them. In his current state, Old Zhou is no longer fit to serve in the palace. I’ve taken the liberty of approving his leave for recuperation at home.”
Li Fuxiang nodded. “After toiling for half his life, it’s time he had a proper rest.”
After wandering around the Imperial Medical Bureau and asking a few questions about the events of the previous night, Li Fuxiang received the same response: the Chief Physician insisted nothing had happened and that Imperial Physician Zhou had merely tripped near the doorway.
Li Fuxiang led Gao Yuexing away from the Imperial Medical Bureau. After walking some distance, Gao Yuexing voiced her confusion. “Why does the Chief Physician insist that nothing happened last night?”
If Imperial Physician Zhou had truly been harmed by someone, shouldn’t the Chief Physician investigate and uncover the truth?
Li Fuxiang replied, “Of course, it’s because whatever happened can’t be spoken of openly!”
Gao Yuexing looked at his pleased expression and said, “What exactly did you do last night? You’ve scared Imperial Physician Zhou senseless—how are we supposed to get any information from him now?”
Li Fuxiang took her through a narrow palace corridor and into the Imperial Garden. Under a mimosa tree, a swing was tied. Seeing that no one else was around, he suddenly reached out, grabbed Gao Yuexing by the waist, and lifted her onto the swing.
Caught off guard, Gao Yuexing let out a soft gasp.
Ever since their reunion, Li Fuxiang had developed a habit of picking her up and tossing her playfully after gauging her weight. By now, Gao Yuexing was quite accustomed to it. Though her heart fluttered for a moment, she quickly regained her composure.
The swing swayed gently. Li Fuxiang climbed on beside her, sitting shoulder to shoulder. Gao Yuexing turned her head slightly, her gaze level with his shoulder.
Li Fuxiang had to lower his head slightly to look at her. His eyelashes cast shadows, and his gaze, emerging from that dimness, was sweet as honey, wrapping softly around Gao Yuexing.
He said, “It’s better that he’s scared senseless—he’ll talk more easily that way. Don’t you think the Chief Physician overheard something that made him swallow his grievance and keep quiet about it?”
Gao Yuexing followed his train of thought, slowly unraveling the tangled mess in her mind.
The Chief Physician had chosen to feign ignorance after the incident, refusing to acknowledge anything.
It must have been because Imperial Physician Zhou, in his dazed state, had inadvertently revealed something.
Perhaps it was about an event. Or maybe about a person.
Gao Yuexing hesitated, then asked tentatively, “Was it… the late Empress Dowager?”