Several accompanying ministers were still waiting in the palace. When Emperor Shun’an was carried back to the palace on a stretcher by the Jinyiwei, the sight shocked everyone. After the initial shock, several frail officials couldn’t stand it and immediately covered their mouths, vomiting.
His body was a bloody mess, with half of his left arm bitten off, connected only by a layer of skin. There wasn’t a single part of his body that was intact; even his face was only half recognizable. If it weren’t for the dragon claw design on his robe, no one would have dared to identify him as Emperor Shun’an.
The imperial physicians were practically dragged into the hall by the Jinyiwei. Basins of water were carried in clear and brought out murky. Medicines were delivered bowl after bowl, and the physicians’ voices trembled as they spoke.
Huo Xian stood outside the hall, staring at the bustling hall with blood dripping from his lowered hand, staining a small patch of the blue bricks red. His face and neck were covered in bloodstains, and his expression was emotionless, both calm and cold.
You might think he was worried about the emperor, but he didn’t seem as anxious as the officials outside the hall who were speaking in their strong regional accents. Yet, to say he wasn’t anxious wouldn’t be accurate either, judging by his furrowed brows and heavy thoughts.
No one dared to guess Huo Xian’s thoughts, nor did anyone dare to approach him.
Xiao Yuanjing strode over from a distance.
Xiao Yuanjing served in the Shenji Camp, which was part of the imperial guards but not specifically tasked with protecting the emperor during his outings. However, for this prayer event, he was responsible for patrolling and managing the military equipment. Having just witnessed the situation in the mountains, the officials swarmed towards him, blocking him at the door.
Xiao Yuanjing had suffered minor injuries and was already agitated. He closed his eyes, enduring the officials’ spittle flying onto his face. Taking a deep breath, he said, “Empress Wen built a stone cave on the mountain for viewing purposes. The specifics are unclear. All we know is that tonight the emperor and Concubine Xi were in the cave, and Concubine Xi’s body is in the other courtyard. If you wish to see it, go and see.”
At the mention of Concubine Xi, the officials’ faces changed. Thinking of Emperor Shun’an’s foul temper, they immediately imagined the scenario, turning pale. “How could there be wolves on the mountain? Weren’t they all—”
“We’re investigating. Please make way,” Xiao Yuanjing said concisely, squeezing through and glancing at Huo Xian before stopping an imperial physician to ask, “How is the emperor?”
The physician wiped his sweat and replied, “His breath is weak, he’s lost a lot of blood, and he’s unconscious. The left arm is definitely beyond saving, and the leg too… Even if he wakes up, he won’t be able to move. And as for how long he can hold on, no one can guarantee.”
In other words, the emperor wasn’t dead yet, but living would be worse than dying.
But Xiao Yuanjing only cared if he was alive or dead. As long as the emperor lived, the court wouldn’t descend into chaos.
Hearing this, Xiao Yuanjing released the physician, looked at Huo Xian, and said, “Lord Huo, you were brave and have earned additional merit for protecting the emperor. But your injuries…”
Huo Xian’s face was also not looking good. He sat on the stone platform, indifferently saying, “Thank you for your concern, Lord Xiao.”
At this moment, Nanyue hurried over with a bunch of bottles, jars, and white cloth. Without removing his clothes, Huo Xian applied the medicine and wrapped the white cloth around the wounds, then ignored them. Nanyue wanted to speak but didn’t dare. He could clearly sense that his master’s mood was terrible, but it wasn’t because of the emperor. So he held back his words, face turning red, and stood stiffly behind, not moving.
The master and servant stood there like statues, hard and unmoving.
Xiao Yuanjing, feeling awkward, didn’t say more. He appointed a few officials to keep watch over the emperor and went off to handle the matters with the imperial guards.
As soon as he turned around, his gaze darkened, and a face floated into his mind.
The eldest daughter of the Ji family…
The residual shock of the cold arrow grazing past his neck lingered. In the dark night, those eyes remained calm, as if hostility was hidden beneath a thin layer of ice, quiet and unnoticeable. She looked like a wolf that had been robbed of its prey!
Xiao Yuanjing touched the scratch on his neck. The wound was real, and so was the killing intent that came with the arrow, as if it was her warning.
But how could she? How dare she!
Xiao Yuanjing slammed his palm heavily on the shelf, causing the pear wood shelf to collapse with a loud crash, raising a cloud of dust. The washing utensils scattered on the ground, and a pair of teethwood landed at his feet.
His gaze shifted downwards, staring at the teethwood, slowly calming down.
Xiao Yuanjing sat down nearby, carefully contemplating Ji Yuyao. Besides being Huo Xian’s nominal wife, he had no other impression of her. Seeing her archery stance, it was clear she was an expert.
Ji Chongwang, how could you let a girl learn archery?
Xiao Yuanjing covered his face with his palm, rubbed it twice to calm down, exhaled heavily, and looked at the mess on the ground. He said, “Chang’an.”
Another attendant came in after pushing the door open. He said, “Young Master, Chang’an went out just now and hasn’t returned yet.”
Xiao Yuanjing frowned, “It’s so chaotic outside, where did he go?”
The attendant shook his head.
Xiao Yuanjing’s eyelid twitched. He had been on edge since descending the mountain and couldn’t sit still. He got up and went out, saying, “Alright, tidy up the room.”
–
The commotion in the palace lasted until late at night. The emperor’s life was barely saved, and the imperial physicians dared not leave for a moment, taking turns on duty.
Huo Xian was still sitting on the stone platform outside the hall, his head drooping, motionless like a statue.
Wu Sheng, the emperor’s attendant, was the first to be blamed for dereliction of duty. As he was being taken away, he happened to pass by and shouted, “Lord Huo, save me, I am innocent!”
Huo Xian didn’t even lift an eyelid.
Liyang, carrying a Xiuchun blade, ran over and slowed down when he got close. He walked over softly, exchanged a glance with Nanyue, who shook her head. Liyang understood and cleared his throat, “My lord, the injured brothers have been properly settled. Everyone knows what should and shouldn’t be said. Also, Madam is waiting for you.”
Huo Xian’s injuries were wrapped hastily, with blood congealed at his neck. Hearing Ji Yuluo’s name, he barely moved a finger and said, “Let her rest first. I’ll stay here tonight. The situation is severe. It’s not appropriate to continue with the prayers. Send the women back to the capital tomorrow morning.”
Liyang acknowledged, then opened his mouth again, “But Madam…”
As he spoke, he stepped aside, revealing a trembling Jinyiwei behind him.
The imperial physicians were all attending to the emperor, yet somehow Madam had found a Jinyiwei who knew medicine. The Jinyiwei knelt down with a thud, crying, “My lord, please, Madam said if your wound isn’t treated, she would have my head!”
Huo Xian finally shifted his gaze, “Since when did you all start listening to her?”
Liyang and Nanyue, affected, turned their heads away and scratched their eyebrows guiltily.
After treating his wounds, Liyang was about to take the Jinyiwei away when Huo Xian suddenly turned his head and called him back, “What… what did she say?”
Liyang was taken aback. “What?”
“……”
Huo Xian, feeling momentarily stifled, swept his gaze over the bystanders, and each word seemed to be squeezed out from between his teeth. “Madam, what did she say?”
Liyang suddenly understood and said, “Madam said the weather is hot, and wounds are prone to festering. She asked me to be careful and reminded you to take care of your health.”
As his words fell, the atmosphere grew silent for a moment.
Liyang looked at Huo Xian, and Huo Xian stared back at Liyang. With such a commotion, she had no intention of explaining anything further.
Huo Xian took a silent breath and asked, “What else did she say?”
Under Huo Xian’s blade-like gaze, Liyang hesitated.
He really didn’t want to deliver this message. He had planned to feign forgetfulness, but Huo Xian insisted on asking. Liyang glanced around, took two steps forward, and whispered, “Madam asked me to convey a message: ‘Your lord fought hand-to-hand with wolves, displaying courage and fearlessness. I didn’t know he was made of iron. Since you’re going to see him, take my praise to him as well.’ That’s all.”
After speaking, Liyang hurriedly left, dragging along an innocent Jinyiwei.
Nanyue remained silent. This was hardly praise. Even though Liyang had recited it in a serious tone, he couldn’t hide the sarcastic undertone in those words.
Huo Xian didn’t speak. He stood up, walked to the steps under the corridor, and looked at the candlelight through the window screen. Nanyue pondered for a moment, just about to ask if he was hungry, when Huo Xian said coldly, “Get lost.”
Nanyue replied, “…Yes.”
–
Early the next morning, the women were escorted back by the imperial guards. Ji Yuluo also boarded the carriage returning to the capital. She stepped onto the shaft, glanced back, and then climbed into the carriage.
The journey to Jiuzhen Temple was quickly and forcibly concluded. News spread like willow catkins, drifting into every street and alley. People only knew that the emperor had been injured, but they didn’t know the extent. Even the accompanying women were unaware of what happened later that night.
But how long could this be kept a secret?
The emperor’s health declined day by day. The imperial physicians came and went daily, and the strict guard of the imperial army spread an atmosphere of severity throughout the palace. Some bold individuals speculated that Emperor Shun’an’s days were numbered.
For a time, people were filled with anxiety.
The cabinet needed to report matters and demanded an audience; officials below also clamored to see him. If the imperial guards continued to block access, suspicions would arise that they were harming the emperor.
On the seventh day, Emperor Shun’an finally opened his eyes.
There wasn’t a single piece of uninjured flesh on his body. He could only lie on his back in bed, unable to even turn his neck. The most agile parts of his body were his eyes.
He used his chin to push away the medicine offered by the palace maid, burning his mouth in the process. Trembling, he said, “Drag her out and behead her!”
The empress, with the young crown prince by her side, dismissed the palace maid upon hearing this. She then instructed the nanny to take the crown prince out of the sleeping quarters. Stepping forward, she wiped Emperor Shun’an’s face with a cloth and said, “Your Majesty, calm down. The imperial physicians have said that you must not get angry now.”
The empress’s tone was gentle, but her expression showed no sadness. Emperor Shun’an struggled to lift his only movable right hand and weakly said, “You… you all are taking advantage of my illness, laughing at my misery. Even if I am bedridden for the rest of my life, I will never let you off! Where is Huo Xian? I want to see Huo Xian… summon Huo Xian to the palace!”
The empress sighed softly, “He is just outside, I will call him for you.”
She stood up and looked back at Emperor Shun’an. Her gaze held a mix of pity, regret, and perhaps other emotions, or maybe nothing at all.
Once upon a time, he was just a carefree prince with a fief, easy to manage despite his capricious nature. Sometimes, on a whim, he would buy flowers to give her.
That was how he was, carefree and unrestrained, without a serious demeanor.
At that time, there was still some affection between them as husband and wife.
If he had not ascended to the throne, he could have lived a carefree life.
Unfortunately, a person with no wisdom, caught in the treacherous political intrigues, was destined to be a pawn, his fate controlled by others.
Now, his fate had run out.
As she walked out of the hall, the empress nodded to Huo Xian, who stood outside, her attitude still distant. To her, these people were all the culprits who destroyed her original life, and she really couldn’t bring herself to like them.
The little prince picked two flowers and ran towards the empress. She squatted down to pick him up and returned to the hall, ordering someone to prepare paper and ink.
–
Rumors flew for another three days.
The news that the emperor’s days were numbered first spread from Cuixue Tower, and now it was detailed and vivid. Even in taverns and tea houses, people were secretly discussing the little prince’s impending ascension.
Someone said, “The crown prince is only five years old, just a toddler. How can he handle great affairs? If it really comes to that, the empress might have to govern from behind a curtain, following the ancient practice?”
Another shook his head, “A woman in power? I don’t think so.”
“It doesn’t matter what we commoners say. Besides, the crown prince is the oldest among the emperor’s offspring, there’s no one else.”
“If only we could choose someone from the imperial clan, like Prince Ning, who almost entered the capital back then.”
“Ah, if only Crown Prince Huaijin were here, we wouldn’t be in this predicament.”
“Crown Prince Huaijin was a traitor back then…”
“Didn’t they say recently that the incident with the Eastern Palace was a miscarriage of justice? I think there’s more to it. Besides, does it matter if he was a traitor? As long as he could be a good emperor, the Eastern Palace lineage is still the legitimate royal bloodline.”
“What’s the point of saying so much? The entire Eastern Palace lineage is dead.”
With a “clang,” a man in a corner wearing a straw hat gulped down his drink and wiped his mouth, saying, “Who said the Eastern Palace lineage is dead? Haven’t you heard that Crown Prince Huaijin left descendants? The famous Cuixue Tower, known for its charity, is run by him.”
It was like a thunderclap, stirring the waters of the capital even more.
Across the window, Xie Subai calmly opened a letter.
Shen Qingli lifted the curtain and entered, saying, “I just found out that those foxes have probably guessed that the emperor is nearing his end. They’re all preparing for the little prince’s coronation. Tell me, why did Emperor Shun’an leave only one successor? It’s troublesome.”
Xie Subai replied, “Easy to handle.”
Recently, Shen Qingli was so busy that he was fuming, his lips chapped from the stress. Hearing this, he shouted, “Easy to handle? Ji Yuluo managed to fake an accident to kill Emperor Shun’an, but now he isn’t even dead yet, and who knows when he will breathe his last? Can she use the same trick to kill the little prince? And without letting those foxes catch any flaws? If that happens, the blame will fall on you.”
Xie Subai handed him a letter.
Shen Qingli took it, stared at it for a long time, and realized he was holding it upside down. Frustrated, he flipped it around and read it. After a moment, he was stunned. “The empress… giving up the father to protect the son. She is indeed a clever person.”
Xie Subai seemed to be in a good mood today, leaning lazily against the soft cushion of his wheelchair. The breeze brushed past, causing him to squint slightly. He then tilted his head and asked, “Any news from Luo’er?”
Shen Qingli put away the letter and threw it into the candle flame. “No news. Ever since she returned to the capital from Jiuzhen Temple, she’s been cooped up in the Huo residence, not stepping out. I gave half a candy to that maid Chaolu, and she said her mistress has recently taken to practicing archery in the residence, not doing much else.”
Xie Subai’s relaxed expression faded a bit. He lowered his lashes, and when he raised them again, he was composed. His hand paused on the wheelchair’s handle as he noticed Huo Xian galloping through the bustling market.
A series of events had followed the incident at Jiuzhen Temple. With the emperor in his current state, Huo Xian had been busy, managing Yunyang’s case on one hand and considering the future of Prince Ning’s residence on the other. He had spent nearly half a month staying at the Zhenfu Office.
During this time, Biwu had come once with a food box, containing a few light dishes to relieve the monotony. However, the moment he took a bite, the saltiness almost made him vomit his previous meal.
He knew then that someone was unhappy with the prolonged wait.
But truthfully, it wasn’t that he was ignoring Ji Yuluo. At times, while lost in paperwork, he had the urge to drag Ji Yuluo before him and give her a beating to vent his frustration for trying to use a beauty trap on him.
After rushing around, he finally managed to free up a day.
He lashed his horse whip fiercely, raising dust all the way, and hurriedly pushed open the door to the residence.
In the main courtyard, scattered arrows lay around the small vermillion gate.
Several guards stood in a row before the door, each with an apple on their head, their faces resigned and numb.
Ji Yuluo stood under the parasol tree, pulling back her bow. The guards, though, no longer panicked. After so many days of practice, they were numb to it. They had witnessed the mistress’s archery skills firsthand. It wasn’t life-threatening, but seeing that it was mealtime, they all hoped the apple on their head would fall first, as the aroma from the kitchen was already wafting over.
But the arrowhead, initially aimed from left to right, suddenly paused and deviated from its original target, pointing directly at the person outside the door.
From his brow, it aimed at his heart.
