Mother and son lay prostrate in the flowerbed, watching the golden, five-clawed dragon boots approach step by step, with no way to escape.
The once noisy imperial garden had fallen silent, so quiet that even the sound of leaves falling in the wind could be heard. Ye Bao was waiting for his mother to look up first, and Murong Wei was waiting for her son to look up first.
So, until the five-clawed dragon boots stopped in front of them, the mother and son remained lying on the ground, pretending to be dead.
Murong Wei almost despised herself; where had the aura of a master seductress gone?
"Is this the woman who forced the poison out of Seventh Brother?" A deep, magnetic voice came from above, and the owner of the five-clawed dragon boots spoke.
"Yes, the imperial physician is still waiting at the Empress Dowager's Yanxi Palace." The one who answered was Sun Desheng, who had already escorted Consort De back to the palace.
"Take him away." The voice was deep and cold. Everyone said that Emperor Xuanyuan Lie of Xuanyuan was a ruthless character. Just hearing this voice, Murong Wei began to curse Bai Wushang. She shouldn't have entered the palace to get involved in this mess. When would that bastard finally show up! As soon as
the words fell, two tall slaves stepped forward and, without saying a word, lifted Murong Wei and Ye Bao up. The mother and son were obedient and didn't utter a word.
Murong Wei could see clearly that the figure in front of her was tall and majestic, dressed in a white brocade robe embroidered with gold dragons soaring through clouds, exuding nobility. This guy must be Emperor Xuanyuan Lie of Xuanyuan. He strode forward through the messy imperial garden, never looking back. Beside him, repeatedly turning back and frowning, was a familiar face: Xuanyuan Li.
The usually hot-tempered Xuanyuan Li was ten steps away, but he didn't dare to say a word, seemingly very afraid of his older brother.
Not only Xuan Yuanli, but all the eunuchs, palace maids, and servants around him knelt without exception, not daring to raise their heads. Some were even trembling. The one-eyed guard and the blue-clad guard who had been tracking the mother and son followed respectfully behind them, also bowing their heads in silence.
What kind of man was he that everyone, even his own brother, held in such awe—no, to be precise, fear?
Murong Wei had never met Xuan Yuanlie, only knowing that he was the complete victor in the struggle for the throne. Of the dozen or so princes, only the indifferent and unambitious seventh prince, Xuan Yuanche, was spared, being granted the title of Prince Qi, and Xuan Yuanlie's younger brother, the thirteenth prince, Xuan Yuanli, was granted the title of Prince Li.
The other princes were all executed for treason on the day he ascended the throne.
Xuan Yuanlie was the sixth prince, only a few months older than Xuan Yuanche. Murong Wei looked at his back and suddenly longed to see what he looked like.
Ye Bao, seemingly just as curious as she was, turned to look at her with a helpless expression and whispered, "Mommy, it seems the Thirteenth Prince might not be able to protect us. If Lao Bai doesn't come soon, we might as well go and rely on Prince Qi."
"Can Prince Qi really protect us?" Murong Wei countered.
"There must be a reason why Prince Qi and the Empress Dowager can hold their positions in the palace. I think we should rely on them." Ye Bao, though young, was precocious and looked very serious.
"Don't even think about it. Your mommy doesn't plan to stay in the palace for long. Once we get news of Lao Bai, we'll leave the palace as soon as possible." Murong Wei said in a low voice, equally serious.
Ye Bao didn't speak, his dark eyes darting around, seemingly plotting something again. The Xuanyuan Imperial Palace was the place with the most treasures and the place where treasures were traded most frequently. How could he miss it? He had just been chased around by that blue-clad guard and had his eye on several items. If he could find a way to get them out of the palace, he could definitely sell them for a lot of gold.
Seeing his expression, Murong Wei warned, "Ye Wuming, unless you want to become a eunuch, don't even think about staying in this palace for long!"
Ye Bao pretended not to hear and turned his head away.
On the way to Yanxi Palace, Xuan Yuanlie, at the head of the procession, remained silent, and everyone else dared not speak. Soon they arrived at the palace gates. The servants at the gates, having already received word, knelt and shouted, "Your Majesty, Your Highness! Thirteenth Prince, Your Highness!" Again, no one dared to raise their heads.
All the attendants waited outside the palace. Sun Desheng bowed and served beside Xuan Yuanlie. Xuan Yuanli finally approached, gesturing for the two slaves to leave. After a long silence, he spoke softly, his voice calm, but his words shocked Ye Bao and Murong Wei. He said, "Do you want to die?"
Murong Wei suddenly pulled Ye Bao closer, her expression serious. "Follow His Highness's orders."
"Why did you save my Seventh Brother?" Xuan Yuanli asked.
“He was in your car, and Ye Bao and I were in the car too. Firstly, we can't just stand by and watch him die. Secondly, if he dies beside us, not only will we be implicated, but you will also be held responsible.” Murong Wei said softly. She was joking, but she understood the implications of the situation perfectly.
If Xuan Yuan Lie truly cared for his younger brother, the Thirteenth Prince wouldn't be so afraid. He was probably hesitant to act because of the Empress Dowager.
Xuan Yuan Li frowned at her, remaining silent for a long time.
“Thirteenth Prince, things have come to this point. I hope there's a way to salvage the situation. The palace is a place of intrigue; my widow and her child cannot linger here. I hope the Thirteenth Prince can take us away with him tonight.” Murong Wei added.
At this moment, Sun Desheng called from afar, “Thirteenth Prince, the Emperor wants you to bring him here quickly. Don't dawdle.”
“Don't meddle in other people's business later!” Xuan Yuan Li warned coldly, turning and leaving.
Murong Wei tightened her grip on Ye Bao's hand and hurried after him, pondering the meaning behind Xuan Yuanli's words "meddling in other people's business." Could something else be happening inside?
However, upon reaching the doorway and seeing the people inside, she understood completely.
Xuan Yuanlie wanted Xuan Yuanche dead!
Now!
Previously, she and the imperial physician had forced out all the lingering poison from his body, and the other poison she hadn't yet examined seemed to be a slow-acting one, unlikely to take effect so quickly or be fatal.
Yet, Xuan Yuanche, lying on the bed, had an extremely pale face, not like someone poisoned, but rather someone whose vital energy was failing, and who was nearing death.
He leaned against the high pillow, his narrow eyes not fully closed, yet he seemed unconscious. The Empress Dowager, sitting beside him, wiped away tears. Seeing her disappear into the doorway, she lunged forward, grabbing her long hair and shouting, "You wretch! Give me back Che'er's life! Give me back Che'er's life!"
Ye Bao was about to step forward when a one-eyed servant who had followed her in grabbed her tightly. A glint of cunning flashed in the servant's eyes as he took a few steps back, remaining still.
Xuan Yuanlie sat beside the couch, his face turned to the side. Murong Wei felt that his profile was so similar to Xuan Yuanche's, yet with an added sinister air, lacking Xuan Yuanche's aloofness.
No one spoke, letting the Empress Dowager pull Murong Wei's hair and shout her curses. Murong Wei was stunned, unable to recover her composure, her gaze fixed on Xuan Yuanche.
Why was the Empress Dowager saying this? What was wrong with him? It
had only been half a day; what had happened to him?
Even from this distance, she could sense his frailty and weakness, as if he might vanish with a moment's breeze.
Why did she always feel he was watching her, as if trying to tell her something?
"Empress Dowager, have you had enough?" Suddenly, Xuan Yuanlie spoke coldly, slowly turning around…
As expected of an emperor, even with a striking resemblance to Xuan Yuanche in handsome features, he possessed an extraordinary and noble aura, his refined and elegant bearing resembling that of a celestial being.
Murong Wei finally saw him clearly: his features were sculpted, his long eyebrows reaching his temples, and his cold demeanor revealed a ruthlessness that could not be concealed—a man as sharp and piercing as an eagle.
The Empress Dowager's movements ceased at Xuan Yuanlie's words, she glared resentfully at Murong Wei before sitting back down on the couch.
"Imperial Physician Lin, everyone has arrived. May we speak now?" Xuan Yuanlie looked at the kneeling imperial physician beside him, his eyes as sharp as an eagle's.
"Your Majesty, this old minister and Eunuch Sun escorted Prince Qi back to the palace. The Prince was poisoned by an unknown toxin and was almost unconscious the whole way. This old minister and several imperial physicians could only try to suppress the poison. We dared not make a diagnosis until we returned to the palace and the Imperial Hospital held a consultation. Who knew that today at the city gate, Prince Qi was in good spirits and could get out of the carriage by himself. Prince Qi got into the Thirteenth Prince's carriage, saying that he was going to take the two princesses back to the palace. This old minister did not know what happened after that. It was not until the carriage reached the palace gate that this lady and this child got out of the carriage and shouted that something had happened to Prince Qi. When this old minister got into the carriage, he saw that all the poison in Prince Qi's body had been forced out, with only a little remaining in his abdomen. This old minister obtained permission from the Empress Dowager and used acupuncture according to this lady's method, which successfully forced out all the poison from Prince Qi. On the way to Yanxi Palace, Prince Qi's pulse was still normal. Who knew that as soon as he lay down, his pulse became very erratic and showed signs of exhaustion!" The imperial physician spoke in detail and with caution, almost completely absolving himself of any responsibility.
"Why is this happening?" Xuan Yuanlie asked, frowning.
"This old minister and several imperial physicians have conducted a thorough examination of Prince Qi. The poison has indeed been completely expelled from Prince Qi. His Highness was previously in good health and had no lesions. The only possibility is that the way this lady expelled the poison damaged His Highness's heart meridian!" the imperial physician said earnestly.
As soon as he finished speaking, Murong Wei, who had been silent all along, suddenly frowned. She felt he was talking nonsense and angrily said, "The places where I expelled the poison from Prince Qi and the places where I applied acupuncture still have traces. Anyone with a little medical knowledge knows that those places have nothing to do with the heart meridian. Moreover, Prince Qi has only been poisoned for a short time, and he has been suppressed by medication. The poison has not entered the heart meridian, so expelling the poison cannot affect the heart meridian at all. Your Majesty, don't spout nonsense and deceive the emperor!"
The imperial physician seemed not to have expected Murong Wei to refute him and was immediately surprised. He subconsciously looked at Xuan Yuanli. At this moment, Xuan Yuanli was looking at Murong Wei and trying hard to wink at her, but Murong Wei completely ignored him. She stepped forward and said, "Empress Dowager, you keep saying you want me to repay your son's life, but you didn't let me diagnose it. How can I repay the life?"
"You! You! You!" The Empress Dowager nearly choked on her breath, her finger trembling as she pointed at Murong Wei. It took her a while to finally speak, "Che'er's pulse is erratic, showing signs of exhaustion. Even the imperial physicians are helpless. What ability do you have? I want you... I want you to exchange your life for his!"
"Don't listen to his nonsense!" Murong Wei pointed at the imperial physician, her smile chilling. "An erratic pulse doesn't indicate exhaustion; it means instant death. Exhaustion is caused by accumulated injuries. You can't even get this basic common sense right? Are you trying to scare the Empress Dowager or fool the Emperor?"
The imperial physician, terrified by her question and pointing, trembled and knelt heavily, not daring to utter another word.
No one spoke again, and the room fell silent. Xuan Yuanli, though furious, dared not utter a sound. Ye Bao, held by the one-eyed man, struggled free and gave his mother a thumbs-up. The Empress Dowager stared in astonishment, speechless for a long time. Only Xuan Yuanlie looked at Murong Wei, a smile playing on his lips, his eyes brimming with amusement.
Murong Wei didn't know why she was so angry. Perhaps it was because these people wanted to pin the murder of the prince on her and her child, or perhaps it was because of Xuan Yuanche's narrow eyes. She clearly saw tears welling in his eyes; from the moment she entered until now, he had been watching her, watching and watching. She knew he was conscious; he wanted her to save him.
She was determined to get involved!
The room was so silent that even the imperial physician's tense breathing could be heard clearly.
Murong Wei walked up to Xuan Yuanlie and said coldly, "Get out of the way. The patient is the priority. Don't come near me and I'll kill him!"
Xuan Yuanlie was stunned. Not only him, but everyone in the room was stunned. The one-eyed man loosened his grip, and Ye Bao took the opportunity to slip away, hurriedly pulling out a set of silver needles and a heart-protecting pill from the wide sleeve of his blue robe. Without waiting for Murong Wei's instructions, he leaped onto the warm couch, skillfully spreading out the entire set of silver needles and feeding Xuan Yuanche the heart-protecting pill with water from the side.
"You! What do you want to do?" The Empress Dowager stepped forward, seemingly not intending to stop them, but instead blocking Xuan Yuanlie's way.
"Save him. I don't want him to die. No one is allowed to approach for half an hour!" Murong Wei answered while taking his pulse.
"Why should I believe you?" The Empress Dowager said coldly, but did not step forward again.
"You yourself said that even the imperial physicians are helpless. I am the head of the Imperial Medical Academy of Han Kingdom. Why don't you let me try? Otherwise, if this drags on any longer, the Prince will truly die of heart failure!" Murong Wei said earnestly.
"Head of the Imperial Medical Academy?" The Empress Dowager frowned.
"The Thirteenth Prince can testify." Murong Wei said coldly, pulling Xuan Yuanche up without even glancing at Xuan Yuanli. She hadn't even gotten permission before she started.
The Empress Dowager and Xuan Yuanlie both looked over. Xuan Yuanli, seething with anger, had nowhere to vent it, so he could only nod heavily. As he nodded, he inadvertently glanced at Xuan Yuanlie's reaction. Seeing that he was still looking at Murong Wei with an amused expression, he finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Women are such a hassle, a huge hassle. He told her not to meddle, but she just wouldn't listen.
Heaven knows how the Emperor plans to deal with Prince Qi, but she insisted on interfering, disrupting the Emperor's carefully laid plans. Let's see how she lives in the future! He can't protect her!
Xuan Yuanche sat up, completely unable to support his weight. Ye Bao stood in front of him, supporting himself on his shoulders, watching his mother intently use the needles. He felt a strange sense of familiarity with this scene, as if he had experienced it somewhere before, but he couldn't quite place it.
The room was silent; everyone's eyes were focused on Murong Wei's hands. Murong Wei remained calm, her eyes focused, each needle inserted with meticulous precision.
Soon, a complete set of silver needles, large and small, were inserted into the acupoints on Xuan Yuanche's back. Murong Wei wiped her sweat, had Ye Bao support her, and began rummaging through her canvas bag. After a long time, she pulled out a large piston syringe with an alarmingly long, thin needle.
Then, she took out a small, sealed glass bottle containing a clear liquid, the contents of which were unknown.
She uncapped the small glass bottle, inserted the needle into the syringe, and with a gentle pull of the plunger, completely drained the liquid inside.
"Mommy, this…" Ye Bao was astonished, unaware that his mother possessed such a miraculous device. Everyone present was equally surprised. A flicker of wariness crossed the Empress Dowager's eyes, but she maintained her worried expression. Xuan Yuan Lie sat to the side, stroking his chin, continuing to watch silently.
"One-Eyed, come here!" Murong Wei said calmly.
The one-eyed guard hesitated, glanced at the Empress Dowager, and stepped forward upon seeing her nod.
"Hold his arm, gently, don't pull," Murong Wei said, placing Xuan Yuanche's hand in the one-eyed man's. She leaned close to his ear, seemingly checking something, but actually whispering, "Relax your hand, I know you can hear me."
With that, she stood up, not even bothering to check if Xuan Yuanche's stiff hand had relaxed. She gently patted his elbow, located the vein, and inserted the needle!
The moment it pierced his skin, she smiled, a slight smile playing on her lips. She hadn't guessed wrong; he could hear her. She hadn't misjudged; he wanted her to save him.
This wasn't some treasure, just a glucose injection to replenish his energy. She occasionally carried it in her toolbox for emergencies, never expecting to use it a thousand years later, let alone on this man.
From the time he was poisoned until his return to the palace, he probably hadn't eaten much. Why hadn't he eaten?
Why hadn't he eaten? If Xuan Yuanlie was determined to poison his food, he wouldn't have escaped. Where did the poison forced out of his body come from?
Filled with countless questions, Murong Wei put away the syringe. At that moment, the silver needles on his back slowly changed color, turning black.
She hadn't been mistaken in the carriage; this guy had another kind of poison in his body, a slow-acting poison that had been lingering for a long time.
Everyone saw the blackened silver needles being removed one by one. The room fell silent. The Empress Dowager couldn't help but look at Xuan Yuanlie, but he remained calm, still observing Murong Wei with amusement. This woman who had ruined his plans was quite capable!
The blackened silver needles were enough to explain everything. Murong Wei wasn't in a hurry to explain. She examined the needles carefully in her palm. Just then, patches of red swelling appeared around the needle insertion points on Xuan Yuanche's back, as if it were a skin allergy.
"Mommy..." Ye Bao stared in astonishment, finally understanding why this scene felt so familiar.
"Clang...clang...clang!" The silver needles in Murong Wei's hand fell to the ground one after another, making a soft clanging sound in the silence. She too was stunned.
Such a coincidence!?
"What exactly happened?!" Empress Dowager Cixi suddenly spoke, rushing forward and placing a hand on Murong Wei's shoulder, seemingly trying to calm her down.
"Poison... a toxin has been lingering in his body for at least a decade. This toxin's symptoms are very similar to urticaria, easily triggered by various factors such as food and environment. When the toxin flares up, the itching is unbearable, and in severe cases, it can lead to heart failure and death." Murong Wei murmured, but the following words were spoken in her heart, "Someone wants to kill Prince Qi. They started many years ago. This time, they're just using another poison to cover up the truly deadly one and trying to frame someone else."
At least ten years. The time required for the silver needle poison test told her that the residual poison in Prince Qi's body had been there for at least ten years. In other words, someone had wanted to kill Prince Qi ten years ago, not with a single blow, but by secretly poisoning him with a slow, insidious method, so well that even the imperial physicians in the palace couldn't detect it.
And now, this assassin was about to make his move!
As soon as Murong Wei finished speaking, the already silent room became even more deathly quiet. The Empress Dowager's gaze remained fixed on Xuan Yuanlie, a complex expression that no one could fathom.
Everyone else was astonished, but Xuan Yuanli alone wore a cold smile, appearing indifferent and aloof, as if his seventh brother's life or death had nothing to do with him, and he seemed unsurprised by his seventh brother's poisoning.
"Imperial Physician Lin, you accompanied Prince Qi back to the palace. Did Prince Qi eat any seafood before his illness flared up?" Murong Wei asked earnestly, as if determined to get to the bottom of things.
"Murong Wei, this is none of your business. Come back to the manor with me immediately." Suddenly, Xuan Yuanli spoke, his tone domineering, as he stepped forward and tried to pull her away.
"Let go!" Ye Bao was the first to step forward, glaring fiercely at Xuan Yuanli as he left. The child seemed to have changed completely, losing his previous carefree demeanor.
"You have to come too. The Emperor will naturally handle Prince Qi's matter. You've done enough. Come back to the manor with me immediately." Xuan Yuanli's words were quite blunt.
But as clever as Ye Bao and as insightful as Murong Wei were, they chose to ignore it. They had to save Prince Qi today, they had to see him leave the palace safely, otherwise, they wouldn't leave!
Prince Qi and Lao Bai had so many similarities, so many coincidences—it was obvious why!
"Let go!" Ye Bao's clear black and white eyes were terrifyingly deep.
"Let's go!" Xuan Yuanli suddenly pulled Murong Wei away. Ye Bao caught up quickly, climbed onto his arm, and bit down hard. At the same time, Bu Qing, which was used to biting people with its little master, immediately poked its head out, its fangs wide open!
Anyone with a discerning eye would recognize this as the highly venomous snake Bu Qing. Xuan Yuanli immediately let go, retreating repeatedly, his handsome face turning pale with fright. He roared, "Don't be so stubborn! Bai Wushang handed you over to me, so you have to listen to me!"
"Who said Bai Wushang handed us over to you? Thirteenth Prince, the original agreement was that we would help you win that treasure at the Stone Gambling Conference, and you would withdraw the Han Kingdom's arrest warrant for us, that's all!" Murong Wei retorted.
"You! Bai Wushang said he would be loyal to me! Are you going to go back on your word?" Xuan Yuanli roared again.
"That's what he said, go find him!" Murong Wei said coldly, returning to Xuan Yuanche's side. Ye Bao followed, retreating a few steps onto the warm couch, her chubby little hands encircling Xuan Yuanche's neck, embracing him, her eyes already glistening with tears.
"Imperial Physician, answer my question, did Prince Qi eat any seafood?" Murong Wei continued with this question. Xuan Yuanlie hadn't spoken yet, and she wanted to see what he would say.
"This...this..." The imperial physician hesitated. Although he didn't understand the truth, he vaguely guessed what had happened. He looked hesitantly at Xuan Yuanlie.
"Speak, tell the truth. Today, I will find the person who poisoned you!" Xuan Yuanlie sat upright to the side, speaking coldly, looking down at the kneeling imperial physician with a sinister expression.
"Yes." The imperial physician dared to speak only after receiving permission, kneeling and turning to Murong Wei, saying, "Prince Qi did indeed eat quite a bit of seafood on the road, which was sent by Eunuch Sun."
Murong Wei frowned, about to ask further, when the one-eyed guard who had been silent spoke up calmly, "Not quite a bit, but all of it. Eunuch Sun was ordered by the Emperor to send a batch of seafood back to the palace, so that the Prince could try it all. The Prince kept declining, saying he wasn't interested in seafood, but Eunuch Sun said that he was ordered by the Emperor that the Prince had no choice but to try it."
Upon hearing this, everyone looked at Xuan Yuanlie, but Xuan Yuanlie remained seated, his aura powerful, and coldly said, "Sun Desheng, get in here now!"
"Your Majesty, this servant...this servant is innocent! Your Majesty!" Upon hearing this at the door, Sun Desheng immediately rushed in, crying out his innocence, and prostrated himself at Xuan Yuanlie's feet, sobbing incessantly, "Your Majesty, this servant impersonated Your Majesty's order, only wanting Prince Qi to have a taste of the seafood, but I never expected to harm Prince Qi! Your Majesty, this servant's mistake was unintentional, Your Majesty must find the person who poisoned him!"
"Get out of my way!" Xuan Yuanlie kicked him away hard, coldly saying, "When did I say I wanted you to send seafood to the palace?"
"Your Majesty, this servant rarely goes to Han Kingdom, this servant only meant well, those seafood were all personally selected by this servant from the fishermen on the beach, those fishermen are all the most famous fishermen in Han Kingdom, all personally introduced to this servant by the King of Han!" Sun Desheng explained with tears streaming down his face.
The master and servant, in their coordinated efforts, managed to drag the fat dragon of the Han Kingdom into the mix. Murong Wei immediately sensed a frame-up. What a scheme by Xuan Yuanlie! This plan killed two birds with one stone: poisoning the Qi King and simultaneously framing the Han Kingdom, which the Qi King had always protected. If she hadn't intervened today, would war have already begun?
She didn't understand why Xuan Yuanlie had chosen such a protracted method to deal with Xuan Yuanche, nor why he, who had previously refrained from attacking the Han Kingdom, would now seek a reason to wage war. She also didn't understand why the Qi King's mother, the late emperor's first wife, was still able to be made Empress Dowager and hold a position in the harem after Xuan Yuanlie ascended the throne, instead of going to the palace with her son.
The power struggles within the Xuan Yuan court and the harem were far too complex for her to comprehend. Her immediate priority was to awaken Xuan Yuanche and clarify one thing with him—nothing more.
"Are those seafood items still there?" Xuan Yuanlie continued to question. Previously, all the blame had been directed at him, but now he was the one questioning the cause and effect of the matter.
Murong Wei, too lazy to pay attention to the ridiculous act between master and servant, took out a new set of silver needles and continued applying them, while instructing Ye Bao to mix the pills brought from the northern city with water and feed them to Xuan Yuanche.
The one-eyed attendant stood beside them, on high alert, as if ready to protect them at any moment, while the Empress Dowager stood on the other side, coldly watching Xuan Yuanlie and Sun Desheng. If Murong Wei had time to pay attention, she would have noticed something amiss with this posture; it was not the posture of an ordinary pampered empress dowager, but that of someone who had practiced martial arts for many years.
Xuan Yuanli was equally uninterested in the drama between Xuan Yuanlie and Eunuch De, giving Murong Wei a warning look, but Murong Wei had long forgotten about him. Only the blue-clad guard, leaning against the door frame, his brows furrowed, was a different story. Although also Xuan Yuanche's personal attendant, he was completely inferior to the one-eyed guard.
Xuan Yuanche could already sit up on his own, without needing anyone's help. Ye Bao ground the pills into powder, mixed them with water, and fed them to Xuan Yuanche. Mother and son, one in front and one behind, were both covered in sweat, their faces focused and serious.
Soon, all three pills were fed to him. Ye Bao wiped his sweat, then went forward to adjust his mother's half-golden mask, wiped his own sweat, and like a little old man, sighed deeply and whispered, "Mommy, did you hear that? The dog emperor wants to return Fatty Dragon."
Xuan Yuanlie, standing nearby, had already ordered an investigation into the identities of those fishermen.
Murong Wei was shocked. This child was only about six years old; could it be that his precociousness had caused his intelligence to develop prematurely? How did he guess?
"Hehe, Mommy, ever since I found out that Prince Qi might be Daddy, I've started investigating him. He's always protected the Han Kingdom, and the people of Han call him their guardian deity. It's obvious that the Han Kingdom is his territory. Since that dog emperor has made a move against him, shouldn't we wipe him out completely?" Ye Bao whispered, speaking earnestly.
Murong Wei looked up at the sky, her hand loosened, and a silver needle went astray. Xuan Yuanche's body trembled noticeably.
Murong Wei and Ye Bao exchanged a glance, both horrified. Ye Bao quickly packed his things, while Murong Wei diligently tried to expel the poison. The toxins in his body hadn't formed overnight, nor could they all be expelled at once. The most important thing now was to help him recover as quickly as possible and fully regain consciousness.
Murong Wei finished administering the acupuncture and waited patiently, checking the red rash on his back and taking his pulse. Ye Bao packed his things and laid out the silver needles he had used to expel the poison in the carriage.
After finishing his work, he finally breathed a sigh of relief, sat on the couch, crossed his arms, and swung his legs, watching Xuan Yuanlie and Eunuch Sun continue their charade.
"Your Majesty, Prince Qi has been like this since childhood, eating very little and very blandly. This servant was worried about his health, which is why I resorted to this drastic measure. Your Majesty, please forgive this servant!" Eunuch Sun pleaded, holding onto Xuan Yuanlie's legs.
"Get out of my way," Xuan Yuanlie said coldly, his hawk-like eyes showing no trace of the years of master-servant affection.
"Your Majesty, this servant shouldn't have used Your Majesty's will to harm Prince Qi! Your Majesty, this servant knows his mistake!" Eunuch Sun seemed to sense something and genuinely cried.
Ye Bao was slightly taken aback, also sensing something was wrong. The charade seemed to be over. From what he knew, Eunuch Sun had served Xuan Yuanlie since he was a prince. What was this guy planning now?
"Leaving aside the fact that you harmed Prince Qi, just for forging an imperial edict, I can chop off your head! Guards, drag him out and behead him!" Xuan Yuanlie roared, kicking Eunuch Jingde away once more.
"Your Majesty! Spare me, Your Majesty! Your Majesty, this old servant is utterly loyal, as the sun and moon can bear witness, Your Majesty..." Eunuch Jingde cried out, his white makeup ruined by tears. He was skilled in martial arts and held a high official position. He had served Xuan Yuanlie for at least fifteen years, but the most ruthless person is the emperor. His master could take his life with a single word. He dared not resist in the slightest, nor dared to voice his grievances directly. He could only continue to beg for mercy, crying as he was dragged away by the slaves.
Murong Wei had just finished putting away the silver needles when she looked up and inadvertently met Xuan Yuanlie's sharp eyes. His gaze was icy and held a hint of amusement. Always being scrutinized by Lao Bai with such amusement, Murong Wei felt a little disgusted seeing another man look at her like that. She instinctively gave him a disgusted look, got up from the bed, and carefully helped Xuan Yuanche lean against the high pillow.
She'd already made such a big fuss; this guy should be awake by now…
Xuanyuan Che leaned against the high pillow, his eyes still slightly closed, his breathing noticeably steadyer. His handsome, expressionless face, though still pale, had regained some color.
The Empress Dowager, sitting beside him, finally felt relieved. Like a loving mother, she carefully dressed him and tidied his disheveled black hair.
Murong Wei, with Ye Bao and the one-eyed man, retreated to the side. The man had been saved, and she had no intention of interfering further. She simply said to the Empress Dowager, "Your Majesty, I've returned Prince Qi's life to you."
As she tidied her long hair, she continued, her tone no longer polite but somber, "I think there won't be a next time. If, unfortunately, there is, please don't pull my hair, otherwise I won't save him!"
The Empress Dowager glanced at her and actually smiled—for a fleeting moment, but Murong Wei truly saw her smile. The cold beauty's smile was indeed beautiful; no wonder the late Emperor had once made the entire Xuanyuan capital bloom with magnolias overnight just to make her smile.
That smile was damnably similar to Qi Wang's—cool and aloof, yet so rare and beautiful.
"Mommy, she just smiled! I won't call her an old woman anymore, she's quite pretty," Ye Bao whispered; he'd seen it too. "
Do you know why cold beauties always look so beautiful when they smile?" Murong Wei asked.
Ye Bao shook his head. Murong Wei smiled gently at him and said, "Because it's rare. A smile from someone who doesn't smile often is enough to draw everyone's attention. A smile that's too frequent is worthless!"
"No way! I just love how Lao Bai is always smiling! It's so endearing!" Ye Bao immediately retorted.
As soon as they finished speaking, the mother and son looked in unison at Xuan Yuan Che, whose narrow eyes were still closed. This guy had clearly been conscious just now; he must be awake now. Why wasn't he awake?
If he didn't wake up, how could they, a widow and her son, possibly withstand Xuan Yuan Lie?
"Doctor Murong, has all the poison in Seventh Brother's body been expelled?" Xuan Yuan Lie spoke calmly, genuinely feigning ignorance.
Murong Wei tossed the two types of silver needles to the kneeling Imperial Physician Lin, saying calmly, "Imperial Physician Lin should be able to explain this clearly; otherwise, I think you shouldn't hold onto your position."
Hearing this, Imperial Physician Lin, who had just caught his breath, immediately gasped again. At this point, Dr. Murong Wei had already said so much, and the situation of the Prince of Qi was crystal clear. However, to tell the truth, he was very likely to become the second Eunuch Sun. If he didn't tell the truth, Murong Wei would refute him, and he would face the same fate. What was the best course of action?
He looked at Xuan Yuanlie again, his face pleading.
"Speak the truth," Xuan Yuanlie said calmly and coldly.
Imperial Physician Lin steeled himself, picked up the two silver needles from the ground, examined them carefully, hesitated for a long time, and still dared not speak.
"Speak!" Xuan Yuanlie said sternly.
Physician Lin, his voice trembling, had no choice but to answer truthfully, "Yes... Your Majesty, Prince Qi is indeed suffering from two poisons. One was ingested not long ago, and it was completely expelled in the carriage. The signs of heart failure just now are due to the second, chronic poison, triggered by the consumption of seafood. The repeated attacks of the poison on the way back to the palace from Han Kingdom have overburdened the Prince's body. Coupled with the attack of the other poison, this has led to the signs of heart failure."
"Bang!" As soon as he finished speaking, Xuan Yuanlie slammed his fist on the table and stood up abruptly, his anger reaching its peak. "Summon all the people who served him on this journey! I must find out who poisoned him!"
Murong Wei didn't want to speak, but she couldn't help herself and said impatiently, "Physician Lin, judging from the color of the silver needles, when do you think Prince Qi was ingested?"
"It should have been about half a month ago," Physician Lin replied timidly.
"Physician Lin, please smell those silver needles first," Murong Wei said again.
Imperial Physician Lin was taken aback, then understood, but dared not speak again.
Xuan Yuanlie narrowed his eyes at Murong Wei, finally losing his composure. He still had enough patience for this woman; she was meddling far too much. His voice was low, his gaze fixed on Murong Wei, and he coldly said, "Thirteenth Brother, take your men away. I will personally investigate this matter."
"Yes." Xuan Yuanli had been waiting for his elder brother to say this from the beginning; he truly didn't know why his brother was so patient today.
Murong Wei met Xuan Yuanlie's warning gaze without fear, smiled coldly, and said, "Your Majesty, you've misunderstood. My agreement with the Thirteenth Prince has long been dissolved. I am free, but also falsely accused. As long as Prince Qi doesn't wake up, my crime cannot be cleared. Today, I will wait until Prince Qi wakes up before I leave." As soon as
she finished speaking, the Empress Dowager Xi also spoke up, saying calmly, "Your Majesty, since there are strange things going on, and Doctor Murong's medical skills are superb, why are you in such a hurry to send her away? If Che'er can wake up, I will have to thank her properly."
"Hehe, is that so? Since Lady Murong likes staying in the palace so much, why not stay here permanently from now on? I happen to be planning to reorganize the Imperial Medical Academy. Guards, convey my decree to draft an edict appointing Murong Wei as the Grand Physician of the Imperial Medical Academy, with the rank of third grade, to be stationed at the Imperial Medical Academy and await orders!"
"Yes!" The eunuch outside the door responded loudly and left to carry out the order.
Murong Wei's heart sank. This damned emperor was utterly cunning! He wouldn't let her leave!
The imperial decree had been issued, and no one could change it. A hush fell over the room. The Empress Dowager frowned slightly, while Xuan Yuanli, standing to the side, was utterly enraged. His hands clenched into fists, he had already reached the door to leave but hesitated, glaring fiercely at Murong Wei!
This woman was definitely courting death! She must be!
The room fell silent. Ye Bao shook her head and sighed helplessly. Murong Wei stared at Xuan Yuanlie, her hatred undisguised. Xuan Yuanlie sneered, finding her expression satisfying. He sneered, "Murong Wei, why don't you kneel and thank the Emperor?"
Murong Wei ignored the word "kneel" and stepped forward to bow, saying, "Thank you, Your Majesty, but..."
But before she could finish, Xuan Yuanlie interrupted, "Rise and go to the Imperial Hospital to receive the decree. Someone will show you around."
Murong Wei rose, not uttering the word "but," and said directly, "I appreciate Your Majesty's kindness, but my abilities are limited. I dare not shoulder such a great responsibility. I beg Your Majesty to find another capable person."
"Murong Wei, are you defying the imperial decree?" Xuan Yuanlie's voice turned cold, truly enraged.
"Cough! Cough cough... cough cough cough..."
Just then, a soft cough came. How could this guy even have such a pleasant cough?
He finally decided to wake up. Murong Wei turned around and saw Xuan Yuanche with one hand on his chest and the other supporting himself on the couch. He had somehow sat up, his pale and handsome face devoid of emotion, so aloof and indifferent, as if the people and events in this room were all irrelevant to him. He glanced at her casually, a fleeting look, his long, beautiful eyes devoid of any emotion, and looked at Xuan Yuanlie, whose face was darkening, saying indifferently, "Your Majesty, Murong Wei is my person. If she is unwilling, then do not force her."
A hush fell over the room…
The brothers, Xuan Yuanche and Xuan Yuanlie, locked eyes, and no one else dared to speak.
Murong Wei was stunned. She had considered many possibilities, but she never expected Xuan Yuanche's first words to be like this: "If she doesn't want to, then don't force her."
These words echoed in her ears, and for some reason, she suddenly felt an overwhelming urge to cry, to hold Ye Bao and weep uncontrollably. "
If she doesn't want to, then don't force her." From childhood to adulthood, how many things had she truly wanted? How many things had she been able to resist?
A displaced orphan, a killer selling her body, even a time traveler, an unwed pregnancy, a widow and orphan—her fate had never been hers to decide, never something she could simply say "I don't want to."
This man, clearly weak and dying, clearly just a prince, yet before an emperor who wanted to murder him, he spoke such warm words with such cold indifference.
She couldn't take her eyes off him, gazing at his handsome, unwavering face and his long, beautiful eyes. She suddenly realized how vulnerable she was; a single word was enough to make her succumb to those eyes, calm as a still spring.
These words seemed to have surprised Xuan Yuanlie as well. After a long silence, he finally spoke, but not with the previous coldness; instead, he was somewhat polite, saying calmly, "Seventh Brother has just recovered from a serious illness, and the poison in his body hasn't been completely neutralized. He should return to his residence to recuperate. Leave everything else to me."
"Yes. Jin Chan, take Doctor Murong and the others first." Xuan Yuanche's tone was also indifferent as he rose from the bed with the help of the Empress Dowager.
"He was just appointed as the head of the Imperial Medical Academy; how can he just leave like that?" Xuan Yuanlie's voice deepened as he also stood up. He was tall, but still a little shorter than Xuan Yuanche.
"Firstly, Doctor Murong hasn't received the imperial decree yet; secondly, Doctor Murong is originally from my household. Shouldn't His Majesty inform me first before requesting someone from the Qi Prince's residence?" Xuan Yuanche retorted calmly.
"What? Do I need to inform you before I do anything?" Xuan Yuanlie was completely enraged, slamming his hand down, shattering the table instantly.
Xuan Yuanche, however, showed no sign of panic. He glanced at the table and said, "Brother, this is Yanxi Palace. The late Emperor left a will stating that no one or anything within Yanxi Palace is under your jurisdiction."
The Empress Dowager remained silent. Her precious son had awakened, and everything was now in his hands. She maintained her aloof expression, slowly pouring water and handing it over.
The late emperor's will to pass the throne to Xuanyuan Lie was a reluctant decision, designed to protect Yanxi Palace from the struggle for the throne. This was her bargaining chip, allowing her to remain in the inner palace for so long. However, Xuanyuan Lie feared that his son held other bargaining chips; otherwise, he wouldn't have needed to use a slow-acting poison to kill Che'er all these years.
Che'er had always avoided direct confrontation with Xuanyuan Lie, and today was the first time he had brought up the late emperor's will, all for a woman.
The Empress Dowager glanced at Murong Wei, then at Ye Bao, who was intently watching Che'er, a hint of affection flashing in her eyes. She turned and sat down on the couch, drinking her tea.
"Seventh brother, thirteenth brother clearly said Murong Wei was his person, so how come she's now considered a member of Yanxi Palace?" Xuanyuan Lie retorted, his sharp eyes filled with intense displeasure. Xuanyuan Che had always been unassuming, only protecting Yanxi Palace and his Qi Prince's residence. Today, he had unexpectedly stabbed him in the back—was it because of the poisoning?
Ultimately, it was Murong Wei who ruined everything!
Otherwise, the entire Qi Prince's mansion would be in utter disgrace
by now! "Your Majesty, I met Doctor Murong in the Han Kingdom Palace and invited him to become the imperial physician of the Qi Prince's mansion, which he accepted," Xuan Yuanche said. Regardless of who he was speaking to, he only stated the facts, not adding or subtracting a single word. He said what needed to be said and left out what didn't, just as perfectly.
As he spoke, he glanced at the Empress Dowager and continued, "Your Majesty, I come from Yanxi Palace and later established the Qi Prince's mansion. The people of the Qi Prince's mansion are the people of Yanxi Palace. Does Your Majesty not think so?"
Xuan Yuanli's hands clenched so tightly they cracked. He was speechless, utterly humiliated
. Since ascending the throne, had he ever suffered such an insult? "Che, are you really going to turn against your imperial brother for a woman?" He approached, asking coldly.
Xuanyuan Che did not retreat, his aloofness remaining unchanged. He avoided answering, saying calmly, "Your Majesty, please investigate the matter of the poison in my body thoroughly. I take my leave."
With that, under Xuanyuan Lie's furious gaze, he knelt before the Empress Dowager, glanced indifferently at Jin Chan, and walked towards the door.
Xuanyuan Li and the blue-clad guards instinctively stepped aside, both astonished. For the first time, truly the first time, the Seventh Prince had turned against the Emperor. Although he remained aloof, he had indeed broken ties.
Jin Chan picked up Ye Bao and gestured for Murong Wei, who was equally stunned, to follow. Murong Wei, recovering from her shock, still felt her heart pounding wildly.
The Prince of Qi, deeply trusted by the Emperor, possessed an imposing presence without anger, a self-respecting nature, and a detached attitude from the court, yet he was an indispensable figure. His reputation was indeed well-deserved; otherwise, how could Xuanyuan Lie, the ruler of a nation, tolerate such insolence?
"Che, I will definitely investigate thoroughly, starting from Han Kingdom. In three days, the Empress Dowager will host a banquet for you and your thirteenth brother to welcome you back. Don't forget..." Xuan Yuanlie's voice trailed off. Xuan Yuanche
stopped, neither humble nor arrogant, and bowed respectfully, "Your subject obeys." With that, he turned and left.
Murong Wei quickly followed, bowing her head as she passed Xuan Yuanli. Xuan Yuanli's gaze was almost murderous; she had no idea what he was angry about, since this matter didn't involve him.
Xuan Yuanche boarded the carriage, while Murong Wei and Ye Bao stood dumbfounded to the side, at a loss. Jin Chan, expressionless, got into the carriage, pulled the reins, and prepared to depart, ignoring them completely.
"Mommy, can we get in the carriage?" Ye Bao asked softly.
"I don't know either, go ask him." Murong Wei also whispered.
"I'm afraid, he's so cold. I even wanted to ask him if he was Lao Bai, but I didn't dare." Ye Bao said pitifully, as if he had been bullied, and thus unexpectedly revealed the unspoken understanding between mother and son.
Murong Wei gritted her teeth, about to speak, when a cold voice came from inside the carriage, "Doctor Murong, aren't you getting in? Do you intend to stay in the palace?"
"No!" Murong Wei blurted out, making a fist-and-palm gesture with Ye Bao. The mother and son finally made up their minds and got into the car to begin their questioning.
Inside the car, Xuan Yuanche leaned lazily against the high pillow, his eyes closed, still weak and exhausted. He let Murong Wei and Ye Bao sit close to him on either side, without opening his eyes.
Ye Bao pouted, indicating that his mother should ask first.
Murong Wei shook her head, letting him ask first. The mother and son politely declined for a long time before finally Ye Bao coughed a few times and spoke…
Inside the carriage, all was quiet. Xuan Yuanche hadn't uttered a single word to Murong Wei and Ye Bao since boarding, and now seemed to be asleep, leaning back lazily, his handsome face serene.
Ye Bao's little mouth was wide open, the shape of his lips clearly spelling "Old Bai," but he remained silent.
Murong Wei frowned, glared at him, and looked at Xuan Yuanche, speaking with considerable force, "Bai Wushang, wake up, I have something to ask you!"
Ye Bao was startled, leaning back and giving his mother a thumbs-up.
Murong Wei focused intently on Xuan Yuanche's peaceful sleeping face, waiting for a long time, but he didn't move.
Ye Bao's thumb slowly fell, shaking his head helplessly.
Murong Wei narrowed her eyes, got up, and leaned closer, almost touching Xuan Yuanche's face, deliberately letting him feel her proximity, and said softly, "Old Bai, let's discuss some things."
However, even at such close proximity, Xuan Yuanche remained unmoved, seemingly truly asleep.
Murong Wei didn't back down, staring at his face, and said softly, "Old Bai, I've been watching you."
Xuan Yuanche still didn't react, and Murong Wei stubbornly continued to stare at him.
Time flowed slowly between them. Ye Bao sat cross-legged to the side, his hands supporting his chin, his brows furrowed like an old man, lost in thought.
If Old Bai was Xuan Yuanche, wouldn't all the mysteries be clear? Xuan Yuanche was very likely his father, and Old Bai was Xuan Yuanche. Could he then say that Old Bai was his father, omitting the phrase "very likely"?
He wasn't dwelling on anything else, only this one question. As he pondered it, he slowly tilted his head back to look at Xuan Yuanche, a silly grin spreading across his
face. He unconsciously murmured, "It's so good to have a father." Suddenly, at that moment, Xuan Yuanche raised his hand, stretched, and unexpectedly pulled Murong Wei down onto his other arm, pressing it against her shoulder. He continued sleeping on his side.
Ye Bao, seeing his mother trapped between Xuan Yuanche and his arm, couldn't help but twitch. He was absolutely certain this guy was faking sleep, but said helplessly, "Mommy, he's really asleep."
Murong Wei frowned, carefully trying to move his hand away, but couldn't budge it.
"Mommy, you're tired too, sleep for a while. We can ask him when we get to the palace, he can't escape anyway," Ye Bao said cheerfully, crawling over and snuggling between Murong Wei and Xuan Yuanche, lying on his back, grinning happily.
Just as Murong Wei was about to speak, Ye Bao suddenly turned and hugged Xuan Yuanche, rubbing her face against him affectionately. Although she didn't speak, Murong Wei could see her happiness.
If Xuan Yuanche was indeed Bai Wushang, then everything would be clear. The man in black with Murong Wei that night must have been him, and the gold purse in her hand must have been his. It would also explain why Ye Bao resembled him so much when she was little.
However, she still couldn't be sure. Bai Wushang was always carefree and smiling, while Xuan Yuanche was like ice, cold and aloof, showing no interest in anything, or rather, it was impossible to tell if he was interested or not.
Such a huge difference couldn't be between the same person. If it were, how tiring it would be for him! The Prince of Qi was renowned, and Bai Wushang was also famous; playing two roles was no easy task.
She glanced at Ye Bao, seeing his contented expression, and couldn't bring herself to disturb him. Then she looked at Xuan Yuanche; even at such close range, even with his childlike, innocent sleeping face, she still felt a distance, an urge to reach out and touch him, to confirm his presence. They
traveled in silence, exhausted. She lay beside Ye Bao, yet dared not close her eyes, afraid of falling asleep and missing her chance to question him.
Night deepened, the hustle and bustle faded, and the streets and alleys of the capital fell silent, save for the slow rumble of the carriage axle as it drove towards the Qi Prince's residence. The two
in the carriage, one adult and one child, were asleep, but she kept her eyes open, quietly watching him.
His sharply defined face, narrow eyes, high nose, and slightly paler lips seemed meticulously sculpted by heaven, so perfect it felt unreal, like a figure from a painting.
Suddenly, she remembered Bai Wushang's face. Compared to Xuan Yuanche, he was far inferior, but his temperament was not bad. Both were the kind of people who could be looked at up close, as if they had stepped out of a comic book. As
Murong Wei thought about it, she unconsciously compared Bai Wushang and Xuan Yuanche. When she came to her senses, the carriage had already slowly stopped in front of the Qi Prince's mansion.
"Master, we've arrived," the coachman Jin Chan reported in a low voice.
Murong Wei subconsciously closed her eyes, a conditioned reflex, not knowing why she was panicking. Young Master Ye Bao was even less sure whether he was truly asleep or pretending.
As soon as Jin Chan stopped, Xuan Yuanche slowly opened his eyes, glanced at Murong Wei, carefully moved his hand away, and got out of the carriage.
Murong Wei opened her eyes and immediately met Ye Bao's big, darting eyes.
"Mommy, he must be faking it!" Ye Bao whispered.
"What should we do?" Murong Wei asked.
"Chase him!" Ye Bao said decisively, getting up and chasing after the carriage. Murong Wei hurriedly followed behind. The mother and son, who had been so aggressive just moments before, were now timid.
They saw Xuan Yuanche's tall and lonely figure slowly heading towards the gate of the Qi Prince's mansion. His back was cold and aloof, making one hesitant to approach, only to be admired from afar.
"Mommy, once we enter the Qi Prince's mansion, we might not have a chance to see him," Ye Bao said earnestly.
Murong Wei glanced at him, nodded knowingly, and turned back. The mother and son exclaimed in unison, "Xuan Yuanche, are you Lao Bai?!"
Xuan Yuanche didn't stop; he had already stepped over the threshold. Jin Chan, with his expressionless face, looked over, a hint of suspicion flashing in his eyes. It was only a glance, before Murong Wei even noticed, and he silently followed Xuan Yuanche inside.
Upon entering the gates of the Qi Prince's mansion, a dignified noblewoman approached briskly from afar. Her elegant face held a gentle smile. Before she even drew near, she curtsied to Xuan Yuanche, "Your Highness, a palace eunuch reported that you are ill. Is it true?"
"It's nothing. It's late. Go and rest," Xuan Yuanche said calmly, gently placing his arm around the woman's shoulder. He didn't even glance back at Murong Wei and Ye Bao, only instructing, "Jin Chan, escort them to their guest rooms. Tell the steward to say that the imperial physician was sent by the Emperor, and to settle them properly."
With that, he and the woman slowly departed, leaving Murong Wei and Ye Bao utterly bewildered.
Is that all?
He placed one arm around her fragrant shoulder, the other behind his back, his white robes and dark hair flowing gracefully. He slowed his pace and walked away slowly. Although there was no outward display of care, the fact that such a cold person could act this way towards a woman spoke volumes.
That elegant and noble woman was probably the true mistress of the Qi Prince's mansion, the Qi Prince's principal wife, the only daughter of the current prime minister, Gu Xihe. She was bestowed the title of Consort Xi by the Emperor, and she was the Qi Prince's first woman and his true wife.
"Your Highness, I just saw the steward heading towards Lan Garden. Are you planning to let the guests stay there?" Consort Xi asked respectfully.
"Not guests, but the imperial physician of the Prince's mansion from now on," Xuan Yuanche said indifferently.
"Your Highness, Lan Garden has been vacant for so many years. Wasn't it said that no one would be allowed to stay there anymore?" Consort Xi tentatively inquired.
Xuan Yuanche did not answer again, staring straight ahead. It was unclear what he was looking at in the darkness. Consort Xi did not speak again. She had become accustomed to her husband's indifference. Even if she asked ten more times, he would not speak if he did not answer.
Only after their figures disappeared into the darkness did Ye Bao, who had been standing still, finally speak softly, "Mommy, I don't like that woman."
Murong Wei didn't reply, but instead took his hand and said calmly to Jin Chan, "Lead the way."
Seeing his mother's sullen face, Ye Bao didn't say anything more and obediently followed Jin Chan in the opposite direction.
The Qi Prince's mansion was vast, with guest rooms nestled in the bamboo grove on the west side. Each courtyard was an independent building, elegantly arranged, yet rarely occupied. Murong Wei and Ye Bao were probably the first two guests.
Jin Chan led the way with a lantern, while Murong Wei kept her head down, remaining silent the entire way.
"Madam Murong, who were you calling just now?" Suddenly, Jin Chan spoke, his voice deep and pleasant.
Ye Bao was surprised; this shy and taciturn woman had actually spoken up, while Murong Wei remained with her head down, her mind seemingly captivated by something.
"Madam Murong?" Jin Chan stopped and turned around, asking again. His left eye was covered by a black cloth, with a strand of hair hanging down. He didn't have the ferocious look of a typical one-eyed person; his handsome features were undeniable. If he weren't one-eyed, he would surely be a very handsome man.
Murong Wei looked up abruptly, her face blank
. "What?" "Who was Old Bai, the one Madam Murong just called?" Jin Chan asked seriously.
"You want to know?" Murong Wei asked listlessly, clearly not in the right state of mind.
"Yes." Jin Chan nodded seriously.
"Why should I tell you?" Murong Wei looked bewildered and retorted irritably, rolling her eyes at him before taking Ye Bao's hand and walking ahead.
Jin Chan stood there stunned for a long time. He rarely spoke to a woman so proactively, and he had never been rolled his eyes at by a woman before. What had he done to deserve this?
Seeing that the mother and son had both walked into the darkness, he hurriedly picked up his lantern and followed them.
They walked in silence until they arrived at a courtyard filled with magnolias. Jin Chan stopped and handed the lantern to Murong Wei, saying calmly, "This is the place. You can stay here for now. There are maids to serve you. Just tell them if you need anything. The steward will come tomorrow to show you around the manor."
"Thank you. Can we see the Prince tomorrow?" Murong Wei asked.
"I don't know. You can ask the steward. In this manor, no matter who it is, the steward arranges for anyone who wants to see the Prince." As Jin Chan spoke, she took a few steps back and disappeared into the darkness.
Murong Wei and Ye Bao entered the courtyard and looked around. Then they saw a maid quickly come out of the hall.
"It's rare for guests to come to the Orchid Garden. I am Qing'er, the exclusive maid of this Orchid Garden. May I ask how you should address me, Madam?" Qing'er said with a smile. As her name suggested, she was dressed in blue, and her smile revealed two dimples, making her very cute.
"My surname is Murong, and my given name is Wei. Madam, please be respectful and just call me Weiwei," Murong Wei said calmly. Stepping across the threshold, she saw that the hall, like the rest of the courtyard, was elegant and simple, with all the furniture made of bamboo and wood.
"That won't do. If Sister Li blames me, Qing'er can't bear the responsibility. Please call me Madam Murong. If Madam needs anything, just let Qing'er know," Qing'er said with a smile.
Murong Wei couldn't muster any enthusiasm and didn't bother to say more. She said indifferently, "Prepare some hot soup and wash this boy clean so he can go to sleep."
Normally, Ye Bao would definitely grumble about the taboo of men and women not touching each other, and that even his own mother was still a woman, insisting on washing him himself. But this time, he didn't dare to utter a sound. His mother was rarely in a bad mood, and when she was, it was best not to provoke her.
"Young Master has an extraordinary temperament. He must be five or six years old. What's his name?" Qing'er asked again.
Murong Wei didn't answer again and followed her into the side hall. Ye Bao introduced himself helplessly, "Ye Bao, Ye as in night, Bao as in baby."
"You must have been born at night, right? Bao means your parents' baby! Right?" Qing'er smiled and patted Ye Bao's head.
"No!" Ye Bao immediately pushed her hand away, finally infected by his mother's mood and very unhappy.
He was just an illegitimate child no one claimed, what baby was he talking about!
"The bathhouse is just ahead. The hot water comes from the hot spring pool in the backyard. Please, Madam." Qing'er wasn't angry and still smiled as she led the way.
Murong Wei didn't let them serve her. She quickly washed Ye Bao herself, didn't even put clothes on him, just wrapped him in a clean, large bath towel, and headed to the bedroom.
Ye Bao, feeling dejected, buried his head in the bath towel, letting his mother torment him like a pet, not daring to resist. Only after his mother shoved him naked under the quilt and closed the door did he cautiously peek out, letting out a long sigh and muttering to himself, "Old Bai, please, please don't be Xuan Yuan Che, otherwise you're finished..."
"Backyard, lead the way." Murong Wei spoke sparingly, her eyes fixed ahead, her face serious.
"Yes." Qing'er whispered, wondering what was wrong with this lady; her eyes were filled with hatred, as if her entire family had been murdered.
The hot spring in Lan Garden is located in the backyard. It's not large, hidden among the dense magnolia trees, making it quite secluded. Because of the steam from the hot spring, the magnolias bloom year-round, their snow-white petals covering the surface of the pool. Soaking in the hot spring leaves you with a faint orchid fragrance.
"No need to serve him anymore. Go and guard outside Ye Bao's door. He sometimes has nightmares. If he cries, just hug him and he'll be fine," Murong Wei said calmly.
"Yes, Madam. It's not good to soak in the hot spring for too long," Qing'er reminded her, putting down her things before leaving.
Murong Wei tested the water temperature, slowly took off her clothes, removed half of her gold-threaded mask, and wearily slid into the water. She didn't lean against the shore but swam back and forth in the pool. Although she was exhausted and almost weak, she swam faster and faster. She didn't know what was wrong with her; she couldn't relax at all, and she had no energy left.
She circled around and around, her head bobbing in the water, completely oblivious to the edge. A man in white had appeared out of nowhere, languidly reclining on the stone steps. His features were handsome, his demeanor refined, his long, narrow eyes slightly narrowed, a beauty mark hanging a centimeter below his right eye, like a tear about to fall, adding a touch of melancholy to his gaze.
He looked at her, his gaze unwavering, a complex emotion gradually forming in his eyes…
A misty haze hung in the air, the fragrance of orchids intoxicating. In the still of the night, the sound of splashing water was all the more distinct.
The figure in the pond, like a flying fish under the moonlight, darted back and forth frantically on the misty surface. The person on the bank coughed lightly a few times, but she still didn't notice.
He frowned. How could she be so careless, entering the Qi Prince's mansion where countless eyes would be fixed upon her the moment she stepped through the gates?
A hint of displeasure flickered in his narrow eyes. He finally rose and walked step by step towards the water's edge.
She was on the other side, her face flushed, her eyes somewhat glazed. Just as she turned to plunge into the water again, she suddenly caught sight of him on the bank. Startled, she immediately submerged herself, panting as she looked at him, calm and unperturbed, her tired eyes filled with only wariness.
"Come here," he said coldly, a tone rarely seen from him.
She watched him from afar, his hair disheveled, his face streaked with water, panting heavily, his body swaying, one hand gripping the edge of the pool. Completely exhausted, he was still forcing himself to stay upright, a lump forming in his throat, unable to express himself clearly. This was the only way to release his pent-up emotions, like when he was injured or wronged during training on a deserted island, with nowhere to confide, only this way could he exhaust himself to the point of not wanting anything and fall asleep.
"You've been here too long. Come here, be good." His voice softened, and disregarding his wet clothes, he stepped into the pool.
She gritted her teeth, her heart heaving, her breathing becoming increasingly difficult, silently watching him approach, her weary eyes still holding a wary gaze.
What was she angry about?
Angry that he had deceived her like this? Angry that he, with his many wives and concubines, had solemnly asked her, "When have you ever seen me lingering among the flowers?"
It seemed that wasn't enough, but she didn't know what else to be angry about. Why be angry? What right did she have to be angry?
He was already in front of her, his handsome brows furrowed. Without a word, he grabbed her waist and was about to pull her up when she pushed him away, slamming heavily against the pool wall. She coldly said, "Get away! Don't touch me with the hand that's been with another woman!"
He paused, a complex emotion flashing across his eyes. He looked at her for a long time, then gradually his coldness faded, a roguish smile creeping onto his lips. He said, "Weiwei, you've wronged me. I was ambushed and nearly killed in the mountains, so..." "I came looking for you as soon as I escaped."
He said, shamelessly approaching her, his arms bracing against the pool walls on either side of her. He tilted his head, looking thoughtful, and continued, "Weiwei, you don't think I've been indulging in pleasure again, do you? I've been away for thirty-three days, and I've missed you day and night."
She let him approach, let him tease her, only staring coldly at him, breathing heavily, faster and faster, her whole body trembling with each breath. After swimming in the hot spring for so long, it was no wonder she was short of oxygen!
That push just now had used up all her strength, and now she didn't even have the strength to speak
. "Don't stare at me like that, I'll misunderstand." He still smiled, his right arm outstretched, his smiling eyes suddenly turning cold, and the clothes beside him flew out and landed in his hand. Such profound inner strength made her suddenly stunned.
If he were Prince Qi, his weak body would never have been able to muster such strength.
She hesitated, about to speak, when he suddenly grabbed her waist, pulling her out of the water. His long robe immediately wrapped around her, and he carried her to a patch of magnolia blossoms.
Away from the swirling mist, her breathing finally became easier. She looked up into his arms, her cold eyes still fixed on him, remaining silent.
He remained calm, letting her look as she pleased. Sitting among the flowers, he treated her like a precious treasure, bending down to straighten her robes and hair, chuckling softly, "You seem to have lost some weight in the past few days."
"Let me go!" she cried, finally realizing she was being taken advantage of!
He placed one hand behind her head and the other seemingly unintentionally on her waist. This action made it impossible for her, exhausted, to get up. He calmly leaned closer, his smile still bright, "Rest for a while. You've been soaking for so long; standing up too soon will make you dizzy."
"Are you Prince Qi?" she asked coldly, her words caught off guard.
“How did you end up at the Qi Prince’s residence? Tell me everything, sir.” He spoke naturally, without the slightest hesitation, as if he hadn’t heard her question.
“Are you the Qi Prince?” she continued, her breathing gradually slowing.
“Where’s Ye Bao? Is she asleep?” he asked again, almost simultaneously with her.
“Are you the Qi Prince?” she repeated, determined to get a clear answer.
“Are you tired? I’ll try my best, sir. Let me carry you back to your room.” He said, actually picking her up.
“Bai Wushang, are you really Xuan Yuanche?” she demanded, her eyes clear. Seeing him about to speak, she added, “If you don’t answer me, I’ll take that as a yes!”
“No.” He paused, suddenly becoming serious, looking at her for a long, long time without speaking.
Murong Wei’s heart, which had just calmed down, suddenly skipped a beat, accelerating abruptly. What did his silence mean? What did his seriousness mean? Was there some unspeakable secret that made him deny it?
Her hands clenched involuntarily, her nails digging into her flesh, her heart pounding wildly, as if it would leap out of her chest. She stared at him, her entire body tense, her gaze fixed on him.
His handsome brows slowly furrowed, his gaze fixed on her for a long time before he finally spoke earnestly, “Weiwei, why do you always misunderstand me? How could someone as devoted and single-minded as me be the Prince Qi, with his many wives and concubines? How could someone as carefree and unburdened as me be the Prince Qi, raised amidst the power struggles of the imperial court and harem? How could someone as handsome, dashing, and charming as me, with a smile as warm as a spring breeze, be the Prince Qi, born with a cold and expressionless face?”
He spoke with utmost seriousness, each word as if she had wronged him.
“Put me down.” She lowered her gaze, asking no more questions.
“What for?” He looked suspicious, and actually put her down.
"Head up, chest out," she said sternly, her delicate brows furrowing slightly.
"What's wrong with you?" he asked, puzzled, glancing at her.
"Facts prove everything!" she said coldly, then punched him hard in the navel area.
"Ha!" He groaned, staggering back a few steps, and said unhappily, "Murong Wei, are you possessed?!"
She was startled, a flicker of joy crossing her eyes, only to be quickly replaced by a complex expression.
It wasn't him. She had used acupuncture on that spot on the Prince Qi; such a punch would have been enough to make him vomit blood and faint, but Bai Wushang was still standing there, cursing.
It wasn't him, it simply wasn't him.
"Who bullied you? What's wrong with you? Did the Prince Qi bully you?" Bai Wushang asked, frowning.
"Nothing, I'm exhausted. Let's talk about it tomorrow." Murong Wei sighed weakly, speaking softly, and turned to leave.
Bai Wushang didn't chase after her, watching her silently until her figure disappeared into the darkness before slowly turning around.
Just for a moment! Suddenly , he collapsed to his knees, one hand on the ground, the other pressed against his abdomen, spitting out a mouthful of blood! A
cold wind blew, his dark hair and white robes billowing in disarray. His lowered eyes blazed like torches, and a faint, warm smile slowly curved his blood-stained lips…
…
The next morning.
Murong Wei was still asleep when a commotion came from outside the window.
The Orchid Garden consisted of only a two-story bamboo house, with a garden in front and a hot spring pool in the back—elegantly simple. The maids slept in the side rooms on the ground floor, while she and Ye Bao slept on the second floor. She could hear anything happening in the courtyard immediately.
Murong Wei turned over and continued sleeping. Exhausted from the past few days, and having finally resolved her doubts the night before, she had fallen asleep again, clutching Ye Bao. She was sound asleep.
Ye Bao cautiously got out of bed and tiptoed out the window. Her sleepy, innocent face was filled with horror. She immediately closed the window, covered her ears, and
pretended not to see anything. A group of women, dressed in flamboyant attire, had appeared in the courtyard downstairs, chattering incessantly about something.
This was the first time in Ye Bao's life that he had seen so many women gathered together. His hair stood on end, and goosebumps rose on his skin. He couldn't help but look sympathetically at his mother, who was sleeping soundly.
If Prince Qi were Xiao Bai, his mother would be in a terrible state.
Last night, Prince Qi had only casually touched another woman, and his mother had already lost her mind. If she were to see so many women later, several of them with children, wouldn't she want to commit seppuku?
Ye Bao returned and knelt beside Murong Wei. He blinked his clear black and white eyes, tilted his head in deep thought for a long time, then cautiously leaned closer and whispered, "Mommy, wake up... Mommy, let's leave Prince Qi's mansion and run away together... Mommy, let's not wait for that old Bai anymore..."
"Knock knock knock!" Just then, a knock came at the door.
A flicker of displeasure crossed Ye Bao's eyes. He was about to throw an iron dart when the door suddenly opened. Qing'er entered, carrying breakfast and smiling. "Madam Murong," she said, "excuse me for entering uninvited, but Steward Li has been urging you to come over immediately. She wants to personally show you around the Qi Prince's residence!"
Behind the screen, Ye Bao put away the dart, nudged his mother helplessly, and said curtly, "Mommy, get up! It's impolite to be in someone else's house when the sun's already high in the sky!" With that, he pinched Murong Wei's arm hard on the inside.
"Ah..." Murong Wei cried out, immediately sitting up abruptly. She swung her arm, but Ye Bao, with practiced ease, dodged to her other side.
"Give me back my sweet dream!" Murong Wei said unhappily.
"No sweet dream, the nightmare is in the courtyard downstairs!" Ye Bao spread his hands, looking helpless.
"What do you mean?" Murong Wei asked, puzzled.
"Women!" Ye Bao exclaimed dramatically. "No, they're rivals! They've all crammed into the courtyard with their children, waiting for you to appear!"
"What? What do you mean?" Murong Wei was even more puzzled.
"Prince Qi has three wives and four concubines, Mommy, you'd better be prepared. It's not just a few. Take it easy. Even ordinary families have three wives and four concubines, let alone those born into the imperial family who need to produce offspring for the royal family!" Ye Bao looked like he knew everything about the world, only lacking the long beard for his chubby little hands to rub. He chose to rub his chin like Old Bai.
"What's it to me?" Murong Wei scoffed.
Ye Bao looked at her disdainfully and said, "Do you dare admit you were jealous last night?"
"No!" Murong Wei immediately denied it, so fierce.
"You were!" Ye Bao immediately retorted.
"No!" Murong Wei denied it again.
"You were! Old Bai is Prince Qi! You were jealous of Old Bai last night!" Ye Bao said loudly.
“Bai Wushang?” Murong Wei’s face flushed red, whether from anger or something else, she laughed three times, “Even more impossible!”
“Liar.” Ye Bao was also angry.
“Old Bai came last night. Prince Qi is Prince Qi, and he is him. There are some similarities, but it’s all just a coincidence. Ever since I was able to time travel, I’ve believed in all coincidences!” Murong Wei blurted out, very certain, her attitude unusually resolute. Old Bai was Old Bai, the simple Old Bai, the free Old Bai. If he denied it, she was willing to believe it.
“Old Bai came?” Ye Bao was both surprised and suspicious, looking at Murong Wei with a worried expression. “Mommy, what foreign language did you say later? Ye Bao doesn’t understand.”
Murong Wei paused, then said calmly, “Old Bai came last night. Mommy asked him clearly, he’s not Prince Qi, that’s all.”
“Really?” "Ye Bao exclaimed in surprise.
Murong Wei nodded emphatically. Ye Bao happily did a backflip off the bed, his narrow eyes crinkling into slits with laughter, and chuckled, "Mommy, I don't have to worry anymore, I just love Lao Bai the most!"
At the same time, a sharp voice came from outside the door, "Murong Wei, do you think you're the mother of the house? You can't even pay your bills by noon!"
Ye Bao and Murong Wei were both stunned. Whose unfamiliar voice was this? Why was it so aggressive?
"Your Highness Consort Zhen, Lan Garden is not a place you can come to, and Lanxiang Residence is even less a place you can come to. This servant advises you to go down." Qing'er advised calmly.
As soon as she finished speaking, "Slap..." A loud slap echoed throughout the room.
Ye Bao rushed out for the first time. Murong Wei dressed and then arrived. She frowned as she watched Qing'er covering her face and stepping aside. She couldn't help but be furious and shouted, "Why did you hit someone for no reason?"
"Do servants have the right to interrupt when their masters are speaking?" "Speak!" Consort Zhen asked coldly, her jewels gleaming and her head held high!
"Slap!" Murong Wei suddenly slapped her across the face, coldly retorting, "What right do you have to enter my residence uninvited?"
Murong Wei was naturally strong, and this slap was exceptionally heavy, causing Consort Zhen to stagger several steps and fall to the ground, her cheek bruised and blood slowly trickling down her lips. She was completely stunned...
Qing'er mechanically turned to look at Murong Wei, full of admiration.
After a while, Consort Zhen finally recovered her senses, angrily scrambling to her feet and pointing at Murong Wei, shouting, "You! You! You dare hit me! Are you trying to rebel? Open your dog eyes and see who I am! I am Consort Zhen, the concubine of Prince Qi! What place in this mansion is not my place of honor?" "
Concubine? Like Consort De, a fifth-rank official, right?" Murong Wei asked disdainfully.
"Yes!" Consort Zhen replied confidently.
"Excuse me, but I am a third-rank imperial physician bestowed by the Emperor, two ranks higher than you. If you don't want to lose face, get out of here immediately!" Murong Wei pointed to the door and said coldly. Consort Zhen
was stunned, her face filled with suspicion.
Murong Wei's eyes narrowed as she approached step by step, her eyes filled with a dangerous aura.
"You! You! You wait! If you dare to live in Lan Garden, there are plenty of people in this mansion who can deal with you!" Consort Zhen warned as she fled out the door in a disheveled state.
"Is there anything special about Lan Garden?" Murong Wei looked at Qing'er suspiciously.
"No, it's a bit too elegant and quiet. Many guests are vying to stay here, so the Prince simply converted it into a guest room," Qing'er replied with a smile.
Murong Wei didn't pursue the matter further, lazily stretching and saying, "I'm still tired. I'll tell the steward I'll go later." With that, she walked behind the screen.
"Mommy, didn't you refuse the Emperor's offer of a title? The imperial decree hasn't been issued yet!" Ye Bao asked earnestly.
Murong Wei turned around, yawned, and grinned foolishly at him, "So I lied to her..."
Ye Bao instantly fell to the ground. At the same time, amidst the commotion outside, Consort Zhen's voice came again, "Murong Wei, First-Rank Imperial Consort, Consort Xi requests your presence to take her pulse!"
"First-rank Imperial Consort, Consort Xi!
" Murong Wei's heart trembled at the mention of "first-rank." Her background was indeed immense, far beyond her reach!
The official ranks, the harem system, and the hierarchy of the royal family in the Xuanyuan Kingdom were quite different from what she had previously understood. Generally, a prince's residence had a principal wife and secondary wives, followed by concubines. In the Qi Prince's residence, there were captives, slave wives, palace maids, seventh-rank beauties, sixth-rank concubines, and fifth-rank secondary wives. According to normal rules, a prince's principal wife would at most be a third or fourth-rank official.
But this Consort Xi was an unconventional first-rank official. Reaching the first rank was not something everyone could achieve; even high-ranking officials in the court were few and far between, and in the harem, only the Empress held this position.
The reasons behind this were certainly worth investigating.
Seeing that Murong Wei didn't respond for a long time, Consort Zhen didn't dare to come in again and shouted, "Murong Wei, did you hear me! Hurry up and come with me to Luoxia Palace!"
"I know." Murong Wei replied indifferently, shrugged helplessly, and said to Ye Bao, "Stay here obediently and don't run around."
Ye Bao crossed his arms, sat cross-legged on the table, and nodded obediently, showing no interest in the women's war.
Murong Wei had already reached the door when she turned her head and smiled, saying, "Old Bai said he would come here to find us today, so you must wait."
"Yes!" Ye Bao was overjoyed; sometimes, even a cunning child is easy to fool.
Murong Wei nodded in satisfaction and then left with peace of mind. Under normal circumstances, as long as Ye Bao didn't actively provoke these women, they couldn't provoke him.
As soon as she went downstairs, Murong Wei saw the entire courtyard of women, some of whom had even brought children to make an appearance. What were they doing? She was just a royal physician and wouldn't threaten their status at all.
She couldn't help but shake her head, feeling sorry for Prince Qi, and even more so for his wife, Gu Xihe.
Consort Zhen didn't speak; everyone just looked over and fell silent.
Murong Wei followed Consort Zhen to the door, but suddenly stopped, turned back, and said, "Are all the ladies ill? Have you come to see Weiwei for treatment?"
Instantly, everyone's faces turned cold. Murong Wei's very first words were a curse wishing them illness!
Consort Zhen, covering her slapped face, afraid of being seen, didn't linger and walked far away. Seeing that everyone was silent, Murong Wei smiled and said, "Unfortunately, the Empress Consort is also ill. Please reschedule." With that, she smiled and left.
Anyway, she had only occupied a courtyard and a position in Prince Qi's household, yet she had already attracted so much hostility. With so many women, she would inevitably form cliques in the future; she might as well offend them all, create her own faction, and find peace and quiet.
"Ha, I bet she's just a self-proclaimed imperial physician. I've never even heard of Murong Wei!"
"Ignorant fool, so arrogant! She didn't even bother to find out what Lan Garden is, daring to stay there!"
"A widow and her child, a woman showing her face in public like this, I bet she's either a jinx or an adulterer! What a slut, nothing to worry about, let's all go!"
"Could it be that the Empress Consort is really ill? Should we go and see her?"
"Hehe, yes, it's a rare excuse to go to Luoxia Palace. I heard the Prince sometimes watches the sunset there!"
"Really? I heard the Prince came back last night, did any of you see him?"
...
At the mention of the Prince, a group of women started heading towards Luoxia Palace in twos and threes, chattering noisily along the way. Most of them had been in the Prince Qi's residence for three or four years, but had only seen the Prince Qi a handful of times.
Murong Wei listened, her eyes narrowing. She really wanted to pull out the tape from her bag and seal those bright red mouths shut; they were truly incessantly noisy.
"Madam Murong, don't take it to heart. They're just idle people with nothing better to do..." Qing'er paused, lowering her voice even further, and said, "There are two factions here, one led by Consort Zhen, and the other by Consort De. Consort De has been staying indoors ever since she returned from Han Kingdom. I don't know what's wrong with her; otherwise, she might have been the one who came to see you first today."
"So complicated... What about Consort Xi?" Murong Wei asked in surprise.
"Consort Xi, hehe, the most favored one, the one with the highest position. Does she need to form factions? All these people say bad things about her to her face, but behind her back, they all rush to curry favor with her! A first-rank lady, this position has influence in the Qi Prince's mansion and in the royal family to some extent. Her faction should not be underestimated," Qing'er said.
"How come she only got the first rank? That should be the Empress's. Even the Xuanyuan Emperor didn't have an Empress. How did it get the Princess Consort of Qi?" Murong Wei asked curiously.
"Consort Xi's father was a prime minister for three dynasties. He contributed a lot of money and effort to the Emperor's ascension to the throne. Otherwise, would the Emperor have betrothed her to the Prince of Qi and given her the first rank? Everyone says Consort Xi's position was hard-earned." Qing'er said, a hint of disdain flashing in her eyes.
"Unspoken rules!" Murong Wei couldn't help but sigh.
"What?" Qing'er asked, puzzled.
"Nothing. What kind of person is Consort Xi? When I was in Han Kingdom, I heard that she, like the Prince of Qi, was renowned for her beauty, proficient in the six arts, excelling in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. She was of good character and deeply loved by the people of the capital." Murong Wei asked again.
"You'll see in a moment." Qing'er pretended to be mysterious.
As they spoke, they arrived at Luoxia Courtyard. Murong Wei frowned and glanced at Qing'er. Unconsciously, this girl had taken her side. Could this be the beginning of forming a faction?
Thinking of this, she couldn't help but laugh at herself. "No, it doesn't really matter; there's always an unbalanced scale in people's hearts."
The Sunset Palace got its name from the unobstructed view of the colorful sunset from its courtyard. Murong Wei, upon seeing its opulent splendor from the entrance, only found it tacky. But when Consort Xi emerged , adorned in magnificent robes, she felt a pang of helplessness.
Last night, from afar, she hadn't noticed anything clearly, but today, seeing her in such lavish makeup, heavy with cosmetics, she couldn't hide the marks of time etched on her eyes and lips. She didn't possess the innate nobility of a noble family, yet she favored such extravagant attire, which only made her appear more vulgar.
"Oh my, only you, sister, can pull off this orchid makeup in our entire Qi Prince's mansion. It's truly beautiful. If the Prince sees it, wouldn't he dote on you even more?" Consort Zhen flattered her, practically calling a deer a horse and black white. This heavy makeup was hardly orchid makeup; it should be called Hundred Flowers Makeup!
Consort Xi smiled faintly, gesturing for her to step back. She glanced at Murong Wei, about to speak, when Murong Wei curtsied and said, "This humble subject, Murong Wei, greets Consort Xi."
"Rise. I heard from the Prince that Doctor Murong is a physician appointed by the Emperor. Last night, while waiting for the Prince, I unfortunately caught a cold. Please, Madam Murong, come in and take a look," Consort Xi said gently and politely.
Murong Wei didn't speak, but made a gesture of invitation.
At this moment, a group of women behind her arrived, vying to come in and offer their greetings. Such polite formalities! Murong Wei could finally take Consort Xi's pulse.
"How is it?" Consort Xi asked, frowning.
"It's nothing serious, I'll just have this servant make a bowl of brown sugar ginger soup and I'll be fine," Murong Wei said. She wasn't going to be foolish enough to prescribe medicine and give this woman a chance to frame her. Her pulse was clearly normal, yet she insisted on saying she had a cold!
"I drank brown sugar ginger soup last night, but it didn't work. Perhaps Doctor Murong
could prescribe some medicine?" Consort Xi said again. "Is that so?" Murong Wei suddenly frowned, looking worried, and hurriedly asked, "I wonder what medicine Your Highness usually takes when she catches a cold? May I see the prescription?"
"What's wrong?" Xu, the old woman beside Xi Feng, asked quickly.
"Normally, I wouldn't. I need to see the prescription to be sure." Murong Wei looked mysterious, which made Consort Xi anxious. She quickly said, "Old woman, it's in the study. The medicine was just prescribed a couple of days ago. Go and get it."
"Yes!" Old woman Xu quickly withdrew.
The room was silent; no one dared to speak. Murong Wei was deep in thought, occasionally checking her pulse. Xi Fei, however, glanced at everyone before her gaze fell on a newly written couplet on the wall. She said calmly, "Since all my sisters are here today, take a look at the couplet I made and give me your feedback."
"A few backbones, supporting heaven and earth! Two hungry bellies, encompassing the past and present!" Zhen Fei was the first to read it aloud, then clicked her tongue repeatedly.
Seeing that Zhen Fei couldn't find anything to say, Yu Ji quickly said, "A fine couplet! For Xi Feng to create such a proud couplet, she truly is a woman who doesn't yield to men!"
"It's just missing the horizontal scroll. Your Majesty, I am not talented enough, but I look forward to your horizontal scroll!" Mo Ji also chimed in, her face full of praise.
Murong Wei pondered, feeling like she'd heard this couplet somewhere before. It sounded so familiar.
Xue Ji and four palace maids beside her joined in the praise, saying things like, "Your Highness truly deserves to be called the First Talented Woman," and "Your Highness's poetry, lyrics, and songs are all exquisite, even your couplets are so brilliant, making us
all feel inferior," and so on. It was all flattery, not a genuine critique from Xi Fei. Xi Fei, however, smiled and humbly said, "It was just a casual piece, but I'm truly happy to receive such praise from you all."
The silent Murong Wei suddenly looked up, remembering—wasn't this the most prized work of Ning Ran, the Prime Minister of Han Kingdom? It was even engraved on his arrow.
The original was, "A few proud bones, supporting heaven and earth; two hungry bellies, encompassing ancient and modern times."
Damn! Plagiarism! Blatant plagiarism! Did these people not know that Ning Ran of Han Kingdom had such a masterpiece, or were they deliberately flattering Xi Fei?
"Your Highness is so modest. I'll offer three thousand taels of silver, and Your Highness will reward me with the first line of the couplet. I'll take it back and hang it in the main hall, to bask in Your Highness's noble aura!" Consort Zhen continued to smile, then casually glanced at Consort Yu.
Consort Yu quickly said, "I offer five thousand taels, begging Your Highness to grant me the second line!"
Soon after, Consort Mo stepped forward, urgently saying, "I really love Your Highness's couplet! My sisters, please forgive me, I offer ten thousand taels, begging Your Highness to grant it all!"
"No, no, this time I won't let you have it!" Consort Zhen said earnestly, "I offer twenty thousand, begging Your Highness to bestow it upon me!"
Seeing their flirtatious exchanges, Murong Wei, having experienced the ups and downs of auctions, immediately understood this was a publicity stunt; these women were the so-called shills!
Sure enough, the other concubines and palace maids all participated, some even ignorantly saying, "Once Consort Xi's couplet is presented, there will be no work in the world that can surpass it! I will request it and spread it far and wide, so that more people will know of Your Highness's talent!"
Countless cawing crows had already flown overhead, but Murong Wei chose to remain silent. Those who liked to deceive themselves should wait until the whole world knew about the couplet before they opened it and saw what their fate would be! Murong
Wei was too lazy to meddle in other people's business. She sipped her tea and glanced at Granny Xu trotting over. This was her real business!