The Emperor’s expression darkened slightly—how dare they gossip about him!
They even knew he had visited Noble Lady Li last night.
It seemed this so-called “System” was no simple matter.
[The Emperor thinks he’s as strong as a tiger, but he’s actually been poisoned. A few more visits and he’ll drop dead!]
[Poisoned? By Noble Lady Li? Why?]
[Of course it’s because she’s lonely! The Emperor has three thousand beauties in his harem, and it takes a full month to cycle through them all. Noble Lady Li comes from Saibei where customs are liberal, and she’s at the age where she should be enjoying life.]
[Well… she didn’t have to resort to poison. Where did she get the medicine?]
[From Imperial Physician Li.]
[Why would Imperial Physician Li give her such medicine? Could they be…]
[Exactly. Imperial Physician Li is from the north and knew Noble Lady Li’s elder sister. Later, her sister married him and they came to Bianjing together. Who would have thought Noble Lady Li would be sent into the palace by Saibei Wang?]
[Before sending Noble Lady Li to the palace, Saibei Wang made some ambiguous remarks, saying things like… if anything should happen to the Emperor someday, he would bring her back to Saibei.]
[Goodness, that’s practically an open hint!]
[Her elder sister worried about her younger sister suffering in the palace, so she asked Imperial Physician Li to look after her.]
[After they reunited in the palace, they often used medical consultations as excuses to meet. Over time, with the added connection of being sisters-in-law, the two developed an unspeakable relationship. Every time Noble Lady Li finished serving the Emperor, Imperial Physician Li would immediately take his turn.]
[To this day, her elder sister remains unaware that her younger sister has become involved with her own husband.]
[Remember those two palace maidens who passed by earlier?]
Xiao Yaozu recalled that indeed there were. [They were talking about some noble lady needing flowers—could it be Noble Lady Li who’s currently enjoying the Emperor’s favor?]
[Yep. Right now, those two are at a secluded rock garden, just using the flowers there to set the mood…]
The man on the dragon throne was inwardly furious, but having maintained composure for years, no one could detect his true feelings about such an absurd and bizarre situation.
Only the ministers silently bowed their heads even lower.
The two gossip enthusiasts showed no signs of stopping.
[Ah, when a man and woman get together like this, they’re nothing but trouble. But the Emperor is rather pitiful—aren’t there other physicians in the Taiyuan? Has no one detected anything?]
[Blame it on Noble Lady Li’s clever and bold poisoning method. She never administered the poison to the Emperor directly.]
When the System reached the juicy part of the gossip, even its mechanical voice sounded different.
Xiao Yaozu’s drowsiness vanished completely. The more she listened, the more fascinated she became. Recalling the outrageous plots she’d read in novels, she ventured a guess:
[Don’t tell me yet—let me guess… Could it be… she administered the poison to herself?]
[Exactly! Host, you’re so clever! And it’s somewhere the Emperor willingly ingests it.]
The System made a suggestive gesture.
Xiao Yaozu was stunned.
There was no need for such a vivid description.
[Ah, what about the Emperor then? If he keeps taking such potent medicine, he’ll really die suddenly. This scheme is both simple and direct—Saibei clearly has ill intentions. Although this is my first time seeing the Emperor, his aura of a world-conquering ruler clearly marks him as a rare wise sovereign.]
[I don’t want him to die.]
Because she had learned from the System about this dynasty’s Emperor’s glorious achievements:
Ascended the throne at 15
Built national highways at 16
Personally led campaigns at 20
Quelled the Saibei rebellion at 23, resulting in a major reshuffle of the court
Suppressed the barbarian uprising at 26
At thirty, he began to slowly revive the withered court and stabilize the imperial government.
Another ten years passed, finally giving the common people some hope for today.
As long as this Emperor did not seek immortality and become deluded, he was undoubtedly a wise ruler.
Most importantly… if the Emperor died, would salaries still be paid on time?!
Hearing this… the Emperor’s heart wavered between hope and despair…
He could be said to have spent his life in military campaigns, and someone could clearly remember his merits and virtues.
At this moment, his perception of this person immediately changed.
Especially since he himself had been poisoned and was near death…
[System, can you check which physician in the Taiyuan can diagnose the Emperor’s symptoms?]
[Yes, Imperial Physician Hao has considerable research on obscure poisons. As long as the poison hidden by Noble Lady Li in the scroll painting is found, he can prescribe the right treatment.]
[That’s great. I knew all physicians in the Taiyuan must be exceptionally talented.]
Xiao Yaozu’s joy lasted only a few seconds before he wilted again.
[Host, why are you unhappy again?]
[I’m thinking—I’m currently a Seventh-Rank Compiler. If I claim without reason that the Emperor is poisoned and know which physician can cure him, it will surely raise suspicions. System, can you send the Emperor a dream?]
[No.] The System coldly refused. [Host, you should worry about yourself. The Gu poison inside you is far more terrifying than the Emperor’s.]
The Emperor was shocked. So Xiao Yaozu was also poisoned, yet his first concern was for him. This brought a sliver of comfort to his heart, and he decided not to dwell on the young man’s preoccupation with his salary.
The Emperor raised a fist to his lips and coughed softly.
Prime Minister Bai, noticing this, immediately expressed concern: “Your Majesty, the well-being of the Longti is the nation’s fortune. You must not overexert yourself with state affairs.”
The Emperor nodded slightly and said calmly, “My dear minister speaks rightly. It has indeed been some time since I properly summoned the imperial physicians.”
The officials all cast admiring glances at Prime Minister Bai.
Prime Minister Bai was truly thoughtful and meticulous!
Xiao Yaozu, seeing the Emperor suddenly cough, grew somewhat worried—was the poison about to take effect?
Noticing Prime Minister Bai immediately suggesting a medical examination, he nodded silently.
No wonder he had earned the Emperor’s deep trust and held the position of Prime Minister so firmly.
She admired people who were so observant of their surroundings.
Prime Minister Bai inexplicably straightened his back—it was nothing special, really.
The Emperor sat upright on the dragon throne, smiling as he looked down at the assembled ministers.
“Today, with all my dear ministers present, the physicians from the Taiyuan will come to examine everyone’s pulses. This will also allow me to understand your health conditions. You have all worked hard in sharing the burdens of the state.”
“Your servants kowtow in gratitude to Your Majesty!!”
The officials knelt in unison.
Xiao Yaozu quickly knelt along with them.
Wasn’t this just like a company health check-up? She also wanted to see if the Taiyuan could cure her Gu poison.
Eunuch Rong promptly announced that everyone should proceed to the Jinluan Hall to rest briefly, awaiting the physicians who would examine their pulses in turn.
What a Noble Lady Li, what a Saibei Wang… A cold glint flashed in the Emperor’s eyes.
Jinluan Hall
The officials sat on the floor.
So plain and unadorned?
Xiao Yaozu glanced down at the floor again—no wonder it was polished to a shine.
Everyone gathered in circles—those in purple robes in one group, those in red in another. Unlike usual, they strangely chose to remain silent, not exchanging any banter.
They simply couldn’t process the information in their hearts.
It seemed they had heard something extraordinary.
Xiao Yaozu also sat among a group of green-robed officials, leaning against a large pillar in a casual posture.
Already scouting for potential work buddies.
Having a friendly work companion makes the workday less painful.
[System, why is everyone so quiet? It’s a bit eerie…] In the past, the moment the boss left, their office would transform from quails into sparrows.
Prime Minister Bai was the first to start chatting with those beside him. Gradually, the surroundings filled with conversations about what they had eaten for breakfast and whether they had maintained a proper diet to avoid being diagnosed with any illnesses…
Hearing the hall finally become quietly lively, Xiao Yaozu’s lips curved into a faint smile.
[So everyone was holding back earlier. They probably didn’t speak because they feared the Emperor hadn’t gone far.]
The System expressed agreement.
[Click, click, click Click, click, click]
[System, could you please stop cracking melon seeds in my mind?]
[Host, would you like some?]
[Give me some. I want the five-spice flavor.]
Xiao Yaozu stealthily stuffed melon seeds into his mouth, while those around him tacitly pretended not to notice.
[System, how did you get these melon seeds? Did you smuggle them in?]
[The more actively you indulge in gossip, the more I’ll have. Click, click, click]
It truly lived up to its name as the Gossip System.
Meanwhile, the Emperor took his men straight to Noble Lady Li.
Knowing that the Emperor would not return for another month after leaving, Noble Lady Li immediately summoned Imperial Physician Li.
Upon receiving the message, Imperial Physician Li hurriedly grabbed his medical kit and scurried to the artificial hill where Noble Lady Li had arranged to meet, completely unaware that the Emperor had decreed all physicians from the Imperial Hospital to go to Jinluan Hall to examine the ministers.
Noble Lady Li had long instructed her palace maidens to stand guard outside.
Not long after Imperial Physician Li entered, harmonious noises began to emanate from within…
“Brother-in-law Brother-in-law”
The Emperor stood outside the artificial hill, a dark cloud seeming to loom over his head.
The palace maidens around him trembled as they prostrated on the ground.
“Seize that adulterous pair inside for me!”
Eunuch Rong led the guards charging in first—it had been years since he had last taken action.
The two, disheveled and half-dressed, were thrown out by the guards.
The moment she saw the bright yellow robes, Noble Lady Li’s face turned deathly pale.
“Your Majesty, this humble consort has been wronged!”
On the other side, a guard produced a landscape painting and retrieved medicine from the scroll’s hanging rod. The kneeling pair were even more startled at the sight.
The Emperor sneered coldly, “Wronged? Then what is this? Noble Lady Li, I have treated you well, yet you seek my life.”
Having survived numerous assassination attempts, he never expected to nearly stumble because of this insignificant noble lady.
Noble Lady Li hurriedly cried out, “Your Majesty, it was Imperial Physician Li who deceived me! He said that by administering a little medicine to Your Majesty, you would become more infatuated with me, and I could enjoy lasting favor!”
Imperial Physician Li also quickly defended himself, “Your Majesty, it was Noble Lady Li who seduced me and threatened my wife’s life!”
“I had no choice! I only love my wife! I was wrong! I beg for Your Majesty’s mercy!!”
The Emperor was enraged—both were spewing lies.
In his fury, the Emperor ordered the Li family executed, and as for Noble Lady Li…
“Someone, deliver Noble Lady Li’s head to Saibei Wang’s desk!”
“Yes.” The shadow guards hidden in the darkness swiftly drew their blades, and a black cloth wrapped around Noble Lady Li’s lifeless, wide-eyed head.
Days later, blood stained the desk in Saibei Wang’s tent, throwing the camp into chaos…
As the Emperor stormed off, the scent of blood spread across the ground…
“Summon Imperial Physician Hao.”
“Yes.”
Outside the door, Imperial Physician Hao had been waiting for a long time. Hearing the summons, he hurriedly stepped into the hall, bowed to the Emperor, and stood to the side, ready to examine the Emperor’s pulse.
Imperial Physician Hao gently placed his fingers on the Emperor’s wrist, holding his breath and focusing intently as he carefully assessed the imperial pulse.
After a while, his expression grew solemn, his eyebrows knitting tightly together.
“Your Majesty, your pulse shows signs of poisoning.”
Imperial Physician Hao’s voice carried a note of alarm, clearly shaken by this discovery.
Upon hearing this, the Emperor’s gaze sharpened. He waved his hand, signaling an attendant to bring forth the suspected poison.
“Examine whether this is indeed the poison. Once identified, how long until an antidote can be prepared?”
Though the Emperor’s demeanor appeared calm, a thread of anxiety wove through his tone.
Imperial Physician Hao accepted the poison, scrutinizing it carefully before bringing it to his nose for a faint sniff. He then tested it with a silver needle.
Finally, Imperial Physician Hao lifted his head.
“Your Majesty, this is a potent toxin. However, your servant is eighty percent confident in formulating an antidote within two days.”
The Emperor gave a slight nod at Imperial Physician Hao’s words.
“Good. Proceed immediately. We shall reward you handsomely.”
As Imperial Physician Hao gathered his medical kit to withdraw and research the antidote, the Emperor suddenly called him back.
“Imperial Physician Hao, remain a moment longer. There is another who requires your diagnosis.”
One matter after another had unfolded exactly as predicted—it seemed the claim about someone suffering from Gu poison was also true.
Meanwhile, in Jinluan Hall, Xiao Yaozu was engaged in lively conversation with her System.
[System, I wonder how things are going with the Emperor.]
[Don’t worry, the Emperor isn’t so easy to kill.]
Xiao Yaozu pursed her lips, about to respond, when she suddenly heard approaching footsteps.
It was the Emperor returning with Imperial Physician Hao.
The Emperor’s expression revealed nothing extraordinary.
Had the System not informed her that the Emperor had already directed Imperial Physician Hao to identify the symptoms, she wouldn’t have detected how composed one could remain when facing life and death.
Truly admirable.
The Emperor then turned his gaze toward Xiao Yaozu, his eyes profound, causing her heart to tighten.
[System, the Emperor is looking over! Quick, check if my attire is disorderly? Did I get any melon seed shells on my lips from sneaking those snacks earlier?]
Uncertain what move the Emperor would make next, she felt his glance pierce through her like a teacher calling roll.
[Host, your attire is perfectly orderly. Your lips are rosy with no residue.]
Noting how he had startled the young official, the Emperor softened his aura and spoke kindly, “This esteemed minister appears somewhat unfamiliar to Us.”
Xiao Yaozu glanced left and right—the Emperor was truly addressing her. Summoning her courage, she bowed with clasped hands.
“Your Majesty, this humble official is the newly appointed Compiler, Xiao Yaozu.”
“Step forward a bit. We don’t bite.”
Xiao Yaozu shuffled forward from the rear of the assembly.
Seated on his elevated throne, the Emperor could clearly read the emotions in her eyes—innocence, sincerity, wariness.
This close?
Another step closer—so near now?
She quietly observed the Emperor’s reaction.
Thus, step by step, Xiao Yaozu drew nearer to the Emperor, the distance between them steadily shrinking.
Finally, as she stood beside a cluster of high-ranking ministers in purple robes, the Emperor allowed a faint smile to surface.
This position suited well—surrounded by individuals brimming with both fortune and talent.
“Compiler, henceforth you shall stand in this position. Seeing these old fossils daily has made Our eyes weary of opening.”
“As you command.”
Xiao Yaozu hastily bowed again.
[So the Emperor values appearance too.]
No one present disputed this silent remark—they represented not merely themselves, but the very face of the court.
Imperial physicians filed into the hall in succession, commencing pulse diagnoses for the ministers one by one.
When it was Xiao Yaozu’s turn, she nervously extended her hand, praying inwardly that the Gu poison would be detected.
The imperial physician happened to be Imperial Physician Hao—what a coincidence.
Seeing how seriously Imperial Physician Hao was taking her pulse, Xiao Yaozu didn’t dare move recklessly, though she found it rather tedious.
Her mind began to wander.
[System, why do all these officials seem healthier than me?]
[Of course! Just look at yourself—you’re critically ill. They have their share of problems too.]
[The one on your left has indigestion and often secretly passes gas during court sessions.]
[Which one?] Xiao Yaozu craned her neck.
Looking left, she saw a crowd of people and couldn’t tell who it was.
[The Admonishing Official in red.]
An official standing behind the Admonishing Official snorted.
No wonder a foul breeze had swept by earlier—it was this old fellow’s doing, and he’d pretended innocence when questioned.
The Admonishing Official’s face flushed crimson as he noticed the subtle sideways glances.
Glancing at the imperial physician beside him, he decided he had nothing left to lose.
“Physician, I often suffer from poor digestion. Can it be cured?”