Just after stepping out of the emperor’s hall, Huo Yuchen clutched his chest and began coughing painfully.
“My… my body fails me. I… I shall not visit the wounded. I must trouble… my imperial brothers to make the journey…”
Each word was uttered haltingly with great difficulty.
The princes exchanged glances, clear amusement flashing in their eyes.
Prince Duan spoke with feigned concern: “Elder Brother’s health is poor, you should rest immediately! Such trivial matters need not trouble you! We four brothers are naturally willing to share your burdens!”
“Yes, yes… such small matters don’t require Elder Brother’s attention…”
They echoed in unison, their words appearing sincere and earnest.
The picture of fraternal harmony was almost praiseworthy.
Huo Yuchen ignored their barely concealed delight.
Clutching his chest, he slowly made his way toward his own quarters. Before leaving, he instructed his personal guard Jing Feng: “Quickly summon the divine physician Bai Li Qing Yun! I feel tightness in my chest and shortness of breath – as if I might cough up my internal organs…”
Upon hearing this, the four princes could scarcely conceal their glee.
With the Crown Prince’s health failing and unable to manage affairs, everyone’s opportunities increased.
The position of Eastern Palace heir was every prince’s dream.
Particularly Prince Duan and Prince Chang, both born of Consort Li – the brothers exchanged glances, shared excitement flowing between them.
Yet this remained unspoken.
Only when Huo Yuchen had gone far into the distance did the four princes withdraw their gazes and proceed together toward the temporary Imperial Hospital.
Within the Imperial Hospital’s wards, crowded with relatives of various court officials, intermittent sobbing could be heard.
Prince Duan frowned slightly before striding confidently inside.
The other princes followed closely behind.
Besides Crown Prince Huo Yuchen, born of Empress Wei, Qin Wudi had seven other adult princes:
These two princes, favored by their mother’s deep imperial affection, received particular reliance and fondness from Qin Wudi. Openly, none dared rival them besides the Crown Prince, demonstrating their current prominence.
Prince Huo Ling was titled Prince Gong – a handsome, amiable young man skilled at currying favor with the emperor. His youth further endeared him to the emperor.
These three princes’ mothers lacked imperial favor and their maternal clans held insignificant influence, making them comparatively ordinary in Qin Wudi’s eyes.
Of the eight princes, five attended this royal hunting excursion: the Crown Prince, Prince Duan, Prince Chang, Prince Qi, and Prince Gong. The three unfavored princes were assigned duties elsewhere and did not accompany them.
It was clear that Qin Wudi’s attitude toward his sons was one of distinct favor and disfavor.
The sickroom was crowded with people, with imperial physicians and their assistants bustling in and out.
As soon as the princes entered, the hall fell silent.
A hush descended, so quiet one could hear a pin drop.
Everyone quickly knelt and bowed in unison, exclaiming, “Greetings to Prince Duan, Prince Chang, Prince Qi, and Prince Gong!”
Prince Duan stepped forward, standing at the forefront to receive the crowd’s obeisance.
He expressionlessly scanned the room before lightly raising his hand. “All of you may rise.”
At that moment, a secretary from the Ministry of War stepped forward respectfully and reported, “Ten guards are severely injured, seven have died, and the second legitimate daughter of the Minister of Rites is gravely wounded, mainly on her arm and back. The wounds are serious, and she is still under treatment.”
“The young son of the Ministry of War secretary is also severely injured on his leg and shoulder and remains unconscious.”
“In total, thirty-eight wolves were killed. Ten of them were shot dead or critically wounded by that ‘Shenjianshou’ named Lin Pianran. If not for her, the consequences would have been far more severe.”
Prince Duan listened but seemed unimpressed, nodding slightly to acknowledge the report. With an impassive expression, he instructed, “Have the imperial physicians spare no effort in treating the wounded. I have brought additional medicinal supplies—prioritize the lightly injured first, while the imperial physicians focus on the severely wounded.”
He then turned to a handsome man behind him and said softly, “You should also examine everyone. See if there is a better treatment method.”
The man nodded slightly and went to attend to the wounded.
The Ministry of War secretary, overjoyed at this, said gratefully, “It is a blessing for all that Divine Doctor Li from Prince Duan’s residence can treat everyone!”
Prince Duan then spoke calmly, “It is truly unexpected that so many wild wolves appeared in the Royal Hunting Ground.”
“Normally, wolf packs rarely venture out in broad daylight. Their appearance in such numbers is highly suspicious. Order the Yulin Jun to swiftly investigate the truth!”
As he spoke, his expression was filled with righteous solemnity.
Upon hearing this, Prince Chang wore a mocking smile, thinking to himself, “My elder brother is quite the actor, manipulating everyone like puppets.”
Prince Qi also found the wolves’ appearance suspicious, but what was their purpose? Surely, it wasn’t merely to kill a few people? He felt there was more to the matter.
Could the target of the behind-the-scenes schemer be among the hunting party?
Was it The Eldest Princess?
Or Princess Huai’an?
Or someone else?
Who could it be?
Prince Qi frowned deeply and quietly instructed a Shadow Guard behind him, “Send someone to investigate discreetly!”
He couldn’t shake the feeling that something was amiss.
Even if no action was taken, knowing the reason would be beneficial.
It would prevent him from falling into someone else’s trap.
It would also help him respond appropriately and perhaps even seize the opportunity to act in his own favor.
As for the eighth prince, Huo Ling, he maintained an innocent and carefree demeanor, smiling as he followed his elder brothers. He neither sought attention nor spoke much, appearing almost invisible and lacking presence.
But to underestimate him based on this would be a grave mistake.
The more radiant and composed a person appears on the surface, the more they conceal beneath, and the more they should not be underestimated.
Princes and princesses, having grown up in the deep palace since childhood, are accustomed to deceit and conspiracies. How many among them possess a simple and untainted mind?
Hidden dragons and crouching tigers—none are ordinary individuals.