As his back slammed against the hard pillar, Wen Chu shivered, yet he did not put up the slightest struggle, resigning himself to his fate without uttering a single word.
Eunuch Chang grew anxious and immediately knelt, pleading with Xie Huaixiao: “Prince Regent, please calm your anger! His Majesty is frail and cannot withstand even the slightest mishap!”
Xie Huaixiao’s jaw tightened, his gaze slightly lowered as he stared at Wen Chu.
The person before him had skin as white as snow and exquisite, delicate features, exuding a gentle and reserved temperament. His eyes were filled with a hint of melancholy, with a faint, reddish tint at the corners, revealing a sorrow that made him appear as beautiful and fragile as glass, as if he would shatter at the slightest touch.
“I expect to see you at the morning court tomorrow. Do not force me to kill you.” With that, Xie Huaixiao released his grip and turned to leave.
Striking, visible finger marks immediately appeared on Wen Chu’s fair chin. His thin, frail body slumped down the stone pillar, sitting weakly on the ground.
Eunuch Chang hurried over to help him up, but Wen Chu shook his head gently.
“Alas,” Eunuch Chang sighed helplessly, “The Prince Regent knows full well that His Majesty is in poor health, yet he still treats him so rudely.”
Wen Chu said calmly, “He should have killed me four years ago.”
Eunuch Chang tried to comfort him: “That was merely a rumor, Your Majesty. Please do not take it to heart.”
This was not a rumor. Xie Huaixiao had already seized military power while the late Emperor was critically ill. He had originally intended to commit regicide and usurp the throne on the day of Wen Chu’s coronation, but for reasons unknown, he had suddenly changed his mind and did not kill Wen Chu to seize the throne.
Recalling the events of that year, Wen Chu gave a desolate smile: “Back then, when I learned he was going to kill me, I was terrified. To keep myself from being afraid, I drank a great deal of wine, until I lost consciousness and was taken by that mysterious person…”
A mist of tears clouded Wen Chu’s eyes: “Too cowardly to face what they had done.”
On the day of the coronation, the palace hosted a grand banquet with many guests, including envoys from neighboring countries and numerous imperial guards thousands of people in total. This made it impossible for Wen Chu to track down who exactly had violated him.
Bringing up such a matter was undoubtedly like sprinkling salt on a wound. Eunuch Chang changed the subject: “Your Majesty, your body fears the cold; be careful not to catch a chill. Please, get up.”
Wen Chu was already sickly by nature, and the traumatic childbirth three years ago had left him on the brink of death. At twenty-two, his body was already fragile and decaying. Wen Chu was well aware of his own condition; he could not afford to fall ill, as Yu’er still needed his care.
Eunuch Chang helped Wen Chu to his feet.
Just as the two were about to leave the lake pavilion, Gu Qingfang, a censor from the Censorate, entered. He bowed and offered a salute: “Blessings to Your Majesty.”
As he spoke, he glanced at Eunuch Chang. Wen Chu understood his intention and instructed Eunuch Chang to wait off to the side.
The location of the lake pavilion made it impossible for hidden guards to eavesdrop, so Wen Chu did not need to worry about being overheard. After they were seated, Wen Chu asked Gu Qingfang: “What is the matter?”
Gu Qingfang was Wen Chu’s study companion; they had been close since childhood, and he was now one of Wen Chu’s trusted confidants. Since his father was the Right Chancellor, he was better informed about court affairs than Wen Chu himself.
Gu Qingfang said with a grave expression: “It is about the Crown Prince.”
Yu’er was Wen Chu’s entire world. Upon hearing this, Wen Chu’s face turned pale instantly: “Is he going to kill the Crown Prince?”
By “he,” it was clear he was referring to Xie Huaixiao.
As soon as the words left his lips, Wen Chu immediately shook his head to deny it: “That cannot be. He did not even kill me, so how could he kill Yu’er?” He paused slightly, “Over these years, I have seen that he treats Yu’er quite well.”
“Your Majesty is too kind,” Gu Qingfang said. “As a treacherous official, how could he ever be good to anyone? It is nothing but schemes and calculations. Envoys from the Longshu Kingdom have arrived to discuss the matter of hostages with Xie Huaixiao, and the Longshu Kingdom intends to take the Crown Prince away as a hostage.”