Only then did Shangguan Jue notice Shangguan Sui.
After all, she was far too small and was sitting behind the desk, so he hadn’t seen her when he first entered.
So… the voice he had just heard—could it have been Fifth Sister’s inner thoughts?
It was incredibly strange, but not entirely impossible.
After all, the world was full of wonders.
Shangguan Jue lifted his gaze and noticed that his imperial father’s face showed no reaction. It seemed he hadn’t heard anything just now.
Could it be that only he could hear it?
Unexpectedly, he and Fifth Sister seemed to share quite a connection.
Shangguan Sui noticed his gaze and smiled at him.
But in her heart, she couldn’t help but sigh.
【What a pity… my eldest brother, so brilliant and talented, will unfortunately die young. Sigh…】
Shangguan Jue: Who’s dying young?!
Shangguan Lin: My eldest son is going to die?!
Both Shangguan Jue and Shangguan Lin instantly held their breath, not daring to speak.
Afraid that even the slightest sound might interrupt Shangguan Sui’s thoughts.
【Sigh, my eldest brother is good in every way—his writing, his calligraphy—who would’ve thought he’d fall because of a woman.】
【Speaking of it, it’s truly a fated calamity. A year ago, he was saved by a woman in the outskirts. That woman is named Xiao Yun.】
【My eldest brother, grateful for her life-saving grace, brought her back to the residence and treated her very well.】
【But who would’ve thought that this Xiao Yun had been secretly poisoning him all along, which is why his health has been getting worse and worse.】
【Poor big brother… even at the moment of his death, he never knew the truth. So tragic, truly tragic.】
Shangguan Jue’s pupils shrank sharply.
How did Fifth Sister know about Xiao Yun?!
He had never told anyone about her existence.
And how could Xiao Yun be poisoning him?
But it was true—his health had worsened ever since she moved into his residence…
Shangguan Jue’s heart pounded wildly. He immediately cupped his hands and said, “Father Emperor, this son suddenly remembered there are matters in my residence that need attention. I would like to return first.”
Shangguan Lin nodded. “Go quickly.”
He chose to believe Suisui’s words without hesitation.
However, could there be someone behind Xiao Yun pulling the strings?
This matter had to be thoroughly investigated!
Who exactly was trying to harm his eldest son?!
He wanted to hear more, but suddenly the voice in his ears disappeared.
Turning his head, Shangguan Lin saw that Shangguan Sui had already fallen asleep on the desk, and he couldn’t help but chuckle.
She must really be sleepy.
Shangguan Lin picked her up into his arms and draped a cloak over her.
He decided to personally send Suisui back.
“Head to Consort Chen’s palace.”
Upon hearing this, Eunuch Chen immediately announced in a sharp voice—
“His Majesty is traveling to Bihua Palace.”
In less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn,
The news that the Emperor had personally carried the Fifth Princess back to Bihua Palace spread throughout the entire palace…
..
Eldest Prince’s Residence.
No sooner had Shangguan Jue arrived at the main courtyard than Xiao Yun also appeared.
Today, Xiao Yun wore a light green gauze dress. Her eyes carried a gentle warmth, and her whole demeanor was delicate and refined.
“Your Highness, you’re back,” Xiao Yun said with a graceful smile.
As she spoke, she took a bowl of medicine from the maid behind her and handed it to Shangguan Jue.
“Your Highness, you left in a hurry this morning and forgot to take your medicine.”
Looking at the dark, murky bowl of medicine, Shangguan Jue couldn’t help but recall that childish voice in his mind.
He didn’t take the bowl, but instead asked directly,
“Do I really have to drink this? I’ve been taking it since last year, but my health doesn’t seem to have improved much.”
Xiao Yun’s smile stiffened for a moment, but she quickly recovered.
“Medicine naturally takes time to show its effects. Compared to before, Your Highness’s complexion has indeed improved a lot.”
Shangguan Jue curled his lips slightly, his voice calm. “Is that so?”
Xiao Yun nodded. “Of course.”
What’s wrong with this sickly man today? He’s actually starting to question things?
If he doesn’t drink the medicine, how is she supposed to send him to his death?
“Your Highness, please drink it quickly. Once it cools, its potency will weaken.”
Shangguan Jue glanced at her, then reached out and took the bowl.
“I understand.”
After saying that, he turned and went into the study.
Watching his retreating figure, Xiao Yun’s lips curled upward.
She knew it—Shangguan Jue always listened to her.
No man in this world could resist her charm.
With satisfaction, Xiao Yun tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and turned to leave the courtyard.
Inside the study.
Shangguan Jue placed the bowl of medicine on the table and took out a silver needle used for testing poison, dipping it into the liquid.
In just an instant, the needle turned black.
There was poison in the medicine!
Shangguan Jue’s face turned icy.
Just as Fifth Sister had said—Xiao Yun had indeed been poisoning him all along!
He had trusted her so completely, never suspecting her!
This matter—he would definitely get to the bottom of it!
..
Bihua Palace.
Yawning, Shangguan Sui slowly opened her eyes and realized it was already night outside.
She still hadn’t fully recovered, so she was always sleepy.
She hadn’t expected to fall asleep just listening to others talk—and sleep all the way until evening.
“Suisui, are you awake?”
Shangguan Sui nodded, letting out a soft hum.
Consort Chen walked to the bedside, lifted the curtain, picked up the small clothes nearby, and personally dressed Shangguan Sui.
Her voice was gentle and coaxing. “Suisui, are you hungry? Mother made your favorite fish soup.”
Shangguan Sui nodded eagerly.
【I like Mother, I like Mother so much~】
Consort Chen smiled softly and carried Shangguan Sui into the main hall of Bihua Palace.
In the hall stood a square table made of purple sandalwood, covered with dish after dish of delicious food.
Shangguan Sui almost drooled.
She stared intently—until she suddenly noticed a bright yellow figure.
【Huh? Why is my dad here?】
Shangguan Lin: …
What, was she unhappy to see him?
【Sigh, I still want to eat with beautiful Mother~】
Hearing this, the corners of Consort Chen’s lips lifted into a smile.
But when she caught sight of Shangguan Lin’s less-than-pleasant expression, she quickly suppressed it.
Better to laugh quietly to herself.
Sitting in Consort Chen’s arms, Shangguan Sui ate heartily.
【So delicious! The food beautiful Mother makes is really too tasty!】
【Other consorts just have servants cook and bring the food to Father, then claim they made it themselves.】
【But my mother is different—she really can cook, and it’s this delicious! My mother is amazing!】
Consort Chen’s ears turned red from the praise.
Suisui really…
She hadn’t expected that, in Suisui’s eyes, she was this wonderful.
Shangguan Lin drank the fish soup in his bowl and nodded in approval.
He was now beginning to realize that Consort Chen was indeed different from the other consorts in his harem.
He was usually busy with state affairs and would simply go to whichever consort invited him.
But in his memory, Consort Chen had never once invited him.
She was like an orchid, quietly blooming on her own.
Shangguan Lin thought that, in the future, he should come here more often.
Just then, Eunuch Chen suddenly entered from outside the hall.
“Your Majesty, Consort Rou says she is feeling unwell and requests that you go see her.”