PM - 30

Everyone was greatly shocked, and Fu Wei was almost frightened to the point of being at a loss. It was only when Hu Lu Puzhao came in that he managed to drag and carry him into the side hall and onto a long couch.

No one knew exactly what had gone wrong with him. Fearing that the heavy armor might be pressing on him, they hurriedly removed his helmet and shoulder guards. Only after all the iron armor had been taken off did they realize that his red robe had already been stained black with blood.

Fu Wei’s mind was buzzing with confusion. She kept turning her head to ask Jianye if the imperial physician had arrived. Jianye stood by the door, looking far into the distance. Finally, he saw an official from the Imperial Medical Office running down the straight path, disheveled. He shouted, “He’s coming, he’s coming...” and pushed through the crowd to bring the physician to the bedside.

It seemed the injury was severe; the clothes couldn’t be removed, so they requested golden scissors to cut off the sleeves. Standing beside, Fu Wei watched as the wound underneath became visible once the sleeves were removed. The wound wasn’t long, but the surrounding flesh was blackened. The physician pressed it, and it felt like pressing on a tile—there was no rebound response.

Anxiously, she looked at Puzhao, “Do you know what happened?”

Hu Lu frowned. If he said he didn’t know, the slow shake of his head indicated otherwise. He simply said, “My lord, don’t worry. Let’s wait for the physician to examine him.”

Then, various silver needles were brought out to seal the acupoints around the wound. The bleeding gradually stopped, revealing jagged cuts that looked somewhat grotesque.

How could this happen? Everything had been fine just earlier. She was panicked but dared not show it on her face, striving to remain calm. Bending down, she softly called out to him, “Chancellor, can you hear me calling you?”

Shangguan Zhao still hadn’t woken up. Cold sweat poured down his face, and the kneeling eunuch beside him kept wiping it away, but it never seemed to end. Fu Wei had a vague suspicion in her heart, thinking this matter probably had something to do with the Chancellor. Earlier, he had said such a bunch of incoherent words, quite different from his usual sparing use of words. Only now did she realize he had come to demonstrate his power, repeatedly disregarding her. How could this not provoke hatred!

She clenched her fists and asked the physician, “How is Chancellor Shangguan’s injury?”

The physician wiped the sweat from his forehead, stood up, and bowed deeply. “I have temporarily stopped the bleeding for the Chancellor. I will prescribe some medicine to reduce fever and dissipate blood stasis. However, upon touching the wound, the evil qi has coagulated, stiff and unresponsive. I fear...”

“Is it poisoned?” She glanced at Azhao’s face, her heart trembling.

The physician hesitated and then confirmed, “Your Majesty, please see for yourself. The Chancellor’s wound isn’t deep. For someone skilled in martial arts, this kind of wound is merely a matter of enduring some pain, and their life is certainly not in danger. But now... we need Your Majesty to decide.”

She stood there numbly, paused, and asked, “Is there any effective antidote?”

The physician shook his head, “There are countless poisons in the world, and we cannot determine which one it is. Using the wrong medicine without proper guidance would be counterproductive. To completely cure it, we must find the person who administered the poison.”

Hu Lu Puzhao became anxious, “My lord, how should we handle this?”

How to handle it, she didn’t know either. Turning back to look at the person lying on the bed, she muttered, “Let’s discuss the strategy after he wakes up!”

After such an incident, there was no mood left to deal with government affairs. She stayed by his bedside for a long time, talking to herself, “Azhao, there aren’t many people I can rely on in this world. After counting, only you have always been wholeheartedly for me. You absolutely must not have anything happen to you, or else what will I do?”

The young emperor’s words, he could actually hear them all. He was worried inside, but he couldn’t open his eyelids no matter what. That arrow last night came too quickly—too fast for him to defend against. Originally, he thought that getting hit by an arrow wouldn’t be much, just a minor injury. Who knew that by the latter half of the night, he began to feel feverish and itchy, and by this morning, that part of his flesh felt dead. Only then did he realize that he might have fallen victim to Yan Xiangru’s scheme.

Would he die like this? Even in death, he couldn’t let go of the young emperor! Over the years in Wuling, he made many drinking and meat-eating friends, but they were all superficial acquaintances, none reaching his heart. He had grown up accompanying him since childhood. He had never regarded him as an emperor. In his heart, he was always the brother who needed protection. Even if one day he had to sacrifice everything for him, he would have no regrets.

The Yan family’s actions were indeed ruthless. If it weren’t for the added insult just now, perhaps he could have endured and thought of a way to detoxify himself. Now, reduced to such a sorry state, alarming the imperial carriage...

“Azhao, do you want some water?” The young emperor leaned over his pillow and asked, “I’ll help you drink a little.”

He turned and walked away. Taking a deep breath, he suddenly struggled, breaking free from the endless darkness. With a miserable voice, he called out, “Your Majesty... your subject is guilty.”

Seeing him awake filled her with joy. She hastily put down the teacup and came over to comfort him, “Why do you keep saying you are guilty? Look at what others have done to you. What guilt is there?”

He shook his head, “This time, I truly am guilty.” Then he detailed last night’s events, remorsefully admitting, “I infiltrated the Empress’s residence, committing a grave act of disrespect.”

Fu Wei listened in astonishment. Did he do this just to catch someone in the act? Did he believe the Chancellor and the Empress were having an affair? To ensure the purity of the royal lineage, did he want to obtain evidence of their adultery? This old friend was really straightforward to the point of being exasperating.

Fu Wei turned her face and chuckled lightly, though her heart ached dully. “Azhao, the Empress and the Chancellor will never commit adultery. You have worried too much.” Before he could say anything more, she pressed his body down a bit, “Don’t move. I’ll think of a way. I’ll get the antidote back for you.”

He didn’t want her to plead with the Chancellor, urgently saying, “At this critical moment of appointing the Secretary of State, Your Majesty must not let my sake ruin everything.”

But wasn’t the Chancellor waiting right here for her? No wonder he readily agreed to relinquish the authority to review memorials. He must have been confident, sure that he wouldn’t lose.

“You were injured last night at the Empress’s residence. Perhaps it’s not only the Chancellor who has the antidote.” She consoled him, “Lie down well and don’t move around. Leave everything to me. As long as I can save you... if push comes to shove, the title of Secretary of State alone, I’ll give it to him if I have to.”

Shangguan Zhao still wanted to stop her. She ordered Bu Hai to take care of him and herself walked out of the side hall.

Standing under the eaves in deep thought, going to the Chancellor was something she genuinely didn’t want to do. After yesterday’s events, what reason did she have to believe he still held goodwill towards her? In his view, love in this world was all nonsense. First Yuan Han, then her—he remained single at twenty-eight for a reason. So at this moment, she relied on her little Empress. Not because she particularly trusted him, but at least someone who was about to marry her would consider the future.

She summoned Hu Lu, “Prepare a team of imperial cavalry and accompany me to Yebanli.”

She had never been to the Empress’s residence before, but she knew it wasn’t within the city. To keep the secret, the Chancellor had arranged for Nie Lingjun to live in seclusion. Leaving the city, she didn’t need to hide her movements. Since the previous incidents, every move of hers was under the Chancellor’s watchful eye. Concealing things would only appear disingenuous.

As long as there was a glimmer of hope, she didn’t want to deal with him. In the future, aside from confrontations in the court, there would be no private dealings between them.

Her carriage moved somewhat hurriedly. Hu Lu Puzhao led the way ahead, occasionally turning back to look, probably curious about the seclusion of the Empress’s residence!

Upon reaching the straight path in front of the bamboo grove, she ordered the carriage to stop and descended from the wooden steps herself. Looking up and surveying the surroundings, the rustling wind through the bamboo forest gave an unfathomable feeling. She realized there were such places outside the imperial city. She had thought Chuncheng Ye was beautiful enough, but she didn’t expect Yebanli to surpass it. There were no soft marshlands here, but endless pine and bamboo trees. On the distant mountain peaks, the maple leaves were already blazing red. At first glance, their shape resembled a drawn bow. When the full moon rose, it would be the most splendid moment. The name Yebanli was reportedly derived from this.

She took a breath and calmly said, “The Empress likes quietness. I will go in alone. You wait here and do not allow anyone to disturb us.”

Hu Lu was a bit uneasy, “The terrain here is complex. Allow me to escort Your Majesty.”

She raised her hand, signaling him not to say more. She proceeded along the straight path, walking for a long time. She didn’t know how long the road was, but the scenery along the way made her feel temporarily relaxed. Living up to this day, she had always been rushing forward, seemingly never having the chance to stop and leisurely look around. If it weren’t for Azhao’s incident, coming here to have tea and play chess with the Empress would have been nice.

She focused on her feet, a habit formed over many years due to fear of tripping when ascending the red steps. Occasionally lifting her eyes to look into the distance, she suddenly noticed a person standing in the middle of the straight path—wearing a pale moon-colored robe, hair loosely tied. Although not tall, there was a sense of aloofness about him.

She stopped, watching him bow and greet her, then walk over with a smile, gently calling her “Your Majesty.”

She nodded, “You knew I was coming?”

He gently confirmed, “Your subject is always awaiting Your Majesty.”

Awaiting her for what? Did he know she would come to him to detoxify Azhao? She touched her forehead and said, “You must have guessed my intentions. Can you help me with this?”

Lingjun hummed, his face indifferent, “Recently, I heard that Your Majesty went to great lengths to extract Chancellor Shangguan from the Wuling case. According to my knowledge, Shangguan Zhao is merely a general with a miscellaneous title. Without significant achievements, he was promoted to the position of chancellor and constantly accompanies Your Majesty. Presumably, Your Majesty holds him in high regard, doesn’t she?”

His tone carried a faint disdain. Fu Wei had expected him to make numerous excuses due to the Chancellor, but she hadn’t anticipated him being so concerned about Shangguan Zhao’s appointment as chancellor. This youth, mature beyond his years, was cautious, and when throwing tantrums, was also hard to deal with.

“The chancellors and regular attendants are my trusted confidants, naturally chosen from familiar faces. Shangguan Zhao has been my study companion since childhood, almost growing up with me. Do you know what friendship is? It means understanding and trusting each other even after a long separation. Shangguan Zhao is that kind of person to me.”

Nie Lingjun smiled faintly, “Your Majesty is truly nostalgic. I originally intended to accompany Your Majesty after entering the palace. Now, with Chancellor Shangguan and Commander Hu Lu around, there might be no place for me in the future. If we talk about closeness, I dare say that I am the closest to Your Majesty. Not only am I the Empress proclaimed by Your Majesty to the world, but I have also slept in the same bed as Your Majesty. Isn’t that right, Your Majesty?”

Fu Wei coughed awkwardly twice, “I thought I made myself clear to you that day outside the sleeping quarters.”

“Does Your Majesty still think of the Chancellor?” He had been walking alongside her but suddenly stopped, gazing intently at her. “The Chancellor forced Your Majesty into this situation. Does Your Majesty still harbor hopes for him?”

Fu Wei furrowed her brow, somewhat displeased, “Lord Nie asks too much. This does not concern you.”

His face darkened instantly, “Your Majesty harbors suspicions against me because I come from the Chancellor’s school, right? But Your Majesty must not forget, after becoming husband and wife, I will be Your Majesty’s closest person. Our relationship can be fake if we say it’s fake, but it can become real anytime. I share honor and disgrace with Your Majesty in the future. It’s understandable if I plan for the future.”

So, he still planned to turn the fake into reality? She vaguely felt that this youth wasn’t that simple. After all, having been nurtured by a cunning prime minister for many years, even the simplest person wouldn’t remain innocent.

“Lord Nie,” she pondered for a moment, “aren’t you the Chancellor’s favored disciple?”

He confirmed, “Disciple, yes, but I have no marriage contract with him.”

Hmm, this reason was irrefutable. But do men also hold onto outdated beliefs like ‘marry a chicken, follow the chicken’? She said, “I promised you that after some time, I would let you leave the palace. You don’t have to spend your entire life trapped within the forbidden city. Besides, you are a man. Being bound by outdated rules isn’t petty?”

On his youthful face appeared a decisiveness that belied his age, “I don’t know about outdated rules or not. I only know that it’s a man’s duty to protect his family after marriage. Your Majesty is my responsibility.”

Fu Wei was momentarily stunned, her nose inexplicably tingling. This child spoke of love in a way that penetrated to the bone. Whatever she needed, he provided. This was something the Chancellor probably couldn’t teach him because he himself lacked it. It was evident that the little Empress was a natural talent.

“Lord Nie...”

He turned to her and smiled, showing neat, white teeth, smiling without a trace of impurity. “Your Majesty should still call me Empress. I consider it an honor to be Your Majesty’s Empress for life.”

Calling a man “Empress” felt a bit strange, but since he was still young, it wasn’t too difficult to accept. She nodded, “Then, Empress...”

Before she could finish, she noticed him reaching out and tightly gripping her hand. He didn’t look at her, calmly gazing at the distant bamboo forest, speaking melodiously, “I only regret that I grow too slowly, my hands aren’t big enough. In three more years, I will surely be able to protect Your Majesty’s hand in my palm. Currently, Your Majesty finds it difficult to walk. I cannot assist you much, but at the very least, I can manage the harem and the six seals of the Empress for Your Majesty.”

It was truly a medley of emotions. If this person were the Chancellor, she wouldn’t guard against him so much. It wasn’t that her ambition was too great, but rather that she had never felt secure. If she didn’t strengthen herself, her future would inevitably be dire. She didn’t doubt that after falling in love, he would protect her well, but how could she endure the torment before that? More frighteningly, perhaps a lifetime wouldn’t win his true heart. How could she dare entrust her life to him?

She lowered her head, her soul adrift. A cool breeze brushed past her temples. The White Dew season was approaching.

Nie Lingjun gently nudged her, “Your Majesty, next month we will be married.”

She hummed in acknowledgment. Beside her was her little Empress, but her thoughts were still on the Chancellor.

Seeing her remain silent, he took the initiative, “Your Majesty came to me today in vain. I don’t have the antidote for Chancellor Shangguan. Last night, the chancellor sneaked into my residence. Beforehand, the Prime Minister had already sensed it. What kind of person is the Prime Minister? How could he tolerate such audacity! The sleeve arrow was just a lesson. If not for Your Majesty, Shangguan Zhao would already be a corpse today.”

She stopped, “But the sleeve arrow was poisoned. Such an act is even more insidious than Han Yan’s regicide. Why did he do this??”

Lingjun’s face showed a hollow smile, “Perhaps he hates the Chancellor thoroughly. Who knows. However, since Your Majesty has come to me, I cannot stand idly by. Please return to the palace first. I will steal the antidote from the Prime Minister’s residence and deliver it to Your Majesty.”

Fu Wei had to consider deeper. If she really let him take the risk and angered the Prime Minister, resulting in the sudden collapse of the Empress, not only would Azhao’s life be endangered, but her plans to assume personal rule would also be hindered.

She deliberated for a moment and slowly shook her head, “What needs to be faced will eventually be faced. If not this time, then next time. It’s just that the chancellor was rash, walking into a trap and getting calculated. But he is too important to me. No matter the cost, I must save him.”

This statement greatly displeased Lingjun, “Does Your Majesty have feelings for the Chancellor? In the future, do you still plan to appoint him as a concubine? So many talents have suddenly appeared around Your Majesty’s carriage. I feel my position is threatened and must take precautions.”

He suddenly started to pout. Hearing this, she almost burst out laughing, “What absurd thoughts are you having? I am an emperor who governs secretly. Would I dare openly indulge in a harem?”

“That depends on the Chancellor’s intention. Even without a formal title, if he loves Your Majesty, he will stay by Your Majesty’s side.” He sulked, “In any case, please remember that I am the Empress. If it comes to that, please don’t deceive me and inform me truthfully.”

Fu Wei felt very helpless. Reflecting on it now, letting him sleep on her bed that day spoiled things. She hadn’t paid much attention, but a man’s heart was narrower than a woman’s. If sleeping in the same bed meant taking responsibility, then she had shared a pillow with the Chancellor too. Why didn’t he have such awareness?

However, for now, it seemed Lingjun wouldn’t pose any hindrance to her. As for the future, who could say? Perhaps after three years in the palace, genuine feelings might develop. If this marriage happened, then so be it. Anyway, she had no right to pursue love. After the path to the Chancellor was cut off, she felt somewhat disheartened and no longer thought of anything beyond political power.

“Don’t worry. If that day ever comes, I will definitely inform you.” She turned back to look at the path she had come from, realizing unconsciously she had walked so far. Hu Lu Puzhao and those imperial cavalrymen were nowhere to be seen. She told Lingjun, “I will go to meet the Chancellor at his office and won’t linger here. You don’t need to see me off. If they catch sight of us, it will be inconvenient in the future. One more month. Stay home and don’t go out, to avoid further complications. Remember?”

Lingjun responded with a “Yes.” His height was similar to hers, and he no longer looked like a child.

She turned back along the original path. After walking a while, she looked back at him. He was still standing there. The forest wind lifted his robes, fluttering elegantly, a peerless young master.

Previously, she had entered and exited the Chancellor’s residence freely to maintain their complicated ties. Now, deliberately avoiding it, she didn’t want him to feel she was fawning over him.

The Chancellor’s office was located inside the Haomen Gate in the southeast corner of the imperial city. From Tongtuo Street, entering through the Zhuque Gate, there was a convenient path east of the Sima Gate leading directly in. When she stepped into the gate, the officials were all busy. Seeing her, they immediately stopped and performed their courtesies. Ignoring them, she entered the main hall with her hands behind her back. Fortunately, he was there, sitting behind a long desk reviewing documents. He looked up from the piles of scrolls, finished his writing, and then leisurely stood up, smoothing his sleeves as he bowed deeply—

“Your humble servant Ru wishes Your Majesty eternal happiness and unending joy.”