Within the system space.
"86365, what's going on?" Xiao Wenqiang, who had been executing a flawless plan to use Leng Yuanxiang to kill Situ Chuanqiong and then play the hero saving the damsel, was suddenly interrupted and sent back to the system space.
"Wenqiang, we detected an unknown energy just now. I was afraid something would go wrong, so I pulled you back," replied No. 86365.
"Unknown energy?" Xiao Wenqiang had some thoughts and quickly asked, "When? Have you figured out the reason?"
"It was when you took the blow for Situ Chuanqiong. The main system alarm sounded, saying another energy had invaded. But it disappeared quickly, and we haven't found any clues yet," No. 86365 was also confused.
"Could it be a system error?" Xiao Wenqiang asked tentatively.
"It usually doesn't make mistakes! The main system requires a full-range scan. Since the original host's body is also injured, let's let her remain unconscious for a while!"
"Alright!" Xiao Wenqiang stopped talking to 86365 and internally called out to the divine beast, "Dandan, was that you just now?"
Soon, Dandan's somewhat timid voice came out, "I'm sorry, Mommy. When Dandan woke up, I suddenly sensed Mommy was in danger, so I wanted to help Mommy. I didn't control myself well..."
Xiao Wenqiang knew this was the reason. Understanding that the little divine beast was also concerned about her, she comforted, "It's okay, Dandan. But the main system is scanning recently, so you must hide well."
"Okay, Mommy, Dandan understands!" The little divine beast was very happy to not be scolded.
Therefore, the subsequent time was spent with the main system scanning, which caused Empress Chu Yulan's body to remain in a deep coma.
When Situ Chuanqiong and Situ Zixian, the two brothers, were grief-stricken, and the imperial physicians were at their wits' end, Chu Yulan (Xiao Wenqiang) finally opened her eyes after being unconscious for five days.
"Lan'er, how are you feeling? Does it still hurt?" Situ Chuanqiong was the first to notice the Empress's awakening and rushed forward to inquire.
"This concubine is fine. I have worried Your Majesty," Chu Yulan (Xiao Wenqiang) feigned weakness while also showing concern, "How is Your Majesty's injury?"
In reality, Situ Chuanqiong's injuries were more severe than the Empress's, and he felt increasingly weak these days. However, he didn't want to worry the woman who cared for him at this moment, so he deliberately said, "I am the Son of Heaven, this minor injury is nothing. Lan'er, do not worry."
Chu Yulan (Xiao Wenqiang) found the stubborn man before her amusing, but she put on a relieved expression, "It is good that Your Majesty is well, this concubine is finally at ease!"
Inwardly, she knew that Situ Chuanqiong did not have much time left, as she had secretly administered a special, potent poison to the dagger.
This poison did not kill instantly but would cause increasing weakness, leading to death from organ failure. Due to its subtle nature, imperial physicians would not suspect poisoning, attributing the Emperor's decline to weakness from his injuries. It was a poison that killed without a trace.
Furthermore, before administering the poison, Chu Yulan (Xiao Wenqiang) had already taken an antidote. Coupled with the fact that the dagger first pierced Situ Chuanqiong's body, there was hardly any remaining toxicity when it stabbed the Empress's body.
Thus, half a month later, the imperial physicians were baffled to find that the Empress was gradually recovering, while the Emperor suddenly could no longer rise from his bed.
When Situ Chuanqiong had been bedridden for three days, completely unable to get up, he knew his time was short.
On this day, he summoned all those important to him into his room and made his verbal will.
As Situ Chuanqiong had no heirs, he passed the throne to his younger brother, Situ Zixian. He then disbanded his harem, keeping no one except the Empress.
Initially, he had intended to have all his concubines buried with him, as in his heart, they were merely his possessions.
However, Chu Yulan (Xiao Wenqiang) stopped him, "Your Majesty, these concubines are also pitiable. Give them some money and let them leave! I hope that by doing these good deeds, it will bless Your Majesty to recover quickly."
Looking at the Empress, who had also become increasingly gaunt due to his condition, Situ Chuanqiong finally agreed. Although he knew that no amount of good deeds would be enough, he was acutely aware of his own physical state.
In the Emperor's final moments, Chu Yulan (Xiao Wenqiang) asked everyone to leave, "Let me accompany Your Majesty for his last journey. For this final stretch, I wish to be with him alone in quiet contemplation."
Situ Zixian wiped away a tear and waved his hand, leading everyone else out.
At this moment, Situ Chuanqiong was barely breathing and could not speak. He could only slightly open his eyes to look at his Empress.
After everyone, including Chu Yulan (Xiao Wenqiang), had left, she abruptly changed her affectionate demeanor and sneered, "Situ Chuanqiong, I have finally waited for the day you die!"
Hearing the sudden change in the woman before him, Situ Chuanqiong's eyes widened, wondering if he was hallucinating.
"You're not hearing things!" Chu Yulan (Xiao Wenqiang) sat by the bedside and continued in a soft voice, "Did you really think I would still love you after you annihilated my entire clan?"
She patted the Emperor's face, "You didn't naively believe that by finding a scapegoat to clear the name of my Chu family, I would be eternally grateful, did you? Hahahaha..."
Watching him gasp for breath with his mouth agape but unable to speak, Chu Yulan (Xiao Wenqiang) continued to taunt him. "Do you know that I've been waiting for this day for a long time? Someone as heartless, ungrateful, and cruel as you, how could you deserve true love? So, look at how your beloved Leng Yuanxiang treated you – not only did she cheat on you, but she also intended to kill you!"
Situ Chuanqiong trembled, but after much effort, he still could not lift his hand.
"But you two are a perfect match, aren't you? You call Leng Yuanxiang heartless, but aren't you the same!" Chu Yulan (Xiao Wenqiang) leaned closer to his ear and whispered, "Actually, I knew long ago that you were the one who killed my entire clan, because... your good brother Zixian already told me the truth!"
"No... no..." Situ Chuanqiong mouthed the words but could not make a sound.
"Moreover, after you die, he said he wants to marry me and make me his Empress!" Chu Yulan (Xiao Wenqiang) delivered the most devastating blow.
Situ Chuanqiong, believing his brother and Empress had jointly betrayed him, let out a final, choking gasp and died with his eyes wide open!
Chu Yulan (Xiao Wenqiang) had finally completed another part of her mission. She let out a sigh of relief and closed his eyes with her hand. Then, composing herself, she let out a wail, "Your Majesty..."