Shangguan Lin didn't consider himself a chivalrous person, but he had always been proud of his character. Yet, when did they gradually begin to sink, it seemed from when?
His gaze involuntarily drifted to the figure ahead. Since when had the Emperor become so different from before?
When he was little, the person he admired most was this imperial brother. He was beautiful and unparalleled, more beautiful than a woman, yet without any feminine affectation. Not only was he handsome, but he also possessed a kind and benevolent heart.
No one knew why he vowed to be loyal to the Crown Prince, because his life was saved by the Crown Prince. Once, he was hiding in the garden and overheard a conversation between the Crown Prince and the Empress.
"Mother, Yao'er likes Lin."
"Yao'er, he will snatch your throne when he grows up," the Empress Dowager's tone was cold then, as if she were angry, but Yao still insisted on his own view.
"If Lin likes Yao'er's throne, Yao'er will let him be emperor."
With a snap, the Empress Dowager slapped the Crown Prince. Although he was young then, the shock was so profound that even now, his chest was filled with warmth. Yao was truly a good brother, and he was fortunate to have such a brother.
Yao was enfeoffed as the Crown Prince from birth, exceptionally intelligent, so his father, the Emperor, doted on him. However, the Empress seemed very indifferent towards Yao.
But after that incident, he miraculously survived until he grew up and was enfeoffed as a Prince.
After hearing Yao's words that time, he never entertained any other thought. The throne was never as important as familial affection, especially since it was Yao's throne. He didn't want it; he just wanted to grow up alongside Yao.
However, when Yao was thirteen, his father sent him to Qingfeng Mountain to learn martial arts, and he returned to the capital at eighteen.
Upon meeting again, Yao seemed different from before. Although his appearance was still handsome, it lacked the stunning beauty from his memory. He had thought Yao's bearing could be called the best in the world, that no one could surpass his exquisite looks.
But now, he had become much more ordinary. Moreover, his mindset seemed to be narrowing, incomparable to the Yao of the past.
And he persevered, because of that summer afternoon, a single sentence from that beautiful young man changed his life.
As Shangguan Lin was lost in thought, the Emperor on the high seat noticed his distracted state and raised his eyebrows curiously, "What's wrong, Prince Lin?"
Shangguan Lin jolted. Yes, it was that tone. Yao used to love calling him Lin, hugging him, and saying with a smile as warm as spring.
"Lin, we must be the best pair of brothers. If one day you desire anything, just tell your imperial brother. Whatever you want, just ask, and your imperial brother will give it to you."
This was his Yao, but why was he so indifferent and cold now?
Receiving the Emperor's confused gaze, Shangguan Lin snapped back to reality. Why dwell on the past? It was a dream that spanned a thousand miles.
"Your Majesty, your humble brother has something to report to Your Majesty."
Shangguan Yao remembered the matter at hand, his expression stern and serious, his entire demeanor filled with coldness. Shangguan Yao raised an eyebrow, "What is it?"
"Something has happened at Fengya Pass. Your humble brother received news that a plague is rampant at Fengya Pass. What does Your Majesty think should be done about this?"
Shangguan Yao was stunned. A plague? Such a thing had happened. It was likely that no one in Fengya Pass would survive. Could it be that Heaven intended to destroy Dongqin, because of his sins?
After a long silence, Shangguan Lin looked up and saw his imperial brother lost in thought, his eyelashes half-closed, casting a shadow. He seemed lost in confusion. Suddenly, he opened his eyes, a sharp glint flashing within them, and spoke in a low, cold voice.
"Transfer a group of imperial physicians from the palace, led by Prince Lin, to immediately proceed to Fengya Pass to investigate the nature of the plague and see if it can be controlled in time. Additionally, Xiliang will likely take advantage of this situation to attack. I order the Ministry of War to immediately dispatch troops from nearby to provide support."
Shangguan Yao commanded calmly. At this moment, he couldn't afford to worry about Yun Mo. He had to secure Fengya Pass first, otherwise, the balance between the four kingdoms would be lost, and they would become fish on a chopping board.
They would then be at the mercy of others, and he would be the sinner of Dongqin.
As the Emperor issued his command, Shangguan Lin lowered his eyelids, a sharp pain piercing his chest.
His imperial brother was so indifferent and heartless. Knowing there was a plague at Fengya Pass, he ordered him to lead the imperial physicians there without batting an eyelid.
Although this was his inescapable duty, the words spoken from his mouth made it difficult for him to breathe. If it were in the past, he would have firmly dissuaded him from going to Fengya Pass.
He would have said sternly, "Lin, your imperial brother only has you, his younger brother. How can you take such risks?" And then they would have argued.
"What's wrong, Prince Lin?" A questioning voice rang out. Shangguan Lin returned to his senses, managing a faint, bitter smile. Why think about the past? He bowed his head and replied, "Your humble brother is fine. Your humble brother was merely contemplating how to resolve the current situation."
"Oh, there's no time to delay. Go and do it immediately."
"Yes, Imperial Brother," Shangguan Lin clasped his hands and walked out. Suddenly, he remembered something and stopped, turning back to look at the high seat, "I heard His Majesty has deposed the Empress. What if Yun Mo finds out?"
"At a time like this, does he still have the leisure to concern himself with matters in the capital? He might not even be alive." Shangguan Yao's words were filled with hostility. He waved his hand, and Shangguan Lin bowed in acknowledgment and left.
In the grand hall, the handsome face contorted for a moment, his eyes slightly narrowed, emitting a dangerous glint.
What was with Prince Lin just now? Was it really because of the current situation? Or was there something else?
Shangguan Yao pondered for a moment, then recalled other matters. He looked up and called into the darkness, "Mingyue, Mingri."
"Yes, Master," two figures flashed out and knelt before the hall. Shangguan Yao looked at them coldly, his expressionless face speaking, "Leave the palace immediately and find out where the Ghost Hand Phoenix Official is. Once you find him, bring him to see me."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Mingyue and Mingri received the order and left the palace...
The palace stabilized. The foolish Empress was deposed, and the Emperor posted an imperial decree, making it known to all under heaven that the Emperor had deposed the Empress to save the Empress Dowager.
Various speculations circulated among the populace. Some rejoiced, while others expressed doubt. Some even believed the Emperor was merely deceiving himself. In short, opinions were divided.
The Empress Dowager had largely recovered and learned of the Empress's deposition. The matter was settled and irreversible, so she eventually accepted it with composure.
Shangguan Lin mobilized a group of imperial physicians from the Imperial Hospital and immediately set off for Fengya Pass.
The Emperor ordered the Ministry of War to dispatch fifty thousand troops from nearby cities to defend against the invasion of the Xiliang army from the periphery.
Everything was in motion...
A refined and magnificent manor, complete with artificial mountains and flowing water, a serene lake, and intricately carved beams and painted pillars, with hollowed-out corridors and jade columns, and white marble steps.
In front of the gate was a large garden, boasting a complete variety of flowers. Some flowers, which should not have bloomed in this season, were still vibrant, a riot of colors, competing in splendor. A gentle breeze blew, causing them to sway gracefully, and the fragrant wind carried their scent for ten li.
In a spacious bathing room, a screen made of rose-red marble was placed at the entrance.
Beside it were curtains made of transparent glass beads.
Turning past the screen, through the misty vapor, a crescent-shaped bathtub made of white marble could be faintly seen.