“Rest assured, my son, your mother has secretly sent people out of the palace to seek out renowned physicians. They will surely cure you. Rest easy, my son.”
“Yes, Mother,” Shangguan Yao nodded. His chiseled features were masked by fury, his eyes dark and menacing. “I will find out who tampered with me. If I discover them, I will exterminate their entire clan.”
Ruthless and cruel words filled the inner chambers.
The Empress Dowager remained silent, her eyes filled with deep heartache, yet she knew this was the only way.
The royal family’s lack of heirs was truly worrying. However, such matters could not be leaked. Once word got out, it would inevitably cause panic among the concubines in the harem and unease among the court officials.
The imperial palace once again settled into peace, as if nothing had happened.
The sinking of Concubine Liu and Zhao Cai Ren being confined to the cold palace seemed like mere minor incidents. The palace returned to its vibrant and bustling appearance.
No one dared to mention what had happened that night.
On this day, Shangguan Lin brought good news to the palace. The study was silent. Seated behind the dragon desk was the handsome Emperor, his complexion slightly pale, his unpainted lips exuding a hint of coldness. Shangguan Lin inquired with concern.
“Is Imperial Brother ill?”
After several morning audiences, he had wanted to ask, but never found the opportunity. Without an imperial summons, he could not freely enter or exit the palace.
Dressed in imperial yellow dragon robes, Shangguan Yao indeed appeared somewhat sickly and weary. His eyes, as deep as a bottomless pool, were tinged with bloodshot veins as he leaned against the dragon couch.
His entire being was languid and casual. One long hand propped up his head, his eyelids slightly lowered, and he shook his head.
“It’s nothing, Prince Lin need not worry. Is there something you’ve come to the palace for today?”
“Reporting to Your Majesty, this subject has brought the person. They are waiting outside now.”
Shangguan Lin remembered the purpose of his visit to the palace, his voice tinged with excitement. He spoke eagerly, having forgotten the distinguished guest outside the door upon seeing his Imperial Brother.
Indeed, his words immediately caught Shangguan Yao’s attention. A flush of peach blossom color spread across his handsome yet listless face. He suddenly opened his eyes, a surge of excitement within them.
“Xi Men Yao? He has arrived?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. He is waiting outside the study for your summons.”
Shangguan Lin was equally delighted. Xi Men Yao was a renowned figure, learned and exceptionally talented.
Not to mention events from the past five hundred years or the subsequent five hundred, he knew astronomy, understood geography, and was resourceful.
With his assistance, His Majesty would surely be able to control the court and, at the same time, seize the opportunity to eliminate the members of the Divine Dragon Palace, thus strengthening the Eastern Qin Dynasty.
Having such a strategist to aid him was truly like adding wings to a tiger.
“Summon Xi Men Yao.”
The corrosive energy that Shangguan Yao had endured for days vanished instantly. He felt refreshed and invigorated, even casting aside his hidden ailments, dedicating his entire focus to this legendary figure.
The great eunuch Xiao Ting Zi immediately accepted the order and rushed out, respectfully escorting the person standing outside the study in.
Xi Men Yao, the legendary elusive strategist, possessed refined features and an ethereal demeanor. His every movement carried a hint of otherworldly grace, elegant as bamboo, calm as water. His tall figure moved with the grace of a swaying willow.
Clad in fine linen robes, he appeared even more detached from worldly affairs.
“Xi Men Yao pays his respects to Your Majesty.”
His magnetic voice carried a slight indifference and distance as he bowed respectfully.
“Please rise, Master Xi Men. Be seated.”
Shangguan Yao took an immediate liking to Xi Men Yao. He truly lived up to his reputation as the most renowned strategist in the Eastern Qin. His speech and conduct were both ethereal and elegant, unlike those of the mortal world.
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Xi Men Yao was unlike ordinary people. Despite his fame, he remained neither arrogant nor ostentatious, nor did he flaunt his talent. On the contrary, he was exceedingly polite, yet there was a subtle distance within that politeness.
It was likely that ordinary people could not get close to him. His eyes were clear and pure, as if they held the shimmering ripples of a deep lake.
“Thank you for your trouble, Master Xi Men. I have long heard of your esteemed name, but I never expected you to be so young yet possess such extensive renown. This clearly indicates your wisdom is superior to that of ordinary men.”
Shangguan Yao’s handsome features were adorned with a smile, his eyes deep and thoughtful. A faint smile spread across his face, and he almost saw a bright future, his heart finally relaxing.
He, Shangguan Yao, was determined to control the entire Eastern Qin, never to be manipulated by anyone again, not even his own mother. A fleeting hint of ruthlessness flashed in his eyes.
“I dislike owing favors. Since Your Majesty extended an invitation, there must be a matter at hand. I obtained the Twin Lotus of Dongting and saved my sworn sister’s life. Therefore, I must repay this kindness.”
“Master Xi Men, you are too formal.”
Shangguan Yao spoke with utmost politeness, yet his heart was filled with joy.
“What difficulty does Your Majesty face? Please speak,” Xi Men Yao’s proud nature emerged at this moment, and he spoke coldly.
He looked up at Shangguan Yao, his eyes so indifferent as if discussing an irrelevant matter. This caused Shangguan Yao to dispense with his customary pleasantries. His gaze darkened slightly, his brow subtly raised, and for a moment, he didn't know how to begin.
It was truly difficult for him, an Emperor, to utter such unspeakable words in front of an outsider.
“Imperial Brother.”
The study fell silent. A lush green potted plant adorned the luxurious and grand space, with incense curling into wisps of smoke, drifting ethereally.
Xi Men Yao raised his head, scanning the majestic Emperor high above and the silent, brooding Prince. Both men seemed somewhat austere and stern.
A glint of cold light flashed in Xi Men Yao’s eyes, and the corners of his lips curved into an unreadable smile. His icy words rang out.
“Do you wish to deal with the Regent and reclaim your power, or do you intend to confront the factions of the Divine Dragon Palace?”
Though his words were as clear and flowing as water, they carried a powerful force. Shangguan Yao and Shangguan Lin simultaneously looked up, a shadow falling over their handsome, stern faces. Their eyes flickered with disbelief as they spoke in unison.
“Master?”
Doubt arose simultaneously in both their hearts. Was Xi Men Yao truly omniscient, or did he have ulterior motives?
The two pairs of eyes fixed intently on the ethereal man. His dark hair cascaded softly over his shoulders, tied with a jade hairpin. His linen robes were elegant and fine, with no superfluous adornments, except for layers of seawater ripples subtly sketched on the hem.
He was seen to slightly turn his body, lift the hem of his robe, and cross his legs, his posture elegant, his brow clear, like a shooting star in the dark night, fleetingly brilliant.
“If you doubt me, why extend the invitation?”
With a single glance, Xi Men Yao perceived the doubts in the hearts of these two men. He gracefully rose, clasped his hands, and spoke casually.
“Then I shall take my leave. It can be considered as having visited the palace. This debt of gratitude will be repaid another day.”