Song Yuan, having dealt with Lan Qinglun's affairs, returned to Shangguan Lin's side. He immediately noticed that the Emperor's complexion had indeed improved, the dark, ominous aura around his face gone, clearly indicating the poison had been neutralized. He then spoke in a low voice.
"Your Highness, that's wonderful. The Emperor's poison is gone. Let's return to the palace."
Shangguan Lin was lost in thought, feeling a chilling coldness throughout his body, devoid of any warmth, his only endeavor to maintain composure.
"Alright, escort the Emperor back to the palace."
He stood up, his steps faltering slightly. Song Yuan, suspecting nothing, attributed it to the Prince's deep fraternal love for the Emperor, thus being weak-kneed after such a fright. Song Yuan stepped forward, lifted the Emperor, and walked out.
Outside the clinic, a luxurious carriage waited. Song Yuan, carrying the Emperor, leaped into the carriage, expecting the Prince to follow. To his surprise, Shangguan Lin did not board. Now, he couldn't even bear to be in the same space as this man; he truly feared he might strangle him with his own hands.
But he could do nothing. Firstly, it was his suspicion. What if the Emperor was still his Imperial Brother? Secondly, if this was a fake, where was the real Imperial Brother now? Could it be that he... could it be that he?
Shangguan Lin dared not continue thinking. He commanded in a low voice, "Begin the journey back to the palace."
Now, he could only investigate the situation without revealing anything. He had to ascertain if this person was truly his Imperial Brother. If not, it meant allowing a villain to seize the Shangguan family's empire.
In the cold night, one person sat high on a horse, proud and sharp like a falcon. A ghostly, ethereal aura flickered in his deep pool-like eyes as he gazed fixedly at some unknown place...
Inside the clinic, Yun Xiao, while treating Master Lan, muttered discontentedly, "What kind of situation is this? Leaving someone here and handing them over to whom?"
As soon as her words fell, Lan Qinglun weakly responded, "Don't worry, I'll return to my manor myself later."
"Oh, alright then. Nothing more for me to do."
Upon hearing this, Yun Xiao, with Wanwan in tow, turned and walked towards the back building.
Lan Qinglun stared at the slender figure, speechless, and fainted once more. Before losing consciousness, he directly thought, this Leng Yue has a truly terrible temper. How can the master tolerate him?
As the night deepened, dew dampening the delicate medicinal herbs at the steps, the scent of herbs slowly spread.
Two people ascended the wooden stairs, talking as they walked.
Wanwan raised her eyebrows in curiosity, "Master, why do you think that fellow left the palace?"
She had also recognized the poisoned person as the Emperor. Thinking of how he had harmed the Yun Wang Manor, she really wanted to drive him away. She hadn't expected her master to actually detoxify him.
"Why bother? They have too many schemes. We shouldn't get involved in court affairs."
Yun Xiao felt annoyed thinking about it. She never expected to save that fellow's life; it was purely out of necessity. If she had met him on the street, she would have most likely stepped over his corpse rather than saving him. Who could have asked this person to be so wicked and repeatedly harm others?
"But why save him?"
"If we didn't save him, do you think we could stay in Yanjing? The people in the shops would also be implicated. So, this was unavoidable."
Yun Xiao said as she sat in front of the vanity mirror, carefully removed her mask, then washed up, preparing to sleep. Dawn was approaching, and she was so tired.
Wanwan served her as she got into bed and saw the Feng Jue on her ankle again. Intrigued, she reached out to touch it lightly. The cold aura of the Feng Jue spread from her fingertips, feeling exceptionally comfortable and making her even more astonished.
"Where did this treasure come from? It feels so good."
"Someone gave it to me," the person grunted, then withdrew her foot and snuggled into bed. Her delicate, small feet paired with the exquisite and translucent Feng Jue were indescribably beautiful and alluring.
Shangguan Yao and Song Yuan escorted the Emperor back to the palace and immediately summoned imperial physicians to examine him.
This matter quickly caused a stir in the inner palace. The Empress Dowager, leading the women of the inner palace, all headed straight for Jingfu Palace.
In the magnificent golden hall, many people stood. The imperial concubines from all the palaces were anxiously worried. On each jade-like face, a dark and anxious expression flickered.
If the Emperor were to suffer any misfortune, who would these women rely on? Moreover, none of them had given birth to any children. Only Zhao Zhaorong from Zhongde Palace was carrying the Emperor's dragon son, four to five months pregnant, her belly already faintly visible.
The women in the hall were both envious and sorrowful, their gazes like sharp bullets shooting towards Zhao Zhaorong, who was dressed in magnificent robes and looked gentle and amiable. This woman, however, did not show any arrogance for being honored by her child. She smiled at everyone she met, and her etiquette was most considerate.
She was polite and humble towards those of the concubine rank. This was also the reason her pregnancy had been smooth. Furthermore, this was the Emperor's first child. Without absolute certainty, who would dare cause trouble?
These women in the inner palace were all connected to large families. Even if not for themselves, they had to consider their families.
The Empress Dowager, along with Aunt Ping and Lin An, headed directly for the sleeping quarters.
Shangguan Lin walked out of the sleeping quarters and met the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager's eyes twinkled with concern, her deep affection filling them, clearly visible. Shangguan Lin bowed and reported calmly, "Mother, the Emperor has woken up."
"Really? That is truly wonderful."
The Empress Dowager was so excited that tears welled up in her eyes. She bypassed Shangguan Lin and rushed into the sleeping quarters. She didn't even notice Shangguan Lin's unusual behavior, indicating how much she cared for the Emperor inside. Shangguan Lin's eyes were sharp as he stared intently at the Empress Dowager's retreating back.
In his memory, the Empress Dowager had not been so affectionate towards his Imperial Brother. When did their feelings become so deep?
It seemed that ever since Yao returned from Qingfeng Mountain, the Empress Dowager had become extremely intimate with him. All along, he had thought it was because the Empress Dowager felt guilty towards his Imperial Brother. But if this was a fake, why wouldn't the Empress Dowager have noticed?
Furthermore, could one son deceive his mother? Could two people interact so intimately?
Shangguan Lin's mind churned, like a lone boat adrift on a vast ocean, solitary and helpless. His heart ached.
Imperial Brother, where are you now? If you can sense me, please give me a sign. Just as Shangguan Lin was lost in thought, he heard footsteps approaching. He quickly looked up, knowing he must not show any abnormality at this moment, otherwise, it would only lead to his own demise.
Consort Yan and Consort Xian, along with several other concubines, led their maids. Upon seeing Shangguan Lin, Yan Ling spoke in a deep voice.
"Your Highness, how is the Emperor?"
"He is out of danger and has woken up. Ladies, you may enter."
Shangguan Lin stepped aside, and Yan Ling led the group of women into the sleeping quarters.
Inside the sleeping quarters, the palace lanterns were bright. On the large bed, Shangguan Yao had awakened and was speaking with the Empress Dowager. Song Yuan knelt in the sleeping quarters, his face ashen, head bowed silently. The Emperor's slightly hoarse voice rang out.
"Mother, this has nothing to do with Song Yuan. Why must Mother punish him?"
"This servant is too presumptuous!" the Empress Dowager scolded, her eyes filled with cold light and killing intent. Thinking that she had almost lost her son, her face turned pale. The concubines who entered the sleeping quarters, seeing that the Emperor was fine, some even began to cry. The Empress Dowager turned her head.
"Why are you wailing? The Emperor is fine."
As soon as these words were spoken, no one dared to utter another word. Even Princess Bei, Yan Ling, did not dare to say more, glancing cautiously at the Emperor and Empress Dowager on the bed.