The Imperial Palace of the Dong Qin Kingdom.
Within the resplendent Imperial Study, an air of quietude prevailed.
Seated in the place of honor was a figure cloaked in imperial yellow. His handsome features were tinged with a hint of darkness, his black eyes harboring a ruthless glint as he gazed unblinkingly at his two subordinates below, Mingri and Mingyue.
"Have you located the whereabouts of Feng Guan?"
"Reporting to Your Majesty, your subordinate has received word that the plague at Fengya Pass seems to have been brought under control. It was not the work of anyone from the Imperial Hospital, but rather the person Your Majesty seeks, known as Feng Guan."
"He actually ran off to the border. Good, very good. It seems he truly is a member of the Yun family," Shangguan Yao's eyes dripped with bloodlust, a killing aura emanating from him. A cold, sharp smile curved his lips.
Mingyue and Mingri, standing in the Imperial Study, couldn't help but shiver. They pitied the physician named Feng Guan, for he was unlikely to meet a good end if he fell into the Emperor's hands.
"Your Majesty."
"Immediately send a message via carrier pigeon to Shangguan Lin and instruct him to bring the person back."
Shangguan Yao spoke in a deep voice, his eyes slightly narrowed as he gently stroked the jade thumb ring on his other hand, a chilling smile playing on his lips.
Feng Guan, oh Feng Guan, if you can cure my illness, perhaps I might spare your life. Otherwise, you are destined for death.
And Yun Mo, it all depends on the outcome of this battle. If we can force the Xiliang army to retreat, it will be difficult for me to act against your Yun family for a while. But if we are defeated, then it will not be my fault.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The two hidden guards retreated silently.
The man leaning against the imperial dragon throne suddenly opened his eyes, sharp and piercing. He stared coldly at the doorway as Xiao Tingzi rushed in with haste. "Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager has arrived."
Shangguan Yao waved his hand. "Let the Empress Dowager enter."
"Yes," Xiao Tingzi darted out. The Empress Dowager had already reached the doorway, supported on either side by the chief eunuch of Changxin Palace, Lin An, and Ping Gugu from Changxin Palace. The entourage quickly arrived before the Imperial Study, and Xiao Tingzi respectfully bowed in greeting.
"This humble servant greets the Empress Dowager. His Majesty is currently in the study reviewing memorials."
"Mmm, I shall go in and see the Emperor. No one is to disturb them."
"Yes, Empress Dowager," came the unified reply from outside.
Even the eunuchs and palace maids from Jingfu Palace remained outside.
The Empress Dowager stepped in lightly, concerned about disturbing her imperial son. However, upon entering, she discovered that her son was not reviewing memorials but was waiting for her. As soon as he saw her, he rose to greet her.
Since her serious illness last time, the Emperor had become much more restrained. He was no longer as ostentatious or overbearing; he would endure things for a while. Most importantly, Yun Mo no longer seemed to influence him, and he handled many matters personally.
As for her, she no longer wished to concern herself with such affairs, lest it cause sorrow between mother and son.
As long as the Emperor did not interfere with the Ye family, she would not speak. The Ye family was not to be touched, not to protect them, but for the Ye family to protect Yao'er.
Shangguan Yao helped the Empress Dowager to a soft couch by the window, and mother and son sat side by side.
A palace maid approached within the study, offering tea. Shangguan Yao waved her away. In the silent space, blue smoke curled from the bronze lotus incense burner, releasing a fragrant aroma.
"It is late. Why has Mother personally come? You could have simply sent Lin An."
"Yao'er, it's nothing. Mother simply wanted to see you."
The Empress Dowager held a cup of tea, took a sip, and spoke slowly. "Yao'er, today Princess Yan Ling of Northern Yan came to pay her respects to me."
Shangguan Yao's expression faltered, tinged with impatience. This Yan Ling was too troublesome, earnestly wanting to marry him. And his current condition was entirely unsuitable for marriage. It was truly vexing.
And Crown Prince Yan Yu of Northern Yan actually allowed her such indulgence. If not for her status, such a petulant woman would have been driven out long ago, never to be allowed into the palace again.
However, in front of his mother, Shangguan Yao did not express this, his face merely darkening slightly.
The Empress Dowager, knowing her son's thoughts, and he himself not entirely unwilling to marry Yan Ling, but simply unable to at present... However, the Empress Dowager recalled what Yan Ling had said during her visit today.
"Empress Dowager, regarding the Northern Yan delegation's visit to Dong Qin, my father placed great hopes upon it. Not only did the marriage alliance fail to materialize, but one of our people was even murdered in the palace. Although the Emperor stated it was the work of the martial arts strategist Ximen Yao, this is likely a pretense, as the Emperor has not handed over the person."
What Yan Ling said had some merit. If Crown Prince Yan and the Princess were to depart, the relationship between Dong Qin and Northern Yan would likely deteriorate. Furthermore, Xiliang was currently attacking Fengya Pass.
If they were to antagonize Northern Yan as well, Southern Jin would likely not lag behind. At that point, it would be a three-front encirclement.
Yan Ling was adept at reading expressions. Seeing the Empress Dowager's displeased look, she subtly continued.
"Your Majesty, if Northern Yan and Dong Qin form a marital alliance, everything will be resolved. I believe my father will not dwell on the matter of a mere guard."
The Empress Dowager narrowed her eyes, understanding Yan Ling's purpose for visiting today. At the time, she dared not agree immediately, only saying she would discuss the matter with the Emperor. Yan Ling, though dissatisfied with her attitude, could not say more and left.
Thus, as soon as evening fell, she came to gauge the Emperor's thoughts.
"What does that woman want?"
Shangguan Yao suppressed his anger and spoke calmly, a cold glint hidden in his pupils. He reached for a nearby teacup and took a sip, awaiting his mother's words. Indeed, since his mother had come, she must have something to say.
As expected, the Empress Dowager sighed.
"Yao'er, Mother knows why you are unwilling to marry Yan Ling and bring her into the palace. However, if we do not form a marital alliance with Northern Yan, Northern Yan may become hostile towards Dong Qin, and then we will face enemies on three fronts. And you have not yet taken charge of many matters in the court. I fear for the empire..."
The Empress Dowager paused as she spoke, glancing at Shangguan Yao. She had originally not wanted to meddle, lest Yao'er be annoyed, but now...
"Mother, your son understands, but..." Shangguan Yao's voice was heavy, a fleeting look of distress crossing his handsome features.
But he quickly thought of the person who could cure the plague. Since he possessed such astonishing medical skills, he surely could cure his own ailment.
"Yao'er need not worry. Your mother has received news that the renowned physician, Ghost Hand, is currently at Fengya Pass. Your mother believes he can definitely cure Yao'er's illness."
The Empress Dowager's voice, as gentle as a spring breeze, reached him. Shangguan Yao's eyes darkened. His mother's news was so swift. It seemed Feng Li City was truly diligent, reporting any developments immediately.
However, this time he did not blame Feng Li City. With Feng Guan's exceptional medical skills, he would soon become famous throughout the land. Even the other three kingdoms would soon have news of him.
"Then I shall welcome Yan Ling into the palace and confer upon her the title of Imperial Consort."
"Good, Yao'er. Mother is very pleased with you for doing this."
The Empress Dowager stood up. She had been worried that Yao'er might resist, but unexpectedly, the matter had been resolved perfectly. This was truly wonderful.
The Empress Dowager's charming face glowed, and the white hairs at her temples were less noticeable. However, a subtle sadness lingered in her eyes. Since that night, she and Qing Tian had not seen each other again, only exchanging messages in secret.
"Your son sees Mother out."
Shangguan Yao rose and escorted the Empress Dowager out. Just as they reached the doorway, Xiao Tingzi rushed in with a look of shock. The Empress Dowager and the Emperor exchanged a glance and raised their eyebrows simultaneously, asking in unison, "What is it?"
"Your Majesty, a physician from the Imperial Hospital has reported that Zhao Cairen in the cold palace is pregnant."