Chapter 111 |
A quarter of an hour earlier.
Noble Consort Lan, who had been directly demoted by two ranks, had pleaded bitterly outside Emperor Chongzhao's tent for a long time, but the Emperor never came out to see her.
Noble Consort Lan had no choice but to first go see the Sixth Prince, who had been caned and carried away for treatment. Only after the Sixth Prince cried himself to sleep did she return to her own tent.
"It is truly detestable, to be plotted against like this."
Lianzhu said softly, "Perhaps it really was just a coincidence."
Noble Consort Lan: "How can there be so many coincidences? Like the time the Imperial Hospital prescribed an excessive dose of medicine for that person?"
Lianzhu lowered her voice: "Your Ladyship, please do not speak recklessly."
Noble Consort Lan took several deep breaths, forcing down the furious flames of resentment in her heart.
The topic was dropped, and Lianzhu continued to listen as Noble Consort Lan vented in a hushed voice.
Many years had passed. Perhaps others' impressions of this matter had already faded, but Yi Shier remembered it vividly, because the time it erupted was around when he rashly appeared to rescue the feverish Little Prince by the lake, violating the Shadow Laws and being imprisoned.
He remembered, and Ye Xiaoyuan remembered as well.
After listening, Qu Dubian remained silent for a long time.
Ye Xiaoyuan: "Your Highness..."
Qu Dubian: "Banban, allow me to think on this matter. We will discuss it after returning to the capital."
Ye Xiaoyuan could not detect any anger on his face. He sighed and left the tent with Yi Shier.
Too much had happened today. It was better to let His Highness be alone with his thoughts.
Qu Dubian lay on the bed, his head resting on his arm, staring blankly at the top of the tent.
-
Elsewhere.
Not long after Qu Dubian left.
Fifth Prince's tent.
The Second Prince came to visit him under the pretext of checking on him.
"Third Brother's injuries are still not stable. Father Emperor probably won't depart for another couple of days. I brought you some tonics for replenishing qi and blood. I'll leave them here; you can take them over the next few days."
Fifth Prince: "Mm, leave them there."
The Second Prince glanced at the small stool by his bed. "I heard from the people outside that Seventh Brother also came to see you just now?"
Fifth Prince: "He took a look and then left."
Second Prince: "Your relationship with Little Seventh seems quite good. Compared to your attitude towards Little Sixth..." He chuckled lightly, "...it seems much more genuine."
Fifth Prince said indifferently, "We are not on the same path. In the future, we will only grow further apart. However, your methods are quite unexpected. Over all these years of Big Brother and Third Brother fighting each other, how many sleeper agents have you planted?"
Even preparing a black bear in an isolation pit.
The Second Prince understood his meaning and raised an eyebrow. "Little Fifth, don't think of people as too wicked."
He leaned closer, leisurely sitting on the small stool Qu Dubian had just occupied. He reached out and gently, meticulously wiped the cold sweat of pain from the Fifth Prince's face.
"The beast was not something I specifically arranged. It was the will of heaven; what could I do? It merely saved me a backup plan. But in the end, you and I now share a secret we can trust each other with."
The Fifth Prince looked up.
The Second Prince took after his mother, possessing the refined, gentle, and mild countenance of a cultivated gentleman. Judging solely by appearance, his smile and show of goodwill held not the slightest hint of falsehood, only an appearance of complete sincerity.
The Fifth Prince slowly raised his hand, pushing aside the Second Prince's gesture.
"I will need Second Brother's guidance in the future."
The Second Prince patted his hand, his words full of concern. "Rest well and recover from your injury. The days ahead are long."
-
Consort Xuan's tent.
"These past two days, Little Seventh has been staying in his own tent. He hasn't come out much, nor has he gone to visit the Fifth or Sixth Princes. It's somewhat unusual."
Zhiyi: "I went to see my brother, but Xiaoyuan said Little Seventh was sleeping. I went in to look, and he really hadn't gotten up yet."
Consort Xuan pondered: "Could he have been frightened?"
That shouldn't be; Little Seventh is quite brave.
"I don't know if he was affected by the smell. Little Seventh has always disliked the scent of blood. It's normal if he doesn't want to go," Zhiyi propped her chin on her hand. "Ah, forget Little Seventh, even I was frightened by Third Brother. I hope Little Seventh doesn't have nightmares."
This outing was not enjoyable, not only for Emperor Chongzhao, but for everyone.
Especially after the incident with the Third Prince, with Noble Consort Lan's demotion and the Fifth and Sixth Princes being caned, the servants in the entire camp moved about holding their breath, afraid of displeasing any of the nobles.
Consort Xuan: "Now is not the time. I'll ask him after we return to the palace."
After the Third Prince's condition stabilized, Emperor Chongzhao finally issued the decree to return to the capital.
Considering the Third Prince's injuries, the return journey took a full day longer than the trip out. They arrived in the capital at noon two days later.
The Third Prince was helped back to his manor.
The news of his broken arm and physical disability had already spread back to the capital not long after the incident at the hunting grounds.
The Third Prince's faction felt as if struck by a thunderbolt, their vision darkening.
Those with connections fled early. Those unwilling to move pinned all their remaining hopes on the Third Prince's Consort's pregnancy.
The Third Prince stood in the now deserted and desolate manor.
Before his arm was severed, his manor had been full of retainers. Yet upon his return this time, only a scattered few remained.
The steward said in a low voice, "This is the farewell letter from Master Zhao..."
"This is from Master Wen..."
"This is from Layman Xue..."
One farewell letter after another.
When they came, they had all pledged their allegiance with sincere hearts. When they left, they were equally sincere in discarding him, this useless prince.
Autumn leaves fell profusely. Although it was high noon,
the Third Prince looked at the empty courtyard and felt as if he were seeing the setting sun at dusk.
He silently waved his hand. "Just... throw them all away."
A servant helped him walk a few steps. At the moon gate, the Third Prince saw his heavily pregnant Consort.
The Third Prince's Consort opened her mouth, finally saying, "It's good that you're back."
The Third Prince walked over slowly. "Do you also think I have completely lost my chance?"
The Third Prince's Consort looked up.
"I still have a chance," the Third Prince looked at her belly. "As long as this child is born safely, and if Father Emperor lives a long life, he might yet grow up."
The Third Prince's Consort was silent for a long time before finally erupting, "Enough!"
She placed a hand on her lower abdomen. "Your Highness, aren't you tired? Wouldn't it be good to just rest properly? The child hasn't even been born yet, and you already want to push it into the abyss. Do you have no affection or reluctance for your own flesh and blood?"
The Third Prince grabbed her wrist: "Born into the imperial family, how can one not fight!"
The Third Prince's Consort broke free from his grip and took two steps back. A faint weariness finally surfaced in her eyes. Without even looking at the Third Prince, she turned and left.
The Third Prince took a deep breath.
"Have people take good care of her. Ensure she recuperates well."
-
After returning to the palace.
Qu Dubian made many inquiries.
He first sought out Physician Yang, asking about the details of the person from the Imperial Hospital who had framed him back then.
It was a medical apprentice surnamed Dai, who had carelessly prescribed the wrong medicine. He was later thrown directly into prison. By now, his bones were probably nowhere to be found.
What Physician Yang told him was what he already knew.
Qu Dubian then had Ye Xiaoyuan make indirect inquiries with palace servants who had served in the Zichen Hall in previous years. Only then did he learn that the apprentice Dai had also had dealings with a Sikong who was in charge of the Imperial Hospital's finances at the time.
That Imperial Hospital Sikong had some old connections with Noble Consort Lan's maternal family.
That very night, Emperor Chongzhao went to see Consort Lan, but in the end, she was not implicated. Only the Imperial Hospital's Director Sikong was dealt with on charges of accepting bribes.
These were the inside details that Qu Dubian was not entirely clear about.
They also served as proof for the words Yi Shier had overheard.
Fifth Brother had established his own princely residence. Sixth Brother had been beaten and couldn't attend the imperial school. However, Zhiyi and Sihe went to school every day. Grand Tutor Fang lamented that the school was becoming increasingly empty.
Standing outside the schoolhouse, one could almost still picture the lively scene of seven princes and one princess attending lessons together.
Qu Dubian didn't wait for Consort Xuan to summon him. After school, he took the initiative to go to Shunning Palace.
Consort Xuan: "I could tell you had something on your mind earlier. Can you say it now?"
Qu Dubian: "Consort Xuan, I want to ask you something. Back when Noble Lady Chu tried to poison me... was there anyone else involved behind the scenes?"
Consort Xuan's hand paused, and she looked up, somewhat surprised. "Why ask this suddenly?"
Qu Dubian: "So, you do know something about it?"
Consort Xuan sighed.
Qu Dubian smiled slightly: "I'm almost fourteen. Even if it's to protect me, please don't blindfold me."
Consort Xuan picked up a pair of scissors and began trimming a potted plant on the table.
"Back then, you were very young. You had little understanding of the court's overall situation, couldn't even recognize all the people in the inner palace, and were often ill. When it was time to choose a foster mother, every consort and concubine with ambitions to climb higher wanted to get you into their grasp."
"Noble Lady Chu used the 'Wangye Fruit' in an attempt to keep you. At that time, her cousin had been imprisoned for privately trafficking prohibited goods. Even if she had gotten you, she couldn't have freed her cousin immediately. Moreover, her sudden prominence was suspicious; someone must have been inciting her from behind. At that time, within the inner palace, I worked with the Xie family to investigate and identified Consort Lan, now Demoted Consort Lan."
"The Vice Minister of Justice back then wasn't the current Lord Xi, but an old Minister who had connections with Demoted Consort Lan's maternal family. Only she had the ability to help get Noble Lady Chu's family member out of prison."
Consort Xuan slowly recounted the events of that year.
"There just wasn't any overt evidence. Later, your maternal grandfather returned and learned of this matter. Before leaving the capital, leveraging the recent division of military authority and the Emperor's willingness to grant his requests, he had the former Minister of Justice taken to the northern frontier to farm the land."
He's been gone for over ten years now and hasn't returned to this day. No one knows if he's safe and well.
"However, since then, within the inner palace, I've kept a close watch, and Demoted Consort Lan has made no further moves."
Qu Dubian nodded: "Counting it, she has harmed me twice."
Consort Xuan frowned: "Twice?"
Qu Dubian told her about the incident with the excessive medication. Consort Xuan tightened her grip on the scissors. After a moment, however, worry rose in her eyes. "Little Seven..."
Given Little Seven's temperament, he might not be able to swallow this grievance.
But... what about the Sixth Prince?
Little Seven grew up with the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Princes since childhood; they share brotherly bonds. If Little Seven were to act against Demoted Consort Lan, what would become of his relationship with the Sixth Prince in the future?
Consort Xuan walked over and gently covered Qu Dubian's hand with her palm, speaking earnestly, "Pretend you don't know about this. I will settle the score with Demoted Consort Lan. It's not that I don't know the methods in the inner palace that can make someone suffer; I just disdain to use them."
My son should remain clean and untainted. Don't let the dirty dust settle on you.
Qu Dubian closed his eyes, resting his head against Consort Xuan's waist. "She harmed me. After piecing it all together, my first reaction wasn't anger or hatred, but actually a sense of relief."
If Demoted Consort Lan had targeted those close to him—like Consort Xuan, like his elder sister, like Attendant Ye, Liuliu, Xiaochun... or the original owner of this body and his birth mother.
For the former, he would definitely retaliate in kind, an eye for an eye.
For the latter, having inherited the original owner's body, along with the kinship and blessings his mother left in this world, he simply has no right to speak of forgiveness.
Fortunately, Demoted Consort Lan made her move after he arrived, and from start to finish, it was only directed at him.
Consort Xuan understood instantly, her heart aching unbearably. "You really are..."
"Consort Xuan, please don't intervene. Third Brother is confined at home with a disabled arm, the court is being reshuffled, the waters are too murky. I will handle this matter myself."
"What do you plan to do?"
Qu Dubian sat up straight, mentally deducting items from his ledger.
Regarding Demoted Consort Lan inciting Noble Lady Chu to harm him: the principal offender, Noble Lady Chu, was executed. Afterwards, his maternal grandfather removed a second-rank official from court whom Demoted Consort Lan could contact. That could be considered a loss for her.
He could let that matter go.
As for the first incident with the excessive medication...
He observed the overall situation, aware of Fifth Brother's schemes against Demoted Consort Lan and Sixth Brother. He neither wanted to nor could he intervene in their enmity.
The moment he chose to conceal this matter, to stay out of the game and keep his hands clean, he had already, in fact, sided with Fifth Brother over Sixth Brother.
"Demoted Consort Lan will certainly try every means to regain Father Emperor's favor and restore her previous rank. I won't let her succeed."
Consort Xuan waited for a while but heard nothing more. "Is that all?"
Qu Dubian stood up: "For the rest, she still owes half a life. I haven't decided how to collect that debt yet, so I'll put it on her tab for now. I'm not some saint who repays evil with good. I'm narrow-minded and calculating. If I don't collect from her, I'll collect from Sixth Brother. In any case, every bit of debt owed will be repaid."
"I'm leaving."
Consort Xuan stood by the window watching him leave.
The young man lifted the flower vines hanging over the moon gate, stretched lazily, and disappeared around the corner.
It was a long moment before Consort Xuan murmured softly, "He talks tough, but clearly still cherishes his brotherly bond with the Sixth Prince..."
-
After returning to the Princes' Quarters, Qu Dubian's first action was to go to the courtyard where the Sixth Prince lived.
Seeing him, the Sixth Prince was very happy: "Little Seven! You finally came to see me! Why didn't you come the past few days? I even had them get rid of the smell of blood in the room."
"There's fruit on the table they brought. Try some. You have no idea how bored I've been..."
Without a word, Qu Dubian gave him a beating.
"Ahhh—" Pitiful cries drifted out from the small courtyard.
The Sixth Prince's waist and backside were already injured from the caning. After Qu Dubian's onslaught, he howled, tears and snot streaming down his face.
"What did I do to offend you?" the Sixth Prince wailed. "Tell me! I'll change!"
Qu Dubian said with a smile, "I suddenly felt like showing Sixth Brother some 'affection.' While you're recuperating, I'll take charge of your meals. I'll make sure to include plenty of 'holey' ingredients for you."
The Sixth Prince sniffled: "Why 'holey' ingredients? My backside is already like a sieve, practically beaten full of holes."
Looking into his pitiful, teary eyes, Qu Dubian slapped him on the forehead.
"To replenish your brains!"
Beneath the surface was a tangled mess of unclear accounts. Cause and effect, retribution—Demoted Consort Lan likely wouldn't come to a good end. But he hoped this spoiled, foolish Sixth Brother of his could find a way to survive.