Gentle took a detour, passing by the Small Tavern, while the others went back to tidy up. Sang Qingxiao entered the palace with Old Vine and Gentle.
As they approached the city wall, Sang Qingxiao recalled the words Gentle had spoken before their departure.
What about the imperial seal? After interrogating Ginger's envoy, you should have found an opportunity to investigate whether the seal behind that prominent plaque was truly lost. After I mentioned it to you, I brought it up with His Majesty. Upon hearing the rumor, his face turned pale, and he repeatedly instructed me to keep it under wraps. If necessary, we must clean up thoroughly, even if it means dealing with innocent children.
From this, it was clear that the seal must be fake. However, just judging by his reaction wasn't enough. I activated the mechanism and took a closer look at the seal. The color and style were very similar; from a distance, it seemed fine, but up close, the material was clearly wrong and did not match the royal records.
Isn't the method to unlock that mechanism solely in the hands of the royal family? Emperor Qin Zhang, grateful for his brother's abdication, often showcased their familial bond. This also allowed Sang Family to learn many royal secrets, including how to crack that mechanism.
To help me verify the truth, he shared the method of unlocking it with me. He trusts you; the more you know, the quicker your demise.
Gentle chuckled and teased that he wasn't like that. He had once praised you to me, saying you were the only one who could hide things so well right under his nose.
Sang Qingxiao was speechless; was that a compliment? The way people praise each other is quite peculiar.
Ha! From what Gentle implied, Sang Bai Jue must have just learned about the missing seal. If it wasn't Sang Family who acted first, then who could it be?
They arrived at the entrance of His Majesty's chamber with ease. The area outside was crowded with people—more than during the last time he fell ill—not just high-ranking officials but also many mid-level ones. Almost all of the palace women were present as well; they dared not make a sound, holding back their tears in a way that still retained their grace.
Just as they were about to push open the door, someone blocked their way.
The Fourth Prince? Ha! He even put on an air of being the crown prince.
Qi Xiaomian had been expelled from Jingjing City by my father; he's a criminal. You are one of his people; coming here now to offer treatment is surely insincere. Your Highness cannot be allowed to enter and harm my father!
Before Sang Qingxiao could speak, Gentle interjected. Your Highness, this is an edict from Two Lords. If we miss the timing for treatment, it could be detrimental to His Majesty.
Oh? Are Two Lords still temporarily handling state affairs? But seeing Fourth Prince's confident demeanor made me think His Majesty had ordered you to act as regent.
Gentle showed no mercy towards Fourth Prince and told Sang Qingxiao that there had been no such decree left by His Majesty in light of recent events.
Sang Qingxiao couldn't be bothered with the child's tantrum and pushed him aside as he entered the hall. Just before closing the door, he caught a glimpse of the child's furious glare.
It was quite intimidating; he regretted not pushing harder earlier and returned a provocative smile.
As they walked into the inner hall, they saw Shi Yun, Mingze, and Cai Zhuo.
Among all the people she encountered, only Cai Zhuo remained steadfastly praying. Even Shi Yun, who was dedicated to the country and its people, showed only a hint of worry in his eyes. Most of the time, he seemed lost in thought, whether it was due to the burdens of state affairs or contemplating future plans.
Cai Zhuo saw her, and finally, there was a glimmer of light in his bloodshot eyes. "Miss Sang, you have finally arrived! Come quickly to see His Majesty; he has been in a coma for half a month now. The Imperial Physicians cannot determine the cause, and neither can the renowned doctors nearby."
Everything in the emperor's chamber had been replaced; it was impossible for Mushroom Poison to be the issue again. We truly do not know what to do anymore.
Sang Qingxiao approached and saw the Xuande Emperor, whom she hadn't seen for several months. She remembered him as being around fifty years old when she first met him, looking much younger with a healthy glow on his face.
Before leaving Jingjing City, he had aged considerably due to illness, his face now showing signs of wear that were slightly older than his actual age.
Seeing him today was shocking; he had aged dramatically, his face lined with deep wrinkles. Overall, he looked like he was in his seventies or eighties, compounded by an aura of lifelessness. Sang Qingxiao wasn't even sure if she could help extend his lifespan.
This is bad! Sang Qingxiao concluded.
Cai Zhuo was panicking and fearful; he nearly collapsed. Gentle supported him, trying to help him to the side for a rest, but he refused, remaining distraught at his post.
Shi Yun spoke up, stating that there were no other methods left. "Miss Sang, please give it a try. No matter the outcome, Old Man guarantees that no blame will fall on you."
At least let His Majesty regain consciousness once so that there can be a clear understanding of state affairs.
Gentle quickly reminded her that one attempt might not be enough; things were too unsettled everywhere.
Sang Qingxiao shot him a glance, knowing he was speaking on behalf of Sang Bai Jue.
Old Vine had observed the Xuande Emperor's condition from afar and noted that it did not resemble ordinary ailments; it was not poisoning. "Xiaoxiao, get closer."
Hmm? His bodily functions were rapidly deteriorating, yet his physical foundation seemed slightly better than before we left. It must be due to previous recuperation efforts.
This presented quite a contradiction.
Sang Qingxiao was confused by this revelation. "Are you saying he is not ill?"
It cannot simply be said that he is not ill; the old issues still persist. His physical foundation shows signs of improvement; if it weren't for that foundation being somewhat stronger, how could he withstand this sudden Fate Loss? Xiaoxiao, I am powerless in this situation.
Fate Loss—Old Vine provided a new perspective.
If we want to confirm this, we would need to involve Metaphysical Divination. She knew how to perform it but at a significant cost; especially when it came to calculating an emperor's fate—any misstep could put her own life at risk. Naturally, Sang Qingxiao was unwilling to take such a gamble.
She briefly shared what Old Vine had discerned with the others and added that she would not perform divination.
Cai Zhuo responded quickly, "I will send Dragon Guard to find a master who specializes in this."
After providing a direction, Sang Qingxiao couldn't appear too incompetent. He cast several runes to obscure the heavenly eye, and upon further investigation, he noticed that the Fate Loss on Xuande Emperor had eased considerably. It seemed this was the cause.
Looking at the sickbed of Xuande Emperor, Sang Qingxiao suddenly thought of Wen Xinggui. The timing of his removal was too coincidental; if it truly was him, the mastermind behind it all would be clear.
But how could Qi Xiaomian, who was lurking in Dayu Capital, act like Wen Xinggui? He hadn't received any letters from him for over a month. Could something have gone wrong over there?
As Sang Qingxiao furrowed his brow in contemplation, Mingze approached him. What about Yongxin Marquis? Although he had quarreled with His Majesty, he was still family. At such a critical moment of life and death, his absence was conspicuous. How would others perceive him?
He must be busy with something.
Is there anything more important than this?
Yes!
A brief exchange drew Shi Yun into the conversation. Looking into Sang Qingxiao's eyes, she asked what Yongxin Marquis was doing.
Sang Qingxiao observed his surroundings. Gentle spoke up, noting that the Dragon Guard had been dispatched, and there were no outsiders in the hall. The young lady could speak freely.
He was still furious about Great Yu Emperor's schemes against him and sought an opportunity while lurking in Dayu Capital.
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