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墨書 Inktalez
"Since you are a diviner, why haven't you predicted your own family's fate?"
The Diviner replied, "When we read our own fortunes, the results are always vague and unclear."
"There is also the possibility that revealing too much about the heavenly path has led to being abandoned by it," Lai He Shang countered. "If one were truly forsaken by the heavenly path, then all their innate abilities would surely be taken away as well. How do we explain the suffering of the Xuan De Emperor then?"
"I think perhaps they know they've revealed too much and fear backlash from the heavenly path. They might have paid a painful price by severing a part of themselves to hide away and wait for the right moment," one of them suggested.
The three continued their hushed discussion, each unwilling to yield until Cai Zhuo emerged from behind the door. Just looking at his expression made it clear how dire the situation was.
Cai Zhuo stared intently at the three of them, desperate for a solution. They exchanged glances, each showing reluctance and difficulty.
Jia Daoist stepped forward helplessly. "The Wen Family has struck hard; our means are simply insufficient against them. Moreover, if we forcefully act together, it won't be long before the Wen Family finds out. The repercussions for us would be secondary; it could provoke a swift retaliation against His Majesty."
"How about this," Cai suggested. "Let's do our best to delay things so everyone has more time to think of a solution."
Master Mei noticed Cai Zhuo's dissatisfaction. "We will also inform our friends and pool our efforts; perhaps there will be a turning point."
Lai He Shang proposed a more reliable suggestion. "We need to find out where the Wen Family is located. When they cast spells, especially at close range, there might be some kind of response."
"But I don't have any means to sense what's happening in the palace," he continued. "This implies that the Wen Family is casting spells from afar, which requires some medium for connection."
"Can you tell us about His Majesty's movements before he left?"
Cai Zhuo hesitated. "His Majesty's inner circle is composed entirely of loyal subjects; how could I casually disclose such details?"
Submissive spoke up without hesitation, "Most of the time, Cai serves diligently. During his watch, there were no abnormalities around His Majesty."
"But due to Cai's excessive worry, an old ailment flared up, and he took a few days off. It was during those days that His Majesty indulged himself and threatened the Dragon Guard to keep it a secret."
Cai Zhuo shot a murderous glance at Submissive. "Since you knew this, why didn't you tell me?"
"How could I dare go against His Majesty's orders? Besides, I only learned about it recently while serving in The Office of Censors."
Shi Yun asked him, "What kind of indulgence are you talking about?"
"Do you all remember that grand banquet hosted by the late Emperor when the Crown Prince presented a woman?"
"Wasn't she sent to the cold palace?"
It seemed that someone had whispered in Your Majesty's ear, after which you summoned the Crown Prince. The conversation behind closed doors revolved entirely around that woman. The Crown Prince emphasized her many virtues, claiming that she could alleviate ailments, prolong life, and restore youth. He even detailed how to utilize her abilities.
Everyone present felt their faces flush with embarrassment, and Ze muttered that such absurdity should not be taken lightly. Yet, Your Majesty believed it. Perhaps, more accurately, it was because Your Majesty was frustrated with the slow pace of recovery and wished for a longer life, leading to a moment of obsession.
You summoned that woman three times, but feeling powerless and ashamed, you dismissed her. Initially, you thought that nothing significant would come of such a short time. Now it seemed that if there truly was some kind of medium involved, it might be related to her.
Cai Zhuo immediately went to apprehend her, but his murderous gaze remained fixed on Gentle. Gentle pulled him aside and asked with a smile, "Why do you look at me like that?"
"It was you who acted," came the biting response.
Gentle replied in a relaxed tone, "It wasn't me; the Dragon Guard is watching. Besides, I'm quite clever. The Court has sent me countless gifts due to the chaos caused by everyone here."
"I don't wish to get involved in this matter. I often stay overnight at the Office of Censors. You know my whereabouts since I've only entered the palace a few times under your watchful eye. How can you suspect me without reason?"
Cai Zhuo warned, "It better not be you! And it better not be anyone behind you!"
"Cai, your loyalty stems from being saved between life and death, right? You've always believed it was His Majesty who saved you. But I occasionally hear His Majesty calling you a eunuch; he looks down on you from the bottom of his heart. With such nature, how could he save a useless insect like you?"
"Cai, is it possible that you've misattributed your gratitude?"
A flicker of doubt crossed Cai Zhuo's eyes before he quickly steeled himself again. "Your insinuations are laughable!"
"Well then, Cai, perhaps you should think carefully during your idle moments."
Gentle's insidious words left a shadow in Cai Zhuo's heart. But even if the truth were as he said, what did it matter? The countless moments shared over the years could not be fabricated.
Trust existed but was scarce.
Affection was minimal.
Contempt—well, Cai Zhuo dared not estimate that.
The warm cloth repeatedly wiped Xuande Emperor's body. As Cai Zhuo cleaned his face, he froze for a moment, suddenly feeling strange and somewhat ugly. Where had that clear-minded Xuande Emperor gone? His hands unconsciously attempted to smooth out Xuande Emperor's features; even after making them slightly neater, they still appeared foreign.
At that moment, as their footsteps grew louder, Cai Zhuo finally reacted, hurriedly letting go of his grip. He silently recited a few phrases about the guilt of the servant before adopting a more formal tone to ask, "Where is the Demoness?"
The person was nowhere to be found.
Anger caused Cai Zhuo to raise his voice. "Nowhere to be found?! A living person just vanished like that?"
The Dragon Guard quickly replied, "We have already searched; the palace has been nearly turned upside down, but we found neither a living person nor a corpse."
Upon investigation, it was determined that the last time a Courtier saw her was the day before at the hour of Chen. According to the records at the palace gate, she left with a group of thirteen people, and they were currently being checked one by one.
Wasn't there a top-level order for strict inspections at the palace gate? Since it had already been thoroughly checked, why were you still focusing your attention there?
The Dragon Guard sighed helplessly. "The Ministers are indeed quite rule-abiding, but several princes and the ladies of the harem use their power to intimidate. The guards at the palace gate are of low rank and simply cannot withstand that pressure."
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