Chapter 111
Xiao Yunzhou was dumbfounded, utterly dumbfounded.
Most of the time, when he discussed matters of state with his ministers, apart from his confidant Wei Zheng, the palace maids and eunuchs who served tea would be dismissed.
The guards would remain outside the imperial study, not allowing anyone to enter, lest someone eavesdrop.
In other words, for the past two days, the eunuch Wu Li 99 who served tea was rarely near the emperor.
But Wu Li 99... his inability to see him did not mean the other was not there.
With such high martial arts prowess, he could be on the roof beams or hiding deftly in the branches, evading the eyes of all guards.
For the past two days, Xiao Yunzhou dared not let his guard down for a moment, acting as if Wu Li 99 was present even when unseen.
He even feared angering the other, not daring to order anyone to pay special attention to the eunuch's movements.
But now, hearing that progress had been made on the "subduing" task, Xiao Yunzhou was utterly dumbfounded.
How did he manage it?
How on earth did he accomplish it?
Was he perhaps the chosen sovereign destined for greatness, carrying a regal aura that won over the other?
Xiao Yunzhou's expression changed.
He paused outside for a moment, then heard the Imperial Physician Qiu say:
"Your Ladyship, rest assured, the Third Princess is well, just a slight stomach upset."
The pediatrician Qiu quickly reached his conclusion.
"No need for medicine. I will teach Your Ladyship a method of massaging acupressure points for the Third Princess. Do it daily, and she will be fine."
[Woo woo, I'm alright, really alright.]
Xiao Chuchu was not flustered at all.
[I've been drinking less milk lately, partly because of the "subduing" task, and partly because I've been craving instant noodles~]
Hearing the latter part from her daughter, Concubine Liu laughed despite herself.
How could this little girl keep craving adult food when her teeth hadn't even grown in?
But hearing the physician and her daughter's words, Concubine Liu was reassured.
"Thank you for your efforts, Imperial Physician Qiu."
Concubine Liu carefully learned the massage techniques and acupressure points.
Xiao Yunzhou, standing outside the window, even pricked up his ears to listen intently.
After learning, Xiao Yunzhou gestured to Wei Zheng, and they quietly withdrew without disturbing anyone.
Back in the imperial study, Xiao Yunzhou looked straight at Chancellor Fu Cha, making the latter uneasy.
"Er... Your Majesty is getting on in years... cough... Would you like me to tell you a story...?"
Xiao Yunzhou's mouth twitched.
The cold wind on the way back had cleared his weary, anxious mind.
Why was the assassin being subdued?
Probably not for the reason he thought.
It was unlikely the other was pleased to see the emperor neither eating nor sleeping.
More likely, the other was moved by the emperor's diligent governance, promising a better era for the suffering people of the previous dynasty?
Xiao Yunzhou pondered, it was probably this.
He had touched the assassin deeply these past two days.
"Hmm, Chancellor Fu Cha, I wish to leave the palace to console the refugees."
"?!"
Xiao Yunzhou lowered his gaze. There was no point staying in the palace - he wanted the assassin to see the difference between Jing Country and the final years of the previous dynasty!
But as soon as he said this, he frowned at Chancellor Fu Cha, "If there is any mishap on this excursion..."
"Remember, Chancellor, my edict on the Crown Prince is behind the horizontal inscribed board in the Qianqing Palace."
Chancellor Fu Cha was stunned.
"In case of any mishap, let the Crown Prince ascend the throne," said Xiao Yunzhou gravely.
Although the little princess said the assassin would act on Lantern Festival,
What if they changed plans once he left the palace?
He had to prepare for the worst.
"The Crown Prince's ascension will require the full support of the cabinet and ministries. Do not disappoint me, Chancellor Fu Cha."
Having said that, Xiao Yunzhou stood up and let out a yawn so wide tears came to his eyes.
He was too tired, truly unable to stay awake any longer.
Guessing that the "subduing" task may not rely on staying awake day after day, Xiao Yunzhou decided to rest early.
"Wei Zheng, have someone escort the Chancellor back."
Soon, the emperor's bedchamber went dark for the first time in two days.
In the night, a slender figure slipped out from the palace walls, moving as nimbly as a cat without a sound, not alerting any of the guards at the gate.
He paused in the darkness, then swiftly headed towards the Qianqing Palace!
In no time, he scaled the pillars of the main hall silently.
Lifting the inscribed board, he took out the edict hidden behind it.
After reading it, the slender figure froze.
—"I hereby pass the throne to the Fifth Prince, Cheng Qian."
The slender figure stared at the edict for a long while before folding it up and replacing it.
[Hm, "subduing" task progress 75%? Another increase?]
Xiao Chuchu, being massaged by Concubine Liu, had her older brother Cheng Qian crouched before her with concern.
Xiao Chuchu opened her mouth.
"Today, I saw a few senior eunuchs bullying that little eunuch Wu Li 99 who serves tea before the emperor. They said my sister was hurt, so I got worried and asked Mother to call a physician to check on her."
Cheng Qian explained the details to Concubine Liu.
"Later, Xiaolu went to ask Wei Zheng, and even the Head Imperial Physician was present. They examined my sister's hand on the spot - it was just brushed, not injured at all."
"But I thought it best to have a physician examine my sister..."
Midway, Cheng Qian's attention was diverted by Chuchu's inner voice.
[Ah, my brother encountered the eunuch who serves tea before the emperor?]
[Wow, he was actually bullied?]
Xiao Chuchu felt the other was a fine actor.
[If he's not on the Oscars list, I'm not watching.]
What are Os...cars?
Cheng Qian almost forgot what he wanted to say.
"Mother, did you hear that Father plans to leave the palace to console the refugees in two days?" Cheng Qian finally recalled.
[Oh my, does the emperor want to subdue him this way?]
Xiao Chuchu's voice interrupted Cheng Qian again.
Concubine Liu and Cheng Qian exchanged glances.
Just who was the emperor trying to subdue?
Xiao Chuchu, massaged by Concubine Liu on her acupoints, soon fell asleep, content.
Seeing her asleep, Cheng Qian spoke up.
"Father has been summoning the cabinet and ministries late at night to discuss state affairs."
Concubine Liu thought of the Marquis of Ding Guo the other day and pondered, "Perhaps he is trying to subdue those officials loyal to the previous emperor."
This topic could not be discussed further.
Mother and son looked at each other, stopping there, saying no more.
But after leaving his mother's palace, Cheng Qian felt envious.
Why didn't the immortal realm give him missions?
Why only give them to the father emperor?
Cheng Qian was extremely envious.
In the servants' quarters, Jiu Xiao tossed and turned until the midnight hour. Only after pinching the sleep points of his roommates did he secretly get up and examine the dried meat hidden under his pillow.
He had not brought himself to eat a single piece.
Careful and hesitant, Jiu Xiao looked around for a moment before reluctantly changing into night attire and slipping out of the palace quietly.
She arrived at the meeting place arranged by the Earth and Moon Sect.
"I've heard that the Emperor of Jing Country will be leaving the palace soon?" asked the disguised Elder in a hushed voice.
"Yes."
"Hmph, if it weren't for our desire to take revenge on the Lantern Festival, this would be the perfect time for him to die outside the palace."
Jiu Xiao's face was covered in a black veil, but her eyes remained impassive.
"On the Lantern Festival, you must be patient and get close to the Emperor without alerting too many guards. Success is the only option, failure is not permitted!"
"Yes," Jiu Xiao answered briefly.
But just as the Elder was about to leave, Jiu Xiao couldn't help but look up, her eyes flickering as she spoke, "After I... assassinate the Emperor of Jing Country..."
"Then the Prince of Jing Country... will ascend the throne?"
The Elder gave her a puzzled look, "How strange, you never cared about such things before."
Jiu Xiao lowered her head.
Yes.
Before, it didn't matter.
But now... if it's the kind Fifth Prince who has been so good to her, becoming the new Emperor, Jiu Xiao felt she could get rid of Xiao Yunzhou sooner!
She could make her move before the Lantern Festival!
The thought made Jiu Xiao's heart stir. In fact, when serving Xiao Yunzhou tea today, she almost couldn't hold back.
How she wished she could serve the Fifth Prince tea instead!
If only Xiao Yunzhou could die...
"The Prince of Jing Country ascending the throne?"
The Elder chuckled, thinking Jiu Xiao was concerned about their rebellion against Jing Country.
"Rest assured, once Xiao Yunzhou dies, it won't be long before our people send his son to join him in the underworld!"
"The empire belongs to our imperial family!"
"The Xiao clan must be eliminated!"
Jiu Xiao suddenly looked up at the Elder.