Chapter 594: Your Majesty Has Been Poisoned
The assassination attempt on Your Majesty was an event of immense significance. Almost instantly, everyone rushed toward the Emperor's bedchamber, fearing that any delay might arouse suspicion from the Emperor while also missing the opportunity to demonstrate their loyalty.
At this critical moment, aside from Shen Xihe and Xiao Huayong, who had long known the Emperor would stage an assassination attempt today, everyone else—regardless of their motives—was deeply concerned for the Emperor's safety. Even astute individuals like Xiao Changqing and Xiao Changyan did not suspect the assassination attempt was fabricated.
The consequence of everyone rushing out was that their residences were left unguarded, creating a significant vulnerability.
Shen Xihe and her party arrived first due to their proximity. By the time they arrived, the Chief Imperial Physician was already treating Youning Emperor's wound, and a palace maid emerged carrying a basin of bloodied water.
Xiao Huayong hurried inside, with Shen Xihe walking beside him, supporting his pale and weakened form. Upon entering, he couldn't suppress a few low coughs. The couple approached Youning Emperor, paid their respects, and then Xiao Huayong anxiously asked the Chief Imperial Physician, "How is His Majesty's injury?"
The fact that bloodied water had been carried out and Youning Emperor was able to sit up and receive visitors indicated the wound wasn't severe. For truly critical injuries, the Emperor would have kept it tightly concealed, lest those with ulterior motives seize the opportunity to act.
The Chief Imperial Physician glanced at Youning Emperor and, after receiving permission, replied, "His Majesty's wound is not deep, but the blade was coated with poison. This poison is rare and potent. Though not instantly fatal, its effects are rapid. Fortunately, I have encountered this poison before and happen to have the antidote on hand."
Poisoned as well?
Shen Xihe raised an eyebrow and subtly remarked, "Your Majesty, the medical maid and subordinate by my side have some expertise in detoxification. I dare not question the Chief Imperial Physician's abilities, but the Crown Prince and I are deeply concerned for Your Majesty's well-being. If Your Majesty does not mind, may I summon them to examine Your Majesty's pulse once more?"
Whether Youning Emperor was truly poisoned relied entirely on the Chief Imperial Physician's account. Shen Xihe didn't believe Youning Emperor would go to such lengths as to actually poison himself. No assassin, no matter how skilled, could have silently infiltrated the Emperor's resting quarters—this was clearly a hired "assassin" arranged by Youning Emperor himself. Had the Emperor been twenty years younger, Shen Xihe might have believed he would resort to such extreme measures, but now...
"I am already fine. I appreciate you and Qilang's concern," Youning Emperor declined, as expected.
Shen Xihe did not insist. She thought to herself that if not for her two well-known aides, Zhenzhu and Sui Axi, who were skilled in medicine, Youning Emperor might have conspired with the physician to feign a critical condition.
Because of Zhenzhu and Sui Axi's presence, Youning Emperor's plan couldn't be fully executed. If the physician proved "incompetent" in detoxification, she would naturally send her people to assist. Would the Emperor actually ingest poison?
Of course not. Moreover, after the incident in the northwest, Youning Emperor's wariness stemmed from the "miraculous physician" hidden in her ranks, capable of evading detection by all the doctors in the city.
If the Emperor's feigned poisoning were exposed, it would be deeply humiliating.
While Shen Xihe was seeking the Emperor's opinion, the fifth prince, Prince Xin Xiao Changqing, the eighth prince, Prince Jing Xiao Changyan, and several other princes arrived one after another. Having overheard Shen Xihe's words outside the room, each of them harbored different thoughts.
The second prince, Prince Zhao Xiao Changmin, the third prince, Prince Dai Xiao Changtian, and the ninth prince, Xiao Changying, all believed this indicated the Emperor's distrust of the Crown Princess.Xiao Changqing felt this wasn't a matter of distrust. The Emperor was far from foolish and must clearly understand that the Crown Princess couldn't possibly have sent assassins to target him at Xiangguo Temple. If Shen Xihe truly intended to take action, she wouldn't have dispatched just one person—it would inevitably be a series of lethal strikes.
Since the Emperor had been poisoned yet knew it wasn't the Crown Princess's doing, even for the sake of caution, he ought to utilize her people. How fiercely the Emperor cherished his own life?
Unless... the Emperor hadn't been poisoned at all, hence he felt no worry and forbade others from examining his pulse.
If the Emperor wasn't poisoned yet instructed the imperial physicians to falsely claim he was, then someone was about to face misfortune. His gaze swept over the Emperor and Shen Xihe before lowering his eyes and speaking no more.
"Your Majesty, I request permission to search for the assassins," Jing Wang stepped forward to plead.
"Eighth Brother, the assassination attempt on His Majesty is no trivial matter. As his sons, we ought to remain by His Majesty's side to demonstrate our filial devotion," Zhao Wang Xiao Changmin spoke up. "His Majesty has the Golden Guard led by Zhenbeihou at his side. Eighth Brother can rest assured."
At this moment, every prince was under suspicion for the assassination attempt. Though Xiao Changmin hadn't committed such an act himself, he couldn't guess who the perpetrator might be. Who knew if it was Xiao Changyan's doing? Assassinate the Emperor, then use the search as pretext to frame others?
They needed to avoid suspicion.
"I have already commanded Zhenbeihou to lead the Golden Guard and Embroidered Uniform Envoys in a joint search," Youning Emperor declined Xiao Changyan's request.
Xiao Changyan silently retreated to the side, just facing Xiao Huayong and his wife across the room. His heavy gaze fell upon them.
Xiao Huayong couldn't suppress another bout of light coughing. Youning Emperor instructed Liu Sanzhi, "Fetch a seat for Qilang."
Liu Sanzhi personally brought over a stool. Xiao Huayong expressed thanks before taking his seat.
"Chief Imperial Physician, may I ask what poison His Majesty has been afflicted with?" Shen Xihe inquired with concern once more.
With no empress in the Imperial Harem, as Crown Princess, her detailed questioning about her father-in-law's health appropriately demonstrated a daughter-in-law's filial devotion. The Chief Imperial Physician, already knowing the poison, answered truthfully: "Qianji Poison."
Shen Xihe nodded in understanding.
The group remained with Youning Emperor while other ministers and palace consorts waited outside.
Before long, Abbot Xu Qing arrived. He had actually been among the first to come, but happened to spot the assassin and gave chase. To his surprise, even within Xiangguo Temple, he had lost track of the assassin.
"This humble monk arrives late, causing Your Majesty distress. I beg for Your Majesty's punishment," Xu Qing performed a deep Buddhist bow.
Earlier today he had been thoroughly investigating the incense matter, which remained unresolved, when immediately the Emperor was attacked at Xiangguo Temple. Though a man of the empty gate, he understood this Buddhist sanctuary had now become a symbol of power struggles.
"Rise, Great Master," Youning Emperor lifted his uninjured arm. "The Great Master need not blame himself. My enemies possess far-reaching influence—this has nothing to do with Xiangguo Temple."
"Your Majesty, this humble monk pursued the assassin earlier and crossed blades with him. His martial skills were truly exceptional," Xu Qing added.
"The Great Master pursued the assassin? Where is the assassin now?" Eldest Son Xiao Changmin asked.
Not just him—all the princes simultaneously turned their gazes toward Xu Qing.
Xu Qing spoke somewhat ashamed in a lowered voice: "This humble monk failed to capture the person."
The princes showed slight astonishment. Xu Qing's martial arts were superb, no less capable than the Emperor's own Embroidered Uniform Envoys. Yet even on Xu Qing's home ground, the person had managed to escape. This individual was indeed not to be underestimated.
"Your Majesty, your subject has matters to report," Pingyao Marquis's voice sounded from outside the room.Pingyao Marquis, together with Zhenbei Marquis, searched for the assassins. Pingyao Marquis caught two individuals engaging in lewd acts in a Buddhist temple—one was a monk from Xiangguo Temple, and the other was Noble Consort Rong’s Female Historian. When discovered, the two were entangled together, clearly in a consensual secret rendezvous.
(End of Chapter)
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