I Rely On The Collapse Of The Character Setting To Survive In The Hands Of The Male Lead Chapter 214

Chapter 214

Lin Qingyang watched Chu Lishu’s calm demeanor and felt relieved. The original plot also explained the reasons why the three major families targeted Chu Lishu. When Lin Qingyang read about it, he felt angry. However, Chu Lishu retaliated. Stimulated by memories and provoked by the Wang family, he personally killed everyone in that family, leaving no one alive. The first one he killed was the Eldest Prince, and finally, he took the Eldes Prince’s head along with the forged letter to deceive Imperial Concubine Huang in the palace.

Now, Chu Lishu briefly explained the situation afterward, leaving Lin Qingyang stunned. He didn’t expect Chu Lishu to actually spare the Eldest Prince and Wang Tong’en. Lin Qingyang couldn’t help but be moved. Chu Lishu’s methods now seemed remarkably merciful.

However, later on…

“Are you going out tonight?” Lin Qingyang couldn’t help but ask.

Chu Lishu replied, “Are you referring to meeting Imperial Concubine Huang? That depends on when the Emperor orders her execution. But I need to rest for a while first.”

Lin Qingyang was somewhat surprised that Chu Lishu volunteered to rest, but he quickly realized, “Are you feeling unwell?”

Chu Lishu nodded. The medicine given by Mu Huichun was effective, but his body was extremely exhausted, as if rapidly depleting energy, making him feel like sleeping.

Lin Qingyang immediately said, “Then let’s sleep together tonight! Come on, go to my room. I’ll keep an eye on you. In case of any situation, I can handle it.”

Since it wasn’t the first time taking Mu Huichun’s medicine, what could possibly happen? But seeing Lin Qingyang excitedly pulling him to the room to sleep, Chu Lishu couldn’t refuse.

As they lay down, Chu Lishu noticed that Lin Qingyang didn’t lie flat as usual, but instead turned to face him. It was a bit strange, but after being apart for just an afternoon and evening, was Lin Qingyang already feeling this attached to him?

Chu Lishu’s lips curved into a smile as he turned to meet Lin Qingyang’s gaze. “What’s up?”

As he spoke, he reached out and gently stroked Lin Qingyang’s cheek, then let his hand rest on his waist, bringing them closer together. As they conversed, it felt like their breaths could touch each other’s noses.

Lin Qingyang didn’t react to the unusually close proximity; perhaps he had grown accustomed to it.

“Um, when you go to see Imperial Concubine Huang, could you take me with you? I’ll stand guard at the door for you. It’s not safe, we need to prevent being discovered,” Lin Qingyang requested.

The system still hadn’t assigned any missions. Well, forget it. Anyway, he was going to follow along. He couldn’t let Chu Lishu go alone to meet Imperial Concubine Huang.

Chu Lishu was slightly taken aback, unsure if Lin Qingyang wanted to stick close to him or was just becoming curious about his actions. Finally, Lin Qingyang seemed ready to explore. Chu Lishu was actually willing to let Lin Qingyang uncover the truth. He didn’t mind Lin Qingyang knowing. But Lin Qingyang had always been obedient and trusting, never questioning any of his decisions, which is why things had stayed the same.

Chu Lishu thought for a moment, then nodded. “Okay, I’ll take you.”

Lin Qingyang immediately became delighted. Now he felt reassured. Whatever happened, he should be able to prevent it.

But as he watched Chu Lishu gradually relax into a peaceful sleep, Lin Qingyang found himself unexpectedly infected by the desire to sleep as well. Before he knew it, he had fallen asleep.

After an unknown amount of time, Chu Lishu suddenly opened his eyes, swiftly retrieving a dagger from under the bed. He sat up briskly, protecting Lin Qingyang, who was sleeping beside him.

The familiar code word sounded, and Chu Lishu breathed a sigh of relief, moving to a window.

“Lord, the Emperor just decreed the poisoned wine. Chief Steward Hai has been ordered to follow.”

Chu Lishu tapped the window twice, and the person outside disappeared. He looked at the sky outside, which had already passed midnight.

Returning to the bedside, Chu Lishu attempted to wake the person up, but Lin Qingyang was sleeping soundly, as if he was deeply immersed in a dream.

Chu Lishu could only lean in closer, softly calling out. Suddenly, he heard Lin Qingyang murmuring his name, and this gesture softened Chu Lishu’s heart. Did Lin Qingyang like him this much? He was lying right beside him, yet still dreaming about him.

Unable to resist, Chu Lishu leaned in and planted a kiss on Lin Qingyang’s lips. Lin Qingyang made a soft noise in response, but there was still no sign of waking up. Chu Lishu felt sorry for him, thinking it best to leave him be for now and provide another opportunity in the future. He then got up, dressed himself, and left alone.

But after he left, Lin Qingyang in bed seemed to be trapped in a nightmare, his brows furrowing deeper and deeper, unable to wake up.

Chu Lishu went to the Cold Palace alone and happened to meet Huo Luo and Yue Chen on the way. They had also heard the news and knew that Chu Lishu would definitely come, so they were here to guard him.

With Huo Luo present and Chu Lishu’s familiarity with the palace, they easily avoided the guards and eunuchs outside the Cold Palace, who had come with the Emperor.

Inside the Cold Palace, they concealed their movements and reached a corner outside the hall, where they could see the Emperor conversing with Imperial Concubine Huang.

At this moment, Imperial Concubine Huang, faced with the news of the Eldest Prince’s death, was clearly distraught. Her hair was disheveled, and she wore a white gown, resembling someone in mourning attire, yet she held a jug of wine in her hand, continuously pouring it into her mouth, as if she didn’t want to sober up.

“Is there nothing you want to say to me?” the Emperor stood in the hall, glaring coldly.

“Hehe… as husband and wife, it has come to this. Our Wang family has reached this point today. Your Majesty, can you deny that it’s not because of your actions?”

“Ridiculous! You colluded and sought personal gain, even plotting rebellion. Somehow, it’s become my fault!”

Imperial Concubine Huang chuckled twice, staggering a few steps. “Then let me ask you, why did you marry me in the first place? After marrying me, why did you treat me with such coldness, depriving me of the dignity and face of a proper wife? When I bore your son, did you ever once consider him your legitimate heir and seek to nurture him? You don’t like me, nor do you like him. Your cruelty towards us knows no bounds. Now what right do you have to question us?”

The Emperor’s veins bulged at her words, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Wang Shi, although I haven’t favored you, I haven’t mistreated you either. It’s your greed that led to your downfall. As for the Crown Prince, he has already departed. It’s time for you to join him.”

With that, the Emperor left, leaving behind Chief Steward Hai, intending to depart.

Suddenly, Imperial Concubine Huang spoke in a cold voice, “If I die, one less person will know the Emperor’s secrets. Perhaps the Emperor thinks he can sleep soundly tonight. But, Your Majesty, things are quite lively down below. It won’t just be me and the Eldest Prince waiting for you, will it? We’ll be eagerly awaiting your arrival. By then, all scores will be settled.”

The Emperor’s footsteps faltered, feeling a surge of blood and anger, unsure if it was from rage or his declining health.

He turned back, casting a cold glance at Imperial Concubine Huang, devoid of any emotion. “Chief Steward Hai, watch her drink it, and only report back when she’s dead.”

Chief Steward Hai immediately knelt down to obey the order.

How ruthless a monarch can be.

He truly never loved this woman; marrying her in the first place was merely for the sake of the Wang family. Coming to see her for one last time was already his consideration for her status and dignity.

As the Emperor departed, Imperial Concubine Huang’s smile lingered. After finishing the last drop of wine, she forcefully smashed the wine jug and reached for the poisoned wine in Chief Steward Hai’s hands.

But as she reached out, Chief Steward Hai took a step back.

Imperial Concubine Huang shook her head, her bitter smile evident. “Could it be that I am truly drunk?!”

Suddenly, another voice echoed in the hall. “Don’t you want to know the whereabouts of your son?”

Imperial Concubine Huang trembled all over, turning to look. “What did you say? Are you…?”

Chu Lishu stepped forward to deliver the letter. Initially, Imperial Concubine Huang was skeptical, but the moment she saw the handwriting on the letter, she broke down in tears. Clutching Chu Lishu’s arm in disbelief, she asked, “My son… he’s alive, he’s alive!”

“Yes, but we didn’t help for nothing,” Chu Lishu replied.

“What do you want? You’re Prime Minister Li’s people, speak up. As long as my son is alive, I’m willing to exchange anything I have to offer,” Imperial Concubine Huang exclaimed excitedly, as if a condemned prisoner had glimpsed a chance of survival.

Chu Lishu narrowed his eyes slightly, suppressing his emotions. “We want to know what Prince Ning did when the former Emperor and Empress passed away.”

Regarding the events of the past, Chu Lishu was already well-informed about most of it. The only thing he didn’t know was what transpired within the palace back then. He wanted to know how his father and mother died, and he didn’t want to miss out on anyone who had harmed them.

“So Prime Minister Li wants to know about this? Well, knowing these things would indeed be a threat to that bastard. Alright, I’ll tell you everything. Consider it our revenge!” Imperial Concubine Huang smiled proudly, slowly recounting the events of the past. In fact, she knew more than what the others knew because she was the Princess Consort of Prince Ning at that time. When the incident occurred in the palace, Prince Ning and his consort were both present, and he didn’t keep anything from her, considering that the Wang family was involved from beginning to end.

“Back then, I came to know that the highly praised Lord Ning, the former Emperor’s good brother, had been secretly plotting to usurp the throne. The three major families, along with several bordering nations, all conspired together just to deal with my outstanding nephew, Yuan Ran. I truly admire him. He used to adore Yuan Ran so much, even more than his own sons. Yet, he unconsciously harbored rebellious intentions and staged a performance so convincing that no one could detect any trace of it. At that time, I envied his affection for his nephew, but my foolish son has always admired Yuan Ran, aspiring to inherit the title of a king and guard the border territories for him…” Imperial Concubine Huang drifted off topic when she mentioned the Crown Prince.

“Tell me something else,” Chu Lishu frowned. “What I want to know is about the deaths of the Emperor and Empress.”

Imperial Concubine Huang was somewhat surprised. “Alright, at that time, the former Emperor was seriously ill. News arrived from outside that Yuan Ran had died. Prince Ning went in to inform the former Emperor, but… the former Emperor wasn’t angered to death by Yuan Ran’s news as rumored. He was… infuriated by the truth.”

Chu Lishu’s expression subtly changed as he slowly raised his head, his hands instinctively clenching into fists, listening intently as Imperial Concubine Huang continued with a cold sneer.

At that time, with three cities breached, the situation was dire. Inside the Funing Palace, the Emperor was recuperating in the main hall, surrounded by many people.

Prince Ning requested a private audience with the Emperor to discuss matters, so he asked everyone else to leave.

The Empress was the first to depart, returning directly to her own palace. However, feeling uneasy, she brought her sister, Cheng Shi, and the Crown Prince’s betrothed, to remain in the side hall.

Prince Ning’s consort was supposed to stay in the side hall, but recently she had learned many unsettling things, so she decided to secretly observe Prince Ning and the Emperor.

As a result, Prince Ning confessed to the Emperor, word by word, as if each syllable were a form of punishment, revealing the truth about his plot against Yuan Ran. The Emperor was so enraged that he spat blood on the spot and collapsed. By the time Prince Ning called for help, it was already too late. In a matter of moments, the Emperor passed away.

Upon hearing this, Chu Lishu clenched his teeth, suppressing his boiling anger. His complexion had turned grim. The cause of his father’s death was indeed unexpected. It wasn’t from being enraged by him, but rather from…

Imperial Concubine Huang continued her account. After the incident, it seemed as though everything in Funing Palace had been rehearsed in advance. When the imperial physician declared the Emperor’s passing, someone stepped forward to request Prince Ning’s ascension to the throne to stabilize the situation. Prince Ning hesitated for a moment before instructing them to inform the Empress Dowager, stating that she should make the decision. Then he went alone to the side hall, claiming he needed to personally inform his sister-in-law.

As Imperial Concubine Huang reached this point, she suddenly gave Chu Lishu a sinister smile. It wasn’t a genuine smile, but rather a terrifying and bitter expression that she couldn’t even describe herself.

“At that time, Prince Ning went to the side hall with a white silk cloth, informed the three people inside about the Emperor’s passing, and then threw down the white silk, saying ‘The Empress died for love.’ He then ordered his trusted men to guard the door and left alone. He used the Empress’s supposed grief as an excuse to reject inquiries from others. Two days later… rumors of the Empress’s suicide for love spread throughout the palace, and he personally went to collect her body.”

Chu Lishu suddenly took a step back, his pupils contracting continuously.

He already knew that his mother’s death was suspicious, not the result of suicide for love as rumored, because the marks on her body didn’t match those of hanging. So, he had been mentally prepared, knowing that someone might have killed his mother, whether it was a eunuch, palace maid, or Prince Ning himself. He needed to know clearly, he didn’t want to be unaware of who killed his mother. But… but…

Chief Steward Hai, who seemed to understand what was being discussed, immediately knelt down in fear, trembling all over and not daring to raise his head.

Outside the door, the guards Yue Chen and Huo Luo were still reeling from the shock of the previous revelation, and now they were even more stunned.

Huo Luo glanced at Yue Chen, as if wanting to ask something, but seeing the pale look on Yue Chen’s face, he couldn’t muster a single word.

“Seeing you so shocked, you must have guessed it. Indeed, the Empress did not die by her own hand for love. She was strangled to death, and the one who killed her… was none other than her own younger sister, and the bride she had chosen for her son.”

The words struck Chu Lishu like lightning, leaving his mind blank in an instant.

That day, Princess Ning’s consort watched secretly, observing the situation in the side hall. Although she knew that Prince Ning would definitely kill the empress, she hadn’t anticipated this scenario. Perhaps fearing that others would eventually leak the truth if they were involved, only those inside who would never dare to speak would remain silent, which was why she acted in this manner.

On the first day, Princess’s consort Ning saw the young Cheng Shi holding the empress and crying, while Jing Ruoyin trembled in fear beside them. On the second day, she heard the young Cheng Shi urging the empress to take matters into her own hands. However, the empress refused. It wasn’t that she feared death; her love for the emperor was unshakable. How could she fear death when she and the emperor were as inseparable as gold and stone? She simply couldn’t bear to part with Yuan Ran. Without seeing Yuan Ran’s body, she refused to believe he was dead. She took pride in her son and was convinced that Yuan Ran could overcome any difficulty and return safely. She also understood that no one in the palace stood by Yuan Ran’s side anymore. She couldn’t leave him to face adversity alone. She had to wait for Yuan Ran to come back, to help him, and to tell him the truth.

The empress didn’t want to die; she even attempted to escape. But how could she escape from there? If she didn’t die, the door to the side hall would never open.

When Prince Ning’s consort returned later that evening, she witnessed the nightmare she couldn’t forget. She saw the young Cheng Shi holding the white silk at both ends, crying and apologizing on one hand, and mercilessly tightening it around the empress’s neck on the other. It’s not easy for one woman to strangle another, but with two… one pulling from the left and one from the right, it became effortless. The empress struggled, and the young Cheng Shi could only shout to Jing Ruoyin, asking for help if they wanted to get out alive. In the end, Jing Ruoyin took hold of the other end… and pulled with all her might.

She heard the empress crying out for Yuan Ran’s name before her death, reaching out weakly towards the door… She was so scared that she vomited on the spot.

The empress was dead, with messy marks around her neck, her eyes wide open in anger. Only she noticed that the young Cheng Shi’s hands were covered in red marks, and Jing Ruoyin had broken several fingernails. Both of them were petrified, carried out by others and didn’t emerge to see anyone for several days and nights.

So the current Imperial Concubine Huang always wondered why that Empress Cheng could still live so presumptuously… truly, appearances are deceptive.

After Imperial Concubine Huang finished speaking, she looked at Chu Lishu, expecting him to show shock or disdain. However, he remained completely unresponsive, standing stiffly in place, his expression gone from his face.

It was a while before he finally lifted his head, trembling as he asked, “No… she’s her own younger sister?”

She hadn’t liked her son. He understood; after all, they didn’t have a close relationship. But that was her beloved sister…

Imperial Concubine Huang was somewhat perplexed by Chu Lishu’s peculiar reaction. She sneered, “Perhaps you’ve never seen the ugliness of the royal court, let alone its deeper ugliness. Let me tell you one final secret…”

She strolled leisurely towards Chu Lishu, as if sharing a fun secret, and grasped his shoulder. “Actually, everyone in the palace can see the ambiguous relationship between the Emperor and Empress Cheng. You must have noticed it during your time here. It’s already a well-known secret. But what nobody knows is that they haven’t been unaware of it since over a decade ago. I discovered their affair shortly after I became pregnant all those years ago.”

“Do you know why Empress Cheng can be so heartless towards her own sister and her son Yuan Ran? Because she has her own lover and their son. Actually, Yuan Ye isn’t the late Emperor’s son; he’s the son of her and that despicable man. That’s why we have to strive so hard to secure the position of the Crown Prince. Everyone says we shouldn’t rush, that the Emperor won’t pass the throne to his nephew. Haha, how could we not rush? Of course, he will! Because that’s his own son!”

Imperial Concubine Huang finished speaking and laughed, then suddenly another, louder laughter echoed.

Chu Lishu joined in the laughter, laughing wildly, his eyes turning bloodshot, and the pressure around him seemed to compress into a dangerous state.

Finally, Imperial Concubine Huang realized something was amiss, and Yue Chen and Huo Luo rushed in at the same time.

Huo Luo noticed Chu Lishu’s loss of control over his inner energy. Today happened to be the day when his Tianxuan Pill would trigger its effects. He was about to go berserk, so Huo Luo hurried forward to channel his inner energy. However, he was repelled by a palm strike from Chu Lishu.

Chu Lishu turned and left, unconsciously wielding a dagger in his hand. The murderous aura swirling around him almost solidified into substance.

He was intent on killing, on slaughtering every obstacle, every person in his way, everyone who approached him.

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