Chapter 195: Secret Chamber
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After over a month of running around, Qu Chenzhou was indeed exhausted.
When he rode the fast horse back to the capital, his wounds had nearly burst open. Meeting Emperor Yu was his last effort.
Once he was brought back to the Star Gazing Pavillion and laid down on the bed, he didn’t want to move at all. Even when the imperial physician came to treat his wounds, only the occasional pain could keep him conscious.
When he woke up early the next morning, the rewards lined up outside his door had been waiting for a long time.
The miracle displayed by the wooden spirit had completely won people over.
Qu Chenzhou wasn’t in a hurry to inquire about what had happened outside. He spent the next eight or nine days recuperating at home, without stepping outside. Nevertheless, someone had more anxiety than him.
Bo Yan personally came to the Star Gazing Pavillion, returning the waist plaques for both of them and inviting him to the Valiant Camp to watch martial drills.
Before they even left through Xihua Gate, Bo Yan caught up a few steps and asked softly, “Qu Sitian, is it really true that the Shizi’s whereabouts are unknown? I heard that both families have sent people to look for him, but there’s still no news. Could the Shizi really…”
“I don’t know. I only saw the Shizi fall off the cliff. I don’t know anything else. But I’m sure the Shizi has good fortune and blessings. Lucky people have their own fortunes.”
Qu Chenzhou paused. “Is there something you want to know from me, Commander Bo?”
Bo Yan forced a smile. The one who had lured him into this conversation was Qu Chenzhou, but the one who had promised him something was still Liu Zhongming. It was impossible for him not to worry.
He couldn’t figure out the relationship between these two. He had even tested the waters with Bai Shiyan when they met, but Bai Shiyan’s reaction was hard to fathom.
Knowing not to speak too much, he only asked in a soft voice, “Qu Sitian, have you heard about… what has been happening in the palace these days?”
Qu Chenzhou smiled lightly and glanced to the side.
When he had spoken the divination about “The long-standing problem can now be resolved” to the Emperor, His Majesty had sternly rebuked him and ordered him not to speak recklessly.
Yet he truly remained silent for several days. The Emperor, unable to restrain himself any longer, sought advice from him, but he couldn’t lower his dignity to approach him directly. So, he used Bo Yan to convey the information.
“I’m not sure,” Qu Chenzhou’s voice was soft and humble, “I haven’t been outside in these days and haven’t had a chance to know. I’m embarrassed. Did something happen to Ning Wang?”
“You’ve heard about it?” Bo Yan was surprised.
“Not exactly. When I returned to the palace, I saw that the Empress had a mournful expression and seemed utterly distraught. I believe, apart from Ning Wang, there wouldn’t be a second person capable of affecting her like this.”
Bo Yan looked around, making sure they were far from the palace gate before lowering his voice, “Qu Sitian, you’re truly perceptive. You guessed right. Ning Wang is indeed in serious trouble this time.”
Qu Chenzhou looked at his gaze and smoothly turned to a corner.
Bo Yan caught up with him in a few steps and sighed.
“Qu Sitian doesn’t know. During the days you and the others were away from the capital, it happened to be Empress Dowager’s birthday celebration. It should have been a joyful occasion, but unexpectedly, a tragedy occurred in the palace.”
Qu Chenzhou’s eyebrows twitched. “Ning Wang is no more?”
“If it was just Ning Wang, the Empress might still be fine. But… it’s the Empress Dowager,” Bo Yan’s voice was soft, “The Empress Dowager has passed away.”
“The Empress Dowager!” Qu Chenzhou feigned astonishment, “I was completely unaware of this national mourning. Fortunately, Commander Bo reminded me today! The Empress Dowager has passed away… could this be related to the mentioned tragedy?”
Bo Yan stomped his foot, “Exactly.”
“The Empress Dowager mentioned feeling tired halfway through the feast and returned to rest. Afterward, nobody noticed when Ning Wang left.”
“When I heard the news and entered the Long Cui Garden, Ning Wang was still holding a dagger in his hand, and the Empress Dowager was covered in blood, with three fatal wounds. She had no strength left to survive.”
Qu Chenzhou was surprised. “How could this have happened? Could Ning Wang really be the culprit? Since the Empress Dowager was still alive, did she say anything?”
The Empress Dowager had risked her life to survive just to bite down on Ning Wang. Naturally, she wanted to bring him down completely before everyone arrived.
“The Empress Dowager kept shouting ‘unfilial descendant, Mu Jingzhao killed me!’ Everyone heard it at that time!”
“Xi Gonggong was also injured. According to Xi Gongggong, Ning Wang followed them, took advantage of the moment when there was only the Empress Dowager and him in the room, and attacked.”
“Ning Wang kept shouting that he was innocent. He said he had left the banquet to pay his respects and happened to see a shadow. He was momentarily confused and followed that person…”
Although Bo Yan didn’t explicitly say it, everyone knew that Ning Wang was confused by something.
While such an excuse might be used in normal situations, people might just chuckle about it in secret. However, this excuse couldn’t be used to explain the current situation. How could it be that at this time, they had encountered a favored palace figure and yet couldn’t pinpoint who it was?
Although everyone was surprised by Ning Wang’s actions, the more he explained, the more doubts arose, and the more black marks were smeared on him. He couldn’t escape suspicion.
Seeing him remaining silent, Bo Yan softly said, “This matter is indeed suspicious. How could Ning Wang dare to commit such an outrageous act all of a sudden? And why did he take such ruthless actions? Could it be because of the Empress Dowager…”
Qu Chenzhou stopped this string of questions, gesturing to continue walking forward. He only asked, “How is His Majesty handling this? Where is Ning Wang now?”
Seeing that he had touched upon the crucial points, Bo Yan felt relieved.
“Ning Wang has been confined to the palace during this period. No one is allowed to approach him. His Majesty has checked him twice, but he still hasn’t decided on a course of action.”
“However, the Empress has been continually insisting that Ning Wang is innocent. This matter has caused quite a stir in the court. Tang Shizhong’s words weren’t very polite, and many others have chimed in.”
“Before you returned, His Majesty was weak and bedridden, missing morning court for over half a month. Fortunately, he has recovered quite a bit these past few days.”
Bo Yan hesitated for a moment before saying, “You’ve returned at just the right time. You should see what Ning Wang is really…”
“Commander Bo, your words are too heavy…” Qu Chenzhou interrupted him.
“I’m just a person who relies on fate, ignorant about court affairs, and I don’t dare to speak beyond my place. As for seeking the truth, the Dali Temple and the Ministry of Punishments are more specialized than I am. If His Majesty or any esteemed person requires my assistance, I will not hesitate. However, at the moment and beyond my responsibilities, please forgive me for being unable to help.”
Bo Yan ran into an unexpected obstacle and was momentarily taken aback.
“But… but, Qu Sitian, as a minister, it is our duty to share the worries of the emperor. Right now, His Majesty is troubled, and unrest prevails both in the former and current harem. How can we remain indifferent?”
Qu Chenzhou smiled faintly. Although Bo Yan was worth cultivating, he wasn’t particularly clever. Years of unwavering loyalty caused him to fail to navigate crucial turns, letting the emperor wield him as a tool.
This explained why he couldn’t become a trusted insider on either side.
“Commander Bo, you overestimate me. His Majesty’s well-being is the top priority now. Wasn’t I tasked today to prepare new elixirs?”
Seeing that Bo Yan seemed dissatisfied and wanted to say more, Qu Chenzhou pointed at his shoulder.
“His Majesty is in his prime and understands everything clearly. He naturally has plans. This is His Majesty’s realm; Ning Wang is also His Majesty’s kin. It’s not our place to decide.”
This statement halted Bo Yan’s argument. He couldn’t refute it openly, as Qu Chenzhou’s stance and attitude seemed reasonable, given the circumstances.
The so-called observation of martial exercises was just a pretext, but the Valiant Battalion seemed to be putting in extra effort this time, their shouts echoing through the field.
Everyone was well-informed, and who wouldn’t know that Qu Sitian, who was at the helm, had achieved a great feat in front of the emperor? Even during the days when Qu Chenzhou was recuperating, the looks directed at them by the other camps were filled with envy and jealousy.
Compared to them, the previously high-spirited Jinwu Guard was now lackluster, repeatedly glancing over from the other side of the training ground.
Ding Lekang’s remains had vanished, and nobody knew who would take over his position. There was uncertainty whether the successor could restore their past glory and prestige.
Pretending not to notice the diverse thoughts directed his way, Qu Chenzhou continued to present rewards and, bidding farewell to Bo Yan’s concerned gaze, he headed toward Dongtian Manor.
The name “Dongtian Manor” implied an alternate world. It had always been the place for preparing elixirs for the emperor. Various creatures, both real and mythical, abounded here, making it even more bewildering than his position as Si Tian Guan.
Now that he had brought back the wood spirit, it was only logical for him to take over the elixir preparation.
The emperor’s physical condition wasn’t a secret. The physicians in the separate palace had long since memorized the prescriptions for nourishing him.
To deal with the Empress and Huai Wang, the emperor was still a weapon to be wielded. He couldn’t fall now.
Qu Chenzhou stayed at Dongtian Manor until the evening sun was setting, and the palace gates had undoubtedly been locked.
Fortunately, he had already informed the emperor when he went to pay his respects in the morning.
With the busy schedule today and limited time, he needed to swiftly understand the minor details in Dongtian Manor. If he couldn’t return before the palace gates were closed, the emperor had granted him permission to stay outside for the night.
And the place outside the palace gates was naturally a location the emperor was aware of—the former Qisheng Building, now Qu Residence.
During the more than a month he was away from the capital, while there were some details left unrefined, the overall construction had been completed. With Steward Lin overseeing the progress, even the servants, staff, and household items were all prepared and in order.
Steward Lin, the overseer, had already gathered everyone at the entrance. Seeing the bandage wrapped around Qu Chenzhou’s arm extending all the way to his palm and how he had to be assisted down from his horse, Steward Lin’s eyes welled with redness.
Qu Chenzhou waved his hand at him and led him into the inner courtyard.
“Qu Sitian…”
Turning around, Qu Chenzhou looked at him. “It sounds so formal when Steward Lin addresses me like that. Just call me like you used to.”
“Chen…. Chenzhou…” Steward Lin tried the name hesitantly. After the initial awkwardness of reacquaintance, the familiar figure from the past finally emerged.
“Are they all people from that side?”
Steward Lin understood the implications behind that question. To minimize any potential troubles in the residence, they naturally needed to find honest and reliable individuals. Currently, all these people were brought in from the Liu family.
“Yes,” he softly replied. They continued walking with the others, heading towards the bedchamber. They stopped only when they reached the door. Unable to restrain himself, Steward Lin asked, “Chenzhou, what exactly happened between you and the Shizi?”
Qu Chenzhou slightly turned his body to meet Steward Lin’s perplexity with his gaze.
“Steward Lin, ensure the household is well managed, and keep their lips sealed. Don’t inquire further about other matters.”
With the door closed behind him, he paced around the room a couple of times, eventually ending up by the bedside. He pulled the mechanism within the bed frame, shifted aside a hanging scroll on the wall, and followed a narrow passage downward.
A secret chamber, currently empty with nothing in it.
He stood in the middle of the room for the span of an incense stick, feeling a slight tremor beneath his feet.
After a moment, a faint light indicated a path ahead. Walking about ten meters, the surroundings abruptly brightened. The chamber was simple, equipped with basic furniture, two lamps mounted on the walls illuminating the space, and the air carrying a hint of freshness.
Blinded momentarily by the sudden brightness of the lamps, he shielded his eyes with his hand and noticed that the light in front of him suddenly dimmed. A figure seemed to encompass him entirely.
“You’re really here.” The person moved the hand that was blocking his way, pressed him gently against the wall, and a familiar presence settled around his neck. “If you weren’t, I was about to come find you.”
“Do you dare… to come up?” Qu Chenzhou’s breathing became shallow due to the heat radiating from that presence. “Why did you return so quickly?”
“You asked me to come back quickly. I was afraid you would wait too long.”
“I could wait.”
“I don’t want you to wait,” as if wanting to make up for past regrets, warm and moist lips brushed against his earlobe, murmuring softly, “Chenzhou, I’ve missed you so much, I’ve missed you so much.”
“Don’t make a fuss,” although Qu Chenzhou couldn’t see anything due to the obstruction, he could hear footsteps. “Won’t there be someone coming in a little while?”
The so-called “someone” had already arrived.
As soon as Rong Jiuan’s foot landed on the last step, he softly exclaimed, caught between advance and retreat.
In the narrow and low passageway, Ling He slightly stooped and gave him a gentle push forward. “Ah Jiu, what are you doing? Go.”
Rong Jiuan was maneuvered into the room against his will. After hesitating for a moment, Ling He was similarly pushed forward by those behind him.
“Come on, don’t just stand there…”
Bai Shiyan, tall and bending slightly at the waist, lifted his head just in time to catch a glimpse of the scene not far away. About to withdraw, he hesitated. However, at the back, Fang Wuyang’s patience had run out.
“Get in there!” Fang Wuyang shoved the three in front of him, then looked up and cursed, “D*mn it! I’m blinded!”
“Should we leave?” Ling He asked Bai Shiyan, his feet already starting to step backward.
“Wait a bit longer,” Rong Jiuan remained calm. “Judging by my estimation, it’s almost done.”
Hearing their discussions, Qu Chenzhou struggled a few times against the embrace that held him so affectionately. Unable to endure any longer, he lifted his knee and delivered a fierce blow between the legs.
As the sound of this muffled impact rang out, the four people in a single-file line seemed to empathize with each other. They all involuntarily clamped their legs together, drawing sharp intakes of cold air.
Seeing Liu Zhongming stumble and kneel down, no one had any intention of helping him up.
Fang Wuyang sneered, “Serves him right!”
Ling He appeared indifferent but was actually feeling a bit more compassionate at the moment. He turned to Bai Shiyan and asked, “I bet the Shizi won’t be able to endure anymore. General Bai, what do you think?”
Bai Shiyan was stunned, not knowing whether to be delighted or startled. After a dazed moment, he finally reacted, “I bet he can take a few more rounds.”
“General Bai, Ling Shilang, as officials of the court, you’re not allowed to privately engage in gambling,” Rong Jiuan calmly took a seat first.
“Are there any stakes? If so, I bet on General Bai’s side.”
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