The Salted Fish Has Gotten Over It Chapter 109

Chapter 109:

Everything happened very quickly. From the onset of dizziness to Jiang Juan losing consciousness, it all occurred in an instant.

Before collapsing, Jiang Juan fell into an embrace. Xue Fangli caught him and called out to him repeatedly.

“Jiang Juan.”

“……Jiang Juan.”

“Jiang Juan!”

There was no response.

“Brother Juan—!”

Seeing Jiang Juan collapse, Xue Congyun rushed over almost instinctively. Behind him, both Jiang Qingliang and Gu Puwang followed. Even though they sensed something was wrong, they only paused in their steps and did not retreat.

Xue Fangli held Jiang Juan’s chin and, as he had done before to wake him, shook him repeatedly. But this time, the young man’s eyelashes did not flutter, and he did not make any of his usual incoherent complaints.

Jiang Juan lay in Xue Fangli’s arms, his crimson robe spread out like spilled rouge, scattering everywhere. In this sea of red, he seemed lifeless.

Xue Fangli shouted, “Imperial Physician!”

Imperial Physician Sun, who had come along, hurried over when he heard the call. He lifted his robe, knelt on the ground, and began to check Jiang Juan’s pulse.

After placing his fingers on the pulse, Imperial Physician Sun waited for a moment, then made a puzzled noise and looked worried. He switched to Jiang Juan’s other hand, but after a short while, he switched back and began to sweat profusely.

Xue Fangli asked, “What’s wrong with him?”

Imperial Physician Sun moved his lips and replied, “Reporting to Your Majesty, the Empress…”

Imperial Physician Sun bowed deeply, his forehead pressed to the ground in fear, and said, “The pulse shows no abnormalities.”

“No abnormalities?”

Xue Fangli stared at him intently, his aura cold and his expression grim. “No abnormalities? Does that mean he’s just asleep?”

Imperial Physician Sun dared not speak, his forehead firmly on the ground, not daring to make a sound.

Xue Fangli glanced at Jiang Juan, stood up, and coldly ordered, “Have all the imperial physicians from the Imperial Physician Courtyard brought here.”

Thus, this sudden turn of events forced the coronation ceremony to be interrupted.

Xue Congyun asked in shock, “What happened to Brother Juan? Is it a heart condition?”

Jiang Qingliang said, “If it were a heart condition, how could they not diagnose it?”

Gu Puwang remained silent, watching Xue Fangli lift Jiang Juan into the palanquin. After a while, he finally said, “Let’s go see.”

He and Jiang Qingliang had not walked far before Xue Congyun had a moment of insight, “You two shouldn’t go. I’ll go instead. My brother looks terrible. If he’s annoyed with me, it’s just a punishment. You two might face worse.”

Gu Puwang and Jiang Qingliang were indeed not the most suitable to go. Gu Puwang thought for a moment and said to Xue Congyun, “If you go, be quiet.”

Xue Congyun: “……Understood.”

The new empress collapsing during the coronation was no small matter. The imperial physicians from the Imperial Physician Courtyard rushed over, barely catching their breath before starting to check Jiang Juan’s pulse.

Imperial Physician Sun was the most experienced and senior physician at the Imperial Physician Courtyard. If even he reported no abnormalities, then it was unlikely that any other doctor would find anything different.

Similar to the previous examination by Imperial Physician Sun, the imperial physician currently examining Jiang Juan frowned deeply. He wiped his sweat repeatedly, but no matter how he looked at it, the pulse still seemed—“What’s wrong with him?”

Xue Fangli asked calmly, but the veins on his hand gripping Jiang Juan bulged, and his eyes were bloodshot, with a dangerous undertone beneath his calm demeanor.

The imperial physician shivered. The truth was on the tip of his tongue, but he dared not speak openly. Trembling, he said, “Your Majesty, let me discuss this with my colleagues… and then report back?”

Xue Fangli responded with a noncommittal “mm,” showing no discernible emotion.

The imperial physician stepped out of the palanquin. In just a short while, he was drenched in sweat, but he was too anxious to care. He hurriedly sought help from his colleagues at the Imperial Physician Courtyard.

“How much longer?”

Xue Fangli’s impatience reached its peak as he slammed his fingers on the low table. In reality, not much time had passed, and the imperial physician hadn’t even had a chance to discuss much with his colleagues.

But ultimately, if the pulse showed no abnormalities, it showed no abnormalities. The imperial physician took a deep breath, his heart pounding with fear, and said to Xue Fangli, “Reporting to Your Majesty—” “Perhaps it’s my lack of skill. The Empress’s pulse shows no abnormalities. The fainting might be due to recent exhaustion. Perhaps… you should wait a bit longer?”

The imperial physician’s tone was uncertain. Upon hearing this, Xue Fangli repeated, “Wait a bit longer?”

He laughed bitterly, unable to contain his anger any longer. Xue Fangli no longer hid his emotions and glared with a menacing look. “The Imperial Physician Courtyard is truly full of useless people!”

“Get out, all of you, get out!”

At his command, the imperial physicians of the Imperial Physician Courtyard had no choice but to leave immediately, bowing as they went. They were thoroughly frightened.

Xue Fangli watched them go with indifference. A familiar headache struck him again, and his rage began to surge uncontrollably.

In the past, everything would calm down as long as Jiang Juan was around. But this time, everything had gone awry because of him.

“Your Majesty…”

Chief Steward Wang said cautiously, “Why not let me send for all the doctors in the capital to come to the palace? If the Imperial Physician Courtyard fails, perhaps these doctors might see something useful?”

Xue Fangli closed his eyes and said, “Send for them.”

Chief Steward Wang bowed and hurried off to make arrangements. But before he had taken many steps, Xue Fangli called him back.

“E’nan.”

Xue Fangli’s tone was very cold. “Immediately find a monk named E’nan.”

On the day of the crown prince coronation day, Jiang Juan had entered the Buddhist pagoda alone, only to be pushed down the stairs. After waking, he had spoken to Lan Ting about a monk named E’nan.

This E’nan had said that Jiang Juan was destined to face three calamities and had mentioned instability of the soul.

After hearing this, Xue Fangli had once sent someone to find E’nan but came up empty-handed. Now that Jiang Juan had fainted for no apparent reason, it was imperative to find him.

“Today, even if I have to dig three feet into the ground, I will find this monk.”

Xue Fangli’s every word was heavy with intensity and murderous intent.

Whether it was due to supernatural causes or genuine circumstances, Jiang Juan’s situation was undeniably connected to him.

Chief Steward Wang didn’t know the reason but didn’t ask further. Since Xue Fangli had given the order, he responded promptly, “Yes, Your Majesty.”

Understanding the importance of Jiang Juan, Chief Steward Wang dared not delay and soon disappeared from sight, almost running to carry out the task.

Xue Fangli looked away from Chief Steward Wang and focused on Jiang Juan’s face. He slowly lowered his head and buried it in Jiang Juan’s neck. Amid the faint fragrance, Xue Fangli’s frustration only grew.

After a while, Xue Fangli said, “Leave the palace, go to Zhao An Temple.”

He didn’t believe in gods or ghosts, but rather than leave Jiang Juan in his faint state, he preferred to visit a temple.

Perhaps by unfortunate coincidence, when they arrived at Zhao An Temple, which was usually bustling, the gates were tightly closed, and there were very few worshippers. Only a sweeper monk was clearing the fallen leaves in front of the gate.

The guard reported, “Your Majesty, today is Master Liaowu’s memorial day. The abbot and the monks of Zhao An Temple have gone up the mountain to offer their respects. The temple is closed to the public.”

Xue Fangli suppressed his irritation and said, “Miaoling Temple.”

Soon, they arrived at Miaoling Temple. It was a place he had visited a few months ago, but today it was a scene of devastation, with the temple’s structures in ruins.

After inquiring with the nearby villagers, the guard nervously reported, “Your Majesty, Miaoling Temple is under renovation and cannot be entered.”

Xue Fangli then said, “Guibao Temple.”

Every temple was usually busy with incense offerings, but today, on this day, when Xue Fangli brought Jiang Juan there, the gates were tightly shut, and the deities were nowhere to be seen.

“Your Majesty, today the monks of Guibao Temple are all out on alms rounds.”

“Guiling Temple is off-limits; their abbot passed away last night.”

“No one is at Jingti Temple today, and no worshippers are present.”

…

Xue Fangli visited almost every temple in the capital, but in the end, none were open. He laughed bitterly, his whole body exuding a murderous aura, his expression fearsome.

The absence of deities was no excuse for not breaking in.

He didn’t fear the consequences; he only feared that those consequences would fall upon the young man.

He was also afraid…

That the young man would wake up and cause trouble.

The young man had a kind heart. If he knew that Xue Fangli was troubling others on his behalf, it would only make him unhappy.

Xue Fangli lowered his gaze, his fingers brushing over Jiang Juan’s face. “Where has your soul gone?”

“Have you forgotten what you said?”

Whether it was a matter of deception or reality, Jiang Juan’s condition was undeniably related to Xue Fangli.

Steward Gao did not question the reasons but took his orders seriously. Knowing how important Jiang Juan was, he did not delay and hurried off with almost a sprint, quickly disappearing from sight.

Xue Fangli looked away, his gaze settling on Jiang Juan’s face. He slowly lowered his head, resting his forehead against Jiang Juan’s neck. Amidst the lingering faint fragrance, Xue Fangli’s own frustration grew stronger.

After a long while, Xue Fangli said, “Leave the palace and go to the Jinghua Pagoda.”

He did not believe in spirits or deities, but rather than letting Jiang Juan remain unconscious, he preferred to visit a temple.

Perhaps it was bad luck. When they arrived at the Jinghua Pagoda, usually bustling with visitors, today it was tightly closed. The number of worshippers was few, and only a sweeping monk was clearing the fallen leaves in front of the gate.

The guards reported, “Your Majesty, today is Master Liuwu’s memorial day. The abbot and the monks have gone up the mountain to pay their respects. The pagoda is closed to the public.”

Xue Fangli suppressed his irritation and said, “Miaoling Temple.”

Not long after, they arrived at the place. The temple they had visited a few months ago was now in ruins, with buildings torn apart.

After inquiring with nearby villagers, the guards reported with trepidation, “Your Majesty, Miaoling Temple is currently under renovation and is not open to visitors.”

Xue Fangli ordered, “Gui Bao Temple.”

Every temple he tried was usually bustling with incense offerings. Yet today, on this very day when Xue Fangli was carrying Jiang Juan, all the temple gates were shut, and no deities were to be seen.

“Your Majesty, the monks of Gui Bao Temple are out on alms today.”

“Gui Ling Temple is closed. Their abbot passed away last night.”

“No one is here today. Jing Ti Temple has no visitors.”

…

Xue Fangli visited almost every temple in the capital, but none were open. He smiled bitterly, a murderous intent rising within him, his expression becoming terrifying.

With the deities unavailable, he could force his way in.

The gods feared the cause, while all beings feared the results. He was not afraid of bad results for himself, but he feared the bad results affecting the youth.

He also feared…

The youth waking up and causing trouble for him.

The youth had a kind heart. If he knew that Xue Fangli was causing trouble for others again, it would only make him unhappy.

Xue Fangli lowered his gaze, his fingers caressing Jiang Juan’s face. “Where has your soul gone?”

“Have you forgotten what you said?”

No one responded.

Jiang Juan lay in his arms, unusually quiet. His breathing was shallow, and his heartbeat weak, as if he was just sleeping a bit longer and had not yet woken up to respond.

After staring at him for a long time, Xue Fangli thought of a place.

There was a pagoda that housed a relic. If one had a request and knelt all the way to the top, a true Buddha would appear and grant one’s wishes.

He asked for nothing but the safety of one person.

“Jinghua Tower.”

Xue Fangli said, “Go to Jinghua Tower.”

The pagoda was towering, with a total of thirty-seven floors. It was where Jiang Juan had previously encountered E’nan and had been pushed down the stairs.

He instructed someone to watch over Jiang Juan and entered the pagoda.

“Fifth Brother! Fifth Brother!”

Xue Congyun had followed all the way and was puzzled, not understanding why Xue Fangli was going to temples. Seeing him now heading into the pagoda, he couldn’t hold back and hurried to catch up.

“What are you doing here?”

“Seeking something.”

Xue Congyun was taken aback, then remembered that this was Jinghua Tower and recalled the legend about it.

His fifth brother, who never believed in gods or spirits, was now here to kneel, clearly for someone else.

“Fifth Brother, you…”

If one sought something, they had to kneel all the way to the top. Xue Congyun could not imagine his fifth brother doing such a thing.

In the palace, Xue Fangli was reckless and heedless when enraged. He had never known restraint and had no regard for it. He was inherently arrogant, showing little respect to even his royal grandmother or father, let alone these mystical deities.

Xue Congyun had also heard that recently, his royal grandmother had troubled Jiang Juan, forcing him to kneel. When Xue Fangli arrived, he had even smashed her revered Buddha statues and tablets.

Xue Congyun truly could not imagine his fifth brother climbing and kneeling step by step.

“Fifth Brother, are you really going to kneel?”

Xue Congyun asked him in disbelief.

Xue Fangli gave him a disdainful glance and did not respond, simply stepping inside.

“…Otherwise, I will make the request.”

Xue Congyun was serious.

He could not imagine his fifth brother kneeling and felt he should not kneel to anyone. There was no reason for him to do so.

“There is no need. He is my wife, so it is only natural for me to seek it.”

Xue Fangli should not kneel to anyone and had no reason to do so. Yet, if it came down to it, he did not believe in gods and spirits, considering it all to be pretentious. Despite visiting many temples that day, he ended up at this pagoda.

Because of Jiang Juan.

Because a monk had said that Jiang Juan’s soul was unstable.

He feared that Jiang Juan might lose his soul and fall into an eternal sleep.

He feared that Jiang Juan might abandon him.

In this world, anyone could abandon him, anyone could leave, except for Jiang Juan.

In his lifetime, he would crush his pride, kneel before gods and spirits, and force Jiang Juan to stay.

Xue Fangli lifted his robes and slowly knelt on the ground.

A few hours ago, he had been at the coronation ceremony, the young new emperor receiving the worship of thousands.

At this moment, Xue Fangli was still dressed in that opulent attire, the extravagant black and gold, with layers of cascading fabric, ornate and splendid. Yet he knelt on the decrepit stairs.

He kept his back straight and, with an impassive expression, bowed deeply.

“…Fifth Brother.”

Xue Congyun felt distressed watching this. He opened his mouth, unsure how to stop it.

Xue Fangli was his fifth brother, and Jiang Juan was his “Brother Juan.” They were the best in the world. Unable to stop it, Xue Congyun simply knelt alongside Xue Fangli.

From the first floor to the thirty-seventh, one bow per step, one kneel per floor, from dawn to dusk, and from dusk to dawn. Xue Fangli’s head ached terribly, but with each step, each bow, there was no hint of pretense, until they reached the thirty-seventh floor of the Jinghua Tower.

Clutching the railing with his pale fingers, Xue Fangli slowly stood up.

On the high platform, among the saffron and peacock feathers, lay a relic.

In golden characters, the name of the master was written.

— E’nan.

Xue Fangli looked for a moment. Perhaps it was due to his headache, or maybe his anger, but blood began to seep from the corner of his lips. He slowly wiped it away, smiling with a hint of indifference. “Pretentious and deceptive.”

“Do you think if you act like this, I won’t be able to find you?”

Having spent considerable time kneeling on the thirty-seventh floor, it didn’t take as long to exit the pagoda. As Xue Fangli left Jinghua Tower, he flung open the curtain of the palanquin, but the youth was still quietly asleep, showing no signs of waking.

Xue Fangli asked, “Have you found E’nan?”

The guards replied, “We’re still searching.”

Xue Fangli closed his eyes, his entire being exuding hostility. “Destroy all the temples in the capital and capture the monks.”

To destroy temples and capture monks was tantamount to a massacre. The guards, frightened, could only comply. “…Yes, Your Majesty.”

Soon, the imperial guards of the capital were dispatched. The sounds of smashing and crashing echoed through the streets as doors were kicked open and monks were bound and taken away, their pleas for mercy filling the air.

“Did you hear that?”

Xue Fangli looked at Jiang Juan and smiled slightly. “If you’re angry, just stop me. As long as you tell me, I’ll stop.”

Jiang Juan remained silent.

Xue Fangli continued, “I’m destroying temples and killing innocents. If there is truly karma, I won’t let you go. You’ll have to share the consequences with me.”

Jiang Juan remained unresponsive.

In front of Jiang Juan, Xue Fangli was usually gentle. His anger and restlessness were well-hidden. But at this moment, he could no longer control his true nature. He looked at Jiang Juan with a cold and sinister expression. “Have you really forgotten what you promised me?”

“You said— you wouldn’t abandon me.”

Xue Fangli tightly gripped Jiang Juan’s wrist, suddenly pulling him into an embrace with such force that it seemed as if he wanted to crush Jiang Juan’s bones. But throughout it all, Jiang Juan remained quiet. He didn’t cry out in pain or shed any tears; he was still deep in sleep, unaware of everything.

“Then let’s go to hell together.”

After a long pause, Xue Fangli spoke softly, as if coaxing. Outside the palanquin, the monks who had been captured awaited their fate.

Xue Fangli’s lips twisted into a cruel smile, his voice cold as ice. “If E’nan doesn’t appear soon, kill one person. If he still doesn’t appear, kill ten. Keep killing until he shows up!”

The imperial guards, following orders, dragged one of the monks out, forcing him to the ground. A long sword was drawn, raised high, ready to strike down—

“I’ll take you to a place.”

A timid voice interrupted. A dirty little hand lifted the curtain. A young monk nervously looked at Xue Fangli, speaking to him from the window.

The little monk glanced at Jiang Juan and continued, “I like this brother. He gave me this.”

The little monk raised his hand, revealing a piece of silver.

If Jiang Juan were awake, he would recognize the little monk as the one who had been led by E’nan last time.

The piece of silver in the little monk’s hand was what Jiang Juan had given him when he felt the monk was hungry and distrusted the old monk’s intentions.

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