Chapter 25
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With this reminder, Fu Nian suddenly realized that his tone had been overly aggressive and quickly toned it down.
After steadying his emotions, his next words sounded somewhat calmer, although he couldn’t return to his usual unruffled state. “Seeing something like that for the first time is quite unusual, so of course, curiosity arises.”
Having admitted that openly, Fu Nian continued to inquire, “I am genuinely curious. What you mentioned earlier… ‘at least now it’s a fake person, what existed before that was truly disgusting.’ What exactly are you referring to?”
His Senior Brother must know many of the answers he was curious about.
As his emotions had already become intense, he thought he should seize the opportunity to ask questions while he was still emotionally engaged. Otherwise, the one thousand taels of gold might end up being wasted without any information gained.
“It’s nothing, just a passing comment. Don’t forget the debt you owe, I’m leaving.” After a moment of silence, Fu Zhen suddenly stood up, pulled on his hood, and swiftly moved across the rooftops, disappearing into the night.
“Wait—” Fu Nian hadn’t even finished shouting when he couldn’t see his Senior Brother’s shadow anymore.
He must be in a hurry to leave because he was going to ask about some confidential matter.
Originally, he went to Chengyuan Hall to resolve his lingering concerns from his past life.
However, the outcome was that he hadn’t resolved those concerns, and instead, he had been burdened with a multitude of even more perplexing questions.
After returning to his room, Fu Nian lit a lamp. He pondered the shocking scenes he had witnessed earlier while removing the wooden board from his right shoulder and tending to his wound.
Sitting still, Fu Nian suddenly remembered that the imperial physician had instructed him not to move around recklessly to prevent his bones from shifting.
However, what happened was the exact opposite; he had been leaping around on the roof of the sleeping quarters.
Removing the wooden board, aided by the dim light, Fu Nian saw that the gauze had dried onto the skin. He tugged at it, causing a sharp pain that made him inhale sharply.
Ultimately, he had to go to the well to wash and then rewrap the wound.
That fake person who looked just like him, and his Senior Brother’s words…
As he laid back down on his bed, Fu Nian couldn’t help but start pondering these matters again. Every time he thought of Chu Zhaoyi’s affectionate behavior towards the fake person that looked just like him, a pang of bitterness shot through his heart.
First, investigate this matter. Anything related to Chu Zhaoyi would surely be recorded in the archives of the Imperial Attendants Bureau. Unlike the task of extracting the heart-connecting gu, he had no clue how to start investigating this.
In the coming days, when his arm had recovered a bit and he could use his prosthetic to grip things, he planned to slip into the Imperial Attendants Bureau at night for reconnaissance. Then he would figure out a way to switch shifts with his colleagues, striving to get assigned to the night shift close to the Imperial Attendants Bureau. That shouldn’t be too difficult, as most people weren’t willing to give up their time for gambling, drinking, and sleeping during the night to continue working.
With a rough plan in mind, Fu Nian finally allowed himself to fall asleep.
However, just as he had entered the latter half of the night, he was awakened by intense pain coursing through his entire body.
The source of the pain was his right shoulder, the place where he had been injured by Chu Yao earlier in the day. He sat up, consumed a pain-relieving powder, and once its effects kicked in a bit, he laid back down and went back to sleep.
Taking advantage of the fact that the consequences of disobeying the imperial order hadn’t materialized yet, Fu Nian wanted to make the most of his official position to investigate as much as possible. He was aware that his injuries were quite severe this time, and visiting the physician’s office now would undoubtedly waste a lot of time.
After the morning patrol, Fu Nian returned without having had a chance to eat. He saw several palace eunuchs dressed in court attire, stern-faced, followed by two guards carrying sabers.
Fu Nian had a hunch that they were here for him. Without deciding where to hide, he saw the group approaching him briskly.
A sinking feeling took hold of Fu Nian’s heart.
The palace might be grand, but in the end, it was just this four-sided piece of land. He might be able to outrun a monk, but he couldn’t escape a temple. After pondering for a moment, Fu Nian still stood in his original spot, obediently waiting for the judgment to come.
In just a few seconds, Fu Nian saw the group stop in front of him.
The colleagues around him were baffled, and they all gathered to watch. Thinking it might be another imperial edict, Fu Nian hurriedly knelt on the ground.
The head eunuch, with a stern expression, looked at him and didn’t have the imperial edict in his hand. ” Imperial Guard Lian, please come forward.”
Fu Nian felt puzzled. Just as he was about to raise his head to see, he suddenly felt his arms being lifted, and he was forcibly dragged backward.
Dragged away like this in front of so many people, Fu Nian had no choice but to remain silent.
“Is he the one who defied the imperial edict yesterday?”
“Exactly, he dared to disregard the imperial edict. In the area where even the imperial guards can’t reach, he dared to go against the edict…”
“He’s truly audacious. However, if he managed to injure one of the Grand Shadow Guards by His Majesty’s side, he probably has some skill…”
As he was being dragged away from the crowd, Fu Nian could still hear these murmurs.
Thankfully, Rendong wasn’t present. It would be incredibly embarrassing if someone familiar with him saw him like this.
Dragged to a spot where there were no colleagues around, Fu Nian finally found the courage to speak, “May I ask, sir, I—”
“Yesterday’s imperial edict clearly stated that you were required to be outside Chengyuan Hall at the third quarter-hour of the morning. It’s nearly the hour of Mao now, and you still haven’t appeared. I had no choice but to come and fetch you. If you’re not here by the appointed hour, I’ll be held accountable for failing to fulfill my duty.” The Gonggong finished speaking and cast a glance at him, who was being dragged away. “Imperial Guard Lian, whether to receive the imperial edict or not isn’t up to you. If you’re really intent on resisting the edict, you can explain that to His Majesty personally when you see him later.”
Fu Nian:…
He had originally thought that defying the imperial edict would at most lead to some non-lethal punishment. But he hadn’t expected that in front of this cunning old fox, there was no concept of defying the edict. It was only a choice between voluntarily accepting it or being forced to accept it.
But if he went to Chengyuan Hall, and then tried to find Fu Zhen afterwards… wouldn’t that be troublesome?
If not for Senior Brother Fu Zhen’s assistance yesterday, he might still be guarding outside the sleeping quarters every night, worrying about how to catch a glimpse of the truth.
Moreover, for the sake of his own safety, Fu Nian also wanted to keep his distance from this old fox.
Once they arrived at the courtyard outside Chengyuan Hall, Fu Nian was finally released.
The hem of his pants had already worn out at one corner, and his right arm, due to being forcibly dragged and compressed, had reopened the almost coagulated wound, causing it to bleed again.
Although Fu Nian was somewhat displeased, the other side was acting on behalf of the imperial court, and it was his duty. After thinking about it, Fu Nian obediently knelt on the ground and coldly asked, “Should I wait here, sir?”
“Wait here for the moment. This is yesterday’s imperial edict. Please keep it.”
After saying this, Fu Nian saw the same imperial edict that he had rejected yesterday once again presented before him.
He picked it up and opened it. As expected, along with the rewards and promotions mentioned yesterday, there was a line of small characters below, specifying when and where he should await the imperial carriage today.
“Thank you for your trouble, sir,” Fu Nian said calmly.
He didn’t know whether the Emperor was completely unaware of his refusal or if he knew and was now forcibly making him accept the edict. Regardless of which it was, Fu Nian didn’t want to serve in this persistent and gloomy place.
Especially Chengyuan Hall, the entrance and exit were tightly controlled. Although this could help him observe whether Ze Wang was the unfortunate person who had been infected by the Gu poison, it would hinder him from easily going back and forth to the Imperial Attendants’ Bureau to access records regarding the “fake person” in the sleeping quarters.
Moreover, Fu Nian was now even more curious about everything related to that fake person.
Kneeling for a while, Fu Nian heard footsteps approaching. He looked up and saw Li Gonggong, who served by Chu Zhaoyi’s side.
“Imperial Guard Lian, please come with me and bring the imperial edict to the side hall. His Majesty has ordered that all the eunuchs, palace maids, and attendants selected yesterday should go to the side hall first to hear the rules set by His Majesty.”
So it wasn’t just him who had been selected yesterday…
Upon hearing this, Fu Nian felt somewhat relieved. “Thank you, Li Gonggong.”
In the side hall, Fu Nian knelt at the end of the queue. He surreptitiously glanced around and noticed that almost all those who had come were eunuchs and palace maids, except for him who was dressed in the attire of an imperial guard.
After a while, a female official entered and began explaining the many rules set by His Majesty.
Fu Nian heard her repeatedly emphasizing that they were not allowed to get curious and approach the sleeping quarters. However, most of her explanations were aimed at the eunuchs and palace maids, like the clothing to wear before His Majesty, daily routines, and details to pay attention to when serving the Emperor. Fu Nian didn’t pay much attention anyway.
Firstly, the matters about serving His Majesty were unrelated to him. Secondly, if it really did concern him, he was more familiar with that man’s likes and dislikes than anyone in Chengyuan Hall.
While listening, Fu Nian turned his head to the side and yawned.
He had been lost in thought for a long while when he gradually felt the lecture’s reproachful tone weaken. It was then that he snapped back to attention, pretending to listen attentively.
“His Majesty will arrive shortly. Pay attention to what I’ve just said. Being assigned to this place is your fortune. Have you all remembered?”
Fu Nian didn’t respond.
For those who were allowed to serve up close, Chu Zhaoyi personally selected them no matter how busy he was. Fu Nian had known this for a long time.
After a while, Fu Nian heard Chu Zhaoyi’s footsteps approaching.
Only in moments like this did Fu Nian realize that he could actually recognize Chu Zhaoyi’s footsteps.
When Chu Zhaoyi entered the room, Fu Nian quickly followed suit with everyone else, prostrating on the ground.
“Rise.”
Upon hearing the familiar icy voice, Fu Nian stood up.
In his peripheral vision, Fu Nian saw Chu Zhaoyi quickly scanning the queue.
“Li Gonggong, look at the assigned tasks and decide who needs to stay by my side.” Chu Zhaoyi’s tone remained as cold as ever.
“Understood.”
Just as Fu Nian was about to exhale in relief…
Unexpectedly, Chu Zhaoyi took two steps outside, then suddenly stopped in his tracks. Without turning around, he spoke, “By the way, about yesterday’s one who attempted to resist the edict—”
Fu Nian instinctively held his breath.
“I’ve forgotten the name. If he arrives today, consider him awake. Give him some leniency, let him go to the infirmary first, and after his injuries are treated, have the matron teach him a month’s worth of etiquette rules separately. Deduct half a year’s stipend as punishment. If he doesn’t show up, deal with him according to the palace’s punishments.” After finishing his words, Chu Zhaoyi walked out of the room without looking back, heading quickly towards his study.
Fu Nian’s heart tightened.
Although Chu Zhaoyi said he forgot, Fu Nian knew that he simply didn’t want to name the person.
However, receiving punishment, having half a year’s stipend deducted, and being restricted—truthfully, Fu Nian would rather accept the punishment.
“Who would dare to resist the edict?”
“I don’t know, could there really be someone like that?”
As Li Gonggong and Chu Zhaoyi left the room together, Fu Nian overheard whispers from nearby palace maids.
After a while, Li Gonggong returned. Instead of immediately assigning tasks, he spoke first.
“Imperial Guard Lian, please. There’s a palace official outside to escort you to the infirmary.”
For a moment, Fu Nian realized that everyone was turning to look at him.
With a forced smile, he replied, “Understood,” then quickly left the room.
As he made his way to the infirmary, Fu Nian let out a sigh of relief. Regardless of the situation, the fact that he hadn’t directly spoken to Chu Zhaoyi today was a stroke of luck within his misfortune. He had worried that he might be summoned alone, not out of self-importance, but because he was involved in the incident at the sleeping quarters yesterday and was feeling somewhat guilty.
Arriving at the infirmary, Fu Nian hadn’t even spoken yet when he heard several familiar voices asking in unison.
“Why is he here again?”
“…I’m here again,” Fu Nian said awkwardly, raising the corner of his mouth.
“Lingshan, come here and remove the wooden board from his right arm,” the chief physician said calmly, not showing any surprise at the sight. “A few hours ago, we heard a message from Chengyuan Hall that someone with a dislocated scapula would be coming. I immediately thought it was you, but I didn’t expect it to be true.”
Fu Nian didn’t respond.
They knew hours ago? A few hours ago, he was still on patrol duty. Could it be that someone from Chengyuan Hall had been observing him? And who could have informed the infirmary to prepare in advance? Besides Chu Zhaoyi, it could only be various royals…
“Is the dislocation very noticeable?” Fu Nian asked nervously, aware that he hadn’t followed the doctor’s advice to rest.
“Not very noticeable, but it’s fortunate someone has a keen eye, or else you might have only discovered the dislocation after it had already healed.”
Fu Nian fell silent again.
It seemed that not only was someone observing him, but they were doing so very attentively.
While the physician cleaned his wound, Fu Nian clenched his teeth and listened to the doctor’s scolding.
For instance, the doctor mentioned that he shouldn’t move around carelessly, since that was likely what had caused the misalignment. They also discussed the signs of infection and various other health conditions, including pulse characteristics and other aspects of his health.
Fu Nian listened with a headache.
In his understanding, as long as one’s hearing and sense of smell were intact, they could breathe and move; that would suffice to be considered healthy. Having some injuries was also within the norm. Given that he no longer needed assassination as a profession and had no master to protect with his life, his criteria for health could be lowered to just having unobstructed breathing. Other miscellaneous details were of no concern to Fu Nian.
“Did you listen to what I said earlier?” After droning on for a while, Physician Xu finally asked.
“I listened, thank you for your guidance, Physician Xu,” Fu Nian replied, feigning respect.
“Did you hear me tell you to rest here for a few days?”
Fu Nian hesitated.
He hadn’t really been paying attention…
Xu Taiyi sighed, “I told you to stay in bed here for half a month. Your shoulder needs that much time to heal before you can move. Did you hear me this time?”
“I can’t leave for half a month?” Fu Nian’s anxiety grew upon hearing this, and he hurriedly asked.
Half a month without being able to move would almost completely halt his investigative efforts.
“It’s not that you can’t leave; you can’t move or get out of bed. I told you that your bone is broken. Even if you can still move, excessive movement will cause considerable harm to your body. Did you hear that?”
Fu Nian hadn’t truly paid attention, but he still replied, “Yes.”
As long as it didn’t harm others, Fu Nian was willing to move around recklessly. He had even planned how to slip out and continue searching for the information he was looking for.
After his wound was re-dressed, Fu Nian was fed two bowls of medicinal soup, as there were signs of infection around the wound.
“Rest well now. If you need assistance, call the apothecary outside your door,” Physician Xu instructed before sighing and going back to tending his medicine furnace.
Forced to lie down, Fu Nian looked around. Although he was on a bedroll within a shared area, a folding screen separated him from most of the outside view. This setup would prevent anyone from disturbing him while enabling the physician’s attendants to come in and change the dressings. Most importantly, unlike a private room, it wouldn’t make it easy for him to escape at any moment.
Surveying his surroundings, Fu Nian didn’t identify any viable escape routes. He decided to wait for nightfall, when the guards might be less vigilant, to make his escape.
He was determined to learn the truth about the “fake empress” within the palace.
However, before it even got dark, Fu Nian sensed something was wrong.
The pain in his wound hadn’t subsided, and he began to experience signs of fever.
Infection was no trivial matter. While Fu Nian was confident it wouldn’t be fatal, a high fever would undoubtedly drastically reduce his mobility and his ability to assess his surroundings.
Thinking he could sleep to recover, Fu Nian was surprised to find that his temperature kept rising within an hour and showed no signs of abating.
Reluctantly, he called for the apothecary.
“Young one, fetch me the common antipyretic medicines, don’t bother your master—” His words were cut off.
Fu Nian saw the apothecary before him suddenly shout, “Master, he is running a fever!” and then dash into the courtyard.
Fu Nian: …
As expected, it didn’t take long before the physician arrived.
Fu Nian couldn’t avoid another round of scolding, but fortunately, after drinking the medicinal soup and a calming elixir, he heard the guards behind the screen grow lax.
While Fu Nian might not be immune to all poisons, common sleeping or sedative drugs, for instance, would have their effects significantly reduced on him, cut by at least half, if not more.
Taking advantage of the drowsiness induced by the medication, Fu Nian could maintain a light sleep while retaining consciousness.
However, the effect of the fever-reducing medication was also greatly diminished. Even in his semi-conscious state, Fu Nian could feel his body temperature still rising.
When he woke up, Fu Nian’s breathing was heavy. In the pitch-black surroundings, he could hear the drop of a pin.
With the distant window providing some light, Fu Nian could see the full moon above, although his vision was blurred, making it hard to determine the exact time.
He tried to lift his hand but found it as heavy as lead, lacking any strength, let alone the ability to get up and search for things.
After failing to sit up, he laid down heavily, attempting to fall back asleep.
In the summer heat, combined with his high fever, it was impossible to find rest.
The worst part was that his temperature continued to rise, showing no signs of abating. The pain in his right shoulder grew worse, and with every throb, his vision would momentarily blur with dizziness.
After lying for a while, Fu Nian pondered that he probably shouldn’t have moved around yesterday, and he certainly shouldn’t have cleaned his wound with unboiled well water. Besides, being sick was draining his strength, and he should have eaten something earlier.
Taking another brief pause, Fu Nian cleared his dry throat and attempted to call for the apothecary outside the door.
No matter how much he cleared his throat, his voice wouldn’t come out. Trying to knock on the folding screen, his fingers lacked strength, resulting in a sound weaker than even a mouse’s squeak.
Fu Nian had no choice but to lie back down, conserving his energy and waiting for daybreak.
He hadn’t experienced the combination of a wound infection, high fever, and immobilization for many years. Moreover, this time, Fu Nian clearly felt that his body’s ability to self-repair was weaker than before.
Death wasn’t imminent, but the suffering was real.
As his consciousness started to blur, Fu Nian wasn’t sure if he was falling asleep or if the fever was causing him to lose consciousness.
All he knew was that when his mouth was parched to the point of combustion, a small-mouthed pot was suddenly brought to his lips.
After tasting the droplet of water on his lips, Fu Nian didn’t care whether it was a dream or reality. He clung to the mouth of the pot instinctively, as if holding on to a lifeline.
In the midst of this haze, Fu Nian felt his upper body being slightly lifted. Then, cool water flowed through the pot’s mouth and gently into his mouth. A hand was present too, softly guiding the pot along his chest.
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