“What? You’re saying Yu’er claims that girl is actually like this?”
In the Nine Phoenix Hall, Empress Sun listened to the news her elder brother brought back from her nephew. She had heard about her nephew defending that girl at the Grand Princess’s birthday banquet and had initially thought the girl was injured.
With her nephew present, she had planned to arrange their wedding date, making it easy to obtain that item. But in just a few days, such a thing had happened. Seeing her brother’s serious expression, Empress Sun couldn’t believe it and questioned him in disbelief.
“Yes, Yu’er went to visit her with gifts today, but he returned shortly after, completely terrified…” Though equally puzzled by the fairy-like girl’s bizarre behavior, the matter concerned his son and the Sun family’s stability. With a grave expression, the Marquis Sun nodded.
“Let’s not make any hasty decisions about this. Allow me to discuss it with His Majesty first. You should return and comfort Yu’er. I’ll go speak to the Emperor about this immediately…”
Though the wedding date had already been set, they were only now learning of the girl’s true nature. Empress Sun, though confused, saw the pleading look in her brother’s eyes. Reluctantly, she instructed him to console Yu’er. After her brother nodded and left, she took her maidservant to see the Emperor.
“What? You’re saying Yu’er claims that girl plays with poison, even poisoning people? Though her target was Prince Ning, he was genuinely frightened?”
Dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe, the renowned Emperor Leng Yingjie, who was reviewing memorials in his study, looked up in disbelief as the Empress relayed the news.
“Yes, though Yu’er has acted recklessly before, I know he’s always had feelings for the second daughter of the Mu family. Now this… I beg Your Majesty to decide…”
Seeing the Emperor’s skepticism, Empress Sun emphasized the stakes and pleaded earnestly.
“So, the second daughter of the Mu family likes Prince Ning? They have feelings for each other?”
The Emperor sat down, pondering her words before asking.
“From what my brother said, it seems so, Your Majesty…” The Empress explained what she knew, watching as the Emperor’s brows furrowed in thought. She softly called out to him, but he raised a hand to silence her, still deep in contemplation. She waited quietly.
“Could it be they already know each other’s identities and are putting on this act for Yu’er and us? Empress, return for now. Let me investigate this thoroughly before deciding whether to cancel the wedding. Also, I expect you to remain silent about this. Remember who we both must face in the palace…”
The Emperor set down his brush, his gaze distant. After a pause, he murmured, considering the possible consequences with a faint, knowing smile. Though surprised, the Empress obediently nodded.
“I understand, Your Majesty.”
“Good. You may go now. Have the Sun family keep an eye on that girl. As for the Imperial Preceptor, I trust you remember our shared goals and stakes…”
The Emperor calmly instructed her. As the Empress turned to leave, he suddenly called her back with another reminder.
“Who exactly cured Feng’er’s legs? If we can find that person, does it mean I can finally break free from the Imperial Preceptor’s control?”
After the Empress left, the Emperor set down his brush, staring at the memorials before him. A rare smile crossed his face, resembling Prince Ning’s, as he contemplated the possibilities.
“Summon Prince Ji and his son. Tell them I have matters to discuss.”
Thinking of potential outcomes, the Emperor ordered his attendants.
Leng Mingye and his father soon arrived at the palace.
“Ah, you’ve come. I recall Ye’er was ill recently, but now he looks much better. What renowned physician treated him?”
The Emperor greeted the father and son warmly. After dismissing the attendants, he approached them and inquired.
“Your Majesty, you…”
Leng Mingye was startled. How did the Emperor know about his illness? He had unknowingly contracted a rare poison, causing severe chest pains that required soaking in icy springs to suppress the toxins.
No other physician had diagnosed it—only that little person had identified the poison. Though not fully cured, the medicine she gave him had kept the symptoms at bay. Yet the Emperor seemed aware of his condition. Suspicious, Leng Mingye scrutinized the Emperor.
“I merely heard from your younger brother Hao’er that you were unwell. Seeing you in better health now, I wondered which physician treated you.”
The Emperor smiled faintly, though slightly awkward under Leng Mingye’s gaze.
“This…” Leng Mingye hesitated. He had hidden his illness even from his mother, and his brother had only seen him unconscious once. Annoyed that his brother had spoken to the Emperor, he shot a reproachful glance at his father.
“Your Majesty, I sought healers from the Medicine Valley for Ye’er. Though his condition has improved, it’s not fully cured.”
Prince Ji, noticing his son’s look, inwardly cursed his younger son’s loose tongue but calmly explained to the Emperor.
“The Medicine Valley? The descendants of the legendary ‘Life-Snatcher’ from the Valley?”
The Emperor’s eyes narrowed in curiosity.
“Yes.” Though unsure why the Emperor was asking, Prince Ji bowed in confirmation.
“Then the healers of the Medicine Valley are truly remarkable. Might you introduce them to me?”
The Emperor, recalling his earlier schemes, noted Leng Mingye’s improved condition and made his request earnestly.
“This…” Prince Ji glanced uncertainly at his son.
“If Your Majesty wishes to meet them, I can arrange it. However, the person is eccentric. It depends on fate.”
Thinking of Liu Yufeng’s arrogance and the fact that his skills had been less effective than that little person’s, Leng Mingye reluctantly agreed.
“Then I leave it to you, Ye’er…”
Delighted, the Emperor laughed heartily and approached Leng Mingye eagerly.
“We will not fail Your Majesty’s trust.”
Facing the Emperor’s enthusiasm, Leng Mingye exchanged a glance with his father before bowing in unison.
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