The fingers that were opening the collar of his shirt paused, and Shen Qingzhuo replied nonchalantly, “King Chu failed to persuade Master and got a little angry.”
A murderous look appeared in his dark eyes. Xiao Shen asked coldly, “What did he intend to do by drugging Master?”
“The beauty trap of the Thirty-Six Stratagems ah.” Shen Qingzhuo said with a smile, “But everyone in Shengjing knows that I, Shen, am not interested in women. His Highness King Chu’s calculations are really wrong.”
Following his master’s movements closely, Xiao Shen asked curiously, “Has Master really not touched anyone in the past two years?”
Shen Qingzhuo was slightly surprised: “Why do you think of asking this?”
“I’m just afraid…” Xiao Shen appeared calm, but his mind was working rapidly. “I’m afraid that Master will develop a weakness because of this.”
Shen Qingzhuo laughed out loud: “You think too much.”
Xiao Shen kept asking, “No?”
“Of course not.” Shen Qingzhuo tied the jade belt and tightened his waist. “Don’t worry, Master is not the kind of person who is promiscuous and will not be caught by others because of his children’s affair.”
Xiao Shen raised the corners of his lips and whispered, “I think so too…”
Last night, his master was both thick and full, flowing between his fingers. In the end, he fed a little into his mouth out of mischief. But unfortunately, his bright red tongue quickly spat it out in disgust.
It’s not good to be so clean ah, it will make him want to make his master dirty even more…
“By the way, how do I get the antidote for the drug that poisoned me?” After putting on his clothes, Shen Qingzhuo finally remembered this question.
Xiao Shen replied calmly, “Imperial Physician Lu sent some medicine to calm the mind and relieve heat.”
It was just that it went into his stomach.
“So that’s how it is.” Shen Qingzhuo had no doubts and couldn’t help but laugh, “I should ask Imperial Physician Lu to prescribe more medicine to prevent me from getting drugged again.”
Xiao Shenfeng narrowed his eyes slightly and replied in a deep voice, “There won’t be a next time.”
Anyone who stands in their way, anyone who would hurt his master, will soon disappear completely from this world.
“That’s also true. If you fall into the same pit twice, wouldn’t you be a fool?” Shen Qingzhuo smiled and said, “There won’t be a next time.”
At this time, Xiao Dezi’s voice came from outside the door: “Young Master, someone from Changshou Palace is coming.”
Shen Qingzhuo uttered a soft “tsk” and spread his hands, “Look, I can’t feel at ease for a moment ah.”
Xiao Shen understood: “The Empress Dowager is preparing to take action?”
Shen Qingzhuo hesitated for a moment and decided to tell the truth: “The Empress Dowager instructed Eunuch Pan to prescribe a slow-acting poison that will kill people in just half a month.”
According to the timeline of the original book, the little tyrant drowned the Fourth Prince at the age of sixteen, plotted to kill the Crown Prince at the age of seventeen, and ascended the throne at the age of eighteen by stepping on the corpse of the terminally ill old emperor.
But after he came to this world, many things were changed due to the butterfly effect. The only unchanged thing was that he still had to personally send his little disciple to the dragon throne when he turned 18.
However, this time he wanted to kill someone with someone else’s knife, and he couldn’t let his little disciple bear the crime of patricide and fratricide.
Xiao Shen lowered his eyelashes and replied, “Alright, I understand.”
He had originally planned to personally send his Emperor Father to reunite with the deposed Crown Prince. Wouldn’t giving his Emperor Father a slow-acting poison make his death too easy?
However, since this was the arrangement made by his master, he could only obey it for now.
Seeing that his little disciple was in a bad mood, Shen Qingzhuo whispered to comfort him: “Your Emperor Father is already beyond help. Even if the Empress Dowager doesn’t take action, he won’t last long either.”
Hearing this, Xiao Shen raised his eyes and said in a complicated tone, “Master doesn’t have to worry about me. He has tried to kill me many times. There is no father-son relationship between him and me.”
Shen Qingzhuo sighed, leaned over, and hugged him. “You take a good nap, Master will go and listen to what instructions the Empress Dowager has.”
***
Inside the Changshou Palace, Shen Qingzhuo knelt down and saluted, “Greetings to the Empress Dowager Niangniang.”
The Empress Dowager was twirling Buddha beads in her hands and chanting sutras. When she heard the sound, she opened her eyes and said, “Qingzhuo is here. Get up.”
Shen Qingzhuo stood up as he was told. “Is Niangniang reciting scriptures and praying for His Majesty again?”
“Yes.” The Empress Dowager sighed softly, “The cold winter is hard to endure. Aijia heard from the imperial physician that His Majesty is in very poor health.”
Shen Qingzhuo looked worried. “The humble minister has also heard that His Majesty’s appetite has been decreasing recently, and the imperial physician is helpless.”
The Empress Dowager continued to twist the beads, “As for the Aijia, His Majesty should not trust that Taoist, Lao Shizi. Aijia thinks that he looks more like a charlatan than a master of Taoism.”
“Niangniang is right.” Shen Qingzhuo echoed, and then said, “But His Majesty believes in the art of refining elixirs and cultivating immortality, so the minister dares not say too much either.”
“Ai…” The Empress Dowager sighed again, “Qingzhuo, you wait in front of His Majesty every day. Has His Majesty ever told you about the appointment of a crown prince?”
Shen Qingzhuo thought that this was getting to the point and replied cautiously, “A few days ago, the Lords advised His Majesty that he should appoint a crown prince as soon as possible.”
“What does His Majesty say?” The Empress Dowager looked at him gently, “The succession is the foundation of the country. Aijia is actually very concerned about it.”
“This…” Shen Qingzhuo looked like he wanted to say something but hesitated.
The Empress Dowager leaned forward and said, “You can talk as you please. You have Aijia to support you.”
“His Majesty rejected the lords’ proposals at that time, but in fact, His Majesty asked the humble minister privately.” Shen Qingzhuo made up his mind and revealed everything: “His Majesty favors His Highness King Chu.”
“If that’s the case…” The Empress Dowager leaned back in her chair, thought for a moment, and then asked, “Qingzhuo, what do you think about King Chu?”
“The humble minister dare not speak nonsense.” Shen Qingzhuo lowered his eyes. “The minister is a humble person, and his words do not count. No matter which prince His Majesty appoints as the crown prince, the humble minister will do his duty.”
“You just think too simply of people.” The Empress Dowager said helplessly, “A new emperor will appoint new ministers. How can you decide not to take sides just because you say so?”
Shen Qingzhuo frowned slightly. “What Niangniang means is…”
“What Aijia means is that even if you don’t plan for yourself, you should also plan for your father and brother.” The Empress Dowager said meaningfully, “Just imagine, if His Highness King Jin becomes the crown prince, you will be the emperor’s imperial preceptor respected by thousands of people. Naturally, no one will dare to look down on you.”
Shen Qingzhuo fell into deep thought and did not respond for a while.
The Empress Dowager kindly said, “Although you and Shen’er are not very close, but that child is a grateful person. Moreover, Aijia is here as well.”
Shen Qingzhuo replied in a low voice, “Qingzhuo understands…”
The Empress Dowager stood up, walked to him, and patted his shoulder lovingly, “In this palace, the only one who truly cares about you is Aijia. Do you think so or not?”
Shen Qingzhuo immediately responded, “Empress Dowager has been so kind and generous. Qingzhuo will never forget it.”
“Good child.” The Empress Dowager smiled and suddenly changed the subject, “But Aijia still has one thing that worries her. Aijia got reliable news a few days ago that King Qin is secretly leading his troops into the capital.”
Shen Qingzhuo was surprised: “Is this true?”
The Empress Dowager turned around and said with worry, “His Majesty is seriously ill, the government is in turmoil, and King Qin is secretly leading his troops into the capital. Aijia is very worried ah.”
Shen Qingzhuo said seriously, “If the news is accurate, the humble minister will report it to His Majesty immediately.”
“His Majesty’s body can’t stand any stimulation now.” The Empress Dowager shook her head and said, “Aijia thinks about it, and the only person Aijia can rely on at this moment is your father, King Zhenbei.”
Shen Qingzhuo raised his eyes and exchanged glances with the Empress Dowager.
The Empress Dowager made it clear: “For the sake of the country and the stability of the royal family, your father and brother will certainly not sit idly by.”
After a while, Shen Qingzhuo bowed and replied, “The minister understands.”
After the secret conversation, he did not stay for long and left quickly.
On the 26th of the twelve lunar month, all the imperial court departments entered a rest period. Although strictly speaking, the Jinyiwei worked all year round, but the official duties of the Beizhen Fushi came to a temporary end, and he finally had some time to catch his breath.
When he returned to Jiyue Pavilion, Xiao Dezi was teaching the palace maids. Upon hearing his footsteps, he immediately came over and said, “Young Master, you’re back!”
“Yeah.” Shen Qingzhuo responded and then asked, “By the way, where is the lady who sent me back last night?”
Xiao Dezi was stunned for a moment. “Is Young Master talking about that Miss Xiang Lian?”
Shen Qingzhuo nodded slightly.
Two years ago, after he defeated the Crown Prince, he was still worried, so he ordered people to secretly buy a small house on the outskirts of Shengjing for Miss Xiang Lian to live in temporarily. If she wanted to leave one day, he would make other plans.
He doesn’t know how Xiao Hongyao found out about this residence, and he actually kidnapped Miss Xiang Lian.
Xiao Dezi scratched the back of his head and said, “Last night, Lord Kong took Miss Xiang Lian away. As for where he took her, I really don’t know.”
Shen Qingzhuo frowned and called out, “Xiang Chen.”
In an instant, a dark shadow appeared out of nowhere. “Master.”
“Come in with me.” Shen Qingzhuo walked towards the inner hall. “I’ll write a letter, help me bring it to Lord Kong.”
“Yes.” Xiang Chen responded and followed his master’s footsteps to step over the threshold.
Shen Qingzhuo wrote a letter, sealed it, and handed it to the secret guard, and instructed, “Be careful and don’t let anyone find out.”
“Yes, Master.” Xiang Chen took the envelope and hid it against his chest. He was about to go out to carry out the mission when he was suddenly stopped by his master again.
“Wait a minute…” Shen Qingzhuo blinked. “You didn’t hear any strange noises last night, did you?”
The secret guard was always guarding outside his door to prevent him from getting into danger. If there was any movement at night, Xiang Chen would definitely hear it.
Xiang Chen was silent for a moment. “What kind of movement does Master meant?”
Shen Qingzhuo said tactfully, “That is… has anyone entered my bedroom?”
Xiang Chen shook his head. “It was only His Highness who was there last night.”
“Alright.” Shen Qingzhuo was completely relieved and waved his hand, “It’s fine, you go first.”
Xiang Chen originally planned to tell his master about the crying sounds he vaguely heard coming from the inner hall and about how His Highness stood in the yard in the middle of the night, feeling the cold wind for a long time, but his master did not ask any more questions, so he did not continue either.
The hall became quiet. Shen Qingzhuo lay down on the warm couch with his clothes on. Only then did he realize that his body was soft and flabby, especially his legs, which seemed to be the side effects of the drug.
He couldn’t help but be speechless, remembering the last time his little disciple was poisoned, he just drank a few cups of cold tea and was full of life the next day as if nothing had happened. Why was the situation completely different with him?
Come to think of it, this body of his should be able to hold out for a few more years, right?
After all, according to the original book, if the little tyrant had not imprisoned the original owner and tortured him repeatedly after ascending the throne, the Imperial Preceptor would not have died so quickly either.
Shen Qingzhuo’s eyelids gradually drooped as his mind was filled with random thoughts.
***
Shen Qingzhuo was awakened by his rumbling stomach at dusk.
He called out, and Xiao Dezi immediately pushed the door open and said, “Young Master, Lord Lin sent someone to deliver a letter.”
Shen Qingzhuo stood up, hugging the quilt and yawning lazily. “Give it to me, let me see it.”
After opening the envelope and taking a quick look at it, Shen Qingzhuo suddenly came to his senses. He handed the letter back to Xiao Dezi and signaled him to burn it.
Xiao Dezi opened the incense burner and threw the letter into the incense burner to burn it. “Young Master, lunch has been prepared a long time ago. Please have some first.”
Shen Qingzhuo nodded, and Xiao Dezi immediately ordered someone to serve the meal.
Their young master still had no appetite after the winter, so the small kitchen put a lot of thought into every meal, trying to get their young master to eat a few more bites.
His stomach growled. Shen Qingzhuo drank a bowl of hot soup and was full after just two bites of the food on the table.
Xiao Dezi said worriedly, “Young Master, please eat a few more bites, this won’t do.”
Shen Qingzhuo picked up the hand warmer and said, “I’m full, remove it.”
“If you don’t eat well, I can only ask His Highness to eat with you.” Xiao Dezi said bravely, “With His Highness accompanying you, you will definitely eat a few more bites.”
“Good, are you colluding with His Highness now?” Shen Qingzhuo glanced at him and scolded with a smile, “Then go back and serve His Highness, don’t follow me.”
“Young Master!” Xiao Dezi’s expression changed immediately, “I will always be yours, please don’t chase me away, Young Master!”
Shen Qingzhuo had no choice but to explain helplessly, “I was just joking, why can’t you be amused?”
Actually, this is true. After he is gone, if Xiao Dezi is unwilling to leave the palace to retire, he can only serve the new emperor. At least for his sake, he can enjoy his old age without worries about food and clothing.
Xiao Dezi looked at his young master doubtfully and dared not say anything more and ordered the meal to be removed.
It was a rare opportunity to steal half a day of leisure. Shen Qingzhuo sat on the warm couch and read a book for a while until it was dark, and then he stretched his waist.
He looked at the dark night out the window, thinking of what Lin Jinyu said in the letter, and decided to look for his little disciple first.
A quarter of an hour later, Young Master Shen stepped into Changle Palace. The young eunuch on duty was already used to it, so he greeted him and then went about his business.
Shen Qingzhuo slowly approached the inner hall but heard a familiar voice coming from inside: “This medicine won’t have any side effects?”
He was startled. What medicine?
Could it be that his little disciple’s injury has worsened?
Just as he was about to speak, the hesitant voice of Imperial Physician Lu came from the palace: “This… Your Highness, you should know that medicine is three-quarters poison, especially medicine in that aspect, it is impossible…”
Shen Qingzhuo paused slightly. That aspect, which aspect?
The bedroom fell silent. After a while, Imperial Physician Lu said cautiously, “Otherwise, Your Highness should stop taking the medicine after a few days and find someone to try and see if it still works…”
Shen Qingzhuo’s pupils trembled slightly, and he almost stepped on empty air.
There was a strange sound at the door of the palace, and Xiao Shen immediately shouted coldly, “Who is outside the door?”
Shen Qingzhuo had no choice but to step over the threshold and smiled awkwardly but politely: “Imperial Physician Lu is here too ah.”
Xiao Shen was startled: “When did you come, Master?”
“Um… I didn’t hear anything!” Shen Qingzhuo was trying to cover up the truth, “How about I step aside for a while?”
Imperial Physician Lu jumped up as if his butt was on fire. “Ah, I suddenly remembered that I have something else to do in the Imperial Medical. I will leave first!”
Shen Qingzhuo: “……”
After pondering for a while, he tried to comfort him: “Well… Xiao Qi, you are still young. It’s not a big problem if you are not good at that. As long as we actively treat it, it will get better…”
Xiao Shen’s face darkened: “Master has misunderstood—”
“It’s fine. Master is with you.” Shen Qingzhuo’s eyes were full of tenderness and encouragement, and he was even willing to sacrifice his own reputation. “Actually, Master is not very good either, cough, cough…”
Xiao Shen: “?”
The author has something to say:
The Master: In order to comfort my little disciple, I have made great sacrifices!
The Wolf Cub: No one knows better than me whether Master can do it or not. Master will also know whether I can do it or not soon (grinding teeth)
