The Wei Changhai case could be said to have caused a great stir, with many versions circulating among the common people.
When others spoke of wealth rivaling a nation, it was usually an exaggeration or flattery, but for Wei Changhai, it was the absolute truth.
The Grand Secretary had grown so rich that oil was practically dripping from him, and raiding his home was like raiding the national treasury.
The Ministry of Revenue had been Wei Changhai’s territory. After his imprisonment, Emperor Cheng’an appointed several people with no background who were purely focused on work to take over and inventory Wei’s family property. Even working through the night with lamps lit, they still hadn’t finished counting.
Emperor Cheng’an nearly fainted again from anger.
But thinking that all this silver would flow back to him, he felt better.
The officials received different punishments. These days, the families and clans of convicted officials were frequently implicated and exiled, wearing shackles as they were led out of the city gates in long lines.
After some investigations were completed, heads were immediately chopped off. At the palace gate, heads were cut in batches over several days.
Chu Zhao had been right-it was indeed a river of blood, and cleaning up the bloodstains took a long time.
Emperor Cheng’an, having acquired a new treasury, was in a much better mood, but the aftermath of the case still lingered in court. The official assessment that was supposed to take place at the end of the year was moved up to select a new batch of people to fill the vacancies.
The aftermath had to be handled step by step, but at this time, Chu Zhao also began to request leave from court.
When everyone was busy and short-handed, Chu Zhao’s absence was particularly noticeable.
Emperor Cheng’an asked: “What’s his situation?”
“It’s because of Ziqin,” Chu Zhaoyu explained. “He originally went to Yuzhou to recuperate, but encountered such dangerous circumstances that his mind became unsettled, disturbing his physical health. The little progress he had made has been completely lost, and his condition seems very serious lately.”
Chu Zhaoyu paused, seeming to swallow some inauspicious words, but his expression of concern was obvious: “I heard that Sixth Brother is even thinking of posting notices to seek doctors from among the common people.”
Emperor Cheng’an fingered his prayer beads, pondering in silence.
With the court so short-handed now, he remembered that if Shen Ziqin didn’t have such a sickly body, he would also be someone capable of handling affairs.
Talent seemed particularly precious at this time.
And what was the meaning of Chu Zhao also requesting leave? He should hurry back to work.
After speaking, Chu Zhaoyu quietly lowered his eyes, appearing to be just an obedient prince who honestly answered whatever the emperor asked.
Emperor Cheng’an: “Have the imperial physicians go take a look.”
Chu Zhaoyu sighed: “The Empress Dowager once sent Imperial Physician Fang to examine him, who only said he could barely be kept alive.”
Imperial Physician Fang had already retired, but his medical skills were universally acknowledged as excellent. Many in the current Imperial Medical Academy were his disciples, but none could surpass his skills.
Emperor Cheng’an was silent for even longer this time, finally saying: “Fine, let the Imperial Preceptor go see him.”
After being summoned to the palace, the Imperial Preceptor had treated others besides Emperor Cheng’an. He had checked the Empress Dowager’s pulse and had also examined Chu Zhaoyu’s legs.
But that was only after Chu Zhaoyu’s leg disability had become permanent, when Emperor Cheng’an pretended to have the Imperial Preceptor take a look.
Although everyone knew Shen Ziqin was in poor health, Emperor Cheng’an had never before ordered the Imperial Preceptor to see him. It was only now, hearing that the situation seemed very serious, and out of his own considerations, that he was willing to send the Imperial Preceptor.
It was no secret that Chu Zhaoyu was a good friend of Shen Ziqin. His expression brightened, and his tone sounded very sincere: “Thank you, Your Majesty. I hope Ziqin can overcome this difficult time.”
So the Imperial Preceptor received the order and went to Prince Qin’s residence with his young disciple.
On the way, he heard that Prince Qin’s consort was very ill, seriously sick-in short, the situation was extremely critical. Prince Qin was extremely anxious, seemingly at his wit’s end.
The Imperial Preceptor broke into a cold sweat. Though his medical skills were good, without seeing the patient, he couldn’t guarantee a cure.
But if he could cure him this time, it would earn him a great favor from Prince Qin.
When he arrived at Prince Qin’s residence, he was led directly to Mingyue Pavilion, where he met Prince Qin.
He had seen Chu Zhao at palace banquets before. The prince still looked impressive, but… he didn’t seem particularly anxious.
The Imperial Preceptor was puzzled.
He had heard about the deep affection between Prince Qin and his consort. To this day, the prince had only one person in his rear court, maintaining exceptional fidelity. If not for their profound love, how could this be possible?
After all, in most high officials’ households, having multiple wives and concubines was common.
Given their strong relationship, why didn’t the prince show any concern when his consort was seriously ill?
“Thank you for coming, Imperial Preceptor,” Chu Zhao examined him before saying, “The consort dislikes noise and crowds, and especially dislikes having too many strangers in his room. I’ll take you in, but your disciple should wait outside. If you need his assistance later, we can call him.”
Before entering the palace service, the Imperial Preceptor had seen many people with strange ailments and peculiar requirements. Though he found the prince’s attitude strange and felt something was off, having come all the way to the residence, he naturally had to continue.
The Imperial Preceptor expressed understanding: “Very well, please lead the way, Your Highness.”
Chu Zhao led the Imperial Preceptor inside, and the attendants closed the door from outside.
There was a screen inside the room. The Imperial Preceptor expected to see a withered patient beyond it, but when he looked up, he saw Prince Qin’s consort sitting perfectly fine, with a rosy complexion, no sign of illness, and in excellent health.
The Imperial Preceptor’s heart sank, sensing trouble.
Chu Zhao was behind him, his voice like cold iron: “Imperial Preceptor, please sit first.”
Cold sweat immediately poured down the Imperial Preceptor’s back.
A trap!
The medical examination was just an excuse. They had gone to great lengths to lure him to the prince’s residence, and it certainly wasn’t for casual conversation. What did they want?
But he had no way to retreat, so he nervously sat down to the side of Shen Ziqin.
Chu Zhao sat beside Shen Ziqin.
Shen Ziqin was handsome, and his smile was like a spring breeze: “We’ve invited you here because we have a request.”
The Imperial Preceptor didn’t dare touch the tea on the table and forced himself to ask: “What is it, Consort?”
It was clearly not about examining a patient.
Shen Ziqin said: “There are two boxes beside you. Please open the first one on your side and take a look.”
Only then did the Imperial Preceptor notice the boxes on the table. He opened the first one and found a pile of pills inside.
Brown small pills, but with a surface luster different from ordinary elixirs, more brilliant, looking almost like… a shell? When opening the box, there was also a faint, subtle sweet smell.
Shen Ziqin: “From now on, replace the immortality elixir with these pills for His Majesty, twice a day.”
“Snap!”
The Imperial Preceptor’s hand trembled, and he closed the box with a loud snap, his eyes filled with shock!
They didn’t even bother to be subtle, directly trying to drag him onto the treasonous ship of regicide!
This box must contain poison. Prince Qin’s residence wouldn’t randomly collect sugar pills for the emperor, and given the imperial family’s cold relationships, it couldn’t possibly be a miraculous medicine.
The Imperial Preceptor broke out in even more cold sweat.
Yet Shen Ziqin remained calm: “His Majesty cannot achieve immortality, and the Imperial Preceptor knows this better than anyone. After the emperor falls ill a few more times, how much longer will your head remain attached?”
The Imperial Preceptor bit his teeth in fear, his heart pounding. He had originally come hoping to grasp a lifeline, wanting to perform well during this visit outside the palace. Now that someone was so directly offering him that lifeline, he didn’t want to miss the opportunity.
Besides, if he didn’t take it, he might not have a future to discuss-he might not even leave Prince Qin’s residence in one piece.
The Imperial Preceptor’s hand tightened on the box: “The Imperial Medical Academy also examines the medicine His Majesty takes daily. Poison would be difficult to administer.”
“That’s not a problem,” Chu Zhao spoke this time. “They won’t detect any issues.”
“His Majesty’s health will gradually deteriorate. When the imperial physicians take his pulse, they will only diagnose illness, not poison.”
The contents of the box were byproducts from Chu Zhao’s laboratory. Although Emperor Cheng’an took good care of himself, their people had examined the emperor’s medical records and knew what ailments he had. All medicine has some toxicity, and certain medicines would aggravate his conditions.
A poison that kills immediately wouldn’t work-it would be too obvious. It was better to extend the timeline.
The Imperial Preceptor’s scalp immediately tingled: “Consort, you just said that if His Majesty’s health deteriorates further, I would be the first to suffer.”
Shen Ziqin picked up his teacup: “Don’t worry. If you follow our instructions, someone will protect you. By the way, there’s no poison in the tea. Feel free to drink.”
The Imperial Preceptor forced a smile but still didn’t dare touch the tea. Shen Ziqin continued: “Really, the poison is in the second box. Take a look.”
Imperial Preceptor: “…”
Thank you for being so honest!
He opened the second box. Unlike the first box which was full, this small box contained just one pill.
“This is medicine for assassins. After taking it, you must regularly take an antidote every month, or you’ll die from the poison. Once you complete the task, we’ll give you the permanent antidote. We know your medical skills are good, which is why we dare use this method, but we’re not afraid you can create an antidote yourself.”
Chu Zhao: “You can take it yourself, or we can force it down. Your choice, Imperial Preceptor.”
After hearing a prince’s treasonous words, there was no way they would let him leave just like that. The Imperial Preceptor understood this clearly. With a long sigh, he took the pill and, after hesitating briefly, swallowed it.
However, he secretly scraped off a bit of the pill with his fingernail, still hoping to try making an antidote himself.
He also took the other box, clearly agreeing to do the job, though he remained nervous: “Will Your Highness and the consort keep your word and protect my life?”
“Of course,” Shen Ziqin said. “We have no grudge against you. Why would we burden ourselves with bloodshed?”
Chu Zhao played the bad cop: “Start as soon as you return to the palace. You have three days. Otherwise, Imperial Preceptor, don’t close your eyes at night.”
The Imperial Preceptor shuddered, not daring to make a sound.
After staying long enough to maintain appearances, he slowly walked out. His disciple curiously approached: “Master, how is the consort?”
“The consort has a weak constitution and has developed a heart condition from the great shock. But I’ve applied acupuncture and prescribed medicine. With some rest, he’ll recover. It’s nothing serious.”
The disciple nodded. Though disappointed to miss a teaching opportunity, he didn’t dare say much in a noble’s residence. He just looked curiously at the additional box the Imperial Preceptor was carrying: “Master, what’s that?”
“A reward from the prince.” The Imperial Preceptor covered it with his sleeve. “Let’s go.”
After the Imperial Preceptor left, Chu Zhao played with the empty cup with interest: “Do you think he’ll do it?”
“He will. He’s greedy and values his life. Now that he has no way out, he has no choice,” Shen Ziqin said lazily, relaxing his expression. “After his visit, in a few days, I can finally recover and go out.”
Chu Zhao smiled: “That statement really attracts hatred.”
For Wei Changhai’s case, many officials wanted to take leave but couldn’t.
Chu Zhao put down the cup, his expression imperceptibly pausing for a moment-too quickly for Shen Ziqin to notice. In a casual tone, he said: “We usually eat in your courtyard. Tonight, why not come to mine? The cook has learned several new dishes and seems eager to compete with the Mingyue Pavilion chef.”
To capture the master’s heart, one must capture his stomach. Chu Zhao’s courtyard cook had been neglected for some time and wanted to show his skills.
Shen Ziqin, suspecting nothing: “Sure.”
Since Chu Zhao normally had to work, unlike the more free Shen Ziqin, most of the time he would go to Mingyue Pavilion after work. Shen Ziqin had only occasionally visited Chu Zhao’s courtyard, very few times.
That night, dining in Chu Zhao’s courtyard, there were indeed several new dishes, all quite delicious. Shen Ziqin enjoyed the meal.
However, he noticed a strange nervousness in Chu Zhao.
Though well-concealed, Shen Ziqin knew him too well-even the slightest flaw was enough for him to see through.
What was he nervous about?
Shen Ziqin narrowed his eyes.
After dinner, they strolled in the courtyard for a while, then Chu Zhao led Shen Ziqin into his room.
Upon entering, Shen Ziqin was stunned.
The room was hung with red silk, decorated with wedding candles, and even the bed was covered with mandarin duck brocade bedding-exactly like a wedding day setup.
The room’s arrangement made its purpose too obvious.
Shen Ziqin suddenly understood what Chu Zhao was nervous about.
His face immediately heated up, and he also became nervous. He pressed his lips together, his gaze wandering before finally settling on the table.
On the table was a pot of wine and two cups.
Chu Zhao cleared his throat, led him to sit at the table, and poured two cups of wine.
“This is fruit wine with a very low alcohol content, almost like juice,” Chu Zhao said, sitting very straight. “On our wedding day, we never drank the ceremonial wedding wine.”
So they hadn’t actually completed the wedding ritual.
At that time, neither of them truly considered that wedding banquet as a lifelong commitment.
But now, they had decided to promise each other the rest of their lives.
This small imperfection could now be remedied.
With Shen Ziqin’s one-cup drinking capacity, high-proof white liquor was out of the question, but fruit wine with alcohol content similar to a soft drink should be fine.
“Consort, shall we drink the ceremonial wedding wine together?”
#
(advanced chapters available on kofi)
