The Evil Emperor's Favorite: The Sickly and Poisonous Concubine Goes Crazy

On the fourth day of Huafu being encircled, the Ministry of Justice and the Dali Temple found out the secret correspondence between Hua Wen and the Northern Yan military, the accounts of the secret exchange of military supplies and profits, the Hua family's children oppressing the people and covering up the murders of people, and even the fact that he violated the laws of the Great Zhou and secretly did black iron business with Northern Yan for several years, making a huge profit. All kinds of evidence of evil deeds completely determined the fate of the Hua family.

The news spread across the capital like a chilly wind in the dark night, causing panic and much discussion among the people.

The next morning, when the first ray of sunlight penetrated the heavy clouds and shone on the mottled city walls, the streets of the imperial capital were already filled with a solemn and murderous atmosphere. The imperial guards' iron hooves roared, surrounding the capital like a copper wall, isolating all life.

In front of the gate of Huafu, Su Jingmo, wearing iron armor and holding the imperial edict, read aloud:

"The Emperor, in compliance with the Will of Heaven, proclaims that the Hua family has received great favors from the Emperor for generations, but has not thought of repaying the country, and instead has committed treason, which has led to the defeat of the Northern Frontier War and the serious injury of the King of Beiyang. After investigation, it was found that Hua Wen, the governor of the Western Frontier Army, surrendered to the enemy and committed treason. The evidence is irrefutable, and the entire family is imprisoned. After the thief Hua Wen and others are escorted back to the capital, they will be executed to serve as a warning to others. I decree this!"

As the last word fell, there was dead silence all around, leaving only the rustling of leaves in the wind.

Su Jingmo glanced at the women and children who were kneeling and trembling in the mansion. Hua Yong was already dead. All the adult men in the Hua family had followed Hua Wen to the western border and had not yet been escorted back to the capital. Only women and children were left in the mansion.

He knew more or less how many of the things he had found out in the past few days were truly from Hua Wen's hands, and how many were manipulated by someone behind the scenes to frame the Hua family. The Hua family was just a scapegoat abandoned by others. In this game, if that person wanted to be safe, the Hua family must be wiped out.

He frowned slightly, and his eyes darkened. If that man really ascended to the throne in the future, the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion would probably not be able to escape the same fate as the Hua family today.

"Take the person away and detain him. There is no need to hurt anyone."

He glanced sideways and whispered to the deputy general behind him.

Afterwards, the army poured into Huafu like a tide, swords were drawn, cold light flashed, and in the once prosperous mansion, cries, pleas for mercy, and desperate shouts intertwined, but no one could escape. All the members of the Hua family, young and old, were escorted away.

In the palace, the imperial study.

When Mu Xi returned to the palace from the Imperial Camp, he was summoned by Emperor Zhou to the Imperial Study to handle memorials for him.

She sat with her head bowed in front of the white jade desk on the left side of Emperor Zhou. Her eyes showed persistence and seriousness. She flipped the pages with her fingertips and soon finished revising the piles of memorials in front of her.

Emperor Zhou raised his eyes to look at her, his expression becoming a little gentler:

"You've calmed down a lot lately, which is good."

Mu Xi stopped writing, put away the last memorial in his hand, and then looked up at Emperor Zhou with a slight smile, but the smile did not reach his eyes:

"It is my duty as a son to share my father's worries."

Emperor Zhou looked at her, knowing that she was dissatisfied with the treatment of the Hua family's surrender to the enemy, and did not blame her, and continued to ask:

"Do you think I handled the Hua family's affairs inappropriately?"

Mu Xi lowered his head: "Xi'er doesn't dare."

The Hua family is a third-rank official, how could he dare to murder the King of Beiyang without anyone's instructions, and how could he get involved in the most sensitive black iron business in the Great Zhou Dynasty? Moreover, the Dali Temple and the Ministry of Justice investigated the case so smoothly, as if someone had delivered the evidence to their door. In just a few days, the Hua family was completely put on death row, with no possibility of recovery. Anyone with a little bit of brains in the court knew that the Hua family was just a scapegoat.

The emperor naturally understood this, but he readily accepted this statement and did not even mention the person behind the matter.

Mu Xi was a little annoyed. She suddenly didn't want to delve into the twists and turns of this matter. She just felt that the prince had hurt someone she cared about, and that was not acceptable. She had to get him back.

Emperor Zhou looked at her face full of dissatisfaction and chuckled. They were the only two people in the palace, father and daughter, so he no longer concealed his expression. His eyes were deep, as if he could penetrate the layers of palace walls and see farther.

"Xi'er, you are very attentive and loyal, which comforts me. However, the affairs of the court are far more complicated and sinister than what you see. The affairs of the Hua family involve a lot of people, and you will never get to the bottom of it. As a person in power, you must not only be kind and righteous, but also learn to be tolerant and restrained. Sometimes, the truth is not just black and white. Perhaps what is more important is to find a balance in complex relationships. Checks and balances are the most appropriate outcome."

Emperor Zhou sighed softly, a trace of fatigue flashed in his eyes. "Xi'er, you have grown up. You should know the truth behind this. The court is in turmoil. Father wants you to be the one who plays chess. He doesn't want you to become a chess piece in the game and be manipulated by others one day."

Mu Xi's eyes trembled slightly, and he looked up at Emperor Zhou. Perhaps after this time, the prince was completely eliminated from his father's selection as the crown prince.

"I know I was wrong." Mu Xi lowered his head slightly and said softly.

Zhou Diwen smiled and shook his head: "It's almost time, go back and rest early."

"My son, please retire."

After Mu Xi left, Emperor Zhou's eyes gradually darkened. He glanced sideways at the coffee table beside him and saw the Yunsu cake that Concubine Jin had brought over. It was half eaten, and his eyes turned completely cold.

"Someone, take the pastries away."

Huilan Hall.

The virtuous concubine had a calm expression as she sat under the lamp, embroidering something: a round-headed little tiger made of gold and red thread, which she was embroidering for the emperor's unborn grandson.

"Your Majesty, Concubine Jin sent a message saying that His Majesty has already used the Yunsu Cake."

The virtuous concubine paused for a long time before she nodded.

"The Crown Princess will come to the palace to pay respects tomorrow, so there is no need for him to bring medicine."

"Yes."

After the people left, Concubine Xian stopped what she was doing and looked out the window. The cool night breeze blew through her hair, and there was a bit more determination in her eyes.

The last ingredient of the Luohunyin medicine is in the Yunsu cake.

Your Majesty, since you have never had Feng'er in your heart, I feel sorry for you. I have to find a way out for myself and her child.

The night in the northern border is deep and far away. The stars are like fine silver sand, scattered on the glazed tiles of the Beiyang Palace, flickering with a cold light. Gu Yan'an and Su Jingning stand side by side on the high pavilion of the palace, looking at the hazy mountain shadows in the distance. The news that the entire Hua family was arrested has been sent back to the northern border. The ending of the Hua family is not difficult to guess.

A complicated look flashed across Gu Yan'an's eyes: "The Hua family is destroyed, and the prince's actions are tantamount to cutting off an arm to protect himself. He only has an army in the Western Territory. Since he dares to destroy the Hua family with his own hands, he must have a bigger bargaining chip."

His voice paused slightly.

"So he was betting that His Majesty would not dare to touch him. Obviously, he won." Su Jingning looked into the distance and said in a low voice.

Gu Yan'an looked at the brightly lit Hancheng under the scattered starlight. Occasionally, the sound of people singing and dancing to celebrate the victory of the war could be heard from the city.

Su Jingning followed his gaze and saw that Northern Yan had presented a letter of surrender. The war between Yan and Zhou had completely damaged Northern Yan's foundation. Within ten years, Northern Yan would no longer be able to fight against Great Zhou.

There is no worry about foreign wars, but there are enemies within the country who are eyeing us covetously. How long can the peace in the northern border last?

"My Lord, Princess, an urgent letter from the Imperial Capital." Liu Feng walked quickly to the two of them with the letter in his hand, bowed his head and said

Gu Yan'an took the letter and asked: "Who sent it?"

"Xuyang Palace and Fengting Tower."

Su Jingning took the letter sent by Fengting Tower and frowned slightly. Yue Xun hadn't written to him for a long time, and suddenly an urgent letter came. It must be that something happened in the capital.

The two of them lowered their heads and looked at the urgent letter in their hands, their expressions gradually becoming serious.

The Zhou Emperor was poisoned and fell into a coma. He woke up once and ordered the crown prince, who was in the east to provide disaster relief, to return quickly and take over as regent.

The crown prince has not returned to the capital yet. State affairs are presided over by Prime Minister Liu, and the palace is controlled by Concubine Xian. Princess Xuyang is suspected of poisoning and is temporarily imprisoned in the palace by Concubine Xian.

Su Jingning looked at the letter in her hand, her expression darkened slightly, with doubt in her eyes. She had already reminded His Majesty to be careful of the prince, so why did he still get poisoned? Was it intentional, or did he really fall into the prince's trap by accident?

"Ayan, it looks like we have to return to Beijing early."

A hesitation flashed across Gu Yan'an's face. His Majesty had been plotted against. He had met Mu Xi alone before he fell into a coma. They had also plotted against Mu Xi. The prince was trying to seize the throne, and Mu Xi asked him to come to the capital to stop the prince.

He was silent for a long time before nodding to Su Jingning.

"Liu Feng, send someone to pretend to be the king and the princess in the palace to conceal our presence. Order the lord of Jinchang to close the city and follow orders at any time. The news of the 80,000 elite troops must not leak out at all. Five days later, order the people pretending to be us to go with the people escorting the rebels and the letter of surrender to Beijing."

"Yes." Liu Feng took the order and retreated quickly.

"Ningning, pack light and travel light. We will leave the city with the caravan early tomorrow morning." He looked at Su Jingning and said gently.

Su Jingning nodded and put away the letter in his hand: "Okay, then I'll go prepare it first."

After Su Jingning left, Gu Yan'an looked towards the dark corner in the distance. His gentle voice turned cold and impatience appeared in his deep eyes.

"Master Shadow Guard, how long are you going to spy in the dark?"

A figure gradually emerged in the dim corner:

"Shadow Guard Chi greets His Majesty."

Gu Yan'an glanced at him, his eyes showing undisguised oppression and aggression: "Since Master Shadow Guard has already found out the information you want, how long do you want to stay in my palace?"

The figure holding the sword bowed his head slightly: "The master ordered me to protect the prince. I am following orders."

Gu Yan'an sneered, his eyes as cold as a pond were filled with sarcasm: "Protect the king's safety? He really was poisoned and unconscious, but why would he use Mu Xi to force the king to come to the capital? Why? Are you going to kill me again?"

The shadow guard trembled slightly and replied in a low voice: "The master is concerned about the safety of the prince and the princess, and will never do anything to harm the prince and the princess. Before the subordinate came, the master had already ordered the charm to accompany the princess secretly."

Gu Yan'an glared at him without saying anything, but his breath became colder and colder.

"Go away, don't let me feel your presence again. Otherwise, don't blame me for being ruthless."

His voice was cold and murderous.

The dark shadow behind him paused for a moment, saluted Gu Yan'an, and then slowly disappeared into the darkness.

Feeling that his breath had completely disappeared, Gu Yan'an held on to the railing beside him. The sudden severe pain in his head made his face pale and he bent over slightly.

Ever since the battle in Yinzhou City that day, something went wrong with the blood parasite in his body. It seemed to be out of control and was affecting his thoughts at all times and places, and even wanted to manipulate his emotions. If it detected that his emotions were the slightest bit different, it would find it and then attack and stimulate him mercilessly.

He stayed there for a while, until the pain that almost made him lose consciousness gradually faded away.

When Gu Yan'an returned to the room, Su Jingning had already packed her luggage for the next day. She was reading the Poison Scripture that her senior sister had brought her from the Poison Valley under the lamp, using candlelight. It recorded all kinds of strange poison recipes. Whenever she had time, she would flip through it, thinking that there might be records of blood poison.

Seeing Gu Yan'an coming back, she looked up at him and complained in a low voice: "It's cold at night. Why did you stay outside for so long? Your shoulder injury hasn't healed yet?"

Gu Yan'an shook his shoulders and walked towards her with a flattering smile on his face: "My injuries have always healed faster than ordinary people. Look, it's healed a long time ago!"

Su Jingning glanced at him, then lowered his eyes to look at the poison scripture in his hand: "Even if it's better, you have to take good care of it."

Gu Yanan sat beside her and put his head on her shoulder. Seeing that she had been reading the Poison Sutra recently, he said in a joking manner:

"The princess is studying the Poison Sutra every day. Did I do something wrong and offend her?"

Su Jingning reached out and pushed his head away from his shoulder, and couldn't help but smile:

"Well, I'm going to give you another love poison so that you will never forget me."

Although he knew she was joking, the person who heard it felt a pause in his heart, as if he had been pricked by a needle. He concealed the worry that flashed across his eyes and laughed heartily:

"Okay, Ning Ning must raise a pair of love insects, one for each of us. We are a perfect match and will never forget each other."

Su Jingning ignored him and continued to look down at the book in her hand. The people around her accompanied her quietly and would add a cup of warm tea for her from time to time.

"Ningning, do you want to be the queen?" Suddenly, the person who had been holding up his face and looking at her spoke, and asked a very shocking question in a very calm voice.

Su Jingning's hand that was turning the pages of the book stopped where it was. She knew what A Yan meant by this sentence, and could even guess what he was thinking. If she said she wanted to, even if he was unwilling or even resisted that position, he would go against her own wishes and fight for it.

"Do not want to."

The woman's gentle voice was firm and resolute.

"I don't want to. If possible, I don't even want to get involved in these things. I just want to find a small town and live my life leisurely and freely."

Her eyes flickered with indifference to the past and a faint hope for the future. She had personally experienced the struggle for imperial power. The intrigues and life-and-death struggles had already killed her once. She didn't want to go through it again, and she didn't want Ah Yan to be involved.

He stared at her, his expression gradually becoming softer, with a subtle sense of relief in his heart:

"Okay, Madam, please remember to bring your husband with you."

"You are afraid of the cold, why don't you go to Jinyu City in the southern border? The weather there is mild all year round, and you don't have to hold the heater all day in winter. I will build a yard for you by the lake at the foot of the mountain, and plant your favorite flowers and plants, such as camellia, magnolia, and crabapple. Is that okay?"

He continued to babble, his eyes carefree and full of expectation, planning the future for her in her ear.

Su Jingning listened to his ramblings quietly, with a gentle and bright smile on her lips, and nodded gently. The two figures stretched out in the dim candlelight, plain but with a reassuring warmth.