"So what if I killed Consort Yuan?" Empress Yao sneered, filled with immense excitement! "I've killed countless people in the harem. Do you expect me to pay for all of them with my life? What a joke! I won't sleep a wink if they don't die!"
"Have you ever had a nightmare? Once you fall asleep, you dream that they all come to take your life!" Ji Wushang coldly rebuked, "After you die, I'm afraid purgatory will be your final resting place!"
"To survive in the inner palace, you must learn to use tricks! Ji Wushang, don't even try! My methods are sometimes less than one ten-thousandth of yours!" Empress Yao sneered. "I've long heard that in General Ji's mansion, people died and were maimed, which must have been your doing! And now that you're in Prince Jin's mansion, you've caused just as much trouble! Ji Wushang, do you dare say it wasn't your doing?"
Ji Wushang looked at her coldly, "No, everyone has their own destiny! Ji Wushang asks himself, his conscience is clear! But you, you have done so many vicious things, if you die, you will surely suffer the torment of hell!"
"Haha, haha!" Empress Yao sneered.
Emperor Zhou waved his hand, "Drag him away!"
Unexpectedly, at this moment, Empress Yao suddenly broke free from the guards' restraints and was about to rush towards the wall!
Nan Xuzong moved with lightning speed, striking out with a golden thread that instantly sealed Empress Yao's pressure points.
Huangfu Ting was startled, but then he collapsed to the ground, chuckling, "Heh, this result, this result..."
"Hurry up and drag him away! I'm getting dizzy just looking at him!" The Empress Dowager was furious. "Beyond the nine generations of the Yao family, may the men be slaves for generations and the women prostitutes for generations!"
"Yes!" The guards immediately stepped forward and dragged Empress Yao away, while Huangfu Ting, seemingly powerless, was about to be taken away by the guards.
"Wait!" Ji Wushang shouted immediately, stopping the guards from taking Huangfu Ting away.
Those around were astonished. The Empress Dowager frowned slightly. "What's wrong, Wu Shang?" Could this little girl be pleading for Huangfu Ting?
"Reporting to Father, a few days ago, Wu Shang and the Fourth Prince rescued a person in the marketplace..." At this moment, Nan Xu Cong stepped forward, "They rescued a person who looks very much like the eldest prince, Yun, but after investigation, it was found that he is not him!"
Ji Wushang was stunned, looking at Nan Xuzong in disbelief. He was actually trying to stop him from revealing the truth about the fake crown prince? Why was he stopping him? Wasn't this a perfect opportunity? Why was he giving up such a chance?
Huangfu Ting froze, his face turning deathly pale! He looked at Ji Wushang and Nan Xuzong in bewilderment. One wanted him dead, yet the other stopped him? Why? Didn't Nan Xuzong want him to die?
"This is nothing important, so there's no need to report it to me!" Emperor Zhou snorted coldly, waved his hand, and the guards dragged Huangfu Ting away.
Ji Wushang looked puzzled but had no choice but to keep quiet.
In that instant, only Emperor Zhou and Nan Xuzong remained. The Empress Dowager glanced at Emperor Zhou, then stepped forward, and Ji Wushang quickly went to her side to support her.
"Your Majesty, how is your dragon body now?" The Empress Dowager glanced at Nan Xuzong. She knew that Nan Xuzong's medical skills were passed down from his master, the Old Man Panyao. If he said that it was incurable, then it was definitely incurable.
Nan Xuzong tried his best to calm himself down. He stepped forward and knelt down. "Grandmother, Father's illness is not incurable. However, the process is extremely difficult and requires strong willpower and unwavering perseverance! If there is even the slightest relaxation, all previous efforts will be in vain!"
"What do you mean?" The Empress Dowager beckoned, "Zong'er, stand up and speak."
Emperor Zhou looked at Nan Xuzong and asked, "I don't feel any discomfort right now, but Zong'er, what medicine did you give me?"
“In response to Father Emperor, that is a good medicine to temporarily suppress the effects of your medication. However, it only treats the symptoms, not the root cause. To cure the root cause, Father Emperor must insist on it himself,” Nan Xuzong said.
Emperor Zhou's eyes were dark and deep. He glanced at Nan Xuzong, then looked at Huangfu Xuan and Ma Ruyi, who were still standing there. "Tonight, all four of you have made outstanding contributions! I will remember them! Xuan'er, Ruyi, you may leave!"
"Yes." Huangfu Xuan and Ma Ruyi bowed, then bid farewell to the Empress Dowager and left.
"How exactly do we solve this?" Emperor Zhou looked at Nan Xuzong.
——
It turns out that dawn is indeed so dark, yet so beautiful.
Nan Xuzong looked at Ji Wushang, who was fast asleep in his arms. Her eyelashes were so long, and the beauty was so lovely even in her sleep.
Since leaving the palace, they hadn't exchanged a single word. She didn't ask, and he didn't say anything either.
When she placed her hand in his large hand, he smiled and lifted her into the carriage, and then there was the quiet that we have now.
This matter has come to a simple conclusion.
Nan Xuzong reached out and lifted the carriage curtain, looking out at the approaching dawn. On one side, it was still pitch black, while on the other, the first light of day was beginning to appear.
Upon arriving at the Prince Zong's residence, just as Nan Xuzong was about to pick her up, she opened her bright eyes and asked, "Don't you want to talk to me?"
Her eyes met his, filled with a mixture of expectation and worry.
Yes, she was worried about him; otherwise, she wouldn't have run out to look for him.
"Let's talk in the room," Nan Xuzong said in a deep voice. He picked her up by the waist and carried her directly into the inner room, placed her on the bed, and took off her boots.
She looked at him without saying a word.
When the two lay in bed, they were silent again.
Ji Wushang turned her head and looked at him, "You drugged me."
A flicker of surprise crossed his face. "You...you know?"
"Mm." Ji Wushang nodded.
So, she'd been faking it all along? And she'd played along so perfectly? He broke out in a cold sweat. Did she know anything about Bei Gong Minhao? Did she know he'd been here before?
"I want to know what you're doing. I want to know why you drugged me. Nan Xuzong, I love you. I don't care what you do to me, but I want to know why. Give me an explanation." Tears gradually welled up in Ji Wushang's eyes.
He was startled, then panicked, and then completely lost his composure.
"Wu Shang, I...I didn't mean to! I...I explain..." Nan Xu Cong looked at her, "You, you shouldn't cry, okay? Be good?" Her tears always made him lose his composure!
Ji Wushang wiped his tears with his sleeve. "I...I won't cry, sob..." But he felt a deep heartache. Why? Did he no longer love him? Or was it to prevent him from participating in the struggle for the throne? Was that why he was treating him like this? But if he didn't go tonight and reveal the truth, wouldn't everyone be plunged into an unmanageable situation? Who would dare search Ningfeng Palace? Who could bring about the extermination of the Yao family?
Nan Xuzong's hand trembled slightly as he reached out and gently wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes. "I didn't mean to. I thought you should be behind me, enjoying my protection... But tonight I realized that my Wushang is even stronger than I imagined..." If he were gone one day, she should be able to hold on!
"That's because I want to walk alongside you, not just hide in your arms. I crave the security you give me, but I also constantly remind myself that I am your woman, the one you will hold hands with and walk together. We promised to grow old together. I must be worthy of standing shoulder to shoulder with you, so I, Ji Wushang, must be strong. Whatever you cannot do or find difficult, I, Ji Wushang, will do for you, and do it bravely!"
“Wu Shang…” He sighed softly, pulled her into his arms, but only felt the wetness of his own tears on his chest.
"I'm sorry, I only drugged you this once... I, I beg your forgiveness." Nan Xuzong said, suddenly pushing her away, getting off the bed, and kneeling at her feet.
"You are the only woman in my life, Nan Xuzong. You are a precious gift from heaven. You are my everything; only with you can I have anything else." Nan Xuzong looked at her, "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry..."
Ji Wushang got out of bed, tears still on her face. She went over to him, squatted down, and hugged him instead. "I've been corresponding with you, but why do you always make me investigate everything about you... instead of being honest with me? What are you worried about?"
“There’s nothing to worry about.” Nan Xuzong closed his eyes, embraced her, and stood up from the ground. “I know that Empress Yao and her faction still have influence. Although Empress Yao was deposed tonight and Huangfu Ting was demoted to a commoner, things have only become more acute… This time, you are at the highest point, and all their attacks will be directed at you… Do you understand? This is what I don’t want to see, but, but perhaps it is destined to be so…” Nan Xuzong sobbed softly.
Ji Wushang's body trembled. He was right. He had reached the pinnacle this time. The downfall of Empress Yao and Huangfu Ting was only possible because of his intervention!
I will never forget the look in Yao Hou's eyes back then!
"Then why did you stop me from revealing the truth about the fake crown prince? I had already secretly ordered Cuiwu and the others to be on standby. As soon as I revealed the fake crown prince, Cuiwu would bring him out! The truth would become clearer! Father would never let Empress Yao and Huangfu Ting off so easily! They would suffer the consequences they deserved!"
“Wu Shang, you’re missing a layer.” Nan Xu Cong sighed. “I’ve said it before, the power behind them is not to be underestimated. Tonight, Empress Yao was deposed, the Yao clan was exterminated, and Huangfu Ting was demoted. All these punishments are enough to defeat them! Tomorrow, all punishments will be carried out.”
The immense power lurking behind the Yao family will then launch a counterattack. At that time, Huangfu Ting will lead them in a final act of subversion—this will be the final battle!
Ji Wushang was stunned for a moment, realizing that he had not expected the power behind them.
"So you took precautions?"
"Of course. But I'm more worried about you." Nan Xuzong placed his hand on her shoulder. "What am I supposed to do when things are at their most dangerous? You're my weakness. I'd rather lose everything than lose you!" Huangfuting and Yiyun Shangcheng have a deal! He understands this very well!
"I... I shouldn't have acted impulsively." Ji Wushang lowered his head.
"It's alright, I'll be by your side." Nan Xuzong shook his head. Since things had come to this, he could only take it one step at a time. Perhaps he was overthinking things?
"I want to know how you found out I used a drug, and... and what happened afterward." Nan Xuzong used a rough word.
"Tonight is my birthday, and I'm very touched by the surprise you gave me. However, I also sensed a different kind of reluctance in your eyes. Back then, I heard that you would arrive at midnight. I know you are punctual and don't easily change your appointment time, so you lied to me then. Secondly, I don't really like others helping me bathe, but you had Hongfei and Cuiwu help me. I became suspicious then, but I thought maybe you thought I was tired. Thirdly... you really did drug me." Ji Wushang said, "When you picked me up and draped the bath towel over me, I felt something was wrong. But you didn't know that I often carried some antidote under my fingernails."
“You cherish me, so this drug is easy to cure.” Ji Wushang looked at him. “Cong, why did you do this?”
"Go on," he said, his thin lips moving slightly.
“I saw you walk into the secret room, and I wanted to find you and see what was going on. But I couldn’t move, and it took a long time before I could move again. I interrogated Hongfei and Cuiwu, even using the drugs I was good at! They were worried about you, so they compromised with me. I knew that after you entered the palace, I knew that you were going to deal with Empress Yao and Huangfu Ting, so I dared to go to the Empress Dowager’s Cixin Palace.”
"I see." Nan Xuzong sighed. Good, she didn't know about Beigong Minhao!
What about Beigong Minhao?
Just then, the wind blew and the candle flickered!
Nan Xuzong suddenly flashed away like lightning, flying out like an arrow!
☆、287 He murdered his father to seize the throne, and died in a fierce battle! (The climax continues!)
Ji Wushang was surprised and immediately got out of bed to chase after him, but he couldn't find Nan Xuzong anywhere!
"Someone come quick!" Ji Wushang shouted loudly in all directions.
Nan Xuzong was using his lightness skill to chase after this person, but his intuition told him that he couldn't stray too far from Ji Wushang! He was afraid of being tricked into a diversionary tactic! She was now his weakness; if she were captured, everything would begin to change!
The shadows and guards of the Prince's mansion moved quickly to chase after the man in black.
Nan Xuzong stopped and looked at the disappearing man in black. His lips twitched. "No need to chase him. Keep a close watch on every corner of the manor!" If this person wasn't Beigong Minhao, then who was he? If it weren't for the gust of wind that allowed him to sense his presence, he probably wouldn't have discovered him at all! And his martial arts skills were actually on par with his own!
Ji Wushang ran over, slightly out of breath. Nan Xuzong immediately went up to her, saying, "Don't run around." He then put his arm around her waist, adding, "You're too tired."
"I'm not tired. Who is that person?" Ji Wushang asked immediately after adjusting his breathing.
"I'm not entirely sure, I need to investigate further," Nan Xuzong said worriedly. "These next few days won't be peaceful, so don't leave my side." His eyes were fixed on Ji Wushang. He didn't want to lose her; losing her would be more painful than having his heart ripped out! But a sense of unease lingered in his heart... It seemed as if the day had come earlier than expected, as if everything was happening ahead of schedule!
He gasped and looked at Ji Wushang's face, which was slightly flushed from running to catch up with her.
"Let's go back!" Nan Xuzong smiled and waved for someone to handle the situation.
Ji Wushang nodded.
Nan Xuzong walked up behind her, looking at her. She smiled, turned her head and walked in front. He could clearly see the back of her; the blood lotus had already bloomed on the back of her neck, and it was so alluring.
I wonder if anyone else has noticed.
Nan Xuzong's heart tightened, and he stepped forward to gently straighten her gauze dress.
Ji Wushang was a little puzzled. She looked up at Nan Xuzong, her brows furrowing. "Cong, what's wrong?"
"The night is coming, and it's always so cold. I don't want you to catch a chill." Nan Xuzong finished tidying her up and pulled up the collar of her gauze dress to cover the blood lotus.
His dark eyes narrowed. Tomorrow he would have the servants raise the collars of all her clothes, just to make it bearable for a while.
"It's June, it'll only get cooler, how could I catch a cold?" Ji Wushang smiled, but he felt very reassured by his care.
Nan Xuzong smiled, placed his large hand on her shoulder and gently stroked it, then put it down and put his arm around her slender waist. "I'm still worried."
Ji Wushang leaned her head against his chest as he listened, and he bent down to pick her up and strode forward.
The bright sunshine shows that today is indeed a beautiful day.
Ji Wushang nestled in his arms like a cat, and he didn't sleep a wink all night, just staring at her.
He smiled, put his arm around her, and closed his eyes.