While betrayal, submission, and the verge of collapse played out in the Overwatch Council, the entire Jingdou was enveloped in a strange and oppressive atmosphere. It was impossible for the little court conference to be held again. Although the various ministries and yamens carried out their routine work, the shocking news coming out of the Royal Palace had long made the Qing officials tremble in their bodies and minds. No one had any thoughts on state affairs, and no one dared to whisper in the yamens. Occasionally, there would be officials who were on good personal terms who would meet in a secluded place and pass on the news they knew.
The Emperor had been assassinated! The heinous and unforgivable traitor was Director Chen! This news made everyone feel shocked and incredulous. However, the truth was right in front of their eyes. Other than feeling it absurd and shocked, these civil officials all turned their gazes toward the Overwatch Council. A faint worry rose in their hearts. They didn't know if the court would be able to control the Council under these circumstances.
Fortunately, news that calmed people's hearts came endlessly. At least for now, these officials didn't seem to have to worry too much. After the major incident broke out in the morning, the various ministers, dukes, and elders of the Hall of Governmental Affairs immediately rushed to the Royal Palace. After another few hours, these officials retreated from the Royal Palace and began to deal with state affairs anew, leaving only Hu the Scholar to stand guard in the Royal Palace.
The most important matter in the Qing court was the trial of Chen Pingping's rebellion. All the ministries and yamens were mobilized. This was the first time the civil official system had independently investigated such an important case outside of the Overwatch Council's eyes. No one knew how the various ministries and yamens felt. Other than sorrow and shock, did they feel much more relaxed? However, the Emperor's edict was clear, urgent, and cold. The so-called trial was nothing more than a formality.
In less than four hours, the various ministries and yamens of the Qing court, led by the Supreme Court, had drafted up reports on Chen Pingping's numerous major crimes and sent them to the Royal Palace. However, these reports were immediately rejected. It was clear that the Emperor, who was still in a rage and had yet to recover, was not satisfied with the charges these civil officials had drafted.
The Emperor would not let Chen Pingping die easily and freely. Since Chen Pingping thought he was standing on a glorious and righteous stand to interrogate and seek revenge, then the Emperor wanted Chen Pingping to lose all of his reputation and die with endless humiliation and accusations.
It was not difficult to fabricate a crime, but to pin it on Chen Pingping made these court officials fall into a state of panic. However, His Majesty strictly ordered this, so no one dared to have any objections. They could only tremble and put all kinds of crimes of treacherous officials that had appeared in the history books on Chen Pingping.
When the thirteen crimes were finally sorted out, Chen Pingping finally became the most heinous and unforgivable traitor in history. A voice of approval finally came from the Imperial Palace. It was clear that Chen Pingping could no longer escape the crime of death by a thousand cuts.
Everything happened very quickly. Other than shock, all of the court officials couldn't help but have some suspicions. If it was truly a case of treason, once it was investigated according to usual practice, it would probably take a few years. If Director Chen was the main culprit, he would not be executed so easily. Furthermore, the officials involved in this case of treason probably numbered in the thousands.
However, the injured Emperor only seemed to be throwing his anger onto Chen Pingping alone and did not want this matter to be dragged into too much.
Finally, there were officials who guessed the Emperor's thoughts and couldn't help but feel a chill. The Emperor hated Chen Pingping to the extreme, so he had to execute Chen Pingping openly in front of millions of people. The reason the Emperor forced the entire court to speed up the process of this matter was because Chen Pingping not only ordered Chen Pingping but also represented the Overwatch Council. The new Director of the Overwatch Council, the powerful Sir Fan junior, was on his way back to Jingdou from Dongyi.
If it was a normal official, the Emperor would probably not care at all. He would even coldly and cruelly wait for his return and then have Chen Pingping die in front of him, once again touching his bloody heart. However, Fan Xian was not a normal official. The power in his hands was too great. It was so great that even the Emperor had to consider it for the future of the Qing Kingdom. Most importantly, he was the Emperor's own son.
Without killing Chen Pingping, it would be impossible to vent the resentment accumulated in the Emperor's heart. However, the Emperor had to finish this matter before Fan Xian returned to Jingdou and make these matters an irreversible reality.
…
…
The entire imperial court was extremely busy because of the shocking assassination case that happened in the Imperial Study in the early hours of the morning. In the south of Jingdou, the Fan manor with the stone lions by the door that looked down on the world with cold and disdainful eyes sank into a strange silence.
It was just past noon. The news of the Emperor's assassination had just gotten out of the Royal Palace. Chen Pingping had not yet been sent to the Overwatch Council's prison. An edict announcing eunuch, accompanied by internal guards and imperial soldiers, had already entered the Fan manor through the middle door.
There was no incense table or ceremony to receive the edict. The people of the Fan manor eating lunch in the little Flower Hall immediately paled when they heard the eunuch's words. As the mistress, Lin Wan 'er slowly rose. Staring at the eunuch, she said each word clearly, "Say that again?"
The eunuch knew that the Emperor was waiting in the Palace to be treated. Faced with Princess Chen's cold questioning, he did not get angry. Using an urgent voice, he repeated himself.
A glimmer of fear flashed through Lin Wan 'er's eyes. She unconsciously turned her head to glance at her sister-in-law beside her. Fan Ruoruo's face was also slightly pale. Presumably, anyone who heard this news would show the same expression, particularly the women in the Fan manor. Regardless of whether it was the Emperor or Chen Pingping, whose life or death was unknown, their connections to the Fan manor were too deep and tight. They could not be torn apart no matter what.
Lin Wan 'er knew what kind of feelings her husband, Fan Xian, who was not in Jingdou, had for Chen Pingping. However, the Emperor was, after all, Fan Xian's father and her uncle.
Fan Ruoruo put down the bowl and chopsticks in her hands and looked at her sister-in-law. Gently biting her lip, she did not say anything. Her fingers trembled slightly.
Lin Wan 'er's large eyes gradually calmed. She lowered her head slightly and asked, "Is the Emperor in danger?"
The eunuch did not know the inside story. He could not even enter the Palace where the Emperor was staying, so he could not say what was going on. They had only come under Commander Ye's orders and listened to the suggestion of the Imperial Academy of Medicine to invite … or escort the young lady of the Fan family into the Palace to save the Emperor. Hearing Princess Chen's question, he could only shake his head fearfully.
Lin Wan 'er glanced at Fan Ruoruo. Fan Ruoruo lowered her head slightly and did not think about anything. She stood up and lightly said, "I'm going into the Palace."
After saying this, Fan Ruoruo left the dining table and followed the eunuch and soldiers out of the Fan manor. Her medical chest was still in the Danbo Medical Shop on Dongchuan Street, so she had to make a detour there.
Seeing her sister-in-law's figure disappear through the manor doors, a strong worry and unease rose again into Lin Wan 'er's eyes. She said to the wife of the Teng family standing to the side, "Send a few clever people to wait outside the Palace. If there is any news, quickly report back."
"Yes." The wife of the Teng family also knew that something big had happened today. Maintaining a serious expression on her face, she made a sound and prepared to turn to make arrangements. Then, she heard the matriarch's second sentence. "Have Teng Zijing come. I have something to tell him."
The expression on Lin Wan 'er's face was very cautious. Other than slight nervousness, there was more worry. She was deep in the Fan manor and had no idea what had happened outside. She also didn't know what had happened in the Royal Palace, why the old Director had suddenly returned to Jingdou, or what had happened between the Emperor's uncle and the old Director in the royal study.
From the Jingdou rebellion three years ago, she knew that the cold Emperor would not give the old Director any chance to live. She also knew that if Fan Xian was in Jingdou right now, he would not just watch as this happened.
Because she knew Fan Xian's attitude, she also knew that the Fan manor's position in this matter was very dangerous. If they were not careful, they would probably be consigned to eternal damnation.
She glanced at Sisi beside her and quietly ordered, "In a moment, when Teng Zijing arrives, I'll have them arrange for you to leave the capital first. Take Shuning and Liangzi and hide in the country estate outside the capital for a while."
Sisi was not surprised by this kind of arrangement. After all, she was one of the four serving girls Fan Xian had personally raised. Although she had followed the mistress in the manor to deal with family and clan matters, she had not thrown away those sensitivities. In particular, Sisi was no stranger to leaving the capital to hide. When she was pregnant with Fan Xian's first child, it was during a tense time of the Jingdou rebellion. Master Fan Jian had arranged for her to hide in Chen Garden.
Chen Garden? Sisi looked at the mistress and suddenly said, "The young master is indebted to the old Director."
Lin Wan 'er sighed and gently nodded. "But, such a big thing has happened. Who can turn it around? Don't talk for now. Quickly pack up and leave the manor in a moment. "
"At this time, the city gates should already be closed. Jingdou is about to be locked down. If Teng Zijing takes them, I'm afraid they won't be able to get out," Sisi reminded. During these years, Fan Xian's wife and concubine had helped him deal with clan and family matters, as well as the details of the Jiangnan Hangzhou Conference. The two women, one main and one assistant, worked well together. Their tacit understanding grew deeper and deeper. Lin Wan 'er was the one who made the decisions, and Sisi was the one who filled in the gaps from the side.
Lin Wan 'er had also given her own son to Sisi to take with her. She trusted her greatly. Her brows furrowed slightly. "That is why we have to hurry."
As she spoke, an Overwatch Council secret agent wearing black official robes appeared outside the Flower Hall. Earlier, Lin Wan 'er had already secretly notified the member of the Qinian Unit who had always been protecting her, so she was not surprised to see him appear. Slowly walking to the edge of the Flower Hall, she looked at him and asked worriedly, "You've heard everything. Immediately send someone to the outskirts of the Overwatch Council to see what is going on. Then, make arrangements to have Guard Teng take them away."
The member of the Qinian Unit nodded his head heavily. As a subordinate of the Overwatch Council, his mood was unusually heavy and shocked. However, he knew that the young madam's orders were unusually clear. The Overwatch Council was certainly heavily surrounded. It would be difficult to make contact with the Council.
He made a hand gesture behind him, and the member of the Qinian Unit went to make arrangements. Lin Wan 'er looked at him and said, "Send someone to Yanjing. If they meet Fan Xian on the road …" Her brows furrowed.
The member of the Qinian Unit looked at her nervously, waiting for her final decision.
"Tell him the truth." A resolute expression flashed across Lin Wan 'er's face. "Just say that Director Chen … is going to die."
The person let out a breath and glanced at her gratefully. He then left to prepare everything. The interior of the Fan manor became busy in an orderly fashion. Only Lin Wan 'er was left alone in the Flower Hall. She thought about what had suddenly happened today. Suddenly, she felt a gust of cold wind blow in from all directions, making her shiver.
She had already managed the Fan manor's affairs for three years. In addition to managing the Hangzhou Conference and clan affairs, the youthful Lin Wan 'er already had the air of a mistress of the household. Clear and powerful orders were sent down. Everyone in the Fan manor began to respond in an orderly manner.
At the side door of the garden in the back of the manor, Lin Wan 'er took the servant girl and her son from the nanny's hands. She gave the two of them a firm kiss on the cheeks and gave Sisi a few more reminders before having the carriage move. Beside her, Teng Zijing lowered his voice and said, "Leaving the capital at this time might be a bit eye-catching."
Lin Wan 'er glanced at him. She knew that although this guard, who was loyal to the Fan family, had also been shocked by the assassination attempt in the Royal Palace, he still thought that her reaction was a bit too intense. She shook her head and said, "Although it's a bit eye-catching, it's best to leave as soon as possible."
There was one thing she didn't explain to Teng Zijing. Although the Qinian Unit had already sent someone to inform Fan Xian, the journey was long. By the time Fan Xian returned, Chen Pingping would already be dead on the execution field. Lin Wan 'er knew the emotions hidden under Fan Xian's gentle exterior. Who knew what kind of intense reaction Fan Xian would have at that time?
It was precisely because she had anticipated Fan Xian's intense reaction that Lin Wan 'er's reaction appeared so nervous and urgent.
"Don't worry about this. In a moment, I'll personally go into the Palace to take a look." Lin Wan 'er nodded slightly at him.
Teng Zijing sighed and bowed. He then chased after the carriage not far away.
Lin Wan 'er returned to the manor and, in the shortest amount of time, gathered all of the guards, servants, and people in the Fan manor. In a cautious tone, she told them what they had to pay attention to, particularly forbidding any private discussion.
She was the mistress of the Fan manor. Although she had always been known for her simple-mindedness, her management of the family these few years had long established her prestige in the manor. With Jingdou in chaos, everyone knew that the Fan manor was also one of the centers of chaos. The servants all agreed in unison and did not dare to feign ignorance.
Lin Wan 'er's gaze slowly swept around and roughly calculated the power that could be mobilized in the manor. The Qinian Unit did not leave many people in the manor. Most of them were the swordsmen and guards of the Sixth Bureau. These people had to ensure the safety of the Fan manor, so it was not convenient to send them out. However, Da Bao had gone to old Lin manor to bury crickets. Now that such a major event had occurred, she had to immediately send someone to bring him back.
She immediately thought of another matter and gently waved her hand to summon the official of the Qinian Unit. In a quiet voice, she said, "Send someone from the First Bureau as well. They don't need to do anything. Just maintain contact."
Although the Overwatch Council's news had yet to come back, Lin Wan 'er knew that given her uncle's imperial wisdom, that square and sinister building must be under the suppression of a powerful military force. However, the First Bureau was close to the Supreme Court, so there might be some loopholes.
Everything Lin Wan 'er did was actually just to prepare for Fan Xian. She knew that once Fan Xian returned to the capital, what he needed to know the most was the truth. Although she did not want Fan Xian to take risks or go crazy, if her husband was truly going crazy, as his wife, she could only make some necessary preparations for his madness.
After making all of these arrangements, she ordered the Fan manor to tightly close the main doors. Other than when an edict personally arrived, all internal and external traffic was strictly prohibited. Only then did Lin Wan 'er relax slightly. She sat in the carriage that had been prepared earlier and drove out of the streets in the south of Jingdou toward the vast and particularly austere Royal Palace in the north.
… …
Today, the Imperial Palace was heavily guarded. The density and strength of the Imperial Army's patrols could not be compared to the past. Everyone's faces carried a trace of nervousness and sternness. It seemed that even though the old Director Chen was already seriously injured and captured, no one would feel relaxed.
Lin Wan 'er got off the carriage and came directly to the Palace doors. She had grown up in this Royal Palace and was deeply loved by the empress dowager and the Emperor. She was an anomaly in the Palace. In the past, she could enter and leave the Palace without obstruction. Now, she was forced to stop at the Palace doors.
The Commander of the Imperial Army, Gong Dian, glanced at her with a complicated gaze. After he bowed to her, he said, "The Emperor has ordered the Palace to be sealed today."
Lin Wan 'er raised her face. Her large eyes were calm and without any ripples. Without shrinking back, she said, "The Emperor has been assassinated. I want to enter the Palace to visit. Is that not allowed?"
Gong Dian furrowed his brows slightly. The so-called sealing of the Palace was actually a selective lock. Logically speaking, Princess Chen was the Emperor's favorite niece. It was only right and proper for her to enter the Palace. The problem was, the source of the chaos was the Overwatch Council. Everyone under heaven knew that Princess Chen was the wife of the current Director of the Overwatch Council, Fan Xian.
"I just don't know if the Emperor wants to see you," Gong Dian said in a heavy voice.
Lin Wan 'er's heart tightened slightly. She knew what General Gong Dian's secret reminder meant. He was worried that she would enter the Palace to ask the Emperor for mercy on behalf of Chen Pingping. If anyone dared to ask the Emperor for mercy, it would probably make the Emperor angry, particularly since her identity was complicated. Once she opened her mouth to ask for mercy, it might instead intensify the conflict and make the Emperor feel strange toward the Overwatch Council and even Fan Xian, who was not in Jingdou.
She was silent for a moment. She then forced a smile and said, "I heard a few scholars are in the Palace. King Jing has also entered the Palace. I want to go in and see." After a slight pause, she quietly said to Gong Dian, "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."
Gong Dian sighed and ordered the soldiers behind him to make way.
After entering the Royal Palace, Lin Wan 'er smoothly entered the rear palace. Her pace was fast. By the time she arrived in front of the Emperor's bedroom, a few beads of sweat had already appeared on the tip of her nose. Her cheeks were slightly red.
However, she could only walk to the bedroom. No one could enter. Lin Wan 'er looked at the people around her and paused slightly. She saw Yi Guipin pushing the Third Prince's hand and looking at the tightly shut palace door with a face full of worry. The Great Prince's birth mother, Pin Ning, had a particularly cold expression. Accompanied by serving girls, she stood alone on the other side.
King Jing stood at the palace door and was quietly saying something to Ye Zhong. On the right-hand side of the stone steps, the head of the court's civil officials, Hu the Scholar, had a heavy expression. Behind him were the other two scholars of the Hall of Governmental Affairs. He Zongwei had already escorted Chen Pingping to the Overwatch Council, so he was not there.
What surprised Lin Wan'er the most was that the former Grand Scholar, Mr. Shu Wu, who had resigned three years ago and only spent his time at home with his grandson, had also come to the main hall. His sunken eyes looked at the tightly shut door of the hall, maintaining a silence that was completely contrary to his violent temperament.
Everyone saw that Princess Chen had come and each separated to greet her. However, Hu the Scholar looked at her with a worry similar to Gong Dian's. It looked like these major figures of the Qing court were all worried about the same thing after this matter.
They were worried about the Overwatch Council's reaction after the Emperor executed Chen Pingping, particularly Fan Xian's reaction.
Of all the people present, Lin Wan 'er was the closest to Lady Ning. Ever since she was young, she had often eaten and slept in Lady Ning's courtyard. Seeing that Lady Ning's expression was slightly strange, her heart thumped. After bowing to the scholars, she came to King Jing's side.
"Ruoruo has already been in there for an hour." King Jing seemed to know what his seemingly muddle-headed niece, who was actually as smart as her mother, wanted to ask. Dimly, he said, "Other than her, the Emperor has not seen anyone else. Don't think about using the Emperor's favor to barge in and ask for mercy for that old dog."
The major figures present all had their own thoughts. No one noticed the conversation between King Jing and Princess Chen. After Lin Wan 'er heard King Jing's words, her expression darkened slightly. She lowered her head and quietly said, "Is the Emperor alright?"
"A scourge lives for a thousand years. How could he die so easily?" King Jing said in a low voice with a false smile.
Lin Wan 'er's heart jumped. She had not thought that King Jing would say such treasonous words in the Royal Palace. When she had entered the Palace earlier, she had thought of seeing the Emperor and pleading for mercy on behalf of the old Director. Like Fan Xian, she understood the Emperor's personality very well. She knew that at this juncture, it was impossible for the old Director to escape death.
"On the way into the Palace earlier, I received news that it was to be executed by a thousand cuts." Lin Wan 'er's face was slightly pale as she asked King Jing for confirmation in a trembling voice.
King Jing glanced at her and said, "It looks like although the Overwatch Council has been temporarily abolished, Fan Xian has still left some people for you. Not bad, my brother's meaning is clear. "
Lin Wan 'er's voice trembled slightly. "Is there no mercy beyond the law? After all, the old Director is not a normal person. "
"I know what you're worried about and what those people are worried about." King Jing's gaze was muddy. He sighed and said, "That old dog has offended too many people. Do you think those civil officials are willing to ask for mercy from the Emperor on his behalf? They are just worried that Fan Xian will go crazy. "
He looked at Lin Wan 'er and shook his head sorrowfully. "The Emperor is not seeing anyone. It is clear that he has already made up his mind."
There were many ways to die. The figures who entered and left the Royal Palace did not care much about life and death because the coldness of the dragon chair had long made them aware of this. However, how he died was a very important matter. If Chen Pingping ended up with his reputation in tatters and a fate of being hacked to pieces, the resentment hidden within the Overwatch Council would be washed away by this bloody light. No one knew how chaotic the Qing Kingdom would become.
Chen Pingping's attempt to assassinate the Emperor was, without question, a capital offense. If he was ordered to commit suicide, even if it was beheading or hanging, perhaps it would demonstrate the Emperor's magnanimity and eliminate the violent currents this matter would bring. However, no one knew what kind of conversation the ruler and official had in the royal study that made the Emperor show a rare resentment and anger. He wanted Chen Pingping to die in the most wretched state.
Lin Wan 'er listened to King Jing's words and fell silent. If the Emperor could be slightly more magnanimous, perhaps Fan Xian, who was about to return to Jingdou, could accept it more. Of course, all of this was built in their imaginations. No one knew what kind of true reaction Fan Xian would make after learning of this matter.
"Aunt Ning is a bit strange today," Lin Wan 'er said with a slight furrow of her brows as she looked at the indifferent Pin Ning in the distant corridor.
King Jing's expression changed slightly, but he didn't say anything. There were many things that only the previous generation of the Li royal family knew. There was no need to tell these juniors and outsiders. He believed that Lady Ning had true affection for the Emperor these years, but he also believed that, up until now, Lady Ning had not forgotten that old cripple.
The sun gradually set in the west. It was already dusk. There had been rain in the morning, and there were still some water stains left on the stone tiles. The light gradually dimmed, but the water stains lit up like a lamp had been lit.
The lights in the Royal Palace lit up. Although they could not compare to the dazzling beauty of the red clouds in the western sky, they were still particularly beautiful. The lights in the Emperor's sleeping quarters were lit the earliest and had the most lamps. They were incomparably bright, shining through the window and illuminating the surroundings clearly. One could see even the finest hair.
Lin Wan 'er's heart trembled slightly. She thought of a few years ago when Fan Xian had been seriously injured and almost lost his life. It seemed that he had also been treated in this Palace. At that time, the lights had also been as bright as today. The main surgeon had also been the girl inside.
…
…
A drop of sweat almost dripped down from the strand of wet hair on her forehead. Fortunately, a serving girl at the side stretched out a handkerchief to catch it. The serving girl retreated with unusual fear, but Fan Ruoruo's expression did not change. She continued to gently move the sharp surgical knife in her hand under the bright light of the room.
This entire chest of surgical instruments was made by the palace treasury using the most advanced craftsmanship. It was the condensation of the wisdom of Ye Qingmei, Fei Jie, and later, Fan Xian and everyone else. Fan Ruoruo had also learned how to use these things from her relatives.
Her years of bitter cultivation on Qing Mountain and her research into treating external injuries had finally made Fan Ruoruo a true good doctor and not the innocent little girl who had shakily pulled open a bloody wound on her brother's body.
The bare-chested Emperor lay flat on the hard couch with his eyes slightly closed. Fan Ruoruo was on his right-hand side. She carefully and steadily slid the small knife across his body. Where the knife pointed, the smooth skin split open. The charred hole opened up, and blood seeped out. Fan Ruoruo used her steady hands to reach in with forceps. She clamped down on a hard object and pulled it out forcefully.
With a clang, a poisoned steel ball was placed on a flat plate to the side. There were already seven steel balls on the plate. Up to this point in the operation, half the time had already passed.
Fan Ruoruo took a deep breath and slowly activated the Tianyi Dao zhenqi technique that had just begun to appear in her body to help her calm down. Then, she looked at the Emperor lying on the bed and said, "There are still a few pills that are very deep. It might be very painful in a moment. Does Your Majesty need to use some chloroform?"
Chloroform was the most successful drug Fan Xian and the Third Bureau had made. It was indeed effective when used in surgery. However, Fan Ruoruo's words revealed a shocking truth. Had the Emperor not used anesthetics from the start of the operation and allowed the sharp knife to cut into his body?
Fan Ruoruo had used a lot of strength when she used the forceps to remove the steel ball earlier. However, the Emperor lying flat on the couch did not even furrow his brows. It was as if he could not feel the pain in his body at all.
The Qing Emperor slowly opened his eyes and glanced at Fan Ruoruo. "Continue."
His tone was indifferent. It was as if the body being cut open by the knife was not his, as if the life-eating steel balls were not deeply embedded in his bones.
Fan Ruoruo nodded slightly. She held the sharp knife tightly and loosely. Lowering her head, she continued her work seriously. Her movements were natural as if there was not a glimmer of fear. Since the Emperor had spoken, she was no longer worried that the Emperor would not be able to endure the pain. It was as if under her knife, there was only a wooden man and not a powerful Emperor who could kill millions with the flip of his hand.
Looking at Fan Ruoruo's calm expression, the heavily injured Emperor narrowed his eyes slightly. He seemed to feel a glimmer of surprise. Calmly, he asked, "Did An Zhi teach you all of this?"
Fan Ruoruo focused on the knife and completely ignored the Emperor's question. The deeper meaning in the Qing Emperor's eyes grew stronger and stronger. "You don't seem to be afraid of me?"
Fan Ruoruo took out another steel ball and dealt with the remaining iron sand around the wound. Only then did she quietly say, "Your Majesty is a patient. Ruoruo is just worried that you will not be able to endure this kind of pain and will interfere with the treatment."
"Don't worry, there were many fierce generals on the battlefield who scraped bones to remove poison." The Emperor's gaze dimmed slightly. Slowly, he said, "In my life, the pain I have experienced is much more intense than this."
These words referred to the first Northern expedition when the Meridians in the Qing Emperor's body had all been shattered. He had experienced pain and suffering that no human could endure. Fan Ruoruo did not know about this. She was deep in thought and did not reply.
The Emperor slowly closed his eyes and indifferently said, "This knife is on my body. Tomorrow, it will be returned tenfold to that eunuch's body."
After these words were said, the tip of the knife in Fan Ruoruo's hand did not tremble, but her body froze slightly. The Emperor looked at her calmly and said, "Don't think about pleading for mercy for that eunuch later. It is a great crime for you to have such thoughts."
"King Jing, that useless piece of trash, Yi Guipin, Lady Ning, Hu Shu, Ye Zhong's daughter accepts Fan Xian as teacher, Gong Dian has always admired that boy, and Yi Chen is also here …" The Emperor's expression was calm as he looked at her with slightly narrowed eyes. "You are his sister. I am very curious. When did everyone around me become related to that boy?"
"That was bestowed upon him by the Emperor." Fan Ruoruo finally stopped the surgical knife in her hand and looked calmly at the Emperor as the matter involved Fan Xian.
"I know what you people are thinking and worried about." Blood seeped out from the Emperor's naked upper body. However, this Great Grandmaster Emperor did not seem to worry at all about his life slipping away.
"I greatly despise this kind of worry. He is my own son. Would he rebel against me for a servant?"
The red candle flickered slightly, but the palace lantern remained bright. Fan Ruoruo gently shook her head and continued to cut and tear at something on this Emperor's body.
…
…
The Emperor was only trying to convince himself that loneliness was a terrifying thing, particularly when he discovered that the people around him were more willing to be close to Fan Xian. This made him very uncomfortable. His hatred toward Chen Pingping was mostly because he was under the man's control. He suddenly realized that after all these years, he was still not as good as that woman. In order to prove this point, he hoped that Fan Xian, whom he trusted and doted on the most, could always stand by his side. What kind of emotion was this? Was it probably a need for self-recognition and self-proof?
These words should have been the Qing Emperor's inner monologue in the book, but I believe that such a man would, at most, be subconsciously influenced a little. He would not allow such weak emotions to form a concrete picture in his mind, so it would not appear. I also did not want to write this as something omniscient and omnipotent, so I explained a little.
Today, it is another 9,000 words. The main theme is reaction and signs. From tomorrow onwards, I will probably have to write four or five chapters in a row. It will be a serious show in the autumn rain, but I am already tired. Tomorrow, Saturday, and Sunday, I will write less because I have a great deal of distrust in my own abilities, so I have to be more serious and properly continue this story.
In the end, I will sincerely call for monthly support from everyone. Although it is an old phrase and has no new ideas, it has an attitude. If I write less, it will still be called. I know I am serious, and everyone can see my seriousness.
…
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