Chapter 8: The Poison of the Pigeon

Yan Ji furrowed her brows as she watched the old woman slowly approach, surrounded by a crowd. With silver hair at her temples and a face as somber as water, her heart trembled. The old lady, Shunxian, was Zhu Wen's wet nurse, assigned to serve him by his mother since childhood, and could be considered a half-relative. She was naturally cold and taciturn, having long resided in the back hall of the Buddha hall, rarely making an appearance. Why did she come here so suddenly at this critical moment?

Zhu Wen gazed at the gently lifted jade curtain and the approaching beauty, softly saying: "It is merely a matter of some interest at the moment"

Between the pulse examinations, her cold gaze swept around before settling on Yan Ji, "What did you just say about rebellion?!"

The old lady's gaze was like lightning, staring directly at her, "Yan Ji, today's matter cannot be separated from those people in your palace—"

Yan Ji sensed the malice in her words, thus remained silent. However, the old lady let out a cold snort and said: "This palace has truly given rise to a monster—such a fine person, yet they have fallen just like that. Is this not a rebellion?!"

Then I will trouble you to help me convey this message

She was about to send someone to the Silver Peace Hall when she heard a cold snort from under the corridor, "Who is speaking of rebellion?!"

Yan Ji was taken aback and wanted to speak, but was interrupted by the old lady who retorted, "With so many people involved, do you dare to vouch for them?"

Wei Yu watched all of this with great interest and said with a meaningful smile: "This person... is truly the one you admire, isn't it..."

Zhu leaned languidly against the couch, dressed only in a thin satin robe, his expression exuding a sense of tranquility and ease. Upon hearing the words, he did not even raise an eyebrow, saying, "From the sound, it is likely from the direction of Yan Ji."

It is Lady Shunxian

Yan Ji could no longer maintain her composure. She raised her head, her face pale with extreme anger, "Madam, what are you trying to do?!"

Zhu Wen said lightly, and then added, "Her actions are frequent, yet they are all trivial disturbances, which are quite annoying."

She breathed lightly, somewhat anxiously, yet still spoke each word clearly: "I beg you, save my sister"

As the two engaged in their game and conversation, faint voices began to emerge outside the Silver Peace Hall.

This statement left Yan Ji speechless, as she watched helplessly as her close maid was dragged away, and immediately cries of anguish erupted, with everyone who had been confined joining in the outcry.

The latter part of the sentence, however, was directed at the motionless palace servants.

Shu Zhen's steps were somewhat heavy, and the warmth in the palace drove away the chill from her body, making her feel warm all over. However, it seemed that her lungs could not withstand this drastic change from cold to heat, and she began to cough persistently

Wei Yu raised an eyebrow and smiled

This sound was like thunder suddenly striking, causing everyone to turn pale with fear, and some of the timid had already knelt down in fright

Yan Ji interrupted his words decisively, as if her heart were a clear mirror—this matter had already escalated. Rather than having others relay it, it would be better for her to take the initiative and bring it to Zhu Wen herself, which would also appear more open and aboveboard

She pointed at the people around her, her gaze particularly lingering on several maids serving tea and food, which frightened them to the point of trembling. "No one is allowed to leave the palace for the time being—take them all down for me!"

"Who gave you permission to move? All of you, stand still!"

In the midst of the chaos, no one noticed a figure standing quietly in the corridor, observing. Soon after, it vanished like a wisp of cloud in a gentle breeze.

To speak of admiration is perhaps premature

That being said, the light in his eyes still reveals what he holds dear. Wei Yu looked on coldly and found the situation somewhat tricky—Lord Jun...! ... It seems he has gotten himself into a bit too deep!

Zhu Wen remained silent, and after a while, hearing the increasingly clamorous voices from that side, he couldn't help but furrow his sword-like brows and said in surprise: "It seems that it is not she who is in trouble..."

Madam Shunxian caught sight of the person lying on the ground and could not help but show a look of urgent anger. Just then, the imperial physician had been pulled over, so she said in a deep voice: "Quickly take a look at her!"

Yan Ji composed herself and quickly ordered someone to summon the imperial physician. Immediately, she glared at the guards who were eager to advance, and shouted angrily, "What do you intend to do? Do you wish to rebel?"

The nightfall painted the window paper in deep ink, and Wei Yu was about to make a move when he faintly heard voices and commotion coming from the inner hall behind him, prompting him to wonder, "What is happening?"

Let her come in

He commanded loudly, and then with a snap of his fingers, he sent a strong gust of wind into the charcoal stove, instantly intensifying the warmth.

After indulging for a while, it is also time to let go

Yan Ji turned around in surprise, only to see the palace doors wide open, with palace maids and attendants swirling around, as an elderly woman was being supported on either side, gracefully entering.

Seeing her stagger, Zhu Wen extended his hands and supported her fully.

She is the one dear to your heart; aren't you going to see what is happening?

The guards exchanged glances for a long while, before a leader stepped forward hesitantly and said: "Lady Yan, given the current turmoil, it would be difficult for us to provide an explanation. Perhaps we should send someone to report to the lord..."

The palace maids agreed and were about to step forward when they heard the old lady's sharp command

... ...

So you let her get into trouble, yet you remain indifferent and do not inquire at all

You cannot enter

This is very good

... ...

As if sensing his gaze, Shu Zhen raised her head, her black hair disheveled, with a single wooden hairpin half-fallen. The slight vermilion on her lips, stained by ice and snow, appeared a delicate pink.

Wei Yu smiled and said: "She is a spy sent by the Crown Prince, and the other princes are somewhat aware of the situation as well—one must consider the master when dealing with a dog. If that overbearing Crown Prince were to get angry, the others would likely end up in a sorry state too"

Hearing this, Yan Ji felt a surge of anger in her heart. She believed she had nothing to be ashamed of, so she could not help but retort: "This matter must be thoroughly investigated—what are you all still standing there for? Quickly go and summon the Duke!"

A faint female voice emerged in the night, akin to a cold spring cascading to the ground, stirring one's spirit. Upon hearing it, Zhu immediately sat up from the couch.

In the palm of my hand, it is not even enough to grasp, so light that it seems as if it might vanish... Is her body truly weakened to such an extent?

Zhu Wen skillfully picked up a black piece, while Wei Yu responded with a white piece across from him. The warm fire of silver and charcoal rose in the hall, allowing the deep chamber to remain warm and inviting despite the cold and freezing conditions outside. The eunuchs in attendance were beginning to feel drowsy, yet the two of them remained spirited and lively.

Someone whispered softly, and the palace maids exchanged glances, knowing that today's affair could not end well