Chapter 8: The Great Fire

At this moment, outside the Yangxin Hall, chaos reigned. The young eunuchs and a group of imperial guards were each carrying buckets of water, rushing to douse the flames inside the hall

At the third watch of the night, the Hall of Nourishing the Heart was quiet, and the eunuchs standing outside the hall were all bowing their heads, their eyes struggling to stay awake

Before long, Queen Wang entered, paid her respects to Zhang Lingyang, and then sat beside him, saying: "I have heard that Your Majesty visited Lady Li last night"

This also means that one will be completely safe in the future

Li Yu, who was behind Zhang Lingyang, was struck to the ground by the broken beam of the house

... ...

Then, he pulled Zhao Chenxi to the edge of the bed and pushed him down to keep company with Wang Qin. Only then did Zhang Lingyang finally feel at ease.

After a day of hard work, Zhang Lingyang also felt some soreness in his waist and back

Only when Zhao Chenxi's head had completely drooped down did Zhang Lingyang finally release the rope

After the meal, Zhang Lingyang engaged in another fierce battle with Queen Wang, which only ceased in the evening.

He tapped his head and Zhang Lingyang appeared to have an epiphany: "That's right, it's Li Meiren!"

Taking a deep breath, Zhang Lingyang then shouted towards the door: "I have a matter to attend to, let the Empress wait outside for a while longer!"

At this moment, the palace guards responsible for patrolling saw the fire at the Yangxin Hall and hurried over

I saw His Majesty the Emperor standing at the door in a daze, and hurriedly stepped forward to 'protect' Zhang Lingyang as he retreated to a safe area

The hall was filled with smoke and fire, making it impossible to see the situation inside

At this moment, a faint glow of fire emanated from within the Hall of Nourishing the Heart, yet it did not attract anyone's attention

"There is a fire!"

Not daring to be the least bit careless, Zhang Lingyang confirmed repeatedly that Zhao Chenxi had completely lost all signs of breathing before finally letting out a sigh of relief

After having dinner, Zhang Lingyang did not turn over the green sign again

... ...

Li Yu shouted loudly while charging into the hall

Upon seeing Zhang Lingyang, the concubines all stepped forward to inquire about his well-being and offer their warm regards

The first to enter the Yangxin Hall was undoubtedly Li Yu, the chief eunuch of the Palace of Ceremonial Affairs.

It was not until an hour later that Queen Wang surrendered, and only then did Zhang Lingyang let her go

At this moment, Zhang Lingyang was already famished, so he ordered someone to bring the meal

I am here! Hearing the shout, Zhang Lingyang hurriedly called out loudly

He could only feign concern for the fire, casually saying a few words to brush them off.

In a few breaths, Zhang Lingyang arrived beside Li Yu

"How could this be? The queen looks quite charming when she is jealous?" As he spoke, Zhang Lingyang wrapped his arms around Queen Wang's slender waist and pulled her into his embrace: "Since the queen is jealous, how about I offer my apologies to the queen right now?"

If Zhao Chenxi under the bed were still alive, he would have probably jumped out long ago to fight with Zhang Lingyang

Upon hearing Queen Wang's explanation, Zhang Lingyang nodded noncommittally, yet his mind was racing, contemplating how to address the queen's doubts

What is the matter? Zhang Lingyang could not understand why the Empress would ask such a question

Rising up, Zhang Lingyang once again seized the rope and forcefully tightened it around Zhao Chenxi's neck

"It is certainly not Wang Qin, but rather the common people who have fabricated this themselves." At this moment, Zhang Lingyang noticed that Zhao Chenxi was already somewhat flustered, so he stood up with a beaming smile.

Your Majesty

Sitting on the bed, Zhang Lingyang coldly looked at Zhao Chenxi and said: "Last night, this commoner had the honor of visiting one of Your Majesty's concubines, what was her name again?"

As he approached the door, Zhang Lingyang noticed that the beam above the door was on the verge of breaking due to the raging fire.

It is essential to know that this is the time to convey warmth and show concern to His Majesty the Emperor

Zhang Lingyang exclaimed in his heart: "Heaven has forsaken me!"

It was not until the fire grew larger that the eunuchs waiting outside the hall were startled awake

In fact, Zhang Lingyang has somewhat overstepped this time

It seemed that Zhang Lingyang's teasing words were also felt, and a hint of flush appeared on Queen Wang's face: "Does Your Majesty not allow me to feel jealous?"

In an instant, the red waves surged, and the spring scenery was boundless

At the time for the meal, Empress Wang, supported by her personal maid, limped out of the Yangxin Hall

After all, once the beloved Emperor is rescued, it will be a great achievement

After the fire was just set, Zhang Lingyang thought to himself: "If I escape now, it is likely to raise people's suspicions. Moreover, the bodies of Wang Qin and Zhao Chenxi are hidden under the bed; if someone extinguishes the fire before it spreads, that would be the end!"

Queen Wang said: "Since the time of entering the palace, Lady Li has been following Your Majesty, yet has never received favor. I simply did not expect that Your Majesty would suddenly bestow your affection upon Lady Li last night, which has left me somewhat perplexed"

The women who are able to enter the palace as consorts all represent the interests of their families; how could they truly turn a blind eye to this

Wiping away the fine sweat that had emerged on his face due to nervousness, and adjusting his breathing, Zhang Lingyang finally returned to the bedside, poured out the tea containing the drug, and glanced around the room to ensure there were no other abnormalities, before calling out to the outside: "Let the Empress in!"

The death of Zhao Chenxi and Wang Qin signifies that no one will ever know their identities again

Your Majesty is still inside

"Your Majesty?" Empress Wang said with a hint of playful reproach, "It is daytime now?"

At this moment, the fire has completely erupted; how could a few buckets of water possibly extinguish it

Your Majesty

It is often said that once one has tasted the marrow, it is difficult to resist. Zhang Lingyang, who has lived two lives, encountered a woman for the first time last night; how could he possibly maintain his composure

"Pah!" Zhang Lingyang stomped on Zhao Chenxi a few times, "You wanted me to bow down, and you went out to seek pleasure with others. You won't have the chance anymore, will you?"

In a short while, Empress Wang, Noble Consort Gao, Virtuous Consort Xian, Pure Consort Chun, Lady Jin, Lady Song, and Lady Li, along with a group of other concubines, hurriedly arrived in front of the Yangxin Hall

Under the attentive service of Queen Wang, Zhang Lingyang's appetite inexplicably increased along with the number of books.

Hearing the sounds from outside the door, Zhang Lingyang felt as if his heart was about to leap into his throat

Only those who are heartless and unfeeling would pretend to be unaware

Then, Zhang Lingyang smiled and said: "You have already mentioned that Lady Li is one of my old companions, so what is the harm in enjoying her company for a moment? The Empress wouldn't be jealous, would she?"

Moreover, he has even more important matters to attend to this evening

In the blink of an eye, the door beam suddenly broke apart and fell downwards, targeting Zhang Lingyang directly

At this moment, the concubines in the inner palace were also awakened

What happened during the day? The day is much more interesting!" As he spoke, Zhang Lingyang picked up Empress Wang and walked towards the bed, while the palace maids and eunuchs outside saw this and all retreated outside the hall to wait.

Thus, once the war ignited, Queen Wang cried out for her father and mother.

Aside from the Empress Wang, the Noble Consort, and the Beauty Li, Zhang Lingyang has not met any of the other concubines, so how could he engage in much conversation with them

You... you..." Zhao Chenxi could only feel his eyelids fighting against each other, forcing himself to stay conscious, and he glared fiercely at Zhang Lingyang, wishing he could tear him to shreds.

Amidst a clamor, some young eunuchs went to fetch water to extinguish the fire, while naturally, more young eunuchs rushed in through the doors to rescue His Majesty the Emperor

However, this delay is of no concern; the fire is growing increasingly fierce, and the thick smoke inside the house is choking Zhang Lingyang, making it impossible for him to breathe

With such thoughts in mind, Zhang Lingyang began to wait anxiously within the hall

Thinking of that dead husband of Queen Wang, Zhao Chenxi, still lying under the bed, Zhang Lingyang felt even more spirited, his combat power doubled

Nonsense! Upon hearing Zhang Lingyang say this, Zhao Chenxi could not help but feel great anger. "The virtuous consort has always been dignified and composed, and would never engage in such absurd acts. Who taught you to say such things? Was it Wang Qin?"

In less than a moment, everyone found it nearly impossible to approach within three zhang of the main hall, and could only watch helplessly as the Yangxin Hall was reduced to ashes in the raging flames

After freshening up, it was already noon

At this moment, upon hearing the call, Zhang Lingyang no longer dared to hesitate. He wrapped himself in a quilt and rushed outside.

At this moment, a voice from outside the door called out, "Your Majesty, Her Majesty the Empress requests an audience!"

Dong Dong ... ...

Seeing that Zhang Lingyang was unharmed, Li Yu couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief and hurriedly shielded Zhang Lingyang as they ran towards the palace exit

Your Majesty, be careful! At this moment, Li Yu also saw the broken beam and forcefully pushed Zhang Lingyang, sending him out of the hall

While he spoke, Zhang Lingyang's grip did not lessen in the slightest

Hearing from the palace maids and eunuchs that the fire was at the Yangxin Hall, the concubines dared not delay any longer. Without time to adorn themselves, they hurried towards the Yangxin Hall.

Zhang Lingyang, who had already arrived outside the hall, turned back upon witnessing this scene and exclaimed in his heart: "Loyal minister! If you do not die today, I will surely reward you generously!"

Leaning close to Zhao Chenxi's ear, Zhang Lingyang said with a smile: "Your Majesty, rest assured and go, I will take care of your wife and daughter!"

However, it is a pity that Zhao Chenxi is already dead beyond any possibility of revival

Upon hearing these words, Zhao Chenxi could no longer endure and collapsed to the ground.