Chapter 10: Falling into Water

Zhang Lingyang could not help but cry out in sorrow, his consciousness becoming increasingly blurred

The Empress Dowager inquired, "What on earth is happening? How could His Majesty suddenly lose his memory for no apparent reason?"

Xiao Fuzai replied: "In response to the Empress Dowager, when this servant rescued His Majesty, it was found that His Majesty's left foot was entangled in water plants"

Instinctively, he opened his mouth to shout "Help!", but the lake water surged wildly into Zhang Lingyang's mouth

At this moment, Zhang Lingyang on the bed stirred his eyelids, but no one noticed because everyone was focused on the Empress Dowager.

In an instant, a cacophony of chattering voices arose, causing the Empress Dowager great distress.

Seeing that Zhang Lingyang was in good health, the Empress Dowager couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. She then cast a sharp gaze at the Noble Consort and said, "Noble Consort, please explain what exactly is going on"

Imperial Physician Li himself could not understand what was happening, but since the Empress Dowager had asked, he could not refrain from answering. Thus, he said: "Your Majesty, I have not encountered such a situation before. However, I have seen similar cases in medical texts. Some individuals may experience memory loss after being frightened or suffering a head injury. It seems that Your Majesty is experiencing this due to the shock, is that not so"

It is not good; my foot is entangled in the water plants

"Who are you?" Zhang Lingyang asked in confusion as he sat at the head of the bed, supported by Queen Wang, looking at the three people.

This is also a method that cannot be helped. Apart from having a face that is extremely similar to Zhao Chenxi's, Zhang Lingyang's other habits, mannerisms, and reading preferences are all different

"Except for the Queen and the Noble Consort, everyone else, please leave!"

As the Noble Consort was punished by kneeling, the Empress Dowager naturally summoned both the Empress and the Virtuous Consort to stay behind

Upon witnessing the Empress Dowager's fury, the group of concubines immediately fell silent

I shall obey your command

Noble Consort, do you not know that His Majesty was by the lake at that time? How dare you disturb His Majesty so loudly, causing him to fall into the water? Fortunately, His Majesty is unharmed; if anything were to happen, how would you account for yourself?

Today, only the final step remains, and the plan will be completely successful. I hope the experiences of the predecessors can be effective

Using both hands and feet, Zhang Lingyang desperately tried to surface.

Thud

Seeing Zhang Lingyang's pained expression, the Empress Dowager and others felt a deep sense of sorrow

Just as he was about to turn around to deal with the Noble Consort, he unexpectedly slipped, and Zhang Lingyang fell into the lake like a kite that had come loose from its string, with no place to gain leverage...

Previously, I considered jumping into the lake, but that was under prepared circumstances

Is Your Majesty in any serious condition?" the Empress Dowager asked again

After Zhang Lingyang took the medicine prescribed by Doctor Li, he fell into a deep sleep, and the Empress Dowager finally felt completely at ease

The Empress Dowager said: "When His Majesty awakens, he will certainly punish you. For now, you shall kneel here obediently for me!"

Doctor Li replied, "Your Majesty's health is not seriously affected; with a period of rest, you will be able to recover. Rest assured, Empress Dowager!"

It felt as though there were water ghosts beneath the lake pulling at his feet, and no matter how hard Zhang Lingyang struggled, he could not break free

"There is a ghost!" At that moment, Zhang Lingyang on the bed suddenly shouted, "There is a ghost pulling my leg. Let go of me, let go of me..."

At this moment, Zhang Lingyang on the bed slowly opened his eyes, gazing blankly at everything in the room.

Upon hearing Dr. Li's words, the Empress Dowager and others finally felt relieved

However, he had to wait until someone passed by nearby before pretending to fall into the water

Rubbing her forehead, the Empress Dowager shouted, "Everyone, be quiet!"

However, Zhang Lingyang, who had been knocked down, appeared extremely flustered

Doctor Li, who was waiting at the door, heard the conversation inside the room clearly

However, this requires an opportune moment; otherwise, Zhang Lingyang, who cannot swim, will surely end up in a dire situation.

Fortunately, the Empress Dowager, having experienced many storms and trials in her old age, hurriedly shouted outside: "Where is Imperial Physician Li? He should come in quickly!"

After reprimanding the Noble Consort, the Empress Dowager turned to the drenched Little Fuzai and asked, "I remember that His Majesty could swim since childhood. Even if he fell into the water due to being startled, it shouldn't have resulted in this state. What exactly happened?"

The noble consort, coming to her senses, hurriedly shouted to those around her: "Come quickly, the Emperor has fallen into the water!"

Your Majesty, how do you feel now

In a magnificent palace, Empress Dowager Xu, Empress Wang, and Noble Consort Gao anxiously gazed at the unconscious Zhang Lingyang on the bed, their expressions filled with tension

The Empress Dowager nodded noncommittally, then turned to Empress Wang: "In the coming days, you must pay extra attention; the Emperor's clothing and meals must be particularly well taken care of"

Countless experiences summarized by predecessors who have traversed different realms indicate that, when faced with unfamiliar environments and unknown individuals, amnesia is the most effective coping mechanism

Without mentioning anything else, just the sight of Zhang Lingyang's unappealing calligraphy with a brush is enough to evoke a multitude of thoughts

Physician Li cupped his hands and said: "Your servant has already drained the water from Your Majesty's abdomen, and now Your Majesty's health is no longer in serious danger. You will awaken shortly, so Empress Dowager, please rest assured!"

Seeing Zhang Lingyang suddenly fall into the lake, the previously joyful Noble Consort, who had been delighted to see the Emperor, immediately changed her expression and hurriedly shouted: "Your Majesty!"

At this moment, upon hearing the Empress Dowager's call, I hurriedly jogged into the room and approached the bed. I took Zhang Lingyang's pulse for a while, and then looked at his head. Seeing that there were no injuries on his head, I said in confusion: "Your Majesty, there are no injuries on the dragon's head, how could there be amnesia?"

Currently, Zhang Lingyang intends to do just that

Once again, supported by Queen Wang and the Virtuous Consort, she walked out of the palace and addressed the group of waiting concubines outside: "In the coming days, you concubines will take turns caring for His Majesty. Be sure to exercise caution in your duties, do you understand?"

I acknowledge my mistake, please punish me, Your Majesty! At this moment, the Noble Consort is filled with regret.

By the bedside, Queen Wang, who had been there all along without leaving, immediately shouted with joy upon seeing Zhang Lingyang wake up

I understand, Your Majesty

However, at this moment, Zhang Lingyang is completely unguarded

At that moment, Zhang Lingyang understood, and a few more mouthfuls of lake water were poured into his mouth

Seeing that the Emperor did not recognize the three of them, the Empress Dowager immediately felt anxious and hurriedly asked: "Does Your Majesty not remember this humble one? This humble one is your mother!"

A splash erupted on the surface of the lake, and Zhang Lingyang was violently thrown into the water.

Mother?" Zhang Lingyang shook his head in confusion, and then seemed to be trying hard to recall, his brows furrowed, and suddenly he appeared to be in great pain as he held his head: "Who am I? Where is this? Who are you? Why can't I remember anything?"

I have truly brought myself to ruin

The Empress Dowager frowned after listening: "You concubines, in your quest for favor, have resorted to various means. I have turned a blind eye to it, and let it pass. However, I did not expect that today it would lead to such a great disaster

In the imperial harem, the three highest-ranking concubines, apart from Empress Wang, are none other than Noble Consort Gao and Virtuous Consort Wu.

In a short period, people may not discover anything, but over time, Zhang Lingyang will surely reveal his true colors

Your Majesty, you have caused this humble servant great concern

So it turns out it is my beloved! Zhang Lingyang forced a smile on his face

Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager and others immediately gathered by the bedside and looked at Zhang Lingyang. Seeing that he had indeed awakened, smiles of relief appeared on their faces

Now, Zhang Lingyang is ready to complete the final step of this plan

Zhang Lingyang tossed and turned in bed, as if he had seen something terrifying

Your Majesty has awakened

Your Majesty! While deep in thought, Zhang Lingyang heard a voice coming from behind.

Queen Wang replied: "I have taken note, Your Majesty!"

Turning to the thought that the Emperor was entangled by the water plants, which led to his drowning, Imperial Physician Li felt a sense of certainty: "It seems that His Majesty mistook the water plants for a water ghost due to being entangled in the lake, which caused him to be overly frightened and resulted in amnesia"

Looking back, he saw the noble consort approaching with joy, which made Zhang Lingyang bitterly smile to himself: "It seems today's plan has completely fallen through"

No wonder! The Empress Dowager finally felt relieved; since everything can be explained, it indicates that the Emperor's fall into the water today was entirely an accident and not a result of human intervention

Therefore, only amnesia can resolve all crises

... ...

Li Taiyi then said, "I will prescribe another remedy to calm Your Majesty. After taking it, Your Majesty will feel much more at ease"

Your Majesty, you have finally awakened

"Doctor Li, how is the situation?" Upon seeing Doctor Li, who had a goatee, rise from the bedside after taking the pulse, the Empress Dowager hurriedly inquired.

With a sorrowful demeanor, the Noble Consort recounted the events in detail

Otherwise, even if Zhang Lingyang were to drown in the water, it is likely that no one would come to his rescue