Chapter 676 - 500: Jin Wushuang_3

"An ethnicity is defined by its culture, lifestyle, habits, and language, perhaps with other differences as well, used to distinguish it; but as long as one is human, they are not considered an outsider. Of course, if an outsider is defined as a race with ulterior motives, that’s another matter. The Southern Border’s outsiders, in my opinion, are no different from the tribes of Beihu and the people of the Western Continent. It’s said that they have even greater differences with us," Lin Miao explained.

"You actually think that way, but it doesn’t sound unreasonable." Jin Wushuang nodded.

"The Southern Border outsiders once intermarried with us, and their blood is no longer pure. Actually, most of them cannot awaken ancestral abilities; with the exception of a few, most are not much different from us, similar to the people you’ve mentioned from Beihu and the Western Continent."

"History moves forward continuously. We can’t always hold onto past grudges; so many years have passed. If we remain stagnant, how can we resolve hatred?"

"Your thoughts are broad, but perhaps a little fanciful. However, since the Southern Border and our Da Li don’t border each other, this isn’t something for us to worry about."

"I’m just expressing sentiment; Mrs. Jin, don’t imagine me to be so lofty."

...

"Young Master, is this woman very difficult?"

"What are you trying to say?" Lin Miao knew Yue Mei’Er had always been in the secret chamber behind the wall; whatever was said here could be heard inside.

"In Li Hen City, the embroidery workshop is a major asset to the Young Master; we must secure it."

"How to secure it?"

"Naturally, the Young Master should showcase his charm. If that doesn’t work, coax it forcefully; Mei’Er believes there’s no woman in this world who can resist the Young Master’s allure."

"You’re overthinking it; I have no interest in Jin Wushuang." Lin Miao wasn’t lying; he truly wasn’t interested.

Yue Mei’Er’s eyelids lowered slightly, and a barely noticeable smile flashed at the corner of her mouth.

...

"What, His Majesty suffered a stroke and lost his speech?"

Su Mobai and Tie Lin hurried, finally joining Crown Prince Zhao Yuanze near noon at the Jishi Posthouse.

However, the two heard an incredibly shocking piece of news.

The revered Emperor of the Li Jing Palace had suddenly suffered a stroke and lost his ability to speak.

This was simply unbelievable.

When the Crown Prince left the capital, he had seen Emperor Zhao Rui looking well, not at all like someone on the verge of a stroke.

But strokes strike quickly, with no initial symptoms. A healthy person can suddenly fall ill, which is normal.

Zhao Rui was not young anymore, and he wasn’t adept at cultivation. Over the years, he had worked too hard for descendants, exhausting his body.

"Your Highness, you must return to the capital immediately. If His Majesty suddenly.... and you are not in the capital, Consort Xue will surely commit treason," Su Mobai said decisively, saying everything he should and shouldn’t.

"If I return to the capital now, what about the anti-epidemic efforts in Dongshan? Besides, I came out with an imperial edict. Returning without a decree will only fuel rumors," said Zhao Yuanze.

"If His Majesty were healthy, you naturally would not need to return. But His Majesty is seriously ill, and as the Crown Prince and heir, you should serve by his side; that is filial piety. If you don’t return now, it will surely chill the hearts of the courtiers," Su Mobai insisted.

"But this news is still unverified. If it’s false and I return in vain, won’t I fall into their trap?"

"The assassination failed, so the news shouldn’t have reached the capital quickly. They wouldn’t react so fast unless this is a series of schemes..."

"A series of schemes, Mr. Su, help me think. What should we do right now?"

"If His Majesty truly had a stroke, Mr. Fu is still by his side, so he shouldn’t be in immediate danger. We must confirm the accuracy of this news. Otherwise, according to the planned itinerary, should we go to Dongshan first and then decide?" Su Mobai was uncertain. Both assassinations involved Consort Xue and her son; if they could attempt to assassinate the Crown Prince, they might not hesitate against the Emperor.

But truly regicide, Consort Xue and her son might not dare, as regicide is treason, which would rob King Qi of his rightful succession.

Furthermore, there is an appointed Crown Prince heir, which cannot be abolished without cause. Even if Consort Xue and her son could force the Emperor to issue a decree to depose the Crown Prince, the officials would likely not agree.

A position obtained illegitimately cannot be securely held.

If Consort Xue truly wishes to depose the Crown Prince, she needs to find a solid charge or eliminate the Crown Prince altogether, leaving no obstacles.

"Then it is settled, we will go to Dongshan first," Crown Prince Zhao Yuanze decided. The situation is unclear; returning hastily could lead to another assassination attempt.

He did not have enough resources to protect himself on the way back.

"Alright, after lunch, we’ll set off."

"Skip lunch; let’s eat on the road. I am not that delicate," Zhao Yuanze ordered.

"Ah, very well, I follow Your Highness," Su Mobai sighed in resignation. Having traveled nonstop, his waist was sore, and he hadn’t had a moment to breathe or drink tea before having to turn back. It seemed sleep was out of the question today.

"The two young sisters are protected by the Yulin Guard, and Fahai and another Master of Tianyuan accompany them, ensuring safety along the journey, leaving us worry-free. It’s time for us to return," recommended Situ Wan, who had been observing in the shadows, to sisters Lianxin and Liansuo.

Lianxin and Liansuo nodded. The three swiftly rode back along the road.

...

Li Jing, the imperial palace.

The Emperor’s bedchamber was filled with tense atmosphere.

Emperor Zhao Rui indeed had a stroke; it was sudden, without any warning signs. Fu Qingzhu had already entered the palace to take his pulse. Outside the pearl curtains, the Empress, Consort Xue, and many members of the harem waited.

In the Imperial Pharmacy, the Imperial Physicians skilled in treating strokes were also waiting outside.

After Fu Qingzhu took the pulse, the others would also consult, and then a joint consultation would occur. At this time, it was naturally impossible for one person to bear the responsibility; collective wisdom was necessary.

"Mr. Fu, how is it?"

"Your Majesty, the Emperor has indeed had a stroke with symptoms of paralysis and aphasia. The effectiveness of medication is uncertain," Fu Qingzhu sighed, shaking his head at the Empress’s inquiry.

"Is there no other way?"

"I will prescribe a treatment to try first; if my colleagues have better methods, they can try them too," said Fu Qingzhu.

"Summon my decree; order the Crown Prince to return to the capital immediately!" The Empress, a decisive figure, spoke. At this moment, as the mistress of the harem, she naturally had this authority.

"Sister Empress, the Crown Prince went to Dongshan. If summoned back now, who will preside over the critical anti-epidemic efforts in Dongshan?" questioned Consort Xue, approaching with a seductive sway.

"Isn’t there the Prefect of Dongshan Prefecture and others?"

"His Majesty sent the Crown Prince personally to oversee the epidemic response, signaling the importance of the pneumonic plague in Dongshan Prefecture. Summoning the Crown Prince back necessitates sending someone of sufficient stature in his stead," Consort Xue remarked, "King Qi is willing to share the burdens of His Majesty and the Crown Prince."

Upon hearing this, Fu Qingzhu and Chief Minister Tang Jing felt their hearts skip a beat.