Chapter 64 (1/2)

Chapter 64: Fortunes in Love

”Is Consort Zhen sure that the emperor won't make someone else the crown prince? We both know how Qi Chen gained the t.i.tle. The emperor is now getting old. Has he, however, even mentioned to Consort Zhen that he wants to pa.s.s down the throne?”

Consort Zhen looked at Jun Huang in shock. Jun Huang had hit home with what she had been thinking about. The past few days she had tentatively brought this up to the emperor, but he wasn't willing to discuss the matter. He always immediately changed the subject. It was clear he was reluctant to let Qi Chen inherit the throne. If not for Wei Lanying's scheme, he wouldn't have made Qi Chen the crown prince so soon, either.

She thought for a while before saying in a low voice, ”Do you have a solution?”

Jun Huang looked up at her. ”I have a slow-acting poison – ”

”Out of the question,” the consort cut her off and threw her a glare. ”If the emperor finds out, it'll be Chen'er's doom.”

Jun Huang stayed perfectly calm without a trace of fear. ”This medicine has no taste nor any scent. You only need a little dose every day to make someone slowly lose their strength. The emperor will blame the decline of his health on his devotion to ruling the country. Besides, I heard that Eastern Wu has been thinking of reaching a truce with Northern Qi, and they gifted us with various medicinal materials. If something were to happen to the emperor, everyone will point their finger at Eastern Wu. No one will suspect the prince.”

The consort was starting to waver. She gave Jun Huang a questioning look and asked, ”Why are you so eager to help Chen'er? What is it you're pursuing?”

Jun Huang curved her lips into a smile. ”Everyone needs a purpose in life. This gentleman has no interest in the imperial court, but I don't want my talents to go to waste, either. The prince is the true son of heaven. If I can help him become the emperor, my name will be remembered for generations to come.”

Her reasons were appropriate and in line with human nature. The consort was convinced. She took the small ceramic bottle from Jun Huang and breathed in deeply before leaving with her servants. Jun Huang watched her go, her smile deepening.

After seeing Consort Zhen off, Qi Chen went to the garden with Nan Guyue. He gingerly poured her tea and smiled at her.

He had no idea about what his mother and Jun Huang were plotting.

”Guyue, what do you say we find a good spouse for brother Feng?” Qi Chen asked, supporting his head with a hand.

Nan Guyue frowned. ”Didn't you say he wasn't interested?”

Qi Chen let out a quiet laugh. ”Every man needs a woman by his side. In a few days we're going to the temple outside the city to pray for our child. How about we take brother Feng with us? We can ask for blessings for his love fortune. Help him find a good match sooner.”

Nan Guyue nodded in agreement. ”That'll be ideal.”

They had reached a decision. Later, Qi Chen told Jun Huang about it. He was enthusiastic. Jun Huang couldn't really say no to him.

They're just asking for blessings, though, she thought to herself. At least they're not forcing a woman on me.

The day was bright and warm. Qi Chen had someone retrieve Jun Huang in the early morning. She had been awake for a while and was drinking tea. She saw the maid coming into the front yard. Before she could move, Wei Qian had gone up to the maid.

”Is something the matter?” Wei Qian's face was a perfect mask of impa.s.siveness. She was a trained fighter. She wasn't tender like other women were. Instead, there was a threatening aura about her. It sent a shudder down the maid's spine.

The maid tensed up and took a couple steps back, gulping. ”The prince ordered this servant to come find the gentleman. It is time to leave the manor.”

Jun Huang stepped over the threshold and stood under the roof. ”Tell the prince I will be there shortly.”

The maid looked over. The young man with delicate features was holding a teacup with a smile as warm as the breeze in spring. The turquoise robe was the color of water falling from Mount Heaven. How can a man like this exist in the mortal realm? The maid couldn't help staring. Wei Qian, on the other hand, didn't dare to even look. Her heart was already racing like drum beats.

It took a moment for the maid to break out of her trance. She left the side building, sneaking glances at Jun Huang along the way. Jun Huang snorted. She gave her own outfit a once-over, but didn't spot anything out of place. She finished the cup of tea before making her way to the main hall.

Qi Chen had an arm around Nan Guyue as they watched the servants pack. Jun Huang c.o.c.ked her head in question. ”Is Your Highness planning to stay for a while?”

”The temple is a good place to find peace,” Qi Chen looked back at her and said with a smile. ”I don't have matters to attend to in the imperial court these next couple of days. If something is to happen in the palace, the servants are instructed to come to the temple to notify me. It will be good to relax for a few days and live a simple life.”

Jun Huang nodded without a word. She looked up at the blue sky. It matched the clothes she was wearing today.

It had started to drizzle when the housekeeper finished packing. Qi Chen was in high spirits. He ignored the rain and helped Nan Guyue into the coach.