Chapter 251: Moon Festival (2/2)

The official was shocked into sobriety. He broke into cold sweat and dropped down to his knees. “Please… please forgive me, Your Majesty. This official heard it from someone else...”

“How dare you say such things to offend His Majesty?” Nan Xun got to his feet and scolded. “Have you lost control of your tongue? How dare you spread hearsay? Do you have a death wish?”

He knelt down before the emperor and said, “The rumor has no basis, Your Majesty. This official hasn't heard any news. It's a despicable move to spread false information.”

The emperor froze and spat out a mouthful of blood before collapsing. If Qi Yun hadn't caught him, he would have make an even bigger scene.

The room fell into chaos. Nan Xun motioned at Qi Yun to take the emperor away. He'd take care of the rest.

Qi Yun knew he couldn't afford to wait. He nodded and took the emperor back to his chamber with a few men's help.

The royal doctor arrived quickly. His brows furrowed as he took the emperor's pulse. Qi Yun anxiously asked, “What's going on?”

The royal doctor sighed. “Anger caused the poison in His Majesty's body to act up. He's in a dangerous state.”

Qi Yun grabbed the doctor by his collar, “You must save Royal Father at all cost. Do you hear me?”

“Yes, yes, I'll do all I can.” The royal doctor was drenched in sweat. He got on treating the emperor with his fellow doctors.

Qi Yun stayed by the bed for some time. He realized that he still had things to take care of. He first reminded the eunuch serving the emperor to take care of his father and to inform him should something happen. Then he rushed outside.

He went back to the banquet and heard Nan Xun said, “Everyone of you should keep your mouth shut. If the rumors leave the room, I'll make you regret your life.”

The officials were scared by his harsh words. They nodded without a word of comeback. Prince Duan, though, remained seated with an eyebrow raised. It was as if what happened had nothing to do with him.

Nan Xun ignored him and ordered a few guards to send the officials back, his intimidation was clear in his approach. Once they'd left, Qi Yun walked to his side. They exchanged a look before leaving the palace.

Jun Huang only raised an eyebrow when she heard. Qi Yun turned to her questioningly, “It seems that the gentleman knew about this beforehand.”

She glanced at him. “Of course I didn't, but it makes sense. Many villainous men have been waiting for Northern Qi to fall into chaos. I don't know what the one spreading the rumors wants, but we have to be alert.”

“You have a point,” said Nan Xun. “I've ordered my men to stay on guard. Anyone leaving and entering the city would go through a checkup first. We're staying in the dark as well. Let's see what the perpetrator would do.”

Jun Huang nodded and looked up at the moon without a word. Qi Yun was quiet as well, preoccupied with his thoughts.

The imperial city, however, remained peaceful for some time.

Out of the blue, delegates from Eastern Wu came to Northern Qi with the promised fortunes and beautiful women. They requested an audience with the emperor.

The emperor had escaped death again, but his spirit hadn't recovered enough to take care of the negotiation. He also didn't want the delegates to know that he was sick. He thus entrusted Prince Duan to take care of the matter.

Jun Huang was losing her sanity staying in the manor. Nan Xun understood her feelings, but he was too busy lately to keep her company. He could only ordered a big group of servants to stick closely to her and had many shadow guards follow her around.

Jun Huang ran into Princess Wan'er and Zhang Yuan on the street by chance. While she was still hesitating if she should greet them, Zhang Yuan spotted her and greeted her. “Gentleman Feng, here!”

Jun Huang had no choice but to approach them. She cupped her hands before looking up. “It's said that the princess and her husband are a loving couple. It turns out to be true. I'm happy that the princess is able to find a good man to be with.”

“Gentleman Feng may not know that Wan'er is now pregnant,” Zhang Yuan said with a bashful but proud smile. “She's going to give birth to my child.”

Jun Huang looked own at Wan'er slightly swollen belly and congratulated them earnestly, “What great news. This gentleman is happy for the princess and the official.”

Wan'er looked up at her, trying to find a trace of regret on her face. This was the person Wan'er used to love. It was a little awkward for her to see Jun Huang. Jun Huang's open look made her feel a little uncomfortable. She didn't want to continue this conversation.