Chapter 303: His Highness Duke of Qin loses his temper (1/2)
Chapter 303: His Highness Duke of Qin loses his temper
Tonight, Han Yunxi was indeed here to receive a reward. But such “favors” were too heavy for her to bear! This was a world ruled by imperial might, and the imperial decree was the highest form of power. Anyone who defied it would be killed without exceptions, no matter how high your status was! Long Feiye was probably the only person in the entire world who was simply placed under house arrest for his defiance. He didn’t control any affairs in Tianning, but his connections, wealth, military strength, and personal charm that attracted hundreds were all things that Emperor Tianhui feared.
Currently, the imperial court was a paranoid place that started at every whisper of wind. However, it was only Emperor Tianhui taking action, while Long Feiye had disregarded the tension entirely. The only response he’d given to Emperor Tianhui was visiting Han Yunxi in the prison cells. Nobody knew what His Highness Duke of Qin would do next, but once he really made a move, the moderate faction of the capital would definitely shift as well. Though it seemed like everyone was keeping an eye on the situation, it was more accurate to say that everyone was waiting for Long Feiye to express his stance. Then, various parties would pledge their lives to his side.
True power didn’t come from how much one did, but how much one didn’t have to do.
Han Yunxi understood all this, but she had no extravagant hopes of Long Feiye defying yet another imperial decree under the circumstances. His tightly furrowed eyebrows were enough indication that they’d have to accept this loss. Of course, Han Yunxi had no idea that Long Feiye hadn’t needed her to rescue him the last time he was stuck in house arrest. She merely thought that the plague had arrived at just the right time for her to threaten Emperor Tianhui to release him. Otherwise, Heaven knows how long Long Feiye would’ve been locked up.
As the eunuch finished reading the imperial decree, Han Yunxi could only accept it with thanks. But as soon as she rose, Emperor Tianhui said, “Yunxi, it’s been some time since the empress went to the western mountains to recuperate. None of the imperial physicians at the Imperial Physician Courtyard can do a thing. You should go take a look.”
He was giving her a job right after conferring a title on her? And to see the empress, no less? The empress wasn’t sick, but insane. Gu Beiyue had examined her before she was sent to the western mountains. He too, had been helpless about the situation. The empress dowager and imperial uncle’s estate had sent many Divine Doctors from the Imperial Physician Courtyard to examine her afterwards, but they had no solutions, either. Hers was an affliction of the heart that couldn’t be cured with medicine. She might get better the very next day or stay insane for the rest of her life. Although they only wanted her to have a look, it was very possible that they’d keep her there until the empress recovered (if ever) once she went.
Emperor Tianhui was not only trying to wrest her from Long Feiye’s side, but probably seeking reparations for the empress and Princess Changping as well. What a dirty ultimatum!
Han Yunxi refrained from speaking, while Long Feiye’s icy, handsome face carried hints of rage. Despite this, he kept silent as well.
The empress dowager once again pulled Han Yunxi’s hand towards her and said sincerely, “Yunxi, your mother saved my life, while you saved the crown prince’s. I can only set my cares at rest if the empress is in your hands.”
Han Yunxi chuckled darkly in her heart. Those words were clearly telling her that the decision was set, so it’d be impossible to refuse the request.
“Empress Dowager, emperor, chenqie only knows how to treat poisons, not illnesses. I’m afraid that I’ll be unable to help in this situation,” Han Yunxi said tactfully.
“None of the people who know how to treat illnesses could cure her. Perhaps she’ll recover if someone like you go have a look. That’s how it’ll be. Imperial Physician Han, report to the Imperial Physician Courtyard tomorrow to discuss the situation with Imperial Physician Gu. You may depart after the empress dowager’s birthday banquet.”
Imperial Physician Han…
They were even calling her by a different name now. Without a doubt, this wasn’t a negotiation, but an order. Han Yunxi cast yet another glance at Long Feiye, only to see his unhappiness written all over his face. Still, he didn’t say a word. It looks like Long Feiye can’t do anything about this time’s imperial decree, either. What else could they do beyond accepting it for now?
“This official accepts the decree,” Han Yunxi was very reluctant as she spoke.
On one side, Long Tianmo sat with his fists tightly clenched. He was about to speak up on her behalf when the silent Qinwang Rong pressed a hand on his fists to stop him.
“Tianmo, lack of restraint in small matters upsets great plans,” Qinwang Rong murmured in a soft tone. Anyone who treated Han Yunxi well at this moment would be Emperor Tianhui’s enemy. Qinwang Rong didn’t involved himself in disputes for the throne, but he still favored Long Tianmo. Thus, he’d reminded the crown prince to keep his distance from Han Yunxi the entire way back from Medical City. It wouldn’t be too late for Long Tianmo to repay her lifesaving favor after he ascended the throne.
Struggles within the imperial clan all depended on one’s tolerance!
“If she goes…she’ll definitely suffer. Even her life might be in danger.” Long Tianmo’s heart wasn’t aching with impatience, but distress. The western mountains contained the side palaces of the imperial clan, but was so out of the way that no one would even know if a person died there.
“The Duke of Qin can hold his ground, so why can’t you?” Qinwang Rong lectured him in a low voice. In other words, what makes you think you can do anything if the Duke of Qin can’t?
Long Tianmo wasn’t satisfied, but he was forced to slowly unclench his fists in the end. Thus, a family reunion feast was concluded with the appropriate rewards and titles bestowed in a mixture of imperial grace and power. Emperor Tianhui was wholly satisfied with the course of events. He even had someone bring out fine wine, but Long Feiye didn’t give him any face.
“If imperial mother and imperial brother have no further business, we’ll take our leave.”
Wasn’t he like this every time? He would always come to say his piece and leave, never lingering an extra second or sparing another word.
Still, the empress dowager was very conscientious as she replied. “Both of you have just returned, go back early and rest. Feiye, ah, you’ve been married for so long. You should give your wife some news in her stomach. There’s no end of gossip within and without the palace.”
She’s sending me to the western mountains, but still bringing up things like this? Han Yunxi felt unwell all over.
“Mm.” The statement elicited a rare reply from Long Feiye before he took Han Yunxi by the hand and left. His palm was usually scorching hot, but this time, it was frighteningly cold.
As they walked away, Han Yunxi discovered that Long Feiye was gloomy all over. He wasn’t keeping silent, but stewing in his temper.
“Long Feiye, the western mountains…” Han Yunxi was about to ask when Long Feiye grabbed her other hand and took off the jadeite bracelet from the empress dowager. Then he simply tossed it into a well on the side.
We haven’t even left the Peace and Wellness Palace yet. It’s not good to toss it out here, is it?
“Long Feiye, you…”
“Don’t you like the medicinal warehouse of the Imperial Physician Courtyard very much? Tomorrow, you’ll be fully qualified to pay it a visit,” Long Feiye said mildly.