Chapter 94 Supplement

Shu Yan had been sending supplements for some time, but the Emperor sometimes didn’t drink them, and when he did, it was only a few sips.

After a month, the Emperor remained lively and energetic.

Seeing this, Shu Yan began to worry. Apart from her son and brother, she didn’t dare to tell anyone about her concerns. She secretly added ingredients to the supplements she gave to the Emperor each time.

Determined, Shu Yan increased the dosage.

Some time passed.

On the side of the Crown Prince, after much anticipation, he finally received a reply from Shu Yan.

Reading the contents of the letter, the Crown Prince’s smile widened, filled with inner joy.

His uncle had gained control of the camp outside the capital. The leader of the Imperial Guards was a loyalist to the late Emperor and couldn’t be bribed. They would have to break through when the time came, but the number of troops in the camp outside the capital was more than double that of the Imperial Guards.

Even with the protection of the city walls, the presence of the Empress in the palace was reassuring.

Zhang Guefei was under house arrest, Consort Xian was out of favor, and now with the Empress being submissive to the Emperor, regaining control of the harem, with the Empress in the palace to assist, infiltrating the palace would be no problem!

Thinking that he would soon reign over the world, above all others, the Crown Prince’s expression was uncontrollably excited.

Thinking about the four imperial physicians still in the palace, the Crown Prince called for Lou Yin.

“Those four, kill them directly.”

Lou Yi looked at the Crown Prince in surprise, “Your Highness?”

The Crown Prince snorted, “These people are nothing but commoners, and their skill in poisoning is so formidable. If they were to be used by others in the future, what would happen if they tried to harm me! Besides, these individuals have no loyalty to me, and keeping them as evidence is pointless.”

Lou Yi understood the Crown Prince’s reasoning. Regicide naturally required leaving no traces, or it would be a future hazard.

However…

Lou Yi thought of himself!

Initially, he had only thought of following the Crown Prince to seek wealth and prosperity!

Now, he couldn’t help but consider what awaited him once the plan succeeded. Would it be wealth and prosperity, or death in the underworld? These four individuals were brought in by him.

Unable to help but ponder, Lou Yi looked at the Crown Prince, who urged, “Yes, I’ll take care of it.”

The Crown Prince nodded, beginning to plan his secret escape from Long County to secretly head to the capital.

The day his father died and the palace was breached would be the day he shocked everyone by appearing.

Earlier, he had found someone who bore some resemblance to him, to stay in the Wang Mansion of Long County as his substitute, leaving trusted individuals to oversee everything.

Disguised as a merchant, he, along with Lou Yi and the guards, hurried to the capital.

—

On this day, the Crown Prince was in Chengqian Palace discussing state affairs with the Emperor. Seeing the Emperor’s poor complexion, he asked with concern, “Father, how have you been recently?”

The Emperor waved his hand, “Nothing much, perhaps just tired recently, feeling drowsy easily. The imperial physician comes daily to check my pulse for peace of mind, and there are no health issues.”

The Crown Prince, upon hearing this, didn’t press further but advised the Emperor to rest.

However, during the night, while embracing Shu Yuwan, he couldn’t help but mention the matter, “Father has always been in good health, but recently, he’s been feeling drowsy quite often. It doesn’t seem right.”

Shu Yuwan responded, “I heard that  Empress Shu Yan has been sending supplements to Father recently?”

The Crown Prince’s expression turned serious, “You mean?”

Shu Yuwan shook her head, “I don’t know, but it seems too coincidental. I’ve heard that Shu Yan has always been proud and extravagant. She rarely used to send food to Father before, but now suddenly being so considerate. And you mentioned that Father’s health hasn’t been good recently.”

Shu Yuwan added, “Moreover, the people we arranged to be in Shu Yan’s palace mentioned that she has been in frequent contact with outsiders recently.”

The Crown Prince fell into contemplation, his expression revealing a hint of determination.

If Shu Yan had made a move against the Emperor, it would be unforgivable!

Thinking about his third brother, who had been exiled to Long Country, and the Li family controlling the camp outside the capital, the Crown Prince’s expression turned even darker.

Initially, when the Prince Ming Ge and Prince Cheng left the capital, the Crown Prince had also arranged for people to accompany them.

The next day, the Crown Prince sent a messenger to Long Country to monitor the movements of the Crown Prince.

As he couldn’t intervene in the camp outside the capital, the Grand General of the Imperial Guards had always been loyal to the Emperor, and the deputy commander of the camp was also loyal to the Emperor.

He could only alert the Emperor.

The following day, upon returning to Chengqian Palace, the Crown Prince noticed the Emperor feeling drowsy again and said, “Father, your health has always been good, but recently, I’ve noticed you feeling tired and drowsy often. Although the imperial physician can’t find a reason, I believe it’s best to investigate carefully.”

Upon hearing this, the Emperor perked up.

Having emerged from the brutal struggle for imperial power, despite ruling as the Emperor for many years, the Crown Prince’s sensitivity was still sharp. As soon as the Crown Prince mentioned it, the Emperor understood his son’s intentions.

“Hong Gong Gong!”

Hong Gong Gong immediately stepped forward, “Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Go investigate!”

Hong Gong Gong also understood the seriousness of the situation and promptly replied, “I will go at once.”

“Wait,” the Crown Prince called out.

Both the Emperor and Hong Gong Gong looked at the Crown Prince, “Don’t alert too many people! Try to keep it discreet.”

The Crown Prince added, “Especially the supplements sent by the palace consorts.”

Hong Gong Gong looked at the Emperor, who nodded. Hong Gong Gong responded, “Thank you for the reminder, Your Highness. I understand.”

After Hong Gong Gong left, the Emperor asked, “Jin Er, do you suspect Shu Yan?”

The Crown Prince neither confirmed nor denied, “Shu Yan’s behavior has indeed been unusual. I’m just making a reasonable inference.”

The Emperor nodded, but deep down, he was reluctant to believe that Shu Yan would harm him.

Despite Shu Yan’s flamboyant nature, she was relatively simple at heart. She had once wholeheartedly admired him and even agreed to become a side consort when he was already married. She had convinced her brother to support him in ascending the throne, even going as far as using her family’s influence to help him secure the throne.

The Li family had also been loyal and had never overstepped their boundaries.

Over the years, although he hadn’t treated Shu Yan with the same affection, he had always been kind to her. Even with her occasional temperamental outbursts, he had always indulged her and never mistreated her.