Chapter 75: He Wants to Force the Emperor to Issue a Self-Condemnation Edict

Qi Yanzhou knew what Eunuch De was about to do and did not stop him.

Master Zhang was completely incapable of matching Eunuch De. Being silenced was his only outcome.

He glanced at the unconscious emperor and called for the eunuch guarding the sleeping quarters outside.

“Take good care of the emperor. The imperial doctor will arrive shortly.”

Although the emperor was incompetent and corrupt, he couldn’t die just yet.

Otherwise, the struggle between the princes would lead to internal chaos, and the ones suffering would be the Zhao family.

When Qi Yanzhou returned to the Ziyun Pavilion, the imperial guards had already removed all the herbs.

Underneath the herbs was the decaying corpse of a young child.

Further down were bones stained black with blood and medicine juice.

Anyone who saw this horrific scene would vomit uncontrollably.

Qi Yanzhou felt a surge of anger.

He only knew that the emperor had used the blood of young boys and girls to refine pills, but he didn’t know that Master Zhang had gone so far as to harm so many children!

For the first time, he considered overthrowing the emperor’s rule.

Qi Yanzhou looked at the lotus pond.

The early summer pond was relatively quiet. A few lotus leaves emerged from the water, swaying in the breeze.

The dazzling sunset cast its fiery glow on the shimmering surface of the water.

But it couldn’t hide the cold and eerie depths beneath the surface.

He ordered the imperial guards, “Drain the water from the lotus pond.”

The imperial guards were severely disgusted and didn’t want to be repulsed again.

“Lord, we’re still on duty, we cannot leave our post for too… urgh… long.”

The imperial guards directly answered to the emperor, so Qi Yanzhou didn’t have the authority to command them directly.

“Go find Commander Hu…”

Before he could finish his sentence, people from the Ministry of Justice arrived.

More than twenty people arrived, and from far away, they could already smell the stench of decaying bodies.

Entering the Ziyun Pavilion and witnessing the horrific scene, they managed to suppress their nausea and not vomit.

Qi Yanzhou left behind the two men who had been sent out earlier, instructing the others to drain the lotus pond.

The three of them avoided the Second Prince’s men and arrived at the Gate of Ascension Tower.

“Shaoqing, news has spread throughout the capital about Master Zhang’s use of blood and decayed corpses to cultivate medicinal herbs, and his killing of children to refine pills.”

“The Second Prince’s efforts to clear Master Zhang of blame are also making waves, and the Crown Prince is fanning the flames.”

“The Zhao family is beginning to resist the emperor’s pursuit of immortality, with scholars leading the way by writing a petition of blood from the common people.”

“The Zhao family, who lost their children, have already caused an uproar at the Jingzhao Mansion, demanding an explanation.”

After hearing his subordinate’s report, Qi Yanzhou realized the Song family was behind the scenes pushing things forward.

His sword-like brows furrowed, concerned that Song Zhiyan’s actions would bring disaster upon the Song family.

“You stay here and keep watch. I’m going to the Ministry of Justice.”

“Yes, Shaoqing.”

Just as Qi Yanzhou was preparing to leave, Eunuch De arrived with the Imperial Guards.

“Lord, the emperor has given a decree. The case of Master Zhang’s treason and deception will be handled by the Supervisory Court.”

“Your servant accepts the order.”

Qi Yanzhou knew that the emperor and Eunuch De would try to minimize the negative effects caused by Master Zhang’s actions.

Unfortunately, they would not succeed.

This time, he was going to force the emperor to issue a self-condemnation edict!

He called up the men who had been draining the lotus pond’s water, saying, “Let’s head back to the Ministry of Justice.”

“Yes, Shaoqing.”

Each man who came ashore held a child’s skull and placed it before the Imperial Guards.

The skulls were very white, with hollow, dark eye sockets and nose cavities. When one stared at them, it felt as though they were being dragged into an abyss.

Eunuch De immediately shifted his gaze, asking Qi Yanzhou, “Why did the news about the child’s remains from the lotus pond spread so quickly? It was just dredged up.”

“I’ve been in the palace all this time, I’m not sure,” Qi Yanzhou replied.

After speaking, he led his subordinates from the Ministry of Justice and left.

Eunuch De watched his retreating figure with a cold gaze.

He always felt there was some connection between Qi Yanzhou and the “Ghost Thief”!

Qi Yanzhou sensed the hostile gaze but paid it no mind.

By the time he left the palace, the sky had fully darkened.

News that Master Zhang had committed suicide out of guilt also spread throughout the palace.

“That damn evil cultist is finally dead. I curse him to the eighteenth level of hell, never to be reincarnated!”

“The ‘Ghost Thief’ is a good person. If it weren’t for him, who knows how many more children that demon would have harmed.”

“The Second Prince still wants to clear the demon’s name. His heart is deserving of execution!”

“Seeking immortality? He killed so many children, he’ll never live long—only a short life awaits him!”

“I hope the blood petitions from the people can wake the emperor up…”

Ye Chutang walked through the streets, hearing the common people’s discussions, shaking her head.

The people were too naive.

The emperor was a selfish, extreme person.

He didn’t care about the lives of the people, so how could he care about the deaths of those children?

At this moment, he must be desperately trying to distance himself from the situation, trying to portray himself as a victim.

But Master Zhang was dead, and the people now knew of his crimes. That was at least something to rejoice about.

Ye Chutang walked back to the Minister’s residence in a good mood.

As soon as she entered, Ye Anzhi knelt before her, crying.

“Eldest sister, as long as you give me the antidote, I’ll work for you like an ox or a horse. I’ll die for you without hesitation!”

He had been feeling short of breath all day, his vision going dark, feeling like he was going to die.

Ye Chutang kicked Ye Anzhi away.

“If you want the antidote, there’s only one way—after Ye Anling is married, you’ll kill Kong Ru. I’m not joking.”

After saying this, she stepped on Ye Anzhi’s chest and left.

Back in the Ningchu Courtyard, Shan’er and Le’er were making dinner.

Jinzhi and Hongxiu were playing with Jun’er.

Ye Chutang waved her hand. “Jun’er, come here. Let me take your pulse.”

Jun’er’s complexion wasn’t good, but he smiled happily.

“Eldest sister, today I practiced horse stance with Aunt Jin.”

“Martial arts is indeed a good way to strengthen the body, but your health is too weak. You can’t practice for too long.”

Ye Chutang said, taking Jun’er’s pulse.

“Your pulse is stronger than before. You’re recovering well.”

“You’re really sweet-talking. Tonight, I’ll reward you with a bowl of corn porridge.”

Ye Chutang said, then went to the kitchen.

Shan’er and Le’er stepped forward to greet her. “Miss.”

“Has anything happened in the mansion today?”

Shan’er replied, “The madam invited many doctors to the mansion, but none could cure her abdominal pain and headache. The master has entrusted Miss Er’s marriage to the old madam.”

“Miss Er went to Minister Kong’s house today. When she came back, she brought two large boxes of new bridal gifts. She seemed quite happy.”

Ye Chutang glanced toward the courtyard and asked, “Jun’er must know what I’ve done to his mother, right? What was his reaction?”

She was willing to save people, but only on the condition that it wouldn’t cause trouble for herself.

Le’er immediately kneeled.

“Miss, young master has been tormented by the madam since childhood. He has no feelings for her, only fear. Miss Er and the eldest young master have turned a blind eye to young master’s situation. Young master will be the same.”

Although the young master was only five years old, he was smart and could clearly discern who was good and who was bad.

Although the madam gave him life, she never treated him like a human being—only as a tool to compete for favor.

Sometimes, she even wondered if the young master was truly the madam’s biological child.

“Miss, you’re the one who saved young master from hell. He will be grateful to you for life.”

Shan’er added, “Miss, I’ve been observing the young master. He didn’t react to the madam’s incident at all.”

Ye Chutang knew that Shan’er wouldn’t lie to her and nodded, “That’s good.”

“You all go ahead and cook. I’ll rest in my room for a bit. Call me when it’s ready.”

Returning to her room, Ye Chutang didn’t rest but instead entered the royal hot spring villa.

The ice leech thrived in cold environments, and the hot spring was the perfect place for it.

She placed the ice leech in a fine-mesh stainless steel cage and tied it to the spring’s opening.

After finishing her task, as she was about to leave, she overheard some gossip related to her.