Chapter 149 Unhindered

Qing Dai carefully recounted the message sent back by Hong Gong Gong’s messenger to Shu Yuwan, making sure not to miss any details.

Shu Yuwan listened anxiously but maintained a calm demeanor, steadying the teacup in her hand. Despite her composed appearance, she confirmed, “Did Ah Qing say if the Emperor is still conscious?”

Qing Dai nodded quickly, “Yes, Madam, please don’t worry. The imperial physician has already rushed over.”

Shu Yuwan felt a slight sense of relief.

After a moment of contemplation, she instructed, “Lock the palace gates. No one is allowed to enter or leave.”

Qing Dai’s expression turned serious as she replied, “Yes.”

Shu Yuwan then went to check on Wenyue and Mingcheng. Wenyue, with her double side buns, looked adorable. She was excitedly telling Mingcheng about a new game she had learned. When she saw Shu Yuwan approaching, her eyes lit up, and she rushed into Shu Yuwan’s arms, exclaiming, “Mother!”

Mingcheng, a step behind, couldn’t keep up with Wenyue’s short legs and tugged at Shu Yuwan’s sleeve from behind.

Suppressing her worries, Shu Yuwan smiled and comforted the two children.

Mother Zhao noticed something amiss and asked, “Madam, why have you come at this hour?”

Shu Yuwan whispered to Mother Zhao, “The Emperor was attacked.”

“In the coming days, make sure to watch over Wenyue and Mingcheng. Don’t let any unrelated people get close. I’ll leave Caiyu here.”

Caiyu had been improving her skills lately and was loyal. Although Shu Yuwan had carefully selected the staff around Wenyue and Mingcheng, she felt it was best to be extra cautious at this time.

Mother Zhao was taken aback but quickly nodded, “Your Highness, rest assured. I will take care of them.”

Shu Yuwan nodded, gave each child a hug, and then left.

Until the Emperor returned to the palace, she had to keep the news under wraps.

Back in the hall, she quickly arranged everything.

Just then, Yimei hurriedly entered and said, “Madam, the Emperor has returned. He is now in the Palace.”

Shu Yuwan hurriedly got up and hurried over.

Outside the Palace, two young eunuchs guarded the door. When they saw Shu Yuwan from a distance, they quickly went in to report. Ah Qing stepped out quickly to welcome Shu Yuwan in.

Shu Yuwan had a slight sheen of sweat on her forehead. She stopped Ah Qing from bowing and asked, “How is the Emperor?”

Ah Qing’s expression was grim as he bowed and said, “The wound isn’t deep, but the dagger was poisoned. Chief Physician Chen is preparing an antidote for the Emperor with a group of imperial physicians.”

Shu Yuwan was taken aback and quickened her pace. She asked, “What about the assassin?”

“Taken back and handed over to Jun Liu.”

He added, “Following the Emperor’s orders, Princess Pingkang was also brought back. Deng Zhijie, the leader of the Deng clan, has sealed off the Imperial Awakening Temple.”

Shu Yuwan nodded thoughtfully and entered the inner hall.

The Emperor was leaning on the couch. When he saw Shu Yuwan enter, a weak smile appeared on his pale face. “You’re here.”

Seeing Shu Yuwan’s anxious expression, he quickly added, “I’m fine.”

Shu Yuwan gave a quick bow and approached the Emperor’s couch. Upon closer inspection, she could see that besides being pale, the Emperor’s face had a tinge of green. Her worry deepened as she turned to the physician beside her and asked, “How is the Emperor’s condition now?”

A physician stepped forward and bowed, “Empress, the Emperor’s wound isn’t deep, but the dagger was poisoned with toxic arrowwood sap. Fortunately, the Emperor took the antidote in time. However, the poison is potent, and the Emperor’s body needs time to recover and eliminate the remaining toxins.”

Shu Yuwan’s heart slowly settled back into place. She turned to the Emperor and said, “I was truly frightened today. Why was there an assassination attempt? Only a few people knew about the visit to the Temple this time.”

The Emperor gestured for the physician to leave, and the physicians quickly bowed and exited.

The Emperor’s gaze darkened as he whispered, “It’s likely related to Princess Pingkang.”

Shu Yuwan was surprised. “Wei Wushuang?”

The Emperor nodded slightly, showing signs of fatigue. Shu Yuwan quickly helped him lie down. The Emperor exerted some effort and said to Shu Yuwan, “Yuwan, for the mean time, the palace is in your hands. Review the reports that come in. Make decisions where you can and inform me if you can’t.”

Shu Yuwan was slightly surprised and hesitant.

The Emperor gently held Shu Yuwan’s hand and said, “Don’t worry. I trust that you can handle this. As a couple, you are the person I trust the most in this world.”

In the past, when reviewing reports in the  Kunde Palace, they would sometimes discuss together. Shu Yuwan’s insights had often surprised him.

Upon hearing this, Shu Yuwan no longer hesitated. “Understood, I will do my best.”