Chapter 148: Plotting Rebellion

Ill?

Su Wan was very surprised. She had never seen the Regent when she was in the capital and wasn’t aware of his health condition.

She tried hard to recall the original story, but unfortunately, aside from a simple main plot line and some events triggered by encountering key characters, there wasn’t much additional plot detail.

Su Wan carefully reviewed the main storyline. It seemed that after Gu Huaizhi entered the capital and the Regent’s adopted son died, the conflict between Gu Huaizhi and the Crown Prince unfolded, with no mention of the Regent. Could it be that his illness is quite serious and that he passed away directly?

“Is there anything else?” Su Wan was calculating in her mind. On this trip to the capital, she would have to visit the Regent’s residence and pay a visit to the Regent.

“Young lady, you said the Regent is an ally. He is currently able to keep the Crown Prince in check, which is very advantageous to your situation. But if the Regent falls ill and cannot recover, and the Crown Prince takes advantage of the situation, it could become difficult for you.”

Qi Guang said worriedly, “Do you think you should return to the capital as soon as possible to treat the Regent?”

Su Wan narrowed her eyes and looked at Qi Guang with a probing gaze. “Qi Third and Qi Fifth are very hostile towards the Regent. You, however, seem a bit concerned about him?”

“They are still young and don’t know the full story; their misunderstanding of the Regent is understandable.”

When Qi Guang learned that Su Wan married Gu Huaizhi and that the Regent was the mastermind behind it, he also felt resentment. But seeing how precarious the Crown Prince’s position was in the court, he began to understand the Regent’s intentions.

The Regent likely does not want the Crown Prince to inherit the throne, which is why Su Wan and Su Mixue’s marriages were switched.

“Before your mother passed away, she told me one thing: if the Regent is ever in danger, lend him a helping hand.” Qi Guang’s expression became solemn as he spoke in a deep voice, “She said it was something she owed the Regent, that she had wronged him.”

Back then, the late Emperor favored the Regent to be the Crown Prince. The current Emperor and the Regent are full brothers, both born of the same mother. When the Empress Dowager was still Consort De, she hoped that the brothers would support each other. She preferred the scholarly and gentle Emperor Jing to be the ruler, while the Regent would serve as a commander, holding military power, so that the two brothers could safeguard the Ji family’s empire.

The Regent held the Empress Dowager in high regard. At that time, the brothers had a good relationship, and he did not covet power. Instead, he enjoyed galloping on the battlefield and agreed to the Empress Dowager’s proposal.

The Regent and Qi Min were set on each other, and he planned to propose to the Qi family upon his triumphant return to the capital.

However, after the late Emperor passed away and the new Emperor ascended the throne, the Regent’s proposal was postponed.

A year later, the Regent asked the Empress Dowager for her blessing to marry.

Emperor Jing intervened, stating that if the Regent wanted to marry Qi Min, he would have to relinquish military power along with the Qi family.

The Regent was not afraid of Emperor Jing and instead asked the Empress Dowager, “What does Mother think?“

“Xuan’er, the Qi family wields their military power with too much autonomy, their achievements overshadow the ruler, which is a serious taboo in the court. If you marry a woman from the Qi family, it will only bolster their influence. I agree with the Emperor’s suggestion,” the Empress Dowager advised.

“You are of royal blood; is there any type of woman you cannot have? Why be so stubborn, insisting on a woman from the Qi family?“

“None of those women are her.” The Regent was resolute in his decision. “I will marry no one but her.”

The Empress Dowager, enraged, slammed her hand on the small table. “Rebellious son! Are you willing to oppose both me and the Emperor for her?“

“This is not my desire. If one day we, mother and son, turn against each other and brothers become enemies, it will be because I have no other choice.” The Regent bowed and said, “I take my leave.”

“Bang—”

The Empress Dowager swept the teacup off the table, sending it crashing to the ground.

Qi Guang was in the inner hall and felt his heart jolt in shock. He glanced at Qi Min, who was standing by the window. She was exceptionally calm, but her fingers hanging at her side were digging deeply into her palms.

Shortly after, the Empress Dowager entered, still visibly angry, her sharp gaze sweeping over him. Qi Guang lowered his head, and then he heard the Empress Dowager’s authoritative voice, “All of you, leave. I have something to discuss with Young lady Qi.”

The palace maids all withdrew.

Qi Guang looked at Qi Min.

“Ah Guang, you may leave.” Qi Min turned around, her red long dress accentuating her bright and beautiful face, like a vivid and passionate rose.

Qi Guang left and did not know what the Empress Dowager said to Qi Min.

From then on, the situation in the capital became tense.

The Regent was planning to rebel.

In the ancestral hall of the Qi family, the words “Loyal to the Emperor, Serve the Nation,” personally inscribed by the late Emperor, still hung.

General Qi would never allow the Regent to rebel.

To prevent the Regent from rebelling, Qi Min broke off their relationship and married Su Jihong.

The Regent left the capital to guard the border and only returned to the capital after Qi Min passed away.

Later, the Emperor became obsessed with alchemy, and the Regent took on the role of regent. The Empress Dowager was invited by him to the National Temple to pray for the Great Zhou dynasty.

Every time Qi Guang thought of the Qi family’s current situation, he couldn’t help but wonder if General Qi ever regretted stopping the Regent from rebelling.

If they hadn’t stopped him back then, and the Regent had succeeded, perhaps Qi Min wouldn’t have died, and Su Wan would have been the Regent’s child, sparing her from so much grievance and injustice.

“If your mother were still alive, she would surely want you to save him,” Qi Guang said, unable to hide his sadness.

Regardless of whether it was her mother’s wish, given the current situation, Su Wan knew she had to save the Regent.

“I will,” Su Wan agreed. “Uncle Qi, go and tell Gu Huaizhi that we will set off for the capital tomorrow.”

After a pause, she asked, “How is Jiu Ge doing on Qingfeng Mountain?”

Mother Gu was busy with the restaurant and had taken Jiu Ge with her, making it difficult to properly care for her. So, Su Wan changed her mind and decided to place Jiu Ge on Qingfeng Mountain, which was much safer than keeping her at the Gu residence. She was concerned that having too many people around would risk exposing Jiu Ge’s identity.

Qi Guang said, “Mrs. Hu is taking good care of her, and her health has improved a bit. Tomorrow, I’ll bring her down the mountain to meet you.”

“Alright.” Su Wan nodded.

Qi Guang headed to Xinghua Village.

Su Wan entered the house and discussed with Wang Yao and Wang Dong, “I will rename Guangren Hall to Xinglin Hall. Uncle Wang, you will work as a doctor, treating patients, and Wang Dong will manage the place. I won’t give you a fixed monthly salary; instead, you’ll receive 20% of the total monthly revenue for both of you.”

“For the medicinal herbs needed by the clinic, please prepare a list and send it to the Iron Lady at the workshop on Xuanwu Street. She will be responsible for delivering them to you.”

“This… how can we accept this?” Wang Yao quickly refused. “Twenty percent of the profit is too much. Just give us ten taels of silver each per month, and that will be sufficient for us.”

Wang Dong tugged on Wang Yao’s sleeve. If they didn’t accept the offer, Su Wan might not feel confident in trusting them.

“Divine Doctor Su, ten percent will be enough for us.”

Wang Yao quickly nodded in agreement.

Su Wan smiled and said, “I won’t shortchange my people. Giving you such a high share is my way of ensuring that your efforts are proportional to your rewards.”

Wang Dong patted his chest and promised, “Since Divine Doctor Su has faith in us, we will absolutely not let you down.”

Su Wan drafted the contract and had the father and son sign it.

“You can go back for now. I will also arrange for someone to assist you with your work,” Su Wan said, still needing to further evaluate the two of them.

Wang Dong and Wang Yao exchanged a glance but had no complaints and took their leave.

Su Wan had originally planned to leave the day after tomorrow and visit Zuixiang Pavilion once more tomorrow. However, with the change in plans, she decided to make another trip to Zuixiang Pavilion today.