Chapter 185: Disloyalty, Injustice, and Unfiliality

Su Wan was unwilling to reveal her identity for the time being. Faced with the scrutiny of Xiu Niang and the owner of Zhenbao Building, the maid explained that Su Wan was treating the Regent’s illness and was a distinguished guest of the Regent’s residence.

With this designation of “distinguished guest,” both Xiu Niang and the owner of Zhenbao Building dared not to be negligent.

The fact that Su Wan stayed in the Regent’s residence and was treating the Regent’s illness had spread.

Emperor Jing was meditating in the Taoist temple built in the palace, with the Crown Prince accompanying him.

“Crown Prince, has the Regent fallen ill?” Emperor Jing opened his eyes and looked at the curling incense smoke, squinting slightly in discomfort. “He has always been in good health; how could he suddenly become ill?”

The Crown Prince’s gaze fell on Emperor Jing’s face. In his youth, he had a handsome and refined appearance, but now, from consuming too many elixirs, his complexion had taken on a dark greenish hue, and his eyes were particularly murky.

The wise and martial Emperor, obsessed with the pursuit of immortality, had abandoned the Great Zhou dynasty, leaving it to others.

The Crown Prince lowered his eyelids and said casually, “When His Royal Uncle was campaigning, the old ailment he left behind has flared up.”

“I see,” Emperor Jing nodded, showing little concern. “What brings you to see me?”

“Father, the Kingdom of Xiliang has invited the Great Zhou to attend the ceremony for the conferral of the Crown Princess. The other two kingdoms are sending their princes,” the Crown Prince said meaningfully. “His Royal Uncle intends to go in person, leaving no one to govern. You will have to preside over the court affairs yourself, Father.”

Emperor Jing furrowed his brow. “The Regent is very reliable in his work. His going to Xiliang in person has its reasons. He will arrange matters at court properly.”

After a pause, Emperor Jing acquiesced to the Crown Prince’s thoughts, saying, “You assist the Regent’s people in handling the court affairs.”

The Crown Prince desired to have full control over the court and was dissatisfied with Emperor Jing’s arrangement. Having him involved was certainly better than being overshadowed by the Regent.

“Son obeys your command.” The Crown Prince stood up, performed a salute, and exited.

The sky was azure, and the sunlight was scorching.

Standing at the doorway, the Crown Prince gazed at the cloudless sky, his eyes landing on the Regent’s residence, and a layer of gloom settling in his gaze. After adjusting his sleeves, he headed toward the Eastern Palace.

“Your Highness, Young lady Su has moved into the Regent’s residence to treat the Lord’s illness,” Ji Lin reported, following closely behind the Crown Prince.

The Crown Prince’s gaze darkened, and he couldn’t help but think that if he hadn’t given up on Su Wan back then, she would now be his Crown Princess, and she wouldn’t be treating the Regent.

Once the Regent was dead, no one would be able to restrain him.

“Go to Guo temple.” The Crown Prince turned on his heel, preparing to meet the Empress Dowager.

—

At Guo temple, at the foot of the back mountain, there was a courtyard with a plaque inscribed with the two words “Return to Truth.”

An elderly woman with gray hair, dressed in dark palace robes, exuded an air of elegance and grandeur, with sharp lines around her eyes.

She stood in the courtyard, holding a string of prayer beads, gazing toward the palace with a somber expression.

“Empress Dowager, it’s time for your evening meal,” Old Madam An respectfully called from behind the Empress Dowager.

The Empress Dowager adjusted the prayer beads in her hand, withdrew her gaze, and turned to look at Old Madam An. “How is Ji Xuan?”

“The Lord is ill, and Su Wan is staying in the residence to treat him,” Old Madam An explained carefully, fearing the Empress Dowager would not understand. “Su Wan is a disciple of Master Huiren and understands medical theory. It is said she is known as a divine doctor.”

“Seeking to curry favor by sensationalism. What kind of person is Su Wan?” The Empress Dowager spoke with disdain. “A spoiled young lady with no merit, not even comparable to the Qi family.”

Old Madam An did not dare to respond.

“For the sake of a woman, Ji Xuan has turned against me, becoming my enemy, imprisoned in this miserable temple, disrupting the court’s governance. What has become of the Great Zhou now?”

“He is unfilial as a son, unjust as a brother, and disloyal as a subject. The existence of such a disloyal, unjust, and unfilial person is my misfortune.”

A coldness filled the Empress Dowager’s eyes, emanating an air of chill. “Did you light the incense you sent to the Hall of Governance last time?”

Old Madam An’s heart tightened. “Yes, I did. Shortly after, the Lord went to the Hall of Governance to handle state affairs. Not long after that, he fell ill.”

The corners of the Empress Dowager’s lips curled up; this was how the plan had succeeded.