The news of Emperor Yuanyou's collapse reached the Eastern Palace.
"Your Highness, should we take advantage of this..." Bi'er whispered, a shadow flickering in Shen Hua'er's eyes.
"Good news has been coming in waves lately," Shen Hua'er curled her lips. "First, Song Shihuan was inexplicably dragged into Cui Qian's case, and now Cui Qian has turned around and bitten Song Shihuan hard."
"I hardly know which spectacle to enjoy more."
Bi'er chuckled in response. "With our people fanning the flames, the common folk in the capital are now calling Song Shihuan the 'Demon Child.'"
Shen Hua'er stood up and motioned for Bi'er to retrieve a wooden box that had been stored away on a high shelf.
Inside the box lay a single lustrous pill.
"This pill was given to me by my mother for emergencies."
It could drain a patient's vitality several times over to sustain their energy for a few days, like a final flicker of life before death.
"Bi'er, first seek out physicians among the commoners. If there truly is no other way, we’ll have to use this."
......
Regarding Emperor Yuanyou's condition, Mei Zhilin only said it was due to rage overwhelming his heart.
Though not life-threatening, he would remain unconscious for several days. As for when he might awaken, Mei Zhilin had no definitive answer.
In an instant, the entire court of Daqi was thrown into chaos.
One after another, renowned physicians were summoned to the Eastern Palace, where the Crown Prince's faction desperately hoped for his sudden recovery.
Meanwhile, in the palace...
Perhaps sensing the gravity of the situation, Consort Hui feigned illness, leaving the reins of the harem in Consort Mei's hands.
Outside the Zichen Hall...
Consort Mei and Song Yu stood in a tense standoff.
"His Majesty's illness requires peace and quiet. Your Highness should take the young mistress and leave, lest you provoke His Majesty further," Consort Mei blocked the entrance, refusing to let Song Yu and Song Shihuan pass.
"Since when does a mere consort dare block my path?"
Song Yu's words trampled Consort Mei's dignity underfoot, but her temper flared in response, and she stood firm, refusing to yield.
Song Shihuan, believing Emperor Yuanyou had truly fallen ill from anger, darted forward and sank her teeth into Consort Mei's arm.
"Ah—!"
Blood seeped from Consort Mei's arm as she stared at Song Shihuan, feeling as though she were facing a vicious young wolf.
"Will you move or not?"
Song Shihuan's teeth were stained with blood, her smile eerie and unsettling.
Consort Mei stumbled back in fright, collapsing to the ground.
"Eunuch Wu, escort Consort Mei away," Song Yu sneered. "So eager to flaunt authority despite having none."
The words left Consort Mei seething, her chest heaving with fury.
Once inside Zichen Hall, Song Shihuan rushed to the inner chamber. "Grandfather! Grandfather!"
Her voice trembled with tears as she gazed at Emperor Yuanyou lying motionless with closed eyes.
Since being acknowledged as his granddaughter, Emperor Yuanyou had treated her with immense kindness.
If he had fallen ill because of her, she would never forgive herself.
Nearby, Mei Zhilin's eyes darted nervously, avoiding Song Yu's gaze.
Song Yu grew suspicious.
"This doesn’t make sense. The old man’s always been sturdy—I’ve made his beard fall out from anger before, yet he never fainted. How could he collapse now?" Song Yu mused aloud. "Has age truly weakened him?"
"You insolent fool! You’re the one who’s useless!"
A familiar, hushed voice rang out.
Song Shihuan shuddered in shock.
"Grandfather... you’re... you’re alright?" she stammered, uncharacteristically flustered. "They said you fainted from anger!"
Song Yu rolled his eyes—he had suspected as much. "You’re too old for these theatrics."
"The court officials were too noisy. I needed peace," Emperor Yuanyou glared at Song Yu. "Besides, if I feigned illness, no one could order Shihuan imprisoned. You useless brat—it’s been days, and you still haven’t uncovered that child’s identity!"
For once, Song Yu didn’t retort.
Though he had been investigating relentlessly.
"I’m just glad you’re alright, Grandfather."
Emperor Yuanyou looked at Song Shihuan, his gaze complex. "My dear child, you’ve suffered."
This time, he also wanted to see which of his sons were truly loyal—and which were wolves in disguise.
Especially the Eastern Palace and its allies, who had repeatedly crossed the line without restraint.
Shen Xiao’s investigation revealed that those stirring the chaos were all under the Eastern Palace’s influence, along with Consort Mei and her faction...
He could tolerate it no longer.
Mei Zhilin, privy to the Emperor’s thoughts, trembled inwardly.
Serving an emperor was a precarious existence—one never knew what the next day might bring.
"Enough. If you’re fine, I’ll return to the investigation," Song Yu said, hastily leading Song Shihuan away, leaving Emperor Yuanyou with an inscrutable expression.
......
With the Qin Prince's Mansion surrounded by crowds, Song Yu and Song Shihuan had no choice but to enter through a side gate.
Song Shihuan, being small, managed fine, but Song Yu was less fortunate.
As he dusted himself off, he was met with the smirking faces of Prince Chu and Prince Qi.
Song Yu glared at Liuxi. "Liuxi, since when do you let any stray dog into my mansion without checking?"
"Your Highness, the two princes insisted on waiting for you inside," Liuxi replied helplessly before bowing and retreating.
Even Song Shihuan merely cast a cold glance at the two princes before walking away without a word.
"Shihuan... has forgotten her manners," Prince Qi remarked disapprovingly. "She didn’t even greet us."
"If Fourth Brother has nothing better to do, he should visit Consort Mei in the palace," Song Yu retorted sharply. "After all, she seemed quite upset earlier—thanks to me and Shihuan."
Prince Qi’s face stiffened.
Prince Chu, remembering their purpose, spoke cautiously. "Eldest Brother, Fourth Brother and I came to advise you—don’t ruin your reputation for another’s child."
"What do you mean?" Song Yu’s gaze turned dangerous.
"Given Shihuan’s current... situation," Prince Chu feigned reluctance, "why not hand her over to the Dali Temple yourself? The people would praise you for upholding justice."
"Otherwise, your reputation will suffer. You’ve only just cleared your name from past false accusations—don’t let this drag you down again."
"Exactly," Prince Qi chimed in. "The Qin Prince's Mansion is besieged. Just push Shihuan out—if she’s truly innocent, she’ll only spend a few days in prison before returning as your daughter."
Their goal was clear: to get Song Shihuan into the Dali Temple’s prison.
Once inside, escaping unscathed would be nearly impossible.
The child’s favor with the Emperor had simply threatened too many interests.
Song Yu’s expression twisted into something feral.
"Say one more word. I dare you."
