Qi Yanzhou knew what Eunuch De was about to do and did not stop him.
Heavenly Master Zhang was utterly incapable of fighting back against Eunuch De, and being silenced was his only fate.
He glanced at the unconscious emperor and summoned the attendants waiting outside the bedchamber.
"Take care of His Majesty. The imperial physicians will arrive shortly."
Though the emperor was foolish and tyrannical, he could not die—not yet.
If the princes began warring for the throne, chaos would spread, and the common people would suffer.
When Qi Yanzhou returned to the Purple Cloud Pavilion, the imperial guards had already uprooted all the medicinal herbs.
Beneath the herbs lay the decaying corpses of children.
And deeper still, bones stained black by blood and herbal concoctions.
Those who witnessed this horrific scene retched uncontrollably.
Fury surged in Qi Yanzhou’s chest.
He had known the emperor used the blood of children to refine elixirs, but he never imagined Heavenly Master Zhang could be so depraved as to slaughter so many innocents.
For the first time, the thought of overthrowing the imperial court crossed his mind.
His gaze shifted to the lotus pond.
The early summer pond was sparse, with only a few lotus leaves breaking the surface, swaying in the breeze.
The dazzling sunset cast fiery reflections on the rippling water, yet it could not mask the chilling darkness lurking beneath.
"Empty the lotus pond," he ordered the imperial guards.
The guards, still pale and nauseous, hesitated.
"Your Highness, we are on duty and cannot abandon our posts for too... vomit... long."
The imperial guards answered directly to the emperor, and Qi Yanzhou had no authority to command them.
"Find Commander Hu—"
Before he could finish, officials from the Dali Court arrived.
The twenty-odd men had smelled the stench of decay from afar.
Upon entering the Purple Cloud Pavilion and witnessing the gruesome sight, they barely suppressed their own revulsion.
Qi Yanzhou kept the two men he had previously sent on tasks with him and ordered the rest to drain the pond.
The three of them avoided the Second Prince’s men and arrived at the entrance of the Ascension Tower.
"Assistant Minister, word has already spread through the capital—Heavenly Master Zhang used blood and corpses to grow herbs and murdered children for elixirs."
"The Second Prince’s attempt to exonerate him has also caused an uproar, and the Crown Prince has fanned the flames."
"The people have begun protesting the emperor’s pursuit of immortality through Daoist practices, with scholars leading a petition in blood."
"Families of the missing children have stormed the capital’s administrative office, demanding justice."
After hearing the report, Qi Yanzhou knew the Song family was pulling strings behind the scenes.
His brow furrowed in concern—Song Zhiyan’s aggressive moves might bring disaster upon his own house.
"Stay here and keep watch. I’m returning to the Dali Court."
"Yes, Assistant Minister."
Just as Qi Yanzhou prepared to leave, Eunuch De arrived with imperial guards.
"Your Highness, by His Majesty’s decree, the case of Heavenly Master Zhang’s deception is now under my jurisdiction."
"I obey the imperial command."
Qi Yanzhou understood—the emperor and Eunuch De would minimize the scandal’s fallout.
But this time, he would not let them.
This time, he would force the emperor to issue a penitent edict.
He called back his men from the pond. "Return to the Dali Court."
"Yes, Assistant Minister."
Each man carried a child’s skull, placing them before the imperial guards.
The bleached bones, with their hollow eye sockets and nasal cavities, seemed to drag the onlookers into an abyss.
Eunuch De averted his gaze and demanded,
"The child remains in the lotus pond were just uncovered. How did word spread so quickly?"
"I have been in the palace all day. I wouldn’t know."
With that, Qi Yanzhou led his men away.
Eunuch De watched his retreating figure, eyes icy.
He couldn’t shake the suspicion that Qi Yanzhou was connected to the "Ghost Thief."
Qi Yanzhou sensed the hostility but paid it no mind.
By the time he left the palace, night had fallen.
News of Heavenly Master Zhang’s "suicide" had already spread.
"That damned demon is finally dead! May he rot in the deepest hell for eternity!"
"The Ghost Thief is a hero! Without him, that monster would’ve killed even more children!"
"The Second Prince tried to save him? He’s no better than the devil himself!"
"Seeking immortality? After slaughtering children, he’ll only meet an early grave!"
"Let’s hope the petition wakes the emperor from his delusions..."
Ye Chutang walked through the streets, listening to the public outcry, and shook her head.
The people were too naive.
The emperor was a selfish tyrant.
If he cared nothing for his subjects, why would he care for murdered children?
Right now, he was likely scheming to distance himself, painting himself as the victim.
Still, Heavenly Master Zhang’s death and the exposure of his crimes were cause for celebration.
In high spirits, Ye Chutang returned to the Minister's Mansion.
The moment she stepped inside, Ye Anzhi fell to his knees before her, weeping.
"Elder Sister, if you give me the antidote, I’ll serve you like a slave for life!"
All day, he had felt dizzy, short of breath, and certain death was near.
Ye Chutang kicked him aside.
"There’s only one way to get the antidote—kill Kong Ru after Ye Anling’s wedding. And I’m not joking."
With that, she stepped over him and left.
Back in the Ningchu Courtyard, Dan'er and Le'er were preparing dinner.
Jinzhi and Hongxiu played with Jun'er.
Ye Chutang beckoned. "Jun'er, come here. Let me check your pulse."
Though pale, Jun'er smiled brightly.
"Elder Sister, today I practiced horse stance with Aunt Jinzhi!"
"Exercise is good for strengthening your body, but you mustn’t overdo it."
After taking his pulse, she nodded.
"Your pulse is stronger than before. You’re recovering well."
"That’s because Elder Sister is a great healer."
"Such sweet words! Tonight, you’ll get an extra bowl of millet porridge."
She then headed to the kitchen.
Dan'er and Le'er greeted her. "Young Mistress."
"Anything happen in the mansion today?"
Dan'er replied, "The madam summoned many physicians, but none could cure her headaches and stomach pains. The master handed Lady Anling’s wedding preparations to the old madam."
"Lady Anling visited the Kong family today and returned with two chests of dowry gifts. She was overjoyed."
Ye Chutang glanced into the courtyard. "Jun'er knows what I did to his mother. How did he react?"
She would save lives—but not at the cost of inviting trouble.
Le'er knelt immediately.
"Young Mistress, the young master has suffered under the madam’s cruelty since birth. He feels no love for her, only fear."
"Lady Anling and Young Master Anzhi turned a blind eye to his suffering. He will do the same."
Though only five, Jun'er was wise beyond his years. He knew who truly cared for him.
Sometimes, Le'er wondered if he was even the madam’s real son.
"Young Mistress, you rescued him from hell. He will be grateful to you forever."
Dan'er added, "I’ve watched him closely. He showed no reaction to the madam’s condition."
Satisfied, Ye Chutang nodded. "Good."
"Prepare dinner. I’ll rest in my room. Call me when it’s ready."
Back in her room, Ye Chutang did not rest. Instead, she traveled underground to the royal hot spring villa.
Ice leeches thrived in warmth, and the hot springs were the perfect place to cultivate them.
She placed the leeches inside a fine-meshed stainless steel cage and secured it near the bubbling spring.
As she finished her task and prepared to leave, she overheard a piece of gossip—about herself.
