Chapter 76 - Two Eagles with One Arrow
Montary chaos ensued as the emperor descended from his elevated perch, forcefully dislodging a court official entangled with a dancer. His booming command echoed, “Still lingering?!”
His thunderous rebuke jolted the recipient awake. “I… What's happening to ?”
The emperor's countenance shifted. “Servants, secure the entrances and exits of the palace grounds. Summon the imperial physician!”
Those present weren't daft; they grasped the implication instantly. The emperor suspected foul play, a notion unfathomable!
Poisoning the palace banquet would deal a severe blow to their plans, jeopardizing everything.
Unseen by the crowd, as the emperor spoke, the Demonic Qi within the ministers dissipated, returning swiftly to Yin Xu. Simultaneously, Yin Xu regained composure.
Retracting his Demonic Qi, he t Teng Yu's gaze with inscrutable expression. He quipped, “Why the intense stare?”
Teng Yu's lip twitched. “You're well aware.”
“Whatever do you an?” Yin Xu feigned innocence with a blink.
Teng Yu gestured to the turmoil, cautioning, “Next ti, stay attuned to the situation.”
Yin Xu's response, an expression of feigned ignorance, preceded his upright posture, shifting focus back to the spectacle.
In truth, he had contemplated manipulating Demonic Qi to exploit another's inner turmoil, inducing ntal disarray.
Such tactics were rudintary for cultivators in his past life, yet he hadn't considered it until now. Pleased with the unfolding drama, he reveled in his ploy.
Unlike brute force, such underhanded thods were favored by Demonic Cultivators. The Demon Lord had always disdained violence, favoring subtlety.
Soon, Chengde Hall was sward by guards. Given the ruckus, the neighboring won couldn't have remained oblivious. Imperial Consort Yun dispatched inquiries, prompting swift silence from the adjacent quarters.
Yin Xu's admiration for the unseen woman grew. Her control over the harem and influence within the capital were unparalleled.
A dozen aged imperial physicians were swiftly summoned. Yin Xu scanned their ranks, noting their advanced years.
Evidently, the position of imperial physician demanded seniority.
Though the hall had been restored to order, the humiliated ministers dared not et anyone's gaze.
“Your Majesty, we offer our respects. Long live the Emperor!”
“That's sufficient. Waste no ti; ensure your assistants witness its uniqueness. Assign additional individuals to inspect the food and wine in the hall.”
“Very well.”
The elderly physicians busied themselves. Yin Xu, once again, sat idle, disregarding Teng Yu's envious glances.
After a brief interval, the court physician who had examined the ministers reported, “Your Majesty, the elders' health concerns are minor. They rely suffer from depleted vital energy and blood, with insufficient essence. They should recover in a few days.”
“Are you certain?” inquired the Emperor solemnly.
“Indeed, it seems these nobles have indulged in excessive sleep of late. With moderation, they should improve.”
“Haha…” Laughter erupted, echoing agreent. Even Yin Xu found the outco satisfactory.
It might have been Yin Xu's first attempt at manipulating Demonic Qi to induce a heart demon; thus, the outco remained uncertain.
The Emperor regarded them disdainfully. While he might have deed the outco unsatisfactory, he exclaid indignantly, “Since you possess surplus energy, henceforth, attend the Han Lin Courtyard to assist in book compilation. You are not permitted to depart until the Central Plains Festival.”
“We shall comply…”
A brief silence ensued in the hall as anticipation mounted for the remaining imperial physicians' responses. Many had already surmised they weren't poisoned; otherwise, why would only a portion fall ill while the rest remained unscathed?
As anticipated, after a short interval, the head of the Imperial Hospital personally reported, “Your Majesty, I have inspected the remnants of the food, wine, and utensils used by the afflicted. There appears to be no issue.”
The Emperor nodded solemnly. “A festive occasion marred by unwarranted afflictions. Besides book compilation, you shall all be subject to an additional six-month penalty as a deterrent. Should anyone dare such boldness again, I shall strip them of their rank!”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Very well, inform Consort Yun. The palace banquet shall proceed, and all restrictions lifted.”
Lai Jiquan acknowledged and turned to leave but was halted by a familiar voice, “Wait.”
All eyes turned towards the speaker; astonishnt rippled through the crowd at Huo Zhengquan's unexpected intervention, considering his morning court duties.
The Emperor's countenance softened, his tone gentler, as he addressed, “Yun Xi, do you have sothing to add?”
“This humble subject has but one query, which I must voice.”
“What is it?”
“I don't know if anyone else noticed, but the accused lords all seed to lose their senses simultaneously. Whether due to intoxication or other ans, they reacted uniformly. It's implausible for them to act in unison.”
Teng Yu countered slowly, “However, it's conceivable that a few Masters were enticed by desire and acted impulsively. During the banquet, the dancers served wine, presenting a rare opportunity for interaction.”
In the gender-segregated seating arrangent, all attendees at Chengde Hall were n, including the eunuchs.
The First Prince interjected, “Marshal Huo's argunt seems logical. Given their status, families, and spouses, how could they abandon decorum for a dancer?”
“That might not be the case. It's possible that these lords' concubines are not rely wives but also predators—jackals, wolves, tigers, leopards, and vixens. Even a sow could be a seductress,” the Second Prince smirked, eyeing Duke Xian.
Duke Xian's countenance, naturally gaunt, flushed with anger under the scrutinizing gaze. “What's the aning of this, Second Prince? This Duke has always maintained purity. Why would I stoop to such behavior?”
“Who knows? The joviality of drinking often clouds judgnt.”
“You…”
“Enough! Let's conclude this matter!” None dared oppose the Emperor's decisive clap, yet Huo Zhengquan's words left many unsettled, unable to find resolution.
Subsequently, frivolity ceased. After the New Year's Eve rites, Emperor Dechang, accompanied by the three princes and other royals, bestowed blessings upon the populace at the city gate tower.
This tradition of the Liang Dynasty aid to remind the royal family of the populace's importance, emphasizing mutual support.
During the procession, Teng Yu and Yin Xu lanted in their sedan, “Your actions have foiled my plans.”
“What plans?”
“I intended to exploit palace chaos by arranging a match between Duke Xian's cherished daughter and Teng Yi, sparing
from marrying that unruly woman who might harm Teng Yi's kin.”
Yin Xu rolled his eyes, refusing to acknowledge involvent. “That's not my concern.”
Teng Yu persisted, “Nevertheless, Duke Xian will face considerable embarrassnt. Returning ho, he might endure the wrath of his family's matriarch.”
“Isn't that what you wanted?” Yin Xu's pride evident, unaware of not only thwarting Teng Yu's sche but also Imperial Consort Yun's.
Imperial Consort Yun had hoped to leverage the Emperor's jubilance to advance her agenda. With sufficient support, her plan could have succeeded.
Yet, her marriage proposals for the other princes had crumbled, rendering her list obsolete. The Emperor would likely reject Teng Yu's betrothal to the Wang family's daughter from Xian County.
In the palace's somber confines, Imperial Consort Yun, gazing at the festive fireworks, felt a gnawing frustration.
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