Indeed, prompted by the hidden manipulators, it was not long before thousands of soldiers at the border began to suffer from incessant diarrhea. So, with severe symptoms, were already dehydrated to the point where they could not even walk. The doctors in the military were so busy they spun in circles, yet they could find no cause, and were at a complete loss.
The urgent report reached the Emperor’s presence, and Emperor Huian was enraged. The soldiers and doctors at the border might not have understood, but did he not understand after he had just ordered a reprimand of King Heng? He had originally thought that it was rely a temporary mistake of King Heng, who had been incited by subordinates to sell moldy grain privately, but who knew the moldy grain had already infiltrated the military and was harming tens of thousands of soldiers defending the border.
Once the soldiers guarding the border encountered problems, military morale would inevitably beco unstable, and if the barbarians outside the Great Wall took advantage of the situation...
Thinking of the potential consequences, a cold sweat broke out on Emperor Huian’s back, and he cursed King Heng, the chief culprit who had triggered these events, until he was blue in the face.
Emperor Huian being a wise ruler, imdiately dispatched the best imperial physicians from the Taiyi Hospital to the border to treat the poisoned soldiers.
rely treating the soldiers and soothing their spirits was not enough; if severe punishnt was not ted out to King Heng, the fifty thousand soldiers deeply poisoned at the border would never be appeased. Once resentnt took root, who would risk their lives for the domain of Great Chu?
In order to appease the soldiers at the border and stabilize their morale, Emperor Huian, despite his fondness for King Heng, could no longer protect him. The following day, an Imperial Edict was issued, demoting King Heng’s title from Prince to Commandery Prince Heng.
It might seem like a re one-rank demotion, yet for King Heng, who aspired to regain that rank, it was now a difficult task. Moreover, King Heng—or rather, Commandery Prince Heng—had been eyeing the Crown Prince’s position, which seed within reach, but suddenly a chasm had appeared before him, certainly enough to leave him choking with frustration.
Many princes and princes who were eager to bring down Commandery Prince Heng were highly dissatisfied with this seemingly mild punishnt, and they collectively rallied their forces to remonstrate with Emperor Huian, only to be completely rebuffed.
The instigating princes and princes also did not fare well, as they were summoned to the imperial study and severely rebuked for lacking brotherly affection and respect for their elder siblings, being told to go ho and reflect on their actions.
Such a reprimand was already severe; if delved into more deeply, a person devoid of filial and fraternal duty, even if he beca the ruler of the world, could hardly be expected to consider the wellbeing of the common people.
Throughout the entire ordeal, Chu Heng had stayed at Jingshan Villa recovering from his illness, and he couldn’t help but feel disappointed by Emperor Huian’s handling of King Heng.
Chu Heng sat in his wheelchair, quietly gazing out of the window, his expression calm, with no indication of what he might be thinking. Perhaps having seen enough, when he withdrew his gaze, he noticed the concern in Xiao Ruiyuan’s eyes that had not been retracted in ti.
"Don’t worry, Hanzhang, I’m fine," he said.
"Yes," Hanzhang responded.
Xiao Ruiyuan looked at his faint smile, and though he said nothing outwardly, inwardly his concerns deepened. At that mont, he almost wished the prince would erupt in thunderous rage, venting his dissatisfaction, but no matter how aggrieved, the prince never lost his composure.
Seeing him like this, Chu Heng couldn’t bear it and said with a smile, "His actions are within reason after all, considering Commandery Prince Heng’s capabilities are substantial. Should sothing happen to ...he must always consider the future of Great Chu’s realm."
Though he spoke in this manner, the tinge of lancholy in his voice did not escape Xiao Ruiyuan’s notice.
"Your Highness, once we find the Black Lingzhi and the Thousand-year Ginseng, your health will improve," said Xiao Ruiyuan dryly, feeling very uncomfortable. If it were not for this debilitated body, the prince, with his smart wits, would have already secured the position of Crown Prince and would not have to be eyed by others like now, eagerly awaiting his demise.
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