“We’ve investigated, and currently only one person is suspicious – the maid Qi Xi who entered the mansion a few days ago,” Long Yun replied respectfully.
“Have you checked her background?” Long Junhao frowned, recalling Lan Lan’s story about rescuing a girl who sold herself to bury her father.
Who would have thought she would turn out to be a threat?
Her family had lived in poverty on the mountain in the northern part of the city but recently moved into a large folk house. Tragically, her father died shortly after the move.
“Monitor Qixi’s movements and contacts closely. I will instruct her to behave according to Xue’s death symptoms. Even if she doesn’t die soon, it may raise some suspicion. You can go now!” Long Junhao said, waving his hand as he sat tiredly in his chair.
Lan Lan could hardly believe that Qixi, once just a foolish farmer’s daughter, had evolved into a potential threat. It was appalling that someone couldn’t be good despite their background.
Fortunately, she possessed an antidote pearl given to her by Master Kongling from Hongfa Temple, which helped her evade their trap. How could a thirteen-year-old girl harbor such malicious thoughts and devise a scheme to harm her? In modern times, children that age are still reliant on their parents. Lan Lan decided to play along and uncover who was supporting this little girl.
“Qixi, come here and see if this dress fits and if you like it. I made this for you!” Lan Lan held a light pink gauze dress, comparing it to Qixi’s figure for the fit.
Qixi admired the kind royal consort and the beautiful gauze dress made for her. She had never worn something so lovely; such finery was always out of reach. The fact that the royal consort made a dress for her, a mere servant, moved her to tears, and she felt a pang of guilt for having wronged her.
“Thank you, I like it. Royal Consort, you’re not feeling well, don’t trouble yourself. I have clothes to wear,” she said, choking on her words.
Recently, Lan Lan had been especially kind to Qixi, saving delicious food, buying her gifts, and singing to her in private. Qixi often thought that she must have been very fortunate in her past life to serve in the royal consort’s house and wished to remain there forever. Seeing Qixi’s touched expression, Lan Lan felt secretly pleased. This was the first step of her psychological strategy; now it was time for more drastic measures.
“Oh!” Lan Lan suddenly collapsed to the ground.
“Royal Consort, what’s wrong? Don’t scare Qixi!” Qixi shook Lan Lan’s body desperately, not daring to call out loudly. She checked for Lan Lan’s breath—was she still alive? Qixi felt a hint of disappointment when she confirmed that she was not dead yet.
If the royal consort didn’t die, her mission would remain unfinished, and her family would continue to suffer. Qixi was torn between her feelings. She placed her hands on Lan Lan’s neck, contemplating the act, but the innocence in Lan Lan’s face and memories of her kindness made her hesitate. Yet, thoughts of her own family brought a surge of pressure to her hand. Just as her conscience stirred, she pulled away, resisting the impulse.
[Text: Chapter Fifty-Five: Who Played Whom]
Long Junhao looked at his crying children, feeling love and gratitude towards Lan Lan. He appreciated her sacrifices and the life she built for him. However, seeing her weak on the bed made his heart ache. “Lan’er, you must be okay. What would I do if something happened to you? If you go, I will go with you.”
“Make way, the imperial physician is here!” Lin Bo led Doctor Cheng inside.
Doctor Cheng surveyed the room and frowned. “Everyone leave! Too many people are not good for the patient.”
“Just leave one or two people.”
“Zhen’er, be good. The doctor is going to examine your mother; go play with your sister.”
“Zhen’er understands.” Despite his young age, Long Zhen showed remarkable maturity. He silently took Xin’er away, not crying like other children. Long Junhao was proud of his son’s behavior.
“Lin Bo, take the young master and young miss away. Long Yun, guard the door. No outsiders are allowed near. Everyone else, go about your business!” The room was quickly cleared, leaving only Long Junhao and Doctor Cheng.
Doctor Cheng was a respected imperial physician known for his exceptional skills. Nearly sixty, he had a sage-like appearance and was rumored to create various medicinal pills. Dubbed “Divine Doctor Cheng,” no illness was unsolvable in his hands.
He sat by the bed, examined Lan Lan’s pale face, and checked her pulse. After a moment, he nodded to Long Junhao.
“Your Highness, the Princess is poisoned. Fortunately, the toxicity is shallow, but if it continues, I’m afraid…” Doctor Cheng’s worried expression conveyed the gravity of the situation.
“Doctor, do you remember the item Long Yun brought you for analysis a few days ago? That item is the reason the Princess is lying here,” Long Junhao said gravely.
“Impossible! That substance should have taken effect immediately…” Doctor Cheng jumped up in shock.
“You’re right. The Princess is fortunate. The protective pearl from Master Kongling of Hongfa Temple saved her. To catch the culprit who harmed the Princess, we’ll need your help!” Long Junhao bowed to Doctor Cheng.
“Come, go to the palace and find the prince. Just say the Princess has ascended to heaven,” Lin Bo said, struggling to speak as tears flowed. The room filled with cries.
Long Lei, hearing this, stepped forward and grabbed Lin Bo’s arm, gritting his teeth and asking, “What did you say?”
Disbelieving, he walked to Lan Lan’s side and checked; she was indeed breathless. Long Lei gasped and rushed out to find the Prince.
At that moment, Long Junhao was in the imperial hall discussing matters with the Emperor. Lan Lan’s poor health had summoned him to the palace, but he longed to return and be by her side.
Long Chaotian looked at his distracted son and smiled slightly, “Thinking about going back again?”
“Mm, her health has not been good recently,” Long Junhao answered softly.
“Oh! Why didn’t you say so earlier? Hurry to the imperial pharmacy and get some thousand-year-old ginseng to cook for her!” Long Chaotian loved this daughter-in-law deeply for her beauty and gentle nature.
Just then, Long Lei’s voice rang out outside the hall.
“Your Majesty, Long Lei has urgent matters to report,” he gasped.
“Come in quickly!” Long Chaotian knew serious reasons were required to disturb the guardians.
Long Lei entered and knelt, tears falling.
“Your Majesty, the Princess… she has ascended to heaven!” Long Lei choked out, bowing his head. The sound of cups falling was heard.
“What did you say? Say it again!” Long Junhao stood in shock, the teacup dropping from his hand.
Long Chaotian’s heart ached—how could a living person suddenly be gone? She had been vibrant recently; why did this happen so suddenly?
“Father Emperor, you must seek justice for your son!”
Lan’er mentioned that she had been unwell recently and had called Doctor Cheng for treatment. The doctor informed her that she had been poisoned with a substance found only in the palace. Long Junhao knelt, pale-faced, with tears streaming down his cheeks.
“My son, stand up! If what the doctor said is true, no matter who is responsible, your father will seek justice and provide Lan Lan with a fair resolution!” Long Chaotian, distressed by his son’s sorrow, realized the severity of the incident that had occurred in the palace without his knowledge.
“This son will take his leave and return home!” Long Junhao bowed and hurried back to the Prince’s mansion on horseback.
Upon his return, he was met with a tragic chorus of weeping.
“Master—” Lin Bo approached but could only choke up and speak no more.
