The prince is more stable

Chapter 615 The Cause of Death

Despite Zheng Chunhe's warning before he entered the palace, Zhao Xiaoqian was still somewhat shocked to hear Zhao Xu say that the young prince's death was not simple.

“What Your Majesty means is… the young prince did not die of illness, but rather someone, someone…” Zhao Xiaoqian said with great difficulty.

Zhao Xu said expressionlessly, "There's no need to be so careful. Let me be frank. Mao'er's death was not due to 'convulsions and cold evil' as the imperial physicians claimed. You and I both know that this minor illness is not fatal."

Zhao Xiaoqian nodded.

Traditional Chinese medicine uses somewhat obscure and difficult-to-understand names for pathologies. The so-called "convulsions and cold evil" simply means that an infant has been frightened and then caught a cold.

Most adults know that a cold caused by wind and cold can be cured by drinking some ephedra and cinnamon twig decoction. If that doesn't work, you can wrap yourself in a thick blanket and sweat it out, and it will gradually heal on its own.

In that sense, the young prince's death was indeed somewhat unusual.

After a moment of contemplation, Zhao Xiaoqian said in a low voice, "I have to ask, how did Your Majesty know that there was more to the story than meets the eye in the young prince's death? I just want to ask about some clues."

A look of grief appeared in Zhao Xu's eyes, and his tone grew cold as he said, "On the day Mao'er passed away, I left Consort Liu's bedchamber with immense sorrow."

"As I walked around the corner and was about to return to Funing Palace, I heard two eunuchs whispering under the pillars. One of them said that Mao'er's face was bluish-purple before he died, which did not look like he was sick. Besides, it is unbelievable that such a minor illness could take his life."

"I stopped and stood at the corner, listening to their conversation. Another eunuch said that after the young prince fell ill, he always felt that something was wrong in the palace, and there was an indescribable atmosphere."

"The imperial physicians' diagnosis and medication were also strange, as if their prescriptions were not for curing diseases, but for prolonging life."

Zhao Xiaoqian stared at Zhao Xu with shock in his eyes, but from his calm and composed narration, Zhao Xiaoqian could detect a hint of conspiracy.

Seeing Zhao Xiaoqian's shock, Zhao Xu said calmly, "You find it unbelievable, don't you? Someone actually dared to lay a hand on my only prince. He's undermining the ancestral foundation of my Great Song Dynasty!"

Zhao Xiaoqian said cautiously, "Your Majesty... I still don't quite understand. The private discussion between the two eunuchs seems to have no basis. The only thing worth noting is that the little prince's face turned bluish-purple before his death, as well as the prescription used by the imperial physician. These must be verified."

Zhao Xu continued, "After the two eunuchs discussed something, I couldn't help but walk around the corner, wanting to ask them directly. But when I got there, I found that there was no one there. The two eunuchs had vanished into thin air."

Zhao Xiaoqian increasingly sensed a conspiracy, and said with a grim expression, "Why do I feel that these two eunuchs are more suspicious than I am..."

Zhao Xu nodded: "That's right, I also find it suspicious. It's as if they deliberately waited there, deliberately let me hear their words, to arouse my suspicion, and use me to launch a major case to eliminate certain people."

Zhao Xiaoqian breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Your Majesty is wise; that's what I thought too."

However, Zhao Xu said, "In any case, this matter must be investigated. Whether someone is plotting behind the scenes or there is a real reason for the young prince's death, I hope the truth will come out."

As he spoke, Zhao Xu gazed intently at Zhao Xiaoqian and said, "This case may involve concubines in the harem or relatives of the same surname. I even suspect that someone in the court may be involved. The only person I can trust now is you, Zian."

“You are stationed far away in Zhen Ding Prefecture, making it the least likely you to be involved. Moreover, you never form factions with court officials, and you have never disappointed me in your work. Furthermore, you are my kinsman, and your official rank and status are sufficient. I am at ease entrusting this case to you.”

Zhao Xiaoqian said with a wry smile, "Your Majesty is relieved, but I can't sleep. I really have no clue what to do!"

Zhao Xu smiled and said, "I'm sorry to put you in a difficult position, but I have no other choice. You are the most suitable."

"In order to investigate this case, I grant you the privilege of entering and leaving the inner palace. Except for the Empress Dowager, Zian may interrogate any concubine, including the Empress. No one may refuse to cooperate. I will sternly warn the concubines to cooperate with all of Zian's inquiries and interrogations."

"Furthermore, Zi'an can question anyone he wishes, including court officials and relatives. He can also dispatch all the guards, imperial troops, the Imperial City Guard, and the Kaifeng Prefecture. What I want is the truth... and the real culprit!"

Zhao Xiaoqian grew increasingly alarmed and exclaimed, "Your Majesty, please wait! The authority you have granted me is too great, and I cannot bear it, especially the privilege of entering and leaving the inner palace. I beg Your Majesty to rescind it, otherwise I will be condemned by everyone and my reputation will be ruined."

Zhao Xu remained silent for a while, then realized that Zhao Xiaoqian's words made sense. Apart from the emperor, it was indeed not appropriate to allow other men to freely enter and leave the inner palace, otherwise it would cause turmoil in the court.

"Therefore, I will set up a side hall next to the Daqing Hall in the front palace for you to carry out your duties. If Zian wishes to question the concubines in the harem, he may instruct the eunuchs to summon them. No concubine may disobey this order."

Zhao Xiaoqian sighed, knowing that Zhao Xu had made up his mind and that he had to handle the matter himself, so he could only silently agree.

With tears in his eyes, Zhao Xu choked out, "If my only prince dies young, I will say nothing. But if he dies under mysterious circumstances, I must give my poor son an explanation and avenge him. Zi'an, do you understand what I mean?"

"I understand."

After finishing their business, Zhao Xiaoqian also acted very cautiously during their casual conversation.

As for his wife's pregnancy, Zhao Xiaoqian didn't mention it at all.

He just lost his son, and he happily tells his wife he's pregnant. No human being with normal intelligence would do something like that.

…………

After leaving Yanfu Palace, Zhao Xiaoqian kept thinking about things, and the more he thought about it, the more troublesome the case seemed.

Judging from Zhao Xu's words, this case must have involved the power struggles within the harem, and the young prince might just be an innocent victim.

If he were to uncover the truth, Zhao Xu would undoubtedly turn to the dark side, unleashing a reign of terror in the palace. Cases that erupt within the palace have always been earth-shattering, implicating countless others. The struggles within the palace are far more bloody and brutal than those in the imperial court. And Zhao Xiaoqian is the one who ignites that fuse.

Just as I was pondering this, I heard a surprised voice coming from the front.

"Your Highness, we're finally back in the capital! This humble official... missed you so much!"

Zhao Xiaoqian looked up in surprise. A slightly overweight man was rushing towards him, spreading his arms as he ran, just like the male lead in an idol drama meeting his first love at the beach.

Blink hard; the person looks somewhat familiar, yet also unfamiliar.

Whether it's an acquaintance or a stranger, this disgusting act of embracing one's first love in front of him is a death sentence.

Without hesitation, Zhao Xiaoqian kicked out and struck the big man squarely in the abdomen. The big man was kicked backward and fell to the ground on his back. It took him a while to cry out in pain.

Zhao Xiaoqian approached cautiously, scrutinizing him suspiciously: "Who are you?"

The burly man sobbed, "Your Highness, don't you recognize me? I am Wei Jie!"

Zhao Xiaoqian was taken aback: "You are Wei Jie?"

"Exactly."

Zhao Xiaoqian sneered: "Don't try to fool me. The Wei Jie I know may be a bit ugly, but at least he looks somewhat human. You look like a corpse that's been floating in a well for three days and three nights. How do you resemble Wei Jie?"

Wei Jie's eyes widened, and his lips moved unconsciously.

That's so insulting, it's more humiliating than slapping him.

"Your Highness, it's been so long, your words have become even more venomous..." Wei Jie looked down at his own figure and said with grief and indignation, "This humble official has only gained a little weight recently, how could I look like a floating corpse?"

Zhao Xiaoqian took two steps back, carefully examined him, and occasionally shook his head and clicked his tongue.

"Old Wei, it's only been about half a year since we last met. What have you been through in these past six months? Did you break up with your boyfriend or were you greedy for money?"

Wei Jie said innocently, "I brought my wife from the countryside to Bianjing, and now that she has food to eat, I've gained weight after feeding her for half a year."

Zhao Xiaoqian's eyes lit up: "Your wife is so capable! Come, let's find a quiet place to talk in detail. To be honest, I have a bold idea about large-scale livestock farming in rural areas..."

Having worked together for so long, Wei Jie immediately sensed the malice in Zhao Xiaoqian's words and said with a straight face, "Your Highness is overthinking it. My wife's abilities are limited; she can only feed one animal at most."

Zhao Xiaoqian said regretfully, "It's such a pity. I'll urge your wife to study more and make more progress. One animal is far from enough."

As they walked and chatted, the awkwardness of not seeing each other for half a year vanished instantly thanks to Zhao Xiaoqian's sarcastic remarks, and the two quickly became acquainted.

Leaving the palace and crossing the Imperial Street, the two went straight to the Imperial City Guard Office.

Zhao Xiaoqian looked at the dark and oppressive gate of the Imperial City Guard. The style of the gate itself exuded a cold-blooded, ruthless, and cruel atmosphere, as well as a sense of persecution of loyal and virtuous people.

The government office was bustling with people, mostly officials from the Imperial City Guard. When they saw Zhao Xiaoqian arrive, the busy officials paused for a moment, then rushed forward to greet him. Those who knew how to flatter immediately showered him with compliments, making Zhao Xiaoqian beam with joy.

Wei Jie followed Zhao Xiaoqian to the back hall. Zhao Xiaoqian sat in the main seat with an air of superiority, his long, beautiful legs casually propped up on the table, squinting as he looked at the furnishings in the back hall.

Wei Jie sat beside him and cautiously said, "I heard that His Majesty suddenly summoned His Highness back to the capital. I wonder..."

Zhao Xiaoqian nodded, then sighed: "The Emperor has entrusted me with a task; it's time for our Imperial City Guard to get moving."

Wei Jie immediately puffed out his chest and declared, "The entire Imperial City Guard is willing to serve Your Majesty to the death!"

Zhao Xiaoqian said with a forced smile, "You're speaking so passionately now, but when I tell you the specific tasks, I hope you'll still be passionate and not embarrass my Imperial City Guard."

Wei Jie chuckled, his smile reminiscent of a Nike-branded man returning to the city: "No matter how big the task, our Imperial City Guard can handle it."

Zhao Xiaoqian said coldly, "What if it involves the palace? What if it involves members of the royal family?"

Wei Jie was startled, and after a long while he bent over and coughed violently, coughing so hard it felt like his lungs were being torn apart.

Zhao Xiaoqian smiled and said, "Continue your passionate and magnificent performance. You can say that in my eyes, the concubines in the harem are like tagged animals sold in Seoul, and I slaughter them as easily as slaughtering a dog."

Wei Jie looked around in panic, waving his hands repeatedly at him: "Your Highness, please be careful what you say, or I will die!"

After a pause, Wei Jie cautiously asked, "I wonder what task His Majesty has entrusted to Your Highness?"

Zhao Xiaoqian's expression turned serious, and he slowly said, "The Emperor says that the matter of the young prince's death is not so simple. From now on, the entire Imperial City Guard will investigate this matter."

(End of this chapter)