Forcing me to become a concubine? Remarrying the Ninth Prince, she'll be pregnant all over the

Wei Wujiu frowned and gave Jiang Fulu a look.

Jiang Fulu understood and quickly called away the maids in the palace to serve the meal. After only he, Wei Wujiu, and Lin Wantang were left in the bedchamber, Jiang Fulu bowed and continued, "I don't know why, but His Majesty's illness this time is also quite strange."

"Yesterday he was probably very angry with the Crown Prince, but it shouldn't be that bad..." Jiang Fulu didn't know how to explain in detail, and shook his head with a sigh: "Judge Liu said that all of the Emperor's symptoms are like tuberculosis, but he can't make it public yet. He only dares to say that he is ill from overwork and has caught a cold. He will be fine after a few days of rest. Even the Empress doesn't know about it yet."

The emperor knew what illness he had, so he forbade Imperial Physician Liu from leaking the news, and even the empress had to be kept in the dark.

Wei Wujiu and Lin Wantang exchanged a glance. Wei Wujiu said calmly, "How long can this illness last?"

"It's hard to say..." Jiang Fulu sighed worriedly, "It could take a year or two. The most important thing is that Daoist Qingchenzi."

After a short pause, Jiang Fulu, knowing that Lin Wantang was unaware of these things, turned to explain, "Madam, it has been about five years, hasn't it? That year, the Emperor and Empress, along with civil and military officials, went to Huguo Temple to offer sacrifices and pray for blessings. At that time, the newly promoted Consort Lan in the harem was pregnant, and the Imperial Observatory said that this pregnancy was inauspicious and had signs of misfortune. The Emperor valued the imperial heir, so he thought of taking Consort Lan along to invite the abbot to chant sutras and pray for blessings to drive away the evil spirits from the imperial heir in her womb."

"Unexpectedly, on the way, the Second Prince, for some unknown reason, got drunk and bumped into Consort Lan, and... and almost succeeded! How could the Emperor not be furious? He severely punished the Second Prince, who has been under house arrest in the palace ever since, but the Emperor was so angry that he fell ill and was immediately declared critically ill. He was even assassinated by members of the former dynasty's rebel faction!"

This series of troubles worsened the emperor's illness, leaving him terminally ill. He had even drafted his will, which was approved by the regents. He was even ready to kill Wei Wujiu, but then, unexpectedly, a shrewd man appeared out of nowhere—

That's the Daoist Qingchenzi.

"The Taoist priest first saved the emperor's life, and then administered the elixir he had concocted. Within three days, the emperor had fully recovered and was completely at peace!"

Lin Wantang listened with surprise and astonishment, frowning repeatedly in disbelief: "Is that so? Such an extraordinary person?"

"Indeed! China is a vast country, full of talented people. Many hidden masters are lurking among the common people. This Daoist Qingchenzi is easy-going and approachable, and his superb medical skills can truly bring the dead back to life and heal the bones!"

Jiang Fulu was also amazed and said helplessly, "This time, I heard from Eunuch Hua that the Emperor has also sent someone to inform Daoist Qingchenzi by express courier."

Lin Wantang nodded hesitantly, which meant that with this Taoist priest around, the emperor would not die.

However, the fact that the emperor is alive is most advantageous for her and Wei Wujiu. Otherwise, if the emperor were to die, the first person he would kill would be Wei Wujiu. Even if they managed to escape, how could Shen Huai'an let them go after he ascended the throne?

The sixth prince was too young and had no power base in the court. He had to rely on Wei Wujiu for everything, which was the main reason why the emperor had to kill him before his death.

As Lin Wantang pondered these thoughts, her deep-set eyes fell upon Wei Wujiu, and she softly asked a question that didn't quite express her true feelings: "Has the Commander-in-Chief made preparations for the Sixth Prince?"

Jiang Fulu was taken aback, then heard Wei Wujiu casually utter two words: "Not yet."

Then we absolutely cannot let the emperor die at this critical juncture.

They must drag it out until they completely sever Shen Huai'an's claws and wings, leaving him with no chance to rise again. They must drag it out until Wei Wujiu has made all the preparations for the Sixth Prince. Only then, after the Emperor's death, can they do everything in their power to support the Sixth Prince's ascension to the throne.

Thanks to this merit of supporting the emperor, Wei Wujiu and Lin Rucong will have a glimmer of hope when the sixth prince comes of age and assumes personal rule.

"What are you thinking about now?" Wei Wujiu saw through Lin Wantang's thoughts almost immediately and stepped forward to take her hand: "Don't worry about these things for now. Don't worry, I'm here for you."

Lin Wantang forced a smile and leaned into his arms, but the tenderness didn't last long. Remembering that she still needed to find Princess Yong'an, she went to the outer hall for her meal first.

Wei Wujiu was about to follow her out, but Jiang Fulu winked at him and made him fall half a step behind. Jiang Fulu quickly lowered his voice and said, "My lord, doesn't Madam know yet? Those old ministers should be supporting not the Sixth Prince, but..."

He possesses the legitimate bloodline of the previous dynasty, the long-lost former crown prince Shen Chengji!

"My lord..." Jiang Fulu paused hastily, then lowered his voice to correct himself, "Your Highness has endured humiliation and hardship for so many years, and your painstaking planning is now imminent. There can be no more mistakes, Your Highness!"

A single address revealed everything.

Wei Wujiu narrowed his eyes, following Lin Wantang's receding figure. A deep, intense emotion lingered in his eyes, refusing to dissipate for a long time.

"Let's discuss it again." After a long silence, he finally spoke, calmly withdrawing his gaze. "She didn't need to know so soon."

After the meal, Wei Wujiu had to go to the Military Affairs Office, while Lin Wantang went to the Brocade Palace.

Yong'an was just about to send someone to summon Lin Wantang when she unexpectedly arrived. The two were delighted to see each other and, after sitting down and chatting, Yong'an readily said, "Sister Wantang wants to help me copy history books? That would be wonderful!"

"This work is arduous, time-consuming, and laborious. I only managed to copy less than ten pages in one afternoon, and my wrists are already sore. If Sister Wantang could help me, I could slack off for a while."

Lin Wantang smiled and said, "Then it's settled. But I should mention first that I really enjoy reading. I wonder if I could take this opportunity to browse through some of the collection's ancient books?"

"Of course, there aren't many servants in the library on weekdays. Once we get there, we can send those eunuchs away."

With this agreed, the two soon traveled to the library in a sedan chair. After avoiding onlookers, Lin Wantang was able to wander freely among the rows of bookshelves, searching for ancient books about Miao territory.

However, with such a vast collection of books, they only explored a small fraction of it that day and found nothing.

As soon as the hour of You (5-7 PM) arrived, Yong'an pulled Lin Wantang back to Jinxiu Palace. After the two had their meal, Lin Wantang went to Chentingxuan again, avoiding attention. As soon as she entered the palace gate, Jiang Fulu hurriedly greeted her.

"Oh no, Madam!"

"The master has just returned, and he's showing signs of the poison recurring. Madam, please go in and check on him!"

Unable to summon the imperial physician or inform anyone else, everyone was at a loss. Jiang Fulu helped Lin Wantang into the bedchamber. As soon as they stepped in, they heard a sharp blade being drawn with a clang!

In the blink of an eye, a sharp sword gleaming with cold light landed beside Lin Wantang's neck, its gaze menacing and its killing intent palpable.

Wei Wujiu strode up to Lin Wantang, his cold face now clouded with gloom. As the poison within him intensified, his consciousness clouded, and he was about to swing his sword to kill her—