# Chapter 109
Regardless of the chaos outside, everything at the Crown Prince's residence continued as usual. When Qi Xiao escorted Bai Ren back, Jiang Deqing was already waiting at the bottom of the steps leading to the outer gate. Upon seeing both men return, he hurried forward. The old servant had already heard the news that Empress Feng had hanged herself—first rejoicing greatly, then weeping bitterly. His aged, clouded eyes were still red and swollen. Seeing Qi Xiao return from outside, he understood most of it and said in a hoarse voice, "Your Highness... went to the ancestral temple?"
Qi Xiao smiled faintly. Jiang Deqing wiped away tears. "Once all this is settled, this old servant will also go kowtow outside the temple. Finally, finally..."
No matter what, Qi Xiao had not yet ascended the throne, so there were things Jiang Deqing still dared not say. He could only turn to business. "There have been several envoys from the palace already, all in a frantic rush looking for Your Highness. They say the palace is in chaos with no one in charge, and they beg Your Highness to come quickly. Empress Feng's death was... not a good one. They need to discuss how to present this to everyone. Also, the Second Prince remains unconscious, and no one has time to attend to him. The imperial clan is deeply anxious. They beg Your Highness to enter the palace and make decisions."
Qi Xiao nodded, instructing Jiang Deqing to stay behind to accompany Bai Ren. He also doubled the number of his personal guards protecting the residence. Only after arranging everything did he enter the palace with his retinue.
When Qi Xiao arrived, all the imperial clan members were already present. Fenghua Palace was draped in black crepe everywhere. The red candles on the candelabras had all been replaced with white ones. Because the palace had been undergoing investigations of Empress Feng's servants, few people remained. Added to the black and white draperies, the place seemed even more desolate. Prince Chun was already bedridden and naturally absent. Thus, among the present princes, Prince Hui was the highest ranked and most honored. Everyone turned to Prince Hui for decisions, but the old man had spent his whole life adhering to the principle of self-preservation, rarely willing to speak on matters to avoid trouble. Now these people were pressing him relentlessly, and he wished desperately that he could feign illness and take leave. Just as he was at his wits' end, he saw Qi Xiao arrive. Prince Hui greeted him like a drowning man seeing a lifeline. "The Crown Prince has finally come. You've heard, I presume? The Empress..."
Qi Xiao gave a slight nod in acknowledgment and lowered his voice. "I heard just now but don't know the details. Is it truly... or is there some other circumstances?"
Prince Hui's heart went cold. Other circumstances? Everyone knew Qi Xiao had left the palace quite late last night and had apparently visited the ancestral temple afterward. If there were indeed other circumstances, only Qi Xiao would know the truth. Of course, Prince Hui was no fool—these thoughts he kept only to himself. Empress Feng had most certainly hanged herself. Even if someone had secretly strangled her, where would one find evidence? And even if evidence existed... Prince Hui wiped the sweat from his damp forehead. The Emperor remained unconscious, and Qi Xiao's ascension was now inevitable. Even if evidence were found, at this juncture no one would dare raise such issues.
The moment the incident occurred, the palace had sent word to the Feng family. It was said that the Feng family patriarch immediately fainted. Feng's eldest son, torn between great grief and anxiety, hastily sought medical treatment for his father and had no time to come to the palace for questioning. Prince Hui felt dejected in his heart. Perhaps it wasn't merely a matter of being too busy. Empress Feng had committed graver offenses before her death, and who knew how furious the Feng family was. Now this had happened—likely the real reason Feng's eldest son was so concerned about his father's health was false. He was using this as an excuse to stay away from trouble. Prince Hui glanced carefully at Qi Xiao and felt a chill. If the Feng family truly came to the palace, with this fierce deity present, they might never return alive.
Prince Hui was a member of the imperial clan, and wanting to uphold justice was genuine. But he was more determined to protect his own family. Now the Feng family wouldn't even concern themselves with their own daughter—why should he bother? Moreover... Prince Hui gazed at those eyes of Qi Xiao's, so reminiscent of Emperor Wu, and sighed deeply in his heart. In the imperial family, where was there any justice? Empress Feng's death was not a good one. But when Empress Xiaoxian passed, was there not also hidden circumstances?
All the imperial clan members were watching Prince Hui. He gritted his teeth and lowered his voice. "The Director of the Clan Affairs has examined the scene... and found nothing else. It appears to be... suicide to avoid punishment."
Qi Xiao responded calmly, unhurried. "The Emperor still lies unconscious, so conducting the funeral arrangements would be inconvenient. Moreover, as you all know, the court is not at all stable at present. Perhaps... we should not announce the death yet. Without the Emperor's decree, the posthumous title cannot be determined. What do you think?"
At these words, everyone exchanged uncertain glances. Qi Xiao gazed down. "Otherwise... what do my uncles and elders suggest?"
Prince Hui did not know Qi Xiao's true intentions, but he had already spoken those words and could only continue down this path. He hesitated, then nodded. Qi Xiao hummed in acknowledgment, then turned to the palace attendants. "The princes have had an exhausting night. Arrange for everyone to rest in my palace. Have the Imperial Kitchen prepare fine tea and pastries and attend to them properly. Do you understand?"
The various princes quickly expressed their gratitude, but the hearts of the old princes were clenched tight. What did Qi Xiao mean by this? Was he afraid someone might sneak to Chengqian Palace to relay news? Or was he... preventing them from leaving the palace?
Qi Xiao understood what everyone was thinking. He spoke again softly. "The roads are dangerous at night, and all you elders are getting on in years. It would be inconvenient to return now. If you're tired, simply rest. When dawn breaks... if nothing happens, you may return to your estates."
Prince Hui breathed a long sigh of relief and nodded. "That would be excellent."
A cold mockery flickered in Qi Xiao's heart. He kept everyone here merely to serve as witnesses. As for witnesses to what... Qi Xiao turned to Fuzi. "Is the physician attending the Second Prince still here?"
Fuzi immediately called over a palace attendant to inquire. The attendant hemmed and hawed, unable to speak clearly. Fuzi slapped him across the face. The attendant dropped to his knees, weeping. "Reporting to Your Highness... late last night, Consort Xue said she had a headache and demanded a physician. In the middle of the night, with the Empress having just... how could we possibly summon a physician? Consort Xue took the two physicians attending the Second Prince. We've only just gotten one of them back. The palace is in such chaos everywhere..."
Qi Xiao frowned slightly and murmured, "Never mind. Show me the way. I'll go to Zhaoyang Hall."
Before leaving, Qi Xiao also summoned Xi Xiang, the Chief of the Imperial Household Department. Although Xi Xiang was Qi Xiao's man, this was the first time they had spoken openly in broad daylight. After giving instructions regarding palace affairs, Qi Xiao spoke in a heavy voice. "Since we're not announcing the death, everything must proceed as usual. The sky hasn't fallen yet. Anyone who tries to take advantage of the chaos or stir up trouble—immediately punish them severely! To serve as a warning to others."
Xi Xiang bowed in compliance. Qi Xiao paused, then said softly, "If only... the Emperor could wake now. So many matters need His Majesty's decree before we can properly handle them."
A sharp glint flashed in Xi Xiang's eyes as he raised his head to look at Qi Xiao. Qi Xiao gazed back steadily, as if merely sighing carelessly. "It would be best if the Emperor could wake up."
Xi Xiang understood in his heart. He nodded. "Your Highness's filial piety moves heaven and earth. The heavens know, and surely they will restore the Emperor's dragon body to full health."
Speaking with clever men was always convenient. Qi Xiao smiled faintly and led his people to Zhaoyang Hall.
Outside Zhaoyang Hall, a senior palace maid was crouching on the ground beside a medicine cauldron, constantly fanning it. From a distance, one could smell the pungent medicinal odor. Fuzi frowned and rebuked, "You suicidal creature! Couldn't you stew a bowl of medicine somewhere else? Why must you guard it in this drafty spot? If you choke His Highness the Crown Prince, how many heads do you have to pay with?!"
This maid was from Qi Hua's quarters. She was used to ordering others about and bullying junior maids and eunuchs. Even Fuzi and the other young eunuchs had been scolded by her before. She had never heard such words. Just as she was about to retort, she looked up and saw Qi Xiao. Instantly she couldn't even speak properly, dropping to her knees and kowtowing repeatedly. "This servant deserves death! It's so dark... there are barely any lanterns. This servant truly didn't know His Highness was approaching. This servant genuinely did not know..."
Qi Xiao had no desire to trouble himself with women. He frowned and murmured, "Once the medicine is ready, bring it in..." With that, he ignored her entirely and walked straight into Qi Hua's bedchamber.
In the vast sleeping quarters, only Qi Hua lay on the couch. When Qi Xiao approached and looked at him, a cold smile formed on his lips. That ashen, gray complexion... he looked no different from a ghost.
Whether he had heard the commotion outside or sensed someone's presence, after a moment Qi Hua woke. Qi Xiao sat on the旁边的贵妃榻 and said casually, "Awake?"
When Qi Hua saw that it was Qi Xiao, he screamed in terror. Qi Xiao was impatient with his wailing and waved his hand with a frown. "Make him be quiet..."
Fuzi had been waiting for this order. He immediately produced a cloth from his chest and gagged Qi Hua thoroughly. Qi Xiao gazed at him calmly. After a long moment, he suddenly gave a soft, mocking laugh and shook his head. "I really have nothing to say to you."
Qi Hua stared at Qi Xiao in horror. Qi Xiao let out a light, mocking sound. "Well, since I'm here... I'll say a few words. Let you understand..."
Qi Xiao's long fingers tapped lightly on the armchair's rosewood armrest as he slowly spoke. "I won't mention the matters of years past. You know those clearly yourself. I know that affair had nothing to do with you..."
Qi Hua nodded frantically, practically wagging his tail in supplication. Qi Xiao sneered. "In the end, they're still mother and son. At the critical moment, they show the same colors... Yes, it had nothing to do with you. But so what? Being the son of Qi Jing alone is enough for me to kill you a hundred times."
Qi Xiao spoke gently, but Qi Hua felt chills run down his spine. He was already poisoned and extremely weak. Now seeing Qi Xiao, he seemed so frail he might stop breathing at any moment. Qi Xiao ignored this and continued slowly. "But that's not the most important thing. The most important thing is..."
Qi Xiao looked at Qi Hua. Qi Hua widened his bloodshot eyes, staring nervously at Qi Xiao. Qi Xiao's smile turned cold. "The most important thing is... when Bai Ren first arrived in the capital, you, out of spite because your mother gave the Lingnan Princess to me, cornered Bai Ren in a side hall of Chengqian Palace, subjected him to vicious abuse, and finally injured him!"
Qi Hua stared at Qi Xiao in disbelief. Previously, Qi Xiao had released Bai Ren, and Qi Hua had heard some rumors and gossip about Qi Xiao and Bai Ren. But those were merely idle talk after all. No one truly believed Qi Xiao would take on such a grave crime simply because he liked someone. Now, looking at this... it was actually true!
Qi Hua shook his head repeatedly, making muffled sounds in his throat. Qi Xiao knew he was begging for mercy and couldn't be bothered to listen. He continued, "There are other matters I need not detail one by one. Both of us have wronged the other plenty. Neither should play the innocent. It's simply the law of the jungle—victors and losers. Today I came to tell you one thing..."
Qi Xiao walked closer and smiled faintly at Qi Hua, saying softly, "Early last night, I went to see your mother... I told her that if she obediently took her own life, I would spare your life. If before dawn she still hadn't acted, I would come finish you myself."
Qi Hua froze, then immediately began struggling violently, making endless sounds in his throat. Qi Xiao smiled cruelly. "Guess... did she listen?"
Qi Hua's eyes bulged, glaring狠狠地 at Qi Xiao, as if wanting to pounce on him. Qi Xiao shook his head with a laugh. "You've guessed, or perhaps you heard the commotion outside just now? Empress Feng is already dead."
Qi Hua let out a pained howl. Fuzi could barely restrain him. Qi Xiao's smile grew more satisfied. "Don't worry. I know you can't bear to part with Empress Feng... So I'll send you on your way now."
Upon hearing these words, Qi Hua seemed paralyzed, suddenly going still. Qi Xiao let out a mocking sound. "Take the gag off him..."
Fuzi complied. The moment the cloth was removed, Qi Hua screamed his lungs out. "You beast!! My mother did exactly as you ordered and died! And you still won't spare me! If my mother has any awareness in the heavens above, she will certainly—"
Qi Xiao stepped forward and slapped him, cutting off his words, and coldly laughed. "Certainly what? You think I'm afraid of her?! It's she who should be afraid now."
Qi Xiao's gaze was terrifying. "When she meets my father and mother on the Yellow Springs road, how will she explain herself?"
Qi Hua gasped from Qi Xiao's intimidation, trembling and shrinking back. Qi Xiao coldly laughed and stepped back. His voice was bone-chilling. "The medicine outside should be ready by now. Go fetch it... Send the Second Prince on his way."
Fuzi hesitated for a moment but still complied, pouring out the medicine from the cauldron outside and bringing it in. The other palace attendants who had followed Qi Xiao also entered. Qi Xiao said calmly, "The Second Prince, shocked by the sudden news of the Empress's passing, refuses to take his medicine properly. You... know what to do, don't you?"
The attendants acknowledged. Regardless of Qi Hua's screaming and thrashing, they pressed him down and forced the medicine into him. After giving these instructions, Qi Xiao left the bedchamber and waited quietly outside. Soon, silence fell within. Fuzi emerged, his expression complex. "Your Highness... the Second Prince has passed..."
Qi Xiao hummed. Fuzi looked puzzled. "But that medicine was clearly prescribed by the imperial physician. How could it..."
"He's scared to death himself." Qi Xiao gazed coldly at the furnace still burning outside. "His body was already ravaged by the poison. Then he heard the news of Empress Feng's death, thinking I truly intended to feed him poison... Ha, if I had actually drugged him, when others come to investigate later, wouldn't I be unable to explain myself?"
Fuzi immediately understood. He shook his head and laughed. "Your Highness plans so brilliantly!"
Qi Xiao gazed quietly at the dawn light on the horizon, a faint smile on his face. Qi Hua was gone too. Next—the Emperor.