The long and slender fingers of Sect Leader Zhao pluck the strings of his guzheng. The series of strum created a harmonious melody, pleasing the ears of everyone who can hear. The music he plays is slow in tempo, truly soothing. Like a mother humming to a sleeping child. Like a stream of water that flows towards the sea. Like a gentle rain that falls on one's cheek.
This melody can calm one's troubled heart and mind in a mess.
Xu Zhengming yawns as he lay down on the wooden floor. The music that Zhao Yangguang plays makes him sleepy in broad daylight.
The sect leader, Sect Elder Wang, and our silly eunuch just finished their pot of jasmine tea for the nth time of the day inside the main hall of Wan Moli Hua Palace. It's been five days since Yin Wenyan left Xu Zhengming here yet there's no sign of him coming back any time soon. Not even his shadow is coming for him. They don't even know his whereabouts, or if he already found his siblings or not yet.
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Meanwhile, in a dark chamber of the underground prison inside the imperial palace walls, three captives have their limbs bounded by heavy metal chains. A huge magical array is activated underneath them. It's the spiritual power nullifier. It blocks the flow of one's spiritual energy as long as the victim is inside its circumference. The dim glow of the array is the only light that the royal siblings have in the middle of endless darkness. Well, not really, they can only see each other. Nothing else. This underground prison is like an open space cave. There's literally nothing in here but rocks, dust, and soil. It's half as big as the entire Department of Justice and is located underneath the said department. It's as high as the Lotus Hall so climbing to the top would be difficult. The only possible way to get out is through the bar gate which is heavily guarded. Ever since the day that they are cornered by the grand empress dowager and Lieutenant General Song
"Here's your meal!" The waiter put the dishes they ordered on their table. The aroma comes from the hot bowls of Wonton Noodle Soup Lingers in their nose. The savory smell of chicken broth makes their stomachs even wilder, growling like an untamed animal. After everything is set, he immediately leaves so that the customers can finally dig in. Eunuch Xu, Sect Leader Zhao, Sect Elder Wang, the prince, princess, and the emperor all went inside a nearby restaurant. This isn't the most luxurious restaurant in town but it's the nearest. It's not a famous one too so their food must be not that good but not that it matters. Any food tastes good when you're hungry after all. But before they go to the restaurant, they first stop in a nearby store that sells clothes. The triplets look so dirty and are still wearing the imperial chefs' uniform so they need to change into casual robes. They might draw too much attention from those uniforms. They chose chea
All the high-ranking eunuchs can't believe what they are seeing right now. The emperor of the Dynasty's eighth generation is right in front of them. Sitting on the throne with a cold pair of phoenix eyes looking down on them from his throne. Apparently, Eunuch Xu, Court Lady Han, and one of the personal maids of the emperor managed to convince them to go into the Pavilion of Literary Glory. It was not easy but they did it in the end. The high-ranking eunuchs all kowtow to express their highest form of respect. That moment, his majesty's eyes meet the little eunuch's who's the only one who isn't doing the formalities. Xu Zhengming is not a tall man so he's not easy to find in the crowd of tall old men. And now that he's the only one standing, it's not so hard for the emperor to see him anymore. Court Lady Han, who also kowtowed, pulled Xu Zhengming down, forcing him to pay his respects to the returned emperor. This made Emperor Yin Renshu puff a laugh despite
The grand empress dowager is now under house arrest inside her hall. Well, this verdict is kind of a light one for a grave crime as to kill the emperor. She's just staying mostly in her hall after all so there are not many changes in her life from now on. Yes, this is very frustrating for our protagonists' side but what can they do? They still have to consider what the high-ranking eunuchs suggest. Since she served as the ruler in the empire when her son died until Emperor Yin Renshu got the throne, she still has the privilege to be treated nicely. Plus she's already old so they can't give her a heavy punishment. The only changes she'll face from now on are that her hall is highly guarded, she's not allowed to leave her hall, and no guests are allowed to visit her. Not even her court lady or any of her personal maids. Not even the empress dowager. As for the empress dowager, she didn't receive any punishments. She said that the grand empress dowager is only u
The sun is only starting to rise yet there's a commotion ongoing in the imperial palace. "Um... Your majesty? Can you loosen your grip a bit? It hurts!" The palace servants that Xu Zhengming and Prince Yin Wenyan meet on the way all follow these two with their gazes. Suspicious looks are on their faces, and some even murmured. Who would not be intrigued if his majesty the emperor is dragging his personal eunuch around with such a dark expression, and first thing in the morning on top of that? The usual gentleness in his face has left without a trace. The prince didn't say anything, not even giving a single glance to the silly eunuch but he indeed loosens his grip on Xu Zhengming's wrist a little. Truth be told, Xu Zhengming never saw his majesty like this. Not even when he's in his bad-temper state. It's like he really made a big mistake and offended his majesty that much to the point he showed the angriest expression that his face could make.
"Empress Dowager, what took you so long?" The grand empress dowager asks annoyingly the moment the empress dowager managed to break into her hall. She really used the main door and just walks in like nothing. The empress dowager is even carrying a tray with a teapot and a teacup on it. The old empress doesn't know how did she pass through the guards outside her hall but not that it matters to her. "Forget it, it's not important. Quick, do something. We cannot remain like this while they're enjoying their reign. Where's the head eunuch?" The empress dowager gracefully walks closer to the grand empress dowager and puts the tray on the nearby tea table. "I apologize for my late arrival, Grand Empress Dowager. Your hall is highly guarded day and night. It's hard for me to come in without anyone noticing." The smile on the empress dowager hides her annoyance. She's thinking that this old woman thinks too highly of herself when she doesn't possess t
Empress Xue Chi is currently fixing her hair with her wooden comb while facing the mirror. She's still inside the empress dowager's hall and is planning to ask permission to go outside. She wants to see Xu Zhengming and check his condition now. Ever since the empress is hidden in this hall, she hasn't heard anything about this eunuch. And so, she can't help herself from worrying about his well-being. "Ah Chi." The empress dowager is back in her palace. She went somewhere and the empress didn't bother to ask where she's gone from. "Your highness!" Empress Xue Chi puts her comb down and comes closer to the empress dowager. "Can I go out of this hall now?" The empress dowager doesn't seem to like her request. Despite that, she still asked, "Why? Where are you planning to go?" The empress lowers her head and plays with her fingers. Her cheeks slightly turn rosy. "I'd like to check Ming--- I mean, Eunuch Xu's condition. The last time I heard about
Sect Leader Zhao slides the door open. He sighs the moment he saw his child sulking inside his room. This child of his has been acting like this since yesterday and seems he's not planning to get out of his bed any time soon. It's like an important thing from him got snatched away from his tight grip. He's too upset. Zhao Yangguang enters the room and headed towards the sulking man. The sect leader sits on the edge of the bed and reaches his hand to stroke the other's hair. "Renshu, are you sure you're not going?" He said in the most soothing voice he can. Sect Leader Zhao knows very well that this child of his is aching and devastated about the news he heard yesterday. So, the former eighth-generation emperor of the current Dynasty, Yin Renshu, arrived two days ago in Wan Moli Hua Palace. At first, the sect leader, as well as all the elders in the sect, thought that he's just paying the sect a visit. Turns out, he wants to live here for good. Even th
The sun hasn't even risen yet our beau is already awake. His hands are occupied with making spring rolls, dumplings, and of course, his favorite wonton noodle soup. Today is the 3rd day of June, Yin Wenyan's birthday. Although he's been awake for a couple of hours now, he's still not done preparing the food. It is because he's been extra careful not to create unnecessary sounds that may awaken the still asleep birthday celebrant. After Yin Wenyan came to see Xu Zhengming in his bookstore, the former emperor declared something bold. He stated that since this beau pulled him back to life from Death's grip, the oh-so-great Xu-xiansheng should take responsibility. In other words, Yin Wenyan just wanted to live the rest of his life with him. Just like his brother, Yin Renshu, Yin Wenyan refused to go back to the imperial palace. According to him, he had enough of the heavy responsibilities and political matters. Well, after everything he's been through, he deserve
It's a rare sight to see Empress Yin Xiulan having a bouquet of freshly picked flowers in her left hand. And as usual, her right hand holds her fan. As bright as the sun shining up in the sky, her face doesn't have a hint of grumpiness. In fact, she isn't wearing a fierce face today. Instead, she's making an unusual happy face. Like any other traveler that finally comes home after a long journey.She's alone, walking in the deepest part of the woods. Although the weather is fair, the area is kind of dark due to huge trees that are blocking the sun rays.When she arrived at her destination, her majesty the empress crouched down in front of a small mound. It's the late Lieutenant General Liu's grave.She puts the flowers on top of it and speaks like someone really is listening to her. "It's been three years, Liu Chen. I wonder if you got into the wheel of reincarnation already." The wind blows gently, making the locks of her hair wave in the air for a short while.
After Zhao Yangguang explained what will happen to them, they immediately fled back to the imperial palace. The sect leader also emphasizes that Emperor Yin Wenyan's soul might be a little strange than he is when he's still alive. Some of these possibilities are losing his eyesight, being unable to talk, slowed comprehension, and the possibility that he still does not realize that he's already dead. Nevertheless, they must convince his soul to store itself into the soul trapping pouch that the sect leader gave them, and bring him back to Wan Moli Hua Palace. "Hana." Sect Elder Wang stands beside the sect leader. Zhao Yangguang is busy passing spiritual energy to Yin Wenyan's body. "You're doing that for a while now. Let me take over for at least a few hours." The sect leader just gives him his signature smile, giving him assurance that he's doing just fine. "I can handle this for a little longer. I'll just call for your help when I feel exhausted, is
The entire imperial palace is consumed by fire. A lot of people turned into ashes and there are still some that have yet to get burned. Sooner or later, everyone will get the brunt. And that doesn't exclude the current empress. The fire also reached Empress Dowager's Hall. Smoke is starting to fill the area within the four corners of the hall so it's already dangerous for the living. Inhaling too much smoke can kill after all. "Didi..." Empress Xue Chi strokes her little brother's hair for the last time. He's still unconscious and doesn't have a clue about what's going on. Even though her highness knows that her words wouldn't reach his brother, she still speaks to him. "Whatever happens, don't give up your life, okay? I know it would be tough for you but I know you can make it through. Live freely, don't let anyone control you, alright?" She smiles weakly. What a shame, she won't witness how will her brother grow into a fine man. She pulls hi
The cold blow of the wind sends chills to everyone's spine. The snow is falling down, an indication that the winter season has officially started. It almost seems that the weather just waited for his majesty's last breath before it decided to make the people feel its extreme cold. Although it's getting chilly, it doesn't bother Xu Zhenging at all. He's still staring at Emperor Yin Wenyan's empty container that's starting to lose its remaining warmth. The usual gentle face of his majesty remained even until the end of his last moments. In fact, he just looks like he's just sleeping soundly. However, Xu Zhengming refuses to give in and is still holding on to the little bit of hope he has. He leads his head on his majesty's heavily wounded chest, hoping for at least a weak heartbeat. He listens attentively, waited for a little while but he heard nothing. He's really gone... Leaving his regrets and unfulfilled dreams behind. Of all times, why does he have
The connection between Emperor Yin Wenyan and his sword weakens due to the failure of passing enough spiritual energy. Through the incantation that the emperor cast, his blade was occupying the deceased eunuch while he's dealing with the empress dowager. Now that the connection is slowly dying, his holy weapon falls onto the roof tiles. Anyone who'll come and see it will say that it only looks like a common sword now that it doesn't possess the majestic aura. "Your majesty...?" Xu Zhengming could only whisper in the thin air. Even though the surroundings are quite dark, the gentle moonlight that is reflected on his majesty's face enables him to recognize him. But as far as he knows, his majesty the emperor is right in front of him. He even talked to him just now. "Who's that..." The silly beau is too confused that he doesn't even know what exactly he has to ask. Although he doesn't know what's happening anymore, he felt his heart is getting unsettled.
While the vicious eunuch, empress dowager, and his majesty the emperor is matched in a death battle on the roof, underneath it has a different scene going on. Princes Yin Xiulan hurried to Yin Renshu and Xu Zhengming's side. She completely forgot her brother that is fighting to the death with the empress dowager. She even forgot her main reason for going to the empress dowager's hall: to find a way to dispel the activated array. "He's about to go berserk again!" At first glance, Princess Yin Xiulan knows it. She witnessed this before and there's no doubt about it. "What should we do? We don't have Yueguang Hua with us." Since this they didn't encounter such poison before... a poison that could turn the victims into monsters, they didn't know many ways to treat it. The spirit herb, Yueguang Hua, the cure for all medicinal plants, is the only thing that they know that could cure Xu Zhengming. Unfortunately, this flower only grows in the wild. In a place that th
Everyone is having a rough time due to this chaos that has risen. Emperor Yin Wenyan didn't have it easy as well. He can barely keep up with Eunuch Ye. Dealing with this monster for an hour or two will do but he's afraid he can't keep up for the third hour. If this continues, he will eventually get exhausted. The deceased eunuch sensed the order of the empress dowager. As her mere pawn, the creature suddenly backed off from the emperor and immediately headed out of the Union Hall. Emperor Yin Wenyan didn't see this coming. He didn't know why Eunuch Ye suddenly runs out of the hall at full speed. Of course, his majesty won't let him go just like that. He chased after him, hoping on the roof from eves to eves. He followed him closely until they reached the Empress Dowager's Hall where his sister and the empress dowager are in combat. Without any forewarnings, Eunuch Ye grabs the empress dowager on the waist and took her with him away from her opponent.
Even though it's in the middle of a chilly night, droplets of sweat are forming on the Empress Dowagers' forehead. She's hiding in a dark corner while she's concentrating the flow of her spiritual energy in her body. There's one more thing that she needs to do before this night ends. The empress dowager is trying to recreate one of the most dangerous weapons that her clan made: the Crimson Javelin. The weapon does not look too different from a normal javelin, except that it has the same color as blood, and it's very deadly. Once injured with this weapon, the victim tends to die in a short time. A poison will quickly circulate in the victim's body and when it reaches the heart, it will immediately turn the organ into an iron (literally), making it an agonizing death due to lack of oxygen. There's no remedy made for it. The javelin doesn't look special in terms of its physical form at all. In fact, it's just a long shaft with a sharp-pointed end. The main diffe