Chapter 194: A Hard Battle

A Hard Battle

Empress Duan was truly angry. The sharpness she had previously tried to conceal was now completely exposed. Seeing this, the people around couldn't help but gasp, and then a few young eunuchs carefully carried a stretcher out from behind the crowd.

The young eunuchs held their breath and focused. At that moment, as the person was being carried out, Empress Duan narrowed her eyes and glanced aside.

"Put it down!"

"Yes."

She answered respectfully, and the young eunuchs carefully set the stretcher down and slipped away quietly. At that moment, Zhang Guifei, who had been standing still, slightly furrowed her brows, narrowed her eyes to look over, and the instant she saw everything before her, she was instantly frightened in her heart.

It turned out that on the stretcher before them lay a man in disheveled clothing… his deep‑blue embroidered gold dragon robe was dirty and torn, barely recognizable. His hair was a mess, and the golden dragon‑crowned headdress wobbled precariously, as if a gust of wind would knock it off. His left eye was a bruised purple, his right eye swollen red like a steamed bun, his nasal bridge was streaked with blood, clearly broken, and the corner of his mouth beneath the nose was also smeared with obvious blood…

At the same time, looking down from his face, one arm rested on his chest while the other hung weakly and oddly at his side… it seemed not broken, but injured!

Thus, looking at the man before them, if Empress Duan had not explained beforehand, Zhang Guifei would not have recognized him as the Crown Prince Yin Fenghan, who had always been most concerned about his appearance.

Therefore, the more she examined him, the deeper Zhang Guifei's heart sank at that moment. After all, although she had heard Nie Jinxuan's words before, she could never have imagined that Yin Fengzhan would resort to such a ruthless act! So she couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

Alas, this child. He strikes too ruthlessly! He's trying to beat Yin Fenghan to death! No wonder Duan Yuechan is so angry; even if it were me, I'd be furious as well!

She thought that in her heart, but Zhang Guifei's face remained impassive. After appraising the unconscious Yin Fenghan before her, a flash of sharp light appeared in her eyes, and she suddenly stepped back as if startled, shouting

"Heavens! What's happening? How could His Highness the Crown Prince be injured like this?"

Zhang Guifei turned pale with shock. Seeing this, Empress Duan gave a cold smile.

"How could he be injured like this?! Zhang Guifei, are you asking me? Isn't it all the good deeds of your dear nephew?!"

"Uh… nephew?! Empress, are you talking about Zhan'er?"

"Who else but him?!"

"No, no, that can't be… Empress, could you be mistaken? Though Zhan'er is quiet, he's not a solemn, serious person; why would he suddenly strike anyone? Moreover, he struck the Crown Prince… that's impossible…"

"So, Zhang Guifei, are you accusing me of lying to you?"

Without thinking, she blocked Zhang Guifei with a sentence. As soon as the words fell, Empress Duan's expression darkened instantly, and she stepped forward to stand before Zhang Guifei.

"Zhang Guifei, stop pretending to be clueless! I know Yin Fengzhan is hiding in your palace, so you'd better hand him over immediately. Otherwise…"

At this point, Empress Duan narrowed her eyes slightly. Hearing this, Zhang Guifei feigned a momentary confusion, then replied

"Otherwise… otherwise what?"

"Hmph! You should know how!"

Staring straight at Zhang Guifei, Empress Duan lowered her voice and spoke each word deliberately. The sharpness in her eyes and the cruelty in her words sent a chill down everyone's spine.

Upon hearing that, Zhang Guifei only flashed her eyes and the corner of her mouth twitched slightly.

Zhang Guifei said nothing, merely standing there in silence. For a moment, the vast courtyard of Yongxin Palace was unusually quiet. No one dared speak, not even a breath was dared.

Time passed, and soon, the previously unmoving Zhang Guifei's eye corner twitched, and she immediately furrowed her brows.

"Empress, I truly do not understand your meaning, but given the current situation, shouldn't we first have the imperial physician examine His Highness the Crown Prince? If this delays, it will be troublesome… Xiao Shunzi, hurry and fetch someone from the imperial medical office…"

"No need!"

Zhang Guifei continued issuing orders. But before she could finish, Empress Duan cut her off.

"Zhang Guifei, matters concerning the Crown Prince are at my discretion; you have no say! The task I demand from you right now is to hand over Yin Fengzhan immediately!"

"Empress, you…"

Empress Duan's dominance made Zhang Guifei's complexion turn cold as well. At that moment, a deep voice suddenly rang out

"I, the King, am here; if the Empress has any business, address it directly to me—no need to trouble the noble consort!"

……

It was Yin Fengzhan speaking. As soon as his words finished, Yin Fengzhan strode out of the side hall.

Yin Fengzhan's complexion was as cold and placid as ever, his body clad in a crimson‑purple embroidered gold python robe that shimmered dazzlingly in the sunlight, and his composed aura and bearing were like a celestial deity descending, causing everyone to hold their breath.

At this moment, seeing Yin Fengzhan emerge, Zhang Guifei couldn't help but furrow her brows, though she said nothing. Empress Duan, however, upon seeing him appear, suddenly wore an indescribable feral and sinister expression.

"Prince Chen truly has guts, daring to strike even the Crown Prince! I wonder what else Prince Chen wouldn't dare to do?"

Empress Duan's expression was terrifyingly grim. Yet, hearing this, Yin Fengzhan simply stared at her quietly, then whispered

"He should be beaten!"

"What did you say?!"

"He should be beaten!"

"You…"

Her eyes flashed with sudden fury; Empress Duan never expected that, with the facts laid bare, Yin Fengzhan would still dare say that, leaving her speechless with anger. At that moment, the unconscious Yin Fenghan on the stretcher let out a faint whimper.

"…hm…"

Yin Fenghan's whimper was soft, but in the silent courtyard it was clearly audible. Empress Duan quickly bent down and grasped Yin Fenghan's hand.

"Han'er, how are you? Can you hear Mother speak?"

"Um…"

Clearly, Yin Fenghan was now somewhat conscious. He stammered again, then slowly opened his eyes… but the instant he did, his body twitched, and he extended his uninjured left hand, pointing straight ahead.

"You… you…"

Like a dying patient, Yin Fenghan glared ferociously. Before he could say more, he fainted again!

Following the direction of Yin Fenghan's finger, they indeed saw the cold‑composed face of Yin Fengzhan!

Seeing this, Empress Duan's blood surged again. She sprang to her feet, and noticing the unfavorable situation, Zhang Guifei stepped forward and said

"Ah, Empress, we should summon the imperial physician quickly, or else something will go wrong… Xiao Shunzi, Xiao Shunzi, why are you standing there like a fool? Hurry up and go! Hey…"

Zhang Guifei tried to divert Empress Duan's attention, but upon hearing that, Empress Duan instantly turned and glared at her.

"Imperial physician?! Hmph, Zhang Guifei, don't think I don't know your intentions. Trying to bring the physician in to cover up Prince Chen, are you? Let me tell you, without my permission, no one may move here!"

"Uh… Empress, I didn't mean that, look…"

"Silence!"

But...

This palace told you to shut your mouth, did you hear?!

Infuriated by Zhang Guifei's provocation, Empress Duan stepped forward at this point and raised her hand to slap Zhang Guifei's cheek!

Empress Duan's strike was both fierce and hurried! Seeing this, Zhang Guifei seemed startled, yet she stood there frozen, showing no reaction, merely hiding the corner of her lips as a fleeting, almost imperceptible smile crossed them……

Zhang Guifei has never been as weak and simple as she appears! Otherwise, how could she have survived to this day in a palace that devours people without spitting bones? Even holding her own against Empress Duan, who has family backing, until now?!

But who would have thought that, just as Empress Duan raised her hand to slap Zhang Guifei's face, someone suddenly grabbed her wrist! Empress Duan startled, turned her head, and met Yin Fengzhan's icy, solemn gaze.

……Yin Fengzhan! You dare……

Empress, please conduct yourself properly!

What?! You……

Empress Duan's face turned livid with anger. For a moment, the tense atmosphere in the courtyard rose to its peak, even Zhang Guifei nearby couldn't help but sink into a solemn expression. Yet no one knew how to break the deadlock before them!

The courtyard fell silent as the grave. Yin Fengzhan's face was grim, yet he showed no sign of yielding. But just then, as everyone held their breath and focused on the scene before them, a sharp, thin voice suddenly came from outside.

His Majesty the Emperor has arrived!

Emperor Shuncheng has arrived.

Hearing this, Yin Fengzhan finally released his grip, whereupon everyone stepped aside, and then they saw Emperor Shuncheng stride in from outside.

Emperor Shuncheng was dressed in casual attire, clearly having rushed here upon hearing the news. At this moment, as he strode to the center of the courtyard, he first glanced at the stretcher where Crown Prince Yin Fenghan lay unconscious, then his eyes narrowed, and he swept his gaze over each person present.

Emperor Shuncheng did not speak immediately, and everyone, frightened, dared not utter a sound. At that moment, Empress Duan suddenly stepped forward and fell to her knees before him with a thud.

Your Majesty, you must seek justice for the Crown Prince! Prince Chen assaulted him without cause, beating him into this state; Your Majesty, you cannot let Prince Chen run amok unchecked……sob sob……

Empress Duan cried out at the top of her lungs, abandoning all decorum, tears and wails pouring forth. Upon hearing this, Emperor Shuncheng couldn't help but frown, then turned his gaze directly to Yin Fengzhan.

Old Four, did you do the hitting?

Yes!

What happened?

He deserved it!

Even facing Emperor Shuncheng, Yin Fengzhan remained icy and composed. But as soon as his words fell, Empress Duan immediately burst into wails again.

Your Majesty, please listen, please listen…… Prince Chen is utterly lawless. He beat the Crown Prince into this state and still says he deserved it! Even if the Crown Prince had committed a grave offense, one couldn't just say 'strike and strike'! And he did it right here in the imperial palace—where is the law anymore……

Yes, Your Majesty, no matter what the matter, Prince Chen cannot lay hands on the Crown Prince. If there's an issue, just talk it out! Besides, even if one strikes, there must be limits—look at the Crown Prince now…… this…… this breaks my heart to see! Prince Chen is clearly trying to beat the Crown Prince to death! Your Majesty, I also implore you to punish Prince Chen severely; otherwise, Dong Ling truly will have no rule of law left!

Empress Duan wept uncontrollably, whereupon Consort Li behind her also fell to her knees and began to speak. Upon hearing this, Emperor Shuncheng's expression indeed changed, then he turned his stare to Yin Fengzhan and shouted.

Kneel at once!

Clearly, Emperor Shuncheng was also somewhat angered. After all, the matter at hand is indeed Prince Chen's fault. After all, the Crown Prince remains the Crown Prince, and Prince Chen openly beating him thus in the palace is indefensible. Even if we concede ten thousand steps, even if Emperor Shuncheng wished to favor him, there would be nothing he could do.

Immediately, Yin Fengzhan knelt as well, though his face remained expressionless. Seeing the situation deteriorate, Zhang Guifei hastily knelt and said.

Your Majesty, Your Majesty, please quell your anger. Your Majesty, please hear my humble words!

What? Are you pleading for this beast before Me?

Emperor Shuncheng's voice carried gloom, his dark eyes revealing obvious anger. Upon hearing this, Zhang Guifei also trembled involuntarily, but then lowered her head and spoke softly.

Your Majesty, I am not pleading for Consort Chen. But there is something I must say…… Your Majesty, Consort Chen striking the Crown Prince was indeed wrong. Yet Your Majesty, you know best what Consort Chen's nature has been since childhood—could you really think he is the sort who lashes out at the slightest displeasure?

You mean…… what did the Crown Prince do to provoke him into striking?

Yin Fengzhan's temperament, Emperor Shuncheng certainly knows. And precisely because he knows, Emperor Shuncheng did not, at the outset, simply have him bound. Now, hearing that Emperor Shuncheng has taken this to heart, Zhang Guifei promptly added.

Yes, Your Majesty. Furthermore, as I know, the Crown Prince indeed committed an excessive act, causing Consort Chen to lash out in a moment of anger……

Hold your tongue!

Zhang Guifei intended to speak of Nie Jinxuan's matter, but before she could finish, Empress Duan beside her loudly cut her off.

Zhang Guifei, even if you are shielding Prince Chen, that's one thing—but don't sling filth at the Crown Prince!

Having rebuked Zhang Guifei with that, Empress Duan lifted her gaze to Emperor Shuncheng.

Your Majesty, I know that the Crown Prince may at times be rash, yet he never matches Prince Chen's steadiness; from childhood he has never done anything excessive. And today, within these palace walls, Your Majesty, consider what tremendous deed the Crown Prince could have done to provoke Prince Chen into such a massive show of force?!

Furthermore, just as Consort Li said, even if the Crown Prince truly erred, Prince Chen forgets that he is his elder brother; a mistake warrants a few words, or at worst a light strike. But Your Majesty, look—the Crown Prince's right arm is broken, who knows what will become of him, his face is battered thus, his nasal bridge collapsed—if not discovered in time, he would surely have gone to meet King Yama by now……

Moreover, Your Majesty, even if the Crown Prince had other faults, he remains the Crown Prince—your personally chosen heir to the throne. Yet Prince Chen, right here in the palace, has beaten him into this state! To speak lightly is to disregard the Crown Prince; to speak greatly is to disregard Your Majesty. Who knows what Prince Chen might yet do……sob sob……

What Empress Duan said sounded reasonable, but in fact she was plainly telling Emperor Shuncheng that if he lets this matter slide today, Prince Chen will dare to rebel in the future!

Thus, upon hearing this, Zhang Guifei's face beside her turned pale at once. And Emperor Shuncheng, who had been about to inquire into the details, also shifted his countenance slightly, then turned his gaze to Yin Fengzhan.

Old Four, it seems I've been too good to you in daily life, hasn't that been the case?

As he spoke these words, Emperor Shuncheng's face grew grim, a faint killing intent flickering in his depths. Seeing this, Zhang Guifei immediately prostrated herself before him and wept as she spoke.

Your Majesty, you……

You too, hold your tongue for Me!

One sentence cut off Zhang Guifei, whereupon Emperor Shuncheng raised his voice and declared.

Guards, seize Prince Chen and drag him away to receive fifty blows of the heavy board!

Fifty blows of the heavy board is no laughing matter—if they were actually delivered, one would not die but be crippled! At that moment, as Emperor Shuncheng's words fell, several guards strode in and moved to seize Yin Fengzhan……

Seeing this, Zhang Guifei also grew anxious. But just then, a clear, bright voice suddenly rang out.

Your Majesty, please wait, this subject has something to say!

That voice was most timely. Hearing it, everyone present startled, turned their heads, and saw a woman emerge from the side hall.

……

That woman was slender and graceful in bearing; at a glance one knew it was Nie Jinxuan. Only, at this moment her face was covered with a veil.

At this sight of Nie Jinxuan emerging, Empress Duan's eyes flashed with a dark glint, while Zhang Guifei let out a breath of relief—yet the only one displeased was Yin Fengzhan, held by the guards, who furrowed his brows.

All around was silent as the grave. Seeing Nie Jinxuan present as well, Emperor Shuncheng, whose expression had been grim, seemed to recall something in an instant, and then spoke softly.

Nie Jinxuan, it's you again! What, do you also want to stick your finger in this pie today? But don't forget, though I value you, you must not rely on favor and grow arrogant!

I know, but today's matter isn't that I want to interfere; it originally arose because of me!

What do you mean?

He narrowed his eyes slightly, Emperor Shuncheng sized up Nie Jinxuan on his own, and at that moment, Nie Jinxuan slightly raised her head and then directly met Emperor Shuncheng's gaze.

Your Majesty, I will explain. After I finish, if Your Majesty still thinks Prince Chen is wrong, I will accept death or injury without hesitation! But before I explain, please have Your Majesty dismiss those unrelated persons.

First watch uploaded, more to come.