Chapter 382: Miao Chu Chapter 383: Nourishing

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Protagonist:

Song Miao

Upon hearing the news, Lu Wang feigned being bedridden with illness, unable to rise, and had his eldest son and second son go together to receive the decree.

Fearing the imperial envoy might come to inspect, he hurried back to his bedchamber and lay down, but waited for a long time without seeing anyone arrive, not even a single message; finding it strange, he sent someone to urge them on.

Yet the messenger vanished like a clay ox entering the sea, leaving no trace.

Clearly inside his own residence, yet suddenly it was as if his eyes and ears had been covered, turning him into a blind man and a deaf man.

He grew increasingly uneasy, could only hesitate, and sat up, about to speak, when he heard a clamor outside the door — without so much as a query or a knock, a squad of Imperial Guards suddenly burst in with a crash.

The guards at the door hurriedly blocked them: "This is Lu Wang Fu! How dare you barge in recklessly??"

This question was naturally laughable.

Sure enough, that squad of Imperial Guards did not even reply; weapons in hand, in a single encounter they subdued the guarding sentries, arrested them and led them out, then rushed into the inner bedchamber.

The men split into several groups, searching everywhere; the leader brought a few men to the bedside, saw Lu Wang half-lying, half-leaning, and not only did they not salute, they stepped forward together and half-pressed, half-supported him.

Lu Wang could no longer bother feigning illness.

At this moment, if he fought, he still had the strength for one strike, but he had neither retinue nor military authority; as they say, a scholar's rebellion takes three years to succeed……

He hesitated for but a breath, and before he could issue an order, the newcomers showed not a shred of fear, each one dragging him up bodily and escorting him outward.

For a while, he could not believe it, even feeling somewhat dazed.

Only when escorted outside and seeing many guards either hugging their heads squatting on the ground or bound facing the wall did Lu Wang finally regain some sense of reality.

He struggled and shouted: "Is this the Emperor's holy will? Without cause, waging war within the same room — are you not afraid of being laughed at by future generations? Treating an uncle like this, how can he have the face to speak of 'ruling the world with filial piety'?"

At Lu Wang's age, years of indulgence in wine and lust had long since depleted his constitution.

With executioners at his side, he had lost his usual composure; now shouting all the way, emotions surging, his entire face along with ears and neck flushed red with rage, clamoring noisily, blue veins bulging at forehead and neck, eyes filled with bloodshot.

Seeing the Study just ahead, many people gathered there; under countless watching eyes, he flung off the hands of those on either side and roared: "Let go, this King will walk on his own!"

And added: "I want to see just what lengths you dare go to, and what kind of heart the current Emperor truly possesses!"

At the Study entrance, many retainers and advisors had already been detained to one side; the door was open, and inside a search was clearly underway.

Hearing Lu Wang's loud denunciation, everyone turned around in unison.

"For these years, this King has followed rules in everything, been cautious in every matter, and never once defied the Court in the slightest — yet the current Emperor still cannot tolerate me; when the day comes that I enter the earth, no matter who it is, having done such a thing, how could they have the face to meet the ancestors??"

"The Retired Emperor visited the Empress Dowager in a dream; with the Imperial Palace empty, it was this King's sons who went to Huangling to guard the tomb, exerting themselves so wholeheartedly, yet this is the outcome they reap — not to mention civil and military officials, even if spread among the common people for the hundred surnames to hear, the Zhao clan would have no face — this King does not believe the Emperor would commit such an unwise, unbenevolent act……"

One must admit, Lu Wang still possessed some oratorical skill.

He stood rooted, a picture of rage attacking the heart, righteous and stern; several Imperial Guards on watch at the door involuntarily stepped a few paces into the courtyard to hear this man air his grievances, and even some Wang Fu servants showed indignation on their faces.

The lead Imperial Guard said: "Your Highness, someone has reported that you privately hide Dragon Robes and military equipment in the Wang Fu treasury……"

Lu Wang could not puff out his chest, only straining to hold his head high and shout: "Is there evidence??"

Seeing that Imperial Guard frowning, looking as if he wanted to speak yet seemed unable to, Lu Wang instantly sneered: "Mere empty slander, not a shred of proof, yet you dare search the Wang Fu? Is there no Heavenly Principle left in this world? Even if this truly is the Emperor's holy will, it must be due to deception by treacherous men; among the millions of commoners in the capital, who would accept it??"

The words "accept it" in his mouth were still soaring toward the sky when a sudden sound came from inside the room; abruptly, a man rushed out shouting: "Commander! Found it — there really is a secret chamber!"

The newcomer not only roared once; after roaring, his face was full of excitement, and he continued: "Inside there are Chuang Nu! They are Chuang Nu!!"

He repeated the term "Chuang Nu" twice.

Chuang Zi Nu is also called Chuang Niu Nu, a famous Artifact of Da Wei; rumor says it takes eight oxen to draw it, its bolts reach three li, piercing mountains and shattering walls — naturally it is prohibited military equipment.

At these words, everyone looked toward the Study; though no one dared move rashly, several retainers' faces had already turned deathly pale.

Lu Wang's "accept it" had not yet fully left his mouth; that final syllable suddenly carried a rage that had seized the upper hand, *ka-cha* stuck in his throat, blocking his windpipe with heat, his temples burning hot.

Those were matters from long ago, hidden deep; the craftsmen of that time had all been…… by rights it should not be……

He was just thinking this when he was almost dragged into the Study's inner room.

Also dragged in were the advisors and retainers just brought out of the Study, and quite a few guards.

When facing the half-dug-open wall and the four Chuang Nu placed in the cellar, the room that had been clamoring moments ago fell terrifyingly silent.

They were all old Chuang Nu from many years past, at most able to shoot seven hundred paces, but their power was sufficient; as evidence, not a flaw could be found.

Were it not for the principal's special status, even if executed on the spot right now, with a suitable pretext, there would be no subsequent investigation.

Seeing the old Chuang Nu in the inner room, Lu Wang had countless words rushing to his throat, yet every single one could not come out.

What to say?

The Study did have a few Chuang Nu, but they were all collected old ones, not true Chuang Niu Nu at all, far inferior, utterly unworthy of the name Chuang Nu! How can they be lumped together!

Say these were framed by others, that he absolutely did not hide them privately — perhaps the craftsmen secretly hid them inside long ago?

— Either way, the only witnesses are dead!

Or……

Lu Wang hesitated but an instant, then shouted: "This King knows nothing of this! This is a villain's frame-up! A villain with malicious intent slandering me! Quickly summon the Court of Judicial Review! Let Minister Qin come! Summon the Emperor to witness in person!"

He was still clamoring when a crowd rushed in hurriedly.

"Commissioner, Commissioner! The Side Hall yielded Dragon Robes! We subordinates dared not move them, have already sealed them away — Commissioner, go quickly and see!"

Soon, everyone hurried over there.

A large box had already been carried out.

Before everyone's eyes, the contents were taken out one by one, spread on the cloth-covered ground.

Inside and outside the room, clearly many people stood, yet not a sound; only the birds and insects, previously frightened silent, seeing the quiet, took the chance to chirp occasionally.

Everyone looked at the ground.

Commonly called Dragon Robes, they are actually Da Gong Mian, originally worn by the Emperor at the most crucial occasions such as enthronement and heaven-worship.

People of the time placed great importance on ritual propriety.

This court dress was extremely elaborate: twelve strings of imperial pendants hung from the crown, white jade pearls adorned the front and back, side pieces flanked it, a black head covering with cicada ornament was attached, the robe was dark with a yellow skirt, the middle garment bore axe patterns, and there were also knee coverings, a broad sash, a jade belt, and so on, not to mention the jade ceremonial sword—even the shoes were far from ordinary.

Dressing in such attire naturally took time and effort, requiring at least several years.

It was precisely for this reason that, after great difficulty completing it, Lu Wang wished to borrow its auspicious meaning on one hand, and on the other worried that sudden good fortune might leave him without a proper Da Gong Mian in the rush, causing flaws in the enthronement ceremony, so he hid them all away together.

In his own study, a secret chamber had been dug, within which were hidden a bed crossbow, court dress...

"Your Highness, this subordinate has already sent someone to summon Minister Qin of the Court of Judicial Review; he should be on his way by now. Though he has not yet arrived, I do not know where this bed crossbow and dragon robe came from? Buried so deep—could it all be a false accusation?"

Faced with the questioning from the person opposite, Lu Wang's head suddenly spun, and he did not know whether it was because the men on either side gripped his arms too tightly, making it hard even to breathe.

How to say it? How to explain? How to clear himself?

His nasal cavity felt hot, and the top of his head even hotter, as if a rush of blood surged straight to his head; his ears rang as if someone were striking a bell, buzzing once, then again, endlessly.

After what seemed the longest buzz, Lu Wang felt his eyes filled with red, as if covered by a layer of red gauze; before he could push it aside, the red gauze turned black in an instant, and he could see nothing more.

The two imperial guards holding him immediately noticed something was wrong and hurriedly called out, "Sir, His Highness has fainted!"

Just as the evidence was seized, Lu Wang fainted on the spot.

They pinched his philtrum and splashed water on him, but he did not wake.

Such a trick had been used once before, and no one believed it anymore.

Even after Eldest Sister arrived, saw the old prince drooling incessantly from the corner of his mouth, took his pulse, and gave a diagnosis of "wind illness," she dared not prescribe medicine, only saying her medical skill was lacking, and took her leave again and again; the leading guard still thought Lu Wang was faking it with some secret medicine, and hurriedly went to summon the Imperial Physician.

Only when the Imperial Physician arrived, took his pulse and administered acupuncture, seeing Lu Wang's saliva soak his collar and hair, and the bedding wet through, did the crowd believe it half, though they still harbored doubts—was it real? Was he not faking madness to save his life?

Wasn't it acted in plays? To save their lives, there were those who feigned madness and ate excrement!

But whether feigning madness or truly suffering wind illness, with the bed crossbow and court dress unearthed from Lu Wang Fu, this grand farce finally came to an end.

Lu Wang did not regain consciousness until the next morning; after waking, he could not even move his body, his eyes and mouth were skewed, his drool never ceased, and he could no longer raise his hand.

With Lu Wang fallen, the tree fell and the monkeys scattered; the rest were punished or imprisoned, and the case was handed to the Department of Corrections and the Capital Prefecture Office for joint investigation.

Wu Yuanwai, as one of the chief culprits, naturally could not escape involvement, only awaiting judgment; based on his past crimes, no matter the sentence, it would all come down to one word: death.

Though for him at this time, his throat and stomach were corroded by poison, his bowels and bladder were incontinent, even rising and walking was difficult, twelve hours a day he could not sleep, and even when he slept, his whole body ached; even if he clung to life, the pain and humiliation were known only to himself.

The fate of Lu Wang and his partisans soon became known to all.

Throughout Jingcheng, everyone discussed it, naturally all saying it was deeply satisfying; some cursed Lu Wang, some cursed Wu Yuanwai, some cursed the other lackeys of Wang Fu; some demanded their own money and property back, some innocent people took the opportunity to extricate themselves, and even the Capital Prefecture Office seized the moment to quickly reclaim the occupied streets and alleys.

Meanwhile, in Ciming Palace, Empress Dowager Yang let out a long sigh facing her inexpensive son sitting beside her.

Zhao Yu could not hide the guilt on his face, holding tea in his hands, feeling very distressed; after a long while, he could only say, "This son is useless; this time, if not for Mother..."

Empress Dowager Yang had always spoken kindly to this son and given him ample face, but this time she did not let him finish, already frowning and interrupting, saying, "Today 'useless,' tomorrow 'if not for Mother,' will you next rely on your daughter-in-law? Who is the emperor after all?"

"As for other matters, I won't meddle; Boss acting this way, you only care about reputation, and thus have such a result—your reputation sounds fine, but how many people have suffered?"

Zhao Yu felt even more ashamed and could only say, "This son knows it is all his own fault; in the future..."

Hearing this, Empress Dowager Yang was even angrier, and rarely cursed, saying, "Good temper, but you look at the place to use it! This matter is all Boss's fault; what is it to you? You like to snatch others' faults, snatch them yourself, don't come before me to say it; I find it very unpleasant to hear!"

The more she said, the angrier she became.

"You've been emperor for these years, yet you're as weak as flour paste! If it hadn't blown up, would you have taken a few juniors from Boss's house? Acting like this, how can you expect to be supported in your old age? Better to take off the yellow robe and let outsiders wear it!"

Empress Dowager Yang scolded him thoroughly and drove her son out.

Zhao Yu, scolded bloody for the first time, did not return to Funing Palace, but went instead to Chui Gong Dian, sat at the desk, and honestly reviewed memorials for half a day; only when the sky was completely dark did he set aside his brush, and besides self-reproach, he could not help but think over Empress Dowager Yang's words again and again.

He had always heard that the Empress Dowager had a strong personality, so after being brought into the palace, he was cautious and meticulous in everything, fearing he would not please her.

But she had always been courteous and generous toward him; not to mention reproach, she had not even spoken a harsh word.

Yet for some reason, the more tolerant the Empress Dowager was, the more lost and listless he became.

Even now that he was emperor, Zhao Yu still did not feel he was a true emperor, as if he were merely borrowing another's position, sitting briefly, and when the time came, he would still have to return it.

Especially as he grew older and still had no children with his wife, it was as if the nightmare had truly come true—he was in such a situation in order to return the Dragon Throne.

But today, after being scolded by Empress Dowager Yang, besides guilt, strangely, he actually felt as if his foot had stepped on solid ground.

—Actually, there was no need to care so much about reputation.

Even if criticized by others and cursed in the annals, it did not matter.

He had done his best; although he would always make mistakes, if someone else replaced him now, most likely they would not be as good or as conscientious an emperor as him; even if it were a fluke, Heaven giving him this fluke made it his.

A clear conscience was enough.

Seeing that the hour was not early, Zhao Yu slowly returned to Chun Hua Gong.

The couple exchanged a few words; seeing a bowl and cup placed beside him, he casually asked, "What is that?"

Deng Empress replied, "Sent from Ciming Palace—Mother said I have recently lacked qi and blood, and sent some things to replenish qi and blood."

Zhao Yu curiously glanced at it.

Inside was a bowl of steamed chicken pieces, with Dang Shen, goji berries, and other ingredients added; looking at it and smelling it, it was very nourishing.

To pray for children, Deng Empress had long been vegetarian; this time it was bestowed by the Empress Dowager, so she could not refuse, and had to eat it.

The following word count is not charged:

This month many things happened, but it has finally temporarily settled; because of the excessively poor updates, I currently dare not look at the comment section, very sorry to friends, I won't make promises, see you all tomorrow night~