Chapter 967: Chapter 963: The End (Part 7)
The Eldest Prince tore the book in his hand into pieces, page by page, using only his right hand. His left hand hung straight down at his waist. The door was pushed open and an Imperial Physician entered, bowing his head and said, "Your Highness, this humble servant is here to change your dressing."
The Eldest Prince did not move, allowing the Imperial Physician to undo the cotton dressing on his shoulder, clean it, and reapply the medicine. He did not make any noise.
The Imperial Physician glanced at the torn paper scattered on the floor, noticeable only to him. He held his breath and quickly finished his task, then said, "Your Highness, when you are idle, you can try to move your arm slightly to aid in your recovery."
A cold stare came his way, startling the Imperial Physician. Bowing his head again, he said, "This humble servant will return tomorrow at this time to change your dressing, Your Highness. I take my leave." Not daring to say another word, he quickly retreated.
The Eldest Prince looked sideways at his arm, sweat gradually trickling down his forehead.
Yet the arm remained completely still...
With overwhelming hatred, he clenched his right fist. Fourth Master Xiao, Fourth Master Xiao... this arrow must have been his doing.
He would not let him off.
Someone lightly knocked on the door outside, three long taps and two short ones. The Eldest Prince’s eyes lit up as he stood: "Come in."
The door was pushed open and a man dressed in dark blue entered with a bow. "Your Highness, I am the Deputy Commander of the Shen Mansion Guards, ordered to visit the Eldest Prince."
"Are Mother and Grandmother well?" After all, he was just a child. Hearing news of his mother and grandmother awakened a longing. The man looked at the Eldest Prince, examining his expression and demeanor, and replied, "Everything in the capital is well. Only the Empress and Grand Dowager are concerned about Your Highness."
As if separated for years, the Eldest Prince’s eyes blurred. The man, startled, comforted him, "Your Highness, do not worry. You’re only a few days away from reaching the capital and then you will see the Empress and Grand Dowager." He paused and then asked, "How is Your Highness’s injury?" He looked at the Eldest Prince’s arm hanging to one side.
The Eldest Prince moved his gaze, swallowing his tears, and shook his head, "I’m fine. The injury has healed." But he did not truthfully reveal his condition.
The man looked carefully and calculated the time, estimating the injury should be somewhat healed. Rising to his feet, he said, "I move around often and know a bit about medicine. If permitted, let me take a look at Your Highness’s condition." As he finished, he walked over.
"No need." The Eldest Prince shook his head, this was his last line. He could not let anyone know his arm was useless.
The man’s outstretched hand hesitated. He suspiciously examined the Eldest Prince, considering his mission to ensure a clear report upon return. Failing to accurately report to the Grand Dowager would be unacceptable. After pondering, he said, "Your Highness should let me take a look, so I can inform the Empress and Grand Dowager and assure them." Quickly, he supported the Eldest Prince’s left arm.
"Get out!" The Eldest Prince shifted his body to avoid the man’s hand: "Report what I say about my injury, nothing more." His emotions were slightly agitated.
With just that action, the man discerned a clue and said, shocked, "Your Highness, your arm..."
The Eldest Prince’s expression changed drastically. He coldly stared at him, "You’ve seen me, now leave." The man clearly wished to say more, but the Eldest Prince continued, "Don’t think I won’t kill you just because you’re one of Grandmother’s people."
The man hesitated and glanced again at the Eldest Prince’s arms. After thinking it through, he stepped back, bowed with cupped fists, "Take care, Your Highness. I take my leave." And then he left.
In the palace, Xiqiu took her medicine and sleepily drifted off. Old Madam Shen went in to check on her and heard her sleep-talking, calling Min’s name. Her brows tightly furrowed as she returned to Fengwu Palace.
Xiqiu lay alone on the bed, her once rosy lips now cracked and peeling. Waiting for everyone to exit the room, she slowly opened her eyes, revealing a weary look. Turning her head to glance at the tea cup on the table, she struggled to rise but fell back weakly.
She sighed and tried again when a tea cup was handed over. She turned her head to see Nanny Mao expressionlessly holding the cup, helping her up to drink. Xiqiu was puzzled, wanting to speak but her throat was too hoarse. Nanny Mao whispered, "Don’t speak now, drink some and sleep well."
Xiqiu drank with Nanny Mao’s help and croaked out, "Thank you." Nanny Mao smiled slightly without saying anything, tucking her in before leaving.
"Grandmother." Zhi frowned, looking at the Grand Dowager lying on the bed: "When will Mother return?" Mother has been out for a day and night, why isn’t she back yet?
The Grand Dowager thought of the news of Min’s departure, then remembered Xiqiu was still at the palace, her eyes reddening. She comforted Zhi, stroking his head, "Mother has things to do. She’ll return tomorrow. Be good and stay with Grandmother, Zhi."
Zhi pouted, feeling somewhat forlorn, nodded, "Understood." He didn’t speak further about Xiqiu’s situation, hanging his head as he exited, and stood at the door looking at the Grand Dowager, "Grandmother, I’m going out to play."
"Go, but don’t wander off."
After Zhi went out, she tried to get up, calling for Ziwei, "Change my clothes, I’m going to the palace personally." Ziwei was stunned and nervously asked, "Grand Dowager, your health..."
The Grand Dowager waved her hand, "I won’t be at ease unless I go." She spoke and let Ziwei help her up to dress.
First Madam just came in, seeing the Grand Dowager dressed formally, asked, "Mother, what are you doing?" Saying this, she went to support her, "I’m not reassured with Xiqiu alone in the palace. I sent a pass to check on her."
"Mother." First Madam supported her to sit, "Second brother and his men went early yesterday. According to him, Fourth Master Xiao’s wife told them to hold off until she notified them. No one knows what Fourth Master Xiao’s wife plans, but won’t you..."
The Grand Dowager was stunned, looking at First Madam, "Did she really say that?" First Madam nodded, "The palace eunuch informed both second brother and Lord Tong, it seems genuine!"
The Grand Dowager sat back down, appearing thoughtful, looking at First Madam, "What does Miss Qiu want to do?"
"I don’t know." First Madam shook her head, "But Fourth Master Xiao’s wife has always acted prudently. She must have her reasons."
The Grand Dowager did not speak, remaining silent for a moment. Then she said, "Regardless of her intentions, quickly send someone to find out how she’s doing. I’m not soothed without knowing her situation."
First Madam agreed, "I’ll immediately send Housekeeper Hu to handle it."
Only the next day did First Madam receive news that after entering the palace, Xiqiu fell ill, sleeping for two days straight. She discussed with Xiao Yanyi, who solemnly said, "Matters at court are also being prepared. All of Shen Family’s external affairs over the years have been properly compiled, just waiting for Fourth Master Xiao’s message..." They awaited Fourth Master Xiao’s signal. The Imperial Censorate wrote a memorial accusing corruption, privately opening of salt mines, evading fisheries tax inciting fishermen’s riots, forming secret alliances, and framing loyalists, everything detailed in evidence!
