Chapter 18

Chapter 18

Not long after I returned to Huayang Temple, the guards came back.

My wet nurse, caught between anger and amusement, relayed the guard captain’s report: Jinzhu had gone to find Cao Mingyu and given her a severe lashing with a horsewhip.

I couldn’t help but chuckle.

I knew she was venting her frustration on my behalf because Cao Mingyu had plotted against me, but doing so was far too damaging to her reputation as a lady.

I had the wet nurse take some vegetarian snacks from the temple to Jinzhu, and I also tucked a copy of the Records of the Grand Historian into the package.

If one wants to harm others effectively, one really ought to read more!

In the twelfth lunar month, the snow fell in swirling flurries.

Father Emperor took Li Chun to the hunting grounds for the winter hunt. They had left in high spirits, but when they returned, the entire group was dejected.

I heard the terrible news: the Second Prince had died at the hunting grounds.

He had been shot in the back with an arrow. When he died, his neck was twisted as he looked backward, his face frozen in a look of pure shock.

No one knew who had shot him.

Father Emperor was beyond furious and ordered a thorough investigation.

I rushed back to the palace, only to find it draped in the white silk of mourning.

The Second Prince was only thirteen, a boy who had just grown into a tall youth; lying in the coffin, one could still see the youthful innocence in his face.

The Second Prince’s Mother Consort was wailing herself hoarse, her eyes frequently darting toward Consort Chen with a look of pure hatred.

Consort Chen was extremely annoyed, yet she didn’t dare lash out. Instead, she put on a timely display of grief, using a handkerchief to rub her eyes until they were red, though no tears fell.

I hurriedly looked toward Mother Empress.

Mother Empress shook her head solemnly, signaling that she didn’t know who the killer was, though her gaze also drifted lightly over Consort Chen.

I closed my eyes briefly, a wave of towering rage surging in my heart. I immediately lifted the hem of my Taoist robe and ran toward the Imperial Study.

I had to see Father Emperor. I had to ask him who killed my younger brother.

Just as I reached the Imperial Study, I was anxiously blocked by the head eunuch.

From inside, I heard the sharp *crack* of a slap.

Father Emperor roared, “Are you even human? Did you let the dogs eat everything you learned from your books? You animal!”

“Father Emperor, your son truly didn’t mean it! I was trying to shoot that deer, but who knew Second Brother would run out? Father Emperor, please beat your son to death. I don’t want to live anymore either!”

There was a loud *thud*.

“Someone come quickly! Summon the imperial physicians! Hurry!”

I ran inside and saw Li Chun with blood on his forehead, having knocked himself unconscious against the floor.

And my usually majestic Father Emperor was pressing his hand against Li Chun’s wound. Blood quickly stained his fingers. He looked utterly dazed, and when he saw me, tears glistened in the corners of his eyes…