Chapter 43: Baiting the Hook

Chapter 43: Baiting the Hook

The palace gates swung wide open, and out stepped a youth clad in bright yellow robes, his face a cold mask of composure.

Upon catching sight of Pei Yuanxi, a glint of surprise flickered in Shangxing's eyes. His sharp gaze quickly fell upon the trembling palace maid who had collapsed on the ground, and the snake coiled around her neck.

With a soft whistle, the serpent moved with extraordinary gentleness, slithering obediently to his command.

A faint figure seemed to dart past in the distance. A mocking glint flashed in his eyes, followed by a darkening of his expression. "Ignorant fool!"

He raised his head authoritatively and looked at Pei Yuanxi. "It's time for my darlings to dine. Come with me, Your Highness."

Feeling a sudden impulse, Pei Yuanxi put on an appearance of extreme fear, timidly following behind.

This palace, originally named Fangyin Palace, was known for its unique orientation that basked in the morning sun on one side while being shaded and breezy on the other, offering a serene ambiance. During the reign of the previous emperor, Fangyin Palace bustled with young and favored concubines. The palace grounds were adorned with exotic flowers and rare herbs, serving as the perfect backdrop for the amorous frolics and dalliances of the former emperor and his beloved consorts.

Upon Shangxing's ascension to the throne, he took a particular liking to this place. Not for romantic moonlit strolls, but for harboring all sorts of miscellaneous, chaotic elements. As time passed, the palace servants came to refer to it as the Palace of Ten Thousand Poisons.

Within the Poisonous Palace, venom reigns unchecked, such that not even a single bird dares to alight within a two-mile radius. Were it not for those serving within its premises, no concubine or eunuch would dare to tread its paths.

Rumor had it that the palace was infested with countless venomous creatures, even housing a Den of Ten Thousand Snakes. The emperor spent his days amidst these poisonous beings. Even though some of the palace maids might aspire to rise in status, none dared to share the emperor's bed.

Given the circumstances, the Second Miss Pei's visit could only spell danger for her.

If anything untoward happened, the maid would not be overly concerned; such an outcome would suit her purposes well. However, having witnessed the young lady being summoned into the Palace of Ten Thousand Poisons with her own eyes, she would have to report back to Lady Concubine Shen. Thus, she decided to feign fainting as a means to buy time.

When she caught sight of what appeared to be a swarm of black bugs crawling towards her, she leaped up in terror and sprinted desperately for Chengyou Palace. She cared little about potential punishment from Lady Concubine Shen at this point; preserving her life took precedence.

Scrambling along the way, half of her life seemed to drain away from her in fear.

Upon hearing this, Madam Shen panicked to the point of nearly fainting.

Lady Concubine Zeng's sharp gaze softened as she tried to reassure Madam Shen. She pointed out that despite His Majesty's youthful recklessness, he would never intentionally make things difficult for the daughter of a subject. Furthermore, she highlighted Pei Yuanxi's obedience and understanding, implying that she would not offend the emperor.

Madam Shen, however, could not shake off her mounting concerns.

Upon arriving at Fangyin Palace, they found the surroundings eerily silent. The palace gates were firmly shut, with not a single maid or eunuch in sight. Ignoring protocol, Madam Shen rushed forward and pounded on the door.

"Yuanxi, Yuanxi." Each call grew more desperate than the last.

"Your Majesty, the Imperial Grandmother is here," announced an eunuch in a loud voice.

No one responded within the hall.

Madame Shen's legs turned weak. She had heard rumors about the Emperor's fondness for breeding venomous creatures. It was beyond her imagination that Yuanxi would come here. The palace maid had mentioned that Yuanxi was headed to the Ingenious Eight-Curves Pavilion and had no choice but to pass through this area.

Madame Shen had no idea how Yuanxi knew about the pavilion or why she insisted on going there. At present, all she wished for was her daughter's safety; otherwise, she might not be able to survive this either.

"Your Majesty, my husband is Marquis Xuanping, Pei Zhi. I beg for Your Majesty's mercy and spare my daughter's life."

Empress Dowager Zeng also pleaded, "Marquis Pei has always been known for his capable governance and is highly favored by the Grand Marshal. I hope Your Majesty will show leniency to Miss Pei, considering her young age and ignorance."

Still, there was no response from within the hall as if it were empty.

Empress Dowager Zeng asked the palace maid repeatedly, who insisted that Yuanxi had been taken in by the young emperor. The maid described the venomous snake that fell from the sky and the crawling insects on the ground. Madame Shen felt a chill in her heart, and her legs turned so weak that she almost couldn't stand.

"What is that?" an eunuch exclaimed in alarm.

A swarm of objects flew out of the hall, a dark mass making a buzzing sound. These swarming black insects resembled a massive black cloud, covering the sky above their heads and weighing heavily upon them.

"Quickly... Protect Her Imperial Highness the Grand Empress Dowager!"

Amidst the chaos, Shen was pushed to one side as the palace maids and eunuchs surrounded Zeng Empress Dowager. The insects swarmed around them, filling the air with shrill cries.

Confused, Shen watched from the sidelines as the insects surrounded that area, leaving her untouched. The sight of the dense swarm made her scalp tingle, and the screams pierced her heart.

Covering her chest, she was momentarily speechless.

Who would have believed such a scene could unfold within the Tai Ling Palace, rather than in some desolate wilderness?

After half an hour, the doors to Fangyin Palace finally opened. Shangxing stretched lazily, his handsome face revealing impatience. "Who's all this commotion from? Can't I even get a moment's peace to sleep?"

With squinted eyes, he seemed to recognize Shen. "Who are you?"

Steadying herself despite her weakening body, Shen bowed. "This humble woman is Shen from Marquis Xuanping's residence. Today, I brought my daughter to the palace to pay respects to Her Imperial Highness the Grand Empress Dowager. Unintentionally, my daughter wandered into Fangyin Palace. I beg Your Majesty for mercy."

Looking astonished, Shangxing directed his gaze towards the cluster of black insects. "Who are they?"

"They are Her Imperial Highness the Grand Empress Dowager," Shen replied fearfully, inexplicably afraid of this seemingly harmless young emperor. "Your Majesty, please save Her Imperial Highness quickly."

"Today, my Poisonous Palace is indeed bustling. I didn't expect that Empress Dowager would also be so fond of such excitement despite her advanced age. No wonder my little ones are all thrilled and eagerly welcoming the guests."

These insects were affectionately referred to as 'little ones' in his mouth. Madam Shen's scalp tingled as she gazed at the swarm, feeling an icy chill settle in her chest.

Shangxing waved his hand, and a young eunuch behind him brought a fragrant small cage. The insects, drawn by the scent, rushed into the cage en masse.

Each one was incredibly docile, no longer making any noise or biting anyone. Upon closer inspection, they resembled bees, albeit much smaller and jet-black in color.

The palace maids and eunuchs dispersed, their faces covered in red rashes. Despite being surrounded, Empress Dowager Zeng was not spared from the insects' invasion, and her face was also dotted with red bumps.

Her usual composure and elegance were now disheveled, with her hair slightly undone and her clothing in disarray. The red rash covering her head and face was terrifying, utterly destroying the dignity of an Empress Dowager.

"Empress Dowager?" Shangxing was even more astonished. "Why has Empress Dowager left Chengyou Palace for some peace and quiet, only to come to me? Could it be that Empress Dowager wishes to rear some insects and snakes as well?"

With pain and itchiness on her face, Empress Dowager Zeng's gaze flickered with resentment when she saw the unharmed Madam Shen. "Your Majesty, I came here with Marquis Xuanping's wife to request the release of Miss Pei. I hope Your Majesty will show mercy on account of Lord Pei and let the second daughter of the Pei family go."

It was so itchy, she desperately wanted to scratch.

"Miss Pei, the second daughter?" Shangxing wore an expression of realization. "You're referring to the girl who disturbed my rest earlier? She's been thrown into the snake pit to feed the snakes."

Upon hearing this, Madam Shen was unable to stand steadily.

She rushed inside like a madwoman, impossible to restrain.

Empress Dowager Zeng bellowed in anger, "Madam Pei, what are you doing? You cannot be disrespectful before His Majesty. Offending the Son of Heaven is a grave offense!"

Madam Shen was deaf to all these words. She could neither hear nor see anything at that moment; her mind was solely filled with thoughts of Pei Yuanxi. She dared not dwell on the notion of a snake pit; all she wanted was to see her daughter.

She seemed oblivious to everyone around her, recklessly pushing and crashing about as if possessed. Two eunuchs struggled to hold her back. She kicked and bit like a madwoman, repeatedly calling out Yuanxi's name.

Shangxing's youthful face wore an innocent expression, "What has happened to Madam Pei?"

Empress Dowager Zeng appeared both anxious and helpless, "Your Majesty, you are unaware. That Second Miss Pei is her long-lost daughter whom she has finally reunited with. Although she was once somewhat simple-minded, she has since recovered. Her breach of etiquette is unintentional; it's all due to her concern for her daughter that she has lost her composure."

Her face was flushed with red rashes, either from anxiety or excitement. The rashes seemed to glow, and she clenched her fists in her sleeves, desperately resisting the urge to scratch her head and face.

The strain of self-restraint distorted her face terribly.

Shangxing found it hard to bear witnessing this. The usually serene and unassuming Empress Dowager had suddenly transformed into such a menacing figure, which was quite unsettling.

"Who said that I would blame Madam Pei?"

Empress Dowager Zeng was stunned. Not blaming her?

This peculiar and stubborn young man wasn't angry?

"Your Majesty truly isn't angry?" Empress Dowager Zeng asked, wishing she could rush over and shake him awake. Why wouldn't the mighty Son of Heaven be furious after being bumped into? He should be furious, ideally furious enough to make his hair stand on end and corpses float for miles.

"I'm not angry. Madam Pei's deep love for her daughter brings me comfort," Shangxing stroked his chin, pretending to be profound as he looked at Madam Shen with an approving gaze that belied his young age.

Empress Dowager Zeng seethed inwardly. Her love for her daughter brought him comfort? What nonsense! The young emperor used to have a terrible temper, and anyone who dared approach Fangyin Palace would either be injured or killed. Today, he was unexpectedly lenient. What was he up to?

"It's good that Your Majesty isn't angry. It's a pity about that Second Miss Pei. I humbly request that Your Majesty allow Madam Pei to take something back, so that a tomb can be built."

Something? That referred to the incomplete remains.

Madam Shen heard this and looked at Empress Dowager Zeng with a hopeless gaze.

A tomb?

Her daughter had merely made a routine visit to the palace; how could she suddenly end up in a grave? She stared at Concubine Zeng's moving lips, her scarlet mouth opening and closing like the maw of a predator.

No, it couldn't be.

Yuanxi would be fine.

Her daughter had suffered so much and had barely tasted a few days of happiness after finally being reunited with them. How could she die? Yuanxi was clever; she would surely find a way to turn misfortune into fortune.

Shangxing's innocent expression grew more perplexed. "What is Empress Dowager talking about? What thing? What grave? I've heard that Empress Dowager and Lady Pei have been friends for many years. How can friends wish for their friend's daughter to die? This is the first time I've heard such a thing."

Madam Shen was horrified, staring at Empress Dowager Zeng with wide eyes.

Empress Dowager Zeng wished for her daughter to die?

Empress Dowager Zeng's heart skipped a beat. "Why would His Majesty think such a thing? I am truly worried about Second Miss Pei... That child is so obedient and lovely; I adore her."

"Enough, enough. I despise you women the most, always pretending and putting on an ugly show." Shangxing scowled, his old-fashioned mannerisms showing. "I said Second Miss Pei fed the snakes, didn't I? She just fed some snakes; why are you all making a fuss?"

Fed the snakes? Not what they had imagined?

Madam Chen's heart pounded fiercely, making her feel alive again. "May I ask Your Majesty... Is my daughter feeding the snakes food?"

"Of course," Shangxing lifted his chin. "What else did you think? I aspire to be an enlightened monarch; how could I commit such cruel acts? It's fortunate that your imagination is so vivid. Empress Dowager Zeng didn't even understand what was said, almost causing me to be labeled as a ruthless ruler."

To hell with being an enlightened monarch, this brat doesn't deserve it.

Empress Dowager Zeng's face turned alternately pale and red, and the bright red rashes seemed even more prominent. Some of the palace maids and eunuchs, with less self-control, began scratching their faces and bodies.

How could this be?

Why was it this kind of snake-feeding and not that kind?

Nonetheless, she had always been one to plan multiple moves ahead.

"So it was a misunderstanding on my part," Empress Dowager Zeng spoke calmly, her demeanor regaining its usual composure, though she had momentarily forgotten her current state.

A palace maid screamed and fell to the ground, wildly scratching at her head and body. The glistening rashes oozed fluid, tinged with blood and emitting a pungent stench.

"Aaaah!"

Screams echoed in succession, and soon several more people were writhing on the ground. Empress Dowager Zeng gritted her teeth, feeling as if a thousand ants were gnawing at her face. "Your Majesty, I've been bitten too. Do you have an antidote?"

"None," Shangxing said, shrugging. "My little creatures are well-behaved and adorable. There's no need for an antidote. Who told you to scream and cause a ruckus? I can't concoct one in such a short time."

He glanced disdainfully at the eunuchs and palace maids rolling on the floor. "Don't scratch, don't say I didn't warn you. Scratching will break the rash, and once broken, it'll leave a scar that won't fade. If you don't want to ruin your appearance, endure it. Consider it a punishment for invading Fangyin Palace without permission."

At the mention of disfigurement, Empress Dowager Zeng's already pale face twisted with anger. The red rashes seemed to dance and expand in size.

Shangxing wasn't fond of giving her any leniency; he didn't like this woman. Others praised her for her simplicity, but he believed she had more tricks up her sleeve than the petals on a chrysanthemum.

She constantly invited the ladies from the Zeng family to accompany her in the palace, and each of them attempted to curry favor with him. If not for his reputation and their fear of venomous creatures, he wouldn't have had a moment's peace.

He was still just a child, wanting to be a son to his parents, not surrounded by young women.

With such a face, this woman should remain well-behaved for a while.

Empress Dowager Zeng was furious, her lungs ready to burst. The young emperor had never taken her seriously. She wasn't his birth mother or his adoptive mother, despite being the only imperial concubine in Tai Ling Palace. She knew she meant nothing to the young emperor.

Who would set insects to bite their own imperial concubine mother?

If not for his fortunate destiny, that throne in the Qinghe Hall would never have been his, even if it rotted away.

At this moment, she could no longer afford to maintain her usual composure and grace, nor concern herself with Madam Shen and her daughter. Rushing back to Chengyou Palace, she needed to see the imperial physician immediately to save face.

Shangxing observed her with a cold gaze, a mocking curl forming at the corner of his lips.

If the imperial physician were truly effective, what need would there be for him?

Madam Shen composed herself, chilled by the realization of her reckless actions. She knelt on the spot, begging the emperor to mete out punishment upon her alone, insisting that it had nothing to do with Pei Yuanxi.

Shangxing's smile was ambiguous, "The affairs of your household have reached My ears. In the past, I deemed you utterly foolish, but today, upon seeing that you still possess a measure of love for your daughter, I am moved. Considering your earnest protectiveness of your daughter just now, I hereby pardon you of any crime."

Lady Shen expressed her deepest gratitude, her tense heart easing up.

A small eunuch led Pei Yuanxi over, her every feature and limb intact and unscathed. Lady Shen, her legs weak, hurried forward to clutch onto her tightly, as if afraid that she would vanish in the blink of an eye.

She was perplexed. "Why has Mother come?"

Madam Shen shook her head, knowing that it was not the right time to voice her concerns.

With an innocent and charming look, Shangxing blinked at Pei Yuanxi. He playfully reprimanded them in a manner befitting an emperor before ordering their escort out of the palace.

Upon leaving the palace, Madam Shen almost collapsed. Once they were inside the carriage, she began to recount the events that had transpired. Her expression became nuanced when she mentioned Concubine Zeng.

Indeed, Yuanxi had fed the snakes within, but she had done so alongside Shangxing.

Fangyin Palace was lush with vegetation, and if not for the occasional venomous snakes slithering out from hidden corners or the toxic insects lurking in the undergrowth, it would have been a picturesque and elegant palace.

As she conversed with Shangxing within the hall, she noticed something crawling intermittently on the rafters overhead. Upon closer inspection, she saw numerous golden insects nesting on the gilded pillars.

Shangxing assured her that those creatures were well-behaved and wouldn't harm her. He attended to her personally, pouring tea and serving pastries with great enthusiasm. He even taught her how to feed the seemingly menacing venomous snakes.

Madam Shen assumed that she had frightened her, filled with regret.

In the previous passage, the Empress Dowager had intentionally dismissed Yuanxi, confiding in her with sincerity. The Empress Dowager mentioned that although the Marquis Changqi's residence was her natal family, the original intended match was for Yuanjun. The sudden change of the groom, coupled with Li Yi's notorious disturbance at the Marquis's residence, has left Yuanxi's reputation somewhat tarnished. If the family truly had the intention to arrange a marriage, they would have already come forward to propose. The continued silence may indicate their dissatisfaction with the marriage proposal.

She had a vague suspicion that her sister-in-law had previously been displeased with Yuanjun, and now she was likely even less satisfied with Yuanxi. A surge of determination welled up within her to compensate Yuanxi through this marriage arrangement.

Empress Dowager expressed her great affection for Yuanxi, promising that if she entered the palace, she would take good care of her. She also mentioned that she would discuss it with His Majesty, ensuring Yuanxi a position as Empress.

Frankly, she was somewhat swayed.

If she could grant Yuanxi the highest status, perhaps that would be the greatest compensation for her. Besides, there was Concubine Zeng in the palace, and she trusted that the Empress would always stand by Yuanxi's side.

However, seeing her daughter so frightened, she began to doubt her decision.

What kind of place was the palace? It had always been a ruthless arena throughout history. What kind of person was the Emperor? He was an eccentric who bred poisonous creatures and seldom bathed.

And then there was Concubine Zeng today...

"Mother, let's minimize our visits to the palace in the future," Pei Yuanxi said.

After a moment of deep thought, Shen replied, "Alright."

Just as the carriage was about to leave Palace Street, a hurried command echoed, "No entry or exit from any gate! Everyone, stay where you are!"

Shen's heart skipped a beat, instinctively grabbing onto Pei Yuanxi beside her.

The once-bustling Palace Avenue fell abruptly silent, as if not a single bird or insect dared to make a sound. There was only one person in the entire Eastern Capital City capable of such swift and decisive action - Gongye Chu. The ability to seal off all key points on a road in a short period belonged solely to Liu Wei, his loyal guard under Gongye Chu's command.

The inhabitants of the Eastern Capital City were no strangers to Gongye Chu's tactics. Upon Liu Ze, the leader of the Liu Guards, giving his command, everyone stood frozen in their places, daring not to budge.

First came the heart-stopping intrigue within the palace walls, and now this unexpected turn of events. Madam Shen's heart pounded so fiercely that it seemed to have risen to her throat. She regretted not having checked the auspicious date before stepping out today.

Her grip was so tight that Pei Yuanxi felt a slight pain.

The entire Palace Front Street was suffocating with tension, as Liu Wei and his search party moved silently and swiftly through it, diligently combing through any nook and cranny that could potentially hide someone.

"Step down!" A voice, icy-cold yet clear, echoed in front of the carriage.

Pei Yuanxi held onto Madam Shen's sweaty hand, and the mother and daughter descended the carriage as instructed.

Outside the carriage stood Gongye Chu, clad in a deep indigo robe, his figure towering and majestic. His eyebrows were like sharp blades, unsullied by blood. The chilling aura he exuded made it hard for anyone to meet his gaze, as if he were an ancient divine sword standing tall amidst the heavens.

The atmosphere was eerily silent, as if time had frozen on the street. A man selling sugar-coated haws was in the middle of retrieving one, while a woman opposite him held up her copper coins to pay. An elderly man tending to his vegetables maintained his bent posture, daring not to straighten up.

Most of them dared not lift their heads, but some couldn't resist stealing glances. If not for the flickering eyes, Pei Yuanxi might have believed she had entered some mystical world where people were frozen in place.

Pei Yuanxi didn't look at Gongye Chu as she supported Madam Shen and silently stood by the roadside.

A Liu Wei stepped forward, meticulously inspecting the marquis's carriage before gently shaking his head.

With her head lowered, a streak of dark ink color appeared in Pei Yuanxi's vision. Gongye Chu seemed to pause before them momentarily before vanishing from her sight.

She heard Madam Shen sigh in relief, secretly acknowledging that Gongye Chu was indeed terrifying. A man who had eradicated the entire Shang royal family would undoubtedly strike fear into anyone's heart.

Such a man... she really couldn't envision how he would be intertwined with her life in the future.

The entire Palace Front Street was sealed off like an iron bucket, not even a fly could escape. She had no idea whom Gongye Chu was apprehending in broad daylight, but it certainly wasn't an ordinary thief given the grand scale of the operation.

As the Liu Wei searched further away, the civilians on this side of the street breathed a collective sigh of relief. Some dared to lift their gazes, while others even found the courage to look around.

Right then, the man selling sugar-coated haws made his move.

He was incredibly swift, reaching Pei Yuanxi and her mother amidst the startled cries. Without much thought, Pei Yuanxi pushed Madam Shen aside, only to find herself in the man's grasp.

A gleaming dagger was pressed against her neck, and the surrounding Liu Wei promptly surrounded them.

At the forefront was Gongye Chu, his stern face exuding an aura of grim determination.

"Prince Cheng, it's been a long time."

"Duke Yan, we meet again."

The man selling sugar-coated haws was none other than the former heir of Duke Yan's estate, Cheng Yu.

Back then, the Duke Yan's residence was a place of great prestige, and Cheng Yu was a charming, debonair young noble amidst the chaos of the world. Some dared to sneak curious glances, only to find that this Prince Cheng was not particularly handsome, and even carried a hint of unattractiveness.

Cheng Yu dared to show up in the Eastern Capital City, naturally, he had disguised himself.

"I never would have thought that the ruthless Grand Commander would also cherish beauty," Cheng Yu's dagger tightened in his hand, its sharp tip almost piercing through Pei Yuanxi's skin.

Pei Yuanxi recalled how Gongye Chu had deliberately allowed her and her mother to alight from their carriage earlier and paused in front of them for a moment. She now understood his motive - he was using her as bait to lure Prince Cheng out.

Recalling the future the young emperor had mentioned, she felt a mix of anger and absurdity.

There was no way she could ever fall in love with this despicable man.

She swore an oath!