Chapter 129: An Imminent Threat

Chapter 129: An Imminent Threat

"Spring Bud, find out if Lu Song has been released from prison."

Having figured out the crux of the matter, Su Youyue gave her instructions.

A look of surprise crossed Spring Bud's face. "Miss, how could Lu Song be released? He is now powerless and without influence; I heard just the other day that he was to be exiled..."

Su Youyue waved her hand. "Just go and find out."

Spring Bud asked no further questions upon hearing this and immediately left. In less than the time it took for an incense stick to burn, she returned, her face showing some anxiety. "Miss, I've found out that Lu Song was released yesterday afternoon. It seems someone in the palace spoke up... but we don't know who saved him."

The Lu family must have somehow attached themselves to another noble benefactor who helped them.

If so, wouldn't their patron be at odds with our own Miss again?

Su Youyue pulled at her lips in a nonchalant manner. "I understand. Don't worry; that person won't intervene on behalf of the Lu family again."

Though Spring Bud was puzzled, she knew her Miss had her reasons. She didn't offer any explanations, so Spring Bud didn't ask further, trusting her implicitly.

Knowing that Lu Wen was acting based on what he remembered from his previous life, Su Youyue wasn't anxious.

Lu Wen never paid attention to his studies in his past life; the little knowledge he had wasn't enough to write an essay, let alone understand court affairs. He knew about the Third Princess because it was a popular topic among the common folk.

But even Su Youyue herself knew very little about how Baili Hongxuan regained his position as Crown Prince and became Emperor. Lu Wen knew even less.

He was only a three-year-old child now, and the Second Prince was under house arrest. There was no way he could meet the Second Prince.

With this thought, Su Youyue felt less worried.

She had put in so much effort on Xie Yuan and the deposed Crown Prince. If they couldn't rise again like in her previous life, she would cry in frustration.

Now that Noble Consort Qiu was dead, Chancellor Qiu had fallen from power, and the Second Prince was under house arrest, it was time for the deposed Crown Prince Baili Hongxuan and Xie Yuan to exert their influence in the court. The rest were things beyond her control.

All she could do was pray silently that Xie Yuan would succeed.

"Miss, can the Third Princess not force a marriage with Grandfather anymore?" Jin'er thought of something that delighted her. She had truly been worried that the Third Princess would insist on marrying into their household today. How could their Miss have a good life then?

Su Youyue nodded slightly. Her father would never marry the Third Princess. Knowing her father, he would rather resign from his post than marry her.

However, the Third Princess certainly had no interest in marrying into the Su family now.

When the Third Princess arrived earlier, Grandmother was still resting and had no idea what happened in the front courtyard. By now, she must have learned of it.

"Jin'er, later, inform Grandmother and tell her not to worry."

After sending Jin'er away, Su Youyue placed the jade chess piece onto the inkstone chessboard, looking at the already arranged game. Finally, she stopped her hand.

On the chessboard, the jade pieces were smooth and tranquil, yet the game was a fierce and imminent killing move!

The night was surging.

The majestic palace was brightly lit, yet almost swallowed by the pitch-black night.

The eunuchs' footsteps were lighter than those of a night cat, each step taken with utmost caution, as if walking on thin ice.

After meeting with several ministers, the emperor in his bright yellow robes seemed extremely exhausted. Halfway through, his steps suddenly stumbled.

"Your Majesty!" Eunuch Fu quickly supported him.

Emperor Baili Chengping, who had been by his side for many years, had no airs. He waved his hand, signaling that he was fine.

But when he tried to walk forward, his body felt weak again, and he struggled to catch his breath. It was as if he were an old, withered tree, devoid of vitality, his limbs dry and lifeless.

So he allowed Eunuch Fu to support him as they walked. "Eunuch Fu, am I getting old?"

"Your Majesty is the true dragon emperor, how could you grow old? Today, you're just upset," Eunuch Fu flattered hastily.

In the past, if Eunuch Fu praised him like this, the emperor would have scolded him, but today, he couldn't help but smile. However, he seemed truly exhausted and shook his head. "Don't try to placate me with those words. I know my limits..."

As he spoke, he stopped and looked at the dimly lit depths of the palace, then asked, "Eunuch Fu, should I proceed with the blood test to verify kinship?"

Eunuch Fu's expression was cautious. "This..."

It seemed he was deliberating whether to answer.

The emperor, however, was well aware of his old fox's nature. "What are you afraid of? Say what you think. You've been with me for over thirty years; I won't punish you. Even if I precede you in death, I'll ensure you have a peaceful old age."

Eunuch Fu sighed before speaking. "This servant believes that regardless of whether Your Majesty proceeds with the blood test or not, you have been blameless toward them these years. If there's fault, it lies with them, not Your Majesty. As the Son of Heaven, you may owe the world, but no one in the world can owe you."

Upon hearing this, the emperor's expression softened, deep in thought.

After a moment, he pondered, "Very well. If I don't proceed, I will always feel uneasy. Eunuch Fu, summon them."

In the darkness, a glint passed through Eunuch Fu's eyes as he promptly agreed.

Under the thick night, Eunuch Fu carried a lantern, weaving through the palace to personally prepare for the blood test.

Passing by a palace wall, he noticed an inconspicuous mark in the corner. Waving his hand, he said he needed to use the restroom and instructed the other eunuchs to go ahead.

A short while later, he reached behind the palace wall.

"Third Master Xie." Eunuch Fu called out softly, his eyes showing more respect.

The man's figure was almost indistinguishable from the darkness. Hearing the voice, he lifted his deep gaze, stepped forward, and handed something to Eunuch Fu.

"It's troubling you, Eunuch."

Eunuch Fu accepted the item, smiling. "We're all working for His Highness; there's no need to mention trouble. But I must ask Third Master to convey a message for this old servant... His Majesty's health cannot last much longer. His Highness must act immediately."

The man curled his lips. "I'll inform His Highness tonight, but I must ask the eunuch to hold off on the medicine for a few more days, prolonging his life."

Having said that, he swiftly vanished back into the night as if he had never appeared.

Eunuch Fu, however, lingered, gazing in the direction he had departed.

Young Master Xie the Third is seeking personal vengeance for his father and brother.

A profoundly deep smile crept across Eunuch Fu's face. Your Majesty, blame your own lack of affection and mercy, yet not thorough enough to eliminate all traces, leaving Young Master Xie the Third and this old slave...

But he quickly schooled his expression, falling back into step with the other eunuchs.

Upon arriving at Qingyun Palace, he found that the three princes and princesses under Consort Qiu's care had already gathered.

As soon as they saw Eunuch Fu enter, their expressions remarkably synchronized, all eyes fixated on him and the items carried by the eunuch trailing behind him.