Chapter 101: Wanting Big Brother to Dote on Him More

Chapter 101: Longing for Brother to Pamper Him More

Starting from the first day Luo Yunchen left the capital, he wrote one letter every day. When sending victory reports, he included all the letters he had written.

Su Zheng finished reading them one by one and couldn't help chuckling, shook his head, and set the letters down. A certain figure appeared in his mind, and a tender smile touched his lips.

Spreading the letters on his lap, Su Zheng asked the system: "system, has Luo Yunchen's darkening value still not changed?"

"Yes, host. Since a year ago, it has remained steady at ten percent and hasn't budged. Even when the male lead has emotional ups and downs, the darkening value doesn't shift."

Bending his index finger, Su Zheng lightly tapped his middle finger, as if pondering something.

After a moment, he asked: "system, do you want the male lead's darkening value to decrease?"

"Of course!"

"Then do as I say and cooperate with me as much as you can."

"What ideas do you have, host? I'll definitely cooperate with anything I can!"

Within half a month, news of a decisive victory arrived from the border. The army was to return victorious in a few days.

Su Zheng went to the Eastern Palace in casual clothes, with Xu Mo following closely behind, while the Shadow Guard secretly kept watch.

Xu Mo secretly observed Su Zheng's back, sensing that the emperor had been different lately.

Upon closer inspection, it seemed his clothes were a bit loose.

Had the emperor lost weight? That couldn't be—the emperor's diet was the same as before, if anything, it had increased!

Could it be worry about his master? At night, the emperor didn't allow anyone to keep vigil in the bedchamber, so he couldn't be sure if the emperor had rested well.

And during the day, the emperor had to handle state affairs—could his health hold up?

Entering the Eastern Palace, Su Zheng sent the others to wait outside, only allowing Xu Mo to follow him into the study.

Su Zheng took out a blank imperial decree with the seal already stamped from his sleeve. After having Xu Mo grind the ink, he picked up the brush and wrote the decree.

Though Xu Mo found it strange, he didn't look too closely. After grinding the ink, he tactfully stepped aside without asking questions.

Su Zheng blew on the writing to dry it, let it air, and after confirming it wouldn't smudge, rolled up the decree and hid it. Then he said to Xu Mo: "Did you remember where it is?"

Xu Mo nodded: "Yes."

"When the time comes, take it out and read the decree."

Xu Mo was puzzled: "When?"

"You'll know when the time is right." Without further explanation, he casually pointed to a few books on the shelf. "Take these books and return to the Hall of Mental Cultivation."

Back at the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Xu Mo couldn't help but say with concern: "Your Majesty hasn't had your pulse checked in a while. Should I summon the imperial physician to take your pulse?"

Su Zheng paused, hesitated for a moment, then nodded: "Call the physician."

The physician was summoned quickly and took Su Zheng's pulse. However, as he felt the pulse, his brow furrowed deeper and his expression grew more serious. He took a long time before releasing his hand.

Xu Mo had a bad feeling and urged: "Physician, how is it? Is His Majesty's health alright?"

The physician finally let go of his hand, but bowed and said: "Your Majesty, I... I am not skilled enough. It would be better to call more physicians to take Your Majesty's pulse together."

Xu Mo grew anxious and was about to say something, but Su Zheng raised a hand to stop him.

Su Zheng said calmly: "No need to trouble yourselves. I know my own body well. I was poisoned long ago by Lady Shen with a slow-acting toxin. The poison accumulated deeply. Though it has been neutralized, the damage to my body is done and cannot be repaired. I seemed fine before because of good rest, but now, with the exertion, the accumulated injuries have been triggered."

Xu Mo's eyes widened in shock, and he stammered: "How... how could this be? Your Majesty, rest well and let the physicians treat you. You'll recover..."

Su Zheng shook his head: "It's too late. Physician, how many days do I have left? Speak plainly. I absolve you of any blame."

The physician hurriedly knelt and kowtowed, stammering: "To... to answer Your Majesty, there are... two days left..."

Xu Mo couldn't believe it: "How is that possible? Your Majesty, you seem fine now..."

"It's just an illusion."

Two days later.

Outside the capital, several galloping horses sped past, raising a cloud of dust.

"Master, the capital is ahead."

"Mm. Find a nearby inn in the city and rest first." Having left the main army and ridden ahead, he had barely rested. He must be dirty and smelly now—he needed to wash up before meeting his brother!

"Master, should we find a doctor to re-bandage your wounds?"

"No need." Pausing, Luo Yunchen changed his mind: "Actually, call a doctor."

Even though he greatly missed his brother's pampering, he didn't want to scare him. Better to reveal things bit by bit and let his brother pamper him several times!

Hall of Mental Cultivation.

A gaunt Su Zheng lay listlessly on the bed, eyelids half-closed, too weak to keep them open. His voice was soft and feeble: "Have you all clearly understood what I just instructed?"

Xu Mo and several high-ranking ministers knelt before the bed, their expressions mournful. They kowtowed and said in unison: "We (your subordinates) understand."

"All of you understand the principle that water can carry a boat but also overturn it. To govern the world, the people come first. He has the ability to protect Dayin's land and bring blessings to the common people. You all must support him well..."

Su Zheng's voice grew softer and softer until his eyes slowly closed, and his pale lips never moved again.

Xu Mo slowly walked to the bedside, reached out to check Su Zheng's breathing. His fingers trembled slightly, then he clenched his fist. Turning to the ministers, he shook his head, his voice hoarse and low: "His Majesty instructed that no announcement be made. Everything awaits General Luo's return for his decision. As for the court sessions over the next two days..."

Before Xu Mo could finish, a startled cry came from outside the hall: "General Luo?!"

Then, voices seemed to exchange between the imperial guards outside.

Xu Mo was taken aback, then realizing something, strode quickly toward the hall entrance.

Before he could step outside, Luo Yunchen had already entered with long strides, looking somewhat displeased: "The emperor doesn't allow anyone near?"

Xu Mo wondered if the person outside was his master, but seeing Luo Yunchen enter was still shocking.

After a brief daze, he heard his master's question and quickly knelt on one knee: "Master."

"What is the emperor doing?" Luo Yunchen's tone was impatient and urgent. Without waiting for Xu Mo's reply, he headed straight for the inner chamber.

Xu Mo hurriedly rose and followed: "Master, I have something to report!"

Luo Yunchen paid no attention. Entering the inner chamber, he didn't see the person he wanted to see but instead found several ministers. He paused briefly.

Xu Mo finally caught up and stopped in front of Luo Yunchen, saying: "Master, the emperor... the emperor has passed away!"

Luo Yunchen stopped in his tracks, finally shifting his gaze to Xu Mo. After a moment, he let out a cold laugh, chilling to the bone: "Captain Xu, have I been too easygoing lately, that you dare say such things to me?"