Into The Cold Palace — Song Ruhao
Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen arrived at the mountain, where chaos had already ensued. With their exceptional lightness skills, they quickly searched the entire bandit stronghold but couldn’t find the five individuals described by A Fei.
Huangfu Yuchen muttered to himself, “Could there really be a tunnel?”
Yan Ge covered his nose and exclaimed loudly, “Damn it! The five leaders have escaped through the tunnel!”
Huangfu Yuchen: “…”
“What?” The bandits were startled, and a few of them quickly ran in the same direction.
Yan Ge gave a smile to Huangfu Yuchen and pulled him to follow.
They arrived at an inconspicuous wooden house and watched as one of the bandits turned an unremarkable flower pot. Suddenly, the wooden cabinet against the wall shifted aside, revealing an entrance to an underground tunnel.
Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen swiftly moved out, leaping down the tunnel. The passage was wide and high, evidently prepared for a large-scale retreat. The sound of footsteps in a distance confirmed their suspicion that the five leaders had indeed attempted to escape through the tunnel.
The two pursued swiftly and soon caught up with the five ahead.
Upon seeing two shadows flashing before them, Da Dao was taken aback and raised her hand, shouting, “Stop.”
As the torchlight flickered, two figures appeared before them, blocking their way.
The five observed the two with vigilance, a hint of astonishment on their faces.
Not only were these two individuals remarkably handsome, but their attire was also exquisite. They seemed entirely out of place in a bandit stronghold.
Huangfu Yuchen, having been accustomed to a life of luxury since childhood, had not seen a decline in his standard of living since becoming an emperor. The hairpin adorning his head was made of top-quality yellow jade, smooth and glossy. The white robe he wore was tailored from the most expensive cloud brocade, with subtle golden threads shimmering in the sunlight, emanating an unparalleled sense of nobility.
Those who could wear clothing made of cloud brocade were either rich or noble. The unique craft of cloud brocade involved weaving with an old-fashioned jacquard loom and required the cooperation of a jacquard weaver and a textile worker. Together, they could only produce about two inches of fabric in a day, emphasizing the exorbitant cost of this material.
While Yan Ge himself was not particularly concerned about material comforts, as Huangfu Yuchen’s beloved, his attire matched or even surpassed Huangfu Yuchen’s. Just the layer of white bear fur lining on his robe collar held considerable value, not to mention the golden-threaded belt and the precious white jade ornament adorning his waist, which glimmered conspicuously in the firelight.
Da Dao asked sternly, “Who are you?”
“We are the ones who came to capture you,” Yan Ge replied with a smile. Like a drifting white cloud, he launched a direct attack on Da Dao.
–Capture the leader first.
Er Fu sneered, “You are not qualified to challenge the leader!” Simultaneously, he swiftly moved to intercept Yan Ge, wielding a large axe aggressively.
Huangfu Yuchen’s figure flickered as he blocked Er Fu’s path, his sword remaining sheathed. With a powerful and agile movement of his right foot, he forcefully struck Er Fu’s wrist.
Er Fu’s wrist tingled, and his axe flew out of his hand, embedding itself in the wall five or six inches deep. He stared at Huangfu Yuchen in astonishment, his eyes no longer filled with contempt.
Si Qiang also became alarmed and couldn’t help but rush forward to help. However, Wu Gang held him back. If Er Fu could only contend with their opponent for a single move, intervening would undermine Er Fu’s dignity.
Meanwhile, San Jian saw that Er Fu had been intercepted by Huangfu Yuchen, so he leaped out like a white fish in the waves to intercept Yan Ge, slashing his sharp sword towards Yan Ge’s chest.
Yan Ge’s lips curled into a smile as he calmly executed a mid-air somersault, his right palm striking San Jian’s chest like an illusion. Then, like an arrow, he swiftly rushed towards Da Dao. By the time San Jian regained his balance, Yan Ge had already arrived in front of Da Dao.
Da Dao’s pupils contracted. With a “swoosh,” she unsheathed her broadsword, assuming a squatting horse stance, stabilizing her lower body, and swung a powerful strike towards Yan Ge, as forceful as breaking through bamboo, surging with a murderous aura.
Yan Ge raised an eyebrow in surprise. This young lady had a delicate figure, yet her strength was not insignificant. This strike alone carried at least a thousand catties of force.
He calmly extended both arms, using only the tip of his right foot as a pivot and axis, rotating half a circle to gracefully evade the attack. The force of Da Dao’s strike landed on the ground, leaving a long trench.
By now, Yan Ge had already positioned himself behind Da Dao, and his scabbard unceremoniously struck her back.
Da Dao was worthy of being a leader, she didn’t utter a sound of protest. With a shake of her right hand, several silver rings adorning the back of the broadsword jingled, and her technique changed abruptly. The shadows of her broadsword multiplied, as if a hundred or more large broadswords simultaneously attacked, exuding a powerful murderous aura, surging towards Yan Ge.
Yan Ge soared into the air, unsheathing his sword. His wrist moved several times, firmly blocking the true form of the big broadsword. With a forceful shake, he landed effortlessly, placing his left hand behind his back, exuding an extremely elegant demeanor.
Seeing that Da Dao was now kneeling on one knee, with a sword against her neck, the others present exclaimed in disbelief, “Boss!”
Huangfu Yuchen moved swiftly, and within a few seconds, he sealed the acupoints of the other four individuals.
“Baby, stay here and guard. I will go finish up the rest.”
Yan Ge nodded in response.
They worked tirelessly until dawn, and all the people in the Black Demon Bandits were captured.
Huangfu Yuchen instructed Jun Xiang, “Investigate Shen Jinzhong’s house thoroughly, and temporarily appoint the record keeper as the county magistrate. Use the confiscated assets for soldiers’ relief funds and subsidies. Interrogate the members of the Black Demon Lair, for those who haven’t participated in the robberies, as well as those who were coerced or misled, educate them and expel them from the county. Those with minor offenses should be imprisoned in the county jail, while those with serious crimes should be escorted to the prefectural capital for trial. Those sentenced to death will be executed publicly.”
This action brought great relief to the people. The gloom that had hung over the entire county dispersed, and fireworks were set off to celebrate.
Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen blocked out the noise, closed the door, and went to sleep.
Upon hearing about Yan Ge’s recent actions, Song Ruhao’s illness worsened.
Song Chaobang sighed. “This illness cannot go on like this…”
A hint of resentment flashed in Song Ruhao’s eyes. “Father, I suspect that Yan Ge poisoned me!”
“What? He poisoned you?” Song Chaobang stood up in surprise.
“Yes!” Song Ruhao said, “It’s entirely possible. Don’t you find it strange how my illness suddenly became so severe? At first, I was just pretending, my body wasn’t really that weak. His medical skills are astonishing, everyone knows that. Poisoning someone wouldn’t be difficult for him.”
Song Chaobang furrowed his brow and stroked his beard. “Even if that’s true, we can’t do anything without evidence.”
Song Ruhao sneered, his handsome features contorting with a fierce expression. “Who said we can’t? You should go and tell the Emperor about this. Even if he doesn’t believe us, there will always be a seed of doubt in his heart. As long as that suspicion exists, it will eventually grow into a bigger problem.”
After contemplating for a moment, Song Chaobang nodded. “You’re right.” This matter indeed needed him to take action. He was the Emperor’s tutor, and even if this angered the Emperor, he would, at most, be reprimanded. If it were Song Ruhao who spoke up, the Emperor would simply think that he was making baseless accusations and would dislike him even more.
Du Zhengfeng quietly left and entered Huangfu Yuchen’s room.
“Master, Master Song is in Young Master Song’s room, and they…”
Huangfu Yuchen interrupted, “I know.”
After Du Zhengfeng left, Yan Ge stared at Huangfu Yuchen with a bad expression.
Huangfu Yuchen quickly reassured him, “Baby, I’m sorry for letting you take the blame. Don’t worry, I will clear your name.”
Not long after, there was a knock on the door.
Yan Ge used his spiritual sense to confirm that it was indeed Song Chaobang.
“Should I leave and give him a chance to complain?” Yan Ge asked.
Huangfu Yuchen nodded, and Yan Ge flew out of the window.
“Come in,” Huangfu Yuchen said.
After Song Chaobang entered the room and saw that only Huangfu Yuchen was present, he felt relieved.
Huangfu Yuchen glanced at him indifferently and looked at the memorial on the table. He calmly said, “It’s Master Song. I’m currently reviewing the development plan for Shuangque County written by Master Jiang. If Master Song doesn’t have urgent matters, we can discuss it another day.”
— Teacher, I’m giving you another chance.
Song Chaobang felt that Huangfu Yuchen’s tone was somewhat strange, but after secretly observing his expression and finding nothing unusual, he thought that he might be overthinking. It was rare for Yan Ge not to be with Huangfu Yuchen, and if he missed this opportunity, it would be difficult to find another.
“Young Master, earlier, my son and I discussed something. Although I don’t entirely believe it, upon further consideration, I think I should bring it up to you. As the saying goes, it’s better to be safe than sorry.”
“Oh?” Huangfu Yuchen raised his head. “What is it?”
Song Chaobang looked solemn, “Hao’er has been taking the medicine prescribed by Doctor Zhang, but his illness has not improved. He suspects that someone poisoned him. Even the doctor couldn’t find out, so the person must be very powerful, and only those with superb medical skills can concoct this kind of miracle medicine.”
“Does Master Song suspect Doctor Zhang?” Huangfu Yuchen asked.
Song Chaobang hesitated and said, “No, perhaps… it’s the Madam. Young Master, I naturally believe in the Madam’s innocence, but I still ask you to investigate this matter thoroughly. Clear the Madam’s name and resolve the misunderstanding.”
A cold smile played on the corners of Huangfu Yuchen’s lips as he leaned back in his chair, his gaze inscrutable. “The Madam is undoubtedly innocent. Because I am the one who administered the medicine.”
Song Chaobang looked at him in shock, his trembling hands clasped in a respectful gesture. “Young Master?”
Huangfu Yuchen said, “Master Song must not have forgotten about the mysterious organization that night. On that evening, when the Madam was engaged in a confrontation with the three assailants, Young Master Song attempted to attack him from behind, intending to push him towards the swords of the black-clad men. The coachman witnessed this scene clearly.”
Song Chaobang’s face turned pale.
In a low voice, Huangfu Yuchen continued, “Young Master Song has no enmity with the coachman. Master Song shouldn’t suspect the coachman of deliberately slandering him.”
“I dare not!” Song Chaobang hurriedly replied.
Huangfu Yuchen said, “We knew the Grand Tutor would understand. Now that this matter has been brought to light, Song Guiren will be sent back to the capital and confined to the Cold Palace.”
Song Chaobang’s heart trembled, and weakly he said, “I will obey Your Majesty’s orders. I only ask for some time to bid farewell to my son.”
Yan Ge was strolling down the street when he suddenly heard a notification from the system: “Ding. Side mission—Send Song Guiren to the Cold Palace, mission successful. Reward: 400 taels of silver and a silver chest. Would you like to open the silver chest now?”
Song Ruhao was sent to the Cold Palace? Yan Ge’s lips curled into a smile as he rubbed his chin and selected “Yes.”
“Congratulations, you have received a millennium golden Ginseng.”
A shining golden ginseng, almost the size of a newborn baby, appeared before Yan Ge, glistening like a golden doll and almost blinding his eyes. He quickly stowed the ginseng in the system backpack.
This golden ginseng, similar in miraculous effects to the Zhantian Vine he had obtained before, could grant longevity to ordinary people with just a small piece the size of a fingernail, while cultivators could enhance their cultivation by consuming it. Moreover, adding the golden ginseng to medicinal pills could increase their effectiveness by a hundredfold.
Yan Ge’s steps became lighter, his figure exuding a more elegant and graceful demeanor.
At this moment, Song Chaobang happened to reach the entrance of Song Ruhao’s room.
Song Ruhao looked at Song Chaobang, his face heavy with worry, and his heart skipped a beat.
“Father?”
Song Chaobang sighed and sat on the edge of the bed, patting his shoulder gently. In a low voice, he said, “The Emperor has issued an order to send you back to the capital and confine you to the Cold Palace.”
Song Ruhao immediately sat up and was about to exclaim.
Song Chaobang sternly interrupted, “Be careful with your words! Be cautious of the consequences!”
Song Ruhao took a few quick breaths, calming down from his hysteria, and whispered, “Why? Why is he so heartless?”
“Silence!”
Song Chaobang shouted, and Song Ruhao trembled, regaining his composure.
Softening his tone, Song Chaobang lowered his voice until it was barely audible. “Don’t forget our next plan. Once your sister captures the Emperor’s attention and successfully gives birth to a dragon son…By that time, I will become a high-ranking official, and you will be on the path to becoming a Huang Guqing. A small sacrifice for a greater scheme. Hao’er, you have always been intelligent. Think carefully.”
However, it seemed he had forgotten the saying, “The walls have ears,” and the adage, “Don’t say it if you want it to be kept a secret.”
Into The Cold Palace — Song Ruhao
Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen arrived at the mountain, where chaos had already ensued. With their exceptional lightness skills, they quickly searched the entire bandit stronghold but couldn’t find the five individuals described by A Fei.
Huangfu Yuchen muttered to himself, “Could there really be a tunnel?”
Yan Ge covered his nose and exclaimed loudly, “Damn it! The five leaders have escaped through the tunnel!”
Huangfu Yuchen: “…”
“What?” The bandits were startled, and a few of them quickly ran in the same direction.
Yan Ge gave a smile to Huangfu Yuchen and pulled him to follow.
They arrived at an inconspicuous wooden house and watched as one of the bandits turned an unremarkable flower pot. Suddenly, the wooden cabinet against the wall shifted aside, revealing an entrance to an underground tunnel.
Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen swiftly moved out, leaping down the tunnel. The passage was wide and high, evidently prepared for a large-scale retreat. The sound of footsteps in a distance confirmed their suspicion that the five leaders had indeed attempted to escape through the tunnel.
The two pursued swiftly and soon caught up with the five ahead.
Upon seeing two shadows flashing before them, Da Dao was taken aback and raised her hand, shouting, “Stop.”
As the torchlight flickered, two figures appeared before them, blocking their way.
The five observed the two with vigilance, a hint of astonishment on their faces.
Not only were these two individuals remarkably handsome, but their attire was also exquisite. They seemed entirely out of place in a bandit stronghold.
Huangfu Yuchen, having been accustomed to a life of luxury since childhood, had not seen a decline in his standard of living since becoming an emperor. The hairpin adorning his head was made of top-quality yellow jade, smooth and glossy. The white robe he wore was tailored from the most expensive cloud brocade, with subtle golden threads shimmering in the sunlight, emanating an unparalleled sense of nobility.
Those who could wear clothing made of cloud brocade were either rich or noble. The unique craft of cloud brocade involved weaving with an old-fashioned jacquard loom and required the cooperation of a jacquard weaver and a textile worker. Together, they could only produce about two inches of fabric in a day, emphasizing the exorbitant cost of this material.
While Yan Ge himself was not particularly concerned about material comforts, as Huangfu Yuchen’s beloved, his attire matched or even surpassed Huangfu Yuchen’s. Just the layer of white bear fur lining on his robe collar held considerable value, not to mention the golden-threaded belt and the precious white jade ornament adorning his waist, which glimmered conspicuously in the firelight.
Da Dao asked sternly, “Who are you?”
“We are the ones who came to capture you,” Yan Ge replied with a smile. Like a drifting white cloud, he launched a direct attack on Da Dao.
–Capture the leader first.
Er Fu sneered, “You are not qualified to challenge the leader!” Simultaneously, he swiftly moved to intercept Yan Ge, wielding a large axe aggressively.
Huangfu Yuchen’s figure flickered as he blocked Er Fu’s path, his sword remaining sheathed. With a powerful and agile movement of his right foot, he forcefully struck Er Fu’s wrist.
Er Fu’s wrist tingled, and his axe flew out of his hand, embedding itself in the wall five or six inches deep. He stared at Huangfu Yuchen in astonishment, his eyes no longer filled with contempt.
Si Qiang also became alarmed and couldn’t help but rush forward to help. However, Wu Gang held him back. If Er Fu could only contend with their opponent for a single move, intervening would undermine Er Fu’s dignity.
Meanwhile, San Jian saw that Er Fu had been intercepted by Huangfu Yuchen, so he leaped out like a white fish in the waves to intercept Yan Ge, slashing his sharp sword towards Yan Ge’s chest.
Yan Ge’s lips curled into a smile as he calmly executed a mid-air somersault, his right palm striking San Jian’s chest like an illusion. Then, like an arrow, he swiftly rushed towards Da Dao. By the time San Jian regained his balance, Yan Ge had already arrived in front of Da Dao.
Da Dao’s pupils contracted. With a “swoosh,” she unsheathed her broadsword, assuming a squatting horse stance, stabilizing her lower body, and swung a powerful strike towards Yan Ge, as forceful as breaking through bamboo, surging with a murderous aura.
Yan Ge raised an eyebrow in surprise. This young lady had a delicate figure, yet her strength was not insignificant. This strike alone carried at least a thousand catties of force.
He calmly extended both arms, using only the tip of his right foot as a pivot and axis, rotating half a circle to gracefully evade the attack. The force of Da Dao’s strike landed on the ground, leaving a long trench.
By now, Yan Ge had already positioned himself behind Da Dao, and his scabbard unceremoniously struck her back.
Da Dao was worthy of being a leader, she didn’t utter a sound of protest. With a shake of her right hand, several silver rings adorning the back of the broadsword jingled, and her technique changed abruptly. The shadows of her broadsword multiplied, as if a hundred or more large broadswords simultaneously attacked, exuding a powerful murderous aura, surging towards Yan Ge.
Yan Ge soared into the air, unsheathing his sword. His wrist moved several times, firmly blocking the true form of the big broadsword. With a forceful shake, he landed effortlessly, placing his left hand behind his back, exuding an extremely elegant demeanor.
Seeing that Da Dao was now kneeling on one knee, with a sword against her neck, the others present exclaimed in disbelief, “Boss!”
Huangfu Yuchen moved swiftly, and within a few seconds, he sealed the acupoints of the other four individuals.
“Baby, stay here and guard. I will go finish up the rest.”
Yan Ge nodded in response.
They worked tirelessly until dawn, and all the people in the Black Demon Bandits were captured.
Huangfu Yuchen instructed Jun Xiang, “Investigate Shen Jinzhong’s house thoroughly, and temporarily appoint the record keeper as the county magistrate. Use the confiscated assets for soldiers’ relief funds and subsidies. Interrogate the members of the Black Demon Lair, for those who haven’t participated in the robberies, as well as those who were coerced or misled, educate them and expel them from the county. Those with minor offenses should be imprisoned in the county jail, while those with serious crimes should be escorted to the prefectural capital for trial. Those sentenced to death will be executed publicly.”
This action brought great relief to the people. The gloom that had hung over the entire county dispersed, and fireworks were set off to celebrate.
Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen blocked out the noise, closed the door, and went to sleep.
Upon hearing about Yan Ge’s recent actions, Song Ruhao’s illness worsened.
Song Chaobang sighed. “This illness cannot go on like this…”
A hint of resentment flashed in Song Ruhao’s eyes. “Father, I suspect that Yan Ge poisoned me!”
“What? He poisoned you?” Song Chaobang stood up in surprise.
“Yes!” Song Ruhao said, “It’s entirely possible. Don’t you find it strange how my illness suddenly became so severe? At first, I was just pretending, my body wasn’t really that weak. His medical skills are astonishing, everyone knows that. Poisoning someone wouldn’t be difficult for him.”
Song Chaobang furrowed his brow and stroked his beard. “Even if that’s true, we can’t do anything without evidence.”
Song Ruhao sneered, his handsome features contorting with a fierce expression. “Who said we can’t? You should go and tell the Emperor about this. Even if he doesn’t believe us, there will always be a seed of doubt in his heart. As long as that suspicion exists, it will eventually grow into a bigger problem.”
After contemplating for a moment, Song Chaobang nodded. “You’re right.” This matter indeed needed him to take action. He was the Emperor’s tutor, and even if this angered the Emperor, he would, at most, be reprimanded. If it were Song Ruhao who spoke up, the Emperor would simply think that he was making baseless accusations and would dislike him even more.
Du Zhengfeng quietly left and entered Huangfu Yuchen’s room.
“Master, Master Song is in Young Master Song’s room, and they…”
Huangfu Yuchen interrupted, “I know.”
After Du Zhengfeng left, Yan Ge stared at Huangfu Yuchen with a bad expression.
Huangfu Yuchen quickly reassured him, “Baby, I’m sorry for letting you take the blame. Don’t worry, I will clear your name.”
Not long after, there was a knock on the door.
Yan Ge used his spiritual sense to confirm that it was indeed Song Chaobang.
“Should I leave and give him a chance to complain?” Yan Ge asked.
Huangfu Yuchen nodded, and Yan Ge flew out of the window.
“Come in,” Huangfu Yuchen said.
After Song Chaobang entered the room and saw that only Huangfu Yuchen was present, he felt relieved.
Huangfu Yuchen glanced at him indifferently and looked at the memorial on the table. He calmly said, “It’s Master Song. I’m currently reviewing the development plan for Shuangque County written by Master Jiang. If Master Song doesn’t have urgent matters, we can discuss it another day.”
— Teacher, I’m giving you another chance.
Song Chaobang felt that Huangfu Yuchen’s tone was somewhat strange, but after secretly observing his expression and finding nothing unusual, he thought that he might be overthinking. It was rare for Yan Ge not to be with Huangfu Yuchen, and if he missed this opportunity, it would be difficult to find another.
“Young Master, earlier, my son and I discussed something. Although I don’t entirely believe it, upon further consideration, I think I should bring it up to you. As the saying goes, it’s better to be safe than sorry.”
“Oh?” Huangfu Yuchen raised his head. “What is it?”
Song Chaobang looked solemn, “Hao’er has been taking the medicine prescribed by Doctor Zhang, but his illness has not improved. He suspects that someone poisoned him. Even the doctor couldn’t find out, so the person must be very powerful, and only those with superb medical skills can concoct this kind of miracle medicine.”
“Does Master Song suspect Doctor Zhang?” Huangfu Yuchen asked.
Song Chaobang hesitated and said, “No, perhaps… it’s the Madam. Young Master, I naturally believe in the Madam’s innocence, but I still ask you to investigate this matter thoroughly. Clear the Madam’s name and resolve the misunderstanding.”
A cold smile played on the corners of Huangfu Yuchen’s lips as he leaned back in his chair, his gaze inscrutable. “The Madam is undoubtedly innocent. Because I am the one who administered the medicine.”
Song Chaobang looked at him in shock, his trembling hands clasped in a respectful gesture. “Young Master?”
Huangfu Yuchen said, “Master Song must not have forgotten about the mysterious organization that night. On that evening, when the Madam was engaged in a confrontation with the three assailants, Young Master Song attempted to attack him from behind, intending to push him towards the swords of the black-clad men. The coachman witnessed this scene clearly.”
Song Chaobang’s face turned pale.
In a low voice, Huangfu Yuchen continued, “Young Master Song has no enmity with the coachman. Master Song shouldn’t suspect the coachman of deliberately slandering him.”
“I dare not!” Song Chaobang hurriedly replied.
Huangfu Yuchen said, “We knew the Grand Tutor would understand. Now that this matter has been brought to light, Song Guiren will be sent back to the capital and confined to the Cold Palace.”
Song Chaobang’s heart trembled, and weakly he said, “I will obey Your Majesty’s orders. I only ask for some time to bid farewell to my son.”
Yan Ge was strolling down the street when he suddenly heard a notification from the system: “Ding. Side mission—Send Song Guiren to the Cold Palace, mission successful. Reward: 400 taels of silver and a silver chest. Would you like to open the silver chest now?”
Song Ruhao was sent to the Cold Palace? Yan Ge’s lips curled into a smile as he rubbed his chin and selected “Yes.”
“Congratulations, you have received a millennium golden Ginseng.”
A shining golden ginseng, almost the size of a newborn baby, appeared before Yan Ge, glistening like a golden doll and almost blinding his eyes. He quickly stowed the ginseng in the system backpack.
This golden ginseng, similar in miraculous effects to the Zhantian Vine he had obtained before, could grant longevity to ordinary people with just a small piece the size of a fingernail, while cultivators could enhance their cultivation by consuming it. Moreover, adding the golden ginseng to medicinal pills could increase their effectiveness by a hundredfold.
Yan Ge’s steps became lighter, his figure exuding a more elegant and graceful demeanor.
At this moment, Song Chaobang happened to reach the entrance of Song Ruhao’s room.
Song Ruhao looked at Song Chaobang, his face heavy with worry, and his heart skipped a beat.
“Father?”
Song Chaobang sighed and sat on the edge of the bed, patting his shoulder gently. In a low voice, he said, “The Emperor has issued an order to send you back to the capital and confine you to the Cold Palace.”
Song Ruhao immediately sat up and was about to exclaim.
Song Chaobang sternly interrupted, “Be careful with your words! Be cautious of the consequences!”
Song Ruhao took a few quick breaths, calming down from his hysteria, and whispered, “Why? Why is he so heartless?”
“Silence!”
Song Chaobang shouted, and Song Ruhao trembled, regaining his composure.
Softening his tone, Song Chaobang lowered his voice until it was barely audible. “Don’t forget our next plan. Once your sister captures the Emperor’s attention and successfully gives birth to a dragon son…By that time, I will become a high-ranking official, and you will be on the path to becoming a Huang Guqing. A small sacrifice for a greater scheme. Hao’er, you have always been intelligent. Think carefully.”
However, it seemed he had forgotten the saying, “The walls have ears,” and the adage, “Don’t say it if you want it to be kept a secret.”
