Chapter Forty-Six: Prince Shou Awakens

Seeing the attendant remain silent, Xiao Miao snapped angrily, “Are you in league with the Ninth Prince?”
The attendant inside quickly dropped to his knees.
Xiao Miao was about to vent further, when Xiao Yi laughed and said, “Eighth Brother, if you truly wish for my death, you could simply tell me. Perhaps I might grant your wish. Why bother asking others in such a roundabout way?”
“What nonsense is that? I’m merely seeking clarity!” Xiao Miao, unable to press the matter further after being rebuked, quickly turned to Emperor Wanhong, saying, “Father, Uncle’s injury is rather suspicious. I believe it warrants thorough investigation. No one present should be spared! I’ve heard there were women in the back as well!”
Shou Wang had brought back the Xue sisters, and the attendants would inevitably report this to the emperor.
It was only through Xiao Yi’s constant mediation that Emperor Wanhong had not pursued the matter.
At this moment, Xiao Yi reiterated, “Father, you are well aware of Uncle’s temperament. That woman was likely abducted by him. If you truly wish to investigate, it may do harm to Uncle’s reputation, and besides, they are not key figures. Most importantly, we are at the Xie residence for their welcoming banquet, with all the noble ladies present. It would be difficult to resolve matters without causing trouble!”
The aristocratic families held privileges and wielded great influence over public opinion, making them unwise to provoke. Emperor Wanhong had warned his brother many times not to touch noblewomen, but it seemed his brother had not listened.
His words stirred the emperor’s ire towards Shou Wang, and he slowly opened his eyes, departing from his earlier detachment, nodding in agreement, “Since they are irrelevant, let them go.”
The weight in Xiao Yi’s heart was finally lifted. He dared not show any joy, but bowed respectfully, “Yes, Father.”
“Father!” Xiao Miao protested, “What if those women are connected to Uncle’s case? How can you just release them?”
“Then tell me, Eighth Brother, what connection could they possibly have, having been brought here by Uncle? If there were any, would they so easily be at the mercy of others?”
“At the very least, we should know which families these ladies belong to, and what their purpose is. How can you be so certain there’s no connection?”
“To inquire into their identities would only insult their families. Eighth Brother, do you so enjoy causing Father to offend others?”
Truth be told, the royal family was nothing special. When facing great families like the Wang and Xie, they had to be courteous. Even lesser noble families, though their status was lower, could still impact the emperor’s reputation.
Unable to win the argument, Xiao Miao cried out, “Father!”
“Enough!” Emperor Wanhong, growing weary of their quarrel, scolded, “We shall wait until your uncle awakens. Cease your bickering!”
Xiao Miao, unwilling to yield, snorted coldly at Xiao Yi.
Xiao Yi, meanwhile, stood quietly aside, obedient and docile.

Not long after, three imperial physicians emerged from the bedroom, drawing everyone's attention.
The leading physician bowed to Emperor Wanhong, who frowned, “No need for formalities. How is Shou Wang now?”
The physician replied with lowered head, “He is awake.”
Xiao Miao rejoiced, casting a smug glance at Xiao Yi. “Now that he’s awake, we’ll soon learn who tried to harm Uncle. When the truth comes out, don’t you dare deny it!”
Xiao Yi appeared indifferent.
At this moment, the physician hesitated, but cautiously continued, “He is awake, yes, but the prince seems not to recognize anyone. He cannot speak, and when we questioned him, he gave no response. His pulse also bodes ill.”
Emperor Wanhong glanced at the other two physicians. Normally, he relied on only one, as having more could breed distrust and disrespect toward them.
Today, however, the situation was special. The emperor looked at the other two.
Both bowed in agreement, “Just as Physician Zhang has said.”
Physician Zhang was known for his exceptional skill.
Worry clouded Emperor Wanhong’s heart. He rose from his seat and strode toward the bedroom. Xiao Miao hurried after him, while Xiao Yi, watching their backs, allowed a barely perceptible smile to curve his lips before following.
The bedroom was decorated with scenes of nature, but the emperor paid no heed, heading straight to the bedside to look at Shou Wang.
Shou Wang, seeing his brother, began to weep uncontrollably.
Emperor Wanhong comforted him, “Don’t cry. I will avenge you.”
Shou Wang nodded feebly, so weak it was barely noticeable. Then, seeing Xiao Yi behind the emperor, he remembered his nephew’s sneak attack and was furious, but he could not speak. No matter how he tried, the words would not come. The terror of being dominated by something else made him shed even more tears as he looked from Xiao Yi to Emperor Wanhong, his gaze fixed and desperate.
The emperor frowned, “Yes, I understand. I will avenge you. Rest and recover.”
Then do it—he’s right behind you!
Shou Wang could not speak, growing frantic.
Emperor Wanhong’s frown deepened. “I’ve said I will avenge you. I’ve already sent men to capture the assassin. Your only task now is to focus on recovery.”

What recovery! Shou Wang’s tears flowed like a spring.
Emperor Wanhong, unable to understand, asked impatiently, “What’s wrong with you?”
Shou Wang kept crying, almost unable to catch his breath, while Emperor Wanhong could only repeat, “It’ll be fine soon,” “I’ll see justice done for you,” “You must recover well,” “We’ll talk in a few days.”
Xiao Miao seized the moment, “Father, have you noticed Uncle’s gaze toward Second Brother? He looks at him and cries. Isn’t there something he wants to say about Second Brother?”
Emperor Wanhong turned to Xiao Yi, his eyes scrutinizing.
Xiao Yi, accustomed to his father’s coldness and distrust since childhood, was unfazed. He retorted to Xiao Miao, “Uncle cried even harder when he saw Father, and was more sorrowful. Are you saying he wants to accuse Father of something? Of plotting against him?”
“Nonsense!” Emperor Wanhong scolded Xiao Yi.
He had always treated his brother well. If his brother died and the blame fell on him, what would the court say? They would call him hypocritical, ruthless, fratricidal.
That could not be allowed. Emperor Wanhong, who practiced Buddhism and valued his reputation for benevolence, would never let a rumor tarnish it.
Xiao Yi understood his father’s nature, and quickly apologized, “Your son spoke thoughtlessly. Please punish me, Father.”
He did not implicate Xiao Miao, but in the emperor’s eyes, this son seemed prematurely shrewd—hard to deal with. The emperor disliked Xiao Yi even more, but as he was his own son, he could not go too far.
He said only, “There’s no need for you to argue or compete. Since your uncle is awake, he will surely identify the culprit in time.”
Xiao Yi laughed inwardly. That day? Impossible. When he killed Shou Wang, he had smeared poison on the arrow. From now on, Shou Wang would not die, but only cry, unable even to blink.
Want to accuse him? There was no chance.