Today, Xie Bufeng felt as if he had returned to the day of his first battle. His lips held a perpetual smile.
Clutching a medicinal jade, he mounted his horse with a single hand, discarding all tactics and formations.
Driven by a thirst for blood, he charged into the ranks of the Northern Di soldiers, fear and cries echoing around him.
The wind whipped his black hair, blood spraying from his wounds.
Shouts and roars filled the air, but everything faded into the background, mere accompaniments to Xie Bufeng’s relentless onslaught.
His heavy sword was unstoppable.
In his eyes, only slaughter remained, along with the string of medicinal jade tightly gripped in his hand.
The battlefield reeked of blood, overpowering even the faint bitterness of the jade.
Amidst anger, an inexplicable sadness and loss crept into Xie Bufeng’s heart.
This year’s first battle had been exceptionally grueling.
Only when both sides were exhausted, blades shattered, and arrows depleted did they retreat to their camps.
The Northern Di suffered heavy casualties, and the losses among the Wei Dynasty soldiers were not light either. The snow on the desert was melted by scalding blood, and even the winding streams changed color.
Surveying the mountainous piles of corpses, the victorious Wei soldiers showed no signs of celebration. Their armor weighed heavily, immobilizing them.
Perhaps it was the eerie silence of the battlefield or some other reason, but an unsettling feeling, like wildfire, spread across the desert.
The gunpowder had not yet dissipated when sudden panicked cries rang out nearby: “General—”
Blood unknowingly soaked Xie Bufeng’s body, yet he remained oblivious. It wasn’t until the war ended that he slowly lost consciousness.
As he fell from his horse, he still clutched the medicinal jade. The azure blue jade shards pierced his palm, embedding deeply.
*
Xie Bufeng was taken to the nearby town of Changyuan.
It was early in the morning, and the soldiers were making a lot of noise. Within half a morning, the news spread throughout this small border town.
In the outskirts’ medical clinic, a physician in blue robes volunteered to treat the general. However, he was promptly turned away at the door.
Disheartened, the physician returned to the clinic briefly, then changed into lightweight clothes and secretly rode south toward Yongdu.
Unlike the frozen border, Yongdu was shrouded in continuous drizzle during the . Silver needle-like raindrops tapped on umbrellas, creating a gentle rhythm.
Suddenly, the umbrella in Physician Wen Qingci’s left hand shook violently. Without warning, the hollow bamboo frame collapsed, dropping the umbrella to the ground.
Mist-like raindrops fell on Wen Qingci.
“…Wen Xiansheng, what’s wrong with you?” The young eunuch walking beside him immediately held out his umbrella.
Wen Qingci bent down to pick up the fallen umbrella, smiling as he shook his head. “Nothing.”
“Uh, alright,” the eunuch averted his gaze, pretending not to notice, and gestured toward the mountain. “Just a few more steps, and Consort Lan is waiting for you in the temple.”
“Good.”
Unaware of Wen Qingci’s arm suddenly throbbing, along with an inexplicable heart palpitation, they finally arrived at the entrance of the Imperial Temple.
This symptom has occurred more than once in the past two days.
The three characters “Guangcheng Temple” appeared overhead.
Unlike modern times, Qingming Festival held greater significance than the Spring Festival in this era. Even palace consorts like Consort Lan could leave the palace to worship at the temple.
Although the seven-day rest applied to officials, even the imperial physicians like Wen Qingci, who could be summoned to the court at any time, had no specific plans. At most, he would spend a few days in the Wangtan Courtyard.
Unexpectedly, Consort Lan invited him to Guangcheng Temple during this time, specifically to burn incense together.
From Xie Bufeng’s battlefield to now, Wen Qingci hadn’t met Consort Lan privately. He recalled the incident months ago when he encountered Su Yuzheng at the clinic.
…Since she “trusted” him, Su Yuzheng would surely relay everything she heard, saw, and thought to Consort Lan.
Apart from that, the one-year shelf life of the incense pellets had expired.
It was time for “replenishing”…
The guards outside the temple saluted Wen Qingci, allowing him to pass.
As he stepped inside, Wen Qingci remembered—unless he was mistaken, Xie Guanzhi should be imprisoned here.
Passing through the layered curtains of fine rain, the novice monk led Wen Qingci to a hall.
Though it was called a “hall,” this was still the Imperial Temple, and even the dining halls were grand. Wen Qingci saw Consort Lan sitting in the tea room near the window, playing chess with herself.
He suddenly recalled…the Emperor seemed to enjoy playing chess with Consort Lan.
Hearing footsteps, Consort Lan smiled at Wen Qingci, then stood up and nodded to him: “Wen Xiansheng, please come in.”
“Yes, Consort Lan.”
After entering the tea room, Wen Qingci saw that the little princess Xie Fuyin was also there.
The little girl was almost one year old. When she saw Wen Qingci, she giggled and then staggered towards him to ask for a hug.
Even though they hadn’t seen each other for several months, Xie Fuyin seemed to be naturally close to her savior.
Although Su Yuzheng had already conveyed her meaning implicitly, in Consort Lan’s eyes, he was still the “emperor’s confidant” who had tricked Xie Bufeng into going to the battlefield.
Thinking of this, Wen Qingci did not hug Xie Fuyin, but just gently touched her head.
The little princess pouted a little unhappily.
Seeing that she seemed about to cry, Consort Lan hurriedly called the wet nurse to come and carry Xie Fuyin away.
At this time, the tea room finally became quiet.
Consort Lan didn’t rush to speak. Instead, she personally poured a cup of tea for Wen Qingci.
Finally, she shifted her gaze to the window and casually said to Wen Qingci, “The previous dynasty’s Emperor Ai passed away here. My visit to the Guangcheng Temple this time is also to pay my respects to him.”
Wen Qingci nodded slowly, seemingly unsurprised.
Consort Lan had aged gracefully, and there was no hint that she had a son as old as Xie Bufeng.
However, now, for the first time, Wen Qingci detected a sense of weariness in her voice.
Since learning that the current emperor often mentioned Ning Yuzhao, the former Emperor Ai, Wen Qingci had diligently studied this piece of history upon returning to Yongdu.
Although the present emperor had ascended peacefully, this historical period still held sensitivity due to his involvement.
Wen Qingci searched high and low but found no detailed records.
Fortunately, he remembered one person—Chief Physician Yu Guanlin.
This elderly physician had been in the palace since the previous dynasty, witnessing all significant events in Yongdu over the decades. He was like a living history book.
And most importantly, he was quite talkative.
With only a few inquiries, Wen Qingci pieced together a more complete story from Yu Guanlin’s answers, combining them with what he had previously heard and learned.
As the sole surviving heir of the former imperial family, Ning Yuzhao was born frail and spent his early years fighting for survival.
He had even left Yongdu to reside in the Valley of Divine Physicians.
Given these circumstances, Ning Yuzhao never received formal education in state affairs. Instead, he immersed himself in poetry and literature.
The previous emperors had short reigns, and Ning Yuzhao ascended the throne in his teens. As his health deteriorated, he had no choice but to trust others to handle state affairs.
The person Ning Yuzhao chose was none other than Prince Xie Zhaolin.
While Xie Zhaolin might not excel in other areas, he excelled at appearing virtuous and wise.
From that moment, rumors spread throughout Yongdu: “The Purple Star will descend, and the Emperor’s reign will change.”
…Until finally, a heavy snowfall forced Ning Yuzhao to abdicate.
As a former emperor, Ning Yuzhao could no longer reside in the Taishu Palace.
The emperor claimed it was for his recovery, but in reality, Ning Yuzhao was imprisoned here in the Guangcheng Temple.
The Guangcheng Temple was where the previous dynasty’s captive princes were held.
It was secluded, serene, and escape was nearly impossible.
This secret would have remained hidden if not for Yu Guanlin, who had been brought here during Emperor Ai’s critical illnesses.
Consort Lan took a sip of tea and sighed softly, saying, “He was once an emperor, and now only I remember him on days like this…”
Pausing, she added somewhat stiffly, “Perhaps His Majesty does too.”
Wen Qingci sensed there was more to her words.
As the rain subsided, Consort Lan continued to share stories of the past with Wen Qingci, mentioning Emperor Ai. He knew they were familiar from their previous conversations.
Soon, they arrived at a grand hall.
“Wang Ji Hall…” Wen Qingci murmured.
“This is where Emperor Ai’s memorial tablet is enshrined,” Consort Lan explained.
Dressed modestly like an ordinary layperson, Consort Lan wore plain attire. Her calm expression exuded elegance and poise.
Wen Qingci slowed his steps, entering the hall with Consort Lan.
Wang Ji Hall stood tall, its entrance smaller in comparison. From outside, it appeared pitch-black.
Wen Qingci assumed Wang Ji Hall was no different from an ordinary Buddhist temple.
…But the moment he stepped inside, his entire body froze, immobilized.
The exaggerated murals and sculptures flooded his vision.
In that instant, he recalled the Zhongxian Temple.
These two places must have been built simultaneously!
With few people at the Guangcheng Temple, only Wen Qingci and Consort Lan were present.
Consort Lan glanced up at the ceiling, paused for a few seconds, and then, with an incredibly cold tone, said, “The purpose behind this place is similar to that of the Zhongxian Temple.”
A sudden numbness spread through Wen Qingci’s left arm.
He heard himself ask softly, “What purpose?”
Consort Lan sighed, whispering, “To appease lingering grievances.”
These four simple words echoed through Wang Ji Hall.
In that brief moment, countless thoughts flooded Wen Qingci’s mind.
Grievances.
It was normal for Emperor Ai, who lost his throne to the current emperor, to harbor grievances.
The river workers in the Zhongxian Temple also died on the Yinchuan Grand Canal because of the emperor’s selfishness, so it is normal for them to have grievances.
But what about Consort Lan’s father and brother who are also in the Zhongxian Temple?
The strange expression of Consort Lan that he accidentally saw in the Zhongxian Temple once again appeared in Wen Qingci’s mind.
The answer was placed in front of Wen Qingci at this moment…their death must not be as simple as it seemed.
Wen Qingci lowered his eyes and smiled slowly.
In the past few months, he carefully sorted out what happened around him after he came here.
Wen Qingci remembered that when he had just come here, Consort Lan was banished to the cold palace, and it was Zhao Gonggong who passed the news of her pregnancy to the emperor’s ears.
Although Zhao Gonggong is greedy for money, the people who serve the emperor are not easy to find.
Since Consort Lan was able to easily get in touch with him when she was in the cold palace, it means that their relationship is closer than he imagined.
He has a good relationship with Zhao Gonggong, and knows that the clinic in the corner of Yongdu belongs to the Valley of Divine Physicians…
That incense pill is definitely related to Consort Lan.
The only question that had troubled Wen Qingci before was what exactly was Concubine Lan trying to achieve by doing this?
And today, he finally had the answer in his heart: the death of Consort Lan’s father and brother was also related to the emperor.
“So…” Wen Qingci nodded slowly.
When Consort Lan said this, she was implicitly expressing her sincerity and attitude to him…her behavior also had an element of gambling in it.
The other party had already said this, so Wen Qingci certainly had to express his opinion.
The two of them walked out of Wang Ji Hall slowly.
The rain started falling again, even heavier than before.
Taking advantage of the sound of rain, Wen Qingci slightly turned his body and spoke to Consort Lan slowly in a voice that only the two of them could hear: “To be honest, I entered the palace to kill someone.”
Wen Qingci said this with a smile, but Consort Lan sensed a piercing chill from his words.
Perhaps because Wen Qingci was born in Songxiu Mansion, Consort Lan, who had already guessed the answer, was not surprised.
She just didn’t expect Wen Qingci to say it so directly.
The woman paused and nodded slowly.
Having said that, neither of them wanted to keep the secret any longer.
Consort Lan took a deep breath, turned around and said to Wen Qingci, “Wen Xiansheng, there is one thing I can’t figure out.”
“Your Highness, are you asking me why I sent His Highness to the battlefield?”
Consort Lan: “….”
She nodded gently. There was no longer a need for Wen Qingci to maintain a good relationship with Consort Lan. His visit today served two purposes: to learn more about matters related to the previous owner of his body and, more importantly, because of Xie Bufeng.
Wen Qingci and Consort Lan walked along the corridor, slowly heading toward the back of Guangcheng Temple.
The imperial physician adjusted his moon-white sleeves and smiled faintly, his gaze lowered. “I have no other choice.”
“I am merely conveying what His Majesty wishes to express,” Wen Qingci said candidly, taking advantage of the rain’s cover to reveal his thoughts about the emperor’s considerations.
Consort Lan had stopped walking at some point, her eyes widening.
As the protagonist of “Supporting the Ming Hall,” her intelligence was unquestionable. With just a few sentences, she understood all the underlying implications.
Indeed, if she interpreted everything as the emperor’s intention, it would make sense.
The emperor harbored murderous intent toward Xie Bufeng and deliberately sought to drive a wedge between Wen Qingci and Xie Bufeng.
In this situation, if Wen Qingci pleaded on Xie Bufeng’s behalf, it would only arouse greater suspicion—Xie Guanzhi’s fate was a lesson learned from the past.
In such circumstances, the emperor would likely take more direct and decisive measures to end Xie Bufeng’s life.
“But accidents happen on the battlefield. How can you be sure he will survive?” Consort Lan couldn’t help but ask.
Wen Qingci turned around, looking into Consort Lan’s eyes with unwavering determination. “I believe that His Highness will not only survive but will also become an excellent general and a great emperor.”
He wasn’t joking, this conviction came from the depths of his heart.
A great emperor?
Even Consort Lan was startled by Wen Qingci’s words. She instinctively glanced around, ensuring no one else was nearby.
Once she confirmed their privacy, her previously tense heart eased.
Before Wen Qingci uttered that sentence, even Consort Lan might not have believed that her son, once labeled a “monster,” would inherit the throne…
After the words settled, Wen Qingci slowly shifted his gaze away.
Originally, Wen Qingci, who had planned to die and escape, didn’t need to share all this with Consort Lan.
However, the memory of Xie Bufeng’s eyes before he left and the warmth of the hand-warmer thrown into the Yinchuan Grand Canal made Wen Qingci reluctant to be so cruel…
He didn’t know whether Xie Bufeng’s words and that kiss were merely youthful infatuation. But it didn’t matter, time could dilute any emotion.
When Xie Bufeng returned from the northern lands to inherit the throne and gain the loyalty of the people, any initial hesitation would be overshadowed by stronger emotions.
Wen Qingci only knew that, at that time, he must have been important to Xie Bufeng…
Being betrayed by someone you trusted and cared for wasn’t a pleasant experience.
Disappointment? Hatred?
Wen Qingci wasn’t afraid of Xie Bufeng hating him.
But he didn’t want Xie Bufeng to continue hating the world because of him, to be disappointed in everything around him.
Perhaps it was better for Consort Lan to reveal the truth to Xie Bufeng after Wen Qingci’s departure.
Consort Lan remained silent for a moment, then suddenly smiled. “Wen Xiansheng, your words differ from the rumors I’ve heard.”
As she spoke, Wen Qingci smiled too—
Continuing their walk, Wen Qingci arrived at the southernmost part of the temple—the “forbidden area.”
This was where the Second Prince, Xie Guanzhi, was imprisoned.
Although there were many guards at Guangcheng Temple, most of them were stationed outside. Only a few stood guard at the forbidden area.
Seeing Wen Qingci abruptly pause, Consort Lan understood his intention.
After inviting Wen Qingci to join her for lunch, Consort Lan left first.
Once she was gone, Wen Qingci circled behind the forbidden area, using light footwork to leap inside. It didn’t take much effort to enter the hall.
Last night, when he received Consort Lan’s invitation, Wen Qingci didn’t know the temple’s internal structure. Still, he prepared a “gift” for Xie Guanzhi, thinking that he might get a chance to see him.
The gift was a box of pastries purchased from Yongdu. Wen Qingci had heard that Xie Guanzhi only ate vegetarian meals here, so he guessed the young man might crave some miscellaneous treats.
As expected, after seeing Wen Qingci who suddenly appeared here and the gifts he prepared, Xie Guanzhi, who had been locked up here for several months, had his eyes slightly red as if he had seen a relative, and he even felt a little moved while eating the cakes.
At the same time, he vaguely knew some news about Northern Di, and couldn’t help but envy Xie Bufeng.
He couldn’t help but regret, saying that he should have made a bigger fuss that day and asked the emperor to send him and Xie Bufeng to the battlefield to kill the enemy instead of being locked up here to die.
Perhaps because he was imprisoned too strictly, Xie Guanzhi talked a lot more. Wen Qingci stayed in the forbidden area for more than an hour before leaving.
Lunch time was approaching, and he wanted to go find Consort Lan for a vegetarian meal. However, not long after he came out of the forbidden area, he saw a eunuch running towards him in a hurry and standing beside him, panting.
“Wen Xiansheng, just now someone… a man claiming to be from the Valley of Divine Physicians came to the gate of Guangcheng Temple and said he wanted to see you!”
“Valley of Divine Physicians…”
Wen Qingci’s brows immediately frowned. Could the person the eunuch was talking about be the medicine servant of the Valley of Divine Physicians?
“Take me there.” He said immediately without thinking.
“yes!”
Wen Qingci had previously prepared tokens for the owner of the clinic and the medicine servant to make it convenient for them to visit him at his house at any time.
Everyone in the palace knew that he had come to the Imperial Temple.
As long as the medical servant wanted, he could certainly find this place easily.
The question is… why did he come to see him?
Thinking of this, Wen Qingci couldn’t help but quicken his pace, and his mood became nervous.
As soon as he walked out of the gate of Guangcheng Temple, a man in blue clothes walked quickly towards him.
He seemed to have just dismounted, and his breath was still disordered: “Wen Xiansheng, something bad has happened in Changyuan!”
“What’s wrong?” Wen Qingci lowered his voice and asked, “your Highness?”
“Yes!” The medicine servant adjusted his breathing with difficulty. “The prince was seriously injured and was stabbed several times. If… cough cough, if the rumors I heard are correct, the knife seems to be poisoned…”
Knife wound, poisoned?
These two words made Wen Qingci’s heart sink heavily, and even his ears buzzed.
“Okay, I understand.” He nodded slowly.
After a year in the book, Wen Qingci’s skills in pretending to be calm have improved a lot.
At this moment, his heartbeat was about to burst out of his chest, but his face was still calm.
“…Ah?” the medical servant was stunned for a moment, not understanding what he meant. “Then what do you plan to do?” He asked subconsciously.
In fact, just a second before the medicine servant spoke, Wen Qingci’s mind was still in a mess.
But the moment this question was asked, Wen Qingci had the answer.
——Go to Changyuan.
He wants to go to Changyuan to see Xie Bufeng.
OH THE SUSPENSE IS KILLING ME
ALSO THEYRE GONNA HAVE A REUNION (i think?)
XGZ IM ROOTING FOR U TOO we love a good character development after all
OOHH I CANT WAIT FOR WQC TO “DIE” AND CONSORT LAN TO REVEAL EVERYTHING TO XBF HUHUHU INCOMING HEARTBREAK SOON (not too soon i think, or idk what chapter that will be)
THANK YOU FOR THREE CHAPTERS IN ONE DROP (even though it ended in a major cliffhanger oh well i can just cry about it no big deal 😃)