Ask the mountains and rivers

Chapter 345 Sowing Discord (Part Two)

The Pingyang army was one thing, but now the Taiyuan army has arrived!

One after another, the troops stationed in the north defected to Pei Qinghe. The influence of the Bohai Navy was waning!

This can't go on! We must stop the rumors.

General Zhang entered the palace with a sullen face and requested an audience with Emperor Jian'an.

General Zhang, who usually entered the palace as if it were his own backyard, without any hesitation, had become much more cautious in his words and actions due to the recent rumors. He waited outside the Emperor's bedchamber for an audience.

Eunuch Shen came out somewhat awkwardly: "General, your timing is unfortunate. His Majesty has just drunk his medicine and fallen asleep. According to his usual routine, he should sleep for at least one or two hours. Please return to your residence first, and come back after His Majesty wakes up, how about that?"

General Zhang narrowed his eyes and glanced at Eunuch Shen.

The eunuch felt a chill run down his spine from the look in her eyes, but he continued to smile obsequiously: "If the General has any urgent business, this servant will go and wake His Majesty right away."

"No need," General Zhang said calmly. "I will wait here."

Shen Gonggong nodded obsequiously and quietly returned to his bedroom.

Emperor Jian'an, with his thin cheeks, pale face, and slightly sunken eyes, sat on his dragon bed, clutching a letter in his hand.

It’s been a year!

Pei Qinghe refused the imperial decree to grant her marriage and instead brought Shi Yan into the family as her son-in-law. It has been a year since then.

Pei Qinghe wouldn't write a letter unless it was something extremely important. The last letter she received was about Meng Bing's marriage into the Pei family. What would this letter contain?
"Your Majesty," Eunuch Shen said in a low voice, as if his voice could penetrate the thick door and travel dozens of meters to reach General Zhang, who was sitting in the side hall drinking tea, "the General refuses to leave and is waiting outside."

Emperor Jian'an remained indifferent, even letting out a cold laugh: "What's there to be afraid of? I am the Son of Heaven. Can't I even make a subject wait a moment?"

But you are just a puppet emperor; even imperial edicts can't reach beyond Bohai Commandery. All court affairs are in the hands of the Grand General. Countless spies of the Grand General reside within this palace.

Not daring to hurt the Emperor's fragile and pitiful self-esteem, Eunuch Shen echoed Emperor Jian'an's words, saying, "Yes, yes, this servant was too talkative." He then slapped himself lightly.

Emperor Jian'an had no patience to watch Eunuch Shen's performance, so he waved his hand, and Eunuch Shen retreated to a corner.

Emperor Jian'an took a deep breath, opened the letter, and the familiar handwriting came into view.

The handwriting reflects the person; a chilling, murderous aura emanates from it.

Pei Qinghe's writing habits remained unchanged, without a single word of unnecessary chatter.

The Zhang family is ambitious, imprisoning the emperor and controlling the court, intending to usurp his throne and establish a new dynasty. Rumors are rampant in the north, and the Zhang family's ambitions are common knowledge. This humble general has heard that the Zhang family bribed the imperial physicians to add a slow-acting poison to the emperor's medicine. Such a treasonous act is appalling. The veracity of this rumor is unknown; I urge Your Majesty to be cautious and take care of your health.

Emperor Jian'an read those few words over and over again, countless times.

In the corner, Eunuch Shen was also quietly pondering.

What exactly did General Pei write in his letter? Why did the Emperor stare at it for so long? And why did the Emperor look so grim?

Emperor Jian'an tucked the letter under his pillow, then lay down, closed his eyes, and fell asleep.

Whether I was truly asleep or just dozing off, I didn't open my eyes until it got dark.

General Zhang waited all afternoon before being ushered into the Emperor's bedchamber by the trembling Eunuch Shen. Emperor Jian'an, leaning against the thick bedding, said weakly, "I am particularly tired today and have slept for a long time. I apologize for keeping you waiting, General." General Zhang replied gently, "It is my duty as a subject to await Your Majesty's summons." He paused, then added, "Your Majesty, recently some villains have been spreading rumors that are detrimental to the Zhang family and to this old minister."

"This old minister has been wholeheartedly dedicated to sharing Your Majesty's burdens, yet I have been unjustly slandered. This is truly a great injustice. I have come today to request Your Majesty to attend court daily and handle state affairs."

Emperor Jian'an gave a wry smile: "There are no outsiders here, so I'll speak frankly to my uncle. Since I fell ill, my mind has been foggy, and I can't even understand the memorials. How can I possibly handle state affairs?"

"Those villains outside, unaware of your loyalty, spread rumors and try to sow discord. I will not fall for such a treacherous scheme. Rest assured, Uncle, continue to share my burdens."

Emperor Jian'an spoke with heartfelt sincerity.

General Zhang felt a slight sense of relief and looked at Emperor Jian'an, asking, "Did General Pei write a letter to His Majesty?"

Emperor Jian'an's heart tightened, and his expression revealed his indignation: "General Pei has occupied Youzhou, has soldiers and money in her hands, and is supported by the people. She wrote a letter to me to show off."

In any case, since Emperor Jian'an wouldn't produce the letter, General Zhang couldn't demand it. Only Emperor Jian'an himself knew what was written in the letter.

General Zhang sneered inwardly, but said aloud, "As long as General Pei hasn't raised his banner and declared himself emperor, he remains a loyal subject and general of the emperor. Your Majesty should appease him and not discourage General Pei."

Emperor Jian'an sighed, "Of all the officials in the court, my uncle is still the most loyal to me."

General Zhang's expression softened considerably, and he sighed with a smile, "The Emperor also has the blood of the Zhang family flowing in his veins. This old minister is willing to serve the Emperor with utmost devotion until his dying breath."

Emperor Jian'an's eyes reddened with emotion, and his voice choked with emotion: "My uncle cares so much for me, I cannot let the Zhang family suffer from rumors. Starting tomorrow, I will go to court. Let everyone see that I am safe and sound, and that the Zhang family are my trusted and loyal ministers."

General Zhang, having achieved his purpose, did not rush to leave but kindly reassured the emperor: "Your Majesty, please rest assured. Leave any difficult matters to this old minister."

Emperor Jian'an was deeply moved and grasped General Zhang's hand, saying, "I cannot be without my uncle for even a day."

After the opera performance, General Zhang took his leave.

Emperor Jian'an concealed all his emotions, his face expressionless, making him look somewhat frightening.

Eunuch Shen carefully brought over the medicine: "Your Majesty, it's time to drink your medicine."

Does this medicine contain any added slow-acting poison?
Emperor Jian'an stared at the brown medicine in the bowl, his gaze dark, and suddenly said, "You drink this medicine in my place."

Eunuch Shen was taken aback at first, then exclaimed in surprise: "How could this servant drink the Emperor's medicine?"

"You are receiving this as a gift from me, so drink it." Emperor Jian'an ordered expressionlessly, "This matter must not be known to anyone. From now on, when the imperial physicians bring medicine, bring it to me, and I will watch you drink it."

There were countless spies and informants belonging to the Zhang family within the palace. The daily three bowls of herbal medicine, no matter where they were spilled, would leave a trace. The medicine had to be drunk; this way, they could both keep the Zhang father and son in check without leaving a trace and observe its effects.

Eunuch Shen clearly understood as well.

The important task of conducting drug trials fell on his shoulders.

For a lowly eunuch to be allowed to test medicine for his master is a testament to the master's trust in him.

Shen Gonggong responded softly, his hands trembling slightly, as he brought the medicine bowl to his lips and drank it all in one gulp.

(End of this chapter)