Killer Queen: Tyrant, prepare to die!

Chapter 39: A Hundred Birds Pay Homage at the Full Moon Banquet! Is the Deposed Empress's Child a Beloved Beast?

The 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month is the Little New Year.

Several plain paper lanterns hung under the eaves of Tangli Palace, swaying gently in the cold wind.

The old locust tree in the yard had long since lost all its leaves, and its withered branches left sharp marks against the gray sky.

Bao'er is one month old.

Shen Qingci got up very early.

She personally boiled water, dampened a soft cloth, and gently washed Bao'er's body.

The little one lay on the tatami mat covered with thick cotton padding, waving his little hands and feet and making giggling noises.

"Your Majesty, the water is here." Jinshu came in carrying a copper basin with a clean cloth draped over its rim.

Charcoal was burning inside, but the temperature was still low.

Jinshu turned the charcoal brazier a little brighter, and the sparks crackled twice.

Shen Qingci wrapped Bao'er in a soft swaddle, leaving only her pink little face exposed.

Bao'er's eyes are just like Nangong Ye's, with slightly upturned corners, but clear and bright eyes, like obsidian soaked in spring water.

"Is everything prepared?" Shen Qingci asked.

"It's ready." Jinshu took out incense and candles and a few simple offerings from the cabinet—three red eggs, a small dish of osmanthus cake, and a bowl of white rice.

There was no lavish feast, and no throngs of guests.

The baby born to a deposed empress in the cold palace was celebrated with a meager full-moon celebration.

But Shen Qingci didn't care.

She carried Bao'er to the side hall, where a simple incense table was set up.

Jinshu lit a candle and then lit three incense sticks, the smoke rising gently.

"Bao'er," Shen Qingci said softly, "today is your one-month birthday. I don't ask you to be rich and powerful, I only ask that you be safe and happy."

She lifted Bao'er up a little higher, making the little guy's face appear especially soft in the glow of the incense and candlelight.

Bao'er suddenly made a "ee-yah" sound and reached for the red eggs on the offering table with her little hand.

Jinshu chuckled, "Is your young master hungry?"

"It should be." Shen Qingci smiled, but her eyes were a little wet. She picked up Bao'er and began to breastfeed her.

The room was quiet, with only the sound of Bao'er sucking and the occasional crackling of the charcoal fire.

---

Just after noon, footsteps could be heard outside the courtyard.

Xiao Luzi rushed in, carrying a brocade box: "Your Majesty, His Majesty... Eunuch Wang from His Majesty's side has arrived."

Shen Qingci tightened his grip on Bao'er's arms slightly.

Jinshu looked at her with concern: "Your Majesty..."

"Please come in," Shen Qingci said calmly.

When Eunuch Wang entered, he still carried the chill of the outside air with him.

He first performed the proper bows, and then carefully presented the brocade box:

"Your Majesty, His Majesty has ordered me to bring this."

His Majesty said... Today is the little prince's one-month birthday, and he should have attended in person, but... he was afraid of disturbing the Empress's peace and quiet.

The brocade box is made of sandalwood and carved with auspicious cloud patterns; it's clearly from the palace.

Shen Qingci did not answer.

Eunuch Wang knelt with his hands raised, fine beads of sweat appearing on his forehead.

After a long pause, Shen Qingci finally spoke: "Jinshu, accept it."

"Yes." Jinshu stepped forward, took the brocade box, and opened it.

Inside was a pure gold longevity lock, with the three characters "Nangong Yue" engraved on the front and a Qilin stepping on clouds on the back.

A note was pressed under the lock; Nangong Ye's handwriting was strong and clear:

May my son enjoy good health and peace year after year.

Jinshu looked at Shen Qingci.

Shen Qingci stared at the longevity lock for a long time, so long that even Eunuch Wang's legs began to tremble, before she slowly said, "Please thank His Majesty for me."

As if granted a pardon, Eunuch Wang kowtowed and withdrew.

Jinshu held the longevity lock, unsure where to put it.

"Lock it up." Shen Qingci turned around. "Put it with the others."

"Your Majesty..." Jinshu bit her lip, "After all, this is His Majesty's kind gesture. It's the young master's one-month celebration, so it's alright for him to wear it..."

"What should I wear?"

Shen Qingci's voice turned cold.

"Wearing the lock his father gave him, then waiting for the day his father throws him into the cold palace?"

Jinshu dared not speak.

Shen Qingci closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

When I opened my eyes again, they were calm again.

"Let's put it away. When Bao'er grows up, he can decide for himself whether he wants to wear it or not."

"Yes."

Bao'er squirmed in her arms, then suddenly exclaimed "Ah!" and waved her little hand toward the window.

Shen Qingci followed his gaze.

A few sparrows had perched on the withered branches of the old locust tree outside the window, chirping away.

Bao'er looked at the sparrow with bright eyes, and then made a few baby-specific syllables.

Something magic happened.

The sparrows suddenly stopped chirping and fluttered their wings as they flew down from the branches!

One, two, three... They perched on the windowsill, tilting their little heads, their black bean-like eyes intently watching Bao'er, emitting soft, almost gentle chirping sounds.

It's like a response.

Jinshu's eyes widened: "Your Majesty, this..."

Shen Qingci was also stunned.

She carried Bao'er to the window.

The sparrows didn't fly away; instead, they hopped around. One of the bolder ones even flew into the house and landed on the corner of the table not far from Bao'er.

Bao'er giggled happily, her little hands clasping in the air.

The sparrow moved a little closer.

"Go and bring Xiaobai here." Shen Qingci's voice was tense.

Xiao Bai is a Persian cat that Doctor Chen sent over a few days ago, saying it would be to keep Bao'er company.

The kitten is only two months old, with snow-white fur and blue eyes. It is usually very shy and always hides under the cabinet.

Jinshu quickly brought Xiaobai over.

The kitten nestled in her arms, warily looking around, whimpering softly.

Shen Qingci approached, carrying Bao'er in her arms.

When Bao'er saw the kitten, her eyes lit up even more, and she made muffled "woof woof" sounds while kicking her little feet excitedly.

The little white cat suddenly stopped meowing.

It pricked up its ears, stared intently at Bao'er with its sapphire-like eyes, then let out a soft "meow," and actually jumped down from Jinshu's arms, walking gracefully to Shen Qingci's feet.

It nuzzled against Shen Qingci's skirt with its head, then tilted its head back and called out to Bao'er in a soft, sweet voice.

Jinshu gasped, "Your Majesty, this cat... it usually avoids people!"

Shen Qingci's heart was pounding.

She handed Bao'er to Jinshu, then squatted down and reached out to touch Xiaobai's head.

The kitten didn't dodge; instead, it came closer and rubbed against her palm.

"Jinshu," Shen Qingci's voice was hoarse, "go out and see if there are any other animals in the yard."

Jinshu carried Bao'er to the door and pushed it open a crack.

Then she froze.

"Your Majesty..." her voice trembled, "There are so many birds in the courtyard..."

Shen Qingci walked quickly to the window.

In the courtyard, a dozen or so birds had gathered—sparrows, magpies, orioles, and even two rare blue-tailed robins. They perched on bare branches and under the eaves, quiet and still.

It's like... a pilgrimage.

Shen Qingci's palms were sweating.

"Go and invite Eunuch Li." She turned around, her tone serious. "Be careful not to let anyone see you."

---

Half an hour later, Eunuch Li, leaning on his cane, quietly entered Tangli Palace through the back door.

His injuries hadn't fully healed; he was pale and walked slowly, but his eyes had regained their former sharpness.

After hearing Shen Qingci's description and witnessing Bao'er and Xiaobai's close relationship, Eunuch Li remained silent for a long time.

The charcoal crackled and popped in the basin.

"Master," Shen Qingci clenched her fingers, "Bao'er, he..."

"A spirit body," Eunuch Li uttered in a hoarse voice, "and a 'spiritual body' that is one in ten thousand."

"A psychic body?"

"Ancient texts record that those with this constitution are born with the ability to communicate with all things." Eunuch Li looked at Bao'er, who was playing with a cloth tiger in Jinshu's arms, his gaze complex. "Birds, beasts, insects, fish, flowers, and trees—they can all resonate with it. And that's not even the strangest part—"

He paused, then lowered his voice: "The strangest thing is that people with this constitution have a unique aura in their blood. Ordinary poisons will automatically avoid them. If they cultivate properly, they will become immune to all poisons in the future."

Shen Qingci's heart skipped a beat: "Is this... a good thing or a bad thing?"

"Good fortune may be a harbinger of misfortune," Eunuch Li said slowly. "Such talent, in a peaceful and prosperous era, could make one a wise ruler, bringing blessings to the people. But in chaotic times, or when people's hearts are unpredictable..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but Shen Qingci understood.

Possessing a treasure is a crime.

"This matter must not be revealed to outsiders," Eunuch Li said in a deep voice. "Especially now, Liu Ruyan is still keeping an eye on Tangli Palace. If she finds out that the young master possesses such abilities..."

The consequences could be disastrous.

Shen Qingci closed her eyes briefly: "I understand."

She walked to the cradle, looked at Bao'er's innocent little face, and felt a sharp pain in her heart.

Her baby, only a month old, already carries this secret.

"Your Highness need not worry too much," Eunuch Li comforted her. "The young master is still young, and his abilities are only just beginning to emerge. As long as he is careful to conceal them, they may not be discovered."

He paused, then pulled a yellowed booklet from his robes: "This is the 'Compendium of Herbs' that the late Empress Dowager gave to this old servant. It records the medicinal properties of many rare and exotic plants. I've been thinking about it these past few days, and perhaps I can concoct a 'Spirit-Concealing Powder' that can temporarily mask the fluctuations of a spiritual body."

Shen Qingci took the booklet and opened it.

Inside, the text is written in neat small regular script, accompanied by exquisite illustrations. Each medicinal herb is clearly labeled with its origin, characteristics, efficacy, and... toxicity.

"Is my master worthy of this?"

"We're missing a few medicinal herbs." Eunuch Li smiled bitterly. "Hidden Grass only grows on the summit of the Western Ridge Snow Mountain, Moonflower Vine grows on an isolated island in the East China Sea, and Seven-Star Lotus... I've only seen it once in the Southern Frontier."

Shen Qingci closed the booklet, her eyes resolute: "I'll figure out the medicinal herbs. Master, you just need to tell me the prescription."

Eunuch Li looked at her and nodded slowly.

He took out paper and pen from his sleeve and, by the light of the charcoal brazier, wrote down the names of nine medicinal herbs on the paper.

Shen Qingci took the note, read it carefully, and handed it to Jinshu: "Copy it down, memorize it, and then burn it."

"Yes." Jinshu took it and walked to the desk to begin copying.

Her handwriting was neat and she wrote each stroke carefully. For the past month, besides taking care of Bao'er, she had spent all her time studying—studying medicine, poisons, accounting, and recognizing characters.

Shen Qingci walked to her side and watched her copy.

"Here," Shen Qingci pointed to one of the herbs, "Bidens pilosa, not the one used to stop bleeding. What you need is its root, dried and ground into powder. The dosage should not exceed three qian (approximately 15 grams), otherwise it will damage the meridians."

"I've noted it down," Jinshu nodded and made a note in the blank space next to her.

Watching this scene, Eunuch Li's eyes showed satisfaction: "Jinshu is indeed a good candidate for studying medicine."

"She really put her heart into it," Shen Qingci said. "In just one month, she memorized the first three chapters of the Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic."

Jinshu blushed with embarrassment: "It's all thanks to Your Majesty's excellent teaching."

"Just memorizing isn't enough." Eunuch Li coughed twice. "Starting tomorrow, this old servant will teach you to recognize poisons. In this palace, poisons are more useful than medicines."

Jinshu knelt down solemnly and kowtowed: "Thank you, Eunuch Li."

"Get up," Eunuch Li said, offering a slight gesture of support. "Your Majesty, this old servant has something else to discuss."

"Please speak, Master."

"While the young master's abilities should be concealed, they don't need to be completely suppressed," said Eunuch Li. "If guided properly, they might... become an asset to us."

Shen Qingci raised an eyebrow: "What does Master mean?"

"Animals are the most spiritual and sensitive creatures," Eunuch Li said in a low voice. "The fact that the young master can attract their attention means they sense the pure aura emanating from him. Conversely, if someone approaches with malicious intent, the animals will also react."

Shen Qingci's eyes lit up: "Master means... that Bao'er should help us identify who has problems?"

"Exactly." Eunuch Li nodded. "But we must be careful not to let anyone suspect anything."

Just then, footsteps sounded outside the courtyard.

It's Xiao Luzi.

He rushed in and whispered, "Your Majesty, there's some commotion at Huayang Palace."

"explain."

"Consort Liu caused a scene again today, smashing the chamber pot in the Cold Palace and getting herself covered in filth. The eunuchs guarding her said she kept shouting... she wanted to see His Majesty, she wanted to see the Empress."

Shen Qingci sneered: "Let her shout."

"And another thing," Xiao Luzi said in an even lower voice, "our informant in Huayang Palace reported that Chunxing, who serves Consort Liu, secretly went to the Imperial Hospital yesterday evening and met with Physician Liu."

Physician Liu was a distant relative of the Liu family.

"What did she take?" Shen Qingci asked.

"I don't know, but when Chunxing came out, there were dark brown medicine stains on her cuffs," Xiaoluzi said. "She secretly dabbed some eyeliner on it and smelled it, saying it smelled like... the scent of Zhu Yanmo."

Shen Qingci's eyes sharpened.

Zhu Yan died.

It's this kind of poison again.

"Your Majesty," Jinshu said anxiously, hugging Bao'er tightly, "Are they trying to poison us again?"

"It's not that I wanted to," Shen Qingci turned around, walked to the desk, picked up a pen and wrote a few lines, "it's that I've already taken action."

She folded the note and handed it to Xiao Luzi: "Give this to Physician Chen. Have him prepare the medicine according to the prescription and deliver it secretly."

"Yes."

After Xiao Luzi withdrew, Eunuch Li frowned: "Your Highness, what's wrong...?"

"An eye for an eye," Shen Qingci said calmly. "Doesn't Liu Ruyan like using the 'Red Face Demise'? Then I'll give her a 'modified version'."

She looked at Jinshu: "Tonight, you'll learn how to make poison with me."

Jinshu took a deep breath and nodded vigorously: "Yes!"

Outside the window, the sky gradually darkened.

The birds had scattered sometime earlier, leaving only a few scattered chirps.

Bao'er was asleep in the cradle, her little hands clenched into fists and placed against her cheeks. The little white kitten was curled up on the floor next to the cradle, sleeping soundly, its tail occasionally swaying gently.

Shen Qingci walked over and gently stroked Bao'er's forehead.

"Bao'er," she whispered, "Mother will definitely protect you."

at all costs.

The charcoal fire burned quietly in the basin, reflecting her resolute profile.

Outside the Tangli Palace, in a corner of the palace, a new conspiracy is brewing.