Xiao Chengci made a shushing gesture and pulled Shang Huai out of the house.

She closed the door quietly. "She was awake for a while before falling asleep again."

Shang Huai pursed his lips. "Even though we rushed as fast as we could, we still missed it."

Upon learning that Pei Zhi had woken up, Shang Huai rushed back without even having time to interrogate the prisoners under his command.

"How is she? Is she alright?"

"I told her that her legs were temporarily immobile, but with some rest, she would be able to stand up again."

Xiao Chengci warned, "You and she, don't let anything slip."

Shang Huai worried, "She's so smart, how long can we keep this a secret?"

"No matter how long it takes, at least let her recover her health first, so she doesn't give up on herself."

"Even if she can't stand up, it doesn't matter. I can just carry her wherever she goes."

"You're just like that," Shang Huai snorted.

Xiao Chengci glanced at Shang Huai and said, "Look at yourself, your clothes are covered in blood. Go and change your clothes."

Shang Huai glanced at his sleeve. "It's nothing. Zhizhi is already asleep."

"We killed nearly a hundred people today. I estimate that in another two days, it should be enough."

Xiao Chengci waved his sleeve, as if Shang Huai's words carried the scent of blood.

"I've been hiding and haven't dared to go out these past few days, so you should hurry up and finish things up here."

"People outside are saying that blood has been flowing everywhere in the capital these past few days."

Shang Huai was equally unforgiving when he heard Xiao Chengci's words.

"Your Majesty, if you find me too slow, perhaps you could find someone more capable?"

Xiao Chengci twitched the corner of his mouth. "Forget it. I don't trust anyone else with this matter except you."

Shang Huai is the kind of person who won't show any mercy to anyone who comes to him for help.

Since Shang Huai no longer served as an official in the capital, he naturally wasn't worried about offending anyone.

Moreover, Shang Huai was also filled with anger and wanted to vent his frustration on these people.

"Everyone outside is saying that this group of people attempted to assassinate the Empress Dowager. Your Majesty has been attending to her these past few days, and people in the court and among the common people are praising Your Majesty for your benevolence and filial piety."

Shang Huai's words contained no hint of sarcasm.

Xiao Chengci put his hands behind his back, too lazy to argue with Shang Huai.

"Once the Empress Dowager's injuries have healed somewhat, I will have someone send her to the North City."

"Arrange for some people to guard it firmly."

Shang Huai frowned. "Will the ministers in the court agree to the Empress Dowager going to the northern city?"

“Send it secretly. After she dies, just bury a few pieces of her clothing in the imperial mausoleum.”

"Your Majesty's move is truly insidious."

For the Empress Dowager, even if she died, she could only be buried in the northern city, which would mean that after death she would become a wandering ghost.

If the Empress Dowager finds out, she will surely die in the capital.

"The moment she laid a hand on Pei Zhi, I lost my mother in this world."

Shang Huai did not say that Xiao Chengci was ruthless.

Xiao Chengci spared the Empress Dowager's life only because it was she who gave him his life.

Even if the Empress Dowager had taken action against Pei Zhi, Xiao Chengci could not take the Empress Dowager's life.

This is why the Empress Dowager dared to take action against Pei Zhi.

Even Shang Huai could only say that the Empress Dowager's move was indeed ruthless.

Of course, Shang Huai had no intention of advising His Majesty to show mercy.

In fact, when Shang Huai saw Pei Zhi covered in blood, any remaining affection he had for the Empress Dowager vanished completely.

For Shang Huai now, not killing the Empress Dowager is already a result of extreme forbearance.

After having dinner at the Pei residence, Xiao Chengci returned to the palace.

There were still many matters in the palace that Xiao Chengci needed to handle, so Pei Minxue followed Xiao Chengci into the palace.

"Your Majesty, Zhizhi has awakened. Shall we hold court tomorrow morning?"

Since Pei Zhi was injured and fell into a coma, Xiao Chengci has not attended the morning court session.

To the outside world, it was said that the Empress Dowager had been assassinated at the royal villa, was seriously injured, and her fate was unknown.

"What's the rush?"

"In the past few days, I have received dozens of letters, all pleading for leniency."

"My wife and I haven't dared to leave the house these past few days."

Shang Huai was handling the liquidation outside, but the capital city was only so big.

Most of these officials were related by blood or marriage.

"What, you think I shouldn't have killed them?"

"Your Majesty's decision is one I would never dare to object to."

"I am worried that the fact that you have not attended court for so long will lead to a lot of gossip and rumors."

"Then give the order that court will resume in two days."

Pei Zhi has now woken up, and Xiao Chengci originally planned to stay with her for two more days.

By now, things should be pretty much over in Shanghuai.

In this way, Shang Huai could stay by Pei Zhi's side at all times.

After this incident, neither of them dared to leave Pei Zhi alone again, no matter what.

For example, now that Xiao Chengci has left, Shang Huai will stay by Pei Zhi's side.

Pei Zhi lay in bed for about seven days, until her whole body ached.

Although these past few days, Pei Zhi has been carried to the yard every day to bask in the sun and feel the breeze.

Suffering from injuries, Pei Zhi's temper was also not very good.

Anyway, I can't stand anyone.

Xiao Chengci was feeding Pei Zhi when he accidentally dropped some food onto her clothes.

Pei Zhi immediately retorted, "How old are you? Your hands are already shaking. You can't even learn how to serve people properly. How are you going to be an emperor?"

Xiao Chengci was already used to it, and quickly took a handkerchief to wipe Pei Zhi's skirt.

Xiao Chengci hurriedly said, "I'll change you into a different outfit after we finish eating."

This was the first time in several days that Pei Minxue had eaten with Pei Zhi.

Pei Minxue brought Pei Zhi some new gadgets today, hoping to help her pass the time and alleviate her loneliness.

It was lunchtime, so Pei Zhi invited Pei Minxue to stay and have lunch with her.

Since we're all in the same prefecture, it doesn't matter where we eat.

Pei Zhi is still a patient, so her meals are low in oil and salt, and not spicy.

The cooks in the mansion were also hired from outside, and they prepared different dishes for Pei Zhi every day.

No matter how many variations there are, the flavor is still light.

"Your leg is already lame, which makes things inconvenient, and you still want me to change my clothes several times a day?"

Pei Zhi said sullenly, "Forget it, I have no appetite, I won't eat."

Seeing this, Xiao Chengci didn't force Pei Zhi. "Would you like some soup? Bone broth, it's good for your bones."

Are you trying to mock me?

These words left not only Xiao Chengci bewildered, but even Pei Minxue was baffled.

No, His Majesty was just trying to be kind by saying that bone broth is good for bones, so how did that become mockery?

"Otherwise, why would you add the extra sentence, 'good for bones'?"

Pei Zhi pressed on: "If this isn't mocking me, then what is it?"

Pei Minxue gasped, lowered his head, and dared not make a sound.

Xiao Chengci's expression also stiffened somewhat. "If you don't want to drink, then we won't drink."

Pei Zhi then asked, "Why not drink it? Didn't you say it's good for your bones?"