Chapter 23

In the past, Ling Huanchen had never seen Yu Xi having a nightmare with his own eyes. The two of them never spent the night in the same room. He had only heard about it from others in private. However, when Yu Xi was really trapped in a nightmare, there was no one by her side, so what people saw were just the aftermath of the nightmare.

"Your Majesty, what did you dream about?" Ling Huanchen rubbed his temples for him, his fingertips gently and slowly, his fingertips slightly cool, which helped Yu Xi gradually calm down.

What puzzled Ling Huanchen was that Yu Xi's nightmare problem should only occur during certain days in spring. Now it was summer, why did he suddenly have the same problem again?

"Nothing, just some old things." Yu Xi took his hand and sat up. The cold sweat on her forehead subsided a lot, and her face became rosy again. Even the fierce look that had flashed across her eyes when she just opened her eyes disappeared without a trace.

Ling Huanchen wasn't the only one confused. Yu Xi himself also found it strange. Besides the time issue, there was also a change in the dream. In the past, he dreamed of things that happened in his childhood, but now he dreamed of other things, such as the little boy who saved him from the deep sea disappearing into thin air.

Ling Huanchen felt that he was holding his hand a little too tightly, so he thought he was just disturbed by a dream. "May I play the zither for the king?"

He specially selected some soothing songs, and it turned out to be effective. Seeing Yu Xi close her eyes again, he felt relieved.

The effects of Qu Zhenmeng's dream-soothing technique became shorter and shorter. Initially, he could play a piece of music and Yu Xi would sleep soundly for the entire night. Later, however, the duration of Yu Xi's sleep became shorter and shorter. Not only at night, but also during the day, Yu Xi would often suddenly feel a severe headache while attending court. This feeling would come and go quickly, with no discernible pattern. It could strike during meals, or while reviewing memorials. There was no telling when.

The imperial physician was called in to check the emperor's pulse. Doctor Li hesitated for a long time and only gave one conclusion, which was to let the high priest meet him.

The summoning of the high priest was carried out in secret, and it was announced to the outside world that the high priest had observed the celestial phenomena at night and took the initiative to enter the palace to pray for blessings.

Ling Huanchen knew that any illness that would alert the High Priest was no ordinary illness. He recalled the ending of his previous life and had a bad feeling. Could it be that the Fengming Clan was intervening now?

The high priest sat cross-legged opposite Yu Xi, holding a whisk, his eyes tightly closed, muttering something. Half a cup of tea later, the high priest finally opened his eyes, his face solemn, and knelt down in worship.

"The king's health is poor because of sorcery."

Ling Huanchen's brows jumped when he heard this. He was afraid that what he feared would come true. Yu Xi had always been in good health, so he had no choice but to do what he thought.

On the other hand, Yu Xi was very calm, as if it had nothing to do with him. "My dear minister, what you mean is that someone has cast a spell on me."

"It should be a similar formation. This formation is more concealed than the magic of exorcism, but it also requires an object as a trigger." The high priest raised his head, his expression solemn. "Your Majesty needs to pay attention to the people or objects he has come into contact with recently."

A thought suddenly flashed through Ling Huanchen's mind: the mermaids might be involved in this matter.

Yu Xi gestured for the high priest to stand up, "My dear, can you find the location of that object?"

The high priest looked troubled. "The one who cast the spell is very advanced, I'm afraid he's not one of our people. It's been said since ancient times that the Fengming people are skilled in medicine and magic, and can both heal and harm. Although they are said to be extinct, I have met some of their people before, so they must still exist."

Yu Xi groaned, "Don't tell anyone about this. Go away."

"yes!"

When there was no one else in the room, Ling Huanchen took the initiative to present the plan he had in mind to Yu Xi.

The most suspicious individuals now were the Jiao Clan envoy and Crown Prince Ling Xu. If the envoy was responsible, this would be a serious matter, and it would likely not be resolved peacefully. If Ling Xu was responsible, he might be exploited for his own benefit. Based on the Jiao Clan's recent behavior, he was more inclined to the latter.

If this matter involves the Fengming Clan, it must be taken seriously. If we can follow this vine and find the melon behind it, it is very likely that we can avoid future troubles.

"Acting?" Yu Xi frowned in thought. Ling Huanchen's suggestion was a good idea, "but it might make you suffer from rumors for a few days."

Ling Huanchen smiled and said, "I was the one who proposed this method. Since I'm aware of it, how can I feel wronged? It will only take a few days to complete. Not only will it solve the king's headaches and nightmares, it may also reveal the person behind this. This matter cannot be delayed any longer. If it is delayed any further, the king's condition will probably worsen."

He listed various reasons and finally convinced Yu Xi. It wasn't impossible to directly imprison the two men, but it would likely alert the enemy. The most important thing now was to break the evil spell that was affecting Yu Xi.

To perform this play well, one needs not only an audience but also the right opportunity. What can one do to provoke the king's wrath without being criticized by outsiders?

Ling Huanchen thought about it all night and came up with a plan. If he moved the king's beloved things without permission, everything would go smoothly.

The next day, Ling Huanchen specifically asked Yu Xi to summon him to the study in Ziyi Palace. Unlike the past, this time he was accompanying the king, so Yu Xi allowed Fu Changshi and several other palace servants to serve in the study.

Ling Huanchen was grinding beside him, searching the study with his peripheral vision when he suddenly saw a brocade box on the wooden shelf. The brocade box was placed behind the books, and from his angle he could just see half of it.

It's just acting, and you have to act well. Ordinary objects are not trustworthy, and only things in hidden places can be used.

"Your Majesty, what is this? I have never seen it before." As he said this, he turned behind Yu Xi and grabbed the brocade box.

Fu Changshi was shocked and opened his mouth, his voice caught in his throat. "Why did this ancestor have to touch something else?" Once upon a time, a palace servant accidentally dropped a brocade box while cleaning. He was severely punished, but it was also because of his frail body that he couldn't withstand the punishment and eventually lost his life. From then on, the palace servants knew that the contents of the brocade box were more important than their own lives.

"Put it down." Yu Xi's voice did not express any emotion, but just these two words made people panic.

Fu Changshi closed his eyes. It was over. It was over now.

Ling Huanchen pretended not to understand, "Your Majesty, please don't be stingy. Can't you even let me take a look?"

He insisted on opening the box, but was stunned when he saw what was inside.

The next moment, Yu Xi grabbed his wrist and dragged him to her front. The red beads in the box rolled to the ground and after several twists and turns, they finally returned to Ling Huanchen's feet.

"Your Majesty, calm down!"

The palace servants knelt down with their eyes fixed on the ground. If they knew how to escape underground, they would definitely want to disappear immediately, rather than stay here and listen to the king's wrath, which would put their lives in danger.

"It's because I've been too indulgent with you that you've become so lawless. Someone, send him back to Yuluan Palace. No one is allowed to set foot in Ziyi Palace without my summons."

When the guard came forward, Ling Huanchen's mind was still blank. He saw Yu Xi bending down to pick up the red bead, holding it in her palm as if it were a treasure, and deliberately not looking at him.

Even after returning to Yuluan Palace, he still hadn't come back to his senses. Xiaoqi and Yunhe were extremely worried when they saw him like this, and the palace was filled with a gloomy atmosphere.

Before long, the news that King You was furious in his study spread throughout the palace, and even the news was heard outside the palace.

King You not only sent Ling Huanchen back, but also summoned Ling Xu, the prince of the mermaid clan. Ling Xu played the zither and performed a dance in the Ziyi Palace. Suddenly, Ling Huanchen fell out of favor, and the rumors of a new favorite taking over became more plausible.

"Your Majesty, may I serve you dinner?" Ling Xu had a smile on his face and a charming look in his eyes. Ever since he heard that King You was angry, he knew that Yu Xi would definitely think of him. The nobleman he met before coming here did not lie to him.

Yu Xi glanced at him calmly and said, "I have no appetite. Just continue playing the piano."

Although Ling Xi was rejected, he was still secretly delighted. After all, a few days ago, Yu Xi had been rude to him. Now that she was willing to summon him and not reject his close service, it was a big change. As long as he worked harder, he would definitely win King You's heart. Thinking of this, Ling Xi's face was even more proud.

Yu Xi was thinking about how to explain to Ling Huanchen at the moment. The piano music in his ears not only failed to calm him down, but also made him more and more impatient. But since the play had already begun, he had to complete it.

The sound of a zither could be heard from the Ziyi Palace, while the Yuluan Palace was utterly silent. The palace servants squatted outside the palace like quails, not daring to disturb the people inside at all.

Ling Huanchen sat quietly in the bedroom, the tea and snacks on the table were untouched, and Xiao Qi was rubbing his hands and circling beside him.

"Master, the king must be in a bad mood. Duan Ran won't be angry forever. Maybe he'll be fine in a couple of days." Xiao Qi slapped his mouth. "No, the king will definitely not be angry with you. The king is so good to you, how could he really be angry? As the saying goes, quarrels at the head of the bed are reconciled at the foot of the bed. Master, don't think too much about it."

He mumbled a lot, but Ling Huanchen didn't listen. He was overthinking something, but it was different from what they were worried about. He was thinking about the red bead.

The red bead is a symbol of the royal family of the mermaid tribe. He had never found it since he went out to sea as a child. He thought he had accidentally lost it while playing outside. But now, this red bead that was supposed to be lost has appeared in Yu Xi's study and is regarded as a treasure by him.

Ling Huanchen thought about it and there was only one possibility.

"master."

Yun He entered the bedroom at this time and asked Xiao Qi to leave first when she saw him. Although Xiao Qi was worried about Ling Huan Chen, he was used to listening to Yun He. In addition, Ling Huan Chen did not want to keep him, so he retreated, looking back every few steps.

Yun He changed a pot of tea for him and said, "Master, the king asked the maid to bring a message."

The author has something to say:

Thank you "Jingluonanbei" and "35324978" for the nutrient solution encouragement!

Wenming will be released tomorrow, and three chapters will be dropped. Thank you for your support, and please continue to support me~

Pre-collected ancient Chinese novel "The Emperor and the Empress Are Sick Beauties" and modern novel "The Little Mermaid of the Rich and Evil Young Master [Rebirth]", welcome to collect!

1. The Copywriting of "The Empress is a Sick Beauty"

Three years ago, a young man in white, wielding a sword, gained fame in the martial arts world. He single-handedly shattered conspiracies, slayed evil spirits, and saved the people from disaster. Afterward, the young man vanished, his whereabouts unknown.

Three years later, a sickly but beautiful young man from a wealthy family appeared in Yangzhou. Everyone in the Shen family treated him like a porcelain doll, fearing that he would get hurt.

One day, the young master went out for a rare occasion and unexpectedly got separated from his brother. While being harassed, he met a man with a stern face and elegant clothes. He did not expect that this man was not only of high status, but also had been haunting him ever since.

On a dark, windy, and full-mooned night, someone broke into the Shen residence, displayed his exquisite swordsmanship, and abducted the beloved young master.

The eldest son of the Shen family: You scoundrel! Let my brother go!

Dark and cold top vs. smart in big things but confused in small things, sword-crazed and sickly beautiful bottom

2. The Copywriter for "The Little Mermaid [Rebirth]"

A hundred years ago, Mo Xiaomo was saved by Gu Hanlin, and experienced the feeling of being loved. Gu Hanlin was killed while trying to protect him, and he avenged him and died a love suicide.

Reborn as the mermaid prince, Mo Xiaomo finds Gu Hanlin's reincarnation, but the latter apparently doesn't remember him. But that doesn't matter, as he's confident he can make Gu Hanlin fall in love with him again.

Gu Hanlin, a man of distinguished family background, is known for his aloofness, aloofness that makes him untouched by the sight of flowers. That is until he meets a beautiful, dreamy young man, whom he keeps close to him as a distraction. He thought he was a tough, skilled actor, but he turned out to be a complete fool, and then he fell for him.

Small Theater 1

Mo Xiaomo: I’m hungry.

Gu Hanlin: Didn’t you just eat?

After meeting Mo Xiaomo's big eyes, Gu Hanlin said: Eat! I'll give it all to you. You can have whatever you want.

Small Theater 2

Gu Hanlin stared at the little mermaid in the pool almost obsessively: Be good, let me touch your tail.

Mo Xiaomo's cheeks flushed: No, touching the tail means you have to be responsible.

Gu Hanlin's eyes were dark: I'll take responsibility.

A dark and arrogant man who feeds his wife and becomes addicted to sex. A super sweet, super fierce, super gluttonous mermaid.