After a day-long search, news finally came back from Wushan.

"Your Majesty, I have searched the entire mountain and found nothing unusual, except..."

Emperor Chongde's voice was cold and deep: "Besides what?"

The Imperial Guard Commander cautiously glanced at the Emperor's expression and forced a smile, saying, "We found a huge rock blocking our path in a valley. There were many deer carcasses around it. The carcasses had no external injuries, and the cause of death was really strange. It is very likely that they froze to death."

However, the fact that they froze to death in droves, all in one place, is simply too bizarre!

This bizarre sight clearly left a group of people bewildered and uncertain.

Emperor Chongde frowned. "Where is that stone now?"

The commander hurriedly replied, "Your Majesty, they are still in Wushan. I had planned to bring them back, but for some reason, everyone who has come into contact with that stone has inexplicably become unwell. Some have even experienced vomiting and diarrhea. I am worried that this may harm Your Majesty's health..."

Eunuch Fu exclaimed in surprise, his eyes wide: "Commander Mo's concerns are justified. Such an ominous thing must never be allowed near His Majesty!"

Emperor Chongde frowned, his face grim.

"The celestial phenomena are unusual; could they be a warning to me?"

At this moment, a palace servant came to report: "Your Majesty, the Third Prince requests an audience."

"What is he doing here at this time?" Emperor Chongde's expression was slightly impatient, then his eyes suddenly changed. He turned to look at Eunuch Fu, his expression inscrutable. "If I remember correctly, the Third Prince's nickname is Yuanji?"

Eunuch Fu's expression immediately became somewhat subtle. He bowed respectfully and said, "Your Majesty has a good memory. This servant almost forgot that it was the Imperial Concubine who personally chose this name, saying that it has a good meaning."

The deer is also known as Yuanji, which symbolizes good fortune and longevity.

Emperor Chongde's expression suddenly turned cold. He chuckled slowly, his eyes icy: "Let him in. I want to see what he's up to!"

The people inside the hall lowered their heads in fear.

When Yan Xingzhou stepped into the hall, he noticed that the atmosphere was unusually quiet.

He caught sight of Commander Mo kneeling on the ground and immediately understood. It was likely that there was already some progress on the Wushan side. He subtly curled his lips and stepped forward to bow, saying, "Your subject greets Your Majesty."

Emperor Chongde glanced at him with unpredictable emotions, his heart filled with turmoil.

When exactly did his son develop this ambition?

Indeed, he showered him with unparalleled favor, which inevitably led him to harbor inappropriate thoughts.

"Why are you here instead of spending time with your mother?"

"Your Majesty, I have just come from Mother's place." Yan Xingzhou raised his head, feigning concern. "I heard there was some unusual activity at Wushan, and I was very worried. I came to see Father Emperor. Is there any progress?"

He glanced at Commander Mo, but the other man kept his head down and didn't dare to meet his gaze at all.

Emperor Chongde curled his lips, his tone meaningful: "You certainly have a good heart."

Immersed in the joy of what was to come, Yan Xingzhou failed to notice his unusual behavior and respectfully replied, "It is my duty to share the burdens of Father Emperor."

Emperor Chongde found it ironic; was he trying to share the burden or wish for his early demise?

"Even the Crown Prince doesn't worry about this, yet you're so eager."

Yan Xingzhou finally sensed something amiss, raised his eyes slightly, and carefully spoke, "Your Majesty is unwell, so I can only fulfill my filial duties on your behalf."

Emperor Chongde no longer concealed his cold expression, his tone revealing a hint of anger: "Then do you also want to take his place as Crown Prince?!"

Yan Xingzhou stared in astonishment, then quickly knelt down, his voice strained: "Your subject dares not, Father... why do you say such a thing?"