Chapter 201

After receiving tacit approval from his elder brother Sheng Chi that night, Sheng Xuan quietly began his meticulously planned "performance." He acted with extreme patience and caution.

Day after day, it is quietly laid out in the smallest details.

Sheng Xuan lingered beside Su Zhelan for a long time before finally stammering, "Zhelan... there's something I'd like to ask you for a favor." His eyes flickered, clearly pleading.

Su Zhelan put down the book in her hand and looked at him with a puzzled expression: "What is it? Why are you taking it so seriously?"

Sheng Xuan leaned closer and lowered his voice: "I... I want you to do me a small favor, to make my pulse... seem a little off for the time being, like an old injury recurring."

Upon hearing this, Su Zhelan's expression changed drastically, and he refused without hesitation: "Nonsense! How can this be? The pulse is a matter of life and death, how can it be treated lightly! Besides, why would someone pretend to be sick when they are perfectly fine?" His eyes were full of worry and disapproval.

Sheng Xuan had anticipated Su Zhelan's reaction, and immediately resorted to shamelessness, grabbing Su Zhelan's arm with both hands and rubbing against her like a large dog, her voice soft and pitiful: "It's not faking illness! It's...it's a strategy! I need a reasonable excuse...you know that."

He looked at Su Zhelan expectantly, "It doesn't need to actually hurt me, just enough to make the imperial physician sense something's wrong when he takes my pulse! Just a little bit! Zhelan, you're the best, you'll definitely find a way, right? Please help me..."

Su Zhelan was driven to desperation by his persistent pestering, and seeing the urgency and seriousness in his eyes, which suggested he wasn't just joking, she knew he must have a deeper meaning. Nevertheless, she resolutely shook her head: "No. Your pulse is disordered; the slightest carelessness could damage your vital energy. I will never risk your body. And don't even think about using Gu!"

"No witchcraft, no witchcraft!" Sheng Xuan quickly assured her. Seeing Su Zhelan's resolute attitude, he compromised and continued to plead, "Then... then is there a gentler way? Like... a few acupuncture needles? Just to temporarily change the situation, so that it can be restored afterward? Zhelan, please, just this once, I promise I won't do anything reckless!"

Looking at the almost pleading urgency and trust in his eyes, Su Zhelan finally softened. He was silent for a moment, then sighed and said helplessly, "...Never mind. There is indeed an acupuncture technique that can temporarily close several minor meridians, making the pulse appear deep and hesitant, as if there is an old ailment causing blockage. However, the effect can only last for twelve hours, and it cannot be used frequently, otherwise it will definitely harm the body."

He stared at Sheng Xuan seriously. "I can only perform acupuncture on you once, and you must promise me that this will be the only time, and never again."

Sheng Xuan was overjoyed upon hearing this and nodded repeatedly: "Just once! Just once! Thank you, Su Zhelan! You're the best!" He wanted to rush up and kiss Su Zhelan, but Su Zhelan pushed him away with a blush on her face.

Without delay, Su Zhelan immediately retrieved silver needles. Under the candlelight, his expression was focused, and his technique was precise and gentle as he placed needles on several acupoints on Sheng Xuan's arms and chest.

Sheng Xuan only felt a few slight soreness and numbness, but not much discomfort. After the acupuncture was completed, Su Zhelan carefully gave him some instructions, her brows still showing a lingering worry.

The next day, Sheng Xuan felt a subtle change in his internal energy, so he found an excuse, saying that he was feeling a little tired from working hard for several days, and asked the highly respected and discreet old physician from the Imperial Hospital to come and speak.

While taking his pulse, the old physician placed his fingertips on his wrist, concentrating intently for a long time, his gray eyebrows gradually furrowing. He examined it repeatedly, and finally pondered, "General, your pulse is deep, wiry, and hesitant, as if there is some deep-seated stagnation of qi disturbing your meridians... Judging from this, it is not a recent occurrence, but rather a chronic illness that has been aggravated by exertion. Has the General been experiencing any dull pain in his old injuries recently?"

Sheng Xuan inwardly praised Su Zhelan's excellent medical skills, but on the surface he pretended to be surprised, then turned it into a hint of helplessness: "Imperial Physician is very perceptive. It is indeed the result of the illness that was left on the border a few years ago. The training has been heavy recently, and I am feeling a little unwell."

The imperial physician picked up his pen and wrote down his diagnosis, instructing him to rest and avoid overexertion. This crucial step had finally been taken steadily.

After that, Shengxuan's preparations became more relaxed.

In the military camp, after a thorough and exhilarating equestrian and archery drill, he would occasionally touch the old wound on his shoulder with his hand, his brows furrowing slightly, and sigh in front of his confidants, "This old injury seems to have flared up again recently," but he would then force himself to cheer up.

When meeting the emperor or reporting on his duties, he would intentionally or unintentionally reveal a tired or lingering fear. These actions, seemingly unintentional and scattered, gradually changed the perceptions of those around him, like water dripping on stone.

All of this, of course, did not escape Xiao Qiyun's notice. Occasionally, when he encountered Sheng Xuan in the palace and caught a glimpse of that fleeting "fatigue," he would shake his head helplessly and privately tease, "Ze Lan's acupuncture technique is indeed exquisite; she even fooled the old imperial physician." Sheng Xuan would then reply smugly, "Of course! Look who did it!"

After many days of planning and preparation, the most crucial step has finally arrived – the grand review of the capital region.

On this day, banners fluttered, soldiers stood in neat rows, the emperor himself came to the viewing platform, and civil and military officials lined up on both sides. The entire western camp was solemn and dignified, with a heavy atmosphere.

Sheng Xuan, dressed in a gleaming military uniform, sat upright on his horse at the front of the parade troops. His posture was straight and his eyes were sharp, just as he always was. Only Xiao Qiyun and Sheng Chi, who knew the inside story, had a hint of tension and concern hidden deep in their eyes when they looked at him.

The parade proceeded in an orderly fashion, with changing formations and deafening shouts, all in perfect harmony. Soon, it was time for the generals to demonstrate their individual martial skills. As is customary, Sheng Xuan had to ride a horse at full gallop, demonstrating archery and spearmanship while on the move—a highlight showcasing the generals' bravery and the morale of their troops.

Sheng Xuan took a deep breath, spurred his warhorse, and charged into the training ground like an arrow released from a bow.

At first, his movements were fluid; he drew his bow and nocked an arrow, which whizzed through the air and hit the bullseye every time, drawing murmurs of approval from the spectators. Then, he switched to a long spear, wielding it with powerful, swift movements, the spear flashing and the overall effect imposing.

However, just as he completed a complex backflip maneuver and was preparing to accelerate again, a sudden change occurred!

Suddenly, his body swayed, and his previously steady body on the horse lost its balance, almost dropping the spear from his hand! His face turned deathly pale, devoid of any color, and large beads of cold sweat appeared on his forehead, particularly glaring in the sunlight.

He suddenly pulled on the reins, and the warhorse reared up with a neigh. Sheng Xuan bent over in pain, pressing one hand tightly against the old wound below his left chest, while the other hand barely supported him on the saddle. He swayed precariously, as if he would fall off the horse at any moment.

"General!"

"Deputy Commander!"

The soldiers and generals closest to the arena were the first to notice something amiss, exclaiming in alarm. The emperor and officials on the viewing platform also immediately noticed the sudden turn of events; their previous praises abruptly ceased, and the atmosphere instantly froze. All eyes were fixed on the figure writhing in agony on horseback.

On the viewing platform, Xiao Qiyun suddenly stood up, his face instantly draining of color. Although he knew it was part of the plan, seeing Sheng Xuan's miserable state, as if he was about to faint at any moment, still made his heart clench. He subconsciously took half a step forward, his nails digging deeply into his palms.

General Sheng Chi, sitting nearby, also had a very solemn expression, with his brows furrowed and his hands on his knees slightly clenched into fists. Although he did not get up, his tense body betrayed his inner anxiety.

In the arena, several of Sheng Xuan's trusted lieutenants rushed forward and hurriedly helped him up as he was about to slip off his horse.

Sheng Xuan leaned limply against the captain, breathing rapidly, his eyes closed, and his lips pale. He was helped off his horse by his subordinates, his steps unsteady, and he was practically half-carried away from the training ground. Anyone who saw this scene would think that he had suffered a sudden and severe relapse of his old illness.

The grand review was thus disrupted and caused a considerable disturbance. The emperor immediately ordered the accompanying imperial physicians to come and treat the patient. And the physician who went to treat the patient was none other than the old imperial physician who had been "prepared" beforehand.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, the old imperial physician was led into the makeshift tent where Sheng Xuan was being housed. The tent was surrounded by worried soldiers and officials who were concerned about the matter. After a long while, the old physician finally emerged, his face grave, holding a diagnostic document with ink still wet in its pages.

He went straight to the viewing platform, bowed, and reported to the emperor in a clear but sorrowful voice: "Your Majesty, after careful examination, I have determined that General Sheng Xuan's illness is a recurrence of a dangerous old ailment! The root cause lies in the lingering poison of a strange Gu poison he contracted while suppressing a cult on the border. This Gu poison is extremely potent; although he survived treatment, the evil toxin has deeply penetrated his meridians, damaging his very foundation. It can be barely suppressed under normal circumstances, but it will suddenly flare up when he is extremely fatigued, experiences extreme heat or cold, or is emotionally agitated, causing his Qi and blood to become disordered and his energy to instantly decline. This is a chronic and intractable illness, not something that can be quickly cured with ordinary medicine. To preserve his health, he must recuperate for a long time and avoid any mental or physical exertion. Especially…"

The old imperial physician paused, his tone growing increasingly grave, "In particular, one must not overexert oneself, otherwise... one's life may be in danger, and even more so, one's life may be jeopardized! This old minister implores Your Majesty to consider this carefully!"

This diagnosis, delivered with unwavering conviction and heartfelt sincerity, coupled with Sheng Xuan's shocking outburst on the training ground just now, left no room for doubt.

Upon hearing this, the emperor's face turned solemn as he looked at the detailed diagnostic report. After a long while, he let out a heavy sigh, his eyes filled with regret and helplessness.

He waved his hand, signaling the imperial physician to step down. His gaze swept over the silent civil and military officials below the stage, finally settling on General Sheng Chi's worried face. Everything was understood without words.

Inside the tent, Sheng Xuan, who should have been "weak and unconscious," quietly opened his eyes a crack after confirming that the outsiders had left. Listening to the faint discussions and reports from the imperial physician outside the tent, a barely perceptible smile of relief appeared on his lips.

The most crucial and dangerous step of the plan was finally successfully completed. He acted the part convincingly and ruthlessly.

Next, they awaited the inevitable imperial edict of resignation. Xiao Qiyun and Sheng Chi, who had been on tenterhooks, finally breathed a sigh of relief upon learning the imperial physician's diagnosis.

After the dramatic relapse of her old illness during the Grand Review of the Capital Region, Sheng Xuan was naturally sent back to her elder brother Sheng Chi's residence to "rest quietly."

Everyone outside said that this young and fierce general was plagued by injuries and his future was uncertain. However, in the secluded courtyard of Sheng Chi Mansion, there was a hidden warmth and undercurrents that no one knew about.

Su Zhelan visited almost every day, sometimes carrying steaming hot medicinal meals, sometimes holding a few volumes of leisure books.

Although Sheng Xuan was "sick," he was in good spirits. As soon as he saw Su Zhelan's figure appear outside the moon gate, his eyes lit up with undisguised joy.

He leaned lazily against the soft couch, enjoying the medicine that Su Zhelan fed him spoonful by spoonful. Although it was just for show, his fingertips intentionally or unintentionally twirled Su Zhelan's hair, and a satisfied smile played on his lips.

"Lying down all day, my bones are going to give way," Sheng Xuan complained softly, but then nuzzled her head against Su Zhelan's palm. "It's better that you're here; this courtyard finally feels a bit more alive."

Su Zhelan lowered her eyes, looking at his face, which, though slightly thinner, did not appear sickly. She smiled helplessly and gently brushed her fingertips across his brows.

"Since you've chosen this path, just bear with it a little longer. You have to play your part well." His tone carried a indulgent reproach, but also a hint of barely perceptible heartache.

Sheng Xuan took his hand and pressed it against his cheek, his voice lowering: "I know. But thinking that we can do this every day in the future, this little bit of pretense is worth it." His eyes were bright, filled with boundless longing for the future.

More than ten days passed leisurely during his "recuperation" period, and the outside world's discussion about his "illness" had fermented just right.

Sheng Chi had also secretly made arrangements for everyone in the Imperial Medical Bureau. Everything was ready except for one crucial element: the letter of resignation.

That night, the candlelight flickered. Sheng Xuan dismissed everyone around him and sat alone at his desk, spreading out a bright yellow silk satin. His expression was unusually solemn and focused.

He picked up his brush, dipped it in ink, paused for a moment, and finally put pen to paper. Every word had to be carefully considered; it had to be sincere and moving enough to touch the emperor's ears, yet also subtle enough to complete the plan without leaving a trace.

Following the words he had long planned, he slowly wrote:

"Your Majesty, I am filled with trepidation and bow my head twice. I respectfully report to Your Majesty: I was originally a soldier on the frontier. I have been fortunate enough to be promoted by Your Majesty and entrusted with important responsibilities in the capital region. I am always grateful for Your Majesty's boundless grace, which I could not repay even if I gave my life. Whenever I think of this, I work tirelessly day and night, fearing only that I may fail Your Majesty's expectations."

With a sudden shift in tone, a profound sorrow leaps from the page: "However, when I was with the army to fight against the heretical cult, I was unfortunately afflicted by a strange poison that invaded my lungs and nearly killed me. Fortunately, thanks to the protection of Heaven and the skill of the imperial physicians, I was able to survive. However, the evil poison is strange and has already damaged my foundation, leaving a deep-seated illness lurking beneath the surface."

Then, the key point is introduced: "Although I have tried my best to hold on and hope to serve the king with my disabled body, my old illness has suddenly worsened recently, like a sudden thunderbolt. My blood and qi are in disarray, my energy is depleted, and I am unable to perform my duties. After repeated examinations by the Imperial Physicians, they all said that this is a chronic illness that cannot be cured quickly with medicine. It requires long-term rest and especially avoids mental and physical exertion."

His core appeal, expressed with heartfelt emotion and a strategic retreat, reads: "Upon hearing this, my heart is consumed with anguish. The defense of the capital region concerns the safety of the nation and is a weighty responsibility entrusted to me by Your Majesty. How can I, in my frail health, be allowed to hold this position without contributing anything, becoming a burden to the army? Though I am extremely reluctant to relinquish my military uniform, for the sake of the nation's defense and to avoid delaying important military and national affairs, though my heart is breaking, I must risk my life to earnestly beg Your Majesty to grant me permission to resign from my position as Deputy Commander of the Western Camp of the Capital Region. Although I will resign, my patriotism will not die. I humbly beg Your Majesty to consider my past service and allow me to retain a nominal title while in retirement. If I recover somewhat in the future, I will still be willing to serve Your Majesty with utmost loyalty, even unto death!"

He concluded by reiterating his loyalty without leaving any room for doubt: "Your Majesty, I know I have failed in your grace and deserve to die. I only beg Your Majesty to take care of your health, so that even in death I may leave in peace. Your Majesty, I bow my head and respectfully submit this report."

Having finished writing, Sheng Xuan threw down his pen and let out a long sigh of relief. The moonlight outside the window was like water, reflecting the clarity and anticipation in his eyes as if a heavy burden had been lifted. He carefully sealed the memorial and entrusted it to his trusted confidant to deliver to the palace first thing the next morning.

The next day, the memorial was presented to the Emperor. As expected, considering all the previous groundwork and the imperial physician's conclusive diagnosis, the Emperor, though deeply regretful, was more concerned about the illness of his subject. After some reflection, he wrote in vermilion ink: "Grant his request. Considering his merits, grant him the leisurely title of Light Cavalry Commandant and allow him to recuperate in peace."

When the news arrived, Sheng Xuan was playing chess with Su Zhelan in the courtyard. Upon hearing the eunuch announce the decree, Sheng Xuan knelt to receive it and expressed his gratitude. After rising, he exchanged a glance with Su Zhelan, both of them smiling with relief. Sheng Chi stood to the side, his expression calm, but a hint of satisfaction for his younger brother's wish had been fulfilled flashed in his eyes.

That evening, Xiao Qiyun also quietly arrived at the residence. The three gathered in the courtyard, under the moonlight and bamboo shadows. Xiao Qiyun raised his cup and smiled at Sheng Xuan, saying, "Congratulations... oh no, now I congratulate Commander Qingche on achieving your wish and gaining your freedom." His tone was teasing.

Sheng Xuan laughed heartily, dispelling the gloom of the past, and raised his glass in return: "Congratulations! I will rely on Your Highness for guidance in the future!"