News of the Ninth Prince's return to the capital reached the palace. The emperor was naturally delighted that his most favored heir had finally returned alive and immediately summoned Su Qingcai to the palace for a chat.
Su Qingcai took his meeting with the emperor very seriously. Before entering the palace, he specially bathed and changed his clothes, and after dressing neatly, he rode a tall horse into the palace. In the imperial study, he bowed deeply to the emperor, who hurriedly helped him up.
"Little Jiu, I told you long ago that there's no need for so much formality between us."
As he spoke, the emperor looked Su Qingcai up and down, and asked with concern, "You were murdered before and your whereabouts are unknown. Where have you been all this time? Have you found out who the murderer is?"
"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I was ambushed and fell into the sea. I drifted to the nearshore waters and was rescued by a girl from a fishing village. I stayed in the village until I recovered before returning to the capital with my entourage. On the way, we encountered an unknown pursuer, which caused us considerable delay. As for the murderer... I don't know whether I should say it or not."
Su Qingcai recounted his life in Carp Village truthfully, without concealing anything, but hesitated for a moment when he wanted to mention Su Qinghe.
Although he is a reborn person who knows the course of his previous life and knows that Su Qinghe is a wolf in sheep's clothing, the emperor is still in the dark. It is unknown how much the emperor will believe if he speaks frankly to him.
Su Qingcai was pondering this in his heart, but the emperor seemed to see through his thoughts. He gave a wry smile, patted Su Qingcai's shoulder and said, "I know who you want to talk about...it's Xiao Qi, isn't it?"
“Your Majesty…” Su Qingcai glanced at the emperor in surprise, “According to my investigation, it seems that the enemies who initially pursued me were instigated by the Seventh Prince. He also repeatedly obstructed my return to the capital. I believe Your Majesty is aware of his intentions.”
The emperor had been seriously ill for many days and had no heir. After Su Qingcai was removed, Su Qinghe could rest easy once he ascended the throne. However, this could not be said openly.
The emperor understood the implications, and he turned away, gazing wistfully at the falling leaves outside the window.
"Little Nine, I'm afraid my days are numbered. I'm not afraid to tell you, between you and Little Seven, I value you the most. Unfortunately, I may not be able to protect you forever. Brothers are fighting amongst themselves, so you'll have to be careful."
“Your Majesty…” Su Qingcai’s heart sank, and he solemnly bowed to the emperor.
"Your subject will certainly not fail in your trust."
The two brothers had a frank conversation, and aside from this topic, they talked about many other things, creating a very relaxed atmosphere.
As they chatted, the emperor suddenly asked, "You said you brought back the fishing village girl who saved you? Now that she's living in your residence, have you decided what rank you'll give her?"
Unexpectedly, the emperor asked so directly. Su Qingcai was stunned and his heart skipped a beat, but he quickly recovered and said seriously, "This matter depends on her wishes. If she is willing, I will grant her the position of principal wife."
"The Empress? Little Ninth, do you know what you're saying?" The Emperor's expression suddenly changed, staring intently at Su Qingcai with a sense of oppression in his eyes.
Su Qingcai was not afraid at all. He met the emperor's gaze and made him see the firm look in his eyes.
The emperor slammed his fist on the table and roared, "I've always thought of you as a sensible person. How could you be so confused about matters of the heart? No matter how good Su Xiaoning is, she's just a peasant girl. How can she compare to the noble ladies of the capital who can help you? Don't confuse your gratitude towards her with your actions. Making her a concubine is fine, but she absolutely cannot be made the principal wife!"
"No, that's not gratitude!" Su Qingcai knelt down directly before the emperor.
"No matter how good the noble ladies in the capital are, they are not what I desire. I do not wish to be unable to decide my own marriage. Moreover, Su Xiaoning is not just an ordinary peasant girl. Her value is far greater than what Your Majesty sees. Whether considering feelings or other factors, I cannot do without her!"
"You!" The emperor pointed at Su Qingcai, his fingers trembling so much he could barely speak. "Then tell me, what value does she have?"
Su Qingcai knelt on the ground with his head down, but his back was straight, and he spoke each word with a strong and clear voice.
"A lucky koi fish has been born, a noble lady by nature!"
"absurd!"
The emperor had never heard of the koi fish legend before and thought it was something Su Qingcai had made up to scare people. He was so angry that he slammed his fist on the table a few times and even picked up a teacup from the table and threw it at Su Qingcai.
The teacup shattered on the ground in front of Su Qingcai, and several shards of porcelain flew past his clothes, tearing his gold-embroidered robe. He remained motionless, using silence to show his resolve.
"You... sigh! Whatever!"
The emperor ultimately couldn't bring himself to harm his most beloved younger brother, so he casually waved him away.
Su Qingcai actually got up immediately, turned around and left without even turning his head back, leaving the emperor staring blankly at his back.
After he left, the emperor sat alone at his desk, brooding. The more he thought about it, the more something seemed amiss. How had this peasant girl managed to bewitch the usually clear-headed and rational Su Qingcai? Could she really be a lucky, noblewoman?
No, this matter needs to be thoroughly investigated!
The emperor's eyes darkened slightly, and he called out in a low voice, "Chen Jun!"
"Your subordinate is here."
A man in black suddenly appeared out of nowhere and knelt before the emperor, awaiting his orders.
Shen Jun, the leader of the Imperial Guard, is utterly loyal. No matter what the emperor wants to investigate, he will entrust him with the task, and this time is no exception.
"Investigate the identity of Su Xiaoning, whom Xiao Jiu brought back. Report to me immediately once you find any clues. If she harbors any disloyal intentions... kill her without mercy!"
The emperor gave the order in a calm voice, and Shen Jun readily replied with a "Yes," before disappearing from the imperial study.
...
Meanwhile, in the Ninth Prince's mansion.
Bai Hua, feeling bored lately, set up a small clinic in the Prince's mansion. His reputation as the "Drunken Physician" spread, attracting a large influx of patients from the capital. Bai Hua was constantly busy, and Su Xiaoning, seeing his hard work, offered to help, also learning how to treat patients alongside him.
The medical process had been going smoothly for the past few days, but on this particular day, the gatekeeper of the Prince's mansion rushed over in a panic.
"Young Master Bai, Miss Su, Miss Meng have arrived!"
"Who is Miss Meng?" Su Xiaoning asked curiously, getting up to follow the servant outside to take a look.
She had just reached the door when she saw a beautiful woman in red gracefully walking towards her.
The beauty, as radiant as a peach blossom, possessed an arrogant demeanor. She raised her chin, surveyed the shabby little clinic and the bewildered Su Xiaoning, and said haughtily:
"Is the Drunken Physician here? Come and examine this young lady's illness. If you cannot cure her, I will hold you all responsible!"
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