Zhang Ling walked over from a distance with an unclear expression on his face. When he approached Duan Yong, he saw him having fun with the beauties.
Duan Yong's recent consumption of elixirs has been increasing, and his temper has become increasingly volatile. Zhang Ling stood respectfully by, awaiting Duan Yong's attention. Finally, Emperor Duan Yong stopped laughing and turned to look at Zhang Ling. Zhang Ling quickly stepped forward, lowering his head and saying, "Your Majesty, I have a report. Crown Prince Duan Junhuan has been diligently studying poetry and literature, and has been practicing swordsmanship daily, without slacking off."
Duan Yong frowned slightly after hearing this, seemingly uninterested in the news. He waved his hand and said, "Got it, go down," and then continued to play and laugh with the beauties.
Suddenly, Duan Yong felt a tickle in his throat, a sharp discomfort. He turned to Zhang Ling beside him and inquired about the progress of the new elixir. Zhang Ling replied, "It's almost done. We're testing it now." Duan Yong smiled with satisfaction.
However, Zhang Ling's eyes concealed a dark secret. As he watched Duan Yong's face gradually eroded by the elixir, his plan became increasingly clear. He knew that with Duan Yong's death, the useless crown prince would ascend to the throne. Then, all he had to do was eliminate the new crown prince, and everything would be his.
This thought gradually grew into a towering tree in Zhang Ling's heart. Outwardly, he maintained a facade of respect and loyalty, but deep down, he was plotting a devastating conspiracy. He imagined himself at the pinnacle of power, controlling the fate of Jiangcheng. This filled him with unprecedented excitement and desire.
Duan Yong didn't seem to notice anything strange in Zhang Ling's heart.
Gu Yufei, that beautiful yet cunning woman, would surely turn to him, right? Zhang Ling imagined Gu Yufei kneeling before him, begging for mercy, and his eyes grew darker. He longed to see her despair and helplessness at that moment.
By the way, after the divorce, she returned to the Gu Mansion and stayed indoors. There has been no news from her for a long time. Thinking of this, Zhang Ling felt itchy and even wanted to break into the Gu Mansion at night.
After Zhang Ling returned to his mansion, he immediately ordered Xiao Lizi to prepare night clothes for him.
Little Leo told Zhang Ling a piece of news about Shaoyao: she was in great pain today due to morning sickness and had not eaten all day.
Zhang Ling glanced at Little Leo and said calmly, "As long as she can hold on until she gives birth to the baby, that's all that's good."
Little Leo didn't dare to say more and had to retreat.
Inside a room in Zhang's residence, Shaoyao was tied to a bed. She reeked of feces and urine, having been unable to leave her bed to use the restroom for so long. A cloth was gagged in her mouth to prevent her from making any sound. In this harsh environment, Shaoyao's mind was beginning to fade.
Sometimes, she can stay clear-headed and aware of her identity and situation; but more often, she feels lost and confused, and even forgets who she originally was.
The growing weight of the baby in her belly put a heavy burden on Shaoyao's body. She would often feel very uncomfortable because the weight of the baby pressed on her internal organs, making her feel suffocated and uncomfortable.
"Perhaps, death is also a kind of relief." Little Lizi walked towards Shaoyao with the medicine, looked at her covered in filth, and muttered to himself.
Little Li was used to seeing life and death, so he shouldn't have felt anything. But Shaoyao's growing belly and withered body reminded Little Li of his mother, who died in childbirth. "When you give birth, I'll ask Master Zhang to give you a quick death."
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