Chapter 98 Just a Pawn 17
After Xuanwei returned, he quickly dismissed the accompanying guards and sat alone in the chair in his study.
He pressed one hand against his forehead, his face showing obvious agitation.
Something's not right.
His memory is wrong.
...Ji Jing? No...he's not "Ji Jing"...
Although this memory felt incongruous, Xuanwei didn't resist it. A voice inside him was telling him that he should follow Ji Jing's path. What troubled Xuanwei so much wasn't this memory itself, but the discovery of another consciousness within his body.
The consciousness was extremely faint. Xuanwei felt he could have easily erased it, but he was now merely a mortal emperor. Even if he sensed the consciousness, he had no means to deal with it. Initially, Xuanwei wasn't in a hurry to deal with it, but today, with Mu Yuanji, this consciousness, so weak it was reduced to mere instinct, showed a very clear intention for the first time: it wanted to be close to Mu Yuanji; it wanted to get closer to him.
Although he had lost his previous memories, Xuanwei could still sense that Mu Yuanji, or rather the person using Mu Yuanji's identity, was special to him, so special that he was completely captivated by the sight of him.
This time, however, he suddenly realized that this "specialness" was not just for him.
The prying eyes of others irritated him greatly, as if his possessions were being coveted, and he even felt a vague sense of fear.
...No, it's his...
*
Yunjia Palace.
After dealing with Xia Lu, who was giving him strange looks for some reason, Ren Yi received a truly terrifying message from the system: "[You said your fragment is with Xuan Wei?!]"
The system confirmed: [Yes, I had a feeling about it back in the dungeon, and after testing it again this time, it's definitely on the protagonist.]
Ren Yi was shocked: [How could this be?!]
It's important to understand that what they've invested in the illusion is their divine soul. This means that the system fragments aren't physically attached to the immortal soul like before, where "fragments are attached to the immortal soul, and the immortal soul is stored in the Xuanwei Mustard Seed Space." Instead, it's a connection of the divine soul, essentially a direct binding with the system.
Sensing its host's thoughts, the system panicked and loudly protested: [No, no!! Host!! I've only bound myself to you!!]
Seemingly worried about being misunderstood by Ren Yi, the system hurriedly explained the difference. If the character identity card in the illusion was a container, then the bond between Ren Yi and the system was like a water-soluble liquid that was fused together. However, Xuan Wei and that fragment were different; one was water and the other was oil. Although they were forcibly put together, they remained independent of each other.
Although Ren Yi understood Xuanwei's current situation, he still didn't know why it had turned out this way.
He couldn't help but wonder if Xuanwei's "amnesia" as a protector was also influenced by the immortal soul.
However, these questions can be explored after the illusion is resolved. Ren Yi is currently facing another crucial matter.
He confirmed with the system, "[Since the fragment is on Xuanwei, if I directly contact Xuanwei, can you fuse that fragment back?]"
The system's previous two fusions involved either Ren Yi's own disguise or inanimate mechs. This was the first time a fragment had fallen into someone else's possession, and even the system wasn't sure of the outcome. [I'll give it a try.]
Ren Yi sensed the anxiety in its tone and comforted it, "[It's okay if it doesn't succeed.]"
If it works out, then this illusion will be a truly unexpected delight.
Given Ren Yi's current identity in the illusion, it's impossible for him to take the initiative to find Xuan Wei. After his mindset changed, he eagerly anticipated Xuan Wei's return.
The next time the other party came, it would be after Ren Yi's injuries had fully healed.
Although his injuries have healed, Mu Qi's physical condition is still very poor. This is normal, since the foundation of the illusion is the soul, and given Ren Yi's current soul state, it's impossible for his body to recover.
However, this is a different story in the eyes of others who are unaware of the situation. For example, Xia Lu, the little palace maid by Ren Yi's side, is an exceptionally sensitive girl, and Ren Yi has caught her secretly wiping away tears several times.
Ren Yi: "..."
He reflected on whether he had overacted in his portrayal of "Mu Qi," which had actually frightened people to this extent.
There was no way to change it, so Ren Yi could only send the girl away and try not to serve her too closely.
Unfortunately, when Xuanwei arrived this time, Xia Lu was on duty. Xuanwei probably didn't like having outsiders around when the two of them were together, so as usual, he dismissed everyone else.
Ren Yi noticed that when the girl left, her eyes reddened for some reason.
Ren Yi: What's wrong now?
That slight doubt only briefly surfaced in Ren Yi's mind; most of his attention was now focused on Xuan Wei.
Unlike his initial thought of how to get the other party to cooperate in killing him, Ren Yizheng was now thinking about how to make appropriate contact with Xuanwei.
If Xuanwei had memories of the illusion, it would be much easier to handle, but now that he is "Ji Jing," the situation has become much more complicated.
Especially considering Ren Yi's previous two failed assassination attempts, the other party might not allow him to get close.
Xuanwei came to dine, and Ren Yi's treatment was much better as a result, since the emperor's and prisoners' rations could not be the same. However, it seemed that Yun Jia Palace had been specially instructed that although Ren Yi's position in the palace was awkward, his daily food and drink were not lacking. Even so, it still could not compare to the imperial meals used by the emperor. The meal Ren Yi was about to have was the most sumptuous meal he had ever seen in the illusion.
Ren Yi was no longer interested in eating. He almost poked the rice in his bowl with his chopsticks, but didn't put a single bite in his mouth.
After thinking for a while, Ren Yi confirmed with the system, "[Is I still using Yuan Que's identity?]"
Ren Yi used a question, but he was very certain in his heart.
Although no one knows what happened, Xuanwei, who was supposed to enter the illusion to protect the Dharma, has no memory of it at all. But the main characters are indeed true love. Despite their current antagonistic relationship, his two assassination attempts were suppressed. Not only that, Xuanwei is now moving closer to him.
In other words, although there is no memory, the feelings remain.
The system had a bad feeling and said, "[That should be the case, but...]"
Before the system could finish its "but," it saw its host take action.
Ren Yi stood up, walked a few steps to Xuan Wei, and under the latter's wary expression, reached out and hooked his arm around Xuan Wei's neck. Using this force, he spun around and sat in Xuan Wei's lap, tilting his head back to kiss her.
system:[! ! ! ! ! ! ]
crash.jpg
Ren Yi waited for a long time without any action from the system, so he reminded it: [Xiao Yi!]
What are you waiting for?! Seize the opportunity!
System: @#￥％……&
It wasn't just the system that crashed; Xuanwei also crashed.
His tense body remained unresponsive for a long time, but the hand pressing on Ren Yi's shoulder unconsciously tightened.
The pain in his shoulder made Ren Yi frown; he guessed that Xuan Wei was going to pull him away.
But how could Ren Yi let go of such a rare opportunity? He simply hooked both arms around Xuan Wei's neck, clinging to him as if he wouldn't get off.
The hand on his shoulder finally loosened, but it didn't let go completely. Instead, it moved down his back and wrapped around his extremely thin waist, which was weakened by his weakness. Almost instantly, Ren Yi went from being hung on Xuan Wei to being hugged by him.
Xuanwei took the initiative and moved even closer without any politeness. Their lips and teeth intertwined, and Ren Yi was pressed back against the edge of the table. However, Xuanwei's hand cushioned his lower back, so he did not experience any pain.
The movement of pressing down caused a slight shift in the cups and saucers on the table, pushing a plate that was already placed near the edge of the table off and smashing it on the ground with a loud thud.
The guards outside the door were startled by the commotion and immediately tried to rush inside.
However, Di Ting, the leader of the Imperial Guards, remembered the blunder from last time and immediately stopped his men: "Did His Majesty shout?"
It's one thing to make a fuss once, but what if it happens two or three times? Wouldn't that be incredibly embarrassing?! What would His Majesty think of them? Who knows, they might all end up getting blamed together.
That's what he thought, but the person inside had a special identity, and Di Ting was still worried. If something really happened to His Majesty, they would be in deep trouble too. After dismissing everyone, Di Ting quietly went forward and peeked inside through the crack in the door.
With just one glance, he hurriedly retreated, stood up straight with his eyes downcast and a serious expression on his face.
Noticing the questioning glances from his subordinates, he coughed and said in a deep voice, "All of you, keep your ears shut!"
Everyone: "!"
This statement clearly had a rather counterproductive effect. Everyone immediately understood what had happened inside, and each and every one of them listened even more intently.
Among them were the guards who were with the new emperor when he visited Yunjia Palace last time. Although they were all talk and no action that time, they all knew in their hearts that they had failed. One reason was that there wasn't enough time, and the other was that the Seventh Prince was so badly injured. If they had succeeded, he would have been half-dead.
But this time is different. So many days have passed, and any injury should have healed by now.
Why did Your Majesty rush over? It's for this very reason.
but……
It was broad daylight; they had originally thought it would be at least nightfall.
For a moment, all sorts of eyes flew around, and the palace gates were practically burning with stares. It was only after Di Ting warned them one by one with his gaze that they calmed down a bit.
Serving before the emperor requires a certain degree of awareness. Di Ting, with his men guarding Yun Jia Palace, was determined not to let anyone in unless it was an urgent message or a rebellion in the capital.
Despite all his careful planning, Di Ting never expected that while he could guard against people, he couldn't guard against fate—at this critical moment, a fire broke out in a part of the palace.
The palace that caught fire looked somewhat remote from a distance, but thick smoke billowed out, and the palace servants were screaming in panic. Even someone fast asleep would be awakened, let alone the people inside who were not "asleep" at all.
With such a commotion, even if Di Ting wanted to stop it, he couldn't.
Sure enough, a short while later, someone came out of the palace; it was the new emperor.
Di Ting mustered his courage and glanced over. Although his lord's clothes were disheveled, they were still fastened where they should be, so it seemed that things hadn't reached that point yet. But even if they hadn't reached that point, it wasn't comfortable. He wondered why this lord was holding back his anger. Di Ting secretly groaned, waiting to be questioned.
Xuanwei's expression remained relatively calm. He looked up at the direction of the thick smoke, his brows slightly furrowed as if he were deep in thought. After a while, he finally spoke: "Let's go take a look."
Di Ting had assumed the words were an order and was about to accept them when he saw the new emperor finish speaking and already heading in that direction. He was startled and quickly dissuaded him, "Your Majesty, you mustn't! A wise man avoids dangerous situations. Your precious life is not to be taken lightly!"
Xuanwei shook his head without saying anything, but continued walking in that direction. Although he didn't say much, his intention was already very clear.
Di Ting could only follow with his men, racking his brains to persuade Xuan Wei as they went, but Xuan Wei didn't give him any response from beginning to end.
Halfway there, a young eunuch rushed in to report that the fire had been extinguished.
Di Ting was delighted, but then he saw the new emperor nod slightly, still looking like he was about to leave.
Di Ting: "..."
He couldn't be happy anymore.
Although the report said the fire was extinguished, given the weather, it was possible that it could reignite. In addition, there was the possibility of broken beams and debris falling down, making going to the fire scene even more dangerous than before.
They don't care, but His Majesty can't!
We've tried everything we can to persuade him, and we've given him almost every reason we can, but he doesn't seem to be changing his mind.
Just as Di Ting was having a headache, a sudden thought struck him. He tentatively said, "Even if Your Majesty doesn't think about yourself, you should think about that person in Yunjia Palace. If you leave like this, who knows how much resentment that prince will feel in his heart?"
Xuanwei was taken aback, and a hint of wavering appeared on his face.
Di Ting was about to press on when the other party nodded and said succinctly, "Go back."
Di Ting: That easy?
The persuasion process was easier than he had ever encountered. Compared to the new emperor who had insisted on going to the fire earlier, the person in front of him seemed like a completely different person.
Di Ting was momentarily stunned, then felt that a very apt description was needed at this moment.
—A wicked concubine who brought ruin to the country.
However, before returning, the new emperor selected a few people and ordered them to keep watch at the fire site and record everything that people around them said and did.
Di Ting understood the implication in the words and quickly put aside his chaotic thoughts, speaking seriously: "Your Majesty, are you saying there's something fishy about this fire?"
Xuanwei nodded and affirmed, "It was man-made."
Di Ting:!
No wonder His Majesty insisted on going earlier.
Di Ting hesitated for a moment between "going to the fire scene to investigate" and "staying by the new emperor's side," but ultimately chose the latter.
Regardless, His Majesty's safety is of utmost importance. That thief was able to set fire to the palace; he might be plotting an assassination. He cannot leave.
...
A quarter of an hour later, Di Ting was filled with regret for his choice.
He was standing one step away from the new emperor and empress, but he wished he were blind.
The two were standing outside a half-open window on the side of Yunjia Palace. The palace looked exactly the same as when the new emperor left, with even the mess of the trays scattered all over the floor still untouched.
The prince was lying face down on the ground, his long, loose hair obscuring his expression, but it couldn't hide his disheveled state.
He was bending over...
—Dry heaving.
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