Chapter 10: Poisoned Dessert
The magnolias in Xiefang Palace are coming to an end, and the white petals are falling into the mud, brewing a quiet vitality.
Cui Xiao's arrival was like a stone thrown into an ancient well, bringing fresh water to the deserted palace.
The pale cheeks of the third prince Liu Chang were flushed, and his eyes, which always showed timidity, could now meet the gaze of the Grand Tutor steadily during his examination.
Today, when he was talking about the Analects, he clearly recited the meaning of "a gentleman is harmonious but different". Although his understanding was still shallow, his logic was clear and he got a rare praise from the Taifu.
"Your Highness has made progress."
This compliment was like a small stone, creating ripples on the calm surface of a lake, but stirring up a turbulent undercurrent not far away.
The warm sun lazily shone down on the bluestone path back to the palace. Liu Chang, holding his little snow rabbit, walked briskly, whispering to Cui Xiao about his joy at being praised.
Cui Xiao had a smile on his face and his eyes swept around as usual.
Just after turning a door with hanging flowers, the way ahead was blocked by a tall shadow.
The eldest prince Liu Jue, accompanied by two burly tutors and eunuchs, stood in the middle of the road like an iron tower.
He was taller and stronger than both Liu Chang and Cui Xiao, and dressed in the bright yellow official attire of a prince, which should have made him look noble. However, his overly square face was now filled with sinister intent, and his eyes were like poisoned knives, slicing fiercely into Liu Chang.
"Oh, Third Brother, you really showed off in front of the Grand Tutor today!"
Liu Jue's voice was full of sarcasm and a strong sense of sourness.
"What? Just because you found a sharp-tongued study partner, you think you're a good student? Don't you even look at your own body, which can easily fall over at the slightest gust of wind? Are you worthy of such a thing?"
The color on Liu Chang's face instantly faded, and the hands holding the snow rabbit suddenly tightened. The small body subconsciously shrank behind Cui Xiao, and the joy just now was swallowed by the familiar fear.
Cui Xiao frowned slightly, and calmly took half a step forward, completely blocking Liu Chang behind him.
He wore a slightly distant smile, a common sight among the young men of the capital, and bowed politely.
"Your Highness, I, Cui Xiao, pay my respects to His Majesty."
Liu Jue's eyes fell on Cui Xiao, and he looked even more unkind.
"Are you the boy from Weiyuan Marquis' Mansion who was almost poisoned to death by his own grandmother?
"You're quite tough, huh? What? Do you think you can walk around the palace with impunity just by clinging to the soft vine of the Third Brother?"
These words were extremely vicious. Liu Chang trembled even more violently in the back.
Cui Xiao stood up straight, his smile faded a little, but his eyes were calm, even with just the right amount of confusion.
"Your Highness, I am truly terrified by your words. I entered the palace to accompany you in your studies, but I am acting in accordance with your orders and fulfilling my duties.
Assisting His Majesty in his studies and moral cultivation is the will of His Majesty and my duty. As for the affairs of my family..."
He paused, his tone calm.
"My family suffered misfortune, but thanks to Your Majesty's grace, we have been saved. Your Highness mentioned this, could it be that you are... concerned about me?"
He tilted his head slightly as he said the last sentence, his eyes clear and innocent.
"You!" Liu Jue was choked by his powerful move and felt a lump in his chest.
He was lashing out at the cotton with all his rage, with nowhere to vent it! He couldn't just say, "I just wanted to find fault," could he?
Liu Jue's face turned red, and he pointed at Cui Xiao, his fingers trembling.
"Great! You're such a sharp-tongued person! Cui Xiao, I'll remember you! We'll see!"
He uttered some vicious words, flicked his sleeves, and left angrily with his men.
Seeing the eldest prince disappear, Liu Chang breathed a sigh of relief and looked at Cui Xiao with sparkling eyes.
"Cui Xiao! You...you are so awesome!"
Cui Xiao rubbed his head and straightened the jade crown
"Don't be afraid, Your Highness. He's just a paper tiger. The more you fear him, the more powerful he becomes."
He touched the little snow rabbit's ears
"Let's go back and eat!"
The atmosphere in Xiefang Hall was relaxed.
The dinner was delicious. Liu Chang sipped his soup and chatted with Cui Xiao. The little snow rabbit nibbled on some vegetable leaves.
There was a gentle knock on the palace door.
A young eunuch, unfamiliar with the appearance, stood outside the door, his head bowed, holding an exquisite mahogany carved food box in his hand, and speaking respectfully.
"Greetings, Third Prince. The First Prince said he felt bad for his words today, so he asked me to bring you some freshly made lotus cakes to make amends. I hope Third Prince will not blame me."
Chuntang was stunned and looked at Liu Chang. Liu Chang was also stunned and couldn't believe it.
Big brother apologizes? The sun rises from the west! He subconsciously looked at Cui Xiao.
Cui Xiao put down his chopsticks, his brows furrowed slightly. An apology? A snack? Weird.
He was about to speak when Liu Chang was somewhat flattered by this "unprecedented" kindness.
He has an instinctive desire to "show goodwill" to his brother.
"Big...Big brother..." Liu Chang's voice trembled with surprise.
"Chuntang, bring it in."
Chuntang had no choice but to take the food box. The young eunuch immediately bowed and retreated in a hurry.
When the food box was opened, four hibiscus flower-shaped snacks were revealed, which were cute and pink, and sweet and fragrant.
"Your Highness," Cui Xiao said, feeling even more uneasy, "this snack..."
Liu Chang smiled, with an innocent look of relief.
"Brother has sent it, it's always a thoughtful gesture. Chuntang, you've worked hard following me, try it first."
Chuntang responded with a smile
"Thank you for the reward, Your Highness."
Take the top piece and take a small bite. The dessert melts in your mouth.
"Hmm, it's delicious!" she praised with a smile and took another bite.
Chuntang's smile froze! He suddenly covered his throat, his eyes wide open, filled with extreme pain and disbelief!
She wanted to scream, but only made a hoarse sound of "Huh... Huh..."!
Half of the pastry in her hand fell, sending powder flying everywhere. Then, she fell straight back!
The dull thud of the body hitting the ground, accompanied by the sharp sound of porcelain plates breaking, exploded at the same time!
"Sister Chuntang!"
Liu Chang was so frightened that the spoon fell to the ground with a clang.
He rushed over and knelt down, only to see Chuntang's face was a horrifying purple, his eyes were bulging, his mouth was wide open, unable to breathe in a breath of air, his body was twitching violently, and white foam was coming out of his mouth.
"Chun Tang! Chun Tang!"
Liu Chang's tears poured down on Chuntang's stiff hand, and he cried out in a tearing voice.
He shook her shoulders in vain, only to feel the coldness spreading.
The other palace maids in the hall were all terrified, their faces pale and shaking like sieves. Some collapsed to the ground, their crotches soaked.
"Someone come! Someone come quickly!"
The chief eunuch, Fu Hai, was the first to come to his senses. His voice became sharp and inflected, and he rolled out of the palace door and screamed
"Something's happened! Call the imperial physician! Report to His Majesty! Someone has died in Xiefang Palace!"
The shadow of death instantly enveloped Xiefang Palace.
The imperial study in the Purple Palace was brightly lit. Even the ambergris couldn't suppress the heavy and solemn atmosphere.
Emperor Liu Jin sat behind the rosewood imperial desk.
Less than thirty years old, with a figure as straight as a pine tree, he wore a black suit embroidered with a golden dragon, his black hair was tied up with a jade hairpin, and a few strands of hair hung down his forehead, giving him an air of lazy nobility.
His face was handsome and profound, with a high nose bridge and thin lips that were slightly pursed. Most striking of all were his eyes, as deep as an ancient well in a cold pond, now frozen with ten thousand years of black ice, their darkness swallowing up all the light.
The pressure of being in a high position for a long time made the imperial study like an ice cellar.
Two people were kneeling in front of the imperial desk.
The eldest prince Liu Jue no longer had any arrogance. His face was pale, his forehead pressed against the cold floor tiles, his body trembling like a leaf in the wind, and his sobs were heartbreaking.
"Father! I am innocent! Your Majesty, I see clearly! I sent you snacks because I truly wanted to make peace with my third brother! I have absolutely no intention of harming you!"
That poison was definitely not mine! Please, father, I beg you to intervene!" He burst into tears, looking utterly miserable.
Not far behind him, the young eunuch who was kneeling and delivering snacks was shaking even more violently. He kowtowed like crazy, his forehead bruised and bloody, and he cried in despair.
"Your Majesty, please spare my life! I was just delivering something as ordered! I know nothing about it!"
Even if I had ten thousand guts, I wouldn't dare to poison you! It's unfair! It's unfair! "
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