Chapter 1482 - 1480
Chapter 1482: Chapter 1480
Zhao Qichen’s side.
After leaving Duanning Palace, he made his way back to the Eastern Palace along the bustling palace path.
To take a shortcut, he passed through the corner gate beside Zhaochen Palace.
Along the way, looking at Zhaochen Palace, unchanged yet resolutely avoided by his father, Zhao Qichen felt a slight pang in his heart.
Memories from his childhood surged into his mind one after another.
Since he was four or five years old, this path was almost his daily route.
In spring, as he passed by, the sky often just began to brighten, and he usually hurried past, too busy to notice the scenery along the way.
In summer, the sky was already bright, and each time he passed here, the refreshing breeze from the path always invigorated him.
In autumn, the sky was dim and gray, and the small leaves beside the flower beds always had sparkling and lovely dew on them. He would sometimes glance at them, but most of the time, he passed them by without notice.
And winter needs no mention.
The sky was still pitch black during the Yin Hour, obscuring all the beauty along the way, and the bone-chilling wind made him unwilling to linger here even for a moment.
Just like that.
Day after day, month after month, year after year.
The cycle of spring, summer, autumn, and winter repeated, as did the sweet, sour, bitter, and spicy aspects of life.
But his childhood, his father and mother’s time, would never return.
He stopped in the middle of the narrow alley, standing with his hands behind his back.
Turning his head towards the direction of the Imperial Study Room, his glaze-colored eyes were filled with indescribable sadness.
In the past, whether in spring, summer, autumn, or winter, there were always bright lights shining in the Imperial Study Room as he passed by.
That light seemed to tell him, to encourage him.
’Child, don’t be afraid to move forward boldly, fear nothing on the road, your father is here!’
But now...
The father who once held up the world suddenly disappeared.
The once straight and elegant posture suddenly bent.
The sharp, brilliant eyes suddenly became cloudy and dim.
The high-spirited aura that guided the country’s fate suddenly vanished.
The ruler who strategized victory from a thousand miles away, mastering all affairs under heaven.
The King with the entire world in his heart, deciding the nation’s rise and fall.
The emperor who balanced the lifelines of all his officials and people with ease.
All had disappeared.
Now he was just an ordinary father, an ordinary husband.
He loved his children, his wife, his family just as always, but he no longer loved the kingdom.
Ever since the Emperor voluntarily abdicated.
He had never stepped into Zhaochen Palace again, much less the Imperial Study Room.
To keep it as it was, to maintain that light.
He assigned three shifts of palace attendants to keep watch just like Duanning Palace.
Just to hold onto that time in his heart.
Before, he thought he was afraid to take over the throne, afraid of being unworthy, afraid of not becoming a wise ruler admired by all as his father was, so he set up a lamp, pretending to have backing.
But now he finally understood.
He wasn’t afraid of himself.
He was afraid of time passing, his father and mother growing old, and him standing alone on a cold peak.
...
"Your Majesty, the sun is harsh, it’s not suitable to stay here for long..." Li Deming advised, hesitating.
Li Deming was his close Chief Eunuch and Li Shengan’s godson.
However, unlike Little Zhuzi, he was not raised at Li Shengan’s side as a little errand runner.
Instead, he was sent to the Crown Prince’s side from a young age.
Whenever Li Shengan had the chance, he imparted him with some principles of dealing with people.
Adding to the fact that this Little Eunuch was incredibly clever, all this nurturing made him even more formidable.
At just over twenty, he already gained Zhao Qichen’s favor, always accompanying him during outings.
After gaining experience and knowledge alongside the Crown Prince, Li Deming became sharp-minded and insightful.
The master’s needs, whether considered or not, were clear in his mind.
Zhao Qichen found him very useful and was thus very satisfied with him.
After ascending the throne, he directly promoted him to Chief Steward of the Eastern Palace.
Now, in his youth, he managed all affairs by the Emperor’s side, gaining deep trust from the emperor with an unlimited future.
Hearing his words.
Zhao Qichen slightly regained his senses, glanced at him, and after a moment, commanded.
"Let’s return to the palace!"
"Yes!"
Li Deming responded, calling out for the Emperor’s entourage to proceed.
The servants stepped up to attend, and the large retinue slowly departed.
...
Back at the Eastern Palace.
Zhao Qichen discreetly summoned all the Imperial Physicians from the Imperial Medical Bureau and met with them individually.
Upon summoning each person, the first question was invariably.
"How is my father’s health?"
The Imperial Physicians, frightened, could only answer cautiously after racking their brains.
"Reporting to Your Majesty, the Taishang Huang is in good health!"
Zhao Qichen’s gaze grew cooler as he swept over each of them.
Those unaware of the truth stuck to their initial answer.
Those slightly in the know felt guilty but dared not tell the truth.
Thus.
Zhao Qichen questioned for a long time but learned nothing, growing somewhat angry.
After dismissing those old fossils from the Imperial Medical Bureau one by one, he sat alone at his desk, stewing.
...
All the servants in the study exchanged furtive glances.
’The Emperor’s gaze is terrifying!’
’Indeed, even in the heat of summer, it gives one goosebumps!’
’What’s going on, why doesn’t the Emperor ask us if he wants to know something!?’
’We’re aware of all the court gossip and palace secrets!’
’Exactly!’
The signals among the Little Eunuchs intensified, until Li Deming noticed.
With a sharp look, he silenced everyone immediately.
Li Deming, satisfied, ceased his reproach and stepped forward to inquire.
"Your Majesty, have you noticed something strange about the Imperial Medical Bureau?"
"Would you like me to investigate?"
Zhao Qichen, indifferent and distant, gave him a sidelong glance and only after a while responded.
"Can you do it?"
Li Deming thought to himself, of course I can!
After all these years in the palace, there’s nothing Li Deming couldn’t handle.
He once had godfather Li Shengan’s protection, and now the Emperor’s, who would dare not give him face?
Zhao Qichen didn’t dwell on such idle thoughts, merely nodding slightly without much hope.
"Fine, you may try."
"See if you can..."
He waved all the palace attendants away and whispered the remaining words to Li Deming.
Although puzzled, Li Deming dutifully agreed.
"Rest assured, Your Majesty, I will handle it properly for you!"
Zhao Qichen nodded, gesturing for him to leave.
Actually, he held little hope in his heart.
After all... the Imperial Physicians’ dare to lie right to his face suggested a serious issue.
They must have made all necessary preparations.
Otherwise... the crime of deceiving the monarch is a death sentence for any involved.
Watching Li Deming’s departure, Zhao Qichen sighed deeply.
’Father, Mother, what are you hiding from me? How much longer do you plan to keep it from me?’