Chapter 1339 - 1175: How Many Days Do I Have Left?
Chapter 1339: Chapter 1175: How Many Days Do I Have Left?
"Previously, it seemed that Suhe Fragrance was used, but later the Emperor said this fragrance made him feel somewhat dizzy, and so I replaced it with ambergris. What? Could it be that there’s something wrong with this fragrance?" Pang Chu was somewhat surprised, his gaze toward Gu Chengyu filled with confusion and uncertainty.
Gu Chengyu frowned, Pang Chu’s expression was indeed too strange.
"Who was on duty in the hall today? Was the Suhe Fragrance lit by you or by the person on duty? When was ambergris replaced?" Gu Chengyu carefully observed Pang Chu’s expression, not missing a single detail.
"Today, Xiao Quanzi was on duty, and the Suhe Fragrance was lit by him. After the Emperor had breakfast, it wasn’t even half an hour before he found the Suhe Fragrance quite sticky, and he felt very uncomfortable. Only then did I replace it with ambergris. Not long after, the Emperor coughed up blood and fainted." After carefully recalling, Pang Chu disclosed the matter comprehensively.
"Empress Dowager, I request that you first send people to detain all the Imperial Chefs in the Imperial Kitchen until they are taken to the Dali Temple, where I will interrogate them thoroughly."
The mention of all the Imperial Chefs by Gu Chengyu left the possibility that the culprit might not have been among today’s attendants, hence the need for a comprehensive investigation.
"Alright!" The Empress Dowager nodded and gave several instructions to Nanny Lan beside her.
"Then, what fragrance does the Emperor typically use in his sleeping quarters?" Gu Chengyu turned his gaze back to Pang Chu, who was either the mastermind or hiding something.
"It was always ambergris previously. After the Emperor began convalescing, sometimes Suhe Fragrance was used. It was originally Director Zhang’s advice that Suhe Fragrance would aid in the Emperor’s recovery. Hence, it has been frequently used during this period."
Pang Chu lifted his gaze slightly, looking at Director Zhang, with a hint of suspicion in his eyes.
Director Zhang frowned deeply, wondering at Pang Chu’s insinuation. Could he possibly be accused of instigating?
"Suhe Fragrance indeed aids in the Emperor’s recovery, and my statement in this regard is appropriate." Director Zhang’s gaze at Pang Chu was filled with warning, having served since the late Emperor, how dare Pang Chu question him?
Xiao Quanzi was frantically spinning on the sidelines, unable to fathom how the responsibility had suddenly shifted to him. Even given ten thousand chances, he would never dare to harm the Emperor!
"Empress Dowager, Mr. Gu! I would never dare harbor any malevolent intent! Every three days, Suhe Fragrance is lit in the hall; it’s been done consistently like this before. Today, just happened to be the fourth day, which is why I lit Suhe Fragrance."
Xiao Quanzi quickly knelt down, showing his frantic fear and extreme apprehension.
Gu Chengyu observed his expression closely but didn’t suspect him. Not because of any personal connection, but because Xiao Quanzi’s behavior seemed normal. Whether he was guilty or not, as long as he was implicated, he naturally would be anxious.
"It seems this person has calculated well, knowing the Emperor’s sleeping habits. Now, the only hope is for some progress at the Imperial Kitchen. But before that, I fear I must offend two gongs."
Gu Chengyu bowed respectfully to the Empress Dowager, "Empress Dowager, to expedite the identification of the culprit, I believe all eunuchs and palace maids serving in the sleeping quarters should be thoroughly searched for any revelations."
"Approved!" The Empress Dowager would certainly not object. For one to poison silently and remain hidden within the palace, this was unacceptable.
"Take the Empress Dowager’s order to summon Commander Ke Jun and have him detain all eunuchs and palace maids serving here. Once suspicions are cleared, they may be released." The Empress Dowager acted swiftly.
Upon hearing their impending detention, Xiao Quanzi and Pang Chu became immediately distraught.
"Empress Dowager, indeed, in today’s purchase of ingredients there was yam. Today, there were altogether five Imperial Chefs who prepared breakfast, all have been detained separately." In a short while, Ke Jun came in to report.
Gu Chengyu glanced at Ke Jun, a newly promoted Commander of the Imperial Guard, efficient in his work. Ke Jun was elevated two ranks after Li Chang An’s rebellion, albeit without strong influence.
"First detain them at the Dali Temple until Gu Aiqing personally interrogates them." The Empress Dowager nodded, quite fast this time.
"The others cannot be released for now. Search their residences first; it may not necessarily be these few individuals." Since it was yam porridge that was tainted with Jiuhe Flower root powder, it became easier to investigate. Once turned into powder, it was difficult to identify.
"Cough, cough!" A faint muffled cough resonated from behind, and the Empress Dowager immediately rushed to the bedside.
"Dundun! You’re awake?"
"Mother!" The Emperor struggled to open his eyes, seeing a hazy view before gradually focusing on the figure near him.
"Stop speaking, you must rest well. Don’t worry about the matters of the court; with me and Gu Aiqing there," The Empress Dowager stroked the Emperor’s emaciated cheeks, he had indeed lost a considerable amount of weight and became frail in just over a month.
"Mother! What’s wrong with me? Did the poison act up?" The Emperor felt a tighter pressure on his chest than before, making breathing arduous.
"You’ve been poisoned again, but don’t worry, Gu Aiqing will surely find the mastermind for you. Rest well these coming days, as your awakening today is entirely thanks to his acupuncture!"
Gu Chengyu glanced at the Empress Dowager. He had never known she held him in such high regard, though this tone perhaps aimed at comforting the Emperor.
"Poisoned again? How much longer can this body last?" The Emperor’s eyes were devoid of sparkle, speaking with depleted energy.
"Dundun, why are you so disheartened again? Don’t fret, the Empress Dowager sees that Gu Aiqing’s medical skills are decent; he will certainly prolong the time until the antidote is found."
Gazing at the Emperor’s lifeless face, the Empress Dowager felt a stabbing pain in her heart.
Gu Chengyu remains speechless, but now is not the time to dispute these matters; ensuring the Emperor’s belief in survival is essential.
"Mother, I have words to speak with Gu Aiqing alone!" Suddenly, the Emperor clutched the Empress Dowager’s hand with remarkable force, starkly contrasting his frail condition.
"Dundun?" The Empress Dowager frowned, unwilling to agree. Dundun’s appearance incited her fear, reminiscent of the scene before the late Emperor passed away.
"Mother, it’s merely state affairs." The Emperor’s gaze resolutely assured, leaving the Empress Dowager visibly disgruntled.
She may be Dundun’s mother, but like his father, Dundun places his trust elsewhere, preferring an outsider over his kin?
The Empress Dowager shot a glance at Gu Chengyu, unwittingly caught in hostility, though he sheepishly brushed his nose, knowing that the little goodwill he earned here was entirely negated by the Emperor’s words. Were the late Emperor and the current Emperor conspiring against him? Certainly so.
"All of you leave now!" The Emperor softly commanded.
Once everyone exited the hall, the Emperor’s weak voice echoed, "Gu Aiqing, how many days more can I survive?"