Who would direct their own people to monitor themselves?
The emperor, his father, was indulgent, depraved, and narrow-minded, with a deep-seated suspicion of everyone. Years ago, he had secretly allowed Murong Xuanlie to frame him, the once-powerful general whose achievements had overshadowed the throne. Now, the emperor certainly wouldn’t hesitate to take action against Murong Xuanlie’s spies who had infiltrated his court.
Murong Jing He hadn’t intended for these informants to be exposed so soon. However, the incident at Zhongshan changed everything, so he adapted to the situation. Initially, his only plan was to escape from the capital and return to his fiefdom to strategize further. But encountering the corpse demon forced his hand. The message he sent with the demon was a signal to Qing Yan to expose the spies immediately. Not only would this put Murong Xuanlie in a difficult position, preoccupied with his own survival, but it would also ignite tensions between Dayan and Xiyan.
Although his father's reign had been disastrous, the emperor was adept at dealing with threats to his power. Under torture, the young women of the "Kun" group would eventually confess everything they knew. However, all they knew was the signature incense that Murong Xuanlie often used. Still, for a ruler as paranoid as the emperor, that was more than enough. As for Murong Jing He himself, he had been cleared of suspicion thanks to Mei Lin's presence and the dangers he had faced at Zhongshan. With foreign enemies now threatening the borders, the complacent civil and military officials would likely turn to him—the returning Jingbei King—rather than the female general Muyi Luo Mei, to lead the defense.
The near-death experience at Zhongshan had been worth it, considering the unexpectedly favorable outcome.
It was worth it...
Murong Jing He lay on a luxurious, comfortable couch, listening to reports on the political and military situations from his subordinates while gazing out at the snow-covered courtyard through the latticed windows. The room was warm, heated by an underfloor system, and he was wrapped in a white fox fur robe. Yet, he found himself missing the simple heated brick bed in the mountain village.
"Take the medicine to her," he suddenly ordered.
His subordinate, who had been detailing the dire situation at the Black Horse River, where Muyi Luo Mei was leading the defense, was momentarily stunned. Following Murong Jing He’s gaze to the porcelain bottle on the nearby flower table, the subordinate quickly understood, taking the bottle and leaving without further comment.
Murong Jing He’s gaze returned to the courtyard. On one dark brown plum branch outside the window, a few pale green buds, wrapped in deep red sepals, had begun to swell. The cold climate here caused the plum blossoms to bloom earlier than elsewhere. When they fully bloomed, their fiery red petals would press against the window, adding a touch of charm to the otherwise harsh winter. She had mentioned liking the flowers of early spring, but he wondered if she would also appreciate these winter plums.
Perhaps... when they bloom, I should have someone cut a few branches to send to her.
Two days later, an imperial edict arrived in Jingbei, commanding Murong Jing He to lead the army into battle. Along with the edict came two imperial physicians who had served the emperor, as well as Qing Yan and the corpse demon. Murong Jing He, citing his health, refused the command.
The imperial envoy, fearing to delay the message, swiftly reported back to the emperor. Seven days later, the emperor issued a decree to the entire empire, seeking a renowned doctor to treat the Jingbei King. The result was a stream of people, almost trampling down the high threshold of the Jingbei King’s residence, yet not one of them could heal Murong Jing He’s severed meridians.
"They’re all worthless!" Murong Jing He, trembling, lifted his hand and swept the medicine bowl off the tray brought by the maidservant, spilling the black medicinal liquid onto the carpet and leaving a large, damp stain. The frightened maid dropped to her knees, trembling with fear.
"Get out!" Murong Jing He shouted, not even sparing her a glance.
Had the doctor who treated him five years ago not already passed away, he wouldn’t have to endure the incompetence of these so-called experts. Every day, he was forced to drink one concoction after another, none of which made any difference. These so-called miracle workers were nothing compared to him, who had become an expert through his own long-term suffering. At least he had been able to use external methods and medicine to partially reconnect some of his meridians—something these quacks couldn’t manage.
As the maid hastily exited, she nearly collided with Qing Yan, who was just entering the room. She quickly offered her greetings before hurrying away with her face covered.
Qing Yan pretended not to notice and briskly walked to the bedside, where he stood with his hands at his sides, head bowed in respectful silence.
"Master, the doctor who was captured with Mei Lin claims he can treat severed meridians," Qing Yan said. He had quickly gathered information about everything and everyone in Jingbei, including Mei Lin. Knowing Murong Jing He’s condition well, Qing Yan reasoned that if Mei Lin had intended to harm him, the consequences would have been far worse. Besides, with the prince's temperament, he would never deal so leniently with someone who had threatened his life. There had to be more to the situation, so he had secretly instructed the guards to look after both Mei Lin and the leprous doctor.
It was because of this that the leprous doctor’s boast of being able to treat the prince had quickly reached Qing Yan’s ears.
Qing Yan hadn’t immediately informed Murong Jing He. Instead, he first confirmed the doctor's claims by speaking with Mei Lin before reporting to his master.
Hearing this, Murong Jing He paused, the violent anger on his face subsiding, leaving only a look of deep exhaustion.
"Bring him here," he said, closing his eyes and leaning back against the soft cushions.
Qing Yan, knowing his master was on the verge of breaking after dealing with so many useless doctors, yet still willing to see a prisoner without even questioning his background, understood the situation. He quickly turned to personally fetch the leprous doctor.
As the footsteps receded, Murong Jing He opened his eyes and looked once more toward the flowered window.
The heavy snow had left the air cold and crisp. Despite the chill, he never allowed the window to be closed during the day. Even though he was no longer alone and had plenty to occupy his time, he still preferred to keep the window partially open, as he had in that simple village house. Yet, every time his gaze fell through the half-open window, there was no longer the anticipation he once felt, waiting for someone’s return.
The plum blossoms had bloomed, with a fiery red branch stretching outside the window. Inside, a light mist of incense smoke swirled, while outside, the sky remained a pale white, the snow enveloping everything, half-burying the crimson petals, creating a blend of seductive beauty and pure holiness.
He thought, I’d really like her to see this too... Though deep down, he knew it was Muyi Luo Mei who loved plum blossoms. As for her, besides spring flowers, he didn’t know what else she liked.
"Someone, come!" He suddenly raised his head, his expression indifferent, his voice low.
Immediately, a figure in black stepped forward—not a servant, but one of his guards.
"Cut two branches of the plum blossoms outside the window and send them to the dungeon," he ordered, but as the guard was about to leave, he changed his mind. "Forget it."
Though the guard was confused, his face betrayed no emotion as he silently returned to his hidden post.
Murong Jing He felt a surge of irritation and briefly considered ordering all the plum blossoms outside to be chopped down. Fortunately, Qing Yan returned just in time, bringing the leprous doctor with him.
When Murong Jing He saw the doctor’s unkempt and unsightly appearance, his eyebrows twitched, and he almost suspected he was being played for a fool.
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