Madam Sheng suddenly stood up. “General Zhong is on duty and it is not convenient to drink. However, we have already brought out this good jar of wine from the Duke. We can’t leave it untouched. Today, let me invite a protector of Great Tang to drink. If anyone present believes that they are worthy of a drink, come and drink.”
A one-eyed white-haired house servant stepped out. “I fought at Jiande County with the Duke and an enemy shot one of my eyes. However, I did not retreat but continued to fight into the enemy camp. After asking myself, I believe I can drink a cup of the Duke’s wine.”
Another house servant pulled open his top and exposed a mottled scar. “This is a scar gotten for Great Tang. I can drink the Duke’s good wine as well!”
More and more servants came up to talk about their courageous past. They all walked forward to pour and drink the wine.
The old female servants stepped up for their husbands and sons who sacrificed their lives for Great Tang. They offered the wine and poured it on the ground, toasting their spirits.
The entire street was moved as they watched the scene and they cheered them on. Zhong Yutang felt extremely pressured but he gritted his teeth, not giving in. “Madam Sheng, the wine has been drunk and past relationships have been told. Can I continue on my duties now?”
Madam Sheng was composed. “General Zhong, what do you have to do?”
Zhong Yutang was patient. “I have been tasked to search Duke Lu Residence and capture the escapee, Sheng Chuling. Whoever dares to interfere will be considered going against the court!”
Madam Sheng sat back down on the Imperial Tutor’s chair. “I will momentarily not pursue the matter on what crime Chuling committed. I believe that the court has their own laws to punish those that committed a crime and ensure that the innocent is not wrongfully committed. If you want to search, you can go ahead.”
Zhong Yutang’s eyes lit up. “Thank you for your understanding.” He lifted his hand to signal the start of the search.
“But, you will have to wait for me to die before you can search!” Madam Sheng reached back and held the long sword in front of her. The sword reflected the midday sun and was blinding.
Zhong Yutang’s eyes hardened. “Madam, you are…”
Madam Sheng declared loudly, “Duke Lu has helped Great Tang fight wars for tens of years and all that is left is a body of scars and old injuries. My oldest daughter married Prince Han and was poisoned. In order to pledge his loyalty to the Emperor, my third son died during the rebellion in the Eastern Palace. My eldest son, Sheng Chumu, almost lost his life pacifying the rebellion. The Emperor then made him the general of the Hundred Army. However, he went missing for no reason last night! I have been waiting and waiting for any news of him. I did not receive any news of him and instead was informed that Princess Xinnan has died and my second son, Chuling, has turned into an escapee. Now, a bunch of impressive looking juniors are trying to force your way into my house! You want to search my residence? Sure. After all, I only have my old life left. If you can step over my body, you can go ahead and search!”
The group of old servants shouted, “Step over our dead bodies!”
Zhong Yutang’s embarrassment turned to anger. “The imperial guards are acting on the court’s orders. How can old things like you people stop us? Attack them!”
All of a sudden, an egg flew through the air and smashed into Zhong Yutang’s head. The split egg flowed down his face.
Zhong Yutang turned back to glare at the street. “Who threw that?”
The people on the street were all expressionless and no one answered. In the next moment, they all exploded and started to throw rotten eggs, spoiled vegetables and mud.
Zhong Yutang opened his mouth, wanting to vent but ended up with a mouthful of mud.
“Injuring loyal and honest people. You are despicable and vile!”
“Duke Lu Residence is made up of martyrs. Get lost, you scoundrel!”
“Get lost! Get lost! Get lost!”
The crowd was furious! Zhong Yutang looked a sorry figure as he could not even lift his head. He was afraid of triggering a mass revolt and could only retreat with his tail between his legs.
The crowd and the servants all cheered.
Madam Sheng silently breathed a sigh of relief. A small smile on her face. She looked at how enthusiastic all these old but good people were. All of a sudden, she noticed Fang Xuanling, dressed in commoner clothes, silently standing in the crowd. He wore a comforted expression and nodded a greeting to her. She nodded back slightly.
Chapter 95.3: Loyal Traitor
Prince Zhou stood in front of Fu Rou’s room, slightly hesitant. He had just received the news that Sheng Chumu had been shot and fell off a cliff. It was basically a death notice. As soon as he thought of how heartbroken Fu Rou would be when she heard this news, he felt extremely guilty. At the same time, there was a hint of delight within him, for obtaining the woman he loved for himself.
He took a deep breath and pushed open the door.
Fu Rou’s long hair was loose as she sat on the bed. Her eyes were red. As soon as she caught sight of Prince Zhou, her expression became stony. Prince Zhou’s heart fell as he pretended to be calm. “How are you feeling today?”
Fu Rou remained silent as her hands slowly clenched into fists. “Please get out, Your Highness!”
Prince Zhou sat down. “What is wrong?”
Fu Rou’s eyes were filled with pain. “So you are such a frightening person? A knife hidden beneath your smile, a needle hidden in silk. You can take the life of a good person without making a sound.”
Prince Zhou suddenly grabbed her fist. Fu Rou was not willing to be weak as she revealed her palm. In her palm, there was a fragrance pouch, stained with blood.
“I had personally sewn this for Chumu. Just now, this appeared outside my door.” Fu Rou bit her lip. When she spoke, her voice was laced with thick resentment and anger, “What did you all do to Chumu?”
“...” Prince Zhou hesitated slightly, “I don’t know.”
“You really don’t know how to lie. Chumu got into an accident and you say you don’t know. Imperial Physician He is dead and you don’t know either. I only gave you Imperial Physician He’s prescription for the Emperor and in the next moment, he drowned and lost his life! I trusted you but I will not be so gullible anymore!”
Fu Rou pointed at the door. “Get lost!”
Prince Zhou stood up and walked out in a daze. He has never seen Fu Rou so angry before. He thought that even if she resented him after knowing the truth, he would be able to take it. However, when faced with the truth, he realised how difficult it was to bear. His heart felt like it was cut with a knife. Moreover, he was betrayed by his own mother.
Fu Shui told him that Yan Zifang had reported the completion of the mission to his mother and submitted the proof of Sheng Chumu’s death to his mother. Therefore, only his mother could have sent someone to place the fragrance pouch.
Why? Prince Zhou could not understand. His mother clearly promised him that she would not hurt Fu Rou and would let him get his wishes. But what she did simply caused what little chance he had to disappear completely.
And Imperial Physician He. He had asked his mother to let Imperial Physician He treat his Imperial Father. His mother had also promised him. But now, Imperial Physician He was dead! No wonder Fu Rou was angry. Even he could not help but be sure that it was his mother’s doing.
His mother did this to prevent Imperial Physician He from treating his Imperial Father. However, by doing this, she made matters more conspicuous. There was something amiss about his Imperial Father’s illness. Prince Zhou took out the prescription Fu Rou had given him from his sleeve. At that time, he thought that there was no need to hand it over to his mother. After all, it was a prescription that Imperial Physician He created himself. Now that Imperial Physician He was no longer around, he became the only person that knows the prescription.
Prince Zhou fell silent for a while before placing the prescription back into his robe. Now, there was only one thing he could do.