Sheng Xiaojing wiped the sweat off his forehead. “I am fit and my metabolism is high. I naturally sweat a lot.”
Lu Yunji sneered, “Sweating is good, at least...it is better than bleeding. Soon we will know whether you will be sweating or bleeding.”
Sheng Chumu reappeared. His head was lowered as he raised his robe and continued to kneel.
The Imperial Physician went up to the Emperor and reported to him quietly. When the Emperor heard his report, he looked sympathetic. He waved for the Imperial Physician to leave. At the same time, he called on Sheng Xiaojing.
“As a father, I understand how you feel. Do not be too upset. There are many people in the Great Tang, there is hope for a cure.”
Sheng Xiaojing almost smiled crazily. With much difficulty, he forced himself to look sad as he lamented, “Yes, Your Majesty is brilliant. I feel much better after hearing what you said. We will slowly try to heal him. There is hope.”
Both the Lu father and son were stunned. They did not know that Yan Zifang had given Sheng Chumu a secret Persian pill with amazing effects. Moreover, Sheng Chumu would never do something he was uncertain of.
Very soon, Princess Xinnan received the news. She quickly called Fu Rou over and hugged her, jumping excitedly.
“Head Seamstress Fu, Sheng Chumu successfully rejected the marriage!”
“Really?” The huge stone in Fu Rou’s heart settled.
“Yes! Imperial father even gave him a bunch of medicine.” At this point, Princess Xinnan paused and her gaze became sympathetic. “Head Seamstress Fu, you have to be mentally prepared…” She leaned into Fu Rou’s ear and spoke.
Fu Rou’s mouth gaped open. It took a while before she could find her own voice. “He...he really…”
“The Imperial Physician checked him. He is telling the truth.” Princess Xinnan held onto Fu Rou’s elbow as if to support her. “Head Seamstress Fu, don’t be upset. It should be treatable.”
Fu Rou was shocked that Sheng Chumu would use this kind of excuse to reject the marriage. She did not even think how it would affect her. As she understood what Princess Xinnan meant, her neck reddened.
“What is there to be upset about? Princess...Princess, you are so precious, how can you say this kind of thing.”
Princess Xinnan was in a good mood. “I am considering how close we are. Just take it as child talk.”
Fu Rou felt extremely awkward. “If you have no other instructions for me, I will take my leave!”
As Princess Xinnan looked at Fu Rou’s retreating back, she shook her head and patted her heart. “Luckily I like Chuling instead.”
Fu Rou ran all the way to the Imperial Garden before finally slowing down. Her heart was pounding and she smacked her chest to calm her breathing. Great, Chumu successfully rejected the marriage. They have overcome another obstacle!
“Are you crying by yourself again?” Prince Zhou approached and sounded quite excited. “Your Sheng Chumu seems to have an illness.”
“I don’t care.” Fu Rou turned around with a smile on her face. Why did everyone think that she would be bothered by it?
“You don’t care?” Prince Zhou assessed her expression. He could not find any signs of deception. “But this concerns your entire life.”
“As long as he is Sheng Chumu, I don’t care if he has a thousand illnesses.” Fu Rou bowed briefly. “I will be taking my leave. I have to find a spot where I will not be disturbed so I can bask in joy.”
Prince Zhou watched her leave speechlessly. Dejected, he punched a pillar.
Chapter 28.2: Early Autumn
Lu Yingying entered the Royal Palace in a sedan. She stared blankly outside the window through the cotton screen. Duke Cheng’s son had recovered. Her father was in the midst of discussing her marriage with him. Her marriage was about to be set in stone yet she could do nothing about it. Or rather, whatever she did would be useless. She only had a fierce wish in her heart, which was to meet with that person one more time!
The sedan stopped in front of the palace gates. She stepped out of the sedan and allowed the palace guards to conduct their routine checks. All of a sudden, a man wearing a general uniform walked out majestically. It was Yan Zifang.
Lu Yingying immediately rushed up to him. Yan Zifang froze but remained expressionless as he gazed at her coldly. He did not say anything.
Lu Yingying realised that the palace guards were looking at her curiously. “Can we find a quieter place? I have something to tell you.”
“If you have something to say, you can just say it here.” Yan Zifang’s tone was unfriendly.
Lu Yingying gritted her teeth as she revealed her palm to him. Yan Zifang looked at the pearl in her hand. “Didn’t I tell you to throw this?”
“I am returning it to you.” Lu Yingying looked slightly hopeful. “Although it isn't worth much, it is still made from the flesh and blood of an oyster. You gave it to me so now I am returning it to you. It is only appropriate.”
Yan Zifang could not deny and extended his hand to take it.
“I am getting married.”
Yan Zifang chuckled, “Do you want to hear me congratulate you?”
Lu Yingying raised her hand and slapped him.
Yan Zifang did not budge. “You are very lucky. I do not hit women.” He whistled and a horse galloped to him. He jumped on the horse and grabbed the reins. Without any hesitation, he rode far into the distance.
In a split second, tears formed in Lu Yingying’s eyes. However, when she turned around, her eyes were already dry. With a pale face, she entered the palace.
The Emperor summoned the Crown Prince and Prince Zhou into Ganluo Palace to study a memorial that had just been submitted. Sun Tan and Sheng Chumu were also present.
The Emperor read a section of the account and that Master Faya was cursing Empress Zhangsun. It was recorded that she was greedy for power and superficial. She also restricted teaching of the Dharma and would go to hell when she died. The Emperor was furious and asked what kind of devious monk Faya was. How dare he write such atrocious words and be disrespectful to the Empress!
The Crown Prince took the opportunity to mention that in the past, Master Faya often entered the palace. Whenever he entered, he spent a majority of his time at Concubine Yan’s place to teach her about Dharma and Concubine Yan trusted him a lot.
Prince Zhou sneered, “Imperial Father, Master Faya entered the palace more than once or twice. He also visited the Palace Courtyard. Not only does he teach Mother, he also taught Concubine Xi and Concubine Hu. I heard that Imperial Mother also went to Concubine Xi’s place once and bumped into one of Master Faya’s sessions. Imperial Mother even listened for almost an hour. Moreover, Master Faya’s rumours occurred after he was banned from the palace. Why are you picking on what happened in the past? The reason why Faya can go around spreading rumours is because he has the support of many nobles. That is why he is not afraid to voice his opinions.”
Duke Cheng entered the palace at this time and heard this. He could not help but shift his eyes.
Prince Zhou glanced at Duke Cheng and was glad that he was here. “Duke Cheng just invited Master Faya over a few days ago. After that, he even sent people to deliver gold and jewels to Faya’s temple.”
Duke Cheng immediately defended himself. “Your Majesty, my son has been ill and I heard that praying would help heal him. Faya is famous, that is why I invited him. I did not know that he has been spreading wild and ridiculous rumours.”
The Crown Prince immediately said, “Imperial Father, you must investigate this clearly. Prince Zhou had a personal vengeance against Duke Cheng. He is taking his personal revenge.”
Prince Zhou rebutted, “Imperial Father, you must investigate this clearly. Duke Cheng has a good relationship with Faya and everyone knows that. I’m not the only one who is aware of this.”
The Emperor looked at Sheng Chumu.