Chapter 098: Reactions from All Sides (Seeking Subscriptions)

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“More than a hundred of the Eastern Palace Guards and the Princess Royal’s personal guards were killed or wounded,” the man in the black robe reported.

“And what about Wu Yunxiao? The Princess Royal? And that so-called Divine Physician, Fang? Are you telling me none of them were even injured?” Wu Yuntian demanded, unwilling to accept that such a heavy price had yielded no good news.

“They’re all unharmed. In fact, that Divine Physician Fang treated all the wounded among the Eastern Palace and Princess Royal’s guards—even those with severed limbs had them reattached.” The black-robed man was forced to tell Wu Yuntian the truth.

“You asked me to work with you, claiming you could help me seize the throne. But it seems you’re no more capable than this. If you have nothing of value to offer, our cooperation ends here. I’ll go confess to the Emperor myself, and you can find someone else.” Wu Yuntian paused in silence for a moment, then spoke coldly.

“Your Highness, there’s no need to be so hasty. Don’t you still have Hong Tianzhi’s support? We can assist Hong Tianzhi in gaining greater military authority, occupying more land in the Xia Kingdom, so that His Majesty will see your abilities far surpass those of the other princes.”

“And what of it? The Crown Prince’s illness is about to be cured. When that happens, there’ll be nothing left for the rest of us.” Wu Yuntian said, still resentful.

“Your Highness, we’ve received word from an inside source: the Crown Prince has already petitioned His Majesty to resign his position, and the Emperor has agreed.” The black-robed man hesitated, but finally revealed this explosive news to Wu Yuntian.

“How is that possible? Even when Wu Yunxiao was gravely ill, he didn’t resign the crown. Now that he’s nearly cured, why would he give it up?” Wu Yuntian was, as expected, utterly shocked.

“The exact reasons are unclear, but we can wait and see how things develop. Now that our attempt has failed, we must remain still. However, the other princes know nothing of this—they might still make a move, which will divert the Emperor’s attention.” The black-robed man analyzed.

“So be it, then,” Wu Yuntian nodded.

“What? The clinic was attacked? How did it turn out? Is the Crown Prince dead? Or that Divine Physician Fang?” The Third and Fifth Princes, having also received the news, questioned excitedly.

“No, they’re all unharmed. It’s said that of the three Transcendent Masters who attacked, two were killed and one escaped. Moreover, the Princess Royal has now become a Transcendent Master herself.” These updates left both princes deeply disappointed.

The Prefect of Huayang, Qiu Jiacai, was roused from his bed in the middle of the night. When he heard that the City Guard’s patrol had been lured away from North Street, he broke out in a cold sweat.

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“Send someone to bring Lei Gang to me at once!” Qiu Jiacai roared. Lei Gang was the commander of the City Guard, directly answerable to the Prefect, but also under the Ministry of War’s authority.

Before long, Lei Gang arrived in full armor, looking grim as he saluted Qiu Jiacai. “Sir, I have already investigated the patrol incident. The patrol was led away to drink by their captain, Han Er.”

“And where is Han Er? Why would he go drinking while on duty? Bring him in—find out if someone put him up to it,” Qiu Jiacai glared at Lei Gang.

“Han Er is dead. According to the patrol soldiers, he said he won a large sum gambling yesterday. Since it was late and things seemed quiet, he took the men out drinking. When news came of the attack on the clinic, Han Er committed suicide.” Lei Gang replied uneasily.

He was the commander—if his men abandoned their posts to drink and the clinic was attacked during that time, there was no way this was mere coincidence. If the Emperor investigated, he would not escape responsibility.

“Haven’t I always told you to keep your men in line? This is the imperial capital—there are officials here with more authority than I, and no mistakes can be tolerated. Do you understand? This matter is not so simple. Prepare yourself for demotion,” Qiu Jiacai sighed.

Lei Gang was his wife’s cousin, possessing some martial skill—a barely second-tier expert—which was why Qiu Jiacai had promoted him to lead the City Guard.

“Brother-in-law, I usually keep a strict hand, but so many in the City Guard have connections—it’s hard to control everything. Please, help me. If I lose this post, how can I help you in the future?” Lei Gang pleaded anxiously.

“With a disaster like this, how can I help you? Hurry back and organize a search for the fugitive—I heard one escaped. If you can capture him, you might redeem yourself. If not, no one will be able to save you.”

Qiu Jiacai waved him off, sending Lei Gang on his way. He himself hurried out to seek out Right Minister Gong Guoliang—he needed to clear himself of blame before discussing anything else.

...

That night, countless people in Wudu City lay sleepless, running about in confusion, seeking news. Meanwhile, Fang Xian devoted himself entirely to tending the wounded, working tirelessly until dawn broke.

“Miss Situ, you’ve worked half the night. Go get some rest,” he said. Not long after the battle had ended, Fang Xian had sent someone to fetch Situ Xun and his daughter to help treat the injured. Situ Yan, who hadn’t closed her eyes all night, was now yawning uncontrollably.

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“Brother Fang, I’m not tired. You’ve worked all night without rest—why don’t you get some sleep first? I’ll tidy up here,” Situ Yan replied.

“Be good and listen. I’ll have someone else clean up—you go and rest. I’ll sleep soon, too.” Fang Xian stopped her, taking the things from her hands.

Situ Yan blushed, nodded obediently, and returned to the rear courtyard to rest.

“Are you all all right?” Fang Xian returned to the small courtyard to check on the people from Qingyun Stronghold. They had only sustained internal injuries, and with healing pills, they would recover quickly.

“By the way, where’s Uncle Seven? If not for his help last night, the consequences could have been unimaginable.” Fang Xian and Wu Qingluan had only expected two Transcendent Masters among the attackers, yet there was an unexpected third.

If Uncle Seven hadn’t intervened and tangled with the black-robed master, the Crown Prince’s party would have been in grave danger. Even the people from Qingyun Stronghold might not have escaped, and even if Fang Xian and Wu Qingluan had rushed to help, the outcome was uncertain.

“Uncle Seven went straight to bed after returning. He’s still not up,” Zhou Dadan answered.

“Dadan, go buy some braised pig’s head. For lunch, let’s prepare a feast for Uncle Seven to thank him.”

“Don’t worry, young master—I’ll get the finest food and wine. We’ll make sure the old man is pleased.” Zhou Dadan grinned. Having such a formidable Transcendent Master by their side boosted their confidence greatly.

Fang Xian nodded and finally returned to his room to rest. But after shutting the door, he first checked his system panel—he’d received a notification last night but had been too busy tending to the wounded to look at it until now.