Chapter 60 Drugged, of All Things

Yang Xing’s expression shifted slightly as he glanced around.

What kind of talk was this!

Even if such thoughts existed, they could not be spoken aloud.

Yang Xing gave a wry smile. "Second Uncle, you really ought to be more careful with your choice of words."

Yang Zhan remained unconcerned. "Do you honestly believe your imperial father will let the Empress live?"

"Uh..." Yang Xing immediately changed the subject. "Second Uncle, the Empress has lost all her power, but she is likely still resentful and might try to plot something against you. You should simply be a bit more careful."

Yang Zhan looked at the fellow, knowing he would never shed his cautious and timid nature.

Suddenly, Yang Zhan asked, "Crown Prince, how much do you know about the Phoenix God Sect?"

"I know of it. That Phoenix God Sect spreads the most absurdly mystical tales, claiming that whoever receives the Phoenix God's favor will attain eternal life. The Phoenix-Venerated Kingdom was even founded upon the backing of the Phoenix God Sect. Yet, did the emperors of that kingdom achieve eternal life? Of course not. Therefore, such nonsense is only good for fooling the ignorant."

"Is Your Highness very familiar with the Phoenix God Sect?"

"Quite familiar. Years ago, Imperial Father specifically sent people to investigate the Phoenix God Sect and gathered a great deal of information regarding it."

"When was that?"

"Three years ago."

Doubts began to stir in Yang Zhan’s mind once more.

"What kind of information was gathered?"

"The Phoenix God Sect has always been bizarre—talks of secret methods for immortality, divine miracles, all sorts of strange and eccentric things. Oh, and it seemed to have been handled by the Empress herself. Second Uncle, let's not talk about this anymore. Come to my Eastern Palace tonight for a drink."

"Didn't you just tell me to go see the Empress?"

"You're actually going?"

"Am I afraid of her?"

"Well, that won't ruin the hour, will it? Isn't it set for the Hour of the Dog? It’s still early!"

With that, Yang Xing began tugging Yang Zhan along with a rather eager demeanor.

Yang Zhan had no desire to go, fearing that trouble might ensue after a few drinks.

Suddenly, Yang Xing remarked, "I have an unofficial secret history of the Phoenix God Sect over at my place. Do you want it?"

Yang Zhan paused. "Secret history?"

"Just some anecdotal tales heard by people of the martial world. Whether they are true or false remains unclear."

"Very well!"

And so, Yang Zhan followed Yang Xing to the Eastern Palace.

***

Inside the meditation room of the Fengyi Palace.

The Empress had been sitting there the entire time.

At this moment, the palace maid Li'er stood respectfully before her.

Looking at Li'er, the Empress asked faintly, "Did that brat really say that?"

Li'er smiled bitterly. "The palace maids at the Hall of Government Affairs told this servant. The very first thing Yang Zhan said when he heard Your Majesty wanted to see him was precisely that!"

The Empress took a deep breath, her chest rising and falling with suppressed emotion.

"No wonder the civil officials and censors all call him a chaotic demon king—he certainly lives up to the name!"

Li'er glanced sideways at the Empress, only to find that she was not truly angered.

Suddenly, Li'er dropped to her knees. "Your Majesty, could it be that His Majesty truly refuses to tolerate Your Majesty any longer?"

"Lacking manners! Say that again, and you will be dragged out and beaten to death!"

Li'er instantly collapsed onto the floor, sobbing, "This servant is only worried for Your Majesty."

"What use is worry? Get out! When Yang Zhan arrives, lead him straight in!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

At the second quarter of the Hour of the Monkey, in the Eastern Palace!

Yang Zhan watched as Yang Xing downed two cups of wine and immediately descended into a violent fit of coughing.

"Cough, cough..."

Within moments, his entire face was flushed red.

The severity of the cough made Yang Zhan fear the fellow might not catch his next breath.

If this Crown Prince were to die, the Third Prince would inevitably step into his shoes. Even without the Empress, there was still the House of Xiao.

Given how bitterly the Third Prince hated him by then, Yang Zhan himself might not care, but those loyal soldiers who had followed him through life and death for years would likely face a thorough purge!

Should he rebel? Or should he rebel?!

And then what, become the emperor himself?

The mere thought gave Yang Zhan a headache. Especially after seeing Yang Xing return to the Eastern Palace earlier, trailed by servants carrying a basket filled with memorials and official documents sent by officials from all over the realm—that made his head ache even more.

Unable to help himself, he offered some advice: "Crown Prince, you should still take care of your health. Whatever can be handed over to your subordinates to handle, don't take upon yourself. For instance, those memorials and documents—the Three Departments and Six Ministries are not filled with idlers."

Yang Xing recovered his breath, full of vigor. "It's fine. These are matters I ought to handle."

"..."

Yang Zhan was left speechless.

Still, this fellow wasn't entirely bad; at the very least, he was diligent in state affairs. It was just that his constitution was far too weak.

Suddenly, seeming to remember something, Yang Xing slapped his forehead. "I almost forgot, I still have some official business to attend to. Yu Shu!"

"Your Highness!"

Yu Shu stepped in from outside.

"Accompany Second Uncle for a few cups. I have matters to attend to!"

With that, Yang Xing hastily stood up, fastened his belt, and departed with Chen Shu and the others.

Now, only Yu Shu and Yang Zhan remained in the room.

Looking at Yu Shu—her delicate and gentle appearance, her waist that could barely be spanned by a single grip.

And that semi-transparent dress... Although there was a brazier burning and the temperature was not low, there was no reason to dress quite this thinly, was there?

Was this appropriate?

It... made Yang Zhan feel rather embarrassed to look.

If things continued this way, something untoward was bound to happen.

Suddenly, Yang Zhan stood up. "Crown Princess, since the Crown Prince is busy, I shall take my leave as well!"

Yu Shu said softly, "Second Uncle, am I not here? Does Second Uncle disdain my company and feel I cannot drink with the General?"

"That's not the reason. I have other matters to attend to!"

"If Second Uncle leaves just like this, won't His Highness blame me for failing to look after Second Uncle properly?"

Just as Yang Zhan was about to leave, he suddenly remembered something. "Right, the Crown Prince mentioned earlier that he had a secret history of the Phoenix God Sect for me. Trouble the Crown Princess to fetch it for me!"

Hearing this, Yu Shu smiled and said, "Very well!"

With that, Yu Shu stepped forward, her cheeks flushed, smiling charmingly. "Second Uncle, let me pour you a drink. Have a cup first, and I will fetch the secret history of the Phoenix God Sect for you in a moment."

As she spoke, she walked right up to Yang Zhan's side, the thin gauze of her dress brushing against him.

Reaching her arm out right in front of Yang Zhan's face, she grasped the wine pitcher.

A faint fragrance instantly drifted into Yang Zhan's nostrils, surging straight to his crown.

Prompted by the moment, Yang Zhan picked up the cup Yu Shu had just poured and took a sip to calm his nerves.

Only... the brazier in the room was burning far too intensely, making Yang Zhan feel somewhat feverish.

His throat felt dry as well, prompting him to take another cup of wine to moisten it.

Yu Shu did not speak. Seeing that Yang Zhan had finished his drink, she filled the cup again.

Remaining right beside Yang Zhan, that thin dress hovered close enough to touch, swaying gently.

Yang Zhan could not help casting a glance, and a fire seemed to ignite within his chest.

Taking a deep breath, Yang Zhan stood up.

"Crown Princess, please go fetch it now. I truly have matters to attend to!"

"Very well!"

Looking somewhat dejected, Yu Shu turned away, her lithe figure shifting gracefully as she began searching around the room.

Yang Zhan could not help watching as Yu Shu turned her back to him, bending down to search, though she did not bend her knees.

The graceful curve of her figure beneath the thin garment was displayed to perfection.

"Oh my, it's not here!"

With that, Yu Shu stood up, turned sideways, and walked toward another cabinet. "I remember His Highness placing it right here."

Her voice grew even more melodious.

Yang Zhan's gaze was nearly glued to her; since he could not tear his eyes away, he simply stopped trying.

Then he watched as Yu Shu suddenly climbed onto a stool, raising both arms high.

Her skirt rode up, revealing calves as white and flawless as jade.

Yang Zhan looked higher still, past Yu Shu's slender waist—seamless and smooth, devoid of any undergarment's contour.

Underneath... there was nothing?

"Oh!"

The stool beneath Yu Shu's feet wobbled, and she tumbled straight backward.

In a flash, Yang Zhan moved and caught the falling Yu Shu in his arms.

With flushed cheeks, Yu Shu gazed up at Yang Zhan.

Yang Zhan steadied her, his breathing growing somewhat heavy.

Yu Shu raised her head, looking up at him, her delicate, flushed face featuring slightly parted, moisture-laden lips.

And her hands had already grasped Yang Zhan's arms.

"Second Uncle's arms are so thick."

Though her face bore the flush of shyness, a burning fire seemed to dance in her eyes.

This enchanting voice, a blend of bashfulness and eager anticipation, made Yang Zhan feel instantly that disaster was imminent!

Hastily lowering his gaze, he was met with another shock: the thin gauze garment had slipped entirely, revealing only an embroidered red bodice... which could barely contain her!

Damn it!

She had drugged him!