"Not a decision, but a necessity. Otherwise, no matter which prince ascends the throne, our Song family will not be tolerated."
Madam Song’s expression was grave.
"But the Sixth Prince currently holds no power whatsoever. How can he contend with the other princes?"
After that incident, in order to protect the border soldiers, Bai Li Chong Yan had relinquished his military authority. For years, he had become a recluse, holding only the title of Prince, but possessing no real power.
Minister Song said, "If he truly possessed no ability, he would not have survived this long. Furthermore, although he lacks military power, he was once the God of War in the hearts of the people. If he were to stand up, with a single command, the hundreds of thousands of troops in the Northern Frontier would respond. There would be no shortage of ways to contend with them."
The most troublesome matter, perhaps, was the Emperor himself.
Although father and son were estranged, if Bai Li Chong Yan were to stage a rebellion, he would inevitably face slanderous rumors, and it might even lead to disaster.
The Emperor abdicating himself... the possibility was too small.
He wished for the Sixth Prince to die, how could he possibly pass the throne to him?
—
The Second Prince had fallen ill.
Initially, it was just a rumor, but by the third day, it had become the talk of the capital.
The Emperor issued a royal decree, widely recruiting renowned physicians from across the land to treat him. The one who could cure the Second Prince would be rewarded with a thousand pieces of gold, enfeoffed as a Marquis, with the title inheritable for three generations.
The common folk in the marketplaces discussed it during their meals and leisure.
"If the imperial physicians in the palace cannot cure him, how can someone from the common folk possibly do so?"
Among them, some learned individuals stated, "This is where you are mistaken. There are countless talented individuals in the world, and not all of them are solely driven by pleasure. The esteemed physicians of the medical arts are often found among the people. Perhaps there truly is someone among the populace who can cure the Second Prince."
Some ordinary citizens asked in confusion, "Did the Second Prince not go boating on the lake on the fifteenth day of the ninth month? How did he suddenly fall ill?"
Someone replied, "He was reportedly trapped on the lake and fell ill after being exposed to the cold for half a day."
"Trapped? I heard he clearly fell into the lake and was ensnared by a water ghost. The son of a servant's wife's relative, who serves in the Second Prince’s mansion, said he heard the Second Prince raving at midnight, calling out 'ghosts,' 'don't come closer,' and such. If he were truly ill, why would he behave this way? He must have been entangled by a water ghost."
The discussion, which had been proceeding normally, suddenly took on a chilling tone.
The common people have always regarded ghosts and spirits with awe and distance. Hearing such a tale suddenly naturally instilled unease in their hearts.
When they recalled the day the Second Prince fell ill, it was indeed the fifteenth day of the ninth month, a night of a full moon when yin energy was at its peak. He had gone to the lake, where many people had drowned. Considering all this, it seemed quite possible.
A courtesan had died in that lake in June of this year. She was pregnant at the time of her death. It was said she was deceived by someone who promised to redeem her from her courtesan status and marry her. However, after she became pregnant, he reneged on his promise and abandoned her.
In her anger and despair, the courtesan made a poisonous oath and leaped into the lake to commit suicide.
"A gentleman does not speak of the strange and supernatural. Where are the ghosts in this world? Sir, you should not frighten others."
The common citizen, not easily intimidated, retorted, "How do you know there are no ghosts in this world?"
The scholar's words immediately became hesitant, leaving him unable to speak.
"Exactly, how do you know there are no ghosts in this world? Also, we are merely common folk, not gentlemen or sages, why can we not speak of it?"
At these words, the scholar was even more speechless.
Others continued their discussion.
"Is it true? Is the Second Prince truly being haunted by ghosts and spirits?"
"Of course, it's true. I believe the one haunting him is none other than the courtesan who committed suicide by jumping into the lake..."
The scholar, who had just spoken of not discussing the strange and supernatural, again sidled closer and asked, "It wasn't the Second Prince who wronged her, why would she haunt him?"
Someone glanced at him, "Didn't you just say that gentlemen do not speak of the strange and supernatural? Why are you so curious now?"
The scholar smiled sheepishly.
Although he did not believe it, he could not resist his inner curiosity and wished to ask more.
However, after the previous exchange, the crowd ignored him, forming a circle and excluding him. They bombarded the person who had spoken so confidently about the Second Prince being haunted by a water ghost with questions.
"What else did that servant's son say?"
"The Second Prince is being haunted by a female ghost. We should seek a high monk to perform rituals, a doctor would be useless."
"Seeking a doctor or a high monk is not within our reach."
"..."
After listening to a barrage of gossip, a man sitting in a corner of the teahouse stood up, picked up his sword, and walked out.
Haunted by ghosts?
This was truly quite novel.
Equally finding it novel was the guard by Bai Li Chong Yan’s side.
The captain of the guards mused, "They have issued a royal decree. It seems the Second Prince is truly gravely ill."
Someone indignantly remarked, "He deserves it for speaking disrespectfully to the Prince!"
"Walls have ears. Be careful with your words."
The spirited young guard said, "He deserves it. I would say the same to his face."
"Alright, keep your voices down. You might wake the Prince."
As they were speaking, a young servant ran in. Just as he was about to speak loudly, the captain of the guards gestured for him to be silent.
The man took a breath and said urgently, "General Long is here!"
The captain of the guards was also startled, "Where? What is he doing here?"
The servant shook his head, "He's in the front hall. I don't know."
The captain of the guards pondered for a moment, having no immediate thoughts, and didn't ask further. "Fine, I'll go see."
As he got up to leave, a man holding a long sword walked into the courtyard from outside.
He wore a bamboo hat and carried his sword, appearing as a martial arts hero. Who would have thought that this was not a mere hero, but a general?
The man's steps were unhurried, yet he quickly reached them. The captain of the guards cupped his hands in greeting, "General Long."
"Guard Qi, long time no see."
The man removed his bamboo hat, revealing an exceptionally handsome man, appearing no older than thirty. He possessed a formidable aura, yet unlike many generals from a military background, he had a certain roguish charm, and his entire being exuded the spirit of a martial arts hero.
"General Long, it's good to see you. Aren't you at the Northern Frontier? Why have you returned?"
The man's expression turned a bit grim. "It's a long story. Is the Prince recovering well? I have something to report to him."
The guard glanced towards the room where Bai Li Chong Yan resided. "During your absence, many changes have occurred. The Emperor has betrothed the Prince to a marriage, the daughter of Minister Song of the Ministry of Personnel. Miss Song possesses… divine power and has been treating the Prince. The Prince is much better now."
General Long's expression improved slightly upon hearing this.
"This can be considered good news."
The captain of the guards knew from his words that the news he brought was not good. "General Long, what exactly happened at the Northern Frontier?"
Just as he was about to speak, the door to the room was opened.
Zhu Lian, dressed in resplendent clothing, walked out. She frowned upon seeing the people gathered in the courtyard. "What are you all doing here?"
The captain of the guards: "..." Shouldn't he be the one asking this question?
"Miss Song, how is it that you are emerging from the Prince's room?"