"Otherwise, she couldn't think of anything that would make a person as indifferent as Liu Xing anxious, unless it was Father and the others?
As Yun Xiao's voice fell, Liu Xing nodded calmly, his pupils deep as he looked at his master, unsure what to say. Although his master played pranks, this time the matter was quite serious, and it was likely the prince would be in deep trouble.
Liu Xing didn't speak, but Yun Xiao was already anxious. She sprang forward and tightly grabbed his clothes, coldly demanding, "What exactly happened?"
Liu Xing hadn't expected his master to be so agitated. Daring not to delay, he quickly replied, "I heard there's a plague at Feng Ya Pass."
"A plague? How is that possible? Plagues aren't contracted so easily. How could it be that right after Father and they fought a battle, a plague broke out? There must be something suspicious about this."
Yun Xiao released Liu Xing's clothes, turned, and paced back and forth in the hall, her brow furrowed and a chill around her.
"I must go to Feng Ya Pass immediately."
She spoke with resolute determination, her gaze firm. She was a physician, and as long as she went to Feng Ya Pass, she could determine whether it was truly a plague or a man-made disaster.
"Is Master just leaving like this?"
Liu Xing raised an eyebrow, his gaze fixed. His master leaving the imperial palace so rashly might hasten the arrival of disaster.
"No, I will have the Emperor depose the Empress and then leave the palace."
A cold smile played on Yun Xiao's lips, her pupils deep. It seemed the old witch wouldn't have to die this time.
Actually, others didn't know why she had fallen into a coma, but she did. The old witch wasn't seriously ill.
It was simply that her heart had been broken by the Emperor, and coupled with a sudden surge of qi attacking her, she was unwilling to wake up, remaining in a deep slumber within her own world.
Those imperial physicians had high medical skills, but who knew that the Empress Dowager was actually in a coma due to a heartache?
"How is that possible?"
Liu Xing found it hard to believe, but judging by his master's expression, she wasn't joking. Moreover, who would be in the mood for joking at a time like this? The prince was still suffering at Feng Ya Pass, so it meant his master had a way. Liu Xing's eyes were fixed on Yun Xiao as he spoke in a deep voice,
"What do we do now?"
"Take me out of the palace, and then answer the imperial proclamation."
Yun Xiao spoke word by word, her voice steady and powerful. She already had a plan in mind. Relying on Shangguan Yao's filial piety towards the Empress Dowager, if she proposed to depose the Empress to treat the Empress Dowager, he would surely agree, and would even be eager to depose the Empress.
Who would want to marry a fool as Empress?
Besides, even if the Empress Dowager woke up, she wouldn't be able to blame him. This move of deposing the Empress to save his mother would also earn him a good reputation. Why wouldn't he do it? Unless that man was truly foolish.
"Answer the imperial proclamation," Liu Xing was a bit taken aback. The imperial proclamation was seeking renowned physicians. Was his master going to treat the Empress Dowager?
But he hadn't seen her demonstrate any profound medical skills. Liu Xing was unaware of Yun Xiao's previous medical treatments, hence his doubts. However, since his master had said so, she must possess some ability. He immediately clasped his hands and said, "Alright, your subordinate will take you out."
However, if she left, someone must remain to cover for her in the palace. Yun Xiao turned and looked towards the palace gate, where Wan Wan, who was paying attention to the outside, was. She called out, "Wan Wan, come here."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Wan Wan trotted over and stood before Yun Xiao. She had already overheard the conversation between her master and Liu Xing, and her heart was also filled with anxiety.
Knowing that her master was about to leave the palace, someone would definitely need to cover for her. Without waiting for Yun Xiao to speak, Wan Wan said,
"Your Highness, you and Liu Xing go ahead. I will stay in the sleeping quarters and tell no one to disturb me until you return. I believe nothing will go wrong."
"Good. Tell Xiu Xiu that I have something to do outside the palace and ask her to guard the palace gate for you. As for what it is, there's no need for her to know."
"Yes, Your Highness," Wan Wan nodded quickly. The prince was in trouble now, and she was equally anxious. Her Highness loved the prince very much, and if he were to be harmed, she would be heartbroken for a long time.
"Alright, Liu Xing, let's go."
Yun Xiao turned to Liu Xing, and the two walked towards the sleeping quarters one after the other. After packing the necessary items, Liu Xing helped his master slip away from the back hall.
The back hall of Jinhua Palace was always sparsely populated, and with Liu Xing's swift movements, they quickly scaled the walls and exited the imperial palace.
Meanwhile, in the main hall of Jinhua Palace, Xiu Xiu brought a bowl of bird's nest soup and looked around. She curiously asked Wan Wan, "Where is Her Highness?"
Wan Wan said nothing, looked up and glanced outside the hall, beckoning Xiu Xiu closer. She whispered softly, and Xiu Xiu looked surprised and somewhat disbelieving. However, she finally nodded forcefully, "Alright, let's be careful and not let anyone discover this."
The two glanced outside the hall and immediately headed towards the sleeping quarters of Jinhua Palace.
Wan Wan changed into the clothes her master usually wore and lay on the large bed, facing inwards.
Xiu Xiu intentionally called in two palace maids to help clean up a bit, then she sent them out, saying that Her Highness was a bit tired and should be allowed to sleep, and that disturbing her would lead to unpleasant consequences for everyone. She then retreated and stood guard outside the palace gate, not allowing anyone to disturb Her Highness's rest...
On the most bustling street in Yan Jing, two young men walked along, one tall and one short. The shorter one was dressed in resplendent brocade robes, with elegant bamboo embroidered on the cuffs and hem, exuding a fresh fragrance.
The young master had his dark hair tied up high, held by a purple silk ribbon, adding a touch of grace. His handsome face featured thick eyebrows, bright eyes, a proud nose, and cherry lips – truly a handsome young man, yet he wore a sunny smile that was a pleasure to behold.
Within three feet of him, there was warmth. His bronze skin, though slightly tanned, looked healthy. A small, cute crescent moon between his eyebrows further enhanced his charm.
As for the taller figure, he was somewhat intimidating. A cold aura surrounded him as he followed expressionlessly. His black robe made him appear even more cold and stern. Half of his dark hair was tied up, while the other half covered his face, revealing only half of his features.
Moreover, on that half-visible face, there was a large patch of nevus. Such a person caused people to shy away. If not for the fact that the young master in front of him was so captivating, many people on the street would have fled in panic.
The two did not stop, only focusing on their journey, heading straight ahead, leaving behind a trail of wistful sighs...
The imperial proclamation was posted on the tall city wall. Below it stood four or five soldiers, holding their swords and patrolling the crowd gathered around the proclamation.
Unfortunately, although many people were looking, no one was stepping forward to answer the proclamation. Wave after wave of people left. The soldiers became somewhat impatient, yawning and pacing back and forth.
When Yun Xiao and Liu Xing arrived, there were already very few people, only seven or eight gathered at the front, discussing amongst themselves.
"Although answering the imperial proclamation offers a thousand taels of gold, anyone who fails to save the Empress Dowager will be beaten twenty boards. You can't just take the money and risk your life."
"Yes, yes, it seems we are not fortunate enough," saying this, two more people left.
Yun Xiao and Liu Xing walked over, not even looking at the content of the imperial proclamation. With a wave of her hand, she signaled Liu Xing to step forward and answer the proclamation."