The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

In the secluded chamber, Xia Houzhe lay on the vast bed, gazing at the intricately patterned Shu Brocade, his muddled mind gradually becoming clear.

Unease, restlessness.

Since taking the intoxicating wine, it felt as though something had slipped out of his control. Now, having taken the detoxification medicine, his body remained weak, prompting a dire suspicion.

Someone did not want him to recover.

Who could this person be? Emperor Chu, Mr. Ning, or perhaps both?

At the thought of this possibility, Xia Houzhe’s pupils constricted, and he clenched the blanket covering him as he sat up, his expression darkening.

Footsteps approached from beyond the screen. He lifted his head as Emperor Chu entered, stopping at the foot of the bed, merely looking at him while idly playing with a string of jadeite beads in one hand.

Xia Houzhe descended from the bed, knelt on the cold tiles, and weakly greeted, ”May the Emperor Brother be auspicious.”

Emperor Chu stepped closer, looking down at him: ”Raise your head and look at Zhen” (the royal ”we”).

Xia Houzhe’s fingers trembled briefly as he lifted his head.

Their eyes met.

Emperor Chu’s gaze rested on his face, scrutinizing it, seeking traces of the former emperor within. He found them but still felt some incongruity.

Had Song Zhiyuan’s words influenced him?

Everyone has preconceived notions. This face he had seen many times, and though he had occasionally found it slightly discomforting, had never deeply questioned whether he might be that weeping, cowering little child from years ago.

Now, not even a shadow of the crybaby could be found.

Xia Houzhe frowned slightly; something was off with Emperor Chu.

”Zhen remembers, sixth brother, how you used to pester Zhen, wanting to play hide and seek, and Zhen would indulge you. You fell asleep hiding on the fake rocks in the Imperial Garden, causing a frenzy in the palace. Mother almost cried her eyes out.”

Hearing this, Xia Houzhe felt a pang in his heart. With a wry smile, he said, ”Does Emperor Brother still remember? But you’re mistaken; it wasn’t the fake rocks in the Imperial Garden, but beneath the pavilion by Qu Shui Lake. It was my playful nature; I almost rolled into the lake.”

Emperor Chu raised an eyebrow, his eyes darkening, saying, ”Is that so? It’s been so long; you’ve grown up, and Zhen’s memory isn’t as clear.”

”The Emperor Brother is occupied with important matters.”

Emperor Chu said, ”Rise.”

Xia Houzhe thanked him for the grace and shakily stood up.

”Concerning the matter of the birthday gift, do not resent Zhen’s handling of it. A spy from the remnants of the Xia clan infiltrated the Prince Mansion and attempted to harm Zhen through the gift, indirectly endangering the Empress Mother. Your lack of discernment in people cannot absolve you of guilt.”

Xia Houzhe hurriedly said, ”I dare not resenting, my liege. If the sovereign wills the subject to die, the subject must die. Even if Emperor Brother decides to punish me, I dare not harbor any grievances.”

Emperor Chu chuckled coldly, ”Would you truly die if Zhen wanted you to?”

Xia Houzhe seemed startled, looking at him in astonishment before lowering his head again, smiling bitterly, ”I am guilty.”

The corners of Emperor Chu’s lips curled coldly, and he changed the topic, saying, ”You have heard about Cabinet Minister Ning’s false death. This person must be eliminated; he remains a threat. After all, he is the leader of the old Xia clan forces. As long as he lives, the old faction will act under his command.”

Hearing this, Xia Houzhe’s fingers concealed in his sleeve curled up, tightly clenching his palm.

Emperor Chu’s words were like needles stabbing at his heart.

Though he tried hard to mask his emotions, being young and unable to fully maintain his composure, a faint ripple of emotion was caught by Emperor Chu, whose eyes narrowed slightly.