Read Novel Full Chapter 1196 - 179: The Li Family Must Die
Chapter 1196 - 179: The Li Family Must Die
In Kunde Hall, Zhao Yao looked at the emperor lying paralyzed in bed from a stroke, his brows knitted tightly, his complexion grave, and his heart heavy.
"Mother, what did the Imperial Physician say? Is there any chance for Father to recover?"
Lady Liang, who was sitting by the bed, gently wiping the emperor’s hands, replied softly, "The Imperial Physician said there’s a possibility, but..." She didn’t continue, clearly indicating that the chances of the emperor’s recovery were slim.
Zhao Yao understood Lady Liang’s implication, "I brought a witch doctor from Lingnan; tomorrow I will bring the witch doctor into the palace to see Father."
Lady Liang asked, "Can the witch doctor really cure him?" She knew that it was difficult for stroke victims to return to normal.
Zhao Yao wasn’t sure either, "We must try." No matter what, it’s worth a try.
Lady Liang thought it was worth a shot too; sometimes desperate measures bring hope, perhaps the witch doctor from Lingnan can cure him.
Zhao Yao looked at Lady Liang, his expression suddenly becoming grave, "Mother, how did Father suddenly have a stroke?" Before he left the capital, his father’s health was very good, showing no sign of an impending stroke.
"I don’t know either, but Mr. Sun said your father had symptoms of weakness in both hands and dizziness before the stroke, which the Imperial Physician says are warning signs." Lady Liang was aware of Zhao Yao’s suspicion, "The emperor was not poisoned."
"Did Father really show warning signs before his stroke?" Zhao Yao was skeptical.
"Mr. Sun wouldn’t lie; at the time, both he and your father didn’t mind, thinking it was due to fatigue."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Yao still had doubts.
"Let’s wait until tomorrow after the witch doctor’s diagnosis."
Lady Liang said, "Yao Yao, don’t overthink."
"Mother, with so many things happening all of a sudden, I can’t help but think a lot," Zhao Yao sighed gently, "I hope I’m just overthinking."
Lady Liang gently patted Zhao Yao’s shoulder, and then the mother and son walked out of the sleeping quarters, turning to another bedroom to visit Princess Consort Li.
Princess Consort Li had just awakened and, upon hearing of Zhao Yao’s return, displayed a long-lost smile on her pale face. When Zhao Yao appeared before her, she showed a look of excitement.
"Little Ten, you finally returned." As she spoke, her eyes immediately reddened, filled with tears.
After Zhao Yao paid his respects to Princess Consort Li, he sat by her bedside, letting her hold his hand.
"Princess Li, don’t worry. Now that I am back, I won’t stand by and watch the Li Family face trouble."
This was the sentence Princess Consort Li longed to hear. She tightly gripped Zhao Yao’s hand, silently shedding tears, her voice hoarse, saying "Thank you."
"Rest assured, I will also rescue Fourth Brother." Zhao Yao firmly held Princess Consort Li’s hand, solemnly telling her, "After rescuing Fourth Brother, I will take him back to Swamp Prefecture, where there are many witch doctors skilled in medical arts and plenty of elixirs; surely, they will cure Fourth Brother."
Princess Consort Li looked grateful, "Little Ten, thank you, thank you..."
"Princess Li, it’s my duty." Weakened, Princess Consort Li spoke with Zhao Yao for a while before becoming tired. Before leaving, Zhao Yao promised her again to rescue the Li Family, finally allowing her to fall asleep peacefully.
After leaving Princess Consort Li’s quarters, Zhao Yao followed Lady Liang to the study.
Lady Liang first discussed the events of recent times with Zhao Yao. While en route to the capital, Zhao Yao had already learned of all the events occurring in the city during this period.
"Yao Yao, when you visit Prince Chu, don’t mention anything about Princess Consort Chu to him; he still doesn’t know." Lady Liang added, "Princess Consort Li also doesn’t know about it. They both still believe Princess Consort Chu and the children are all fine."
Mentioning the killing of Princess Consort Chu and the children brought a deep sadness to Zhao Yao’s eyes and he confessed, full of guilt, "I should have saved them, but I..."
Lady Liang had long anticipated that Zhao Yao would blame himself for the deaths of Princess Consort Chu and the children, and she gently comforted him, "It wasn’t your fault; you couldn’t have known Prince Wei would kill them." She hadn’t even suspected it herself.
Missing the chance to save Princess Consort Chu and the children, he couldn’t bear to stand idly by and watch the Li Family be exterminated.
"No matter the cost, I must save the entire Li Family."
"Maybe your words will reach Prince Wei." Neutral ministers opposed the extermination of the Li Family, but Prince Wei refused to listen, insisting on its destruction.
"Let’s hope so." Though Zhao Yao had a Token allowing him free access to the Imperial Palace, he couldn’t linger in the harem for long. Moreover, it was already dark when he entered the palace. After briefly speaking with Lady Liang, he hurriedly left without even having time for a meal.