Familial Bonds Beneath the Schemes of Power
"Your Majesty!"
"Your Majesty!"
Gong Shaohua exclaimed in shock, rushing over to the collapsed Lan Wang. Xianyue, quick-witted and agile, swiftly caught Lan Wang before he could hit the ground.
Kneeling beside him, Gong Shaohua wore a look of panic; after all, they had shared years of affection as husband and wife, and Lan Wang had always indulged her, accommodating her every wish. After nearly twenty years, such habits, once formed, were difficult to break.
"Summon the imperial physician!"
"What are you dawdling for? Summon the imperial physician!"
"Imperial physician!"
Gong Shaohua turned and shouted at the eunuch, who stood frozen at the doorway in shock.
Startled by her urgency, the eunuch regained his composure and dashed out, only to stumble over the stairs and fall to the ground. Instinctively, he turned to look at Gong Shaohua, swallowed hard, and hurriedly got back on his feet, sprinting away.
As Gong Shaohua watched the eunuch disappear from sight, she grasped Lan Wang's hand tightly, glancing up at Lan Ruxuan, who still stood by. "Get someone to carry His Majesty to my quarters."
No sooner had she spoken than a group of guards wielding swords burst in, followed by the eunuch who had also rushed inside, encircling Xianyue and the others.
Xianyue shot a cold smile at Gong Shaohua, pondering whether this frantic display was born of genuine concern or a thirst for power—perhaps both, but which weighed heavier?
Lan Wang had already decreed that Lan Ruxuan would handle all state matters in his absence. If anything should befall Lan Wang, Lan Ruxuan would ascend the throne without hesitation.
"Yue'er, His Majesty's health is fragile; please allow me to care for him."
As Gong Shaohua spoke, she reached out to take Lan Wang from Xianyue, but Lan Ruxuan suddenly crouched down, grasping her outstretched hand. His ethereal eyes glimmered, and though he was kneeling, the purple hem of his robes swept the floor. "I believe it is best to take Father to the Huihe Hall for rest."
His voice was gentle yet brooked no dissent.
Xianyue glanced at Lan Ruxuan, fully aware of the intricacies at play. Relinquishing the unconscious Lan Wang into Lan Ruxuan's care, she turned to Gong Shaohua. "Mother, what Ruxuan says is quite right. You watched the Second Prince grow up; his sudden demise must have left you heartbroken. How can you be in a state to care for Father? His Majesty has already decreed that you must not interfere in this matter. If you truly wish to honor him, tend to his funeral and ensure he finds peace in the earth. Allow Ruxuan to escort him to Huihe Hall for recovery."
Gong Shaohua raised her gaze to Xianyue and Lan Ruxuan, her tear-streaked face revealing her distress. "I must personally care for him to feel at ease."
After a moment, she added, "His Majesty's condition is delicate; he shouldn't be moved. The physician is on his way; if treatment is delayed, who will take responsibility?"
As her words fell, the guards wielding silver swords slowly advanced, suggesting that they would take action against Xianyue and Lan Ruxuan if they continued to defy Gong Shaohua.
"Try to lay a finger on my princess!"
Lv Zhu and the others surged forward to block them. Though they were outnumbered and outmatched, their spirit outshone the guards.
Lan Ruxuan turned to them, scanning their ranks with a composed gaze. "Are you truly prepared to resort to violence?"
His tone remained light, calm, and reminiscent of casual conversation, yet it rendered the guards immobile.
Leiyun and Leian stepped in front of Lan Ruxuan, shielding him. "Are you blind? How dare you threaten the Prince? His Majesty has entrusted all affairs of the Lan Kingdom to him. Now that His Majesty has collapsed, all matters should heed the Prince's command. Are you seeking treason?"
The guards exchanged glances, eventually settling their eyes on Gong Shaohua, yet none dared to act.
"Lv Zhu, Ya'er, go to the Imperial Physician's office and summon all the physicians to Huihe Hall."
"Understood."
Lv Zhu and Ya'er echoed in unison.
"Leian, escort them to the Imperial Physician's office. Anyone who dares to disobey will be charged with treason."
"Lan Ruxuan, are you attempting a coup? I am still your mother!"
Gong Shaohua rose from the ground, her body trembling from rage. Xu Momo supported her, and just as she opened her mouth to speak to Lan Ruxuan, his piercing gaze silenced her.
"Thus, I cannot bear to see my mother troubled."
"Seize this ungrateful wretch!"
Gong Shaohua pointed a shaking finger at Lan Ruxuan, her teeth clenched in fury.
"Who dares?"
Lan Ruxuan transferred Lan Wang into Xianyue's care and rose to his feet, appearing remarkably calm compared to Gong Shaohua's anger.
"Mother, for the sake of the Lan Kingdom and Father, you must not worry about me; it is truly exhausting. All these years, I have been unable to care for Father properly, and I hope you can grant me the opportunity to fulfill my filial duties."
"In the Weiyang Hall, you can still fulfill your duties and also provide comfort and care for Mother. Wouldn't that be even better?"
The maternal affection and filial piety in the air were palpable, yet the women present could hardly ignore the underlying tension; one by one, they lowered their heads, afraid to utter a word.
Xian Yue knelt on the ground, gazing up at the two individuals locked in a silent confrontation. Her eyes drifted down to the King of Lan, who lay across her knees, her palms feeling slightly chilled.
This was the royal family, the coldest and most unfeeling clan in the world. The ties that bind them were not those of blood, but of self-interest. For the ailing King, a peaceful recuperation at Wei Yang Palace was indeed the wisest choice. However, Lan Rui Xuan's actions were not without merit; until now, she had not heard any rumors regarding the King's ill health. The sudden onset of his vomiting blood was alarming; for a monarch, the last words spoken by his closest companion held tremendous weight. Was she not also in a similar position? If not for the words spoken by her father before his demise, how could she possibly stand as the Queen of Feng Guo today? Even if she could not make a difference, if twisted, the truth would find listeners. Moreover, to others, she was still Lan Rui Xuan's biological mother.
Keeping the King at Wei Yang Palace would mean that even when Lan Rui Xuan ascended the throne, he would remain under the influence of Gong Shaohua. He was not one to willingly be manipulated by others. Gong Shaohua was clearly aware that Lan Rui Xuan would not consent to such arrangements, yet she insisted on keeping the King in Wei Yang Palace. How much sincerity did she truly possess? Regardless, she would always choose what was best for Lan Rui Xuan.
Xian Yue felt a flicker of fortune within her. Thanks to Feng Xuan Ling's unwavering devotion, she ultimately escaped such a fate. With no other siblings to contend with, it was only she and her brother, intertwined in mutual support, sparing them from the bloody rivalries that often tore families apart.
While Xian Yue was lost in her thoughts, the King suddenly opened his eyes. They were merely slits, his complexion pale and lips stained with crimson blood. He sighed weakly at the quarreling pair before him, then turned his gaze to the composed Lan Rui Xuan, managing a faint smile.
Xian Yue's eyes widened in confusion. What was the King playing at? Was he testing someone? Testing Lan Rui Xuan or Gong Shaohua? But regardless of whom he was probing, such an outcome hardly warranted a smile. His eldest son and most cherished Queen were fighting over power, indifferent to his plight—what could possibly be joyous about that?
Upon noticing Xian Yue's gaze, the King turned his head and smiled at her.
His fingers stirred, gently patting her hand, signaling for her assistance in sitting him up. Xian Yue paused for a moment, deeply studying the King's face, still unsure of his intentions. One thing was certain, however: he would not harm Lan Rui Xuan. The warmth in his eyes mirrored the affection her father once held for her brother, a love that would never bring harm—something absent when directed at the other princes.
Following the King's command, Xian Yue helped him sit up. He coughed a few times, prompting Gong Shaohua to rush toward him, her face lighting up with joy as she cast a fierce glare at Lan Rui Xuan. She then wept and embraced the King, exclaiming, "Your Majesty, you truly frightened me just now!"
Tears streamed down her face like rain as the King gently pushed her hand from around his neck, wiping away her tears with his own hand. Gong Shaohua clasped his hand tighter, her sobs intensifying as she lamented Lan Rui Xuan's heartlessness.
"Father," Lan Rui Xuan knelt beside the King, softly calling out, his voice steady, yet laced with an unspoken sincerity that Xian Yue struggled to decipher.
The King freed his hand from Gong Shaohua's grip, wanting to ruffle Lan Rui Xuan's hair, but he instinctively dodged away. Xian Yue nudged Lan Rui Xuan with her elbow. The King smiled at Xian Yue and remarked, "Only Yue Er is truly sensible." He then turned to Lan Rui Xuan, placing a hand on his arm. "Assist me back to Wei He Hall."
Gong Shaohua, startled at the sight of the King rising, quickly stood and supported his other arm, dabbing at her tears. "I shall care for the King alongside Xuan Er."
The King patted her hand while Xian Yue remained crouched, gazing up at him. Suddenly, she sensed how much older he appeared, his spirit noticeably diminished.
"Usually, Chen Er is closest to you, Mother. With such an event occurring, you must feel a great sorrow. Do not dwell on troubling thoughts; the Queen should rest well in Wei Yang Palace."
His last words carried the unique authority and command of a sovereign, leaving Gong Shaohua momentarily stunned. Her wide, tear-filled eyes fixed on the King until he withdrew his hand. It seemed as if she had suffered a great shock; she nodded in compliance.
"Yue Er, you—"
Feeling herself suddenly addressed, Xian Yue hurriedly stood, smiling as she linked arms with Gong Shaohua. "The Second Prince's passing must weigh heavily on your heart, Mother. With Father under the care of the heir, I shall remain in Wei Yang Palace to keep you company."
The King nodded with approval. Xian Yue continued to issue her orders, "Lei Yun, take a few individuals to escort the King and the heir back to Wei He Hall, ensuring they receive the best care. Yi Lan, you and the others stay behind to attend to me and the Queen."