Chapter 1355 -1191: Silver Needles to Sustain Life

At this moment, Lu Chen had also acquired two more wounds on his body. To eliminate one of them, he had to endure the swords of the other two, barely evading critical points.

King Gong was inspired by the fearless fighting tactics of Lu Chen.

Lu Chen delivered a diagonal slash straight down Pei Shu’s left shoulder, causing blood to flow like a pillar. Seeing Pei Shu lose his fighting ability, Lu Chen kicked him aside. The opponent was already breathing out more than in, so he paid him no mind.

Facing Lu Chen alone, King Gong found it much more challenging, and with injuries still on his body, he was soon pierced through the chest by Lu Chen’s sword.

Watching King Gong’s unwilling eyes gradually lose focus, Lu Chen gasped for air, leaning on his sword to prevent himself from falling.

To kill these three people, he had exhausted all his energy, and his body had gained many wounds.

No time to rest, he finished off Pei Shu with one more sword, and after confirming death, dragged their corpses into the secret passage. As those people rushed in, he shouted, “Quick! King Gong ran away with people, chase him quickly!”

…

“Emperor, tomorrow is the day Dayan envoy returns to their country!” Gu Chengyu, seeing the Emperor’s weary expression, couldn’t help but remind.

The Emperor gently rubbed his chest, suddenly feeling dizzy. Struggling to keep his spirit, he said, “I know, we will send them off early tomorrow morning! I wonder how things are in Fengqing Prefecture.”

“With an army of two hundred thousand, the Emperor should have more confidence! But regarding Prince Ge Yuan staying in Dayan as a hostage, Emperor, what do you intend to do?” Gu Chengyu thought of this matter and found it very strange.

Since both sides have agreed to mutual diplomacy, why does Ge Yuan need to stay as a hostage? Though Dayan is wary of Da Xing, it doesn’t fear a conflict.

Leaving a hostage might reassure Dayan regarding Da Xing. But the Emperor didn’t suggest this, and Da Xing brought it up themselves. Isn’t that seeking humiliation?

Or does Da Xing have ulterior motives, claiming it’s a hostage but actually an espionage agent?

“No need, he’s just an unpopular Prince, staying in Dayan wouldn’t accomplish anything. Go and reject it now! Just say I trust Dayan’s sincerity, it’s unnecessary!”

Gu Chengyu smiled slightly, knowing the Emperor didn’t think highly of Ge Yuan. Even leaving him as a hostage seemed unworthy. Surprisingly, Prince Du Min remained still this time, while before he supported Ge Yuan strongly. What changed?

Just as Gu Chengyu was about to speak, he noticed the Emperor’s face suddenly growing pale.

“Emperor, are you alright?” He barely finished speaking when the Emperor’s body slumped in the chair.

“Someone! Quickly call the Imperial Physician!” Gu Chengyu stepped forward, supporting the Emperor’s falling body, having Xiao Quanzi help lay him on the couch.

By the time Director Zhang arrived breathlessly at the Imperial Study Room, Gu Chengyu had already taken the Emperor’s pulse.

This old body of mine is someday going to collapse from the strain! Director Zhang muttered internally. Once inside the inner hall, seeing the Emperor lying on the couch, he quickly focused his scattered thoughts and looked at Gu Chengyu.

“How is the Emperor?” Seeing Gu Chengyu withdraw his hand, he immediately asked nervously.

Gu Chengyu frowned, his eyes filled with shock, not expecting it to happen so quickly.

He shook his head, truly powerless. The Emperor’s toxicity spread too swiftly, faster than he could imagine. Earlier calculations estimated at least two more months.

“What?” Director Zhang was startled, rushing forward to check the pulse.

Gu Chengyu got up to make room, feeling heavy-hearted, he turned and said to Pang Chu, “Quick, report to the Empress Dowager and the Empress!”

“What? Are you saying?” Pang Chu’s eyes widened, indicating Mr. Gu believed the Emperor was near the end. Otherwise, why summon the Empress Dowager and others?

Director Zhang’s brows furrowed, before finally withdrawing his hand. The pulse was faint, almost undetectable.

Gu Chengyu meticulously examined the Emperor’s complexion. This time the poison attack didn’t cause the Emperor to vomit blood, yet the veins beneath his skin had turned black, resembling a spiderweb, winding and twisted, somewhat frightening to behold.

“The Emperor is so young, he…” Director Zhang sighed deeply, the Emperor had barely ascended the throne how long?

“Is there any way, Director Zhang?” Too sudden, many matters the Emperor hadn’t yet addressed.

Director Zhang understood Gu Chengyu’s meaning; he nodded and said, “With silver needles sealing the Heavenly Gate, it might prolong it for a little more than an hour!”

“Please proceed, Director Zhang!” Gu Chengyu immediately responded.

Director Zhang said nothing more and directly opened the needle pouch.

Listening to the sounds from outside the hall, Gu Chengyu knew the Empress Dowager and others had arrived. Surprisingly, leading the way was the Eldest Prince.

The Eldest Prince’s eyes hadn’t recovered yet, could only discern human shapes, unable to recognize faces opposite. He stumbled as he ran, disregarding others’ assistance, desperately pushing forward.

Gu Chengyu sighed, it was a court surrounded by wolves, full of crises, yet now entrusted to a mere eight-year-old child, imaginable future hardships.

“Emperor, Director Zhang, how is the Emperor?” The Empress Dowager appeared flustered, her appearance rather disheveled. Normally immaculate hair was slightly undone, contrasting her faded face, evoking a sense of desolation.

“Emperor! What happened to you?” The Empress entered the palace with tears streaming down her face.

When she reached the Emperor’s side, she was startled to see the lifeless Emperor lying on the couch. The Emperor hadn’t visited the harem for a long time, she knew his body hadn’t recovered, yet wasn’t aware of the severity of his condition.

“Stop howling! You oblivious thing!” The Empress Dowager glared at the Empress angrily. Her son wasn’t dead yet! This witch was already mourning, cursing her son!

“Reporting to the Empress Dowager, Empress, and the Eldest Prince! I have sealed the Emperor’s Heavenly Gate with silver needles, but this measure only delays for about an hour; it’s time for the Emperor to organize his affairs, please speak concisely.”

Once Director Zhang inserted the needles, he didn’t remove them. This method merely sealed the air passage, barely keeping the Emperor’s breath! An hour is very short, but enough to reluctantly settle affairs.

“What? My son!” The Empress Dowager collapsed by the couch, despite earlier preparations, she couldn’t accept reality at this point.

The Empress was caught off guard by the sudden tragedy; she just ascended as Empress a few months ago, and now the Emperor was about to leave for the immortal realm?

Though Gu Chengyu didn’t want to intrude at this moment, he hardened himself to step forward, “Reporting to the Empress Dowager, as it’s a matter of organizing affairs, officials from the Capital must promptly be informed to come to the palace.”

The previous Emperor’s sudden passing didn’t allow court officials a last glance, leading to much blame directed at him.

This time, if absent, unfounded suspicion would again result in endless trouble.

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