Chapter 601: Sang Zhi Wakes Up 2
Seeing her so resolute, the Beili Emperor’s anger vanished into thin air, leaving only helplessness and heartache. "How can you say such a thing?"
"Weren’t you determined to get justice for the Zhan family, Your Majesty? I’m the one who did the killing. If you need to give them an answer, then just kill me."
"How can a child of no standing compare to you?"
"The only reason you were so angry, even going so far as to strike me, is that you’re afraid you won’t be able to answer to Dean Chen, the Zhan family, the Qian family, and Xiang Minghou."
"What answer do I need to give them? A child is dead, and that’s that. Even if she wasn’t the one who abducted the Eighth Prince, what was she doing on Four-direction Mountain? Stray blades have no eyes; accidental deaths are to be expected. I was only angry because you failed to discuss it with me beforehand." The Beili Emperor crossed the room in a few steps and helped her up, his tone softening. "Does it still hurt? I’ll summon an Imperial Physician to take a look at you right away."
Consort Yuan pulled her arm away, tears welling in her eyes. "There’s no need for you to trouble yourself, Your Majesty. If you force the Crown Prince to marry a bastard born of a prostitute, I would rather die. At least then I wouldn’t have to see it."
"I never intended for the Crown Prince to marry her in the first place. But after seeing the frenzy from Qian Fanji, Zhan Chi, and the others today, I agree that Ye Qianning cannot be allowed to live. Rest assured, I will handle this. And so what if there’s evidence? I am the sovereign of this nation. If they dare to cause trouble, I will not be lenient." The Beili Emperor took her hand again. "Don’t be angry with me anymore."
Consort Yuan looked up, her eyes shimmering with tears. "Does Your Majesty truly mean what you say?"
"Of course, I mean it. When have I ever lied to you?" The Beili Emperor pulled her into an embrace, his heart aching for her.
Yuan Yintang silently lowered his head. ’I’d only ever heard that my junior was favored, but this... this isn’t just being favored. He spoils her to the high heavens.’
Leaning against his chest, Consort Yuan’s gaze drifted past the folding screen, where she could just make out the small figure lying on the bed. Her tear-filled eyes narrowed slightly.
"Alright, stop crying. Let the Imperial Physician have a look. I was just addled with anger; I didn’t realize my own strength," the Beili Emperor coaxed.
"I’m a physician myself. What do I need them for?"
"I’d almost forgotten. How could those mediocre physicians in the palace possibly compare to you, my dear..." The Beili Emperor was suddenly struck by an idea. He pulled Consort Yuan behind the folding screen. "My dear, come look at the Eighth Prince. Why isn’t he awake yet?"
...
Consort Yuan was speechless. Any goodwill she’d felt toward the Beili Emperor shattered in that instant. Her gaze fell on Sang Zhi’s pale little face. ’All I have to do is gouge out his eyes, and he’ll be completely worthless.’
"My dear?"
Consort Yuan snapped back to reality and sat on the edge of the bed. She took Sang Zhi’s pulse, then pried open his eyelids to examine them closely. ’A map hidden inside his eyes... It’s truly inconceivable.’
"My dear, be gentle." The Beili Emperor was particularly concerned about those eyes.
...
Consort Yuan withdrew her hand. "His pulse is somewhat erratic. He’s merely been frightened, it’s nothing serious. He should be waking up shortly."
"That puts my mind at ease."
"Once the Eighth Prince awakens, will Your Majesty take his eyes?"
"The map to Penglai is crucial for Beili. The sooner I have it in hand, the sooner my mind will be at ease."
"And what if the Eighth Prince refuses?"
"He is my son. If I want them, he must give them. Besides, he shouldn’t know anything about this."
"Let’s hope not."
Consort Yuan stood up.
"Your Majesty, several officials are outside seeking an audience," Mr. Li reported, hurrying in.
"Tell them I will see no one."
"Your Majesty, the officials say that if you refuse to see them, they will kneel outside the hall until you agree to an audience."