Chapter 925: The Curtain Falls
Though rage burned secretly in her chest, Yuenu could only force herself to wear an expression of shy embarrassment.
From the side, Daiqisi’s lips curved faintly, her eyes shimmering with a strange light: ‘This woman truly knows how to act.’
As expected, when Emperor Xizong saw Yuenu’s delicate look, he could not restrain his desire. With one hand he seized her wrist, and with the other he pulled at Daiqisi, leading both women toward the dragon bed. His face flushed with excitement, he laughed aloud: “Today I am especially delighted—let the two of you sisters serve me well.”
His mind clouded with lu$t, Emperor Xizong never noticed the fleeting glance exchanged between the two women—eyes filled with cold killing intent.
Just then, Da Xingguo’s steady voice came from the doorway: “Your Majesty, I fear this matter may be improper.”
Within the palace, the rules of who attended the Emperor’s bedchamber were strictly codified. According to the rotation, tonight His Majesty should have gone to another consort. Even if he declined the visit under pretext, staying in Hall of Benevolent Governance would not have been unusual. But to take two women at once—particularly when one was his sister-in-law—such a scandal would bring humiliation to the royal household should word ever spread.
“What I deem proper is proper.” Emperor Xizong shot him an impatient glare. Yet, he understood the worry. After a pause, he added, “Clear the attendants away. You alone shall guard outside with a few trusted men. The fewer tongues, the less risk of rumors.”
“By Your command,” Da Xingguo replied reluctantly. Neither he nor the Emperor ever considered that there could be a true threat to His Majesty’s safety here. After all, this was the heart of the palace, defended layer upon layer; for an assassin to slip in would be beyond belief. With his own martial skill at hand, he was certain there would be no mishap.
Daiqisi and Moon Envoy exchanged another quick glance, this time filled with barely concealed joy. According to their scheme, even with perfect execution the odds of success were only half. The greatest obstacles were Da Xingguo and the idle attendants around. To slay them all without a trace was nearly impossible—if even one escaped, everything would collapse. Yet, fortune had smiled on them: Emperor Xizong himself had dismissed everyone. Truly, Heaven had lent them its aid.
Still, as Da Xingguo turned to leave, unease prickled at his heart. He hesitated, then spoke again: “Your Majesty, to be attended by two women at once… this will greatly drain your vitality. Would it not be better to let Yuenu or Lady Taohua serve tomorrow instead?” Though a eunuch, he understood more than most men. His eyes swept briefly across the two beauties: flushed cheeks like spring blossoms, slender waists, graceful curves, bodies emanating a natural charm—women such as these could exhaust even a strong warrior in his prime. How then could Emperor Xizong, frail as he was, endure them both? At the thought, Da Xingguo felt a pang of dread on his Emperor’s behalf.
But Emperor Xizong erupted in fury: “Old dog, since when do I need you to lecture me? Begone!”
The words burned in Da Xingguo’s chest—he longed to scold the Emperor outright, yet he dared not. Forcing a smile, he bowed and retreated: “Yes, yes… this servant withdraws.”
Embarrassed by the interruption, Emperor Xizong had already ordered the women onto the dragon bed. The moment Da Xingguo departed, closing the door behind him, Emperor Xizong rushed forward impatiently, rubbing his hands together and cackling: “Two peerless beauties… Your Emperor is coming!”
*****
Outside, Da Xingguo sat by the door, shaking his head at the muffled sounds within. Malicious amusement touched his thoughts: ‘With that frail body of his, how could he possibly manage those two? Likely he’ll end up… relying on his hand instead.’
But a man’s dignity was not to be mocked—least of all the Emperor’s.
Da Xingguo smothered the thought and let his eyelids droop, feigning sleep.
Suddenly—a cry rang from within. Da Xingguo’s eyes snapped open, gleaming cold light, and in an instant he burst into the chamber. Cautious as always, he had first ordered the guards outside to remain at their posts. Better that they not witness anything humiliating to His Majesty. With his martial skill, he was confident he alone could handle whatever had arisen.
At the dragon bed he halted, momentarily stunned. The two women’s robes were half-loosened, clutching a brocade quilt across their chests to conceal the most intimate parts, pale skin like snow glowing in the lamplight. Their curving figures were enough to shake even his long-quenched desire, and though years had passed since his emasculation, Da Xingguo nearly spurted blood from his nose at the sight.
“What has happened here?” he barked. His eyes fell on Emperor Xizong—and his heart sank. The Emperor lay sprawled, foam spilling from his lips, body convulsing uncontrollably.
“I… I don’t know. Just as His Majesty was about to… about to favor me, suddenly he…” Moon Envoy’s trembling voice and tearful eyes conveyed perfect fear and helplessness.
Even Daiqisi, who knew the truth, found no flaw in her act.
Da Xingguo’s gaze swept over Emperor Xizong’s body, and suddenly his face changed. Below, the Emperor’s manhood had shriveled pitifully, scarcely larger than that of an infant. The words burst from his mouth: “Withdrawal of Yang into the abdomen—apoplexy from excess lu$t!”
The realization struck him. The Emperor’s body, frail and hollow, had been forced into exertion beyond its limits, triggering this dangerous affliction.
Yet, there was a remedy: piercing the Changqiang acupoint near the Gate of the Five Grains could restore balance. Even lacking silver needles, Da Xingguo could condense his Qi into a needle—enough to save His Majesty.
“Turn the Emperor over, face down,” he commanded.
He pressed his finger swiftly upon the Changqiang point. Slowly, Emperor Xizong’s spasms eased, his breath steadying again. Relief swept through Da Xingguo as he exhaled deeply.
But in that very instant—sharp pain pricked at his neck. A chilling numbness spread down half his body. His heart lurched: ‘Poison!’ He lashed backward with a palm strike.
Moon Envoy cried out, staggering away, her arm clutched to her chest.
Years of vigilance told him the truth at once—this was no accident, but a meticulously planned assassination. Instinctively, he did not pursue. Instead, he opened his mouth to shout for the guards outside. His strength lay not in numbers slain, but in securing reinforcements. If the soldiers rushed in, he would stand unassailable.
Yet, before his cry escaped, a pink mist engulfed his face. His vision swam, his mind reeled. Horror struck as he glimpsed the source—Lady Taohua herself, spraying the strange powder with practiced ease.
‘She knows martial arts?’ The thought flashed, incredulous. His body, though slowed by poison, still sought to parry the coming strike. But he was already too late.
Daiqisi and Moon Envoy had lain in wait for this very opening.
With a swift lunge, their nails like venomous talons, they drove deep into his throat.