The Empress is Dead

Meanwhile, Gu Kei who was not allowed to follow her mistress inside the emperor's palace, was actually disappointed unlike what Lin Xulian thought. If possible she wanted to stay by her mistress' side at all times. Especially because she is wary of that Head Imperial Physician Yi Rong. Although she knew that Lin Xulian will never be careless and can protect herself, that man is still part of the traitorous Liu clan. She can't help but worry. But then again, what's done is done so she can only try to be useful in other ways.

Lessening her presence, although not deliberately hiding herself, Gu Kei walked around the periphery of the emperor's palace to observe and scout the surroundings. Of course the people of Mo clan are already on this task but, who made her having nothing to do at the moment. She was left outside the gates without prior notice after all. Still, she remain optimistic and concentrated in observing her surroundings.

After a while she could only lament on the accuracy of the report on the previous meetings. This palace is practically already occupied by the enemy. There are people of the Liu clan both hidden and at plain sight acting as guards and servants. Judging by the aura they exude, it wasn't hard for Gu Kei to pinpoint them since they vastly exceed the ordinary and even the elite guards of Gonglu Country.

Going further away expanding her observation area, Gu Kei noticed a beautiful scenery of a luxurious pavilion surrounded by flowers, a flowering lotus filled pond and some pleasant looking herbs. Yes, herbs. Seeing this, she remembered that Lin Xulian mentioned this place before, the imperial garden. Her mistress boasted how she transformed the ornamental garden to a makeshift medicinal ingredient source.

Intrigued and bored, Gu Kei entered the garden completely forgetting Lin Xulian's promise that she would personally gave her a tour there. Fortunately the place is considered a public area so no one stopped her from entering. Or the servants passing by just didn't notice her for her lack of presence. Whichever it is, Gu Kei walked leisurely taking in the calming scenery. Her aim, the pavilion at the end of the arcing bridge going over the pond.

She first passed through an arc of buŧŧerfly pea flower. With its densely packed blooming blue petals, it is really eye catching. At either side of the pathway there is a long bush of camellia sinensis. There are also groups of flowers that are meticulously and aesthetically arranged. There are lavenders, chamomile, jasmine, chrysanthemums, daisies, passion flower, hibiscus and of course roses. there are also some patches of mint here and there. Seeing these, Gu Kei felt amazed and amused at the same time. This garden is practically a tea garden. Scenic yet practical.

Reaching the arcing bridge, Su Kei paused for a moment to appreciate the different colored lotus flowers. The pond also has a lot of plump koi fishes. 

Before Gu Kei could step in the pavilion though, she heard hushed voices nearby. Perking her ears up, she concentrated and tried to locate where the voices came from. When she finally located the source, driven by her curiosity and gossiping soul, she slowly and carefully creep towards a two meters high fake mountain not far from the pavilion. When she is finally close enough to clearly hear the conversation on the other side, she lowered her presence even more. And what she would hear will make her stay, regretting that she hadn't prepared a few snacks.

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Behind the fake ornamental mountain, Xu Yichen breathe exasperatedly while looking at the fidgeting Yu Yanyan in front of him. Earlier, the moment he entered the palace, a servant covertly gave him a sealed note saying that someone want to meet him in the imperial garden, specifically behind the fake mountain they currently in. The letter also indicated that the person who wants to meet him had a useful information regarding the emperor's poisoning.

With the thought of a possible hoax, Xu Yichen still went and decided to meet the other person. After all it is better to have a clue and discover that it is not true than ignore it and miss the possibility of bringing light to the incident. Regretably, it really did turned out to be a hoax. From someone he least expected at that.

Seeing Xu Yichen's displeased look, Yu Yanyan's uneasiness elevated by the minute from both nervousness and guilt. So in attempt to disperse the tense atmosphere she started talking in a low and pitiful voice. "Chen-ge, how have you been? It's been a long time since the last time we had a talk, just two of us."

"Because that should be what's proper Concubine Yan. Not to mention using the condition of the emperor as a bait. What were you thinking?!" Xu Yichen retorted in an equally low voice with a tone of restrained irritation.

"Yanyan is just too worried. I noticed that you don't look good these past few weeks. You have became thinner and your countenance looked sickly. But I couldn't even openly show my concern and inquire about your health. Yanyan can unly use this method as an excuse. Please don't blame me Chen-ge." She said with redenned eyes, moisture slowly filling her doe like eyes while looking up at Xu Yichen.

"It's Adviser Xu, your highness." Xu Yichen corrected. He would be lying if he said he wasn't touched a little seeing Yu Yanyan's concern. It is true that he wasn't feeling well lately, but the physician's couldn't see anything wrong with him so they only contributed it to tiredness and lack of sleep. Surprisingly, Yu Yanyan noticed it despite his efforts to hide his lethargy. However, his heart no longer felt anything towards her. A long time had already passed after all. He had long accepted the fact that the woman he once loved is already married and he also had to move past and find his own happiness.

"This one thanks your highness for your concern. However, it is of no concern for your esteem self if this one lives or dies. Please have some propriety. Have a good day." Xu Yichen added sternly intending to turn around and leave. He knows that he couldn't show any softness towards Yu Yanyan or else she would repeat this act again if she thinks that it has effects on him. As to why she is doing all this, he has an inkling but decided to ignore it.

However, her status is in the verge of crumbling after Feng Jun Yi's poisoning. The way she see it, the current emperor is done for. And the fifth prince's hold of power is already set in stone. Sooner or later, she will become a widow and follow her cousin Han Yimei as a nun. Her only way out is if Xu Yichen would be willing to take her in. Even as a concubine, she wont complain. She trusts his intelligence and believe that even if the fifth prince sits on the throne and demote him, she will not suffer by his side. After all he loves her very much and would spoil her. It never crossed her mind that one day his heart would change.

Seeing him about to leave, Yu Yanyan panicked and grabbed Xu Yichen's arm with both hands using all the streghth she could muster. Who knew that her relatively weak pull could make a tall man like him to topple over. Xu Yichen was suddenly hit with a peircing headache and dizziness.. The next moment his vision darkened.