"Why give me something so important?" Xiao Man asked, confused.
"I don't have long to live, so this is useless to me. My master gave it to me before he died, saying it held a secret, a deadly secret. He warned me not to open it unless absolutely necessary, as it could save a life or end one. I was too cowardly to open it all these years, but my master spent his life in the palace; his words must hold weight." The old eunuch looked at the box, a wistful expression on his face. "I was always a failure, never daring to open it. But my master spent his life in the palace; what he said must be true."
"But this is your master's遗物 (yi wu -遺物, personal belongings left by a deceased person). You're just giving it to me like this?"
"It's fate that we met, young one!" the old eunuch said with a chuckle. "I've been in this cold palace for so long, with no one to talk to, and I haven't eaten such delicious pastries or drunk such fine wine in ages. I must repay you."
Xiao Man looked at the box. "Alright, I'll take it. I'll have people send you food regularly."
"Can I ask you for one favor?" the old eunuch asked cautiously.
"Please, tell me."
"If one day I die, can you collect my body? Just a straw mat will do. Bury me, don't let me be left unburied on the common grave mound."
"Of course. When your time comes, I will find a beautiful place to lay you to rest."
Hearing this, a happy smile appeared on the old eunuch's face. "To meet someone willing to bury me in my old age, I can say I haven't lived this life in vain. Go now, it should be peaceful outside."
"Then you rest well, I'll visit you again another day."
Xiao Man put the box away and left the cold palace, heading straight for the Hall of Heavenly Purity. The old eunuch watched her departing back, his smile unwavering. "Youth is wonderful. A newborn calf fears no tiger."
Emerging from the cold palace, Xiao Man avoided people. Bodies were everywhere. The Crown Prince's rebellion had claimed the lives of many palace servants who couldn't escape.
As Xiao Man walked, she suddenly sensed hurried footsteps approaching from behind, seemingly aimed at her. Her dagger was instantly in hand, ready to take the person's life the moment they got close.
A hand landed on Xiao Man's shoulder. Xiao Man spun around to stab.
"Man'er."
Xiao Man's dagger instantly changed direction, disappearing into her sleeve. She was then pulled into an embrace. "It's good you're unharmed. I couldn't find you anywhere in the palace; I was worried to death."
Xiao Man blinked. "Is the Hall of Heavenly Purity safe now?"
"It is. The Great General and Prince Qin arrived with their men in time. The Crown Prince and Empress have been apprehended. Duke Xue had already betrayed them. His Majesty was well aware of this palace coup." Wen Mohan spoke the last sentence very softly, but Xiao Man heard it clearly.
"Are you injured?"
"I'm not injured. Are you?" Wen Mohan released Xiao Man, examining her from head to toe. Seeing she was only a bit dirty and unharmed, he breathed a sigh of relief. He took out a handkerchief and wiped her face. "You're so daring, running around alone like that. Weren't you afraid something would happen?"
"I'm fine, aren't I? Are your father and my mother alright?"
"They are all fine," Wen Mohan said while wiping Xiao Man's face. As he was wiping, he suddenly chuckled.
"What are you laughing at?"
"I didn't expect you to look so good in this outfit," Wen Mohan said, scrutinizing her. "If I didn't know you so well, I might not have recognized you."
"Do you want to wear it? I can lend it to you."
Wen Mohan quickly shook his head. "I'm not interested in that. Let's go, everyone is worried about you."
Xiao Man nodded. Wen Mohan took her hand and led her towards the Emperor's sleeping quarters. Xiao Man then noticed Xiao Ling following behind. "Third sister."
"Eldest sister, I'm so glad you're safe."
"Were you frightened today?" Xiao Man asked gently.
Xiao Ling shook her head. "I knew that as long as Eldest sister was alive, I would be safe."
Xiao Man reached out and straightened Xiao Ling's askew hairpin. "Let's go back to Father, so he doesn't worry." Su Dan Novel Network
Xiao Ling nodded and followed Xiao Man.
In the Hall of Chéngqián, imperial physicians were attending to the Emperor. Several princes waited outside. Prince Qin's Silver Armor Army was outside the city. Prince Qin's mansion was a primary target in this rebellion. Prince Qi's and Prince Chu's mansions were also attacked, but their losses were not severe. Prince Qin was the first to bring his men to rescue the Emperor.
"What about the Empress Dowager?"
"She claims to be frightened. Imperial physicians have been sent to her," Hu Wan replied quietly.
"Has Yongning been found?"
"Still searching."
The Emperor sighed. He thought he had made sufficient arrangements, but he never expected such heavy losses among the Imperial Guards. The newly appointed commander of the Imperial Guards, Jiang Yao, had been killed!
"Send more people to search. We cannot let anything happen to her," the Emperor commanded. "What about the Crown Prince?"
"We've inquired. They say Princess Yongning fled when she saw the situation turning bad. Their men did not capture Princess Yongning, so she should be safe. She's likely hiding somewhere safe, and will emerge once she knows it's safe outside."
"Let's hope so." The old Emperor took the calming tea offered by Hu Wan, took a sip, and put it down. His gaze, through the curtain, fell upon his three sons standing outside. A complex emotion flickered in his eyes. He had expected Prince Qin to rebel during today's coup, but instead, Prince Qin had brought his household guards to rescue him. It was his other two sons who entered the palace only after the coup ended!
"Princess Yongning has arrived." A voice announced from outside the hall.
The old Emperor quickly sat up. "Quickly, invite her in."
Xiao Man entered, with Wen Mohan by her side. Nangong Yu's gaze fell on their clasped hands, a hint of an unknown emotion in his eyes. Xiao Man struggled slightly, but Wen Mohan held on even tighter.
"Little Yongning, come forward."
Xiao Man looked at Wen Mohan, who then released her hand, allowing Xiao Man to step forward.
Hu Wan lifted the curtain to let Xiao Man in. He saw Xiao Man wearing eunuch attire, not only dirty but also her face smudged.
"Princess Yongning, why are you dressed like this?"
"Haha, you girl, you look quite handsome in this outfit." The Emperor beckoned, gesturing for Xiao Man to sit by the bed. "Where did you run off to, girl? Don't you know your father was worried sick?"
Xiao Man rubbed her head sheepishly. "I sent a distress signal to my father, and then I was discovered by the rebels. They chased me, and it took me a long time to escape. I hid myself, and only when I heard the commotion outside subside did I come out."
"Look how dirty your face is. Hu Wan, send for water, let Princess Yongning wash up, so her father won't be distressed when he sees her later."
"Someone, bring hot soup."
"Your Majesty, it's not necessary. I'll wash up when I return to the mansion... cough cough..." Xiao Man coughed, and the Emperor quickly looked at the imperial physicians nearby.
"Attend to Princess Yongning at once."
"Yes."