The Fourth Concubine was greatly alarmed and immediately made a move to restrain Xiao Zhen, who was lying on the bed. Unexpectedly, Xiao Zhen, who was supposed to be incapacitated, seized her hand and, without hesitation, broke her arm. The Fourth Concubine let out a scream of pain, clutching her arm and staggering backward.
A candle flame flickered to life, and the Fourth Concubine finally saw clearly that besides her and Xiao Zhen, there was another person in the room. She recognized this person as the maid beside He Qingyi, whose name she thought was Lian Qiao.
"You... weren't you poisoned?" the Fourth Concubine asked, looking at Xiao Zhen, who had sat up, in shock.
Xiao Zhen moved his neck. "After lying here for so many days, I finally waited for you to make a move. If you hadn't, this general would have been unable to endure it any longer."
The Fourth Concubine immediately understood that she had been tricked. Xiao Zhen had not been poisoned; he had merely feigned poisoning. She had given him poison every time she visited him, so how could he be unharmed?
"Why aren't you poisoned?"
"With me here, your low-grade poisons couldn't harm him," Xiao Man said, her figure moving in a flash. She was instantly in front of the Fourth Concubine, gripping her chin and twisting it, dislocating it.
The Fourth Concubine tried to distance herself, but Xiao Man gave her no opportunity. Her movements were as swift as lightning. She struck several pressure points on the Fourth Concubine's body, retrieved the poison hidden in her teeth with practiced ease, as if she had done it countless times.
Xiao Man glanced at the poison pouch in her hand and smiled charmingly at the Fourth Concubine. "Fourth Concubine, let's have a good chat now. I believe you'll be very willing to cooperate with me."
The Fourth Concubine's eyes widened in terror, staring at the person before her in disbelief. The face was completely unfamiliar, but the voice was strikingly familiar. Xiao Man! She was alright!
The next morning, Xiao Zhen, who had been in a coma for many days, appeared at the morning court, astonishing many.
The Prince of Chu sighed inwardly, glad he had heeded his advisor's counsel and not acted rashly. Otherwise, he would have fallen into a trap set by a hunter.
"The Great General has been ill for a long time. I thought you were nearing your end," Minister Wen said with a low, mocking tone.
Xiao Zhen glanced at him. "Even if this general were to die, I would die after you."
"That remains to be seen," Minister Wen scoffed. "Looking at your pale face and unsteady legs, are you perhaps experiencing a final burst of energy before death?"
"Minister Wen, this general sees a dark aura around your temples. Could it be that misfortune is upon you?" Although Xiao Zhen was a military man, his tongue was surprisingly sharp. However, he was a man of action rather than words, so few people knew of this talent.
"Misfortune is better than facing death."
"Who is facing death is yet to be determined," Xiao Zhen said slowly. Throughout the morning court, the two bickered like sworn enemies.
"Your Majesty, Jiangzhou has returned to its proper course. Disaster relief and reconstruction are complete, and the dikes are being repaired. It is expected that it will soon regain its former glory as the granary of Yusheng. However, the officialdom of Jiangzhou is depleted and urgently needs fresh blood to stabilize the morale of the populace."
The old emperor nodded slowly. "What do my esteemed ministers suggest for the position of Prefect of Jiangzhou?"
"Your humble servant believes that Lord Qin Zeyan is capable of the position."
"Your subordinate believes Lord Ding Shan is more suitable."
The old emperor watched as the officials argued over the position of Prefect of Jiangzhou without uttering a word. Once the ministers calmed down, the old emperor finally gave his decree.
"The Prefect of Jiangzhou shall be appointed as Xu Zai Dao. Court dismissed."
Everyone looked at each other, puzzled. Who was Xu Zai Dao? They didn't recall ever hearing of such a person.
"Minister Wen, who is Xu Zai Dao?"
"Xu Zai Dao, the talented scholar from a humble background. He achieved eighth place in the last imperial examination."
"Eighth place... What is his background?"
"As I said, a talented scholar from a humble background. What background could he possibly have?" Minister Wen replied irritably, flicking his sleeves and turning to leave. His son had worked tirelessly in Jiangzhou, only for someone else to reap the rewards. He was furious!
"Great General Xiao," Minister Wen called out to Xiao Zhen, who was walking ahead, and quickly caught up. "How is your daughter?"
"Which daughter?"
Minister Wen glared at Xiao Zhen. "Of course, your eldest daughter, Xiao Man!"
"Still unconscious."
Minister Wen's brows furrowed. His son was about to return, and if Xiao Man did not recover soon, he truly feared his son might do something outrageous.
"I have already sent people to find a renowned physician. I hope the girl recovers soon."
Xiao Zhen eyed Minister Wen suspiciously. When his daughter was in trouble, shouldn't the old fox Minister Wen be clapping his hands in joy? Why would he be looking for a doctor? "A weasel wishing the chicken a Happy New Year—your intentions are not good!"
Minister Wen choked. "You old scoundrel, who are you calling names?"
"My daughter is none of your concern!"
"If it weren't for my son, I wouldn't care about your lawless, troublesome daughter!"
Hearing this, Xiao Zhen's lips curved upwards. He leaned closer to Minister Wen. "Your son is destined to be entangled with my daughter for his entire life. If you dare to provoke me, I will make your son suffer immensely!"
"You shameless old scoundrel!" Minister Wen trembled with rage. "Don't get too smug. If your daughter marries into the Prime Minister's manor, won't she be at my mercy? If you dare to be arrogant, watch me make things difficult for your daughter!"
"Based on that statement alone, I would never let my daughter marry into the Prime Minister's manor!"
"Hey?" Minister Wen was dumbfounded. Seeing Xiao Zhen walking away briskly, he quickly chased after him and grabbed him. "You cannot involve the children in the grievances between us!"
"Get out of the way!" Xiao Zhen flicked his sleeves. Minister Wen lost his balance and fell to the ground. Those who had been watching the spectacle were stunned to see Xiao Zhen strike Minister Wen!
"You dare to hit me, you old scoundrel!" Minister Wen leaped up and lunged at Xiao Zhen, intent on fighting him. The palace gate was soon swarming with people—some trying to mediate, some pulling people apart, and some fighting. The guards at the palace gate hesitated to approach, yet dared not stay away. They wanted to intervene but were caught in the fray. Immediately, someone ran to inform the Emperor that civil and military officials were fighting at the palace gate.
The old emperor, while perusing memorials, cast a sidelong glance at the two figures kneeling below. Xiao Zhen knelt with his back perfectly straight, appearing unashamed. His face was scratched like a painted cat. Minister Wen's face was bruised and swollen. Although he knew these two disliked each other, this was the first time they had engaged in a brawl at the palace gate!
"You've grown quite bold," the old emperor said, setting aside the memorial he had finished reading and picking up another. "One is the head of the civil officials, the other the head of the military. Is this how you set an example for those below you?"
"Your Majesty, it was Xiao Zhen who struck first!"
"I did not lay a hand on him. He lost his balance himself and fell, then blamed me. Truly, the wicked are the first to accuse."
"I am a scholar, how could I be a match for you, a brute? Would my brain be so damaged that I would attack you?" Minister Wen roared in exasperation.