WangXian Forever Book 10

Chapter 41: Snap

Wei Ying snaps his fingers, uttering the very useful spell that suspends time.

Hui Gai, don't come back until I tell you, he says through their mental connection.

Are you safe, PengYou? Hui Gai asks straight away.

Yes, but I'll explain later. It won't be more than an incense stick burning, hopefully.

Alright.

Wei Ying turns to a stunned Tang Pei, a fearful Emperor and a smug Lan Zhan.

"We could teleport out of here, but I want to know what's going on. We have to stay and listen, and get proof. Agreed?"

"Mn." As always, Lan Zhan is the first to agree, with the other two nodding.

"So let's hide. There!" He points to the heavy brocade curtains draped on either side of the second door, which presumably leads to the Emperor's private office.

Luckily, the thick red fabric is longer than the floor, and their feet are completely hidden.

"Don't make a sound, don't even twitch, because we don't know who is coming inside," Wei Ying warns them, though it's directed at Tang Pei rather than at Lan Zhan.

With a wave of his hand, Wei Ying extinguishes the lights and snaps his fingers again.

The door opens immediately, and there's the sound of swishing silks as whoever it is walks in.

"We need to replace that guard," Ciao Huji says.

"You're right, but it's not as if he's going anywhere," and there's a cruel laugh. "Had a good night's sleep, your Highness?" Xue Nanping mocks him, and then clicks his tongue. "Were you thirsty? We can't have that, can we?"

Wei Ying hears the sound of water being poured and belatedly chastises himself for not throwing it out before they hid themselves.

"Hold his nose," Ciao Huji says, and there are sounds of a weak struggle.

It is pitiful and tragic that the Emperor, weakened by his enemies, cannot defend himself. These are people he trusted, his advisors who are treating him so cruelly. How he must be suffering!

"We'll come back later," Xue Nanping promises, and they laugh to themselves as they leave.

Oh no. Suddenly, lots of things make sense to Wei Ying as he peeks from the side and checks to make sure that the visitors have gone. They come out from their hiding place, all wearing matching expressions of disbelief and anger.

Hui Gai! Wei Ying calls for him as soon as he can.

The Demon King returns with Healer Fei, and the first thing Hui Gai does is check that his friends are alright.

"What happened?" He asks as Healer Fei pushes him out of the way.

"The two dodgy advisors came here and made him drink more of that poisonous water. We should have gotten rid of it. But the thing is, they're administering it regularly, and that's a big problem. But I've got an idea."

Lan Zhan loves it when Wei Ying looks like that: excited because he has a great plan, and dangerous because he wants to go through with it. And he's smirking because it's naughty.

"Mn?"

"Tell us?" Tang Pei looks worse than the Emperor. He sits down on the empty chair, and Wei Ying can see his hands trembling in his lap.

"We need to get him out of here. It's too dangerous for His Highness to stay where he's at the mercy of those that wish him harm." Wei Ying declares.

"Hmm, I was going to suggest the same thing," Healer Fei replies, giving him a sharp glance before returning his attention to his patient.

"What's that?" Wei Ying is at his side in an instance.

He's looking at little black balls that are a little shiny.

"Edible charcoal mixed with a laxative," Healer Fei informs him. "Your Highness, I'll be upfront with you. Your condition is in a perilous jeopardy. Right now, I must get that poison out of your body in the fastest method I can use, and it's going to get worse before it gets better. You need to be prepared. However, I also need to keep you under surveillance, to monitor your progress. My vow is to protect all those under my care and treat them according to the best of my abilities. Do you trust me?"

The Emperor looks haggard and tired, a greyness about him, but his eyes are bright with understanding. He nods slowly.

"Then we have to take him to Cloud Recesses." Healer Fei announces. "He must be taken away from the clutches of evil men."

"But what about the Cheng family?" Lan Zhan interjects.

"What has anyone else got to do with this?" Healer Fei asks, annoyed. He's looking around for something.

Then he grabs the jug with the poisonous water and tips it into the chamber pot in the corner.

"I need fresh, clean water," he says, looking expectantly back at his two favourite people.

Lan Zhan pouts and hands over the gourd that rightfully belongs to Wei Ying.

While Healer Fei gets in with administering the treatment, Wei Ying says what's on his mind.

"You're right, Lan Zhan. The moment His Highness disappears, the advisors and the First Crown Prince are going to suspect the Cheng family right away. After all, they're the ones who mentioned this coin to them." Wei Ying takes it out.

There's a strangled cry from the one lying down on the bed, his arm barely lifting to point at them.

"Highness! You recognise this?" Wei Ying says, rushing forward.

Healer Fei pushes him back gently, grumbling under his breath about uncouth youngsters and having no manners, getting in his way when he's trying to cure someone. But Wei Ying is rocking back and forth on the heels of his feet, too excited to care. He's right at Healer Fei's elbow, waiting.

The Emperor saw the coin, and knew what it was! That's an important step forward.

Once Healer Fei stands back, Wei Ying bolts forward and gives him the coin.

The older man makes a noise like a moan, and he whimpers, tears rapidly falling from his eyes and then he looks around for Tang Pei. He shakes his head as if he can't believe what has happened.

Tang Pei's feet give out from the way the Emperor is staring at him, grief making his tears flow faster. He bows his head at the Emperor's side, and the Emperor lifts his weakened arm to put his hand on his hair.

Wei Ying pulls Lan Zhan and Hui Gai to one side.

"Look, since the advisors have just left, it's safe to say we have a few hours to make things happen. Hui Gai, you stay here with Healer Fei and His Highness, just in case anyone comes back. You are NOT going to kill anyone, though!" Wei Ying bites his lip at the grievously disappointed look on the Demon King's face.

"What are you going to do, then?" Hui Gai demands petulantly.

"Lan Zhan and I will evacuate the Chengs, all of them."

"Where are you going to take them?"

"Home, to Cloud Recesses."