The Daily Life of a Concubine

Chapter 69 - The Blood of the Zhang Family

Gone were her usual restraint and reserve. At this moment, Zhang Wenshu (Shu Fei's given name) appeared extraordinarily alluring. With such a beauty before him, Zhao Jinrui certainly wouldn't let the opportunity slip.

As the old saying goes, "Lust is like a blade over one's head," and even emperors are not exempt from this danger.

When Zhao Jinrui woke up the next morning, he immediately noticed something off about his body. His eyes turned cold as he scanned the room, eventually settling on the person sleeping next to him. His gaze filled with murderous intent. If not for his uncertainty about what had happened to his body, he would have strangled her on the spot.

"Guards," Zhao Jinrui shouted forcefully toward the door, showing no concern for the concubine beside him, who had been left in a disheveled state after the previous night. Just hours ago, he had called her "cousin" in bed; now, he wanted nothing more than to kill her.

Defu quickly entered with palace attendants to assist the emperor in washing and dressing. Once dressed, Zhao Jinrui glanced at the still-sleeping woman on the bed. "Seal off Yixuan Palace. I don't want anyone entering or leaving." His unease over the changes in his body grew stronger.

Memories from the past flooded his mind as he strode out of the room, instructing Defu to summon the imperial physicians to Qian Palace.

Defu understood immediately: something was wrong.

When Zhao Jinrui arrived at Qian Palace, the imperial physicians were already waiting. Without wasting any time, Zhao Jinrui sat down and extended his hand for them to examine his pulse.

The first physician furrowed his brows after a brief examination. He stepped aside and called for another physician to step forward. After all three physicians had finished, they knelt before him to deliver their diagnosis.

Zhao Jinrui's eyes filled with bloodshot rage. "Heh, the Zhang family truly has impressive methods." Slowly, he regained his composure. "Will my ability to father children be affected in the future?" This wasn't the first time he had been schemed against by the Zhang family. What he didn't know was whether this time his beloved mother and brother were involved.

Did they really think his tolerance was an invitation for them to take advantage?

The lead physician trembled as he responded. "Your Majesty, the poison you were previously afflicted with had already harmed your ability to father children. While there was still a slight chance of recovery after years of treatment, now, I'm afraid that chance has diminished to less than one-tenth."

Indeed, the reason Emperor Rui had only sired two children over the years was that his body had been damaged in an earlier incident, affecting his ability to have children. He had been actively cooperating with the physicians to treat the condition, and recent pregnancy news from the harem had given him hope that his health was improving.

Little did he expect that a moment of carelessness would give others an opening.

"Is there any chance of recovery?" Zhao Jinrui closed his eyes. Personally, he didn't care much about having children—he was a man who followed his heart. He never gave much thought to what would happen after his death. Even the idea that the throne might not remain in the Zhao bloodline after his passing didn't bother him. However, just because he didn't care didn't mean others had the right to plot against him.

The physician shook his head. "This poison is highly toxic. Not only does it severely harm one's ability to father children, but it also damages the body. If Your Majesty diligently follows the Imperial Medical Office's detoxification and treatment, there is a thirty percent chance of recovery."