Qiang Jin Jiu (Author : Tang Jiuqing 唐酒卿)

Chapter 64 : Barrage of Rain

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The overcoat was too big, and it slid down along his shoulders. Shen Zechuan scooped it up. That warmth enveloped him as his entire being soaked in Xiao Chiye’s scent.

Shen Zechuan fished out the handkerchief again to wipe the cheeks that Xiao Chiye had made wet with his rubs. On this noisy, rainy night, he could not help but sniff at that handkerchief again. 

It was all Xiao Chiye’s scent.

Shen Zechuan lowered his eyes for a moment and nuzzled the handkerchief with the tip of his nose as the gloom at the corners of his eyes and tips of his eyebrows dissipated.

The upper tier of that lunchbox was filled with steamed twisted rolls, while the bottom contained hot medicinal decoction. Hot steam rose the instant the lid was lifted. It was not easy to make a hot meal on this night. Even Xiao Chiye would have to run like mad to rush his way here before hurrying back. 

Ge Qingqing initially wanted to pour a cup of tea for Shen Zechuan. When he climbed his way up to see the latter drinking the medicine, he could not help but feel stunned before he said in delight, “So you have it all arranged. That’s great. I was just thinking of sending someone to buy a bowl of medicine.”  

Shen Zechuan downed the medicine and wiped the corners of his lips with his fingers. He asked, “To what end has this street been torn down?” 

“Just past Ouhua Pavilion. It’s hard to tear down areas where the collapse is severe.” Ge Qingqing rolled up his sleeves and said, “There’s something fishy about this matter.” 

“Another unexplainable account.” Shen Zechuan sat up and composed himself for a moment before continuing, “Only His Majesty himself knows who the one who sent him out of the palace is. If he refuses to say, then this case is a dead end.”  

“As I see it, this collapse is not a coincidence. Donglong Street gets submerged every year, yet Ouhua Pavilion just had to collapse last night.” Ge Qingqing watched the rainy night, then looked at Shen Zechuan. “Do you have any inkling?” 

Shen Zechuan had been thinking about this matter since this morning. The collapse had wiped out all traces in Ouhua Pavilion, and this was, by no means, a coincidence. Xi Hongxuan was a man who treasured his life. He had only just renovated Ouhua Pavilion some time back, and those who knew about the hollowed-out bottom were few and far between. 

Shen Zechuan’s widened eyes looked out into the rainy night. As if saying to himself, he said, “There’s no need to fret. There’s bound to be a follow-up move. We still don’t know who the target is this time.” 

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The imperial physician retreated from the bedchamber and paid his obeisances to the Empress Dowager and the others. From where she was behind the hanging curtain separating them, the Empress Dowager leaned forward to inquire about Li Jianheng’s condition. The imperial physician gave his report in detail. It was only when she heard that the bleeding had stopped that she felt relieved. 

“This matter is bizarre.” The Empress Dowager straightened up in her seat and said, “To think not a single person knew when the Son of Heaven had left the palace and headed out. How can anyone rest reassured given the state of patrols within and outside the palace now?” 

None of the old ministers below uttered a word. All of them hung their heads in silence, like clay sculptures.

The Empress Dowager said, “I’m a member of the imperial harem. I’m not supposed to interfere in governmental affairs. But this, once again, concerns His Majesty’s safety. As his mother, I’m truly worriedly watching with my hair all gray and tears all ran dry. How can I take another scare like this? Excellencies, you ought to give me an explanation this time!”