RWNEFE -Chapter 214 Cheng Zheng’s Heartbreaking Cry

“How is our third son?” Although pleased with Shen Lanxi’s boldness, Emperor Renxiao still cared deeply about his son.

Wang Bao replied: “The imperial physician said it’s just excess heart fire. Coupled with the long days of travel, His Highness is fatigued and not fully adapted to the climate of the capital. He should first take some cooling herbal soup, then some tonic to restore balance.”

“Not an internal injury?” the emperor asked with concern.

Wang Bao: “No, the physician said it’s likely just restlessness and agitation.”

Emperor Renxiao shot Wang Bao a look—those words clearly hinted at something more.

“What else happened at the Prince’s mansion?”

Wang Bao hesitated, then spoke: “Nothing escapes Your Majesty. I asked, and it seems the woman around the Prince showed very clear signs of a miscarriage!”

The emperor’s face darkened instantly.

“Hmph, if she hadn’t survived, she’d have deserved it. A lowly servant girl dares to disturb my son’s mind… how audacious!”

Wang Bao continued: “Your Majesty, the mansion is heavily guarded. That woman seemed prepared in advance, as if she knew someone would come after her.”

Emperor Renxiao did not believe that the servant girl had any extraordinary ability to station people near him.

It could only be said that her despicable act had already invited its own consequences.

“Recall the people. Also, inform Imperial Concubine Shu—if she wishes to personally raise the child, I approve.”

Taking advantage of the emperor’s rest, Wang Bao personally delivered the message.

Concubine Shu was overjoyed—she could personally nurture the imperial grandson, a privilege not even the empress possessed.

“Eunuch Wang, is that all?” Concubine Shu asked eagerly.

Wang Bao: “Your Highness, the emperor only conveyed this. No other instructions were given.”

Concubine Shu’s smile stiffened. She had requested two things from the emperor: personally raising her grandson and having him enter the imperial registry.

Now the emperor had only permitted the first—was this a subtle signal? Allowed to raise him, but not enter the imperial registry.

Without registry entry, the child would remain without recognition. Even under her care, he would have no status.

Understanding this, Concubine Shu’s face fell.

Recalling that her son had sent people to demand money and goods, she realized: the emperor was using Shen Lanxi to send a message.

Zhen Nan Prince’s Mansion

The imperial physician, given secret orders, added red herbs into the medicine without hesitation.

“Your Highness, you are in the prime of life. There will be many more children in the future. This child, if kept in the womb, cannot survive long and could cause great harm to the mother!” the physician said, bringing in the prepared medicine.

One portion was for Zhou Ruoyuan, one for Bai Qingling.

Zhou Ruoyuan felt a bitterness in his chest. Seeing the steaming medicine, he did not hesitate, lifting it and drinking it in one gulp.

The bitter herbs clashed with his emotions, sending jolts through his heart and mind.

“Assist the madam with her medicine,” the physician instructed.

The two attendants tested the medicine first, then administered it to Bai Qingling.

She looked pale and faint, sweat breaking out all over her body, as if she had just been dragged out of water.

Once the medicine was taken, the female doctor had the men leave the room.

Any messy bloodstains should not confront the prince directly!

When the medicine took effect, a piercing scream erupted, followed by the servants bringing out basin after basin of blood.

Zhou Ruoyuan glanced and quickly turned his head, unable to bear it.

At dawn, an imperial edict eunuch arrived with twenty exquisitely beautiful palace maidens at the Zhen Nan Prince’s mansion.

“Did you poison Zhou Ruoyuan?” Shen Lanxi asked, though her certainty needed no answer.

Ban Sicao, unembarrassed, proudly answered: “I guarantee, whoever investigates, he’s just irritable. This season, it’s natural to have excess internal heat!”

Shen Lanxi glanced at him silently: “Well done.”

Ban Sicao: “…I thought you’d scold me. Thanks for the praise!”

The next day, Shen Lanxi went throughout the capital buying chickens, ducks, fish, grains, and other provisions. Cooked goods were bought ready to eat; raw meat was bought fresh. At bakery stalls, she had buns and pastries packed to take away.

Every food merchant treated her as if she were the God of Wealth.

Emperor Renxiao also received Shen Lanxi’s petition to supply the troops with fine food and wine outside the city.

After approval, fifty jars of fine wine and numerous elaborate dishes were prepared and sent to the troops.

Two portions were prepared: one for the pacification army, one for the Northern Conquest army.

The emperor’s principle was absolute fairness, favoring none.

Upon receiving the approval, Shen Lanxi immediately had carriages rush to the outskirts. Four large carts of supplies would feed her people for three or four days.

Outside the city, Xiao Fang and others had only heard rumors of Shen Lanxi’s encounter with Zhou Ruoyuan. Details varied, but the result was unanimous: Zhou Ruoyuan’s old feelings for Shen Lanxi made him yield to her!

At first, the generals didn’t believe it, but gradually began to doubt.

After all, Zhou Ruoyuan was the emperor’s personally designated God of War, undefeated and unstoppable.

When Ban Sicao arrived, hearing the soldiers’ discussion, he immediately cursed.

Others may not have seen it, but he had witnessed everything himself.

“That Zhou Ruoyuan, really not so great. Ask Yuan Jing if you don’t believe me.”

Shen Yuanjing, closer to the scene, first teased for suspense, then vividly recounted what happened at the welcome feast.

His dramatic storytelling had the listeners gasping in shock.

Shen Lanxi handed the letters to Cheng Zheng.

“I’ve arranged for your parents and siblings to go to Dongchuan. It’s our territory; it will be safer than staying in Jinmen.”

Cheng Zheng carefully read every name on the letters.

“And my mother?” he asked, noticing her name was missing.

Shen Lanxi looked at him: “Since you disappeared, your mother has been searching for you every day. One rainy day, she went out and had an accident.”

Tears streamed down Cheng Zheng’s face. He collapsed to the ground, clutching the letter, crying in utter heartbreak.

Hearing his cries, the soldiers stopped their chatter and gathered around to comfort him.

“Old Cheng, don’t worry. We will avenge your mother!”

“Cry as much as you need. When you’re done, we’ll still stand tall as men!”

Only once Cheng Zheng’s emotions had settled did Shen Lanxi speak.

“I’ve inquired: Half a month ago, Emperor Renxiao summoned princes and princesses from various regions to the capital. Zhou Qiwou should arrive in about two months. If you wish to stay, I can make arrangements.”

“No need to answer immediately. Give me your reply before I leave the capital.”

Cheng Zheng, overwhelmed with grief, was in no state to make any decisions.