Chapter 13: Almost Died

th choices Have you ever heard of someone choosing their own way to die"Dying as a choice This was quite an unusual concept."However, there are times when not dying might be even more terrifying." The...Chapter 13: A Near-Death Experience

"Rumble"

A deafening thunder broke the silence in the imperial palace, yet it failed to disturb the serious faces of those gathered in the study room.

A few officials frowned, exchanged glances, occasionally shaking their heads and sighing. Above them was Feng Changqing, seething with anger.

Qin Xiao stood by, looking at the officials who were sighing and lamenting, disapprovingly shaking his head. Today’s urgent report from the border country stated that the barbarians had risen up in rebellion, massacring its people without restraint; the common folk lived in misery, with dire warnings coming from the borders, yet no one could make a decision.

Almost all of the officials simultaneously requested Ziyin to take command and lead an expedition. However, Feng Changqing had promised Ziyin that within a year, he would allow him to rest at home, using this as an excuse to reclaim his military authority. In recent days, even when attending court, Ziyin did not appear, claiming illness.

It was clear they wanted him to ask for help.

But asking for favors was the last thing Feng Changqing excelled at.

"Your Majesty." The current chancellor Xiao Yi stepped forward and said, "After consultation among us, the only one capable of handling this task is Prince Ziyin."

"Yes, Your Majesty. Prince Ziyin has earned the title of National Safeguard for our dynasty, undefeated in a hundred battles; even now, the barbarians tremble at the mere mention of his name. If National Safeguard Prince Ziyin leads an expeditionary force against them, surely it will ensure peace and stability for our kingdom." The Minister of War Bai Qingyun also echoed Xiao Yi.

"We humbly request Your Majesty to appoint National Safeguard Prince Ziyin as the Commander-in-Chief and restore his military authority along with increasing his salary in order to safeguard our kingdom's safety."

Everyone made their plea together.

Feng Changqing gave a cold laugh, waiting for what would follow.

"This humble minister considers that the National Safeguard has recently been ill and, given Your Majesty’s previous promise of allowing him to rest from military matters. However, at this crucial moment when our country needs his service." Xiao Yi knelt down here, followed by others behind him, continuing with “So, this humble minister dares to request your Majesty to grant National Safeguard the title of National War God and restore all rights and honors. This is to ensure safety for our kingdom."

"We humbly petition Your Majesty to appoint Prince Ziyin as the National War God, restoring his military authority and increasing his salary in order to safeguard our kingdom's peace."

Qin Xiao glared at these people, a group of bullying opportunists.

"Haha Ha ha ha."

The officials looked confusedly at Feng Changqing. Could he be laughing now Why

"National War God A good title indeed; it protects the nation while instilling fear in enemies. Your Excellency has certainly put a lot of thought into this." Feng Changqing walked to the desk, arms behind his back and continued, "If you're a god, then shouldn’t I submit to Prince Ziyin Letting him impose his will on our people"

This... The others exchanged glances, not daring to utter another word.

Feng Changqing wiped the smile off his face and picked up one of the joint memorials from the officials. Not bad, he threw it down, continuing "This realm is mine; a mere barbarian horde cannot shake my rule. If no one stands forward to ease my burden, what purpose do you serve Why don’t all of you just stay at home and rest"

"Your Majesty, please calm down." Seeing Feng Changqing angry, everyone knelt and said, "Your Majesty, please calm down."

"Calm down" Looking down at the group of ministers from his elevated position, Feng Changqing gave a cold laugh. "How can I calm down when you all are retreating in fear here"

"Your Majesty, we only have our country's safety at heart. We implore Your Majesty to think carefully before acting." Xiao Yi’s aim was to get Zǐ Yìn his military power back, so no matter what he had to force Feng Changqing to take action.

Feng Changqing frowned slightly and said, "I am tired. Let's discuss the matter of sending troops during tomorrow's court session."

Although Feng Changqing did not think much of the rebellion by the barbarians, after saying those words, none of the ministers showed any intention to retreat, which instantly made Feng Changqing furious. He raised his voice and said, "If you want to kneel, then do it outside! Is this my study room a place for you to be domineering!"

"If Your Majesty does not designate the Anbang Prince, we will continue kneeling until our knees give out." With that, Xiao Yi stood up and led everyone outside to kneel.

Thump

Af ter everyone left, Feng Changqing punched the table fiercely, leaving a deep impression on it.

"A pack of old foxes."

"Your Majesty, what should we do next" Qin Xiao looked worriedly at Feng Changqing’s hand where blood was already seeping out. "Your Majesty..."

"Let them kneel and see how far these slaves can go." As he said that, he overturned the tea on the table; cold tea splashed onto his hand, making him think of Qìn Quánxuān’s hot tea. "I want to take a walk outside. I will leave this group of old men in your care. Find some imperial doctors and tell them that although it's spring now, the chill can still enter one’s body easily and damage their lower bodies. I don’t have so much spare money to support a bunch of useless people."

"Yes." This was Feng Changqing.

A few more thunderclaps were heard outside before it started pouring rain, making the sound of water hitting the ground. Judging by the sound, this downpour would continue until midnight.

What Feng Changqing said was correct; even though spring had arrived, as this was Phoenix City's highest place, if it rained and wind blew, it would still be extremely cold. As a result, those ministers could not bear kneeling for an hour before returning, shivering.

However, not everyone was so fortunate.

"Sis is right," said Xiao Ran in a leisurely manner. Although the people below had been drenched by rain, as long as it didn’t hit her, she was fine.

The others all gloated at Qí Lín with malice but Qí Lín stood tall and proud from head to toe, kneeling on one knee; pain had already pierced through her knees more than once. Her feet were numb, and coupled with the fact that she hadn’t eaten anything, she felt slightly dizzy.

"But I heard that Sis was a servant of Yúmù in Drunken Flower Building. As Yúmù is skilled at making tea, I’m sure Sis must have learned much from him. Would you please share what you’ve learned with me Otherwise, if you fail to serve the Emperor properly in the future, it will be my fault," she said with a faint smile on her face. She had made Qí Lín kneel for three hours and there was now a heavy downpour; she couldn’t be blamed.

Qí Lín bit her lip and said, "Sis is making fun of me. How could I possibly make tea The Emperor didn’t disdain to have me serve him."

"Then are you saying that you disdain teaching this humble queen" Xiao Ran had been looking for an opportunity to goad Qí Lín into a response, and now she finally found it.

"I dare not."

The infuriating heat made her thoughts跟不上。Qi Lin secretly pinched herself, but found that she couldn't muster the strength. Suddenly dizzy, she collapsed to the ground.

"Young Master." Lüzhu, worried about her heart, stepped forward to support her and said, "Your Excellency, our young master has been kneeling for three hours. Her body must have reached its limit. Please allow our young master to change clothes and rest."

"How dare you interrupt me!" Xiao Ran suddenly threw the teacup and gave a signal to one of the eunuchs beside him: "Slap her."

“Stop it.”

The words came almost simultaneously, causing everyone to look towards the palace gate where Feng Changqing stood in his red dragon robe. His mere presence made all sitting concubines startled.

A few lower-ranked concubines lost their balance and collapsed onto the tatami mats.

Seeing Feng Changqing arrive, Xiao Ran was taken aback. Weren't they supposed to be discussing important matters in the imperial study Before he could think further, Feng Changqing had already approached them. Xiao Ran led everyone forward and knelt down to greet him.

"Your servant did not know that His Majesty has arrived; we failed to welcome you properly." Though she hadn't left the room, Xiao Ran was still drenched by the rain.

Feng Changqing walked directly to Qi Lin, lifted her up. Seeing her pale face, he frowned slightly; she looked like an ice block, shivering and cold.

"Xiao Ning, hurry and call for a court physician." After speaking, he carried Qi Lin into the inner room without paying attention to those kneeling outside.

Instantly, Qilin’s servants came and went while physicians filled her palace. Feng Changqing sat by her bedside, holding her hot hand with concern, watching her tightly furrowed brows.

Even when faced with the intense pressure from officials, he had never felt so anxious before.

"Your Excellency."

A sudden cry of urgency sounded outside. Xiao Ning hurried in and whispered to Feng Changqing; he coldly waved him away without listening.

Xiao Ning could only step out and said, "Take her back."

Upon receiving the order, the servants lifted the unconscious Xiao Ran and left.

The rain continued into the night. Yet Qi Lin’s palace was brightly lit all through it. All measures had been taken; now they could only wait for her to wake up. Until then, no physician could leave; they were on standby.

Feng Changqing held Qi Lin's hand and watched over her constantly.

But Qi Lin was far from peaceful in sleep, tightly gripping Feng Changqing’s hand and occasionally crying out 'no', as if seeing something terrifying in her dreams.

"Your Majesty." Lüzhu brought a bowl of congee. Worriedly she said, "You've been watching the young master for hours; eat something to warm yourself up. You'll worry your young master even more."

Feng Changqing shook his head slightly; all he wanted now was for Qi Lin to wake up.

"Your Majesty, the Lady Qi's high fever has subsided. I believe she will soon regain consciousness," said Lvzhu, trying to convince Feng Changqing. However, seeing that Feng Changqing did not even glance at her, she could only shake her head and step back.

Feng Changqing held Qi Lin's hand; he remembered carrying the unconscious Qi Lin in his arms when they were at the Drunken Flower Pavilion. But while asleep, Qi Lin had bitten him hard. Placing his hand by her mouth now, he wished she would bite him again.

Crack!

The thunder made Qi Lin suddenly sit up straight; she realized she was in a pavilion, with rain pouring outside so heavily that she couldn’t see more than ten meters away. The incandescent light above her head crackled as it was touched by moths.

Strange, shouldn't she be in the palace Why is she here instead And where exactly is this place

Around her, apart from a computer on the table, Qi Lin could not find anything else. Looking at familiar data, she recalled that she was waiting for a bus; could it be...that everything had been just a dream

With these thoughts, Qi Lin smiled slightly; if only this were just a dream. She tidied up and prepared to go out to see if any buses had passed by, but at the next moment, she saw Xiaobai in the rain. It was still as majestic as ever, standing gracefully under the rain and looking at her quietly. Beside it stood a white-robed man whom Qi Lin could not make out clearly; just then he turned around slowly, seemingly about to leave.

"Don't go...!"

Qi Lin said unconsciously while taking one step forward. At that moment, a blinding white light shot across her vision...

"Ah!"

Feng Changqing suddenly sat up straight; he had actually fallen asleep.

Hurriedly glancing over to the bed, Qi Lin's wide eyes were full of sweat and she stared blankly at the ceiling above her. She then fainted again.

"Ah Xue!" Feng Changqing finally relaxed and called out for a court physician outside the room.

A few physicians rushed in to examine Qi Lin carefully; the last one knelt down to report, "Your Majesty, the Lady's high fever has completely subsided. She is fine now."

Hearing that Qi Lin was alright, Feng Changqing relaxed his furrowed brows and wiped away her sweat, revealing a long-awaited smile.

"Take good care of your mistress; I will come back tomorrow," he said as he adjusted the blankets for her again. Then to the physicians he added, "Stay here on standby at all times; if anything happens, immediately report it to me."

"Yes."

With that, Feng Changqing left the room. The sky had already begun to turn pale, and in two hours' time daylight would arrive. He hastily changed into a clean set of clothes before leaving Xinquan Hall.

"Prepare for a journey to the Western Palace." sudden"The maidservant looked at Qi Lin in surprise and said with a smile, "Did you slack off again"Slack off She must have misunderstood something. Qi Lin nodded awkwardly."The festival ended half a...