Chapter 93: Seize This Opportunity to Drive Her Out
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Yu Jiao Jiao, subdued by the sharp warning glare of Consort Yu, dared not utter a single word.
With silence restored, Yu Zhi Yi wasted no time addressing the Emperor directly. “Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager isn’t suffering from an ordinary ailment. She’s been afflicted by a malevolent force that has steadily eroded her consciousness.”
She continued, her tone calm yet resolute, “The medications prescribed by the imperial physicians, though unable to dispel the malevolence, have bolstered her vitality, enabling her body’s natural defenses to fight back. Though the Empress Dowager seems incoherent, her mind remains intact. She has been battling this malevolence, unable to control her own actions.”
“However, the so-called remedy from that charlatan physician disrupted the efficacy of the imperial prescriptions. Without their support, her mind faltered, and now she has fallen into a comatose state.”
In truth, falling into a coma was the least harmful outcome. Remaining conscious in her current state, or suddenly awakening, could have led to far graver consequences.
Consort Yu, mindful of Yu Jiao Jiao’s longstanding animosity toward Yu Zhi Yi, ensured her niece remained silent with a single piercing glare. Yu Jiao Jiao, understanding the warning, held her tongue.
But one person had been overlooked—her foolish nephew.
“You’re spouting nonsense!” Yu Zi Xuan’s voice cut sharply through the hall, filled with indignation. “The Empress Dowager is merely ill. Where does this absurd talk of malevolence come from? Enough with your tricks!”
His elder brother, Yu Meng Qin, failed to restrain him in time and silently berated himself. Still, deep inside, even he shared Yu Zi Xuan’s skepticism.
Yet, Yu Zhi Yi didn’t spare a glance in his direction. As her close confidante, Red Luan, often said, “When hateful people spout hateful nonsense, treat it as foul air and ignore it. Why stoop to their level?”
Turning to the Emperor, Yu Zhi Yi spoke calmly. “Your Majesty, I need a few items to awaken the Empress Dowager.”
The Emperor scrutinized her carefully. “Are you confident you can cure her?”
Yu Zhi Yi nodded without hesitation. “I can.”
After a brief pause, she added gravely, “But we must act swiftly. The Empress Dowager has been battling this malevolence for too long and is gravely weakened. The previous prescriptions barely kept her stable. With their effects neutralized, the malevolence will retaliate fiercely. If it succeeds, the consequences will be unimaginable.”
The Emperor, though rational, had heard his share of supernatural tales. Traditionally, such matters were resolved by Taoists from Dragon-Tiger Mountain or esteemed monks. While Yu Zhi Yi’s insights were impressive, they did not guarantee success against malevolent forces. Still, the severity of her warning demanded action. The stakes left him no choice.
“Very well. Speak.”
Eunuch Hu quickly brought out a pencil and paper—a practical tool introduced a century ago by Senior Princess Jia Luo.
Yu Zhi Yi listed her requirements: cinnabar, talisman paper, and incense. Simple items, yet they caused a stir among the assembly.
Yu Zi Xuan, on the verge of mocking her, was halted by Yu Meng Qin’s firm grip. The latter shared a knowing glance with Consort Yu—they would minimize their involvement, ensuring they bore no blame, regardless of the outcome.
Yu Zi Xuan grudgingly complied but glared at Yu Zhi Yi, his anger barely contained. He awaited her failure, ready to savor her humiliation. Perhaps, this debacle would finally lead to her expulsion from the Yu Family.
As palace staff scrambled to gather the requested items, news of the Empress Dowager’s condition reached Prince Carefree.
Since his disgrace at the palace banquet, he had avoided the public eye. But hearing of his mother’s dire state and Yu Zhi Yi’s involvement left him no choice but to act.
Before he could depart, You Bing Yue arrived on unrelated business and overheard the commotion. She frowned. “Your Highness, has the Emperor truly been deceived by that woman into believing she can cure the Empress Dowager?”
Prince Carefree replied, “It might not be an ordinary illness but something more sinister. If so, she might truly have a solution.”
You Bing Yue sighed, exasperated. “Your Highness, doesn’t the royal family carry protective talismans?”
Indeed, noble families often relied on protective charms crafted by renowned masters. The Empress Dowager, as the Emperor’s mother, surely possessed powerful safeguards.
Prince Carefree frowned deeply. “You’re right. Such protections should have shielded her. How could malevolence possibly approach?”
You Bing Yue nodded knowingly. “Clearly, Yu Zhi Yi is concocting a scheme to solidify her ‘divine maiden’ persona.”
Prince Carefree’s gaze sharpened. “Exploiting my mother for her schemes? She’ll regret this.”
Grateful, he turned to her. “Bing Yue, your insight has spared my mother from becoming her pawn. Now…”
The cold resolve in his eyes deepened. “I’ll ensure she pays for targeting the royal family.”
Within half an hour, palace servants returned with Yu Zhi Yi’s requested items. She directed them to set up a simple ritual altar, placing the talisman papers meticulously on the table.
The Emperor raised an eyebrow. “Official Yu, is this… sufficient?”
To one familiar with grandiose ceremonies, the setup seemed crude.
Yu Zhi Yi replied evenly, “It may be simple, but time is of the essence. Once the malevolence is expelled, I will conduct a proper ritual to eliminate lingering threats.”
In truth, the altar was unnecessary. Disposing of the malevolence was trivial for her. But her earlier divination had advised delay. Though she didn’t fully understand, she chose to obey.
As she prepared to begin, a furious voice echoed through the hall.
“Stop!”
Yu Zhi Yi paused, her hand suspended in mid-air. She turned toward the source and saw Prince Carefree and Minister Yu’s Wife striding into the chamber. At once, understanding dawned in her eyes.