Chapter 158

Chapter 158: Seeking an Imperial Decree

“Your Majesty…” Qi Shu Xian moved his feet, as if he wanted to say something more.

Sheng Zhi Wan had already risen after giving her thanks. Without a moment’s hesitation, she stepped firmly into the tent.

Qi Shu Xian stared after her, as if his very soul had departed. Meng Yang called out to him several times, yet he gave no response. Finally, he trembled and seemed to awaken from his daze.

[Wait—the Empress Dowager!]

If the Empress Dowager found out, perhaps she could save Zhi Wan’s life!

Thinking of this, Qi Shu Xian no longer paid Meng Yang any mind. He hurried away, thoughts fixed only on how to deliver the news swiftly back to the palace.

Even Emperor Chong Sheng doubted Sheng Zhi Wan could save Lu Chuo’s life.

He thought Sheng Zhi Wan intended to sacrifice herself to maintain peace between Sheng Kingdom and Northern Di.

Just like back then…

Just like that person…

He had willingly faced death, trading his own life to ensure Emperor Chong Sheng would spare his mother and Sheng Zhi Wan.

Thinking of the past, Emperor Chong Sheng’s eyes grew darker.

Inside the tent.

Sheng Zhi Wan turned her back and took the chance while the Imperial Physicians prepared the medicinal herbs she requested to secretly slip half an antidote pill into Lu Chuo’s mouth.

Lu Chuo, who had been enduring pain with closed eyes, suddenly opened them wide, staring at her.

Sheng Zhi Wan silently moved her lips.

Lu Chuo’s eyes widened in shock when he realized she spoke Northern Di’s language.

He didn’t recognize Sheng Zhi Wan, nor could he understand why she wanted to save him.

[Perhaps for Sheng Kingdom?]

Since he was already doomed, what harm was there in one more gamble?

With all his strength, Lu Chuo swallowed half the pill.

Only then did Sheng Zhi Wan breathe a sigh of relief. In her previous life, she had recognized that Lu Chuo was poisoned by monkshood, but she had hidden her knowledge, secretly passing the antidote to Qi Shu Xian.

But Qi Shu Xian hadn’t trusted her…

He waited until Lu Chuo was at death’s door before presenting the antidote under Meng Yang’s name.

Lu Chuo survived, but due to prolonged poisoning and his pre-existing heart ailment, he returned to Northern Di gravely ill and soon died.

The Imperial Physicians quickly ground the herbs Sheng Zhi Wan requested. During the hunt, they had brought numerous medicines, prepared for injuries and poisonous bites.

Now, those medicines came into good use.

Sheng Zhi Wan ordered them to feed Lu Chuo the herbal mixture.

He swallowed half, then vomited the rest.

Just as the Imperial Physicians were doubting whether the medicine was truly effective—

“Cough…”

With a violent cough, Lu Chuo felt something surge up from his stomach.

Turning slightly, he spat out a mass of black blood.

The Imperial Physicians were overjoyed at seeing the expelled poison!

“Princess, what method is this? How did you cause Imperial Prince Lu Chuo to vomit out the poison?”

Sheng Zhi Wan gave a modest smile. “It’s merely a vomiting technique I read about in a medical text. Fortunately, the poison wasn’t too deeply set. Otherwise, even I might have struggled.”

“Thank you…Princess.” After allowing the physicians to wipe him clean, Lu Chuo stared intently at Sheng Zhi Wan.

He still didn’t know her name or title.

“No need!” Sheng Zhi Wan rose as someone had already left to report to the Emperor.

Outside, Emperor Chong Sheng was deeply astonished upon hearing that Lu Chuo had successfully expelled the poison.

Qi Shu Xian was equally stunned, almost thinking he misheard.

“Imperial Prince Lu Chuo…he’s fine?” He grasped the sleeve of a passing Imperial Physician.

At first impatient, the Imperial Physician immediately smiled upon recognizing Qi Shu Xian, the husband of Princess Qing Ning. “Yes, Heir Apparent Qi! Who knew the Princess possessed such incredible medical skills!”

Thanks to Princess Qing Ning, they had narrowly escaped punishment.

Feeling embarrassed yet relieved, the physician hurried off. Qi Shu Xian, as if coming back to life, rushed toward the tent to find Sheng Zhi Wan. Meng Yang stood behind, hands tightly clenched within her sleeves.

But Sheng Zhi Wan had already been summoned to the main tent.

Emperor Chong Sheng’s eyes held suspicion. “I was unaware that Qing Ning’s medical skills had reached this level.”

Sheng Zhi Wan knelt gently and shook her head. “It’s not due to my skill.”

“Oh? If not skill, how could you achieve what the Imperial Physicians could not?” Emperor Chong Sheng’s voice turned cold.

“It was simply chance. A medical text I once read described symptoms precisely matching those of Imperial Prince Lu Chuo.”

“Such a coincidence exists?” Emperor Chong Sheng doubted.

“If Imperial Father wishes to verify, he may send someone to the Duke’s manor to retrieve that medical text.” Sheng Zhi Wan had prepared thoroughly for this day.

“Very well. On the return trip, Su De Yun will accompany you to fetch it.”

He didn’t want to give her any chance for preparation.

Sheng Zhi Wan obediently lowered her gaze.

Emperor Chong Sheng waved dismissively for her to leave.

Yet Sheng Zhi Wan remained still. “Does Imperial Father recall what he promised me earlier?”

Emperor Chong Sheng paused, suddenly remembering.

He hadn’t believed Sheng Zhi Wan could save Lu Chuo and thus hadn’t considered her request seriously. Now, he stared at her sharply. “Speak clearly.”

“Your daughter begs Imperial Father to grant a decree allowing me to separate from Qi Shu Xian,” Sheng Zhi Wan stated clearly, word by word.

“Separate?” Emperor Chong Sheng couldn’t hide his shock.

He had once had different marriage plans for her. Yet before he could announce them, Sheng Zhi Wan had decisively knelt in Purple Radiance Hall, pleading to marry Qi Shu Xian.

He had been furious at the time.

But with Sheng Zhi Wan so publicly insisting on marrying, his original intentions were spoiled, and he reluctantly gave his consent.

Yet now, only two years later, she wished to leave Qi Shu Xian?

Emperor Chong Sheng’s anger was apparent. “An emperor’s words cannot be taken back! Back then, you insisted, forcing me to grant that marriage. Now you casually expect me to rescind it? Qing Ning, how do you see your Imperial Father’s decree?”

Sheng Zhi Wan bowed deeply, her voice steady. “Qing Ning understands clearly. That is why Qing Ning dared wager her life today to request Imperial Father’s decree!”

Saying this, she again bowed low, her smooth forehead striking the hard stone with a soft thud.

Emperor Chong Sheng’s gaze turned colder. “Why? You are a Princess, his legitimate wife. Can you truly not tolerate a mere peasant girl?”

Sheng Zhi Wan lifted her eyes, coldly resolute. “Initially, your daughter wished to marry him for love. Now, she wishes to leave him, also because of love.”

Her gaze fell again, lashes glistening with tears.

Emperor Chong Sheng sighed internally.

Yet his anger softened.

[Women will always be women—limited in vision, driven mad by love, capable of foolishness.]

Since she insisted on separation, fine!

In truth, deep down, he didn’t want Sheng Zhi Wan entangled with Qi Shu Xian either.

Her true identity remained a hidden danger. If he were to heavily promote Qi Shu Xian later, knowing Sheng Zhi Wan’s identity might cause complications…

Now that Sheng Zhi Wan herself had asked to separate, it neatly resolved his concerns.

“In that case,” Emperor Chong Sheng said, “I shall grant your request. Upon returning tomorrow, you may first go to the Duke’s manor. I shall send the decree for separation.”

A great relief washed over Sheng Zhi Wan, her tightly clenched fingers beneath her sleeves loosening slightly. Bowing deeply once more, her voice rang clearly.

“Your daughter thanks Imperial Father!”