BLHO Chapter 94

Chapter 94: Will You Come With Me?

Li Yuliang hurried to the Yangxin Hall. A roomful of ministers were gathered there, and when they saw him, they all breathed a sigh of relief. No one dared to speak, and they all stepped aside to make way for him.

He went straight to Gu Huan’s bedside and saw that Gu Huan was burning with fever, delirious, and clearly in a bad state.

“What exactly happened?” he asked, looking back, so fiercely that the many imperial physicians lowered their heads one after another, afraid of being implicated.

“Grand Eunuch Li,” the leading old physician stepped forward and replied, “His Majesty’s illness is peculiar. It is definitely not an ordinary cold.”

“What do you mean?” Li Yuliang frowned tightly, glanced at Gu Huan, and asked bluntly, “Are you saying someone poisoned His Majesty?”

The imperial physician dared not say such things rashly. He explained, “This old minister also suspected it before, but after testing, I did not find any toxins in His Majesty’s body. Moreover, all those around His Majesty are close officials, and there is not much opportunity for evildoers to strike.”

Li Yuliang didn’t have time to listen to his nonsense. “What’s the conclusion? What exactly is His Majesty’s illness? How should it be treated?”

The imperial physician only sighed and sighed. “Forgive this old minister’s incompetence, I really don’t know what kind of illness His Majesty has…”

“If you’re incompetent, then retire to your hometown as soon as possible!” Li Yuliang flung his sleeve and stood up in a rage.

Everyone present was so frightened that their legs went weak, and they knelt down in response.

Then they heard him scold, “A bunch of useless people! The court supports you, is it to hear you say you are incompetent?”

Everyone knew that Grand Eunuch Li was ruthless and merciless, and many court officials had died unjustly at his hands, with no place to appeal. A timid imperial physician hurriedly begged for forgiveness, “This minister has really done his best, but His Majesty’s illness is truly strange…”

“Yes, all the usable prescriptions have been used. In theory, there shouldn’t be no effect at all, but His Majesty seems to be haunted by some evil spirit, and he just doesn’t get better…”

Li Yuliang suddenly narrowed his eyes. “What did you say?”

The speaking imperial physician raised his head tremblingly and quickly defended himself, “It was this humble minister who spoke recklessly and said the wrong thing.”

What haunting evil spirits, these were not words that an imperial physician should say.

Li Yuliang didn’t say any more. He thoughtfully surveyed everyone present, and then coldly asked, “Where is Grand Diviner?”

At the same time, in a dense forest on the outskirts of the city.

A gaunt person covered his whole body with a black robe, meeting with two disguised women.

Princess Meng Ning’s eyes reflected starlight, radiating vigorous ambition. The corners of her lips hooked into a smile, and she said, “Everything is ready, the final act depends entirely on Grand Diviner to help me perform.”

The black-robed person bowed and responded, “Please rest assured, Princess.”

Princess Meng Ning said, “After it’s done, whatever conditions you have, just name them. I will certainly not let down anyone who helps me.”

“There is no need for the Princess to thank me. It is not I who am helping you, but Heaven who is helping you.”

Princess Meng Ning smiled, “Grand Diviner says that I am a person ordained by Heaven, I should naturally be happy, but this princess only believes that humans can conquer nature.” Her smile concealed determination and certainty, “Before the great cause is accomplished, I believe in nothing.”

The Grand Diviner did not argue with her. He looked up at the night sky and muttered to himself, “Whether you believe it or not, the national fortune of Bei Sheng is not exhausted. No one can violate the Mandate of Heaven when a king is replaced.”

–

Gu Huan’s high fever did not subside, and when he was confused, he kept muttering Grand Eunuch Li’s name.

Li Yuliang stayed by his bedside for a while. His cool hand on Gu Huan’s burning cheek made him feel much better, and he finally fell asleep in the second half of the night.

Li Yuliang rarely thought deeply about the relationship between him and Gu Huan. The affection between ruler and subject could not be explained in a few words.

One was a weak monarch who ascended the throne at a young age, and the other was a slave and eunuch who was bullied by everyone. The two lonely and helpless people joined hands to play a thoroughly rotten game. Over the years, the two seemed to be allies, intimate and seamless, but in reality, they suspected and schemed against each other.

Even so, Li Yuliang still supported his king, whom he followed, and helped him become the de facto ruler of the world. And Gu Huan also kept his promise, granting Grand Eunuch Li a position second only to one person and above ten thousand.

Just as Gu Huan had said when he threatened him, they were the same kind of people, fallen together, glorious together, rotten, also rotten together.

He couldn’t go anywhere. The clean world outside couldn’t tolerate his existence.

After Gu Huan was sleeping soundly, he got up and left the Yangxin Hall.

The huge palace was shrouded in the crimson moonlight, appearing eerie and unsettling.

As soon as he exited the hall, he saw someone standing in the night, calmly watching him.

The two looked at each other without a word, tacitly understanding.

He spoke first, “Grand Diviner.”

The person in the black robe then spoke, “I heard that Grand Eunuch was looking for me. What is it?”

“It’s so late. Where did Grand Diviner go?” Li Yuliang asked.

“To find a way to cure His Majesty’s illness.”

He was quite frank, saving Li Yuliang from having to ask.

“Is that so? Did you find it?”

This time, the Grand Diviner didn’t answer directly. He slowly stepped forward, approaching Li Yuliang. A coldness came with him, making people shudder.

He said in a hoarse voice, “If Grand Eunuch wants to know how to save His Majesty, you must first understand why His Majesty is sick.”

“As for why His Majesty is sick, I think Grand Diviner should be the clearest.” Li Yuliang did not give an inch, putting his suspicion on his face.

The Grand Diviner, however, did not defend himself. He gave a cold laugh and said, “I still remember His Majesty said that Grand Eunuch Li should guard the Directorate of Palace Attendants well. Don’t ask too much about things you shouldn’t be asking about.”

Li Yuliang stared at the face under his cloak with a sinister look. Anger was burning in his eyes.

The Grand Diviner remained calm. “I have my own way to cure His Majesty’s illness. Grand Eunuch, please return.”

With that, he stepped towards the Yangxin Hall, but before he could step onto the stairs, Li Yuliang suddenly pulled out a dagger from his sleeve and attacked from the side, instantly holding it against his throat.

“Who ordered you to murder His Majesty?”

The skeletal body was no match for Li Yuliang. Faced with the threat, the Grand Diviner remained unyielding.

“Grand Eunuch Li, His Majesty’s illness was not caused by others. It is self-inflicted and cannot be avoided.”

“Stop trying to play tricks on me!”

“If you don’t believe me, you can kill me with one knife, but if I die, there will be no one in this world who can help His Majesty.”

“If you want to die, I’ll grant your wish.”

Li Yuliang’s style had always been to rather kill by mistake than let go. Without saying any more nonsense, the sharp dagger shone coldly in the moonlight.

Just as he was about to strike, suddenly, a shrill scream came from the Yangxin Hall.

It was Gu Huan’s voice.

His Majesty?

Li Yuliang’s heart tightened. He didn’t bother to argue with the Grand Diviner any longer, and rushed to kick open the doors of the hall.

The windows inside the hall were not open, but the lit candles had all been extinguished for some reason. Li Yuliang used the moonlight to see Gu Huan, who had been lying on the bed, had fallen to the ground and was trembling all over.

“Your Majesty!”

He rushed over to help Gu Huan up. The other’s face was bloodless, his widened eyes staring into the distance, looking like he had been frightened out of his wits. His mouth kept muttering, “Empress Dowager, spare me. I know I’m wrong, I know I’m wrong…”

Li Yuliang followed his gaze. That corner was empty, with nothing at all.

The Grand Diviner behind him wiped away the bloodstains on his neck and slowly walked in, stopping in front of Gu Huan and blocking his view with his body.

A coldness swept over, and Gu Huan instantly woke up a bit.

He gasped for breath, his whole body soaked in cold sweat, his eyes full of despair, “She’s here to claim my life again. She won’t let me go.”

Just now, he was calling out to Empress Dowager, this “she” refers to the Empress Dowager.

Li Yuliang helped him to the bed and covered him with a quilt, asking, “How does Your Majesty feel?”

Gu Huan ignored his concern. He frowned and looked at the Grand Diviner, watching him pause in that corner before coming forward and quietly asking him, “Your Majesty, have you changed your mind?”

Li Yuliang looked at Gu Huan in confusion, seeing his hesitant gaze, looking down in thought, his clenched fists indicating the turmoil in his heart.

The Grand Diviner continued, “The Empress Dowager’s soul is suppressed in the Imperial City, which can ensure the stability of the imperial power, but His Majesty suffers from the torment of the vengeful spirit every day. This humble minister fears that the imperial body will not be able to bear it. If Your Majesty changes his mind, I will immediately take back the Soul Suppressing Sword and let the Empress Dowager’s soul dissipate.”

Sweat dripped from Gu Huan’s nose, but he still firmly stuck to his decision. “I won’t change.”

“If the imperial power is here, I am here. If the imperial power is not here, then I don’t need to be here either. This little bit of torment is nothing.”

“Good.” The Grand Diviner said, “I will find a way to resolve the Empress Dowager’s resentment, so that His Majesty will suffer less torment.”

“What method is there?”

The Grand Diviner thought for a moment and said two words: “Princess.”

Back then, the Princess’s murder was hastily concluded with Lin Shuangxu being convicted. What the truth was, in the end, was never clearly explained to the world.

But at this moment, the truth of the matter was clear to His Majesty, clear to Grand Eunuch Li, and no one knew whether it was clear to the Grand Diviner, who had not participated in the planning of the events.

He didn’t say things directly, but he also said to Gu Huan, “Some things can be hidden from the living, but not from the dead. The Empress Dowager misses the Princess.”

Gu Huan’s body began to tremble again, and he subconsciously leaned on Li Yuliang, asking the Grand Diviner, “What are you going to do?”

The Grand Diviner said, “I will find a woman who looks similar to the Princess, set up an altar, and offer her as a sacrifice to the Empress Dowager.”

Gu Huan didn’t say anything, his silence indicating his approval.

“Your Majesty, rest. Nothing will come to haunt you again tonight,” the Grand Diviner said.

Gu Huan nodded.

The Grand Diviner bowed and left, but Li Yuliang was not in a hurry to leave. After a long silence, he stood up and seriously asked Gu Huan, “Does Your Majesty really believe him?”

Gu Huan coughed wearily twice. “What’s not to believe? After so many years, I’m sitting on this throne. Who I trust is nothing but a gamble.”

There was an unspeakable bitterness in his voice. “Even the closest person will one day grab me by the throat and turn against me, won’t they?”

Li Yuliang was speechless.

“You may leave. I’m tired. Let me rest.”

“Your Majesty…”

“There’s no need to say more. I don’t want to hear anything.”

–

It was late at night when Li Yuliang returned to the Directorate of Palace Attendants. The bedroom was dark, without a sound.

He pushed the door open and entered the room, seeing Song Jiting lying on the couch, already fast asleep.

He went to the side of the couch and sat down gently beside him, then leaned over slightly and drew the slender body into his arms.

Like a wild beast checking whether its prey had been approached by others, he lightly touched Song Jiting’s skin with the tip of his nose, caressing it carefully from the cheek down, smelling it carefully.

Song Jiting was not sleepy at all. He was feigning sleep.

The excessively ambiguous behavior made his body a little hot. He allowed Li Yuliang to touch his body, never responding.

Until the pair of wide palms went down his abdomen and around to his waist.

He heard Li Yuliang ask, “Where’s the waist tag I gave you?”

The voice was very low, and it was like a thunderclap next to his ear.

Song Jiting’s whole body stiffened. He opened his eyes and, by the moonlight, met Li Yuliang’s eyes.

The other’s face was calm.

“Did you lose it?” Li Yuliang asked proactively.

“No,” Song Jiting said, “I put it away.”

Li Yuliang lowered his eyes, not continuing to press the matter.

Song Jiting felt slightly relieved, leaning against the head of the bed and sitting up. “What’s wrong? Judging from your expression, is His Majesty very ill?”

“Yes.”

A trace of strangeness flashed through his heart, fleeting in an instant. Song Jiting said, “If you’re worried, why don’t you stay by His Majesty’s side and serve him?”

Li Yuliang did not answer.

Then Song Jiting didn’t say any more. He reached out to unbutton the collar of his clothes. “Take off your clothes and rest.”

He had only unbuttoned one button when Li Yuliang raised his hand, pressed his hand, and stopped him from continuing.

The narrow eyes looked lonely and dangerous in the night. His expression was somewhat bewildered, and he asked Song Jiting, “Do you say, after people die, will there be ghosts? Will these ghosts come back to take revenge and kill people?”

Song Jiting was silent for a long time, answering him, “If there really were such things, Grand Eunuch, you would have been killed a thousand times over by the wronged souls on your hands.”

The unceremonious words did not anger Li Yuliang. He didn’t react at all, thinking silently, a worry that could not be dispelled gathering between his brows.

Song Jiting was inexplicably irritable. He tried his best to suppress the emotions that shouldn’t be there, and said calmly, “I want to leave.”

Li Yuliang was startled.

He had wanted Song Jiting to leave long ago, but it was he himself who refused.

The palace was full of dangers. Song Jiting was willing to be obedient, and he had no reason to keep him.

“Li Yuliang,” Song Jiting called him by his name, with the kind of cool, aloof, and unapproachable aura that was familiar to him.

Every word was hesitant, using up the little strength he had left, Song Jiting said, “I ask you, I’ll only ask this once, will you…”

Cool lips suddenly approached, and a lingering kiss blocked the words that Song Jiting was about to say.

Li Yuliang did it on purpose, he did it on purpose.

Tears flowed down, running down Song Jiting’s cheeks, melting into the bitter kiss.

He knew that he wanted to ask him, “Will you come with me?”