Chapter 123
Book 12 Chapter 02 – The Death Of Zhuangxiang
Xiao Pan was standing at the window with his arms folded. Staring at the sun setting at the garden below, he does look imposing. After the attendant came in with Xiang Shaolong and withdrew, he plainly invited: "Grand Tutor, please come to my side!"
Xiang Shaolong felt that he is starting to resemble a proper Crown Prince. Moving to his side, he joined him in watching the sunset.
Xiao Pan turned and watched him briefly before he resumed his gaze, sighing softly.
Xiang Shaolong was curious: "Is something bothering Crown Prince?"
Xiao Pan revealed a bitter expression and sighed: "If I am bothered, no one should know better than Grand Tutor!"
Xiang Shaolong was taken aback.
This is the first time Xiao Pan is speaking to him in such an official manner. Xiang Shaolong can feel the distance widening between both of them. Emotional, he sighed as well.
After an unnatural minute of silence, Xiao Pan revealed: "Yesterday, Premier Lu told me something strange. He told me that in this world, there are only three persons who are really sincere to me. They are Father, Mother and himself. Among the three persons, only he can help me unite the whole world. He advised me not to trust anyone else. Anyone else besides the three of them are just stepping stones in helping me dominate the world. Ai! He really treats me like his own son and thought that I know it as well."
Turning around, he stared straight at Xiang Shaolong and asked in a low voice: "Master! Why did he say something like that? Is he against you? I don’t even know when I’ll be King but he seems to be treating me like the King already. Isn’t it strange?"
Xiang Shaolong was feeling uncomfortable under his stare.
In the past, he will scold him for addressing himself as Master. But under his pressing gaze, he was lost for words. At the same time, from Lu Buwei’s words, he can deduce that Lu Buwei is not on good terms with him, highlighting his sensitivity and intelligence.
Xiao Pan realised his slip and recomposed himself, questioning: "From Grand Tutor’s expression, something unhappy must have happened between him and Premier Lu."
His mood darkening slightly, he added: "Does Grand Tutor still wishes to hide something from me?"
Xiang Shaolong was suddenly alarmed at another problem that Xiao Pan has brought up.
Although he knew that Xiao Pan will soon be King after King Zhuangxiang’s death as stated in history but how would Lu Buwei know this as well? Thinking deeper, his heart pumped madly.
Xiao Pan was surprised and inquired: "Why is Grand Tutor’s expression so grave looking?"
Xiang Shaolong was thinking furiously. Historians mentioned that King Zhuangxiang died of illness three years after ascending the throne. But this is not true.
King Zhuangxiang is poisoned to death by Lu Buwei. Otherwise, he will not say these strange things to Xiao Pan.
How can he watch by the side as Lu Buwei carried out his murder plan?
His heart is beating even faster than ever.
He is really dumb and blindly believed history books and movies. He should have predicted this possibility.
If he told everything to King Zhuangxiang honestly, how will he think?
From his intimate relations.h.i.+p with King Zhuangxiang and Zhu Ji, they will believe what he says. Will history be changed?
Xiang Shaolong hardened his heart and decide to ignore all the consequences and save King Zhuangxiang’s life. Otherwise, he will be guilt-ridden.
At this very moment, an attendant ran in crying: "Crown Prince. The King has fainted at the rear pavilion."
Xiao Pan’s countenance changed immediately.
Xiang Shaolong’s limbs turned ice-cold. He knows that he is too late and cannot change the wheels of fortune.
Recalling the murderous look in Lu Buwei’s eyes, he realised that it was meant for King Zhuangxiang.
He lost again. But it was due to him being blinded by historical records.
Eight Imperial Physicians are trying their best to save King Zhuangxiang throughout the night. Despite regaining consciousness, he has lost the ability to speak. The Physicians concluded that he had a stroke.
Only Xiang Shaolong can see the pain and hatred in his eyes.
With his pulse becoming weaker and his heart stopping twice, he still managed to summon his adrenaline and continue fighting the devil trying to claim his soul
When Lu Buwei came before him, his eyes glowed with anger and his lips shook, being unable to say what is on his mind.
Zhu Ji was crying her eyes out. Thanks to a palace maid supporting her, she managed to remain standing.
Lady Xiuli and Prince Cheng Chongqiao cried hard as well. Lady Xiuli even fainted and was carried out.
Xiao Pan stood at the bedside and held tightly to King Zhuangxiang’s hands. Completely silent, he was amazingly composed.
Only Lu Buwei, Xiang Shaolong, Xu Xian, Lu Gong, Cai Ze, Du Bi and other important officials are allowed to enter his bedroom. The other officials are waiting for the latest news outside the palace.
King Zhuangxiang suddenly pulled Xiao Pan’s hands away and pointed to Xiang Shaolong with much effort.
Lu Buwei’s eyes shone with anger and faced Xiang Shaolong, exclaiming: "Your Majesty wishes to see you!" He stood aside, leaving Xiao Pan alone by his bedside.
Xiang Shaolong was filled with regret and hatred. If he had thought of Lu Buwei’s plot to kill King Zhuangxiang, he will have exposed his scheme. Ultimately, he cannot win fate and lost by one stance.
He came to the bedside and kneeled down, grasping King Zhuangxiang’s hand tightly.
Straining hard, King Zhuangxiang focused his dimming eyes on his face, sending out a mixture of emotions, including anger, pain and a plea for help.
Among all those present, only Lu Buwei and Xiang Shaolong would understand his meaning. Although he did not know how Lu Buwei got King Zhuangxiang to consume the poison, it is possible that he poisoned him personally due to their close relations.
Therefore, after regaining consciousness, King Zhuangxiang knew that it was Lu Buwei who poisoned him but is unable to say so because the poison has caused him to become dumb.
Lu Buwei’s relative Mo Ao is truly a poisons expert. None of the Imperial Physician could detect the presence of poison.
Holding onto King Zhuangxiang’s trembling hands, Xiang Shaolong could not stop his tears from coming out.
Even Xiao Pan who was expressionless all this while suddenly kneeled down and starting crying loudly.
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