Chapter Forty-Two: The Emperor Awakens

Staring at the elderly official who claimed to be the Minister of Works, Zhu Hao was seething with rage. Not only had the man defied the imperial decree, but he was also inciting the rest of the officials to follow his lead. Fortunately, most of them were still hesitating and did not join him. As the old official drew nearer and nearer to the gates of the royal hunting ground, Zhu Hao maintained a cold expression and said nothing. Hua Rong too made no move to stop the man. The officials, seeing this, began to think that Zhu Hao's earlier threat was merely a bluff, and some grew eager to try their luck. Just as the old official took a step beyond the threshold of the royal hunting ground, a sharp whistle cut through the air—a feathered arrow pierced the old man's back, bursting from his chest. He collapsed wordlessly, straight into a pool of blood. The gathered officials were struck with terror, each regretting in their hearts that they had not chosen to leave and report the matter when the first and second decrees were issued.

The arrow that killed the old official had, of course, come from Hua Rong's hand. After the deed was done, Hua Rong bowed deeply to Zhu Hao and declared, "By command of Your Highness, I have slain one who dared to trespass. I await Your Highness's further instructions!"

Zhu Hao did not spare a glance for the corpse lying in blood but instead looked approvingly at Hua Rong. "Well done, Guard Hua. I was not mistaken about you. The military order is as unyielding as a mountain—it should always be thus! When my father awakens, I shall see to it that you are justly rewarded!"

After the old official's death, some mourned, some trembled with fear, and a few even muttered curses against Zhu Hao under their breath. Yet none dared attempt escape, for the grisly example was plain before their eyes. Their only thought now was to bide their time and, when the Emperor awoke, to collectively accuse Zhu Hao of his crimes. For now, they could only endure in silence.

Once the officials had quieted down, Zhu Hao found it unnecessary to kill again. After all, what he most desired was to see this crisis safely through.

About an hour passed before the official who had been dispatched for the imperial physicians returned, bringing with him a group of them. Zhu Hao hurriedly urged the physicians to examine his father, Zhu Changluo. The physicians knew well that a fall from a horse and subsequent coma was no trivial matter, and so they advanced with the utmost caution to check the Emperor's condition. Zhu Hao stood quietly aside, awaiting their diagnosis, while Zhu Youxiao, his elder brother, with swollen, red eyes, anxiously pressed the physicians for news. Fearing his brother's agitation would interfere with the doctors' work, Zhu Hao gently pulled him aside, saying, "Elder brother, let us calm ourselves. When the imperial physicians are done, they'll give us their verdict. We mustn't keep disturbing them, or we risk hindering Father's treatment and will get no answer at all."

Zhu Youxiao nodded, "You're right, brother. I was just too anxious."

A short while later, after some discussion, one of the physicians, an elderly man with a snowy beard, stepped forward and bowed. "Your Highness the Crown Prince, Fifth Prince, His Majesty's life is not in danger. When he fell from his horse, the shock caused him to lose consciousness, but he may be awakened by acupuncture."

Zhu Youxiao looked to Zhu Hao, leaving the decision to him. Zhu Hao asked the physician, "Is there any risk to using acupuncture?"

The physician replied, "Your Highness, acupuncture itself poses little danger, but since it stimulates the body's reserves, it may have some effect on His Majesty's lifespan. That is why I dared not act without your instruction."

Zhu Hao's face grew grave. "If we do nothing, is there a chance my father will awaken on his own?"

The physician hesitated, then answered, "Your Highness, His Majesty's breath was blocked by the shock and violent jolt. Without intervention, it will be very difficult for him to recover consciousness on his own. If too much time passes, his life may even be in jeopardy."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Hao immediately commanded, "Begin the acupuncture at once! Whatever happens, I alone will bear the consequences. Save my father, quickly!"

Zhu Youxiao tugged at Zhu Hao's sleeve. "Brother, perhaps we should consider this more carefully. If this could shorten Father's life, shouldn't we first send word to Mother in the palace and wait for her reply?"

Zhu Hao did not heed his suggestion but stared pointedly at the physician. "Did you not hear my order? Begin the acupuncture at once!"

The physician kowtowed in admiration. "Your Highness is so decisive—this lowly servant is deeply impressed. I obey!"

As the physician prepared the needles and began to treat their father, Zhu Hao turned to see the resentment on Zhu Youxiao's face—clearly, his elder brother was upset that Zhu Hao had not taken his advice. Remembering the importance of their relationship, Zhu Hao spoke gently, "Brother, you heard what the imperial physician said. If we delay, Father's life could be at risk, and if we do not act, it is unlikely he will wake on his own. This is the only course left to us. I hope you understand my decision."

Zhu Youxiao sighed, "Brother, even in my confusion, I know you made the best choice for Father. But such a weighty matter—deciding without consulting Mother—the Empress will certainly blame us when she hears. My suggestion was only for your own good."

Zhu Hao grasped his brother's hand. "As long as you don't blame me. If the Empress seeks to punish someone, let her come to me. This was my decision alone."

No sooner had Zhu Hao spoken than Zhu Youxiao's face darkened. "What are you saying? Father was gravely injured, and both of us were present. The decision was made together. Are you belittling your elder brother, thinking me a man without responsibility?"

Zhu Hao was deeply moved by his brother's words. He understood that Zhu Youxiao was not truly angry, but wished to share the blame for "shortening their father's lifespan" as a way of protecting Zhu Hao. If the Empress knew the Crown Prince had been involved, she would not dare use the incident to attack Zhu Hao, lest her own son be implicated.

Feeling a lump in his throat, Zhu Hao clutched his brother's hand. "Brother..."

Before he could say more, Zhu Youxiao interrupted, "Say no more. Father is yours as much as mine. How could I, out of fear of Mother's wrath, neglect Father's safety? If I did, how could I call myself a son? And if, after you shielded me in this crisis, I then abandoned you for fear of punishment, how could I call myself a brother?"

Moved by his brother's heartfelt words, Zhu Hao embraced him tightly, saying nothing. Their tender moment was suddenly interrupted by a hoarse cry: "The pain is unbearable!"

Both brothers rushed to their father's bedside, crying "Father!" Zhu Changluo, seeing his two sons, tears glistening in his eyes, managed a loving smile. "I am all right. You are both grown men now—why do you still weep? Remember, the men of the Zhu family may bleed, but never shed tears!"

The two brothers hastily wiped their eyes. "Yes, Father. Your sons obey."

Zhu Changluo nodded approvingly, affectionately patting their heads. "Good, good. That is what I expect from my sons."

Turning to the imperial physicians, he said, "You have revived me—your service is great. When my health is restored, you shall be richly rewarded. Now, you may withdraw."

The physicians bowed in gratitude and left the tent.

With only the three of them remaining, and the senior officials who had previously been present now placed under guard by command of Zhu Hao, who had ordered the imperial guards to watch them, Zhu Hao turned to Zhu Changluo. For the moment, he abandoned his pretense of being a withdrawn youth and spoke up, "Father, I find your fall from the horse exceedingly suspicious. The imperial steeds are carefully tended and have never caused such an accident. I have had all the accompanying officials placed under guard, awaiting your judgment."

At Zhu Hao's words, the affection vanished from Zhu Changluo's face, replaced by a look of panic. His cheeks flushed, and he was seized by a violent fit of coughing.

Alarmed, Zhu Hao and Zhu Youxiao hastened to comfort him. "Father, please calm yourself—you must take care of your health!"

After some effort, Zhu Changluo regained control but furiously pointed at Zhu Hao, shouting, "You unfilial son! Who gave you the right to imprison the officials of the court? What audacity! You will be the death of me!"

Zhu Hao had never expected his father's fury to be provoked by his efforts to investigate the truth behind the incident. Though he could not see where he had erred, he did not wish to anger his father further and promptly kowtowed. "Father, please calm your anger. I know I was wrong. I will order the officials released at once, but please consider—they are all suspects in the plot against you! If they are freed, the truth may never be found. I beg you to think twice!"