Love at First Sight Chapter 57 I Still Can't Rest Easy About You

The crackling of firecrackers bid farewell to the old year, waves of fireworks celebrated reunion, every household was adorned with lanterns and festoons, trees ablaze with lights illuminated the night as if it were day, and laughter blossomed across thousands of homes. The entire realm of the Tianshun Dynasty was immersed in peace and joy. Only the palace banquet on this festive New Year's Eve was interrupted, forced to end abruptly due to the sudden appearance of an assassin.

The imperial physician summoned to attend to Zun You was Physician Lu, the chief of the Court of Imperial Physicians, accompanied by Physician Hu. The dart lodged in Zun You’s back had been safely removed, and the physicians applied a potent hemostatic powder before bandaging the wound. Wen Yueqing had been at his side throughout, tending to him with quiet care. Seeing that he was out of danger, she finally allowed herself to relax a little.

“Your Majesty, the assassin dared attack You’er so brazenly. Please, you must investigate thoroughly and seek justice for my child,” Consort Lu, handkerchief in hand, dabbed at the tears gathering at the corners of her eyes.

“Rest assured, I have already sent men to search the palace. The assassin will be caught,” the emperor consoled her.

“Your Majesty, Sister Lu, the Third Prince’s injury is the most urgent matter. You’er, how are you feeling?” the empress asked, her face etched with concern.

“Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty,” Zun You replied promptly. “I am fine.”

“How could you say you’re fine? You lost so much blood just now! Whoever dared to harm you, I’ll see them torn limb from limb!” Consort Lu exclaimed, voice trembling with rage.

“I will give you both an answer,” the emperor said, a rare sternness in his tone. He had never seen Consort Lu so distraught; clearly, her anger was genuine.

Zun You turned to the emperor and said, “Father, I struck the assassin’s left shoulder deeply. If he’s within the palace, a search will surely uncover him.”

“Very well. I’ll have them investigate immediately.” The emperor gave his orders: “Li Yuan, inform the guards—bring before me anyone with a wound on their left shoulder.”

“Father, it’s late. If there’s nothing else, may I return to my residence and rest?” Zun You, weary from the ordeal, longed for his bed.

“Very well, take care and recover. Once the assassin is found, I’ll summon you to identify him,” the emperor said, his eyes full of fatherly concern.

“Physician Hu, you are to accompany the Third Prince back to his residence and tend to him,” Consort Lu instructed.

“Yes, Your Ladyship. I shall care for His Highness with utmost devotion until he is fully recovered,” Physician Hu replied, bowing deeply.

Elsewhere in a secluded corner of the palace, the man in black had already changed into a eunuch’s uniform.

“You’ve done well. Here is your payment. Mind your tongue—your siblings are all in our hands.” Another eunuch, his voice cold, handed him a stack of silver notes.

“Don’t worry, I won’t breathe a word,” the man replied, pocketing the money and turning to leave.

“Hmph, you won’t have the chance.” Suddenly, the eunuch seized him from behind, tightening a cord around his throat with all his strength until the man collapsed lifeless to the ground, eyes wide open in a final, unyielding stare.

Once he was certain the man was dead, the eunuch stripped him of the black clothing, dragged the corpse to a secluded spot, and hidden it beneath a pile of branches—undetectable to any but the most careful observer. With everything in place, he returned to Yongning Palace.

Inside the main hall, Consort Changjing sat with her head resting on her hand, the exhaustion of a sleepless night etched onto her pale face.

“Is it done?” she asked quietly.

“It is, Your Ladyship. The cold weather will preserve the body for some time,” her trusted eunuch, Changxi, replied in a low voice.

“Well done. Now we wait. When the time is right, we’ll present the empress with a double helping of misfortune—let’s see if she can still manage a smile,” Consort Changjing laughed heartily, pride swelling in her chest at her son’s cunning and bravery.

“Your Ladyship, perhaps you should rest now. Tomorrow is New Year’s Day,” Changxi suggested, bowing.

“Yes, I suppose I will. This new year is off to a most satisfying start,” she said, allowing her personal maid to help her to her chambers.

By the time Zun You and his companions returned to the prince’s residence, it was already deep into the night.

“Your Highness, please, take it slowly,” Wen Yueqing and Liu Yi stood on either side, ready to support him.

Zun You waved them off with a smile. “I can walk on my own—you needn’t treat me like an old man who can barely move.”

At this, Liu Yi let go and fell in step behind his master, but Wen Yueqing stubbornly held onto his arm. “I want to help you,” she said, determined.

Hearing this, Zun You felt a warmth in his heart, though he grumbled, “Be gentle—my right arm is injured.”

She immediately apologized, worried she had hurt him. “I’m sorry, I forgot.”

With that, she skipped to his left side and gently took his other arm. “Let me help from this side.”

“That’s better,” Zun You said, flashing a satisfied smile.

Once back in his room, he did not immediately go to bed. Instead, he said to Liu Yi, “Go to the kitchen and have them prepare a good meal.”

“Of course, Your Highness. Is there anything in particular you’d like? I’ll have them make it,” Liu Yi replied, knowing his master had barely eaten at the banquet.

“Prepare a feast as we do for festivals—make it plentiful. And add three spicy dishes,” Zun You instructed, thinking of Wen Yueqing, whose appetite for spicy food he remembered well. His little Yue’er hadn’t eaten her fill tonight.

Liu Yi frowned, concerned. “Your Highness, you’re injured. The physician advised a light diet—spicy foods are best avoided.”

“I know, I’ll be careful. Just do as I say,” Zun You said, waving him off with a smile.

Meanwhile, Wen Yueqing was in her room changing clothes. Tong’er noticed the bloodstains and grew anxious.

She hurried over to help her undress. “Sister Qing, are you hurt? Why is there blood?”

“No, I’m fine. His Highness was injured,” Wen Yueqing sighed.

Tong’er’s eyes widened. “How did that happen? Weren’t you at the palace banquet?”

“Yes. There was an assassin who tried to kill him. Thankfully he’s all right, or I’d never forgive myself,” Wen Yueqing replied. She was right—if not for her, Zun You wouldn’t have gone to the side hall, nor would he have been injured saving her.

Tong’er covered her mouth in shock. “Heavens, how could this happen?” She was still young and always thought the palace must be the safest place in the world, guarded by so many imperial guards. She could hardly believe an assassin had managed to attack a prince there.

“I should go check on him. I’ll come back after he falls asleep,” Wen Yueqing said, having changed her clothes and heading to Zun You’s room.

“You’re quick—I was just about to send for you,” Zun You greeted her with a smile.

“I couldn’t rest until I saw you. Why aren’t you sleeping yet?” she asked, her voice full of concern.