441 Tolerance
He didn't know if she was sympathetic or—if she liked him.
Su Xiaolu's tolerance actually made him vaguely feel that the unfair balance was leaning towards him.
This was not the first time he had such thoughts. Zhou Zhi thought absent-mindedly.
He was sixteen years old. He could not help but ask himself why he had approached Su Xiaolu so many times.
Did he want to snatch everything that belonged to Zhou Heng? Or was it something else?
Zhou Zhi did not dare to think too much about it. So what if he really liked her? Su Xiaolu was healthy and lively. How could she like a disabled person like him?
Zhou Zhi pinched his nose and his mood visibly decreased. His eyes were gloomy.
After a long time, he smiled coldly and whispered, "I'm already so dirty. So what if I'm a little nasty?"
As long as she didn't know for the rest of her life.
—-
In the blink of an eye, it was March 14th. Tomorrow was the day of the palace examination.
Wei Ling had yet to see the emperor. Every time she requested, Zhou Zhao had all kinds of reasons to reject her. He even ordered the imperial physician to take a look at her body.
If Wei Ling could not see him, she would not be able to tell him about finding the Eldest Prince. She would not be able to say that Zhou Heng was already dead and that a fake Zhou Heng would replace Zhou Heng.
Wei Ling had no choice but to spread the news to Wei Guangrong and ask him to think of a way.
Zhou Zhi didn't listen to her anymore. She called him over but he didn't come. She actually couldn't do anything to Zhou Zhi, who had started to disobey her.
She could only rely her hopes on her father to reveal the truth so that the Emperor would not be deceived.
When Wei Guangrong received the news, his expression darkened.
"Father, why doesn't His Majesty want to see my sister?"
Wei Xiaotian couldn't understand this. The emperor didn't have deep feelings for the empress, but he had always given her enough respect. It was really strange that he didn't see her after so many requests.
"I don't understand this matter either. Recently, that person has also begun to disobey your sister. He refuses to enter the palace and refuses to stay for dinner. No matter how I look at it, this matter feels strange. Could it be that the emperor intends to support him as the heir?"
Wei Guangrong frowned as he made a guess. The guess in his heart made him tremble in fear.
Wei Xiaotian immediately disagreed. He said firmly, "That's impossible. Father, since ancient times, there has never been a precedent of a disabled prince as the heir. If the emperor chooses him, the officials won't agree. Even Taizong won't agree."
Zhou Zhi's crippled body meant that it was impossible for him to take the throne. At most, he would control the power and make the emperor his puppet. No one in the world would agree to him becoming the emperor himself.
Wei Guangrong frowned. "Father also knows that it's impossible, but these two things are strange. In the emperor's heart, he has always been very favored, and the power given to him is also great."
"If it were any other prince, he would have died long ago under such circumstances. However, not only is he alive, but he has also become powerful. It's impossible for him not to have the Emperor's love and protection."
Wei Guangrong sighed, feeling anxious. At the moment, he did not dare to do anything.
"Father, the palace examination is tomorrow. That's his best chance to face the officials and the emperor."
Wei Xiaotian said solemnly. That day, he did not succeed. Zhou Heng was chosen to participate in the palace examination. It was a good opportunity for him to face the officials and the emperor.
"Tomorrow. We'll talk about it tomorrow."
Wei Guangrong was extremely frustrated. Things were far beyond his control, but he could not believe that Zhou Heng was real.
However, the outcome of this matter was not something he could predict or control.
"Father, if Zhou Heng recovers his identity as the eldest prince, it will be very disadvantageous to us."
The two princes had become enemies with them. If Zhou Heng became the emperor in the end, the Wei family would be in trouble.
"I know. If I can't stop it, I can only let your sister raise another prince as soon as possible. Even if he regains his identity, it won't be easy for him to become the Crown Prince."
Wei Guangrong's eyes darkened. How could he not know that if Zhou Zhi or Zhou Heng succeeded to the throne, the Wei family would be in trouble? Therefore, the Wei family could not support them. Instead, they had to choose another prince.
In the next ten years, they would support a prince with the potential to fight for the throne.
"Father is right."
Wei Xiaotian lowered his eyes and agreed. It was fine as long as his father had his own plans.
The father and son had a lot on their minds, but they couldn't think of a better way to resolve their worries.
—-
In the Grand General's residence.
The meal tonight was sumptuous. General Qi raised his wine glass and said, "Tomorrow, I wish the two of you a successful victory."
"Okay."
Su Hua smiled.
The few of them smiled similarly and finished the wine in their glasses.
Madam Zhao's gaze was gentle. Her wish had never changed. She did not value money and power. She only wanted the children to be safe and sound.
After dinner, they rested.
Su Chong, Su Hua, and Zhou Heng gathered in a room.
"I won't be able to enter the palace tomorrow. You can only rely on yourselves."
Su Chong said helplessly. His knowledge stopped here. He was already prepared to transfer to the martial arts examination in the second half of the year.
His literacy was enough for him to be a wise person. In fact, what he loved more was martial arts.
After getting to know Qi Xingfeng, he already had a direction for the future. He wanted to practice martial arts and go to the battlefield to protect his country like Qi Xingfeng.
"Brother, don't worry. It's safe in the palace."
Su Hua smiled and said that there were imperial guards in the palace, so it was impossible for assassins to appear.
He looked at Zhou Heng. Zhou Heng's eyes were firm as he smiled at him. He was fearless. He was already prepared.
Su Hua was relieved. As long as Zhou Heng could withstand it, it was fine. Clearly, he was prepared.
"Sigh, time really flies. In the blink of an eye, we've all grown up. Brother Hua, Brother Heng, I wish you all good results and get what you want."
This time, he could not move forward with them.
But this was a path that they would take sooner or later.
It would be the palace examination this time, and it would be something else in the future. No one could be together forever.
"Thank you, Big Brother."
Su Hua smiled gently. They had grown up and become sensible, but there were some things that could be understood without saying them out loud. He believed that this tacit understanding would never change in his life.
"Thank you, Chong, Hua. Thanks to you guys by my side."
Zhou Heng also smiled. Su Chong and Su Hua made him firmly believe that there was true kinship in this world. He believed that no matter how many years had passed, they would not lose these sincere feelings, and neither would he.
"Brother Heng, rest well. Although we grew up together, I still won't give in. I'll still do my best to be the top scorer."
Su Hua looked at Zhou Heng and smiled.
Zhou Heng also smiled. He cupped his hands like a scholar and said, "Likewise."
Zhou Heng was also very happy that they were magnanimous. They had studied hard for many years and tried their best to not waste their years of learning. That was the greatest respect for the other party. They were competitors and true brothers who valued each other more than anything.
442 Lucky
"Alright, I'll wait for you at home. I'll prepare a welcome banquet with Xiaoling, Xiaolu, and my parents."
Su Chong smiled and said that although he couldn't go, he and the family could prepare a welcome banquet at home and wait for their triumphant return.
Although there would be no bloodshed in the palace examination tomorrow, it was enough to make people lose their minds.
They smiled at each other.
Su Chong and Su Hua also returned to their rooms to rest. Their rooms were just next door.
Zhou Heng lay on the bed with a smile on his lips. Spring had passed and autumn had come. For nearly ten years, thousands of days and nights, they had accompanied him. No matter where his future path led, he would always be grateful.
He would never forget being loved and protected by the Su family in the past.
On the other side, Su Xiaolu and Su Xiaoling were snuggling together.
Su Xiaoling could not sleep for a long time. She was worried.
She quietly patted Su Xiaolu and coaxed her to sleep.
Su Xiaolu's favorite sister had something on her mind. How could she sleep peacefully?
Su Xiaolu said, "Sis, do you want to enter the palace tomorrow?"
Su Xiaoling was stunned. "Xiaolu, how can we get in?"
They didn't have official positions either. It wasn't that easy for them to enter the palace.
Su Xiaolu smiled and said, "I have a way. My master also has connections in the palace. We'll just wait at the Imperial Hospital tomorrow. When everything goes smoothly in the hall, we'll go to the hall together."
Su Xiaoling was a little happy. "Xiaolu, will this cause you trouble?"
She wanted to go, but she was also worried that this would cause trouble for Su Xiaolu.
In her memory, Old Wu was an old man who hated trouble. The palace was complicated, and Old Wu didn't want to go at all.
"Don't worry. I'm different from my Master. Master likes peace and quiet. I like liveliness."
Su Xiaolu smiled and said that Old Wu was anti-social, but she was not.
Su Xiaoling was sentimental. In her heart, her family had always been the first priority. She rarely thought for herself. When she encountered something, she would think for her family first. It would be strange if she didn't love such a good sister.
Holding Su Xiaoling's arm, Su Xiaolu said seriously, "Sis, I'm different from Master. Master only has me as his disciple, but I'll take in many disciples in the future. I hope that my medical skills can be passed down more. This way, I can save more people."
Being a doctor was also a form of accumulation of virtue.
She loved ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners. She also hoped that Chinese medicine could be carried forward and passed down forever. This was left behind by her ancestors thousands of years ago and should not be buried.
"Xiaolu, I don't understand those big ambitions. I just hope that what you do is what you like. That's enough."
Su Xiaoling smiled. She had really been proud of her sister all her life and believed in her all her life.
"I will. Everything I do in the future will be what I like."
Su Xiaolu smiled and said. The heavens had given her the Space and allowed her to retain the memories of her previous life. How could she let them down?
She wanted to live a carefree and unrestrained life.
However, in these few years, she would only stay by her family's side.
Just like a little bird, she would not leave her nest until she grew up.
"Thank you, Xiaolu. Sleep in peace."
Su Xiaoling patted Su Xiaolu's shoulder gently.
She believed everything Su Xiaolu said. After having her in the family, everything was a miracle in her heart.
Su Xiaolu nodded and fell asleep in peace.
Su Xiaoling was no longer worried. She thought to herself that this time, there would be another miracle.
Because Zhou Heng was also protected by Su Xiaolu.
Her parents did not seem to notice this secret, nor did her two brothers, but she did. Ever since they were young, as long as it was related to Su Xiaolu, everything would become lucky.
Su Xiaoling smiled slightly. Her firm beliefs when she was young would not go wrong. Her fourth sister was a fairy from the heavens. She brought good luck to her family and let them all live happily.
Su Xiaolu fell asleep. As usual, Su Xiaoling quietly kissed her cheek and fell asleep in peace.
March 15th.
On the day of the palace selection, the students who were selected rushed to the palace gate to enter the palace.
Su Hua and Zhou Heng also entered the palace early.
Su Xiaolu was about to bring Su Xiaoling out. Su Sanlang, Madam Zhao, Father Qi, and Mother Qi knew about it, so they only told them to be careful.
Su Chong sent them to the door.
Su Xiaolu and Su Xiaoling got into the carriage and asked the driver to go straight to the palace gate.
There were a total of four entrances and exits in the palace, which were divided into north, south, east, and west.
The north gate was closest to the Imperial Hospital.
Su Xiaolu sent in Minggu's identity card and waited outside with Su Xiaoling.
Not long after, a white-haired old man rushed over. Behind him were a few imperial physicians in official uniforms. They shouted anxiously, "Master, slow down..."
Qin Shoucheng didn't slow down at all. "What do you know? Divine doctor Wu, divine doctor Wu is here. This identity token can't be wrong."
After rushing to the north gate, Qin Shoucheng looked around and finally saw Su Xiaolu and Su Xiaoling.
"Girl, did you see an old man just now?"
Before Qin Shoucheng could ask, the disciple behind him asked Su Xiaoling and Su Xiaolu.
"Imperial Physician Qin, my Master didn't come to the capital. I'm the one who came."
Su Xiaolu cupped her hands and went forward to retrieve her identity token from Qin Shoucheng.
"Are you... the little divine doctor?"
Qin Shoucheng rubbed his eyes. He was really afraid that his eyes were playing tricks on him because of his old age. He was afraid that his joy would be for nothing.
He had been worried to death recently.
"Yes, but my surname is Su. Just call me Miss Su."
She was still not used to being called the little divine doctor.
"Master, could these two girls be liars—"
Qin Shoucheng's disciples muttered softly. They had studied medicine for decades. Could it be that they were inferior to a little girl? Could she become a divine doctor at such a young age? Why did it seem a little fake?
"Miss—Miss Su, don't mind them. These disciples of mine are arrogant and have never seen the divine doctor's ability. I hope you can guide them when the time comes. Miss Su, I welcome you to the Imperial Hospital. Please come in."
Qin Shoucheng smiled and made a polite gesture.
The young lady looked much cuter than the old man. Such a good-looking young lady must be beautiful and kind.
Qin Shoucheng was like a sly old fox. Su Xiaolu also smiled and said, "It's okay. We're all doctors. We should discuss and improve together."
Su Xiaolu was generous with her discussion, making Qin Shoucheng shocked and overjoyed. He immediately smiled and said, "Miss Su, please come in."
He really wanted to lock the little girl up and discuss medical techniques for ten days and ten nights. It would be best if he could learn everything the little girl had learned.
"Miss Su, you're from Minggu, so your medical skills must be extraordinary. Coincidentally, our Imperial Hospital has a special illness that we need to consult. Miss Su, please give us some pointers."
A little disciple behind Qin Shoucheng caught Qin Shoucheng's gaze and immediately cupped his hands at Su Xiaolu. He spoke coldly and arrogantly. It was obvious that he was not convinced.
"Sure."
Su Xiaolu agreed with a smile. She understood. They were provoking her.
443 Palace examination
Although it was a provocation, she was willing to take the bait.
She still needed to train more. She was also very interested in the strange illness. The stranger it was, the better.
Su Xiaolu and Su Xiaoling followed him to the Imperial Hospital.
Qin Shoucheng quickly presented the case. Su Xiaolu read it.
It was recorded that the patient had no pain in the limbs, and their pulse was strong and normal. They emitted a foul smell from the armpits, which was like a fox's. It was called the fox's stench. No medicine could cure it completely, and the stench was difficult to hide. If the illness was serious, ordinary people could not get close to the patient. Even sachets and medicinal baths were useless. Although it did not harm one's life, it was very troublesome.
Qin Shoucheng coughed lightly and said, "Miss Su, actually, the person who has this illness is in the capital. She's a princess and has been troubled by this for many years. She has also asked your Master for help, but she didn't get to see him. Now that she's married and has children, her daughter also has a strange smell on her body. The Imperial Hospital has been troubled by this for many years. If Miss Su is willing to treat the mother and daughter, she will definitely thank you heavily."
"At best, it won't hurt or itch. Even if it's not treated, it won't do anything. But at worst, the smell will be despised and hated by others. The strange smell on her body will cause her to be hated and ostracized by children of her age. It will be difficult for her to have a close friend in her life."
Qin Shoucheng sighed. As a woman, having such a strange smell on her and being a member of the royal family had a huge impact. Even the prince's daughter would be despised and mocked.
And this could not be treated for the rest of her life.
"Master, we've been researching for many years without any results. Even the divine doctor probably can't do anything about this natural thing."
Qin Shoucheng's disciple looked at Su Xiaolu and said to Qin Shoucheng.
Qin Shoucheng looked at Su Xiaolu and touched his nose. "Miss Su, are you interested in taking a look at this strange illness?"
Su Xiaolu nodded. "Sure, I'll take a look."
The fox's stench was actually not difficult to treat. It was an abnormality caused by excessive secretion of sweat glands. She just had to remove it.
However, in ancient times, such cases could not be cured.
No matter how good a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner was, they could not cure it completely.
Qin Shoucheng smiled and nodded repeatedly. "Okay, okay, okay. Thank you, Miss Su."
Su Xiaolu also smiled.
Su Xiaolu and Su Xiaoling were at the Imperial Hospital the entire morning.
Su Xiaolu discussed some difficult illnesses with Qin Shoucheng and the others. Not long after, the imperial physicians of the Imperial Hospital gathered to listen. Some even took notes.
At that moment, a palace servant rushed to the Imperial Hospital and shouted, "Attention, Imperial Hospital!"
The entire Imperial Hospital was shocked. What had happened?
The eunuch who came to publicize announced loudly, "The emperor's oral decree: tell all the imperial physicians in the Imperial Hospital to listen to the emperor's instructions in the hall."
Qin Shoucheng had been in the Imperial Hospital for a long time and had excellent medical skills. After the eunuch was summoned, he said respectfully to Qin Shoucheng, "Imperial Physician Qin, please go over quickly. Don't make the emperor wait. This matter concerns the eldest son of the imperial family."
Qin Shoucheng was shocked. "This... Thank you, Father-in-law. We'll be right there."
Qin Shoucheng felt uneasy when he suddenly summoned the entire Imperial Physician Palace.
He could not help but look at Su Xiaolu.
Su Xiaolu smiled. "Imperial Physician Qin, can I go? I'll just watch. I might be able to help."
Qin Shoucheng nodded with a smile. "I can't ask for more, Miss Su."
Su Xiaolu brought Su Xiaoling to the East Gate Hall with the entire Imperial Physician Hospital.
Along the way, the palace servants were extremely nervous when they saw the imperial guards.
In the hall, all the officials were solemn.
They did not even dare to discuss it. Who would dare to discuss the matters of the royal family?
The emperor had approved the palace examination essay and named him as one of the top three candidates. If something big happened and he pretended to be a prince, it would be a huge crime.
To check if the prince was real or fake, the entire court had to contribute.
Moreover, the empress and the Second Prince were at stake. One said that the Eldest Prince was dead, and the other said that the Prince was the one who had been appointed by the King. Who was telling the truth? The Queen and even the Wei Family were arguing with the Second Prince. The King was so furious that he wanted to find out the truth. He was determined to find out who was telling the truth today.
Therefore, the entire Imperial Hospital was called.
When Su Xiaolu followed the Imperial Hospital into the hall, Zhou Zhi and Zhou Heng were kneeling in the middle of the hall.
On the high seat, the person in charge had a gloomy expression.
The empress, who was sitting below, was a little pale. However, she looked at Zhou Zhi and Zhou Heng below with unconcealable disgust and hatred.
The courtiers also lowered their eyes and kept quiet. Sigh—how could they have a say in this matter?
"Your Majesty, all the imperial physicians are here."
Eunuch Lian stepped forward and said softly to Zhou Zhao.
Zhou Zhao glanced at him and said coldly, "Listen up, the Imperial Hospital. Prepare a blood test immediately. I want to see if this Zhou Heng is the prince."
"The matter has become so complicated. I have to get to the bottom of it. Otherwise, I won't be able to give the world an explanation."
Zhou Zhao's cold voice swept across the hall, showing his authority.
The ministers shouted, "Your Majesty is wise."
At this time, no one could stop the emperor from finding out the truth.
Wei Guangrong also lowered his head with a dark expression. He didn't expect that even the dead Zhou Heng couldn't stop this from happening.
Zhou Heng had already been selected. He was smart and gifted, so it was impossible for him not to investigate this matter.
The current top scorer was actually testifying personally.
Wei Guangrong was terrified. He vaguely felt that what he had done previously was wrong, but he was unwilling to admit it. The more he thought about it, the colder his heart became.
If both the top scorer and the third scorer were the Second Prince's men, then the throne would be as easy for the Second Prince to get his hands on as getting something from his own pocket.
"Your Majesty, I'm telling the truth, and I'm not guilty. The Second Prince has proven my identity, and I'm not guilty. Please allow us to get up."
Zhou Heng could feel Zhou Zhi gradually weakening beside him. Ever since this scene started, Zhou Zhi had been kneeling. Kneeling on his legs was almost fatal. After such a long time, the color on his face was visibly turning pale.
For some reason, Zhou Heng felt his heart ache. This was his biological brother.
"Pretending to be a prince is a crime that cannot be forgiven even if you die ten thousand times. It's just kneeling for a while. What's wrong with that?"
Wei Ling said coldly. Her expression was cold. She didn't like the two people kneeling on the ground.
Because of Zhou Zhi, she looked at Zhou Heng with disgust.
A face that did not resemble her at all. How could he be her son? She would never allow him to pretend to be her son.
Zhou Heng looked straight at Wei Ling. His calm gaze made Wei Ling's heart tighten.
Zhou Heng said calmly, "Your Majesty, the matter hasn't come to an end. How can the Second Prince and I be charged? Even if I'm pretending to be a prince and I'm guilty, I should be the one who's guilty. The Second Prince is only being deceived by me."
444 Recovering His Identity
"Also, the Second Prince was born by the Queen, a child that you carried with you for ten months. This can't be wrong. The Second Prince is not in good health, so why don't you pity him? Your coldness makes me want to ask, are you really the Second Prince's biological mother?"
Zhou Heng looked at Wei Ling without avoiding her gaze.
How dare he question the empress?
But he couldn't stand it. He was too sad.
He did not understand. In his mother's heart, what were they?
Did his mother really like him only because she liked this child? Or perhaps, she liked that ridiculous possibility, that ridiculous prophecy.
This made Zhou Heng feel too painful. He was in pain and angry. Why did a mother not love her child? Why?
"How dare you! How dare you, you—"
Wei Ling was infuriated. The anger in her heart burned. She couldn't help but fly into a rage, but she was interrupted before she could finish speaking. The person who interrupted her was none other than the emperor, Zhou Zhao.
"Alright, stop shouting. It's so noisy."
Zhou Zhao interrupted Wei Ling and showed an impatient expression.
"Third scorer Zhou is right. The truth has not been found out. They are not guilty. Those who are not guilty do not need to kneel."
Zhou Zhao glanced at Zhou Heng and said. Then, he waved at Eunuch Lian, who was serving him. "Zhi'er is not in good health. He has been kneeling for so long and his face is pale. Bring a stool for him to sit down."
Wei Ling was speechless and immediately felt angry. The emperor had never embarrassed her in front of the courtiers. Now, he didn't give her any face in front of the courtiers. This was really hard for her to accept.
She clenched her fists tightly.
Zhou Zhao only frowned and didn't look at Wei Ling.
To be honest, he really didn't know what the empress was thinking. Master Kong Zhi wasn't a god. If he wanted to give a prophecy, so be it. He wasn't the heavens. He wasn't the one who could decide on anyone's fate.
Moreover, even if Kong Zhi was right, the empress should still love her children. She was a mother. In the palace, which concubine didn't protect her children? Who would care about some prophecy?
Now, his two sons were kneeling below. Although the two brothers did not have any similarities, their feelings and mannerisms could not be deceived. Even he could tell at a glance that they were his sons. Zhou Zhi and Zhou Heng's mannerisms were actually very similar. The difference was that Zhou Zhi had experienced the darkness and his eyes were no longer pure.
As for Zhou Heng, he did not experience the darkness in the palace. He still retained the innocence of a young man.
Even Zhou Heng, who was most likely to become enemies, cared about Zhou Zhi, but the empress did not have any sympathy at all. How could he not be disappointed in such a mother-son relationship?
Eunuch Lian brought over a soft stool.
Zhou Heng stood up and reached out to help Zhou Zhi. There was worry in his eyes. "Ah Zhi..."
Zhou Zhi looked at Zhou Heng and shook his head gently. "It's fine."
He was very cold. He only said two words before he stopped talking. He wanted to push Zhou Heng away, but he did not expect Zhou Heng to hold his arm steadily. Even so, it was still very difficult for him to take two steps.
A piercing pain came from his leg.
"Imperial physician, take a look at Zhi'er. Zhi'er is extremely intelligent and never disappoints me. Last year, he even contributed greatly to quelling the chaos in Jiang Lin and the plague in Furongzhou. I like him very much."
Zhou Zhao emphasized Zhou Zhi's contributions so that everyone could hear that he liked and valued this son very much.
Even if he could not give him the throne, he would not treat him badly.
The mutilation of Zhou Zhi's limbs could not hide his brilliance.
Qin Shoucheng took Zhou Zhi's pulse immediately.
"Imperial Physician Qin, I won't trouble you anymore. I'll trouble Miss Su instead."
Zhou Zhi looked at Qin Shoucheng and said.
Qin Shoucheng was surprised for a moment. Then, he smiled and said, "Your Highness is right. With the divine doctor around, I'm ashamed of my inferiority."
"Divine doctor?"
Zhou Zhao asked in surprise.
Qin Shoucheng nodded and replied, "Your Majesty, this Miss Su has received the teachings of a divine doctor from Minggu. She is very talented, and at such a young age, she is already very accomplished in medicine. From what the Second Prince said, he should already know Miss Su."
Zhou Zhi said slowly, "Father, Imperial Physician Qin is right. Miss Su and I are old friends. Last year, when Furongzhou was plagued, the person who developed the antidote was also Miss Su."
"Is that so? In that case, Miss Su is really a genius."
Zhou Zhao looked at Su Xiaolu and said.
Su Xiaolu went forward to take Zhou Zhi's pulse. She said confidently, "Your Majesty, you flatter me. I only studied medicine for the sake of money."
Zhou Zhao's interest was piqued. "Miss Su, you only learned the divine doctor's true teachings for money. Then I want to ask Miss Su to verify it. How much money do I have to pay?"
Su Xiaolu looked at Zhou Zhao and said calmly, "The emperor is a good emperor who serves the country and the people. I'm also a subject of the Great Zhou Dynasty. My family and friends are also protected by the Great Zhou Dynasty. If the emperor needs me, I should not take a single copper coin. However, I only study medicine for the money. If I don't take a single copper coin, I won't feel good, so I'll only take one copper coin."
Su Xiaolu was neither servile nor overbearing. She would not treat people for free, but like her Master, how much she accepted depended on her mood.
The little girl had her own pride. This was the same for everyone.
Zhou Zhao smiled and asked with interest, "What if I am not a good emperor? What would you do then?"
Zhou Zhao wanted to scare the little girl. He was the emperor.
He also wanted to see if the divine doctor of Minggu's disciple was still as unruly as before.
Su Xiaolu retracted her hand from taking Zhou Zhi's pulse and took out a medicine bottle from her pocket. She gave it to Zhou Zhi and said, "Take one."
Then she cupped her hands at Zhou Zhao and said coldly, "If the Emperor is not a good Emperor, it will depend on how much Your Majesty can pay. If the consultation fee is enough to move me, I will save him. Even if he is a heinous person, I will still save him."
She wanted money. As long as he had enough money to buy his life, she would save anyone.
"Hahaha, as expected of Minggu's disciple."
Zhou Zhao laughed out loud. He thought that he could scare the little girl. He did not expect that even a little girl would remember the rules passed down in Minggu. To do things her own way and not fear the secular world was the inheritance of Minggu Medical Valley.
"Miss Su, I really have to ask you to verify it. Help me see if this Zhou Heng is my bloodline."
Zhou Zhao stopped smiling and became serious.
"Your Majesty, they are old friends. They—"
Wei Ling glared at Su Xiaolu.
Su Xiaolu looked at Wei Ling and interrupted her. "Her Majesty is right. I'm old friends with them. When I became my master's disciple, Zhou Heng's legs had yet to recover. I treated him myself and he witnessed the entire process of me becoming my master's disciple and learning medicine. I've been a disciple for many years, and my Master's whereabouts are uncertain. He didn't return to the capital and stayed at my house for nearly ten years."
"We're old friends. It doesn't mean that we'll commit this great crime because of him."
Su Xiaolu's words were irrefutable.
445 Recovering His Identity 2
So what if they were old friends? Did old friends have to commit crimes for him?
"What Miss Su said makes sense. Being old friends doesn't mean anything. Miss Su is the divine doctor's disciple. Calculating the years, I would only find it suspicious if she's not an old friend of his. Don't you think so, empress?"
Zhou Zhao said.
As soon as he spoke, Wei Ling swallowed her words silently. At this moment, it was inappropriate for her to say anything else. She lowered her eyes and said coldly, "Heng'er has been gone for many years. The situation is complicated now. I don't know anything."
She was unwilling to admit Zhou Heng just like that because in her eyes, Zhou Heng was Zhou Zhi's man.
The empress's attitude was cold. Zhou Zhao chuckled and said calmly, "The empress is right. This matter is complicated, so we need to find out more about it. My son can't be impersonated for no reason. The divine doctor is here today with the whole Imperial Hospital. I believe that we will find out the truth."
Wei Ling looked up at Zhou Zhao. She still wanted to retort.
However, Emperor Zhou Zhao did not look at her. Instead, he turned to Qin Shoucheng and the other imperial physicians and instructed, "There's no time to lose. Prepare to investigate immediately. Imperial Physician Qin, prepare a test. Miss Su, prepare a test too. This way, all the officials can see clearly. No matter what you do, I hope that you will personally prepare it. Don't let anyone else handle any steps."
"Yes."
Qin Shoucheng and the imperial physician immediately prepared the blood test.
Su Xiaolu went too.
The blood test was done using two bowls of clear water.
Zhou Heng reached out and did not even blink when his finger was pricked.
Wei Ling didn't move. She was obviously unwilling to do this test.
Zhou Zhao saw this and did not say anything. He stood up and walked down. "Let's do it. I'm not afraid of pain. Miss Su can also take my pulse and see if there's anything wrong with my body."
Su Xiaolu nodded.
As the blood dripped into the bowl, the two drops of blood gradually melted into one.
It was the same for Qin Shoucheng.
Zhou Zhao looked at Su Xiaolu and Qin Shoucheng and asked, "What does this mean?"
Qin Shoucheng lowered his head and replied, "Your Majesty, the blood has fused. This means that Your Majesty and Second scorer Zhou are father and son. Third scorer Zhou is the eldest prince who has been away for many years. Congratulations, Your Majesty."
"That's impossible. He doesn't look like us at all. They were twins back then. How can they not look alike now?"
Wei Ling did not want to believe this result. She looked straight at Zhou Heng.
She did not want to believe it. If it was true, why was Zhou Heng so close to that demon? Why was this happening?
So this must be fake.
Zhou Zhao frowned. "Empress, Heng'er explained that in order to escape the pursuit of the remnants of the previous dynasty, divine doctor Wu helped him change his appearance. That's why his current appearance is not similar to Zhi'er at all."
"Take a good look at Heng'er. The two brothers don't look alike, but look at their eyes. How similar are their eyes? And now that the little divine doctor's results are identical to the Imperial Hospital, it means that this is the truth."
Zhou Zhao's tone became sharper.
It wasn't a good thing for Wei Ling to keep questioning him.
Seeing that the emperor was already angry, Wei Guangrong immediately shouted, "Congratulations to the emperor. Congratulations to the emperor. The eldest prince is smart. He actually obtained the title of the third scorer as a commoner. It's really admirable. Looking at the entire world in the past, which country's prince can compare to our eldest prince? I hereby congratulate the emperor and welcome the eldest prince back to the capital."
Wei Guangrong's words caused a commotion among the officials.
They all echoed, "Congratulations, Your Majesty."
The situation was set. Wei Guangrong also signaled Wei Ling with his eyes to stop talking.
The emperor's intention was to admit Zhou Heng's identity. Under the witness of the ministers, he had also dripped his blood to verify his identity. If the empress questioned him again, not only would she not be able to change the outcome, but she would also completely lose her favor.
The officials congratulated him. Zhou Zhao was in a good mood. He laughed happily and said, "Good, good, good. Dear ministers, please get up quickly. Today is a good day. The top three this year are all young and promising talents. The third scorer is even my eldest son. According to the customs of the common people, this is bringing honor to our ancestors."
third"Three days later, on the same day of the Top Three Patrol, all the officials and I will offer sacrifices to our ancestors to comfort the spirits of our ancestors. We will also let the world know that this year's third scorer is the eldest prince of our dynasty. I have to praise the Second Prince. I will remember everything he has done for the people in the past few years. I have been waiting for a suitable opportunity to praise him. I'm afraid we won't be able to encounter such a good day as today again. Therefore, I have decided to confer the title of the Second Prince, Zhou Zhi, as the first prince among all the princes. I will give him a clear title and reduce the taxes this year by 10% so that the entire Great Zhou will celebrate with me."
Zhou Zhao was excited. He wanted to announce to the world that the eldest prince of the Great Zhou Dynasty had returned. He had even participated in the imperial examination as a commoner and obtained the title of the third scorer.
Zhou Heng deserved to be called a third scorer.
The ministers responded one after another. Everyone's faces were filled with joy.
Su Xiaolu also smiled, happy for Zhou Heng.
He had finally regained his identity.
Zhou Heng's expression was calm. He knelt down and thanked him loudly, "Thank you, Father."
Zhou Zhi also wanted to get up.
However, Zhou Zhao spoke first. "Zhi'er, just sit there and give your thanks. From now on, you will be the Wisdom King. I hope that you can continue to be clear-headed and be a sensible Wisdom King."
Zhou Zhi was intelligent and scheming. He knew the human heart very well. He was actually more suitable to be the emperor, but his body was incomplete and he was destined to have no fate with the throne. Zhou Zhao did not know if Zhou Zhi would have the intention to seize the throne in the future, so he gave him the "Wisdom" title, hoping that he would remember the origin of this word.
Zhou Zhi cupped his hands and thanked him without changing his expression. "I will follow Father's orders. Thank you, Father."
Zhou Heng glanced at Zhou Zhi. His thoughts raced. He had not lied to him.
He had said before that if he helped him recover his identity, the reward he would get would be the title of a king.
Today, even if Zhou Zhi was kneeling, he could refute all of Wei Guangrong's doubts one by one. In the end, Wei Guangrong had nothing to say.
Even if the Wei family told him about the dead Zhou Heng, they could not stop Zhou Zhi from helping him recover his identity.
"Alright, this year's imperial examination has also ended perfectly. My beloved ministers are tired. I'm also tired. Let's all go back. I want to enjoy the joy of father and son reuniting."
The matter had come to an end, the top three had been decided, and Zhou Zhao's anxious heart was relieved.
He looked at Zhou Heng and indeed had a lot to say.
If it was in the past, he would still keep the top three to talk with them. However, not today. He would talk with them in the future.
The Su family would be summoned sooner or later.
The ministers shouted in unison, "Goodbye, Your Majesty! Goodbye, Your Majesty! Goodbye, First Prince! Goodbye, Second Prince!"
446 Prestigious Top scorer
Even if Wei Ling was unwilling, she didn't dare to embarrass the emperor at this time.
Zhou Heng looked at Zhou Zhi worriedly. "Ah Zhi, can you still hold on?"
Zhou Zhi nodded lightly. It still hurt, but after taking the medicine Su Xiaolu gave him, he felt better.
Zhou Zhao revealed a gratified smile and said, "Heng'er cares about his brother. Not bad, not bad."
Zhou Heng knew that he would recover his identity from now on. He could return to being the real Zhou Heng. He was the crown prince and Zhou Zhi's elder brother. Even though Zhou Zhi was distant from him, he still firmly believed that he could feel it. Zhou Zhi was his biological younger brother. He hoped that he would be well.
Wei Ling gritted her teeth. She really couldn't squeeze out a smile. She couldn't even pretend.
After the empress and the two princes left, the officials also left.
Someone went forward to congratulate Su Hua and Liu Zijin. One of them was the current top scorer and the other was the second scorer. Moreover, they both knew the Crown Prince and would definitely be placed in an important position in the future.
Su Hua and Liu Zijin both had smiles on their faces as they handled the situation smoothly.
Su Xiaolu winked at Su Hua and left with Su Xiaoling and the Imperial Hospital.
On the way, Su Xiaoling held Su Xiaolu's arm and whispered, "Xiaolu, thank you."
Today, she could see Zhou Heng regain his place with her own eyes. She was very happy for her Brother Heng.
Su Xiaolu was also happy. Although this matter was complicated, it was finally over.
Su Xiaolu and Su Xiaoling left the palace and returned to the Qi Residence.
The Qi family had already received the news in advance.
Su Sanlang, Madam Zhao, and Su Chong were all very excited and happy. None of them had expected Su Hua to become the top scorer.
Liu Zijin was actually the second scorer while Zhou Heng was the third scorer.
Ever since Zhou Heng recovered his identity today, the days when he was called Zhou Heng had passed. From now on, he would be Crown Prince Zhou Heng.
"Xiaolu, Xiaoling, you all know, right?"
Madam Zhao's eyes were slightly red. Her personality was as usual. She would cry when she was sad and cry when she was happy. Therefore, when the good news came, she had already cried excitedly.
Su Xiaolu and Su Xiaoling clearly knew, but when she saw her two daughters, Madam Zhao could not help but ask them.
The two sisters went forward and hugged Madam Zhao. They said together, "Mother, we know."
"Father, mother, our second brother is the top scorer. He's so amazing."
Su Xiaolu smiled, her eyes curved into crescents.
She was really too proud. A top scorer only appeared once every three years. He was the only one among hundreds of thousands of students. The current top scorer was her second brother. She was really super happy.
"Father knows. Mother knows too. Father and Mother are proud of you all."
Su Sanlang's eyes also turned slightly red and he choked.
All of this made him find it unbelievable. Sometimes, he was really afraid that he would wake up and discover that it was just a beautiful dream. Many times, in his dreams, their family was still in that house. His two sons were bullied, and he and Madam Zhao would always have endless work to do.
Every time he woke up from a dream, he would touch his empty eye socket and hug Madam Zhao, who was not so thin and weak anymore. Only then would he know that all the luck in front of him was real.
"It's the same for me. I'm happy for you and proud of you too."
Madam Zhao also choked and said that every child of hers made her proud.
Everyone looked at each other and smiled.
General Qi looked at this scene in relief. He couldn't help but look at the sky. If his Yu'er was in heaven, she should be smiling now.
An hour later, Liu Zijin and Su Hua returned.
Liu Zijin said politely to General Qi and Father Qi, "Grand General, I came uninvited. I hope you won't blame me."
"No, no. You're the top scorer and the second scorer. Others can't invite you. It's troublesome outside. You can stay with me for as long as you want. I guarantee that no one will disturb you."
General Qi waved his hand generously. He was also very happy.
His great-grandson, Qi Xingzhi, needed the guidance of a scholar. Who was more suitable than the current top scorer and second scorer?
Other families could only dream of inviting them, and he did not even need to invite them for them to come. He would be happy even in his dreams.
"Brother Hua, Zijin, congratulations on your good achievements. By the way, why isn't Brother Heng here?"
Su Chong congratulated them and asked curiously.
In his heart, Zhou Heng would always be his younger brother.
Su Chong's question was also Su Sanlang and Madam Zhao's question.
Although Su Xiaoling did not ask, she was still worried.
Su Hua smiled and said, "Brother, Brother Heng is still in the palace. He's the current third scorer and the Crown Prince. He should be staying in the palace for the time being. He'll be very safe now. When he's free, I believe he'll come to see us."
According to their understanding, Zhou Heng would have said that he and Su Xiaoling were engaged. He had finally recovered his identity. He had Su Xiaoling in his heart. What his family had to do now was wait.
"I believe in Heng too."
Su Chong smiled and nodded.
The Su family believed this because Zhou Heng was their family member. They had long known Zhou Heng's character and temper.
At dinner, everyone was drunk.
Even Madam Zhao was drunk.
It was very safe in the general's residence because there were no young maidservants in the residence.
Liu Zijin, Su Chong, and Su Hua helped each other back to their rooms to rest.
Although Liu Zijin was drunk, he was very conscious. He even wrote a letter to the General's residence to help send it home.
He was waiting to patrol the streets in three days. After that, he would go home.
When the book was released, he was going to take office. At that time, he would be a father.
Liu Zijin looked at Su Chong and Su Hua and said with a smile, "Ah Chong, you can also write to the woman you like. Ah Hua, you're engaged. If you send a letter back now, your fiancée will be very happy."
"Believe me, any woman who receives such a letter will be happy for you."
As Liu Zijin put the letter into the envelope, she said with a smile. He could already imagine how happy Wang Huilan would be after receiving the letter.
Su Hua smiled and said, "Thank you for the reminder. I'll write a letter to Miss Sun too."
Sun Baoqian was his fiancée. They might get married this year, so it was not strange for him to write to her.
Su Hua also wrote a letter.
Su Chong scratched his head and said awkwardly, "I'm not engaged. I won't write. I'll go back to my room to sleep first."
After saying that, Su Chong returned to his room. He had just glanced at Liu Zijin's letter to Wang Huilan and felt that it was strange. Wouldn't she be vexed after reading such small things?
However, Liu Zijin's every sentence started with "Ah Lan".
Su Chong couldn't help but take out a pen and paper in the end. He wrote down everything that had happened since he entered the capital, including his lack of talent. After writing it down, he was very hesitant and conflicted. Should he send it or not?
Blushing, he snuck out the door. The reason he'd given himself was that he had a reason for doing such a thing when he was drunk and his mind wasn't clear. When he sobered up tomorrow, he wouldn't be able to find a reason.
447 Fulfilling the Promise
Su Chong handed the envelope to the messenger. He was afraid that he would snatch it back, so he left without looking back. He bought another bottle of wine and drank it. When he returned to the General's residence, his head was dizzy and he fell asleep.
—-
Zhou Heng lay in bed, staring at the gauze curtain above his head. It was already late at night, but he was not sleepy at all.
This place that should have been familiar to him now seemed unfamiliar.
He could not sleep for a long time. His mind was filled with what his father had said.
Father said, "Heng'er, you can always trust your brother. He never wanted to kill you and stop you from coming back. He was just young and angry. If your mother had any love for him, he wouldn't have done that."
"Heng'er, Zhi'er's health isn't too good. He doesn't have much time left. Your brotherhood is too short. Learn from Zhi'er during this period of time. Get used to it as soon as possible and take charge of the situation in the capital, understand?"
"When you and Zhi'er were born, Father dreamed of seeing two dragons descend into the world. If not for Kong Zhi's prophecy, the two of you would definitely not be ordinary. You should be two peerless talents of the Great Zhou."
"The heavens are always biased towards you. When you were young, you liked to smile, which made your mother even happier. Zhi'er was always careful and stubborn, but did you know? He's not interested in the throne. What he wants... I wonder who in this world can give it to him."
"Heng'er, it's not easy to become an emperor. In the future, you have to work harder than ordinary people. You have to have a deeper plan than ordinary people to stabilize the internal situation and calm the chaos outside."
His thoughts surged in his heart, and Zhou Heng felt his heart ache.
In just one day, he understood how heavy the burden on him was.
He had many things to do. He wanted to control the situation in the capital before Zhou Zhi collapsed and stabilize his identity.
Suddenly his world felt oppressive.
Perhaps it was because he had lived a peaceful and comfortable life for too long, so long that he had forgotten that he should have fallen into the mud of the capital.
Thinking about the future, his heart sank. He was confused, uneasy, terrified, and afraid.
The luxurious and comfortable palace was brightly lit, but he felt too cold. He missed that small hut, missed hearing Su Chong's snores at night, missed everything.
His lips curled into a self-deprecating smile.
Why was he like this? He clearly wanted to come back before.
Zhou Heng closed his eyes and tears fell from the corners of his eyes. He knew very well that the reason why he was sad was that he realized that everything he had once imagined did not exist. There was no uncle, grandfather, or mother who doted on him. Zhou Zhi did not have them, and neither did he.
Not everyone's parents in this world could be like Su Sanlang and Madam Zhao.
He did not sleep the entire night. When he woke up in the morning, palace servants came in to serve him.
They greeted respectfully, "Your Majesty, did you sleep well last night?"
Zhou Heng's expression was calm, and he only replied with a single word.
He was cold, and the palace servants could not figure out his preferences. They would only be more careful when serving him.
After he washed up, a palace servant came to pass the message that the emperor had invited him over for breakfast.
Zhou Heng went over. At this moment, the morning court assembly had already ended.
When Zhou Heng arrived, the emperor had yet to arrive. He sat and waited, watching the palace maids quietly prepare the food.
After a while, Zhou Zhao arrived. When he saw Zhou Heng, a smile appeared on his serious face. "Heng'er is here. Did you sleep well last night? Are you used to it?"
Zhou Heng nodded. "Thank you for your concern, Father. I slept well."
Zhou Zhao smiled and said, "You can still relax for two more days. After patrolling the streets, you'll have to attend morning court assembly too. Listen more and take a look. If you don't understand anything, ask Zhi'er."
Zhou Heng nodded. The father and son ate together. Zhou Zhao's expression was gentle, and Zhou Heng looked relaxed.
After breakfast.
Zhou Zhao said slowly, "Heng'er, visit your mother more when you're free. Spend more time with her when you're free."
Zhou Heng nodded. "I know."
Zhou Heng got up and knelt down. Zhou Zhao was puzzled. "Get up quickly. What are you doing?"
Zhou Heng looked at Zhou Zhao seriously and said, "Father, I have something to ask of you."
"What's the matter? Get up and talk."
Seeing how serious Zhou Heng was, Zhou Zhao was interested, but he still asked him to get up.
Zhou Heng did not get up. He said seriously, "Father, I've been in the Su family for nearly ten years. I've fallen in love with Su Xiaoling, the daughter of Su Sanlang and Madam Zhao. I've sworn that after I recover my identity, I'll officially marry Su Xiaoling. Father, please fulfill my wish."
Zhou Zhao didn't agree immediately. He frowned and his expression was a little solemn. After a while, he said, "Heng'er, do you know that even if Su Huahua is the top scorer in the new subject, he doesn't have any power or foundation in the capital? Marrying the Su family's daughter won't be of much help to you."
Zhou Heng's expression was firm. "Father, Su Xiaoling and I are truly in love. Ever since I came to the Su family, I've loved her. I want to marry her. With her around, I think no matter how bumpy the road ahead is, I have the courage to walk it."
"Father, please grant my wish."
Zhou Heng was very serious. He looked straight into Zhou Zhao's eyes without avoiding them.
"Heng'er, the position as the main wife is too heavy. Heng'er, have you thought about how the future empress position will make her the center of attention? If you like it, it's fine to make her a secondary consort. You're the future crown prince. You'll have a harem by your side. How dangerous would it be to push her to the center of attention?"
Zhou Zhao sighed and said. He had been young too. The most sincere love he had when he was young was everything.
However, it was precisely because he liked her that he wanted to protect her.
Zhou Heng looked at Zhou Zhao and said firmly, "Father, I don't want to marry anyone else in this life. I just want to have the empress in my life."
"That's impossible."
Zhou Zhao frowned and raised his voice. For a moment, he did not know if he should be angry.
In the capital, almost all the officials in the imperial court had wives and concubines, but almost all ordinary people had one husband and one wife.
Over the past few years, Zhou Heng had interacted with and seen almost all of them monogamous, so it was normal for him to only want to marry one wife.
But this was the capital, and he was going to be the emperor in the future.
No matter what, it was impossible for him to only marry one woman.
"Father, please fulfill my small wish. No matter what happens in the future, I don't know what will happen in the future. But now, I can't go on without Su Xiaoling accompanying me."
Zhou Heng swallowed. He did not want to walk this path alone. He needed Su Xiaoling to accompany him. They had agreed that he would marry her after he recovered his identity. No matter how difficult it was in the future, she was willing to accompany him.
He could not go back on his word.
"Heng'er, you..."
Zhou Zhao felt a little helpless. Zhou Heng was only 16 years old. The deep love he had now was just youthful stubbornness.
448 Fulfilling the Promise 2
However, he also deeply understood that if he did not agree, Zhou Heng would not give up. No one knew what he could do.
If he did not get what he wanted, it would be a regret for the rest of his life.
"Father, please grant my wish."
Zhou Heng pleaded again.
Zhou Zhao sighed and said in a heavy tone, "Fine Since you insist, how can Father break up the love in your heart? However, Heng'er, you have to know that if she becomes your wife, she will definitely be a thorn in the side of others. Whether it's intentional or not, many people will target her and plot against her. Do you understand?"
No matter who the empress was, she would be a thorn in others' side.
Countless unjustifiable murders were all because of the empress.
Zhou Heng felt heavy in his heart, but he still said firmly, "Father, I understand, but I'm still determined. Only she can be my wife. Father, please fulfill my wish."
Seeing that Zhou Heng was still so determined, Zhou Zhao stopped persuading him. He said, "Since you insist, I'll fulfill your wish. I'll arrange a marriage for you on the day of the street patrol."
"Thank you for your help, Father."
Zhou Heng smiled. From his happy eyes, anyone could tell that he was very happy.
Zhou Zhao shook his head helplessly.
No one could stop the stubbornness of youth.
After receiving an affirmative answer, Zhou Heng smiled and asked, "Father, can I go out of the palace to see them?"
Zhou Zhao nodded. "Sure, just remember to bring someone along. Zhi'er has his people, so you should have yours too. They should be reporting now. Go and meet them."
Zhou Heng nodded and returned to the palace.
He saw a group of secret guards in black waiting for him. When they saw him, they knelt down and paid their respects.
There were 30 secret guards, old and young.
Zhou Heng asked for their names and they said in unison, "Master, please give us a name."
Zhou Heng thought for a moment and said, "Then I'll name you according to your age. It'll be Mu Yi, Mu Er, Mu San... After 15 people, we'll change the character, Lin Yi, Lin Er... and so on."
"Thank you for the name, Master."
The secret guards knelt down one after another. From now on, they were Zhou Heng's men.
Mu Qi, Mu Ba, Lin Yi, and Lin Er would be his bodyguards who would protect him closely. From now on, they would follow Zhou Heng wherever he went.
The other secret guards would be in the dark. A portion of them would even go out to gather various information for Zhou Heng.
After settling the secret guards down, Zhou Heng left the palace with Mu Qi, Mu Ba, Lin Yi, and Lin Er.
He arrived at the general's residence.
Qi Xingfeng was extremely happy to see him. He was about to go out, so he didn't have to go out anymore.
He was overjoyed and was about to call him Young Master Zhou when he realized that it was inappropriate. He swallowed the words that were about to come out of his mouth and finally called out awkwardly, "Your Majesty, Crown Prince."
Qi Xingfeng kept his mouth shut after saying that.
"Yeah."
Zhou Heng smiled.
Zhou Heng was back.
General Qi respectfully addressed Zhou Heng as 'Your Majesty'.
Zhou Heng had regained his identity. He was a prince and had a noble status. When he saw him, he had to bow.
Su Sanlang and Madam Zhao were about to bow when Zhou Heng immediately went forward and grabbed their arms. "Third Uncle, Auntie, don't do this."
"Ah Chong, Ah Hua, you don't have to do this. No matter what identity I recover, I'll always be the Zhou Heng you know."
Zhou Heng said seriously. He hoped that the Su family would know that he would not change.
"Heng, it's good that you're well."
Madam Zhao looked relieved.
They all knew that things were different now, but Zhou Heng was still the Zhou Heng they knew. That was enough.
Zhou Heng smiled. He looked at Su Xiaoling and smiled at her. Then, he said seriously to Su Sanlang, Madam Zhao, and the others, "I came to tell you a piece of news. I've already asked Father to grant me a marriage. Father has also agreed. In two days, during the street patrol and ancestral worship, Father will grant me and Xiaoling marriage."
"Alright, congratulations, Your Majesty."
General Qi said happily. The last stone in his heart had been lifted.
Su Xiaoling was indeed a little older. Most of the boys who were comparable to her age were engaged. They had already decided on the position of the main wife. It would be aggrieved to let Su Xiaoling be the concubine.
Moreover, she and Zhou Heng liked each other. Zhou Heng had promised that she would be the official wife. It would be best if they could get married.
"Heng, it's been hard on you."
Su Sanlang sighed. He understood deeply that if Zhou Heng wanted Su Xiaoling to be his official wife, he would have to go through a lot of hardship. However, he was not afraid of hardship. He kept his promise and fulfilled it.
Madam Zhao looked at Zhou Heng gently and said firmly, "In the future, Auntie will leave Xiaoling to you. I hope that the two of you can go hand in hand and not be afraid of danger."
Su Xiaoling's face was already red. She lowered her head in embarrassment.
Zhou Heng nodded seriously. He smiled and said, "Xiaoling and I will definitely keep walking forward hand in hand."
Zhou Heng looked at Su Xiaoling and said gently, "It's just that along the way, when I'm not strong enough, Xiaoling will suffer a lot because of me, but I promise that I won't forget my roots. Xiaoling, you have to believe me, okay?"
Su Xiaoling blushed and nodded. "Okay."
This was her Little Brother Heng. He had liked her since she was young and would build snowmen for her and give her small gifts. She liked Little Brother Heng. He was someone she would hold hands with for the rest of her life. Of course, she would believe him. In the past, now, and in the future, she would believe him.
No matter how difficult the future was, they would definitely walk down it together for a long time.
Even when they were old, they would still believe and love each other deeply.
Zhou Heng could not leave the palace for too long. After the most important thing was said, Zhou Heng walked alone with Su Xiaoling.
They had things to talk about, and the Su family gave them a chance.
The two of them walked into the General's residence.
Zhou Heng told Mu Qi, Mu Ba, Lin Yi, and Lin Er not to follow too closely so that he could talk to Su Xiaoling in private.
"Brother Heng, are you used to being in the palace?"
Su Xiaoling broke the silence first.
Although Zhou Heng was smiling, Su Xiaoling felt that his mood was very heavy. She did not know if she could comfort him. She really hoped to bring comfort to Zhou Heng.
"Xiaoling, the palace isn't like the outside. It looks calm, but there might be storms under the calm. Father agreed to my request, but he also let me know that it's not that everything will be peaceful if I get what I want."
Zhou Heng looked at Su Xiaoling, his eyes filled with worry and his suppressed emotions.
Su Xiaoling smiled gently and said, "Brother Heng, I know."
Zhou Heng gulped and said, "Xiaoling, this is a dangerous path. You..."
Su Xiaoling interrupted Zhou Heng with a smile. She looked at him gently and said firmly, "Little Brother Heng, I know it's not easy. Believe me, I'm already prepared."
No matter how dangerous it was, she would do her best to run towards him.
449 Holding Hands
Their eyes met. Zhou Heng looked into Su Xiaoling's eyes. He understood that she was running towards his firm heart. Both of them smiled.
"Alright, no matter what happens in the future, we'll be together."
Zhou Heng held Su Xiaoling's hand and said firmly.
Su Xiaoling nodded shyly. She had been looking forward to this day for a long time, so no matter what happened in the future, she would walk on firmly and never let go of Zhou Heng's hand. She wanted to be with him for a long time.
Zhou Heng couldn't help but smile. He held Su Xiaoling's hand tightly. Her warm and soft hand carried strength as it warmed his heart.
The two of them walked quietly and looked at the scenery in the Grand General's residence.
He really hoped that time would pass slower. It was Mu Qi who reminded them, "Master, it's time to return to the palace."
Zhou Heng frowned. "Xiaoling, I'm going back."
Su Xiaoling smiled and nodded. "Alright, Brother Heng, be careful."
Before returning, Zhou Heng saw Su Xiaolu alone again.
"Xiaolu, can Ah Zhi's body be cured?"
Zhou Heng's heart tightened.
Su Xiaolu looked at Zhou Heng and did not hide anything. She said directly, "There are too many poisons in his body. It will take many years to completely detoxify him. If his body continues to hold on for the next six to seven years and the poison is cured, he can still live for decades, but every time I detoxify him and guide the poison, he might not be able to survive."
"Thank you, Xiaolu. I understand."
Zhou Heng felt a little suffocated. This was Zhou Zhi's body, a damaged body that had been poisoned too many times.
"Xiaolu, I'll leave Ah Zhi in your hands."
Zhou Heng looked at Su Xiaolu pleadingly. He really hoped that Zhou Zhi would get better. As long as there was time, the tension between the brothers could slowly ease up.
"Yeah."
Su Xiaolu nodded. She would do her best.
Zhou Heng went back.
As soon as Zhou Heng returned to the palace, the palace servant reported to him, "Your Majesty, the empress wants to see you."
Zhou Heng thought for a moment and said, "Let's go over now."
When Zhou Heng arrived, Wei Ling had been waiting for a long time.
She wanted to see Zhou Heng because the emperor had summoned her and told her that Zhou Heng was asking for a marriage decree. He wanted Wei Ling to make arrangements in advance.
Wei Ling's heart felt like it was being suffocated by a huge rock.
Zhou Heng had already regained his identity and she could not stop him. But now, Zhou Heng wanted to marry a nameless commoner. This was difficult for her to accept. She called Zhou Heng over to dispel his thoughts.
Seeing Zhou Heng enter, Wei Ling had mixed feelings. This unfamiliar face and cold expression really made her unable to get close to him.
She found it hard to believe that this was her son.
"Greetings, Mother."
Zhou Heng bowed calmly. Wei Ling found it difficult to get close to him, and so did he.
"Take a seat. Mother didn't take a good look at you yesterday. We should have a lot to say to each other."
Wei Ling raised her hand.
Zhou Heng sat down opposite Wei Ling. He looked at the table full of delicacies with an unknown emotion in his eyes. Could these dishes be poisonous?
"Heng'er, when you followed divine doctor Wu back then, did he treat you well?"
Wei Ling looked at Zhou Heng and asked. In the past, divine doctor Wu owed the Wei family a favor. That year, she asked him to return this favor by taking him away to treat him. Divine doctor Wu's martial arts weren't good, but he had his ways.
Zhou Heng and Zhou Zhi were twins and looked alike. It was indeed troublesome, so it was normal for divine doctor Wu to help him modify his bones and appearance.
However, the Zhou Heng who died, who looked too similar to Zhou Zhi, had always been stuck in her heart. This made her unable to believe that the Zhou Heng in front of her was the real Zhou Heng. She did not know how long she would be in doubt.
Wei Ling looked at Zhou Heng and stared at him, not missing any expression on his face.
Zhou Heng said calmly, "Dr. Wu treated me very well. During those days when I couldn't walk, he would carry me on his back. Although it was a simple life, I had never starved or been cold. When I arrived at the Southern Mountain Village, I got to know the Su family. Madam Zhao and Su Xiaoling personally sewed my clothes every year. I've always been doing very well."
Wei Ling lowered her eyes. "Then I really have to thank the Su family. How about this? Mother will give them more silver and find a job for the Su parents. How about that? This will be considered repaying their kindness to you. What do you think of Mother's arrangement?"
After saying that, Wei Ling looked up at Zhou Heng. She smiled and tried her best to look gentle.
Zhou Heng did not smile. He only asked calmly, "Mother, is this so that the Su family will have nothing to do with me anymore?"
Wei Ling smiled and said, "It's not right to say that you will have nothing to do with each other anymore. After all, you've known each other for so many years. You and the children of the Su family are also very good friends. Although you won't see each other often in the future, you can be considered to be friends. As long as the Su family doesn't commit murder, arson, or crime, they will have a good life for the rest of their lives."
"I heard that the Su family has two daughters. Don't worry, I will also find a good marriage for them. Heng'er, you have to understand that you don't really like her. That's only because you've seen too few people. That's why you thought that it was love. Listen to me. Su Xiaoling is not suitable to be your wife. I spent a lot of effort to save you back then. Don't let me down."
Wei Ling stopped smiling and looked at Zhou Heng. She had already made it very clear.
Wei Ling couldn't accept that her son, whom she had finally had the chance to save back then, wouldn't listen to her now.
She looked straight at Zhou Heng and said with a calm expression, "I remember that in the past, you listened to Mother the most. You were so filial. Mother risked everything to save you. Now that you're back, you're still the same as before, right?"
Zhou Heng looked at Wei Ling and said calmly, "Mother, I like Su Xiaoling not because I've seen too few women, but because her personality and character attract me. I clearly know how much I like her in my heart. I don't want to marry her because I want to repay her."
"If Mother wants an extremely obedient chess piece, then I'm afraid Mother will be disappointed. I know very well what I want to do. On the other hand, Mother, there are some things that are not too late to stop now. After I succeed the throne, Mother will still be the honorable Empress Dowager."
Zhou Heng said calmly with a dark expression.
Wei Ling couldn't calm down anymore.
She gritted her teeth and said, "You're not my Heng'er at all. My Heng'er won't disobey me like this. My Heng'er is the most filial child. You're not him. Who are you?"
Zhou Heng sneered. "Mother, Ah Zhi listens to you so much. He has never hurt you or hated you. How did you treat him?"
450 Street Patrol
"Even though you've done such cruel things to him, he still trusts you very much. He's eaten the poisonous banquet you prepared for him time and time again. He's come back from the gates of hell with difficulty again and again. He's heartbroken again and again. This is how you treat him."
Zhou Heng's words were calm, like a sharp knife that pierced through something Wei Ling was unwilling to face.
"What kind of child does Mother want? Ah Zhi was so obedient to you, but you didn't treat him well at all. Why do you want me to obey you now? If I don't, will you not treat me well? Mother is really strange. Back then, you were cold and heartless to Ah Zhi. Why are you cold and heartless to me now too? Mother has probably forgotten that Ah Zhi and I were born together. I'm just like him."
"If he's not liked by Mother, how can I be liked by Mother? In that case, we both don't need your affection anymore."
Zhou Heng stood up and prepared to leave.
He wouldn't eat this table of food. Wei Ling didn't believe him, and he couldn't believe Wei Ling either. Since that was the case, they should not force each other.
"No, Mother likes you. You're the wise ruler. He, he's a devil. He'll turn into an evil spirit and eat me as he did in my dream. He shouldn't have come to this world."
Wei Ling said excitedly.
Zhou Heng stopped in his tracks and turned to look at Wei Ling with a pained expression. He said in disbelief, "Mother, you've been treating Ah Zhi coldly since he was young. Is it just because of a dream? You poisoned him time and time again just because of a ridiculous dream?"
Just because she had once dreamed that Zhou Zhi had turned into an evil spirit and devoured her, she looked at her biological son coldly and wished for him to die?
Faced with his eyes that yearned for motherly love, she did not care. Time and time again, countless times, she faced him with ruthlessness.
Wei Ling clenched her fists tightly. She gritted her teeth and said angrily, "What do you know? He can whip the palace maids around him since he was three years old. If I didn't pull them away in time, he would have beaten them to death. His eyes are even more vicious than a poisonous snake. Master Zhiming is right. He's a devil, an evil ghost. He shouldn't exist in this world."
"That dream was just a warning from the heavens. How cold-blooded is his heart? He went against me in every way. If he hadn't stopped you back then, you would have returned to the palace long ago. I shouldn't have kept him back then. If he hadn't dragged you down back then, how could you have suffered such a serious injury? If not for that, why would I have sent you out of the palace? You don't know anything. You don't know anything! Now that you've grown up and your wings have hardened, you've come to resist me."
Wei Ling cried angrily. In the end, her eyes turned red.
Zhou Heng's eyes turned cold. "If Ah Zhi is a poisonous snake, why hasn't he hurt you and the Wei family all these years? Mother, what Ah Zhi is unwilling to accept has always been your attitude. Do you understand?"
"Even if that prophecy was real, how can you be sure that I'm not the demon?"
Zhou Heng's cold gaze made Wei Ling's heart sink.
After saying this, Zhou Heng turned around and left without stopping.
Wei Ling was stunned for a long time before she regained her rationality.
This was all a scheme. This was all Zhou Zhi's scheme. The child she loved the most had already died on the way back to the capital. This Zhou Heng who disobeyed her and questioned her was fake, so he would speak up for Zhou Zhi.
'Yes, yes, that's it.'
She couldn't let him have his way. She would never let them.
Wei Ling shouted, "Get me a pen and paper."
A letter was quietly sent out of the palace after nightfall.
—-
Two days passed in a flash.
It was time for the new top three scorers to patrol the streets once every three years.
They were dressed in beautiful clothes and brocade hats. They rode on horses and strode majestically through the bustling streets of the capital under the lead of the soldiers.
Along the way, countless people came to watch. There was a bold unmarried woman who threw a flower at the three of them.
Su Hua was the top scorer, Liu Zijin was the second scorer, and Zhou Heng was the third scorer.
They were all good-looking. They had the scholarly aura of scholars, but they did not lose their masculinity. They were really too good-looking.
This year's top three had caused a sensation in the capital. They were young, handsome, and had great prospects.
And the most talked about person was the third scorer. He was the current Crown Prince of the royal family. In his early years, he had gone out to treat illnesses and participated in exams as a commoner. He made his way to the palace examination, and he was also taught by the number three in the national examinations. In the end, he was recognized by the Wisdom King and recovered his identity.
Some people even said that the current top scorer used to be a fool before he was ten years old.
Today, the capital was bound to be extremely lively.
Su Xiaolu and the others had already booked the best room in Jinghong Restaurant. When the street patrol team passed by, they looked out the window.
Su Hua immediately saw familiar faces poking out of the restaurants on both sides. He smiled and waved at Su Xiaolu and the others. Su Sanlang and Madam Zhao were so happy that their eyes turned red.
Liu Zijin and Zhou Heng also waved at them.
Su Xiaoling looked at Zhou Heng and blushed. Their eyes met and Zhou Heng smiled at her.
Many women were screaming and cheering.
"Ahhh, Your Majesty is smiling at us—"
"The third scorer smiled at us. He's so good-looking—"
Su Xiaoling couldn't help but laugh when she heard these cheers. Zhou Heng also smiled and waved at her. His lips moved, and Su Xiaoling understood that he was calling her name.
Su Xiaoling felt her cheeks heat up.
"Your Majesty, you're still the most popular. With that smile of yours, many women in the capital are screaming."
Liu Zijin teased with a smile. Today was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. They would never have another day like this again.
Su Hua smiled. "Does Zijin mean that you're sad because no one will cheer for you?"
Zhou Heng smiled. "Brother Zijin, don't tease me. I already have someone in my mind."
Su Hua smiled and nodded.
Liu Zijin also smiled and said, "The three of us are all taken. We've studied hard for more than ten years in exchange for our current glory. I hope we can all get what we want in the future and have a perfect life."
The three of them nodded and looked ahead, no longer distracted.
They patrolled every street with their heads held high.
After the street patrol team passed by, the commotion gradually quietened down.
General Qi said happily, "I've lived for half my life, but this is the first time I've seen a Top Three Patrol. This is great."
The happiest thing was that the current top scorer was his great-grandson.
Su Sanlang and Madam Zhao's eyes were a little moist. The two of them silently wiped their happy tears and smiled at each other.
Father Qi couldn't help but sigh. "I wonder when our Qi family will have a top scorer."
Mother Qi smiled helplessly. Who wouldn't want such a beautiful dream?
Qi Xingfeng pointed at Qi Xingzhi. "Xingzhi."
Qi Xingzhi rubbed his nose in embarrassment. "I'll definitely work hard!"
"Hahaha, alright, alright. In that case, learn more from your cousin in the future," General Qi said with a happy smile. There were many opportunities to consult someone who had been the top scorer in the future.