Che Buchi lowered the carriage curtain and continued escorting the procession. Yet after traveling alongside it for a while, he noticed that the coughing from inside the carriage was growing increasingly abnormal.
Something was wrong! Che Buchi immediately raised a hand and shouted, "Stop the carriage!"
The party halted in the middle of the street. Che Buchi flipped down from his horse and strode briskly onto the carriage shaft. Just as he reached out to lift the door curtain, a muffled "pfft" of vomit came from within.
Che Buchi's hand froze on the curtain. Then he swiftly threw it open. Blood dripped from where his hand had touched it, while Hao Zhen, seated inside with a hand over his chest, had blood all over his mouth. Blood was seeping from his nostrils as well, making for a horrifying sight.
"Prince! What's wrong?" Che Buchi was greatly alarmed. How could he dare hesitate? He quickly climbed into the carriage to examine and treat him.
Hao Zhen, his breath in disarray, shook his head. "I don't know what's happening. I feel terrible. Mister Che, save me!"
"Do not panic, Prince!" Che Buchi reassured him as he examined his condition.
He told Hao Zhen not to panic, but soon panicked himself. Amid his furious shouts, the carriage sped wildly through the streets, startling the townsfolk into terrified cries as it rammed its way forward, sending chickens flying and dogs leaping.
The Capital City had strict laws governing public security. Carriages and horses were not permitted to race through the streets without restraint, or they would face severe punishment.
Ordinary households did not even own carriages or horses. This law was aimed precisely at nobles and wealthy merchants. Injuring commoners was one thing, but such conduct was far too vile in nature and could