After Wang Yue finished speaking, he said no more. He strode inside first, and after making out where the Emperor was, he didn't even move closer before swinging his palm.
As soon as his palm struck, the Emperor, who had been lying down, suddenly sat bolt upright like a dying man startled awake. A mouthful of black blood came spilling from his lips.
"Poison!"
Marquis Lanyue had been alarmed by Wang Yue's actions and immediately tried to stop him. His movements were clearly quick, but he was still a step behind Wang Yue.
He could only watch helplessly as Wang Yue's palm struck Imperial Brother. He had thought his brother might be beyond saving, but he hadn't expected him to spit up a mouthful of black blood.
The stench from the blood made it obvious that Imperial Brother had been poisoned. Somewhat stunned, he voiced the thought aloud.
Xiao Se found it hard to believe, too. He asked gravely, "Master, was Imperial Father poisoned?"
Wang Yue nodded and answered solemnly, "Your father has some of the Emperor's ailments, but he could have lived for several more years. Unfortunately, someone close to him poisoned him, which is why he ended up like this."
Marquis Lanyue found that hard to believe. "Imperial Brother isn't lecherous, and he has fewer than ten princes and princesses. How could he have the Emperor's ailments?"
Wang Yue glanced at Marquis Lanyue and replied impatiently, "There are two kinds of the Emperor's ailments: physical and psychological.
"Although your brother took good care of his health, he endured torment every day in his heart.
"Over time, his health naturally suffered. Then he fell into someone's trap, and that's what brought him to this state."
His words were blunt. How could anyone present fail to understand what he meant?