Imperial Palace
The four eunuchs at either side stood bowed in attendance, eyes fixed straight ahead. A middle-aged eunuch with lowered brows and a submissive look bowed as he reported.
"Qian Wei was suddenly struck by a violent illness and can no longer handle affairs? He has already become this gravely ill?" On the evening Su Ziji received the news, he was admiring the moon before Cool Palace.
The moonlit night was clear and bright, bleaching the sky white as day. From the south came the distant chirping of insects.
"Your Majesty, according to protocol, two imperial physicians have already been sent. Both said that he only has these next few days left." Clearly unaware of the truth, the middle-aged eunuch bowed as he reported.
The eunuch Gao Ze lowered his head and said nothing.
Su Ziji pondered in silence. Lanterns were lit throughout the palace, and palace maids occasionally passed through the corridors and walkways, all treading carefully and lightly.
Su Ziji glanced at the bright moon and said, "Send the Grand Physicians to consult again. I truly do not believe Minister Qian would suddenly suffer such a wind ailment."
"Do not lock the palace gates tonight. Once the truth is found, report to Us at once."
"Yes."
Qian Wei was a Grand Secretary. Since he had suddenly been struck by a violent illness, such arrangements to avoid being too late seemed perfectly normal to the middle-aged eunuch. He acknowledged the order, and seeing there was nothing more to say, withdrew.
Only after he had left did Su Ziji turn to Gao Ze.
"This servant obeyed orders and sent men to keep watch, yet they acted that very day. The Qian residence immediately summoned renowned physicians, but his condition swiftly worsened. Medicines and stones proved useless, and they sent