The Imperial City Office had already suffered considerable losses within the city. Once outside, they fell under Zhou Xuan's counterattack, and over a hundred armored soldiers were killed on the spot. The losses were devastating.
Not only had Fang Zhen been gravely wounded, but Supervising Eunuch Zhao had also suffered minor injuries. Had more armored soldiers not arrived, Fang Zhen might not even have made it back alive.
"That is what happened. This wretched son of mine has stirred up a terrible mess."
The Marquis of Huifeng looked anxious, with a trace of fear beneath it. Su Ziji was not surprised. Even if Fang Zhen had been badly wounded pursuing the enemy, failure was still failure. The old emperor might spare him punishment on account of his injuries, but his imperial favor would likely diminish.
"May I see Lord Fang?" Su Ziji asked, sighing inwardly.
Naturally, that was possible, and the Marquis of Huifeng hurriedly led Su Ziji into the room.
Before entering, Su Ziji caught the smell of medicinal herbs. Several maids and serving women stood by the door. Inside, he found a beautiful middle-aged woman sitting beside the bed, accompanied by a senior maid and an older serving woman. She gazed at the person lying there, weeping silently.
Hearing footsteps, the woman looked up. Seeing Su Ziji and recognizing him as a visitor, she hastily rose and wiped her tears with a handkerchief.
"This is...?"
"This is the Duke of Dai. He has come to see Zhen'er," the Marquis of Huifeng said.
One look at the marchioness told Su Ziji where Fang Zhen had inherited his looks. Clearly, he took more after his mother, rather than growing into his father's somewhat rough-hewn appearance.
The marchioness moved to salute Su Ziji. Though his ducal rank placed him above her,