TFSRITA Chapter 88

Yan Qing clutched her wounded shoulder, still in shock, dazed in Ji Yechen’s arms.

Ji Yechen was filled with fury, barely able to contain himself. One command after another was issued, and the entire Imperial Guard camp was alerted. Yet, he only said one thing: “All those involved—none shall escape! Execute them!”

Half an hour earlier, Yan Qing had screamed, and Ji Yechen rushed over to see a man in black attacking her with a soft sword, filled with murderous intent.

Ji Yechen arrived a step too late, and the sword was still aimed at her.

Fortunately, Yan Qing had some training and managed to dodge the deadliest blow, though she was still struck by him.

The assassin wasn’t alone; Zhu Yin was holding off two others, but the one who succeeded in attacking Yan Qing barely missed being fatal—one more step, and it would have been her life.

When the news of the Imperial Concubine’s assassination attempt spread, the entire palace was thrown into chaos. The patrolling guards surrounded and apprehended the three assailants. Ji Yechen, however, continued to carry Yan Qing toward Lingyun Palace.

The Imperial Physician arrived immediately to treat her wound.

Though the injury on her shoulder was minor, the sword was poisoned, and Yan Qing’s body was already half-paralyzed. It was clear that the attackers were determined to kill her.

Thankfully, the Imperial Physician was skilled, and although he couldn’t immediately neutralize the poison, he managed to contain it.

But her body remained stiff.

Ji Yechen held her tightly, almost as if he was more shaken than she was. Yan Qing could even feel him trembling as he embraced her.

…

Ji Yechen was indeed trembling.

His mind replayed the terrifying scene over and over.

Had Yan Qing not dodged at the last moment, that sword would have pierced her heart.

If it had struck her heart, unless Hua Tuo himself were here, no one could have saved her—especially not with the poisoned blade!

Just thinking about that outcome made Ji Yechen recall the things he had done to her before. He had watched her vibrant life fade little by little in his hands until her pupils almost lost their focus. The image of her life slipping away overlapped with the present moment, and his chest tightened in pain—not the kind of dull ache from her rejection, but something sharper, as if someone had stabbed him, and the wound continued to bleed.

“Hah…” He breathed heavily, like a man on the verge of death gasping for his last breath. He held her tighter, feeling her warmth, which brought him a slight sense of peace.

Yan Qing blinked, wanting to say, “Let go.”

But half her body was numb, and her mouth wouldn’t cooperate, so she had no choice but to remain in his arms.

Jiang Wende, watching them in silence, felt exhausted. After a while, he softly spoke: “Your Majesty, perhaps you should rest?”

But before he could finish, a cold, piercing gaze shot toward him.

Jiang Wende froze, too intimidated to speak.

Ji Yechen lowered his gaze again, looking at the woman in his arms, still as a statue, as if trying to hide her in his eyes and heart forever.

Yan Qing wasn’t thrilled by this, but she couldn’t speak. Instead, she gestured with her eyes. She managed to look at Old Madam Qian, blinking her eyes weakly.

Old Madam Qian, having been with her for so long, understood what she meant and hesitated. She said, “Your Majesty, the Empress is uncomfortable like this. Would it be better to return to her chambers?”

Ji Yechen finally seemed to react. His gaze shifted slightly to Yan Qing, realizing she was hanging limply in his arms, her legs dangling. It was uncomfortable.

He nodded in acknowledgment.

Old Madam Qian sighed in relief and immediately ordered the charcoal to be prepared to warm the bed. She added, “Your Majesty since the Empress values cleanliness, should I take her to wash up first?”

Ji Yechen shook his head.

Yan Qing rolled her eyes. She had been frightened out of her wits today, and if she couldn’t wash up, she would feel uncomfortable trying to sleep later.

To her surprise, Ji Yechen said, “I will do it myself!”

Yan Qing: “!!!”

She began struggling with her one good arm and leg.

But in her struggle, she aggravated her wound, causing cold sweat to break out again. Still, she dared not stop. Damn it, if he does it himself, Yan Qing would die from embarrassment!

Old Madam Qian was shocked, speechless, but what truly startled her was that no concubine had ever been served a bath by the Emperor.

Ji Yechen immediately restrained her, lifting her with force and placing her carefully on his back, supporting her injured shoulder. His crimson eyes glared, and he muttered, “I will not let you out of my sight.”

Yan Qing gritted her teeth, wanting to bite him.

But she couldn’t move, slumped against his shoulder, half her body hanging, and her stomach pressed uncomfortably. Her eyes were nearly bloodshot.

If he dares to bath her, once she’s healed, she’ll make sure to castrate him!

Yan Qing was truly furious now, panicked and full of sorrow.

Meanwhile, Ji Yechen seemed resolute, ignoring everything, his face cold as he walked straight into the bathhouse, starting his work.

Yan Qing saw that she couldn’t stop him, so she closed her eyes in despair, feeling as though she was being subjected to something so humiliating, that she could only submit to his actions.

This was too miserable.

Just wait for it. She wouldn’t just settle for a beating!

In her ears, Ji Yechen’s voice came out low, “Don’t worry, I won’t touch you.”

Yan Qing sneered, but couldn’t make a sound. If it weren’t for the fire in her eyes, Ji Yechen would never have known how she truly felt.

But it didn’t matter anymore.

He had to keep his eyes on her.

Then, warm water poured over her, and her body instantly turned as red as a boiled shrimp.

For the next month, Yan Qing was in a prolonged detoxification process. The poison in her body didn’t have a direct antidote, so it needed to be gradually neutralized. The Imperial Physician used a safe formula to prevent the poison from spreading but began researching other methods.

The poison wasn’t complicated, but because it was in Yan Qing’s body, extra caution was needed.

During the detoxification period, Yan Qing overheard Old Madam Qian relaying information from outside.

The assassination attempt on her had been orchestrated by Yuan Xiu’s father. Yuan Xiu, though seemingly straightforward, was quite intelligent. She had prepared two plans in case one failed—she wanted to kill Yan Qing once and for all.