Zhao Gang and a fleet of servants stood outside the Emperor's private chamber, pacing back and forth with visible fear in their eyes. Several minutes later, the royal physician stepped outside, and everyone flocked around him like magnets. Even the guards came running, eager to know the emperor's condition.
It was no secret that age was already catching up to him.
"The emperor is not what he used to be. He is exhausted and needs some rest," the chief royal physician said with a shy bow before bolting out the door, escaping before anyone could corner him.
The man had always been timid, so this action didn't surprise anyone.
Meanwhile…
Liam lay flat on his bed, staring silently at the ceiling.
"This body… is weak but strong," he murmured, studying his palms.
He could tell something was wrong—something beyond old age. In the revelations he had received, he died several ways, and poisoning was one of them. That made Liam suspect his current illness was caused by poison.
As someone who had watched plenty of dramas in his spare time, he knew that slow poisoning was a common method used to kill kings and emperors.
"I either die in a coup led by one of my sons, by ambush during my journey to Kangol, or by poisoning. I believe one of my sons, if not both, is trying to kill me," Liam whispered to himself.
He sat up with some effort and glanced toward the door as a thought crossed his mind. If it were anyone else, they would be bedridden by now. But the owner of this body had once been a strong man, both physically and mentally.
"Your Majesty, it's time to take your medicine!"
With that, Zhao Gang slid the door open, and several maids entered. One carried the drug in a bowl, while the others brought sweets and wine.
Liam silently watched them lay everything out on his desk. Once they were done, they lowered their heads and remained that way.
Seeing them frozen in that position for several seconds, a smile broke across his face. As someone who had never received affection from his parents—and when he did, it was only through violence—Liam couldn't help but find this new arrangement somewhat enjoyable.
It was a pity this was a test of survival, not a vacation from reality.
"Everyone leave. Eunuch Zhao, come and sit with me."
Heads snapped toward Liam before glances were exchanged. Without a word, the maids hurriedly left the room, while Zhao quickly approached the table and sat down.
His eyes followed Liam's movements as the emperor picked up a piece of bread cake and tossed it into his mouth. Liam chewed thoughtfully, his expression shifting several times.
"A little bland. Definitely not as good as what we have now, but it's alright," Liam said casually, leaving the eunuch confused.
"Your Majesty, are you dissatisfied with the cooking?" Zhao asked.
Liam shook his head.
He picked up the bowl of steaming brown liquid and placed it in front of Zhao.
"Zhao, how many years have we known each other?" Liam asked.
"More than forty-five years, Your Majesty," Zhao replied quickly, though a questioning look lingered in his eyes.
Why would the emperor ask such a thing?
"Do you trust me?"
The question made Zhao drop to his knees, slamming his head against the floor.
"How dare this humble servant distrust Your Highness?!" Zhao cried out.
Liam froze, startled by such a strong reaction to a simple question. Only then did he remember—he was the emperor, a man who could order executions for something as small as a wrong breath.
He cleared his throat and crossed his legs, adopting a more dominant posture before continuing.
"Someone in the palace is poisoning me. My sickness is a result of this poison."
Buzz.
Zhao's head snapped up, his face filled with genuine shock. Liam took note. There was no hesitation, only raw surprise.
'He knows nothing,' Liam concluded.
According to Emperor Fei's memories, Zhao was the most trustworthy person around him. Still, Liam wasn't the kind to trust easily.
"Are you certain?" Zhao asked in a hushed tone, leaning closer.
Liam nodded. "However, I don't know who is behind it. That's why I need your help with two things."
He raised three fingers.
Zhao blinked, lowering his head. "Give the command, Your Majesty. This humble servant lives to serve you."
Liam smiled faintly and slid the bowl toward him. Zhao's eyes widened as the emperor passed it over.
"First, we need confirmation and a temporary solution." Liam folded his hands.
Zhao's eyes darted toward the door, then back to Liam. "What do you have in mind, Your Majesty?" he whispered.
Liam leaned in, tapping the bowl. "For the rest of the week, I'll live off fruits only. We'll watch my health to confirm my suspicions. During that time, I need you to find two things for me beyond the palace walls."
Zhao nodded repeatedly. "Go on."
"A physician skilled in detoxification. If the poison lingers too long, I might not survive." Liam chuckled darkly while speaking of his own death.
His heart felt cold, but a thrill ran through him as he imagined what dying might feel like.
Would his dead parents be waiting for him on the other side?
If they were, he would get to kill them again.
"Your Majesty, what else do you need?" Zhao's voice broke through his thoughts.
"A cook. Someone who'll work directly under me and prepare all my meals. Get me those two—you have a week."
"Yes, Your Majesty. I will carry out your orders carefully and discreetly," Zhao replied, bowing deeply.
Liam's smile widened as he looked toward the door.
"Who's out there? Come and take this away!" he barked.
The doors swung open, and the maids rushed in, stopping short when they saw the untouched food and medicine.
"Are you deaf? Take these things away!" Zhao snapped.
Liam watched quietly as the maids cleared the table. When they left, he gave Zhao a knowing nod. The eunuch bowed before leaving the chamber, closing the doors behind him.
Sigh.
Liam dropped the strong facade and fell back on his bed, his chest rising and falling heavily. He had finally taken the first step forward in this trial. It was small—but it was something.
— One Week Later —
As expected, after he stopped eating and taking medicine, his condition stabilized. Living only on fruit was difficult, but Liam endured for five days before Zhao managed to find replacements for his cooks.
However, a skilled detoxification physician had yet to be found. One of Zhao's informants reported hearing about a talented healer in a neighboring state, and a messenger had already been sent to retrieve him.
In the meantime, Liam endured a relentless fever for seven days.
During this time, Zhao made sure to keep him updated on palace gossip—rumors of the emperor's illness, his possible death, and the brewing succession struggle.
The court was already divided, each side choosing between which of his sons would take the throne.