In the Tang Dynasty's imperial palace, as lanterns were lit and the gilded palaces glimmered under the night, an eerie atmosphere lingered beneath the splendor. Li Yi, the young and diligent emperor, dedicated himself to the nation's prosperity, but his wisdom and prestige incited the jealousy and fear of Wang Hong, a court minister with hidden ambitions.
Wang Hong, who had served in office for years, pretended loyalty to the royal family while secretly plotting to seize power. He saw Li Yi as the greatest obstacle to his ambitions, believing that only by eliminating the emperor could he dominate the court. One moonless night, Wang Hong summoned Zhang Cheng, a royal physician from the Imperial Medical Bureau, to a secret chamber. The candlelight flickered as Wang Hong praised Zhang Cheng's medical skills with false flattery, then revealed his sinister plan. He produced a document promising high ranks and wealth, placing it before Zhang while whispering threats: "Royal Physician Zhang, this is your chance to rise to power. If you refuse, don't blame me for being ruthless—your family will suffer the consequences."
Zhang Cheng, once a skilled and compassionate physician dedicated to the royal family's health, was now torn by fear and conflict. He knew poisoning a royal member was a crime punishable by extermination of the entire clan, yet refusing Wang Hong's threat would endanger his loved ones. Sweat poured down his face, his hands trembling as he wrestled with his conscience. Finally, under Wang Hong's viper-like gaze, Zhang Cheng collapsed and agreed in a trembling voice, reluctantly stepping onto a path of darkness.
One day, Lin Yue entered the palace for a routine medical consultation and noticed Zhang Cheng's unusual behavior. Though the two often discussed medicine, Zhang now avoided eye contact, responded vaguely, and seemed agitated. Sensing something amiss, Lin Yue thought, *"Royal Physician Zhang is usually straightforward—why is he so nervous today? Has something happened?"* Out of concern, she approached him after others left. "Brother Zhang, you look unwell. Is it illness or worry? Perhaps I can help."
Zhang Cheng flinched, hesitated, then whispered cautiously after checking for eavesdroppers, confessing Wang Hong's plot in full. Lin Yue was shocked by the treachery but quickly composed herself, realizing the urgency of preventing a catastrophe. She reassured Zhang Cheng, "You did the right thing by trusting me. I will stop Wang Hong and protect you and your family."
Lin Yue immediately went to Li Yi's study, where the emperor was reviewing documents. "Lin Yue, what brings you here in such a hurry?" Li Yi asked with a smile. Lin Yue solemnly recounted Zhang Cheng's confession. Li Yi's face darkened with anger at the betrayal but soon calmed, declaring, "Thanks to you, Lin Yue. Wang Hong's audacity to assassinate me is unforgivable. We must crush his scheme."
The two devised a plan. Days later, Zhang Cheng presented the poisoned medicine to Li Yi, who deliberately frowned and questioned the potion's strange smell. As Li Yi pretended to hesitate, Lin Yue burst in, shouting, "Your Majesty, stop! This medicine is poisoned!"
Feigning surprise, Li Yi demanded an explanation from Zhang Cheng, who collapsed to his knees, trembling as he exposed Wang Hong's threats. Enraged, Li Yi ordered Wang Hong's arrest. The minister, celebrating in his mansion, was seized by guards and dragged before the emperor. Despite his protests and lies, Zhang Cheng's testimony sealed his fate.
"You still dare to quibble?" Li Yi scoffed. "Zhang Cheng has confessed everything. Your plot to poison me and seize power is unforgivable!" Cornered, Wang Hong hissed, "Li Yi, don't be smug. Even if you stop me today, someone else will bring you down!" The emperor retorted coldly, "Your greed knows no bounds. This is your punishment. The Tang belongs to its people, not your personal ambition. I will safeguard its peace from traitors like you."
Wang Hong was thrown into prison to await trial, while Zhang Cheng, for his timely repentance, received a lenient sentence. Thanks to Lin Yue and Li Yi's wisdom and courage, the palace conspiracy was thwarted. Li Yi's trust in Lin Yue deepened, recognizing her medical prowess, integrity, and resourcefulness. Together, they continued to serve the Tang's prosperity, and Lin Yue's reputation as a hero spread through the court.
This thrilling palace intrigue became a legendary tale in Tang history, celebrating the triumph of justice over darkness. It reminded all that light will always vanquish evil—a timeless truth and the spiritual pillar that sustained the Tang Dynasty.