Emperor Chu was indeed momentarily stunned, but when he clearly saw that face, he regained his composure and waved his hand, “Rise.”
Gu Xi hurriedly stepped forward, her smile as bright as spring flowers, and helped Consort Rong to her feet.
She looked even more overjoyed, “Auntie is here! Xi’er was just telling Father how much she missed you, isn’t that right, Father?”
Emperor Chu’s eyes were filled with affection, “Yes, yes, Xi’er is absolutely right.”
As the two conversed, with Emperor Chu’s face full of doting affection for Gu Xi and not a trace of imperial aloofness, it resembled the deep, enviable father-daughter bond found among common folk, filled with laughter and joy.
Only in front of Yun Xi would Emperor Chu act this way. When had he ever shown such a side to anyone else?
Watching this scene, Consort Rong’s smile seemed to falter for a moment.
She covered her face with a handkerchief, forcing out another smile, “Auntie has missed Xi’er too.”
Then, as if noticing something, she pretended to show concern for Gu Xi and asked, “Xi’er is usually frail and rarely leaves the Moon Embracing Palace. Today, though, she looks much better…”
Gu Xi affectionately took her hand, her smile deepening.
She was naturally beautiful, like ink brushed on snow, and this smile was like a spring breeze melting winter frost.
“Auntie, Father just asked Xi’er about this too. Xi’er’s health has been a long-standing issue over the years. The imperial physicians said long ago that it’s nothing serious. These past few days, Xi’er has felt her health gradually improving.”
“I believe that as long as I take my medicine on time, it won’t be long before Xi’er fully recovers.”
“Auntie, by then, Xi’er will be able to leave the Moon Embracing Palace often and stay by your side. Will Auntie be happy?”
With Gu Xi holding her hand and seeing that Gu Xi’s complexion had indeed improved significantly, a barely noticeable crack appeared in Consort Rong’s smile.
She forced another smile, looking at Gu Xi with apparent heartache.
“Happy, Auntie is happy.”
Seeing the two of them smiling happily, Emperor Chu was also greatly pleased and ordered Eunuch Desheng to arrange for some pastries that Yun Xi liked.
After the pastries were served,
Consort Rong, in front of Emperor Chu, began to fawn over Gu Xi, putting on a show of maternal affection and filial piety.
She handed a plate of peach blossom pastries to Gu Xi, gazing at her with feigned concern:
“Xi’er, His Majesty had these pastries prepared, all your favorites. You should try them.”
Gu Xi, who was looking back at her, suddenly began to cough violently, her shoulders shaking, her face turning pale for a few moments, and her body seeming unsteady as she sat.
Emperor Chu was startled by Gu Xi’s sudden condition.
“Xi’er! You were fine just now, what’s wrong?”
“Summon the imperial physician, quickly summon the imperial physician!”
Consort Rong was also caught off guard.
When she regained her senses, her heart was filled with smugness and scheming.
She had thought as much—this wretched girl’s health was deteriorating day by day, so how could it possibly improve? Her earlier complexion must have been forced, just to keep His Majesty from worrying.
This current state was the wretched girl’s true physical condition. It probably wouldn’t be long before she joined her long-dead dear sister.
But on the surface, Consort Rong still wrapped her arm around Gu Xi’s shoulder, her voice trembling with feigned worry, “Xi’er, don’t scare Auntie, what’s wrong with you, Xi’er?”
In the Void Space, the Celestial Beast was also bewildered—what act was this great demon king playing now?
Gu Xi leaned weakly against Consort Rong’s shoulder, her head tilted back slightly. Tears had unknowingly begun to stream down her pale, delicate face, falling to the ground like pearls. She looked as fragile as if a gust of wind could shatter her.
“Father, I miss Mother.”
“When Mother was alive, she loved making peach blossom pastries for Xi’er. Just now, when Auntie handed me the pastry, it reminded me of when I was little—Mother used to feed me peach blossom pastries just like that…”
“Father, do you think Mother misses Xi’er too?”
Another violent coughing fit followed, this time even more severe. When Consort Rong slowly removed the handkerchief from Gu Xi’s lips, both Emperor Chu and Consort Rong saw a streak of fresh blood on it.
Emperor Chu’s eyes reddened. He shouted angrily toward the hall’s entrance, “Where is the imperial physician? Why hasn’t he arrived yet?”
“He’s almost here, Your Majesty. He’s already on his way,” Eunuch Desheng replied, wiping the sweat from his forehead and bowing his head in fear, not daring to make another sound.
When Imperial Physician Liang finally arrived, he prescribed medicine for Gu Xi and administered acupuncture.
Gu Xi leaned against Consort Rong and gradually fell asleep.
Consort Rong’s acting was also impeccable. She continued to care for Gu Xi by her side, though inwardly she hoped Gu Xi would never wake up again.
Meanwhile, in the Void Space, Gu Xi, who was only pretending to be unconscious, instructed the Celestial Beast: 【Later, when I give the order, use this control talisman on Imperial Physician Liang. Understood?】
The Celestial Beast scratched its little head in confusion. What was this great demon planning now?
The Little Beast nodded blankly: 【Okay.】
Meanwhile, in the outer hall.
Emperor Chu sat on the high seat, pressing his temples with his eyes closed. Eunuch Desheng stood beside him.
Imperial Physician Liang knelt trembling on the floor.
After Eunuch Desheng recounted Gu Xi’s earlier condition, Imperial Physician Liang asked, “So, what you mean, Eunuch, is that Her Highness was perfectly fine and in good spirits when she arrived. It was only after seeing the peach blossom pastry offered by Consort Rong and remembering the late empress that she…”
Eunuch Desheng nodded. “Exactly so, Imperial Physician Liang. What should be done about Her Highness’s condition?”
Suddenly.
Unseen by anyone, the Celestial Beast emerged from the Void Space and passed by Imperial Physician Liang.
When Imperial Physician Liang raised his head again.
His voice was calm and measured. “Your Majesty, I have heard that Her Highness almost always faints when Consort Rong is present. Moreover, considering today’s events—Her Highness was in good spirits when she arrived, but after seeing the peach blossom pastry offered by Consort Rong and thinking of her late mother, she…”
“Her Highness’s illness began only after the passing of the late empress. It is likely that the grief from her mother’s death caused her to fall unconscious for a day, leaving a psychological wound.”
“And since Consort Rong and the late empress were sisters, sharing a striking resemblance in appearance, I suspect that every time Her Highness sees Consort Rong, she is reminded of the late empress. This may be why her condition has never fully healed.”
“This speculation only came to me after hearing Eunuch Desheng’s account of the peach blossom pastry.”
“I am but a humble physician. If my words are mistaken, I beg Your Majesty’s forgiveness.”
Emperor Chu rubbed the jade ring on his finger. “Are you suggesting that reducing Xi’er’s contact with Consort Rong would be more beneficial for her recovery…”
Imperial Physician Liang kowtowed respectfully. “Her Highness and Consort Rong share a deep bond. I dare not make presumptuous remarks.”
Emperor Chu waved his hand dismissively. “I understand. You may leave.”
Imperial Physician Liang bowed. “As you command.”
Outside the hall, Imperial Physician Liang, carrying his medicine chest, shook his groggy head.
He looked at the medicine chest and touched his own head.
Why did it feel like his memory was failing with age?
When had he walked out?
Inside the hall.
Emperor Chu glanced at Eunuch Desheng beside him. “Desheng, just start with the consort. You handle this matter.”
Desheng had been observing His Majesty’s expression.
Based on his many years of understanding of the Emperor, His Majesty had only ever held the late Empress and Princess Yun Xi close to his heart all these years; others were of little importance.
Having followed the Emperor since childhood, he immediately understood what needed to be done.
The princess had always been close to Consort Rong. If His Majesty were to inform the princess of Imperial Physician Liang’s words and forcibly prevent her from meeting the consort, it would likely hurt the princess’s feelings and damage their father-daughter bond.
Therefore, it was not appropriate for His Majesty to intervene directly in this matter.
Instead, indirectly, by finding a fault with the consort and confining her to the Zhongcui Palace, the two would naturally be unable to meet.
A moment later.
In the inner chamber.
Desheng walked in, his gaze darkening slightly as he bowed to Consort Rong. “Your Highness, His Majesty requests your presence…”