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At this point, seeing that the individual had returned with Ying Zhao, Anping Marquis could not have any doubts. However, he harboured no resentment towards Lu San, feeling somewhat reassured instead.

He felt that his father, the old Marquis, had made no mistake in adopting Lu San and training him to be a shadow guard. Although the young man might be somewhat obtuse at times, he was indeed someone who knew to reciprocate kindness.

He inquired Ying Zhao meticulously, yet Ying Zhao merely mentioned that the medicine had been administered to the emperor, and it would take a few days to see its effects.

Though Anping Marquis remained concerned deep inside, witnessing Ying Zhao's wearied expression deterred him from asking further, urging him to return to his room and rest sooner.

This conversation did not avoid the presence of others. Hence, once Ying Zhao and Anping Marquis parted, the princess's spy who had been secretly observing from the side immediately reported to her, narrating the extended discussion between Ying Zhao and Anping Marquis.

Hearing the content of their conversation, the princess was greatly alarmed. Though the words exchanged by Ying Zhao and the Marquis at the doorstep were very subtle, and did not explicitly state that the old emperor was cured,

The princess knew that if the medicine wasn't remarkably effective, Ying Zhao wouldn't have been able to exit the deep palace unscathed. It seemed that the emperor's illness was truly on the verge of a significant recovery.

Sure enough, two days later, a decree suddenly descended from the palace, bestowing extensive rewards upon Ying Zhao, the heir to Anping Marquis house, even granting him a fertile tract of land near the capital as his private estate.

Such rewards were even more generous than those listed on the imperial edict. However, Ying Zhao understood that the emperor's abundant rewards were not solely due to the life-saving secret medicine he brought for Emperor Huangfu Yu.

It was also due to Ying Zhao becoming a victim of the princess's scheme during the emperor's critical illness, being married off to the so-called rural tyrant, Huo Yi. This had induced a sense of guilt in the emperor towards Ying Zhao.

Nevertheless, Ying Zhao had no interest in probing the exact reason behind the emperor's generous rewards. Since these gifts were bestowed upon him, he naturally wouldn't foolishly decline them.

Having accepted the rewards, Ying Zhao naturally reciprocated the imperial grace, visiting the emperor in the palace several times. Concurrently, he used this opportunity to have Xiao Bai transfer some auxiliary energy to the emperor, ensuring that the emperor's health was indeed progressively improving, which eased his mind.

With the emperor just having recuperated, Consort Shu and the Second Prince naturally wanted to establish a prominent presence by his side. Therefore, during Ying Zhao's visits to the palace, he encountered the Second Prince a couple of times. The prince always seemed to be on the verge of saying something but held back, however, Ying Zhao chose to ignore it.

It was due to Ying Zhao's recent actions that Huangfu Zhaohong felt it was because he was seen with Ying Ning amidst a crowd at the Anping Marquis Mansion that day.

His public humiliation seemed to have displeased Ying Zhao. The Second Prince thus harbored even more resentment towards Ying Ning, so much so that upon his return to the mansion, his attitude towards her grew colder.

Less than half a month later, the health of the old emperor, Huangfu Yu, had fully recovered. He specifically hosted a banquet in the palace, intending to celebrate heartily.

Ying Zhao, naturally, was among the invited guests, and even held a place of honor at the emperor's side. Knowing that the old emperor had fully regained his health, Ying Zhao realized he could move on to the next phase of his plan. Hence, he attended the banquet accompanied by Lu San.

Both dressed up for the occasion, especially Lu San. Ying Zhao meticulously chose for him a robe of black with red patterns, complemented by an elegantly matched crown.

The man, being tall and imposing, donned his outfit and stood silently. His overwhelming aura was palpable, causing even Ying Zhao to blush, not to mention the maidservants who had always been by his side—they were simply dumbfounded.

Ying Zhao waved dismissively at a maid who was gawking at Lu San, signaling for her to leave. Understanding that the young girls meant no harm, he chose not to take offense.

Still feeling slightly miffed, once the doors were closed, Ying Zhao pulled at Lu San's robe, drawing him close, and fiercely bit his lip, whispering through gritted teeth, "I wish I could hide you away, so only I can lay eyes on you."

Hearing Ying Zhao's words, Lu San felt a surge of warmth. Swallowing hard, he gazed deeply at Ying Zhao and earnestly responded, "If my lord wishes for me to remain hidden, I will dress as a shadow guard, concealed in the darkness, ever by your side, accompanying you to the palace."

Seeing Lu San's obedient demeanor, any trace of Ying Zhao's jealousy instantly evaporated. Holding Lu San tightly, he rested his head on the man's chest and murmured, "There's no need for that. As my husband, you should be by my side. But you're so strikingly handsome, I fear others might covet you and attempt to steal you from me."

Lu San shook his head emphatically. In his heart, his master was the most celestial being. He feared that one day someone might divert the prince's attention and affection away from him. As for himself, he couldn't fathom anyone setting their sights on him.

Hence, Lu San promptly reassured Ying Zhao, "In life, I belong to my lord, and in death, I remain his spirit. I will never ever leave your side."

The affection in Lu San's words brightened Ying Zhao's mood instantly. With a gleam in his eyes and a smile on his lips, he inquired, "What if, one day, you discover that your own status surpasses mine? Will you still heed my words and stay by my side?"

Without hesitation, Lu San nodded. "Regardless of what my future status may be, I will always belong to you."

Seeing the earnest affection in the man's words, Ying Zhao was deeply moved. He cradled Lu San's face in his hands and gently kissed his lips. Their kiss deepened, filled with an indescribable intimacy, both lost in the moment.

Eventually, Ying Zhao rested peacefully in his lover's embrace. After a while, hand in hand, they left the Anping Marquis Mansion and headed to the royal palace.

Everyone knew that the emperor's miraculous recovery was thanks to a secret remedy Ying Zhao had procured from the Western Regions. Consequently, Ying Zhao was lavishly rewarded by the emperor and was now seen as the emperor's favored confidant.

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