Chapter 41

Chapter 41

Although Zhao Heng joked about wanting to be a negligent emperor every day, he was, after all, the sovereign of a nation, with his duties and governance always weighing heavily on his mind. Indeed, by the afternoon, Lu Deli had called him away.

With Zhao Heng gone, Song Qingying finally had some peace. Having been bedridden and not seen daylight for many days, she felt like she was starting to mold. She asked Shen Bi to support her for a walk in the courtyard.

Stepping out, Song Qingying noticed many new potted plants and flowers in the courtyard. In the vibrant spring, the blossoms were lively, bringing joy to anyone who saw them.

As Shen Bi helped Song Qingying walk among the flowers, she said, "These plants were sent by the Emperor from the Internal Affairs Office. The imperial garden is in full bloom right now. Knowing you're frail and dislike going out, the Emperor feared you'd get bored and had these sent over for you."

Song Qingying smiled, appreciating Zhao Heng's thoughtfulness.

"Look at this peony, Madam. When the eunuch from the Internal Affairs Office brought them, he said that among the peonies presented this season, only two pots bloomed as large as this. Apart from the Empress, only you have one," Shen Bi pointed at a pot of peonies with large, densely packed petals that were exceptionally beautiful, truly a national beauty.

Song Qingying approached, nodding, "This is Wei Zi, growing so large is indeed rare. I remember that Consort Song is very fond of peonies."

Shen Bi quickly said, "You're not thinking of giving it to Consort Song, are you?"

"What are you talking about? Even if I gave it to her, she wouldn't like it. She'd probably think I was showing off. I'd rather enjoy it myself," Song Qingying laughed.

Shen Bi eagerly agreed, "Exactly, exactly!"

Song Qingying patted Shen Bi's hand, "I remember everything you've done for me, rest assured, I will seek justice for you."

Moved by Song Qingying's words, Shen Bi urged, "Please don't do anything rash, performer. We can endure some hardship. Don't offend the Noble Consort; she has deep roots in the palace."

Song Qingying fixed her gaze on the peonies, realizing that even if she remained passive and hidden, she couldn't avoid trouble. Especially with Zhao Xing inadvertently drawing enmity towards her. Knowing the palace's view of her had likely worsened, she understood that avoiding conflict was no longer an option; if unavoidable, she must confront them.

Seeing Song Qingying lost in thought,

Song Qingying's thoughts were brought back by Shen Bi, "No need, it's so nice to have the sunlight outside. I just want to look at it. Make sure someone takes good care of it so it doesn't wither too soon."

"Yes, you must be tired, my lady. Let me help you back, it's almost time for your medicine," Shen Bi said.

Song Qingying nodded, and Shen Bi helped her walk inside. Just as Song Qingying lay down in the inner chamber, Shang Lin came to report that Consort Liu was here to see her. Song Qingying smiled; there she was, apart from Empress Song, this was the first time a consort had visited her.

Being ill, Song Qingying naturally did not go out to welcome Consort Liu. Consort Liu also didn't dare to find fault with Song Qingying here, especially since she came to inquire about matters. It wouldn't do to show up with a frown.

Consort Liu entered the inner chamber with two palace maids.

Song Qingying made a gesture as if to rise and pay her respects. Consort Liu hurriedly stepped forward to stop her, "Sister, please don't get up. I'm here to visit you. I would feel terrible if I tired you out."

As Consort Liu approached, she smelled a faint, seemingly there fragrance on Song Qingying. "Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness," Song Qingying said, half-supporting her body to bow her head in a gesture of respect. Shen Bi placed a cushion behind Song Qingying, who then sat leaning against it to talk with Consort Liu.

"You are too polite, sister," Consort Liu said as she sat down by the bed. Looking up, she saw a cyan robe hanging on the screen, belonging to the emperor. Consort Liu felt a sting in her heart, and looking around Song Qingying's chamber, though not extravagantly furnished, it was meticulously decorated, resembling an ordinary household. She imagined Zhao Heng and Song Qingying living ordinary lives in this courtyard, feeling a sourness in her heart that she couldn't suppress.

Song Qingying also noticed the emperor's robe and gave Qing Hong a look. As Consort Liu turned her head, Qing Hong quickly put the robe away.

"I heard you were so ill that you couldn't even open your eyes or speak a few days ago. It seems you're much better now. Truly, fortune favors the brave," Consort Liu said with a smile.

Song Qingying smiled back, "Indeed, I thought I wouldn't survive this ordeal. It must be thanks to the Emperor and the blessings of all the ladies in the palace that I recovered."

Consort Liu laughed, "Attributing it to anyone's blessings is just a formality. I believe it's the skill of the imperial physician that truly made the difference, wouldn't you agree?"

Song Qingying nodded, "Your Highness is correct; the imperial physician played a crucial role."

"I heard it was a new physician?" Consort Liu inquired with a smile.

Song Qingying felt a stir in her heart, sensing Consort Liu's intention to probe about the ancient physician. "It seems so. I only woke up today and am not fully informed yet. Qianhong, is that right?"

Qianhong quickly replied, "Yes, Consort Liu, he's a newcomer, surnamed Gu, currently serving as the Deputy Chief of the Imperial Medical Bureau."

"Oh, to be appointed as the Deputy Chief right away, his medical skills must be exceptional. I'll have to consult him for a peace pulse reading myself," Consort Liu said with a chuckle.

Song Qingying wondered why Consort Liu was inquiring about the ancient physician. Could she be ill?

After exchanging pleasantries, Consort Liu stood to leave. As she did, Song Qingying noticed a sachet on Consort Liu, sparking a realization. It took her a while to remember that the sachet might contain the antidote to the Heart-Eating Poison mentioned in the original story. Consort Liu's inquiry about the ancient physician must have been sparked by some information she heard!

The thought made Song Qingying sit up abruptly, startling Shen Bi.

"What's wrong? Did you have a nightmare?" Shen Bi asked.

"I'm fine..." Song Qingying reassured, and Shen Bi helped her lie back down.

Song Qingying recalled Zhao Heng mentioning that the ancient physician had cured him of the Heart-Eating Poison, but Prince Gong was unaware of his recovery. With the selection canceled, the sachet went directly to Consort Liu! It must be so. Did Zhao Heng know about this? He must be investigating. Should she mention it to him, and how?

Everything Consort Liu inquired about the ancient physician from Song Qingying was thoroughly relayed to Zhao Heng without missing a single word.

Zhao Heng was called away today by Lude Li due to some findings by Meng Changhuai. Meng had discovered that the fifth elder of the Song family had given the Heart-Eating Poison to Zhang Hanching, who is related by marriage to Liu Xuantong, but no evidence of their communication was found initially. After days of surveillance, Meng caught both individuals visiting a secret meeting place on March 20, albeit at different times and in disguise. Now, everyone involved at that location is under Meng's control.

"What exactly are Liu Xuantong and his sister planning?" Zhao Heng asked Meng Changhuai.

Meng pondered before answering, "To make the Emperor favor Consort Liu exclusively?"

Zhao Heng shook his head, "It's not that simple. Keep investigating Liu Xuantong."

"I've looked into it; this Lord Liu keeps his distance from the court's major officials, spending his days properly at home with his wife and children," Meng reported.

Zhao Heng chuckled, "The more cautious he is, the bigger his ambitions. I've always shown great affection for Consort Liu..."

"Understood, I will continue the investigation," Meng confirmed before leaving.

After a moment, Zhao Heng said, "Go, summon the imperial physician, claim I have a headache. No need to hide it if asked."

Lude Li, understanding Zhao Heng's intention, promptly went to call for the physician himself.

By midday, a long-standing mystery within the palace was solved – the Emperor's secret ailment was headaches!

Initially, Zhao Heng hadn't hidden his condition; the Empress and Consort Liu were aware he had suffered from headaches before. However, as the episodes became more frequent, he started concealing them. Now, it was time to draw out the snake from its hole. Zhao Heng had suspects in mind but was not yet certain and emotionally reluctant to believe it. With the clues gathered by Meng and the guards, Zhao Heng felt compelled to make a decision.

Sitting at his desk, Zhao Heng pulled out a copy of "Records of Southern Travels" from beneath a stack of documents, a smile forming unconsciously at his lips. Once everything settled, he resolved to visit Nan Zhao Mountain, taking her along. He penned a note and tucked it inside the book.

"Lude Li, return this book to Lady Song personally. Make sure it reaches her hands directly. And borrow another one on your way back," Zhao Heng instructed, his voice carrying an unnoticed smile.

Lude Li, having seen the Emperor writing but unaware of the contents, took the book to fulfill his task with Song Qingying.

Song Qingying found it strange to see Lu Deli come alone, "What brings you here, Eunuch Lu?"

"To answer the lady, I am here on behalf of His Majesty to return a book," Lu Deli said, taking the book out from his robe and handing it over.

Song Qingying recognized the book as the one Zhao Heng had taken from her on his birthday. She touched the cover and said with a smile, "Thank you for your troubles, Eunuch."

Lu Deli said, "My lady, won't you take a look inside?"

Song Qingying opened the book with curiosity and found a note inside written by Zhao Heng. She read the note, smiling as she did. Lu Deli was curious; the emperor had smiled while writing it, and the lady smiled while reading it. What exactly was written?

"My lady, His Majesty has instructed me to borrow another book in return. What do you think?" Lu Deli said.

Song Qingying stopped smiling and said, "Please wait a moment, Eunuch."

Song Qingying got off the bed, walked over to her desk, added some water to the inkstone, and wrote a note. Then, she randomly picked a book from the desk and slipped the note inside.

"Eunuch Lu, please take this," Song Qingying said, her eyes smiling.

Lu Deli hurriedly took the book, thinking to himself how the emperor and the lady really knew how to enjoy themselves.