Chapter 28: Unprecedented

Chapter 28: Never Before

For the second time, Imperial Physician Fang was summoned to the Sweet Rain Palace in the dead of night. He found the emperor lying weakly on the bed, motionless and drenched in sweat, with signs of recent passion all over his body. He dared not look too closely and immediately knelt down.

Liang Zhen leaned against the side, his voice low as he instructed, "His Majesty previously consumed the fertility potion. Examine him and see if it has taken effect."

The old physician trembled, barely managing to suppress a gasp. Zhu Yunxuan's eyes were hidden behind his long hair, his fists clenched so tightly that blood seeped from his fingertips.

"When... when did he take it?"

"Two hours ago."

Imperial Physician Fang dared not even breathe heavily as he cautiously replied, "Its effects aren't that immediate. However, His Majesty is young, so it should work with just one attempt. If... if an imperial son is truly desired, I can prescribe a tonic to nourish the body. Drinking it regularly will benefit both His Majesty's health and the potential child."

"Go ahead and prepare it," Liang Zhen said, glancing at Zhu Yunxuan before gently twirling a lock of his loose hair around his finger. He then sternly warned the kneeling figure below, "If anyone were to divulge any details about today's events..."

"I dare not!" the old physician exclaimed.

"Enough. As long as you understand, you may leave."

After dismissing the imperial physician, Liang Zhen leaned down and embraced Zhu Yunxuan from behind, planting a gentle kiss on his shoulder. "Your Majesty, what are you thinking?"

Zhu Yunxuan didn't respond. Ever since he drank that medicine, he had been like this—his eyes tightly shut, not uttering a single sound, not even a tear. If not for the faint breath still in him, Liang Zhen would have believed he was holding a corpse.

Yet, he felt no regret. The sheer joy and excitement welling up inside him at the thought of soon having a child with their shared bloodline left him deeply content. Even if Zhu Yunxuan hated him to the core, Liang Zhen would accept it.

For over a month following that day, Zhu Yunxuan suffered from intermittent low fevers. Despite this, he didn't neglect his royal duties, personally overseeing everything without entrusting tasks to others. Each morning at the imperial audience, seeing Zhu Yunxuan sitting high on his throne with his pale face and indifferent expression, Liang Zhen's mind would be filled with thoughts, ultimately turning into silent sighs.

When the low fever finally subsided, and the pulse diagnosis was conducted, Zhu Yunxuan showed no visible reaction upon hearing the results. He calmly accepted the outcome and religiously took his daily prenatal medications. However, when facing Liang Zhen, he remained perpetually silent.

During this month, Princess Shu He, the Grand Princess, had visited him twice, but both times he had politely declined her visits, citing his desire not to expose her to his illness. Today, as his health had somewhat improved, he finally instructed his servants to invite her in.

Gazing at his emaciated, almost skeletal face, Princess Chang Ping's eyes instantly brimmed with tears, her heart aching terribly. "Your Majesty, what has happened to you? Why have you suddenly become like this?"

"Nothing to worry about," Zhu Yunxuan's pale face softened with a faint smile. "Aunt, I'm fine, truly fine."

Despite his persistent claims of being unharmed, Princess Grandee could not bring herself to believe him. His illness was severe, and even more worrying was the evident depletion of his vitality and spirit. How could this be merely a trivial matter, as he claimed? It was plain to see that he was troubled by an emotional distress!

"Aunt, I have summoned you to the palace today to inform you that the matter of the imperial selection should be temporarily suspended."

"paused?" The Grand Princess was astonished. "Why did you stop? If it's because of your health, the ceremony could have been postponed. Why did you stop?"

Zhu Yunxuan smiled bitterly. It wasn't just his health; with his current state, how could he possibly take a queen or concubines? He, as an emperor, was nothing but a colossal joke.

"I don't wish to," Zhu Yunxuan shook his head slightly. "Not for now, at least. Aunt, please don't pressure me."

"...Is it because of that person in your heart?"

Zhu Yunxuan lowered his gaze. "No, I've never liked anyone. Never have."

"But delaying your marriage indefinitely isn't a solution... What about the royal lineage?"

Zhu Yunxuan was briefly taken aback. His hands clenched and then relaxed beneath the wide sleeves. After a moment of silence, he muttered, "If there's truly no other way, we can always adopt from the imperial clan. There will always be a solution."

The Grand Princess frowned, clearly disapproving of his suggestion. It made no sense for a young emperor not to choose a queen, concubines, or have his own children, but instead consider adoption. With Zhu Yunxuan's current disposition, she didn't know how to advise him.

Suddenly, Zhu Yunxuan laughed again. "Aunt should know that my brother... is still alive and has another child. If there's truly no other option, I'll take his child as my foster son. His child would surely be excellent."

The Grand Princess was momentarily speechless. After much hesitation, she whispered with concern, "Does Your Majesty do this merely because you want to pass the throne to Prince Jing's child?"

Zhu Yunxuan smiled bitterly once more. "This is a difficult task. Elder Brother might not even be willing to let his child take on such responsibility. It's only my wishful thinking."

If Zhu Yunjing desired it, he would truly be willing to hand over the throne to him, or even to his children. He cared for this kingdom because it bore his family name. He had never been greedy for royal power or authority.

The Grand Princess was deeply concerned. "If you already know this, why do you insist? Putting aside the country and the world, you should still consider having a child for your own sake."

"Let's talk about it later," Zhu Yunxuan closed his eyes. "Let's put everything on hold for now."

"But Your Majesty…"

"Even if I, your imperial aunt, beg you, alright?"

Princess Taishang was immediately at a loss for words. After a long while, she could only nod in agreement. "…I just fear that His Majesty will suffer in the future."

Zhu Yunxuan smiled nonchalantly. "Everyone has their own destiny."

Before sunset, Princess Taishang took her leave. As soon as she stepped out of the Ganlin Palace, she encountered Liang Zhen. Liang Zhen bowed respectfully, to which Princess Taishang replied coldly, "Prince Zhao's actions are too honoring for an old woman like me."

Liang Zhen smiled. "As your junior, it's only right for me to show respect. I hope Princess Taishang won't take offense."

"I don't have a nephew like Prince Zhao," said the Grand Princess with an even more indifferent expression. She was well aware of the rumors surrounding Liang Zhen's illegitimate status and knew how the Emperor Zhaoyang had gone mad for that young man from the Liang family. However, in the past few years, she had observed with a cold eye and felt that Liang Zhen was far too scheming. No matter how humble and filial he appeared before Emperor Zhaoyang, it was all an act! Her brother, the emperor, had been blinded by the so-called father-son bond and failed to see the hidden malice of the person in front of him. He even abandoned the crown prince she had watched grow up for Liang Zhen. How could she possibly have a favorable view of Liang Zhen?

Not to mention, Zhu Yunxuan's current state was most likely due to the person standing right before him.

The ambiguous rumors between the Emperor and the Prince Zhao had long been circulating in the capital, and she had initially refused to believe them. However, upon seeing Zhu Yunxuan like this today and coincidentally encountering Liang Zhen at the Ganlin Palace at this hour, how could she continue to deceive herself? Yet, if they were indeed blood brothers, their actions would be considered a moral transgression and incestuous, a grave stain on the reputation of an emperor. How could Liang Zhen dare to commit such an act?

Liang Zhen was well aware that the Grand Princess Dowager did not favor him. Unbothered, he made way and politely gestured for her to proceed first. The Grand Princess Dowager hesitated before asking with a cold tone, "Why is Prince Zhao in the palace at this hour?"

"I have a matter of great importance to report to Your Majesty," Liang Zhen said with casual elegance.

Given that it concerned the previous dynasty, Princess Dowager naturally could not pursue the matter further. She watched Liang Zhen depart in anger, shaking his head with a smile before entering the grand hall.

Zhu Yunxuan was drinking a pregnancy tonic, a bitter decoction ten times more potent than usual. Yet, he could drink it without altering his expression or even furrowing his brows. Liang Zhen observed him finish the medicine and then asked softly, "The hottest season is almost upon us. Does His Majesty wish to leave the palace for a summer retreat?"

Zhu Yunxuan continued to peruse official documents with his head lowered, offering no response. Liang Zhen seemed accustomed to this, as Zhu Yunxuan had been ignoring him like this for over a month now. Even when Liang Zhen deliberately provoked him, Zhu Yunxuan would merely crease his brow slightly, not revealing any additional emotions.

"Perhaps we should visit another palace. Didn't you used to accompany the late emperor every year? It's cooler there, and staying cooped up in this palace might lead to illness again."

Zhu Yunxuan still ignored him. Liang Zhen slightly bent down, lifting Zhu Yunxuan horizontally before the latter could react. Zhu Yunxuan's expression turned cold, but he remained silent, his hand resting by his side unconsciously clenching into a fist.

Liang Zhen carried him into the inner chamber, placing him gently on the couch and softly advised, "Your Majesty is with child, so you must take better care of yourself. Rest more, and I'll help you with those documents."

Zhu Yunxuan lifted his gaze, his cold, emotionless eyes meeting Liang Zhen's. For the first time in many days, he spoke to him, "Liang Zhen, there's no need for your pretense. Your insincerity only disgusts me."

Liang Zhen remained silent, pausing for a moment before lowering his head to hold Zhu Yunxuan's hand, tenderly kissing his fingers.

Zhu Yunxuan didn't resist, allowing him to hold his hand as if it were a precious treasure, devoutly kissing it. After a while, Liang Zhen lifted his gaze and looked at him, saying calmly, "Your Majesty despises and loathes me, and I accept that. As long as you're happy, that's all that matters."

"You want a child. Once this one is born, you can take it away, raise it yourself, give it away, or even end its life – whatever you wish, I won't acknowledge it. Even if my kingdom is left without an heir, I don't need this child."

Liang Zhen's pupils constricted. "Your Majesty hates me so much that you would be so merciless towards your own flesh and blood?"

"I find it tainted," Zhu Yunxuan said indifferently.

Liang Zhen forced a smile, bitterly chuckling. "It seems Your Majesty truly despises me. You reject your own offspring solely because it carries my blood."

Zhu Yunxuan didn't respond. Liang Zhen whispered, "Your Majesty... have you ever liked anyone? Apart from your brother, your kingdom, and your throne, has there been room in your heart for anyone else?"

Zhu Yunxuan didn't answer. Liang Zhen tightened his grip on his hand, "I love you so much, but what about you? Have you ever felt anything for anyone else?"

Zhu Yunxuan's voice was cold and firm. "Never have I done so."

Liang Zhen let out a soft sigh. "Your Majesty is always so merciful towards others, yet with this minister, you are eternally the most ruthless and heartless."

Wishing everyone a joyous New Year!