Chapter 441: Hint

Chapter 441: Hint

"Yes, Your Majesty."

The eunuch by the Emperor's side brought two imperial physicians over, claiming it was out of the Emperor's concern for the Lu family and special care.

Before the results came out, everyone was worried, and the atmosphere in the room was oppressive.

Until the Princess Consort developed a fever again, her forehead burning hot, she began to feel drowsy and confused once more.

The Emperor's eyes were bloodshot as he vented his anger on the physicians, "A bunch of good-for-nothings, why is she getting hot again?"

"Your Majesty, please allow us to administer acupuncture to the Princess Consort..."

"What good is acupuncture? How long will it last?"

"This..."

"Hurry up and find a solution. This time, I don't want to see the Princess Consort's fever recur."

It was impossible for it not to recur; she would have recurring fevers for ten days.

Even after the ten days, when the fever finally subsided, she would still be weak for a long time.

The physicians gritted their teeth and worked to lower the Princess Consort's temperature.

They did indeed have genuine skills, and after their treatment, they managed to bring down her body temperature.

Once they finished their work, the two physicians who had gone to the Lu residence returned.

The Emperor sat in his chair waiting for them to report their findings.

The result was that Lord Lu Zhengqi indeed had symptoms of high fever, similar to some of the symptoms Master Lu had before his passing.

Upon hearing this, the Emperor became anxious, about to lose his temper, but the Chief Physician hurriedly explained, "Although there are some matching symptoms, the conditions of the Lu father and son are quite different from those of the Princess Consort. Master Lu has been unwell for a long time, and at his age, he naturally suffers from various ailments. As for Lu Zhengqi, he has been taking medicine for half a year, and his health has been declining."

Hearing this, another physician also quickly added, "Lu Zhengqi not only has a fever but also persistent coughing. According to the servants attending him, he has even coughed up blood. The symptoms of the Princess Consort are different. Yesterday, she occasionally coughed, but after our treatment, she hasn't coughed at all today, and her fever is under effective control. If we persist for a few more days, we believe the Princess Consort will recover."

Despite the physicians' repeated assurances that the Princess Consort's illness was different from that of the Lu father and son, he already believed that her illness had come from Master Lu, and he remained vigilant.

Empress Shu was terrified of being infected, but the Emperor insisted she stay to attend to the sick, leaving her with no choice.

She deeply regretted it and cursed both the Emperor and the Princess Consort.

What kind of princess is so powerful? Having the Emperor stay up all night and forcing a concubine like herself to do the same—was this proper?

It wasn't proper, everyone knew it wasn't proper, but no one dared to say anything.

With the Emperor watching closely, she couldn't even worry about the Crown Prince anymore.

The Crown Prince didn't mention returning to the palace, nor did the Emperor or Empress Shu, so the Princess arranged for the Crown Prince to rest in the guest quarters.

In the evening, it was still Xie Peiyu, the Emperor, and Empress Shu who stayed up, while Zheng Jinyu and the Princess went back to sleep. The next day would be just as busy.

The next day, the Emperor returned to the palace to handle official affairs, while Empress Shu was not allowed to leave, which infuriated her.

After a good night's sleep, the Princess Consort was full of energy and deliberately tormented Empress Shu, who had stayed up all night.

Empress Shu could not sleep, yawning constantly, and had to deal with the Princess Consort. She was now struggling to protect herself and had no energy to worry about the Crown Prince.

The Crown Prince, enjoying a rare moment of leisure, played around in the Princess's residence.

After lunch, the Princess Consort wanted to take a nap, allowing Empress Shu to go to the guest quarters to rest.

But she could not sleep for long, as she had to get up when the Emperor arrived.

This continued for two days, and Empress Shu cried in frustration.

"If I had known it would be like this, I wouldn't have come here."

"My Lady, if you can't bear it, why not ask the Emperor to let you return to the palace to rest?"

"How can that be? I've already asked the physicians. They said this illness usually lasts three to five days with recurring fevers. I've already endured two days; going back now would be in vain. It's just one more day."

And thus, she started her third day.

The women in the harem always followed her lead, and seeing her stay in the Princess's residence for three consecutive days, they grew restless.

After deliberation, they decided to send someone to accompany the Emperor outside the palace.

The Emperor looked at the kneeling Noble Consort Li and asked, "Do you wish to visit the Princess Consort?"

"Yes, Empress Shu has been there for three days and must be tired. I... I also want to show my concern."

"Hmph." The Emperor sneered, "Don't think I don't know how you curse the Imperial Sister behind her back. You want to show your concern?"

Noble Consort Li knelt on the ground, not daring to speak.

The Emperor coldly laughed, "Fine, bring Noble Consort Li to the Princess's residence to keep Empress Shu company."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

On the third day, Noble Consort Li was sent over.

Empress Shu was surprised to see her, "Why is Noble Consort Li here?"

"My Lady, I begged the Emperor to let me come."

The Princess Consort on the bed smiled without saying a word.

Empress Shufei found an excuse to pull Consort Li aside and whispered, "Has something happened in the palace?"

Consort Li replied, "Nothing has happened, but since Her Highness hasn't returned for three consecutive days, all the sisters are very worried."

Lowering her voice, she asked, "Is the Crown Princess's illness... getting worse..."

"Shh." Empress Shufei hurriedly hushed her.

Looking around, she then said, "Sister, there is something I've been keeping from you all. It's not that I wanted to hide it; it's just that I didn't know how to bring it up."

"What is it?"

"Sigh!" Empress Shufei sighed deeply and said, "Since you're here, come with me. Let's not go back yet; you'll see for yourself tonight."

...

The Crown Princess had two fevers each day, one in the morning and one in the evening.

When she was feverish, she lost consciousness, and it looked terrifying.

The Emperor personally attended to her, wringing out a cloth and placing it on her forehead. Whenever the cloth became warm, he would replace it himself.

He held her hand to encourage her until her temperature dropped.

Others had seen this for three days and had gotten used to it.

Seeing it for the first time, Consort Li was astonished.

She felt that this care exceeded the normal bounds of sibling affection, especially considering he was the Emperor. How could he attend to the sick Crown Princess like this?

The Crown Princess was not alone; she had children and a daughter-in-law who could do these things. Why should the Emperor be doing them?

Though shocked, she did not dare say anything.

Consort Li looked at Empress Shufei.

Empress Shufei gave her a knowing look.

The two of them watched the imperial physician and the Emperor work, their faces expressionless.

After nearly an hour, the Crown Princess's temperature finally began to drop.

Gradually regaining consciousness, she looked weakly at the Emperor and said, "Your Majesty, I have caused you trouble again."

"Royal Sister, don't say that. As long as you are safe, that's what matters."

At that moment, her face was pale and drawn. Her temperature had dropped, but her body was drenched in sweat, making her appear utterly drained.

With great effort, she managed a faint smile, "I guess... I've survived another bout."

"Royal Sister, don't say that. You're not seriously ill; the imperial physician said you will recover soon."

"Your Majesty said the same thing yesterday."