Chapter 179 Accompanying You to See Every Full Moon

His words were loaded with implications, suggesting that perhaps the imperial physician had given her a private report, which she overheard regarding the diagnosis of her illness.

Shen Yiqiu forced a puzzled smile, avoiding his earnest gaze:

"Know what? What...should I know?"

She wouldn't say.

Looking at her feigned ease, Xiao Yongjing felt both bitter and pained.

His Adam's apple bobbed, and he finally released his grip, saying dejectedly:

"...It's nothing. It's better not to know."

Just as he straightened up, habitually concealing his outward emotions, Shen Yiqiu suddenly reached out and gently grasped his warm palm.

Xiao Yongjing paused.

Shen Yiqiu looked up at him, her eyes filled with a rare tenderness:

"Xiao Yongjing, after everything is settled... will you come with me to see the full moon of the Mid-Autumn Festival and smell the fragrance of osmanthus flowers?"

She paused for a second, then turned her gaze away, as if calculating.

"Judging by the days, it'll only be about two months. After everything is over..."

Xiao Yongjing turned around abruptly, staring intently into her eyes, his brow twitching suddenly.

He turned his hand and tightly enveloped hers in his palm, the warmth spreading through his hand and into his heart:

"not good."

Under Shen Yiqiu's slightly surprised gaze, he leaned down and touched her forehead to hers.

Their breaths mingled, and the hot air hit her face:

"We don't just want to see the full moon of Mid-Autumn Festival and smell the fragrance of osmanthus once. I want to accompany you to see every full moon of the rest of our lives and smell the fragrance of osmanthus every time we spend together. Shen Yiqiu, listen carefully, it's the rest of our lives, every single day."

Looking into his affectionate eyes, Shen Yiqiu felt a pang of sadness. She knew that this might be a vow that could never be fulfilled, but at this moment, she was willing to indulge in this promise, even if only for a moment.

She gently closed her eyes and responded softly:

"……good."

Bai Mei and Qing Zhu, who were guarding the door, took in the whole scene. They couldn't help but turn their backs and secretly wipe away the tears that welled up in their eyes with their sleeves.

They knew, from the imperial physician's private, somber words, from the young lady's increasingly frail pulse...

Their young lady has suffered so much, and finally someone is willing to cherish her. Why is fate so unfair that it is stingy with even this little bit of sweetness?

After an unknown amount of time, Shen Yiqiu leaned against the soft pillows, pondered for a moment, and slowly spoke to Xiao Yongjing, who was sitting by the bed:

"Your Highness, the situation is urgent. Can you help me? There are two things that require your immediate attention and must be done in secret."

Xiao Yongjing frowned in displeasure. This woman really didn't know her own physical condition. Even in this state, she was still worrying about other things.

Looking at Shen Yiqiu's stubborn expression, he sighed and replied:

"Please feel free to speak."

"Regarding my eldest uncle, the case file of Shen Runian's treason, there may be some truth to it. Although this matter is definitely a frame-up, rumors can spread like wildfire and destroy the Shen family's century-old reputation. It will also become a sword in the hands of the enemy."

"We must find out where this mudslinging started from and how far the fabricated evidence went."

Xiao Yongjing tapped his thigh lightly with his knuckles and nodded:

“I understand. The key to this case lies not in how authentic the evidence itself is, but in the purpose for which it was fabricated.”

"General Shen was at the height of his power in the army, in charge of the defense of the Longnan front. If he were to fall, who would be the biggest beneficiary?"

He looked at Shen Yiqiu,

"Leave this matter to me; I know the archives better than they do."

Shen Yiqiu nodded slightly and continued speaking:

“Since Zhao Jieyu dared to use the child’s whereabouts to blackmail me, it means that she does have clues, or at least knows who to contact.”

"I'm afraid you'll need to use your hidden forces to closely monitor all of Consort Zhao's contact points and confidants inside and outside the palace. No suspicious person who comes into contact with her should be let go."

Xiao Yongjing sneered:

"She is indeed cautious. In all her years in the palace, I have never found anything suspicious about her. It seems that Consort Zhao... is nothing more than a puppet on the stage."

"I initially thought her arrogance stemmed from past affections and her looks, but now it seems more likely it's due to promises from someone behind the scenes. The most important thing is to follow the trail and find the person who's pulling the strings."

"Rest assured, I will arrange two teams of people to monitor her palace openly and record all people coming and going. In the shadows, we will keep a close eye on her family and all the spies she established before entering the palace."

"She must have a channel to pass on messages. As long as she makes a move, we're not afraid of not being able to catch her."

After saying that, he reached out and gently grasped Shen Yiqiu's cold hand:

"All you need to do now is rest and recuperate. Leave these demons and monsters outside to me. If you fall, it will only bring pain to your loved ones and joy to your enemies."

Shen Yiqiu gently squeezed his hand back and whispered:

"I know what's important."

"These matters are entrusted to Your Highness."

When their eyes met, both of them felt the power of trust. After a moment of eye contact, Xiao Yongjing quickly looked away.

He then stood up, but stopped, turned around, and gave detailed instructions:

"I will make the arrangements immediately. Remember, take your medicine on time until I return, and don't leave a drop. I will have someone watching you."

Shen Yiqiu smiled slightly:

"good."

Xiao Yongjing turned around but hadn't taken three steps before turning back:

"No matter what news comes from outside, even if the sky falls, I will hold it up for you. You are not allowed to worry about it, and you are not allowed to act on your own."

"good."

Seeing Shen Yiqiu's insistence, Xiao Yongjing lowered his hand, hesitated, and then turned back at the door. This time, Shen Yiqiu couldn't help but speak:

"Your Highness, I will wait for you to return."

Xiao Yongjing gave an awkward laugh and turned to Bai Mei and Qing Zhu, who were standing by, "Take good care of your young lady. If anything goes wrong, you will be held responsible."

He gave Shen Yiqiu one last deep look before turning and leaving.

Shen Yiqiu, for the sake of the Shen family, for your grandmother, and for... me, you must be well.

As soon as the Crown Prince left, the smile on Shen Yiqiu's face gradually faded, and her usual calm returned.

She looked at Bai Mei and Qing Zhu, who were standing to the side, their brows furrowed with worry.

"Stop pretending. I know my own body. Qingzhu, your medical skills are a true inheritance from my grandmother, and you have even surpassed her. There is no way you could not diagnose my pulse."

"Miss!"

Bai Mei and Qing Zhu could no longer hold back; they both knelt before the bed, tears streaming down their faces. Qing Zhu, in particular, sobbed uncontrollably.

"Miss...it's because I'm useless..."

Shen Yiqiu frowned slightly, as if to comfort them, yet also as if she was slightly angry at their concealment:

“I’m not dead yet, so save your tears for then. Right now, I have more important things for you to do.”