The guards were only responsible for relaying messages; only the imperial physician knew the specifics. Since he didn't know the details, he couldn't answer.

Regardless of the circumstances, Yonglian was Hongli's son. With his son seriously ill, Hongli lost all interest in hunting.

This matter was of great importance, so Hongli did not reveal the truth. He only made up an excuse, saying that the Empress Dowager was unwell and planned to return to the palace ahead of schedule.

The eldest son and the emperor are the foundation of the country and cannot be lost. Hongli cannot say that he is sick, otherwise foreign tribes will easily become disloyal. The Empress Dowager understands this principle, and even if the emperor uses her as an excuse, she will not take it to heart.

Moreover, Yonglian is the emperor's only legitimate son, whom the empress dowager cherishes greatly. Now that Yonglian is in trouble, the empress dowager also wants to return to the palace to visit him.

Hongli did not delay and immediately ordered people to pack their belongings and set off.

Upon learning that Yonglian was seriously ill, Su Yushan's ominous premonition grew stronger. The cold seemed to be a mild illness, but if it was the flu, given the limited medical technology of ancient times, it could easily be fatal.

But she kept these words to herself, not daring to say them aloud, lest the Empress Dowager think she was cursing Yonglian.

Everyone arrived in high spirits, but left with solemn expressions, all worried about Yonglian's condition.

They traveled at breakneck speed, reducing the three-day journey to just one and a half days, and arrived at the palace on the morning of the fourth day of the ninth month.

Everyone rushed to Changchun Palace, including Gao Xiuwen. Hongli hesitated for a moment, but finally decided to let Yushan return to Jingren Palace first.

Su Yushan understood his meaning; in fact, she didn't want to get involved at this time. Her relationship with the Empress was not good, and she didn't know how to offer words of comfort. The Empress didn't care for her comfort either, so she avoided it if possible to avoid getting entangled later.

Hongli did not return to Yangxin Hall, but went directly to Changchun Palace, where he saw Yonglian looking sickly and pale.

The child was full of energy before leaving, but now he is so thin and frail that it breaks my heart.

Hearing the commotion, Yonglian weakly called out, "Father, you're back. Is the hunt over? I was ill at the wrong time; did I delay your hunt?"

This child was always so cautious in his presence. Despite his young age, he was always thinking of him. Hongli felt a slight pang of sadness and gave a soft "Mmm."

"It's all over, there was no delay, don't worry, just focus on getting better. I'm back now, and I'll stay with you from now on."

There were some things Yonglian dared not mention, but he was afraid that if he didn't speak up, he would never have the chance again.

After a moment's hesitation, Yonglian mustered his courage and said, "I've heard that the Mulan Autumn Hunt is very interesting. If I recover from my illness, can Father Emperor take me to the hunting grounds next year?"

Seeing the longing in his eyes, Hongli couldn't help but tear up. Holding his little hand, he choked up and said, "Alright, once you've recovered, I'll take you hunting, to hunt rabbits and deer."

With his father's approval, Yonglian was overjoyed. He longed to go hunting, but was also reluctant to do so. "Rabbits are so cute, I can't bear to kill them."

Hongli forced a smile and asked in return, "Aren't deer cute?"

Although Yonglian had never been to the hunting grounds, he had seen deer in the palace gardens. After thinking about it carefully, Yonglian felt troubled, "They do seem quite cute."

Hongli smiled helplessly and sighed, "If you can't even bear to hunt, how will you hunt?"

"Your subject can watch Father Emperor hunt and witness his prowess!" Although Father Emperor was usually very strict with him and Yonglian was somewhat afraid of him, he still admired his father very much.

Children's thoughts are always so simple. At that moment, guilt was pervasive and relentlessly assailed Hongli.

Honestly, he hadn't mistreated Yonglian, but he certainly hadn't cared for Yonglian as much as he had for Yonghuang. Now that Yonglian was so ill, he was still thinking about going to the hunting grounds with him, while Hongli, who clearly had the opportunity, hadn't taken him along this time, failing to fulfill Yonglian's little wish. Hongli regretted his past actions, hating himself for being too biased and neglecting Yonglian.

The child didn't say anything on the surface, but he was definitely upset inside.

After saying only a few words, Yonglian started coughing again. Yuying quickly came over to pat her son's back and told him not to talk too much and to lie down and rest.

Since returning to the palace, Yonglian's condition has been fluctuating. She hasn't had a good night's sleep in a long time, has heavy eye bags, and is not in good spirits.

At this moment, status and favor were unimportant; all she cared about was her son, and she only hoped that his condition would improve as soon as possible.

Then a palace servant brought medicine and fed it to the Second Prince. After Yonglian drank the medicine, Hongli sat with him for a while before he finally fell asleep.

After he fell asleep, Hongli went out of the West Warm Pavilion and into the main room to ask the imperial physician what had happened.

The imperial physician broke out in a cold sweat, fearing the emperor's wrath. He bowed and replied, "Your Majesty, the Second Prince's health was already weak. This cold was caused by a sudden and powerful attack of evil qi. The Second Prince could not withstand it, which is why his condition has worsened."

The imperial physician insisted it was a cold, which Hongli found strange. "If it's not a cold, what other ailment could it be?"

The imperial physician reported truthfully: "The Second Prince has been suffering from recurring high fever, burning throat, headache, abdominal pain, and vomiting. He also has a foul odor, which persists even after palace servants have cleaned him. It is truly strange."

Several imperial physicians took turns examining the patient, but they could not find any other problems. However, based on their years of experience, once a cold had reached this stage, very few people could survive it.

Yonglian's condition worsened, and the imperial physicians said he was in imminent danger. Hongli flew into a rage, berating them for their incompetence.

"Don't you have any other options? Can't you change the prescription?"

"We have tried three different prescriptions, but none of them have helped. We are truly incompetent and powerless to do anything about it!"

All the imperial physicians knelt on the ground, trembling, at a loss. Hongli was so angry that his head ached. He immediately ordered people to go outside the palace to find folk healers. Anyone with a reputation was to be invited into the palace, hoping that someone could find Yonglian's true illness.

Back at Jingren Palace, Su Yushan was restless. She couldn't go to Changchun Palace, so she could only wait there.

She waited all day, but Hongli didn't come. She had no idea what was going on with Yonglian. She really wanted to go and see him, but when she thought of the Empress's resentment towards her, she gave up the idea.

As evening fell, Li Yu came to deliver a message: "His Majesty said he will stay at Changchun Palace tonight to accompany the Second Prince and will not be coming. Please rest first, Your Majesty, and do not wait for him."

It was only right for Hongli to stay with Yonglian when he was seriously ill, and Su Yushan could understand that. However, seeing Li Yu's furrowed brows, Su Yushan couldn't help but ask him about Yonglian's condition.

Looking around to make sure no one was watching, Li Yu lowered her voice and said, "The Second Prince's condition is not optimistic. The imperial physicians are helpless, and the Emperor has ordered someone to invite a renowned physician from outside the palace. The physician dares not treat him, saying that the illness is beyond saving, and he is afraid that if he prescribes medicine, something else will happen to the Second Prince, and the Emperor will blame him."

There was no other way at the moment, so the Emperor could only grant the physician special permission, saying that regardless of the outcome, he would not be punished and could do his best to treat the Second Prince.

Judging from the situation, it really seemed to be the flu. Even in modern times, this disease has a high mortality rate. Su Yushan wasn't a doctor, nor did she have modern medical equipment. She was anxious but helpless, only able to pray that the divine physician from outside the palace could truly turn the tide and cure Yonglian.