Inside the Chenhui Palace, the atmosphere was extremely heavy. The imperial physicians knelt on the ground, their faces ashen.
"What exactly is the condition of the Imperial Noble Consort? Your Imperial Hospital is known for its superb medical skills, yet you are helpless now?" Zhao Zhi's voice was cold, carrying an unquestionable authority.
The imperial physicians looked at each other, and finally an older physician answered in a trembling voice: "Your Majesty, the Imperial Noble Consort's illness is truly rare. Her pulse is disordered, sometimes strong and sometimes weak, like a candle flame in the wind, which may be extinguished at any time. We have tried every method we can think of, but we still cannot make a diagnosis."
Zhao Zhi was furious. She slammed her hand on the table and stood up abruptly, glaring at the imperial physicians below: "What use are you to me? You can't even save one person's life!"
"Cough cough... cough cough..." A weak, light cough came from behind the group.
"Greetings, Your Majesty the Retired Emperor!"
When everyone saw that Cui Shenghe had arrived despite his illness, they quickly bowed in greeting.
"Let's skip these formalities," he said weakly.
"Brother, why did you go out?" Zhao Zhi hurriedly went to greet him. Qin Han explained on Cui Shenghe's behalf, "The Emperor Emeritus was worried that Your Majesty was overthinking and harming your health, so he came over in a hurry."
Cui Shenghe shook his head slightly, a hint of weariness in his eyes: "Zhizhi, Your Majesty knows your own body. Now that the Imperial Noble Consort is seriously ill, how can I rest peacefully?" He paused, then turned his gaze to the imperial physicians kneeling on the ground, "Have you truly done your utmost?"
The older imperial physician's forehead was covered in cold sweat, and his voice trembled: "Your Majesty, we have indeed done everything in our power. The Imperial Noble Consort's condition is strange and unpredictable, and we are truly powerless to help."
Cui Shenghe slowly walked to Zhao Zhi's side, gently patted her shoulder, and signaled her to calm down.
He took a deep breath and said in a deep voice, "I know you have done your best. But the Imperial Noble Consort is my family and a pillar of the nation. I cannot stand by and watch him become terminally ill. I order you to immediately summon the best doctors in the land and spare no effort to cure the Imperial Noble Consort."
The imperial physicians exchanged bewildered glances, but quickly responded in unison, "As you command!"
"You may all leave," Zhao Zhi said wearily, waving her hand.
The Imperial Medical Academy staff breathed a sigh of relief and hurriedly bowed as they left the room.
Zhao Zhi held Cui Shenghe's hand and sat down on the Yangfei couch beside him, looking at his face, which was much rosier than a few days ago, her eyes filled with tears.
"Brother—" she choked out, unable to speak any more.
“Zhizhi, your brother knows you’ve been suffering these past few days,” Cui Shenghe said, glancing at Yunzhang on the bed. “However, Yunzhang’s illness is truly quite strange. You were just diagnosed with pregnancy, and he’s already terminally ill…”
Cui Shenghe hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.
"Brother suspects?" Zhao Zhi suddenly thought of something. She dismissed everyone before continuing, "Now the whole court knows that I am pregnant with Yun Zhang's child. His power is deeply entrenched, and there are many who want to remove the mother and keep the child to support my unborn child to ascend the throne."
Even if Yun Zhang didn't have this intention, it's hard to guarantee that his subordinates didn't.
I am now alone, my power base is unstable, and the influence of my maternal relatives is a constant threat. Yunzhang must have considered this as well.
She paused, bit her lip, and said, "However, I have no intention of killing him. Regardless of the rumors circulating outside, Yunzhang has not done anything out of line since I ascended the throne. I cannot eliminate him just because of potential danger, especially at this critical juncture when the new policies have just been implemented."
Cui Shenghe nodded slightly, a thoughtful look flashing in his eyes: "Zhizhi, your concerns are quite valid. Yunzhang's illness may not be accidental. The situation in the court is complex, and various forces are stirring up trouble. If someone takes the opportunity to cause trouble, the consequences will be unimaginable."
Zhao Zhi held Cui Shenghe's hand tightly, a resolute glint in her eyes: "Brother, I will definitely protect myself and the child in my womb. As for Yunzhang, I will send people to guard him day and night to ensure his safety."
Cui Shenghe gently patted Zhao Zhi's hand and comforted her, "Zhizhi, don't worry. I will personally oversee this matter and will not allow anyone to take advantage of it. As for Yunzhang's illness, I will also seek out a more capable doctor to find the cause and prescribe the right medicine."
Zhao Zhi nodded, a hint of gratitude flashing in her eyes: "Thank you, brother. With you here, I feel much more at ease." Then, she changed the subject, "I wrote a letter to my grandfather about Yunzhang's illness, and judging by the time, I should receive his reply soon."
Cui Shenghe smiled slightly, but his eyes held a hint of worry: "Zhizhi, we are siblings, there is no need for thanks. However, matters of the court must be handled with caution. The child in your womb is related to the future of the royal family, so we must not be careless."
Zhao Zhi took a deep breath, her gaze firm: "Brother, don't worry, I will be careful and make sure everything is alright."
Cui Shenghe nodded, a hint of relief flashing in his eyes: "Zhizhi, you have grown up, your wings are growing strong, and you are ready to soar through the heavens. Your royal brother believes in you and that you will be able to protect the Yun Dynasty and bring peace and stability to the country."
Zhao Zhi smiled slightly, but her eyes held a hint of determination: "Brother, I will do my best to protect our home."
Cui Shenghe gently patted Zhao Zhi's shoulder, his eyes full of doting affection.
The two smiled at each other, completely unaware that the person who had been unconscious on the bed had opened his eyes and then slowly closed them again.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
