A moment later, an attendant came out and invited Shen Qianxue in, adding, "His Highness's heart condition has flared up, and he's having difficulty breathing. The doctor said to try to avoid agitating His Highness, so please be careful what you say, young master."
Shen Qianxue nodded and went inside.
Seventh Prince Zhou Ji lay on his back on the low couch, his face pale, his brows and eyes filled with deep worry, his hand covering his mouth, suppressing the urge to cough.
Shen Qianxue hurriedly stepped forward, poured a cup of hot water, and placed it in front of Zhou Ji.
Zhou Ji gently raised his hand to take it, forcing a bleak smile, "I'm sorry to make you laugh, my brother, my health is really too poor."
Shen Qianxue clenched her fist in self-reproach, then released it, apologizing, "It's my fault for not doing a good job, causing the prince to worry and suffer a heart attack."
Zhou Ji grasped Shen Qianxue's hand tightly, his face filled with sorrow. "Don't say that. You've done very well. I know these past years haven't been easy for you either. In the end, it's because I'm useless. I have no real power, which is why I'm restricted everywhere and have to rely on the strength of this rebel army. Alas... without this rebel army, we don't know how long we would have to postpone our uprising. You have no idea how much it hurts me!"
Zhou Ji coughed a few times, tears welling up in his eyes.
Shen Qianxue patted his back helplessly, her face full of worry.
Zhou Ji waved his hand to indicate that he was alright, and continued in a pained voice, "During this time, governing Fugu and Xinzhou has been heartbreaking. The people are suffering so much! But I don't know what to do to save them. I have no way! The court has only sent provisions to the army, but hasn't mentioned anything about how to comfort the people... When will this world be at peace? Will I really live to see that day?"
Zhou Ji's deep concern for the world and his painful self-reproach made Shen Qianxue feel even more guilty.
"Your Highness loves the people like your own children; you will surely save them from suffering!" Shen Qianxue said solemnly.
Originally, Zhou Ji planned to take down this rebel army, spend six months integrating and training them, expanding his power, and launching a coup.
But now everything is impossible to implement because the rebels have fled back to Zhuanghe.
Regardless of the cause, Shen Qianxue bears primary responsibility.
The less Zhou Ji blamed him, the more Shen Qianxue felt guilty.
Seeing Zhou Ji so worried and suffering from a relapse of his heart disease was especially distressing, like a fishbone stuck in his throat.
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