When Shen Zhiyi followed her brother into the Prince's mansion, she saw many imperial physicians gathered together in the courtyard, all with solemn expressions and shaking their heads.
There were also some dressed in military uniforms, probably the prince's trusted subordinates, all of whom had livid faces.
Upon seeing Shen Jingchuan, everyone paid their respects.
"No need for formalities. How is the prince?" Shen Jingchuan inquired.
The imperial physician just kept shaking his head.
The Regent's subordinates looked at Shen Jingchuan and asked, "Young Master, may we speak in private?"
Shen Jingchuan nodded and turned to look at his younger sister.
Kong Qing appeared at this moment, saying, "Young Master, there's no need to worry. I will take good care of Miss Shen."
The Regent's subordinates seemed to disagree with His Majesty's decision. After all, their lord had just fallen seriously ill, and they were naturally unwilling to be handed over to the Crown Prince.
Chen Zhiyi followed Kong Qing to the backyard, passing an artificial lake where lotus flowers were already showing their tips.
She was so engrossed in admiring the magnificent lotus pond that she didn't notice where Kong Qing had led her.
Upon entering the room, a strong medicinal smell assaulted her senses, snapping her back to reality. She looked around at the furnishings, her heart pounding wildly. "Where...where am I?"
The sunlight was blocked off, making the room very dark.
Inside the hall, ice was carved into mountains, and a windmill was used to provide cooling, making the room exceptionally cool even during the hot summer months.
"The Prince's bedroom."
"you……"
What kind person would lead a young woman into their master's room?
Are you crazy?!
Shen Zhiyi turned to leave, but a soft cough came from behind her. She subconsciously turned her head and, through a thin veil, she could vaguely see a figure who seemed to be getting up with great difficulty.
Kong Qing hurriedly stepped forward to help him change his clothes.
Though her face was obscured by the gauze curtain, Shen Zhiyi only saw him take off his mask and put it on. "Your Highness, I was unaware that this was your bedchamber. I apologize for any offense I may have caused."
As she spoke, she turned to leave.
But as soon as he took a step out, he heard a voice behind him:
"Miss Chen, you came here not to see me? Why are you in such a hurry to leave? Do you... not want your life?"
Chen Zhiyi took a deep breath and tightened his fingers.
No wonder everyone says this person is unpredictable, eccentric, and unlikable.
That's so unpleasant to hear.
No wonder he's still single at his age.
She took a step back, bit her lip, and turned around. The Regent had already come out wearing an outer robe, his face half-covered by a mask, making his lips appear extremely white.
His overall condition was extremely poor; he was panting and coughing every few steps.
Judging from his appearance, it seems that his days are truly numbered.
With that kind of physique, how did he manage to march and fight in normal times? Did he just grit his teeth and endure it?
“Miss Chen, please sit down.” Zhou Xuance glanced at her.
Since Shen Zhiyi's life was in his hands, she naturally obeyed and sat opposite him as instructed. He tapped his fingers lightly on the table, seemingly extremely dissatisfied.
She pursed her lips, wondering what else she might have done to displease him.
Shen Zhiyi glanced at Kong Qing and cleared his throat: "Miss Shen, my lord is ill and speaks softly. Would you like to... sit a little closer?"
"..."
Shen Zhiyi took a deep breath and could only obey and sit in the seat closest to him.
Someone seemed satisfied only then.
This is really difficult.
Kong Qing then served up iced cold dumplings, lychee syrup, and even crispy mountain dessert.
Lychees are extremely rare, and even the Duke's mansion cannot enjoy them often. This Regent really knows how to enjoy life.
"Your Highness, can you eat cold food given your health condition?" Shen Zhiyi asked.
"Here's some food for you."
His voice was as hoarse and low as usual.
Shen Zhiyi was surprised; it was actually prepared for her?
"Miss Chen, please eat quickly, this crispy mountain won't taste good if it melts." Kong Qing said, considerately closing the door and leaving.
Shen Zhiyi picked up the small spoon, ate a few bites, and then looked at the Regent, "Your Highness, I heard you are ill..."
"Are you afraid I'll die?"
His words carried an air of authority that commanded respect without anger. Shen Zhiyi was startled and quickly rose to kneel down, saying, "This humble woman had no such intention."
Zhou Xuance's lips curled slightly, "Chen Zhiyi, look up!"
One sitting, one kneeling,
He looked down at her, and perhaps because there was an iceberg in the bedchamber, his breath was cold, which made Shen Zhiyi's scalp tingle.
"You came to the Prince's residence this time just to see how my health is?"
"Your Highness is blessed with good fortune and will surely be safe and sound. Your Highness helped me before, and I am grateful. I am very worried when I heard that Your Highness is ill."
"A string of lies."
"..."
Chen Zhiyi bit her cheek tightly.
This guy is really difficult to deal with!
She had never seen anyone speak so bluntly, without giving anyone any face at all.
She's in poor health and has a sharp tongue.
A person like him deserves to live a lonely and lonely life.
I wonder what those noble ladies of the capital saw in him? His power and status? They were even eager to marry him.
“Miss Shen,” Zhou Xuance leaned down and suddenly approached.
At such close range, Shen Zhiyi dared not make any rash moves. They simply met each other's gazes. His mask concealed his expression, but the aura emanating from him spread silently, instilling fear in those around him.
"Your Highness?" Shen Zhiyi frowned.
What are you cursing me in your heart?
"This humble woman has no such thing!" Shen Zhiyi's heart skipped a beat.
Is he the devil?
"Miss Shen, rest assured, as long as I am safe and sound, I will naturally ensure your safety. So, you should pray for my health and longevity."
"Your Highness is blessed with good fortune and will surely live to be a hundred years old," Shen Zhiyi said with a wry smile.
But he was extremely angry inside.
"Get up. If the young master sees you like this, he might think I've bullied you," Zhou Xuance said, reaching out his hand.
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