Emerging from the bathroom, Song Xibai had given up struggling and lazily nestled in the Crown Prince's arms.
"Your Highness, what did the Emperor say to you?"
"Nothing, I just asked about my uncle's family."
The crown prince was not sleepy for the time being. After the palace servants blew out the candles, he began to discuss important matters.
"I have already sent people to inquire about your father's case. It is neither under the jurisdiction of the Court of Judicial Review nor the Ministry of Justice. It is probably unlikely that the case can be overturned."
Song Xibai's heart jumped into his throat.
"Your Highness, you can't do it either?"
Song Xibai's beautiful eyes widened, and her voice rose several octaves.
The crown prince coughed lightly and patted her back.
"I am the Crown Prince. Since I have promised you, I will definitely do it! Don't worry, I already have a plan. However, this matter still needs to be discussed in detail."
The Crown Prince's words failed to comfort Song Xibai.
"It's been over three months! Your Highness swore you would definitely rescue my father and brothers. If you can't do it, don't ever come into my room again!"
Song Xibai turned around angrily, her back to him, and pulled a blanket over herself.
Helpless, the Crown Prince secretly slipped his hand into Song Xibai's bed.
“You should at least give me a chance to explain... My plan is related to the Qi family.”
These words successfully piqued Song Xibai's curiosity.
"What plan?"
She turned around.
The prince leaned close to her ear and whispered something.
"Now, among the imperial physicians in the Imperial Medical Academy, there are not many with outstanding medical skills. Physician Hong has retired to his hometown, and the remaining few will go to various places after the New Year to select new people to enter the Imperial Medical Academy for training. As a result, the only imperial physicians who can be used are the Director, Physician Qi, and another physician surnamed Fu."
The bed curtains created a secluded space, bringing the two of them closer together.
The crown prince only said half of what he meant, but Song Xibai suddenly understood.
"Your Highness means that you will make Physician Qi make a mistake, which will then remind the Emperor of my father?"
"Yes, this is the safest method."
The Crown Prince nodded and pinched Song Xibai's nose.
"Qingqing is indeed exceptionally intelligent."
Song Xibai wrinkled her nose: "Can this operation succeed?"
“It’s not difficult. Every year during the winter-spring transition, Father Emperor would fall ill several times, and in the past, several imperial physicians would treat him together. By the way, you mentioned that the Imperial Physician has a particular fondness for your father? If that’s the case, he can be put to use.”
Song Xibai stared intently at the Crown Prince.
She never imagined that she could scheme against the emperor!
However, since it was neither drugging the emperor nor doing anything to harm him, but simply taking advantage of his illness, it shouldn't be considered a big deal, right?
People who grow up in the palace definitely have a lot of ideas.
Song Xibai sighed inwardly, relaxed, and moved closer to the Crown Prince.
"Then I'll wait for Your Highness's good news!"
The prince chuckled, reached out and pulled her into his arms, kissed the top of her head, and held her as they fell into a deep sleep.
The next morning, Song Xibai was woken up.
When she opened her eyes and turned her head, the Crown Prince was nowhere to be seen; only Wei Hong was standing in front of the bed.
"What time is it?"
"It's almost 1:15 AM, Your Highness, hurry up, we still need to pay our respects to the Crown Princess today!"
"Oh right, I almost forgot about that. Quickly, call them in!"
Song Xibai threw off the blanket and quickly put on her shoes.
Juqing brought over a begonia-red dress.
Song Xibai glanced at it and, seeing that it was red, said without hesitation, "Change the color."
Juqing hurriedly opened the chest: "Which one does Master like?"
During this period, Juqing made seven or eight new outfits, all of which were ironed and then put into the trunk.
Song Xibai pointed to a light purple outfit.
"This one will do!"
After that, it was a flurry of washing up, combing her hair, and changing clothes. Even when it came to her hairstyle, Song Xibai insisted on the simplest and fastest method.
Finally, within a quarter of an hour, they arrived at the entrance of the central hall.
Turning her gaze, Song Xibai let out a breath.
Fortunately, it wasn't the latest one...
Du Chenghui was the first to see her. He took small steps forward and curtsied to Song Xibai.
"I have met Consort Xi."
Her movement made it impossible for the others to pretend they hadn't seen her, so they all came over to bow, whether they wanted to or not.
"No need for formalities, please go in and pay your respects to the Crown Princess!"
Song Xibai, holding Du Chenghui's hand, stepped across the threshold first.
The greeting procedure was the same as before. They waited for a few minutes, and then the Crown Princess came out.
She was still wearing a bright red palace dress today, but it wasn't the same one as yesterday; the dress was embroidered with large patches of peonies.
Even the hair accessories were a complete set in the style of red peonies.
Song Xibai glanced at it and thought to herself: Isn't it heavy to wear so many heads?
Then, led by Song Xibai, everyone bowed and paid their respects to the Crown Princess.
The Crown Princess smoothed her hair, her gaze sweeping across the room, her mood light and cheerful.
This feeling of having great power made her feel much better.
"Get up, all of you!"
As soon as the Crown Princess spoke, Song Xibai was the first to stand up and sit down in a chair.
Immediately, the palace maids came in to serve tea. Song Xibai picked up the teacup and smelled it, when suddenly he heard the Crown Princess call his name.
"The imperial seal has been issued, and His Highness will be very busy from now on, so he probably won't be back for long. If you ladies have nothing to do, you can go out and enjoy the scenery and stroll through the Imperial Garden. What do you think, Consort Xi?"
Song Xibai gave a polite smile.
"Your Majesty is right."
The Crown Princess smiled more deeply, then turned her gaze and continued.
"The most urgent task for our Crown Prince now is to produce offspring for His Highness as soon as possible. When I mentioned this to Consort Xi last time, she also agreed. I see that you and Du Chenghui are close friends, like sisters. Since you are sisters, it is not appropriate to monopolize the favor. Only by spreading the love widely can we have more children."
When the Crown Princess was halfway through her speech, Song Xibai's eyes turned cold.
After she finished speaking, Song Xibai didn't respond. Instead, she stroked the teacup, wondering whether she should smash it to show her arrogance.
Song Xibai knew she couldn't bring herself to push a man onto another woman.
Last time it was just to appease the Crown Princess, but I didn't expect her to bring it up in public today, clearly trying to embarrass me.
Tsk! The Crown Princess's behavior has changed a lot since she fell ill!
Song Xibai lowered her eyes slightly, and in that instant, many thoughts came to mind.
The Crown Princess just stared at her, and the atmosphere became a little awkward for a moment.
Just then, Du Chenghui suddenly stood up and knelt down on the ground with a thud.
"Your Highness, I am guilty!"
Her commotion startled everyone.
Even Song Xibai looked over in surprise.
Du Chenghui lay prone on the ground, his head pressed against the back of his hand, his body still trembling slightly.
The Crown Princess's face darkened at first, but then she put on a friendly expression.
"Du Chenghui, what's wrong? Has someone bullied you? Speak up and I will definitely stand up for you."
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