After crying for a long time, the imperial physicians in the inner chamber didn't even dare to lift their heads, holding their breath and wishing they could become invisible. Only when they heard the Emperor crying so heartbrokenly for a concubine did they believe in the extent of his affection for Consort Xi.
Everyone thought men were heartless, let alone the emperor. He could have had three thousand concubines in his harem, so how could he only love one woman? But now it seems that the emperor's love was indeed given only to Consort Xi.
With blurred vision, the Fourth Prince held Lanqin's hand and said to her, "Qin'er, you can hear me, can't you?"
Lanqin showed no reaction, her eyes closed, her breathing barely perceptible; without careful observation, one might mistake her for simply being fast asleep.
The Fourth Prince gently touched Lanqin's forehead, carefully brushing away a strand of hair, and said tenderly, "Over the years, you've suffered so much following me, and in the end, I've let you suffer such a serious injury. I'm so sorry..."
The Fourth Prince's throat tightened, and he continued, "I have always wanted to make you Empress, so that you could rightfully sit beside me, receive the worship of thousands, and be revered by future generations..."
The Fourth Prince was somewhat agitated, his body trembling slightly. He said regretfully, "But I can't do it. I am the Emperor, but even an Emperor has his own difficulties. The less you fight for me, the more my heart aches for you... Do you know how much I want to be willful and free just once, and make you my only Empress..."
After speaking, the Fourth Prince's imposing manner instantly vanished, and he said with self-reproach, "You have suffered too many grievances following me. Back in the Prince's residence, you always swallowed your anger and comforted me. I always thought that if I became Emperor, I could protect you. But now that I have to consider the affairs of the court and appease others, I can only make you Consort Xi..."
Fourth Master's tears fell onto the bed, mingling with Lanqin's bloodstains. The originally dark red bloodstains were stained bright red again, like flowers scattered on the bed...
The Fourth Prince clutched his chest, seemingly in great pain. The imperial physicians, hearing his unusual behavior, panicked. The Fourth Prince gestured to stop them, and the physicians had no choice but to remain kneeling.
The Fourth Prince finally caught his breath and said with great distress, "I've made up my mind. As soon as you recover, I will immediately bring you back to the palace, and you will never have to put up with their attitude again. I will also make you a Noble Consort, on equal footing with Consort Nian... You will no longer need to bow to Consort Nian. I want everyone to know that you, Niohuru Lanqin, are the most important person to me, and also my most beloved consort..."
Lanqin's lips twitched slightly, but the Fourth Prince didn't notice. He continued, "This isn't enough. I also want to appoint your son, Hongli, as Crown Prince. I've thought about this ever since Hongli was born..."
The Fourth Prince seemed to have his own thoughts flashing before his eyes, and said excitedly, "When the time comes, I will hand over the Qing Dynasty to Hongli, and take you traveling to all the places you want to go..."
Fourth Master seemed to have endless things to say to Lanqin, but he feared that if Lanqin disappeared, he would never be able to say those words again...
Meanwhile, at Changchun Immortal Hall, Hongfu drank the herbal medicine and was quickly coaxed to sleep.
However, Nian couldn't sleep and waited by the window for news from Yingzhou Hall.
The maid draped a robe over Madam Nian's shoulders and whispered, "Your Majesty, it's late. You've had a long day; you should rest..."
Ignoring her, Lady Nian angrily asked, "Why is there no news from Yingzhou Hall? Have the imperial physicians come out? Is that bitch alright?"
The maidservant comforted her, "I've already sent someone to inquire. Consort Xi is so badly injured and has lost so much blood. Even a god couldn't heal her..."
Nian chuckled slyly and cursed, "It would be best if he were dead..."
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