The Prince Yi's mansion was quiet, with a sense of desolation. The servants were all meek and submissive, with drooping lips and no joy on their faces.
At that moment, Zhao Jia was in the kitchen brewing medicine. While fanning herself with a palm leaf fan to control the heat, she couldn't help but silently shed tears where no one could see her.
If someone serving outside hears faint sobs coming from inside, they might ask cautiously, "Master, did you get burned by the medicine pot?"
Zhao Jia hurriedly wiped away her tears with her sleeve, tidied her appearance, and then said, "I was burned. Ru, come in and help me put out the fire."
"Yes, this servant will come in right away." Ru knew perfectly well that the Fujin was just using this as an excuse, but since her mistress didn't care, it wasn't their place to be nosy.
Once inside the house, a quick glance revealed that Zhao Jia's once round face had become thin, her chin pointed, and her skin had become dull and lifeless, her eyes lacking vitality. It was as if she were the one suffering from a serious illness.
Seeing her mistress like this, she almost shed tears, but fearing that it would upset her, she had no choice but to hold back and said softly, "Mistress, please rest. Let me do these rough tasks." Her voice was so soft that it seemed as if she was afraid that if she spoke any louder, she might blow Zhao Jia away.
Zhao Jia forced a smile: "I'll do it. This is the only thing I can do for the Thirteenth Prince."
Meanwhile, Lanqin, who had just returned to the palace from the Seventeenth Prince's residence in a sedan chair, suddenly remembered that the Thirteenth Prince was seriously ill. So she asked Cui Niang to inform the people ahead to turn around and go to the Thirteenth Prince's residence.
Because Lanqin's decision was impromptu, the people of Prince Yi's residence did not know that Lanqin had arrived. It was only after a servant announced her arrival that Lady Zhaojia led people to the gate to greet her.
Lanqin immediately noticed the maidservant beside Zhaojia carrying a medicine pot. Following her gaze, Zhaojia explained, "Your Majesty, please forgive me. I was unaware of Your Majesty's arrival and have neglected you. This medicine is for the Thirteenth Prince. While it is still effective, I hope Your Majesty will allow me to take the medicine..."
Before Lady Zhaojia could finish speaking, Lanqin interrupted her: "I am not one of those unreasonable people. You should quickly send the medicine over... Wait, I will go with you to visit Thirteen."
Because the Fourth Prince took it seriously, he arranged for several of the best physicians from the Imperial Medical Academy to be present, and the Thirteenth Prince appeared to have recovered; he was even able to get out of bed. In contrast, Lady Zhaojia looked more like the seriously ill person.
Lanqin sighed inwardly.
Thirteen was reading in his study when Lanqin arrived. Thirteen was about to bow when Lanqin quickly stopped him.
Lanqin said to Thirteen, "His Majesty cherishes you as a good brother, so you must take good care of your health."
Thirteen: "It definitely will. I'm listening to the doctor now."
Lanqin then followed Zhaojia out. The two exchanged a few words, during which Lanqin comforted Zhaojia, who couldn't help but shed tears.
Lanqin knew that no one could comfort her in the pain of losing her beloved, so she could only console her: "I saw Thirteen today and he is getting better and better. You can relax and don't overwork yourself. Otherwise, when Thirteen is fully recovered, you will be exhausted and Thirteen will feel sorry for you and have to take care of you day and night. It will never end."
Lady Zhaojia slowly closed her eyes, held back her tears, and after a long while, she finally said, "Your Majesty is right, I will take good care of myself."
But they all know how much of this is self-deception.
Lanqin could say nothing more, so she could only offer a few words of comfort before leading her men back to the palace.
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