Chapter 153
Outside the emperor's bedroom, Qin Su stood expressionless.
Behind her stood Emperor Jingxi's other children, some of whom had grown up and been granted the title of prince, such as Prince An, while others were still young, their faces filled with apprehension despite the comforting words of the palace servants.
They would steal glances at Qin Su from time to time, but dared not linger their gaze for too long, for fear of attracting Qin Su's attention.
Undoubtedly, they were all somewhat afraid of this eldest sister.
Emperor Jingxi has had seven sons and three daughters to date, and none of them grew up without the shadow of this eldest sister.
Even the eldest prince, who was the same age as her, was far surpassed by her during his childhood, not to mention the children who were born later, who had heard nothing but legendary stories about this eldest sister from a young age.
Qin Su was like a beacon standing tall in the sky, perfect and dazzling, overshadowing all the princes and nobles.
Many people want to follow in her footsteps and learn from her, but apart from Ye Yan, no one can successfully stand beside her.
Thinking of Ye Yan, some people turned their gaze to the handsome general who was whispering with the imperial physician not far away.
I had long heard that Emperor Jingxi intended to arrange a marriage between the two of them, but I don't know why he has not issued the decree yet.
Well, given the current situation, it seems hard to say what will happen in the short term.
...
After communicating with the imperial physician and confirming the situation, Ye Yan turned back to Qin Su and whispered, "The imperial physician said it was typhoid fever, but based on the symptoms, I suspect it might be a lung infection."
Emperor Jingxi's persistent high fever, chest tightness, and shortness of breath were very likely caused by a bacterial infection.
This is also the situation they fear most.
Because with current medical technology, it is simply impossible to treat such a disease.
Qin Su understood this fact, of course. Her eyelashes trembled, and her lips turned pale instantly.
Ye Yan gently squeezed her wrist, his heart heavy, as if a stone was pressing down on it.
No one understood the feelings between Emperor Jingxi and Qin Su better than him. He couldn't imagine how heartbroken Qin Su would be if Emperor Jingxi couldn't make it through this.
But there is never any logic to birth, aging, sickness, and death in this world.
All separations in the world are a pain that is equal for everyone.
Half an incense stick later, the palace door opened, and the court officials came out, all looking very unwell.
With red eyes, Liang Danxin let Qin Su in.
Compared to the unpleasant expressions on everyone's faces, Emperor Jingxi seemed slightly more relaxed. Leaning against the headboard, he still had the energy to laugh at Qin Su: "How did your clothes get so dirty? You look like a little kitten."
When Qin Su received the news, she was outside the city. Her hands trembled and she spilled coal dust all over herself. After returning to the palace, she had no intention of changing her clothes.
“So what if my clothes are dirty?” She half-squatted in front of the bed, looking at Emperor Jingxi’s flushed face, and finally choked up, “If Father were gone, I would be an orphan.”
Emperor Jingxi chuckled and reached out to wipe the corner of her eye: "Don't cry. How old are you? Why are you still shedding tears? Since ancient times, which emperor hasn't been a lonely figure?"
Qin Su kept a straight face, but tears streamed down her face: "I don't care if others are lonely or not, I'm not going to be an emperor like that. Let whoever wants this empire take it."
"Nonsense!" Emperor Jingxi slapped her head in anger, wanting to scold her, but he held back when he saw his daughter's face full of tears.
His heart ached, and he sighed, "I'm reluctant to let go either. I haven't seen my little princess get married and start a family, nor have I seen the Great Yu unify the grasslands, but thankfully, you're still here..."
"Su Su." Emperor Jingxi gently wiped away her tears and said softly, "The thing I am most proud of in my life is not how well I governed the Great Yu, but having you as my daughter. Only when you inherit the throne can I leave in peace, otherwise I will die with regrets."
Upon hearing him utter the word "death," Qin Su burst into tears and was speechless for a moment.
Emperor Jingxi then went on and on about his arrangements for his ministers and his plans for the grasslands, before his spirits gave out and he drifted off to sleep.
Qin Su knelt before the bed and looked at him for a long time before tidying herself up and leaving the palace.
With no empress in the harem and no crown prince in the court, all the responsibilities fell on Qin Su's shoulders.
She handled affairs one by one, comforting court officials, concubines, brothers and sisters, and was busy until dark before returning to Zhaoning Palace.
Ye Yan needed to leave the palace before the gates were locked. Before leaving, he hesitated for a moment, but still gently pulled Qin Su into his arms.
"Don't worry, I'll always be with you."
Qin Su's tears instantly burst forth.
She grabbed Ye Yan's clothes, as if she had been transported back to more than ten years ago, still that naive little child who was afraid of losing her loved ones.
A gentle night breeze blew outside the window.
All she could do was allow herself to cry her heart out one last time.
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