Although Li Chengze's mutiny was defeated, the aftermath of it has not subsided for a long time. Lin Qingya sat alone in the study, the cold wind whistled outside the window, but she seemed not to feel the cold, just staring at the scenery outside the window with empty eyes. In the past few days, in order to accurately predict Li Chengze's plan, she overused mind reading, and her spirit and body reached the limit. She stroked her forehead, her fingertips trembling slightly, and her expression was tired. The candlelight reflected on her pale face, making her look even more haggard.

"Miss, you should rest." Cui'er, Lin Qingya's personal maid, said softly, with a worried tone. She gently put down the teacup in her hand, and saw the sweat on Lin Qingya's forehead, and felt distressed. The room was filled with memorials and a few used brushes scattered around, all of which hinted at the extent of Lin Qingya's hard work day and night.

Lin Qingya forced a smile, her voice weak: "Cui'er, don't worry, I'm fine." She stood up with all her strength, but her figure staggered a little, and she managed to steady herself by holding onto the desk. She took a deep breath and tried to make herself look more energetic. However, the bloodshot eyes and slightly sluggish look still betrayed her. She had actually begun to hallucinate, and from time to time she could hear some chaotic sounds in her ears, which were the side effects of mind reading.

During this time, Li Rui stayed by her side almost every step of the way. He personally prepared tonics for her and took good care of her daily life. "Ya'er, you can't leave like this." Li Rui held Lin Qingya's hand, his eyes full of worry. "Your health is more important than anything else." His tone was gentle, for fear of disturbing her. Seeing that Lin Qingya's face was getting paler and her eyes were full of bloodshot, he knew that she had overdone her mind reading skills.

Lin Qingya snuggled in Li Rui's arms, feeling his warmth, and a surge of sweetness surged in her heart, but it was also mixed with a deep sense of powerlessness. "Brother Rui, I... I'm afraid..." She said in a low voice, with a slight tremor, and a flash of panic on her face. "I'm afraid I can't protect you..." She grabbed Li Rui's sleeves tightly, and an uneasy mood spread. Li Rui hugged her gently, silently giving her strength. Li Rui understood that Lin Qingya's fear was not groundless. The feelings between them gradually deepened, but it also became her new weakness, making her more vulnerable to the calculations from Li Chengqian's remnants and court officials.

In the palace, Li Heng summoned Lin Qingya. He was used to relying on Lin Qingya's wisdom, but her increasingly weak body made him secretly worried. "Qingya, how is your body?" Li Heng's voice was a little concerned, but his tone still carried a bit of the majesty of the emperor. Seeing the fatigue in Lin Qingya's eyes, he felt mixed emotions. He relied on Lin Qingya, but he had to guard against the power in her hands. "Thank you for your concern about the recent events in the court." Li Heng sighed, and his complicated gaze paused on Lin Qingya. The dark circles under her eyes and the worry in her eyes were all in his sight.

Lin Qingya knelt on the ground, she endured the discomfort of her body and replied quietly: "Thank you for your concern, your Majesty. I am just a little tired." She lowered her head and dared not look directly into Li Heng's eyes, because she felt the emperor's dependence on her, and at the same time, she also felt the deep suspicion. Power is like a double-edged sword, which can protect her, but also eventually devour her. She knew that she was already in a stormy heart. If she wanted to protect herself and the important people, she needed to pay more and bear more. Her heart was full of helplessness and struggle, but she could only force a smile, "Your servant will do my best to worry about your majesty."

She stood up slowly, but her body was swaying slightly. Li Rui quickly stepped forward to support her. "Lin Qingya!"

Li Heng looked at her, a flash of heartache flashed across his eyes, but it was fleeting. He knew that Lin Qingya's ability and wisdom were crucial to him, but he couldn't completely trust her.

"If you keep working so hard, I will punish you." Li Heng said sternly.

Lin Qingya bowed her head and said nothing. She understood Li Heng's thoughts. She secretly told herself that she must be more careful and cautious.

Li Heng turned and left, leaving Lin Qingya alone in the hall. She stood quietly, her thoughts surging like a tide. As the situation became more and more complicated, she had to find a way to protect herself and the people around her. At the same time, she also decided to take good care of her body and not let her physical condition affect her judgment and actions.