Chapter 114: You Heartless Woman!

Having said that, she turned and left, leaving Yuanbao alone to grapple with the pig’s trotter.

As soon as she stepped out of the room, Qiao Qingyun was stunned by the sight of a familiar figure, and a radiant smile immediately spread across her face.

"Feng Ke? Why are you here?"

Seeing Qiao Qingyun, Feng Ke was equally incredulous!

Was he dreaming? How could he possibly see her at a time like this? He had long since abandoned hope, knowing he would not be allowed into the palace and having lost contact with Yuan Zaichun, making the chances of encountering Qiao Qingyun slim to none. Yet, the moment he saw her, his heart—which had long since ceased its erratic beating—began to flutter wildly once more.

"Qingyun!"

Feng Ke rushed over, but Zhong Shi stepped in, blocking his path with a cold expression. "Young Master Feng, the Princess has not fully recovered. Do not startle her."

Seeing Zhong Shi acting like a dog guarding its bone, Feng Ke refused to back down. He stood with his hands on his hips and demanded, "Has Qingyun married you?"

"No..."

"Then are you her kept man?"

"No."

"Then what are you blathering about!"

Watching Feng Ke glare at Zhong Shi, Qiao Qingyun let out a soft laugh and shook her head helplessly. Why were these two more childish than the last?

"Alright, alright, you two start arguing the moment you meet. Honestly, I’m busy here. If you have nothing better to do, Feng Ke, could you lend a hand?"

Hearing Qiao Qingyun say he had nothing to do, Feng Ke looked as if he might cry on the spot. "I have nothing to do? You tell me, have you ever managed the Hundred Flowers Pavilion or the Hundred Flowers Courtyard? No! It’s always me running around, and later, I even had to look after your medical clinic for you. You—you heartless woman!"

Feng Ke had been suffering in silence, but stung by Qiao Qingyun’s words, he poured out all his grievances. Who would have thought he had been doing so much for her?

"Really?" Qiao Qingyun’s eyes widened in disbelief, and she said with a hint of apology, "I’m sorry, I didn't mean it that way. Who knew I would be whisked away to the palace? My uncle wouldn't let me leave, so..."

As she spoke, her voice grew somber. This displeased Zhong Shi, who immediately pushed Feng Ke a step away. "You just arrived and you're already making her unhappy. Go away, go away."

"Ugh! You ungrateful wretch!"

"You're the ungrateful one!"

By the time the two finally stopped bickering, Qiao Qingyun was famished. Her stomach let out a thunderous growl, loud enough for everyone to hear. The woman laughed awkwardly. "Hehe, I'm hungry."

"Have you missed the food from the Hundred Flowers Courtyard?" Feng Ke asked with a raised brow. Qiao Qingyun nodded without hesitation. Although the palace snacks were exquisite, they lacked the flavor of the Courtyard. Whenever they had the chance, they would cook for themselves, attracting quite a crowd. It was a pity the imperial chefs refused to prepare such dishes, claiming they wouldn't be accepted. This frustrated Qiao Qingyun—why couldn't they be accepted? Did everything have to be overly ornate to be considered good?

Under Feng Ke’s arrangement, a table of fresh, fragrant dishes was laid out before them. Seeing the spread, Qiao Qingyun didn't stand on ceremony. She dove in, devouring the food without a hint of modesty. As she ate, she lavished praise on the dishes, leaving Feng Ke dumbfounded.

"You... I haven't asked you yet, the child..."

Feng Ke had to bring up the one thing she wanted to avoid. The moment he spoke, Zhong Shi’s gaze shifted to him, sharp enough to cut. Feng Ke, feeling the pressure from everyone’s eyes, realized his mistake. He lowered his head and whispered, "I didn't mean to poke at your wound, I just..."

"I know. But because I was assassinated—the Empress's doing—I nearly died, and the child... I couldn't save it."

Having said this, Qiao Qingyun shoveled a large mouthful of food into her mouth. Zhong Shi glared furiously at Feng Ke before placing a piece of Qiao Qingyun’s favorite sweet and sour pork into her bowl. "My Lady hasn't been well lately; eat more to nourish yourself."

Zhong Shi’s comfort eased her heart slightly, and she nodded at him. No one dared to speak for the rest of the meal. As time grew short, Feng Ke approached her once more. His reluctance to part was written all over his face. After a long moment, he let out a sigh and asked, "When can you come out again?"

"Tomorrow. I can come out to play every day, as long as I mind the time. If I go back too late, I won't have another chance."

Hearing this, Feng Ke breathed a sigh of relief and watched them leave.

***

On the way back, Zhong Shi noticed Qiao Qingyun was quiet and couldn't help but feel worried. "My Lady, are you unhappy?"

"Hm? No, not at all." Qiao Qingyun quickly denied it, though in truth, she was deeply unsettled. She had never imagined she would be asked about the child. But then again, it made sense—the child belonged to the Crown Prince...

"Princess, do not worry. Once we are back in the palace, no one will ask about such things." Yuanbao had spent enough time in the palace to know how things were done. Palace folk only spoke of pleasantries and never dug into the past; to do otherwise was to court death.

"Mhm." Qiao Qingyun nodded. Upon returning to the palace, Yuanbao busied himself with his duties as a head eunuch, while Zhong Shi and Hong Ying stayed by Qiao Qingyun’s side.

"My Lady, the Crown Prince sent someone over this morning, but we had already left, so we didn't run into them." Qingluo relayed the message, wondering how Qiao Qingyun would react.

As expected, Qiao Qingyun didn't even bother to ask for details, merely nodding with indifference. Just as they were wondering how to handle the situation, rapid footsteps approached the room. It was Yuanbao.

"Princess, the Emperor is unwell, this..."

Before he could finish, Qiao Qingyun had already rushed out like a gust of wind, with the others trailing behind her toward the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

"Your Majesty, please do not worry." Xiao Shunzi, the Emperor’s attendant, was trying to console him. The imperial physicians were all kneeling on the floor, and only when Qiao Qingyun burst in did the scene stir.

"Imperial Uncle."

Qiao Qingyun knelt by his side. The Emperor was slumped on a soft chair, looking deathly exhausted. Seeing her, he managed a weary smile. "Did I frighten you?"

"No, no. Uncle, let me examine you."

As she spoke, Qiao Qingyun caught sight of a puddle of black blood on the floor. Her heart sank; if it was poison, this would not be easily resolved.