Chapter 82: No Buts

Hearing the eunuch speak in such a way, the Emperor’s heart gave a jolt.

“Is there truly no way to rouse Lady Qiao Qingyun?”

The eunuch bowed his head. “Replying to Your Majesty, this servant dares not lie. When I entered, Her Highness’s face was deathly pale; she was utterly unconscious. If we force her awake now, she may expire on the spot.”

“They all said it as well—this sleep may last who knows how long.”

At this, the Emperor’s heart sank completely. Helpless, he could only adjourn the court and seek another solution.

On the return journey to the Crown Prince’s residence, Yuan Zaichun’s mind was haunted by the words: Qiao Qingyun is gravely ill.

Indeed, after so many days without rest, even one made of iron would be worn out by now. Let alone a woman like Qiao Qingyun.

As soon as he entered the residence, Bu Shenglian hurried toward him.

“Greetings, Your Highness.”

“Mm.”

Yuan Zaichun spared Bu Shenglian barely a glance, leaving her puzzled. She quickly drew closer. “Your Highness, has something happened?”

“No.”

He did not wish to speak further with Bu Shenglian. For reasons unknown, he always felt compelled, consciously or not, to keep her at a distance.

This left Bu Shenglian uneasy and anxious. Since his return, Yuan Zaichun’s attitude regarding Qiao Qingyun had driven her nearly mad.

Now, Qiao Qingyun’s life hung in the balance. She had thought victory was assured, but seeing Yuan Zaichun’s demeanor, the matter seemed far from simple.

Yet within the palace, Bu Shenglian had no allies. Even if she wanted to ask, there was nothing to be learned.

Yuan Zaichun entered the study, gazing at the stack of memorials on the desk but unable to muster any interest in reviewing them.

He glanced at Liu Fu, who stood nearby, and frowned. “When you went in earlier, why were you thrown out?”

When Liu Fu had returned, Yuan Zaichun hadn’t pressed for details, assuming Qiao Qingyun was sulking, perhaps just throwing a tantrum.

As the Crown Prince, how could he humble himself and beg a woman’s forgiveness?

So the silent standoff had lingered for days.

Liu Fu was startled, looking at Yuan Zaichun before clasping his hands in respect. “Your Highness… it was because, with the plague raging, Her Highness could not leave her duties. And at that time, you struck her across the face.”

“Hong Ying and Zhong Shi have been guarding her closely. When they saw me approach, they thought I was there to help you discipline her. They refused to let me in, not even for a glimpse.”

Hearing this, Yuan Zaichun felt as if all strength had drained from his body. He sat blankly in his chair.

Night fell, and Yuan Zaichun still had found no solution. Qiao Qingyun’s life was at risk, yet the plague in the capital showed no sign of abating. Though designated quarantine sites existed, the epidemic remained unchecked.

“Your Highness.”

Suddenly, a soft, charming voice sounded. Yuan Zaichun looked up in surprise to see Bu Shenglian, clad in intimate attire, approaching step by step.

Her eyes held a shy glow, like a maiden encountering love for the first time.

“Your Highness, would you favor Shenglian tonight?”

Bu Shenglian entwined her arms around his neck, gently embracing him, breathing sweetly, eyes seductive as she enticed him.

For her, the only true sense of security would come from a legitimate relationship with Yuan Zaichun; otherwise, nothing else mattered.

But now, it seemed impossible. If things continued this way, she feared she would not even be counted as a concubine in days to come.

“Shenglian, don’t be like this.”

He stopped her hands from unfastening her garments and frowned. “The imperial edict has not yet arrived. I cannot act without it.”

Yuan Zaichun had used such excuses to dismiss Bu Shenglian many times before. Each time, she dared not protest openly.

But tonight, Bu Shenglian seemed resolved. Hearing his refusal, tears fell from her eyes.

“Is Your Highness despising me because I was married before?”

“No.”

He pinched the bridge of his nose, brow furrowed. He did not know why—these days he felt utterly exhausted.

“Go back for now. We’ll discuss this another time.”

Hearing this, Bu Shenglian knew she could not press him further, especially after seeing the aversion in Yuan Zaichun’s eyes.

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Bu Shenglian’s resentment grew ever stronger. She had already probed several palace servants, all of whom said Yuan Zaichun had favored Qiao Qingyun.

This was a hurdle she could never get over in her heart.

She had not yet succeeded, yet another woman had won his affection first—unacceptable!

Three days passed as Qiao Qingyun slept. When she finally opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was Zhong Shi’s face, covered in stubble.

“Oh dear.”

She frowned and rubbed her temples. Zhong Shi was startled, but upon seeing Qiao Qingyun awake, he was overjoyed.

“My lady! My lady, you’re awake!”

“Zhong Shi, did you flee for your life? Why are you so disheveled?”

Outside, Chun Cheng, Xu Lu, Qing Luo, and Hong Ying all rushed in at once, each beaming with delight at the scene.

“My lady! At last you’re awake!”

“Yes, my lady.”

Supported by Zhong Shi, Qiao Qingyun sat up, taking in the scene before her. It was a while before she regained her composure.

“How is it? Has the plague been contained?”

“It’s under control, but…”

Chun Cheng was about to explain, but Xu Lu nudged her arm, stopping her mid-sentence.

Seeing this, Qiao Qingyun knew something must have happened and quickly pressed, “Are you all hiding something from me?”

At these words, Xu Lu shook her head and forced a smile. “No.”

Seeing everyone silent, Qiao Qingyun turned to Zhong Shi. “You tell me.”

Zhong Shi hesitated, glancing around at the others, who all seemed to be watching him. Yet, seeing Qiao Qingyun’s anxious expression, he could not bear to keep silent.

After much deliberation, he sighed. “While you were unconscious, His Majesty sent word, hoping you would help treat the plague.”

“Why didn’t you wake me?”

Qiao Qingyun grew anxious, quickly tearing out her glucose drip, pressing her arm, and preparing to dress.

The others were terrified and rushed to stop her.

“No, my lady! Your health is too fragile. We never disturbed you because your body’s functions had dropped to their lowest point. Only the glucose kept your life signs stable!”

“That won’t do.”

Qiao Qingyun was always stubborn—how could she refuse to save lives?

If she stood by now, the problems would only multiply, and more people would die.

“My lady, you mustn’t go!”

“Hurry, bring the medicine and syringes. Come with me.”