"Make way for the royal physician! The emperor has fallen!"
Cheng's blood ran cold.
He had been walking through the palace halls, talking with his closest advisor when panicked shouts broke their conversation.
He pushed through the growing crowd outside his father's room.
Inside, the emperor lay on the floor, his face very pale like he was close to death.
"What happened?"
"Your highness," Eunuch Wang began,
"This morning, i went to the emperor's private quarters to help him start the day as usual. When the emperor didn't move from his meditation, i grew worried and approached the screen."
"I called out to him but there was no reply. So i entered the chamber and saw the emperor lying still on the floor. I gasped in shock and called for help in a panic."
"Guards rushed in at my shouts."
Cheng reached his father's side. "Clear the hall!" he commanded. "Bring the royal physician right away!"
At his order, the room emptied.
Cheng gently lifted his father's head into his lap, "Oh heavens, please let it not be too late," he prayed silently.
Soon, hurried footsteps were heard as the royal physician Du, moved through the crowd standing outside the chamber. Without delay, he began checking the emperor for any signs of life.
Physician Du worked quickly, examining the emperor from head to toe. After some time, he sat back, looking puzzled. "There are no obvious injuries or illness, your highness."
Cheng's mouth went dry. "What do you mean? Is he…"
"He's not dead, but his condition is serious," Du replied, shaking his head. "For his age, exhaustion is not unusual… but this doesn't seem to be the case."
Cheng's eyes narrowed. "You mean it's as if… he was poisoned?"
Du looked at Cheng, visibly confused. "There are no signs of poison."
"Perhaps he simply just overworked himself," Du met Cheng's gaze, silently conveying it was best to avoid raising any fears. He pressed his fingers gently to the emperor's wrist, feeling a faint pulse.
The silence in the chamber was shattered by the thunder of Lady Xia's entrance. She rushed into the room, her bright red robes and jewelry flashing as she hurried to the emperor's side. Seeing him lying still and pale, her eyes widened in shock.
Physician Du was bent over him, and Crown Prince Cheng stood nearby.
"What is happening? Why was I not summoned immediately?!" her voice rose in anger.
Her gaze locked onto Du, narrowing. "Physician Du, explain yourself. How could His Majesty's health fall to such a state under your care?"
Du's jaw clenched, but he bowed slightly. "Lady Xia, His Majesty collapsed from exhaustion. He needs rest, and I'm doing my best to help him recover."
"You speak as though he simply needs sleep, but he looks like he's knocking on death's door!" She glanced at Cheng, her words trailed off, then suddenly softened as she placed a hand on his shoulder. "Crown Prince, how could you let this happen to your father?"
Cheng's brow furrowed, stunned at her boldness. Taking a step back he replied. "I've been with him since he collapsed. The physician says it's just from overworking. What he needs most is rest."
But Lady Xia was already eyeing Du with suspicion. "Physician Du, are you certain you've given him everything he requires? This 'exhaustion' are you sure there is nothing else? Poison, perhaps? Or is it that you have not the skill to recognize such things?"
Du's face darkened, feeling insulted, his hands tightening in frustration as he tried to stay calm.
"Lady Xia, I've served His Majesty for many years. There are no signs of poison or illness. The emperor's collapse is from overwork, nothing more."
From the back of the room, Eunuch Wang spoke up, his voice cold. "If Lady Xia focused more on supporting His Majesty, and less on her own interests, she might understand the pressure he's under."
Lady Xia's eyes blazed with anger as she spun on Wang, "And if his servants remembered their place, there would be more loyalty and less insolence in these halls,"
"Or is it that certain officials wished for this outcome? That they hoped for the emperor to fall so that they may benefit?"
Wang's composure finally fractured. "Lady Xia, I would never betray His Majesty's trust. You ar—"
"Enough!" Cheng cut him off.
He looked between Lady Xia and the others. "Father needs peace, not bickering in his chamber. This is no time for accusations." He glanced at Lady Xia. "The physician is doing his best. Let him work without further interference."
As silence settled over the chamber, the doors opened once more. The room froze as the dignified figure of Empress Zhilan entered. Behind her followed Lady Yunru, the Fourth Consort.
The Empress moved effortlessly, her expression touched with genuine concern as her gaze found the Emperor.
With her arrival, the balance of the room shifted, even Lady Xia inclined herself into a reluctant bow.
Empress Zhilan nodded to each person present before approaching the emperor's bedside. She looked down at him, then turned to Physician Du. "Tell me, Du, what is his majesty's condition?"
Physician Du, visibly relieved to address to the empress, bowed deeply. "Your Majesty, the emperor collapsed from severe exhaustion. There is no sign of poison or other ailments, and I am doing everything within my skill to restore his strength."
The Empress looked at him thoughtfully,"I trust you, Physician Du, and I know you have been loyal to His Majesty for many years. Do whatever is necessary. His health is more important than anything else."
Lady Xia, who had remained silent in the Empress's presence, now forced a smile. "Your Majesty," she interjected, "it is so comforting to see you here. The emperor will surely feel your strength even in his sleep." She glanced at Cheng, "And the crown prince has been an admirable support in this difficult time."
The Empress looked to Cheng, her pride in him unmistakable. "Crown Prince Cheng has always been his father's son, in wisdom and action," she said gently.
At that moment, Consort Yunru stepped forward, her face creased with worry as she looked at the frail figure of the emperor. She placed a hand over her chest, speaking softly, "Oh, His Majesty… always putting the empire above himself." She turned to Eunuch Wang, who stood near the emperor's side. "Wang, has he shown any signs of improvement? Even the slightest?"
But Lady Xia stepped in, "Your Ladyship, His Majesty's condition remains delicate, but Physician Du assures us he needs rest more than anything. We are all hopeful for his recovery."
Consort Yunru nodded, turning back to the emperor. Eunuch Wang gave Lady Xia a subtle, disapproving look, his contempt for her barely concealed. He muttered softly, but loud enough for her to hear, "Perhaps if some were more focused on His Majesty's wellbeing rather than personal ambitions, he would have peace."
Lady Xia shot him a glare, but she held her tongue in the Empress's presence, though a fire smoldered in her eyes.
The Empress, sensing the tension, looked directly at her, "Lady Xia, I understand your concern for His Majesty, but let us leave matters of treatment to Physician Du and his capable team. Our role is to support, not interfere." Her voice being soft, held an undeniable authority that left no room for protest.
Lady Xia nodded stiffly, though her facial expression remained guarded. "Of course, Your Majesty. I only wish to see him recover,"
The Empress gave a slight nod to Consort Yunru, who slowly stepped forward with dignity. "Physician Du," she said gently, "if there's anything we can do... anything you need from us, please let us know."
Du's gratitude was evident in his face. "Thank you, Your Ladyship. All I ask is that you all remain hopeful and patient. His Majesty is strong. We must believe in his recovery."
The Empress placed her hand gently on Cheng's shoulder, meeting his eyes with motherly warmth. "Crown Prince Cheng, you have shown great strength of recent times. The royal family appreciates you for that, please continue to watch over us."
"Thank you, Your Majesty. I am grateful."
The Empress gave a final nod to Yunru and xia, signalling for them to leave the chamber.
Lady Xia cast a cold look back at Wang, then followed behind.
After she left, Cheng let out a sigh of relief, glad the tension had eased. Physician Du gave the emperor some restoring herbs and medicine. "Your Highness, all we can do now is wait."
"Let it be known only that the emperor has overworked himself for the good of the empire. Your service is appreciated, Physician Du. Now, make sure he's comfortable." Cheng said.
That evening
After a long day of trouble, Crown Prince Cheng needed air. Disguised, he went into town with Yìzé beside him.
As they walked, his thoughts stayed on his father's pale form. The physician's words replayed, but Du's uneasy look troubled him most. It wasn't simple exhaustion. Poison had been ruled out so what was it? Something wasn't adding up.
Without realizing it, Cheng had walked far from the town. Reaching a path in the forest, a sudden cold feeling ran through him, and his instincts warned him that danger was near. The sound of twigs snapping broke the silence, and just moments later, a net fell from the trees above.
He rolled aside just in time, drawing his sword for the attackers now emerging.
"Seize him!" commanded a gruff voice, but the men froze at seeing Cheng. "Explain yourselves or face the consequences!"
They immediately fell on their knees and the bravest spoke. "W-we were hired to detain any in these woods. We didn't know it was you....Please, have mercy your highness!"
Cheng frowned. They were merchants hired to steal, and it looked like they were at it. He didn't want to get involved, but he couldn't let them terrorize innocent people.
"Consider this a strict warning. Anyone harming peasants or disrupting trade, I will personally see to it that they be punished severely. Now go." He warned the men off with a glare.
Yìzé spoke up gently, "Your Highness, should we head back to the town? It's getting late."
Cheng nodded wearily, though his mind wasn't truly with Yìzé.
As they began to retrace their steps, Cheng slowed his pace, hoping to run into Mei, but after his fruitless search, he returned home.