TFSRITA Chapter 42

Because Lingyun Palace is the residence of the Imperial Consort, and she is highly favored, the palace is meticulously maintained.

Knowing that Yan Qing loves flowers, aside from peonies, Ji Yecheng has recently had many other blooming flowers moved from the imperial garden. Many of them are flourishing in the courtyard, competing in beauty.

After looking at the flowers, Yan Qing noticed several eunuchs drawing water from a well to water the plants.

This was the first time Yan Qing had seen the well opened. She usually spent her time training in the backyard and rarely visited the front courtyard, as the front gate was always open, and people passing by would often greet her. Yan Qing disliked this, so she seldom came.

Today, however, the timing happened to coincide.

Supported by Zhu Yin and Nanny Qian, Yan Qing walked over to take a closer look. The well’s opening was wide, and the water deep. But after just a glance, a chill ran down her spine.

She couldn’t help but think of the palace drama novels where many characters met their end by jumping into wells. She glanced at the size of the well again, measuring it with her eyes, and nodded to herself.

If someone jumped in, they certainly wouldn’t be coming back up.

After that thought, Yan Qing intended to leave.

However, a cold voice suddenly echoed beside her, “What? Still thinking of dying? Have you figured out how many people you want to take with you to the grave?”

Yan Qing’s heart skipped a beat in fright, and her body swayed.

Ji Yecheng’s eyes widened as he stepped forward, pulling her into his arms. His grip tightened around her waist, and he angrily scolded, “If you want to die, be decisive about it. I’ll make sure the entire Yan family and Song family accompany you in death. I never make empty promises!”

This time, he even forgot to use his usual royal self-reference of “Gu.”

Her waist hurt from the pressure. Yan Qing, having lost weight due to illness, was now so thin that her frail waist looked like it might break.

Being held so tightly made her nearly lose her breath, so she silently rolled her eyes, not wanting to say anything.

Zhu Yin, seeing her furrowed brow, immediately understood and swiftly delivered a hand chop towards Ji Yecheng.

However, before it could land, the man loosened his grip, an uneasy apology flashing across his face, though he quickly suppressed it. With a cold expression, he said, “Nanny Qian, take the consort back.”

“Yes,” Nanny Qian promptly nodded.

Seeing that Yan Qing was unharmed, Zhu Yin didn’t press further and followed along. She gently asked, “Your Grace, does it hurt? Should I massage it a bit?”

Yan Qing shook her head slowly, turning her head slightly to still catch a glimpse of the man’s stern face.

It seemed he noticed her gaze, as he also looked over.

His brows were furrowed, his face dark and unsmiling, with lips tightly pursed and the corners of his mouth straight, or even slightly downward, revealing his displeasure.

In contrast, Yan Qing’s expression was much simpler—completely blank, with neither anger nor displeasure.

Their eyes met briefly before Yan Qing coolly averted her gaze and returned to the bedchamber.

Ji Yecheng remained, standing there looking cold and aloof, yet deep down somewhat bewildered.

He didn’t know why he had reacted so emotionally just now. When he saw her looking as though she wanted to die again, he was reminded of the time she almost died at his hands.

His heart ached, and before he knew it, he had rushed over. The words that followed didn’t feel like his own.

…

The surrounding palace servants knelt in terror, not daring to raise their heads.

It wasn’t until mealtime that Jiang Wende quietly reminded him, “Your Majesty, it’s time for your meal.”

Ji Yecheng snapped out of his daze, his voice indifferent as he ordered, “Fill in this well!”

Jiang Wende was momentarily speechless.

If the emperor weren’t the one saying this, he might’ve been tempted to complain.

But what could he do? He could only obediently comply.

That very night, work began in Lingyun Palace. By morning, the well had completely disappeared.

Even the construction was done quietly, without a sound.

Ji Yecheng continued to visit daily. He rarely appeared in front of Yan Qing during the day, but at night, he would come without fail. No matter how much Yan Qing expressed her displeasure, he calmly took his place on the other side of the bed, refusing to leave, as if… he were guarding her.

At least, that’s what Yan Qing suspected, though they remained physically distant from each other.

Her injuries and illness slowly improved after a period of care. The wound on her neck had healed completely, and her skin returned to its usual fair, soft smoothness, thanks to the golden jade ointment.

By the time her body fully recovered, it was already the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Finally, the imperial physicians no longer needed to stay in the emperor’s terrifying bedchamber. The visibly thinner physicians nearly cried with relief when they heard the emperor’s command.

During this time, concubines who fell ill were only told that the physicians were unavailable and had to make do with apprentices. The emperor forbade the physicians from attending anyone else, keeping them confined—by day in Lingyun Palace, and by night in his quarters. This inhumane treatment left them feeling utterly miserable.

As they departed, they could barely contain their excitement, practically sprinting out of the palace.

Yan Qing was now in much better health, though she hadn’t yet regained her voice. Her complexion, however, had greatly improved.

Still, she remained quite frail. Ji Yecheng emptied his storerooms to help nourish her back to health, sending her a daily bowl of ginseng soup. It had such an effect that after Yan Qing experienced a nosebleed, he finally stopped.

The Mid-Autumn banquet was a time of national celebration.

Officials were allowed to bring their families into the palace. Aside from the New Year, this was one of the few occasions when court officials and imperial concubines could all gather together.

It was also a rare opportunity for concubines to see their families, so none would want to miss it.

Yan Qing felt both excited and nervous.

After her near-death experience, she had been recovering from her injuries, and though her father, the prime minister, was unaware of the details, he had heard she was sick and had been deeply concerned, constantly sending letters to check on her.

However, Yan Qing could only have Zhu Yin respond on her behalf, as she couldn’t speak to express her own thoughts.

Her father’s love was so genuine.

Whenever she read his letters, she felt warmth in her heart, but she wasn’t truly Yan Qing.

After getting dressed, Nanny Qian looked at her with concern and said, “Your Grace, I already altered the clothes, yet they still seem too large. You need to eat more and regain your strength quickly.”