TFSRITA Chapter 58

Ji Yechen shook his head. “Continue, do it again.”

The pain in his body allowed him to forget the emotional turmoil he felt—the overwhelming anger when he heard the news and stormed out of the palace, and the deep sense of bitterness when he suspected that Yan Qing might betray him.

Later, when he saw Yan Qing, he didn’t dare to ask her anything. He instinctively tried to convince himself that she hadn’t betrayed him! She hadn’t!

The royal physician hesitated, unsure if he should proceed.

Ji Yechen narrowed his eyes. “Are you ignoring my words?”

With a sigh, the physician resumed his work. Instantly, Ji Yechen’s expression changed dramatically again; the pain surged, causing the veins in his neck to bulge, giving him a rather ferocious appearance.

…

Yan Qing returned directly to Lingyun Palace in her sedan chair.

Because she entered the palace with great confidence, many people noticed, and it became clear to everyone inside that the favored consort had left the palace!

Almost on the same day, a flood of visitors came to pay their respects.

They claimed it was to greet the consort.

However, Yan Qing turned them all away.

“I won’t see anyone.”

Zhu Yin promptly conveyed this message to Mama Wan, so everyone had to sit in the palace for a while. Seeing their host stubbornly refusing to come out, they reluctantly returned.

Since they couldn’t gather any information, many were eager to find fault with Yan Qing, but under the management of Mama Wan and Mama Qian, Lingyun Palace remained impenetrable, and no one could bribe their way in.

Seeing how peaceful her days were, Yan Qing felt reassured enough to focus on her recovery.

Her hands had not fully healed yet; although they would never return to their prime, she preferred to dress herself and manage her crown without help.

Since Ji Yechen returned to the palace, he hadn’t visited her for a long time. It was only half a month later that the now completely calm and much thinner Emperor finally appeared in Lingyun Palace.

Yan Qing was about to have her meal when she noticed Ji Yechen’s arrival. The palace servants quickly brought over several dishes.

Ji Yechen sat down without hesitation, leaving a space between them.

Mama Qian was busy arranging the food on the other side.

As they sat closer together, Yan Qing realized that Ji Yechen had not just lost a little weight; in fact, he had lost a lot. Upon closer inspection, his cheeks looked gaunt, and the collar of his robe revealed prominent collarbones.

The reason his clothes fit well was likely due to the muscles he had left.

At that moment, Ji Yechen seemed to carry an aura of aggression, always on edge, but his appearance remained unchanged; with his weight loss, his masculinity appeared even more pronounced.

After noticing him, Yan Qing lowered her gaze to herself. Had she gained weight?

During her time back at the palace, the imperial kitchen’s skill in preparing medicinal dishes had greatly improved. Various precious medicinal ingredients were sent to her from the emperor’s private treasury without charge—anything that could nourish her was provided.

Additionally, Zhu Yin helped her train her strength in other areas, which made her sweat and feel hungry more quickly, leading her to eat more.

Thus, she gradually gained weight.

She felt a bit confused but didn’t voice it.

Ji Yechen, meanwhile, behaved quite calmly during the meal, occasionally using the serving chopsticks to offer her food. If he used his chopsticks, Yan Qing would immediately refuse, but with the serving chopsticks, she didn’t hesitate. There was no need to waste delicious food.

The tender fish soaked in sauce melted in her mouth, a true delight.

Ji Yechen ate slowly, glancing occasionally at her. Seeing her enjoy the meal so much softened his gaze, and he couldn’t help but serve her more.

She seemed so gentle and simple-minded; he truly wondered if she could handle it…

But regardless of her capabilities, he wanted her!

Thinking about the opposition from the ministers, Ji Yechen’s expression turned cold. Did they think he wouldn’t care and could just make arbitrary decisions?

…

Their meal was quiet; neither spoke, only the sounds of clinking bowls and chopsticks filled the air.

After finishing, Yan Qing patted her stomach and stood up to take a stroll to help with digestion.

However, Ji Yechen stood up as well, seriously stating, “I will ensure you get everything you desire.”

His words were vague, and lacking context, causing Yan Qing to be puzzled. “What do you mean?”

Ji Yechen’s eyes darkened, displaying his displeasure, but he replied in a deep voice, “The position of empress.”

“I don’t want it!” Yan Qing quickly shook her head. “I don’t want that.”

This time, Ji Yechen’s eyes were not just dark but icy. He stepped closer and asked, “Do you even know what you’re saying?”

Yan Qing forced a smile, her voice hoarse. “I know, but I truly don’t want it. I can’t handle the position of empress. Please let me be.”

Ji Yechen’s heart sank, and in anger, he flicked his sleeve, stirring up a gust of cold air. “You will have it, whether you want it or not!”

With that, he turned to leave, striding away quickly as if afraid someone might pursue him.

Wasn’t he just afraid of being pursued?

Ji Yechen did not want to hear Yan Qing’s small mouth utter words he disliked again.

Everything seemed fine during their meal!

He pressed his hand to his chest, feeling the familiar pang of bitterness return, leaving a look of confusion on his handsome face. Why was this happening?

Seeing the emperor in such a state, Jiang Wende couldn’t help but feel sorry for him. He gently suggested, “Your Majesty, why not take a stroll in the imperial garden? The chrysanthemums have bloomed beautifully, clustered together, and they look stunning.”

Ji Yechen, feeling stifled, nodded in agreement.

Jiang Wende immediately took the lead.

…

Before reaching the imperial garden, they heard a pleasant female voice inside. Although it was melodious, it was slightly noisy.

The emperor disliked noise!

Jiang Wende’s expression grew serious, and he quickly announced, “Your Majesty has arrived!”

Instantly, all sounds in the imperial garden ceased, and a moment later, a chorus of respectful greetings followed: “We pay our respects to the Emperor.”