Underneath The Moonlit Night

Chapter 37 - Gentle Embrace, Harsh Truths: A Mother's Guidance

Later that morning, Qing Yi slowly emerged from the depths of unconsciousness, the murmur of voices surrounding him. Blinking against the light, he took in the sight of the room's ceiling. Shifting his gaze, he discerned the silhouettes of Prince Kai Ze and his mother, Yu Yan, by his side.

"Your... Highness?" Qing Yi weakly called out, "Mother?"

Kai Ze swiftly turned his attention to Qing Yi, his touch gentle on Qing Yi's hand. "You're awake! How are you feeling?" he inquired, concern etched across his face.

"Better... I think," Qing Yi responded, his voice hoarse. "You... should probably... not get too close to me... cough cough"

Kai Ze let out a sigh, dismissing the concern. "I'm not worried. There are plenty of apothecaries at the palace. They'll make me better if I get sick." He then turned to Yu Yan and asked, "Could you fetch another blanket for him? He seems to still be shivering."

"Of course, Your Highness," Yu Yan promptly replied. She hurried to a nearby cabinet, retrieving a thick blanket to cocoon Qing Yi in warmth.

Prince Kai Ze gently approached Qing Yi, his hand caressing Qing Yi's face, as he inquired, "What happened? How did you end up so sick?"

Coughing softly, Qing Yi pulled the blanket up to cover his mouth. "I fell asleep in the forest... Then... the shock from... losing my cherished... object and the... plunging from a height... cough, cough* I'm fine now... We have the best medicine here... Don't worry. Cough* cough*."

Concern etched across his face, Kai Ze furrowed his brow and clenched his teeth. He could hear Qing Yi's breath quickening. Biting his lip, Kai Ze gently suggested, "I think it's best if you come back to the palace with me. It's much warmer there, and Dr. Zhao will provide excellent care." His voice filled with genuine worry and care.

Yu Yan also approached, gently brushing Qing Yi's hair from his face, and said, "The Prince is right. You should return to Khufu and start your recovery there. The weather is only going to get colder here in Gusu, and you're more accustomed to the climate in Khufu."

With a faint smile, Qing Yi looked at both Yu Yan, and Kai Ze. "But...there are still.. work to be done here. I want to... try to... handle things here quickly about the... handlers... Cough cough cough... then I'll return." He finished with a few more coughs.

Kai Ze held onto Qing Yi's hands firmly. "Don't push yourself. Get as much rest as you need, then worry about those criminals later. Better yet, I think it's best if you let Su Ju and the Gusu Lan Sect take charge of this manhunt."

After a brief contemplation, Qing Yi reluctantly agreed to return to Khufu with the Prince. He couldn't shake the sadness that had settled in his heart due to the growing distance between him and Lan Xichen, mostly his own doing. In his despondent state, Qing Yi believed it might be best to maintain that distance permanently, as it appeared there was no future for him and Lan Xichen to be together. He pulled his warm blanket around himself, cocooning in his melancholic thoughts, then weakly called out, "Su... Ju..."

In an instant, Su Ju entered the room through the window, responding promptly, "I'm here, Young Master. I heard the prince's instructions. I'll request an audience with Hanguang Jun and get started on the hunt right away."

Qing Yi managed a weak smile at Su Ju. "You're the best... Thank you... Su Ju."

Su Ju nodded and discreetly vanished. Qing Yi turned his attention back to Prince Kai Ze. "Your Highness... what did... you say to... Ze Wu Jun... the other day? Cough cough cough" Qing Yi whispered.

Taken aback, Kai Ze tried to recall the conversation and then replied, "I think I asked him for his advice on how to be an effective leader. Then I also mentioned my brother and my opinion on him. Ze Wu Jun was kind enough to give advice on how to deal with Ming Zhe too. Then he asked if you also served as an adviser for both me and my brother."