CFSSIR

‧₊˚ 89 ‧₊˚

After experiencing this series of dramatic ups and downs, combined with days of continuous travel without rest, Shen Qingyao's already lingering illness became increasingly severe.

Lu Zhao held her in his arms. At first, she could still chat with him a bit, but gradually, her voice grew softer and deeper until, finally, only a few faint responses remained. Then Lu Zhao felt a weight in his arms as the young girl's head drooped onto him; she had already fallen asleep.

Lu Zhao paused, looking down at the dark circles under the girl's eyes, feeling increasingly guilty.

"Young Master, are we returning to the Duke's residence?" Cui Qiao, seeing from afar that her Miss was sound asleep, quickly fetched a thin blanket from the carriage to cover her Miss, then respectfully stepped back and asked.

The crisis in the capital had been resolved, and the Princess Duanhua had been worried about the two children for days. By rights, they should return home first to reassure their parents. But considering his own disheveled state and Yaoyao's condition, returning home now would likely cause a commotion and unnecessary worry for their parents.

After a moment of thought, Lu Zhao shook his head, lowering his voice to avoid waking Shen Qingyao, "Not yet. Go find Shen Qingli and ask her to arrange a side hall for us to stay in the palace for the night. Also, send a few people to report our safety to the Duke's residence and the Shen family."

"Yes." Cui Qiao didn't dare delay. Since Lu Zhao was with Shen Qingyao, she wasn't needed, so she quickly turned and left.

Lu Zhao adjusted the person in his arms and then turned, heading towards the palace.

Shen Qingyao slept very deeply.

Lu Zhao took her to the side hall, ordered hot water to be brought in, and personally cleaned and dressed her in comfortable, clean clothes. Only after this did he go to the bathroom to wash up. After washing, he quietly lay down beside her.

Throughout this process, Shen Qingyao didn't move an inch, sleeping soundly, unlike before when she would instinctively snuggle up to him upon sensing his presence.

Lu Zhao paused but, seeing her steady breathing, attributed it to her exhaustion from the journey and didn't think much of it. He snuggled closer, positioning her comfortably in his arms as she usually slept, and closed his eyes.

When he awoke again, Shen Qingyao was still in the same position as before.

Lu Zhao frowned.

Shen Qingyao wasn't a restless sleeper, usually just turning over a few times a night. But now, she hadn't moved at all, not even changing the position of her hands.

Looking more closely, he noticed that although she was asleep, her brows were tightly furrowed, and a fine layer of sweat covered her forehead and nose. Her eyelids twitched as if she were having a distressing dream, wanting to wake but unable to. Lu Zhao leaned over her, taking her hand to find it clenched tightly. He had to exert some force to pry it open, revealing red marks from her unconscious grip.

Lu Zhao's heart sank, feeling something was wrong. He hurried to the door, shouting, "Fetch the imperial physician! And Kong Lin! Bring Kong Lin as well! Hurry!"

Hong Yun, standing guard outside, was shocked. The only person who could make Young Master lose his composure like this was Madam. Hong Yun responded quickly, running off while thinking to herself: my legs have gotten so much exercise running to fetch doctors for Madam...

The side hall was silent, everyone's eyes fixed on the elderly man quietly taking Shen Qingyao's pulse, afraid to make a sound and disturb him. They hoped to glean some clues from his expression about Shen Qingyao's condition.