“Thank you, I like it. Royal Consort, you’re not feeling well, don’t trouble yourself. I have clothes to wear,” she said, choking on her words.
Recently, Lan Lan had been especially kind to Qixi, saving delicious food, buying her gifts, and singing to her in private. Qixi often thought that she must have been very fortunate in her past life to serve in the royal consort’s house and wished to remain there forever. Seeing Qixi’s touched expression, Lan Lan felt secretly pleased. This was the first step of her psychological strategy; now it was time for more drastic measures.
“Oh!” Lan Lan suddenly collapsed to the ground.
“Royal Consort, what’s wrong? Don’t scare Qixi!” Qixi shook Lan Lan’s body desperately, not daring to call out loudly. She checked for Lan Lan’s breath—was she still alive? Qixi felt a hint of disappointment when she confirmed that she was not dead yet.
If the royal consort didn’t die, her mission would remain unfinished, and her family would continue to suffer. Qixi was torn between her feelings. She placed her hands on Lan Lan’s neck, contemplating the act, but the innocence in Lan Lan’s face and memories of her kindness made her hesitate. Yet, thoughts of her own family brought a surge of pressure to her hand. Just as her conscience stirred, she pulled away, resisting the impulse.
[Text: Chapter Fifty-Five: Who Played Whom]
Long Junhao looked at his crying children, feeling love and gratitude towards Lan Lan. He appreciated her sacrifices and the life she built for him. However, seeing her weak on the bed made his heart ache. “Lan’er, you must be okay. What would I do if something happened to you? If you go, I will go with you.”
“Make way, the imperial physician is here!” Lin Bo led Doctor Cheng inside.
Doctor Cheng surveyed the room and frowned. “Everyone leave! Too many people are not good for the patient.”
“Just leave one or two people.”
“Zhen’er, be good. The doctor is going to examine your mother; go play with your sister.”
“Zhen’er understands.” Despite his young age, Long Zhen showed remarkable maturity. He silently took Xin’er away, not crying like other children. Long Junhao was proud of his son’s behavior.
