Qin Zhi gently kneaded his neck, her voice low: “Your Highness has a soft heart and hesitates, but this matter requires a quick decision. Those two are restless. Blocking them will only raise suspicions. It’s better to let them act. The Emperor’s critical condition makes it likely he won’t wake up, and any issues will not implicate you.”
Wei Shu’s heart chilled—she knew everything!
She knew the Emperor’s sudden illness was a result of his own machinations, and he was now hesitating, unsure whether to send the Emperor to his death. This gentle and elegant wife was not as pure as she appeared.
Wei Shu, still indecisive, shook his head. “Do not interfere with my affairs.”
Qin Zhi inwardly sneered at his indecisiveness. She softly replied, “This concubine dare not interfere, but having Consort De and Prince Jin attend to the illness is both reasonable and beneficial. Other princes and princesses are clamoring to take turns attending, and this cannot be suppressed forever.”
Irritated, Wei Shu recognized he had brothers and sisters, and this matter could not be ignored. However, the thought of patricide conflicted with his instincts.
Qin Zhi moved to take charge. “Your Highness, I will call them in now.”
She walked out, leaving Wei Shu wanting to call her back but ultimately silent.
With a darkened expression, he gazed at the dragon bed. The medicine bowl in Consort De’s hand was almost empty, with most of the medicine already given to the Emperor—everything was set in stone.
“Your Highness, with Consort De and Prince Jin here taking care of the Emperor, everything is most appropriate. You haven’t rested for many days, so please go back and rest for a while,” Qin Zhi said to Wei Shu, her eyes full of compassion.
Wei Shu remained silent and turned to walk out. Once in the inner palace’s bedchamber, he suddenly slapped Qin Zhi, leaving five red fingerprints on her fair face. The palace maids and eunuchs lowered their heads in fear, but Qin Zhi just smiled and waved them away.
The door closed, and silence fell over the room. Qin Zhi softly said, “Your Highness, if you’re angry, you can take it out on me.”
