“When his mother gave birth, she had a difficult labor. I called the imperial physician, and while she didn’t survive, I saved his life,” Gu Lianchang explained. “I’ve been secretly taking care of him. His character seems good, but people’s hearts are unpredictable. For now, he appears to be the best candidate.”
Ruan Ning asked no more questions. She gently held Gu Lianchang’s hand and whispered, “Come find me tonight.”
Gu Lianchang’s heart warmed, but he replied, “Tomorrow is your coronation ceremony.”
“Don’t you want to try the empress?” she whispered, biting his ear.
Gu Lianchang’s breath became ragged. What a seductress!
Only a few young princes and princesses seemed affectionate. When Wei Ying knelt to pay respects, Ruan Ning helped him up, smiling softly, “Poor child, from now on, you’ll live with me.”
Many present exchanged glances, sensing that something significant was about to happen.
With the empress present, medical care was overseen by her. Gu Lianchang whispered, “Don’t touch anything in the Qingqing Palace, especially food and drink. It’s not clean over there.”
Ruan Ning was surprised. If he knew there was something wrong, why didn’t he intervene? She believed he must know who was plotting behind the scenes and had made arrangements. She nodded and whispered, “I understand.”
“Let Zhang Jing accompany you first. I’ll come find you after I finish my current tasks,” Gu Lianchang added.
Caring for a half-dead patient was not a pleasant experience for Ruan Ning, especially after only getting just over an hour of sleep and being busy since early morning. She directed the palace staff in administering medicine and cleaning the emperor, then sat in a large chair by the dragon bed and began to doze off.
While in a half-dream state, she heard Zhang Jing loudly say, “Your Highness, please stop. Let me inform the Empress.”
Wei Shu rushed in, striding toward Ruan Ning and coldly saying, “Did you follow that eunuch just to get this position?”
Ruan Ning almost responded but realized her current status allowed her to ignore him. Instead, she glanced at Zhang Jing and drowsily lowered her eyelids to continue dozing.
Zhang Jing understood and stood with several eunuchs in front of Wei Shu, respectfully advising, “Your Highness, the Empress is unwell and needs rest. Please return to the palace.”
