The next morning, just as the Emperor and Empress had risen, a eunuch rushed in, panting heavily from running, indicating something urgent had happened. Indeed, he had important news: “Your Majesty, it’s bad. The physician says Miss Lin has suddenly developed a high fever.” The Emperor hesitated briefly, then gave a bitter smile: “Poor Qingqing, her fate is too harsh!” The Empress sighed lightly: “I’m afraid we won’t be able to explain this to Prime Minister Lin.”
…In the Eastern Palace. “Physician, how serious is Miss Lin’s condition?” The Emperor asked as soon as he stepped into the Eastern Palace, neglecting even the morning court session, something he had never done even when ill. The physician replied, “Miss Lin’s fever is severe, and I… am afraid I cannot manage it…” Seeing Li Qin standing there, the Emperor’s anger grew: “If anything happens to Qingqing, see how you’ll explain it to the Lin family.” Li Qin suddenly had a strange thought, as if Qingqing were the Emperor’s child, and he had only accidentally caused her to fall into the pond. Why was the Emperor so furious? He gritted his teeth as if making a significant decision: “I will take responsibility for the trouble I’ve caused.”
