No wonder he was so hot, so weak, like a soft persimmon being dragged down by Li Qin. He remembered the physician mentioning that if someone with a high fever used this wine repeatedly, it could lower the fever, but if a normal person used it, the alcohol would be absorbed into the body and dissolve the blood. Thus, without sacrificing a normal person and still saving Qingqing, this was the method. Li Qin’s emotions were a mix of shame and self-reproach, cursing himself for not thinking of such a good method and for mistakenly beating the Fourth Prince. By then, the maids had helped Qingqing dress, her complexion had calmed, and her breathing was much quieter. The imperial physician entered, intending to check Qingqing’s pulse, but was startled to see the Fourth Prince lying on the ground, his face ashen. Seeing Li Qin standing by, clenching his fists in confusion, the physician quickly understood the situation. He instructed the palace maids to help the Fourth Prince up, and while taking his pulse, he remarked, “By the time, the Fourth Prince should have rescued Miss Lin, but he has injured himself in the process.” Li Qin, no longer concerned about appearances, anxiously watched the unconscious Fourth Prince, his tone both urgent and caring, “Is he seriously hurt?” Before the physician could respond, the Emperor, who had entered unnoticed, coldly remarked, “Can you even care for others?”
The Empress, who had also come, sensed trouble and, ignoring the presence of juniors and servants, knelt before the Emperor and spoke earnestly, “Since this woman entered the palace, these two brothers have fought three times. Though they weren’t particularly close before, they always respected each other. If Your Majesty wishes to punish someone, I have nothing to say. But right now, the most important thing is to wait for the Fourth Prince and Miss Lin to wake up!” Her words were heartfelt, and both Yafu and Yuzhen also knelt down, followed by all the servants and the physician in the room.
Once Yuzhen clearly explained the sequence of events, the Emperor’s furrowed brows relaxed slightly. He said, “His beating of the Fourth Prince might be excusable, but if Qingqing blames the Crown Prince upon waking, I will not spare him lightly.”
