Shen Qingyao, who was standing aside at first, had now curled up at the corner of the bed, hugging her knees. The translucent feet were close to ‘her’ feet, and Lu Zhao sat opposite her, still holding ‘her’ hand. However, upon hearing Shen Qinglin’s words, Lu Zhao turned his head coldly, seeming to wait for an explanation.
Shen Qingyao also appeared numb.
She lifted her head to look at the empty space with nothing in it, seemingly in a silent confrontation with the system.
In a moment, she had already understood the intentions of the system and Shen Qinglin.
“…” How should she put it? Using the coronation of the new Emperor to ‘bring good luck’ to her was quite far-fetched.
Before Shen Qinglin could speak, Shen Qingyao was already awkwardly curling her toes.
After a while, Shen Qingyao glanced past Lu Zhao to Shen Qinglin, who was leaning against the door, also looking embarrassed. It seemed that Shen Qinglin too had belatedly realized her mistake, having spoken without thinking. If she were to explain, she really didn’t know how to start.
But Lu Zhao and Shen Qingli, with their pairs of eyes, each distinct yet equally beautiful, stared at her with either melancholy or confusion. It was unreasonable not to explain.
Shen Qinglin swallowed and thought quickly, but couldn’t come up with any excuses. She couldn’t possibly say, “Actually, you don’t know, but there’s something called a system in our bodies,” right? They’d think she’s crazy, wouldn’t they?
As she hesitated, her fingertips touched the ebony box in her arms. Suddenly, a bright idea struck her, and a smile crept onto her face. She pushed the box forward and said, “I’ve been undercover in Nanzhao for several years. This is a spiritual medicine I obtained by infiltrating the secret places of Nanzhao. Perhaps it could be useful! But…”
Shen Qinglin subtly paused, unsure whether she was figuring out how to continue expressing herself or how to deceive herself first.
She continued, “But the Nanzhao saintess who presented the medicine in secret said that only when the internal affairs of Great Liang are stable and we have everlasting friendship with Nanzhao, will this medicine be given to us as a gift after the new Emperor ascends the throne. If we use it prematurely, Nanzhao has secret techniques that can render the divine medicine ineffective.”
She raised her eyes solemnly and said, “Therefore, Eldest Sister, we cannot postpone it.”
This reasoning was outrageous, leaving Shen Qingyao and the onlookers dumbfounded for a long time, until she slowly raised her thumb towards her Second Sister. At first listen, this reason actually sounded quite reasonable. However, it still had many loopholes. With the intelligence of Lu Zhao and Shen Qingli, they probably wouldn’t believe it.
But whether it was out of concern or something else, the two of them just slightly stunned after hearing Shen Qinglin’s words. Then Lu Zhao’s eyes slightly changed, staring at the box in her hand as if a dying person had seen hope again.
Shen Qingli, on the other hand, opened her mouth in surprise, not expecting such a twist. But saving Shen Qingyao was urgent. She didn’t have time to delve into how this medicine was obtained or why the giver’s request was so peculiar. She simply nodded slightly and said, “I understand. I’ll go back and discuss with Xiao Mu.”
With that, Shen Qingli turned and left. Shen Qinglin pondered for a moment, then handed the box she had been tightly holding onto Lu Zhao. Although she was worried, the medicine was indeed effective. She had no certainty it could save Shen Qingyao, so she could only silently pray in her heart that the system had the conscience to save Shen Qingyao.
Half a month later, the people of Great Liang celebrated together to congratulate the new Emperor’s ascension.
Although Xiao Mu had been in the Northern Frontier in these years, his rule over the north was strong and stable, prosperous and peaceful. Compared to the continuous disasters and unrest in the south over the past two years, it was a pure land. Now that he had ascended, he severely punished corrupt officials, cleaned up the government, reduced taxes, and the entire atmosphere of Great Liang was renewed, which earned the praise of the masses.
Apart from these achievements, the most talked-about thing was that after Xiao Mu ascended the throne, his first imperial edict was to appoint the Young Master of Duke Zhenguo, Lu Zhao, as the Left Prime Minister of the current court.
Lu Zhao’s talent was widely recognized by all, and he was also the trusted aide who assisted the new Emperor in ascending the throne. Xiao Mu’s decision to heavily rely on him surprised no one. However, his sudden elevation to the position of Prime Minister, surpassing thousands of others, still shocked a large part of the courtiers. Whenever his name was mentioned, it was always accompanied by praise and admiration. Such a scene was reminiscent only of his rare triple success in the imperial examinations.
At this moment, the youngest Left Prime Minister in the history of Great Liang was still half-sitting by the bedside, calmly waiting for someone.
“Why hasn’t she woken up yet?”
Lu Zhao asked in a deep voice. Since Shen Qingyao fell unconscious, he refused to speak to anyone, so his voice now sounded hoarse, causing unease in those who heard it.
Kong Lin, standing beside him, frowned in puzzlement. After a long sigh, Kong Lin said, “Ah, that medicine earlier was indeed a rare elixir, greatly beneficial for heart ailments. I have already included it in the prescription. According to reason, it should have had some effect.”
Lu Zhao listened without much change in expression, his eyes deeply fixed on Shen Qingyao, unwilling to shift away even an inch.
There was weariness, anticipation, and an unbreakable longing in his eyes.
“It’s really strange. I examined her pulse; her heart condition should be slowly improving! Her heartbeat is steady, her pulse is stable, there should be no hindrance…” Kong Lin continued to be puzzled, stroking his beard until it almost seemed he would pluck it out.
“If there’s no hindrance, then why hasn’t she…” awakened?
Tu Lan, who had always assisted Kong Lin, asked halfway through her sentence, then stopped. Asking these questions was just to reassure herself; in fact, they all understood that if the heart disease had healed, what remained was whether the person lying there wanted to wake up or not…
Looking at Lu Zhao, who had risen to a high position of power but showed no joy, Tu Lan sighed softly.
What a splendid and unrivaled man he was, a sight she once witnessed during their days in the south. But now, with Shen Qingyao falling ill for half a month, Lu Zhao’s care for her was as if he had become a different person.
The depth in his usually profound eyes was gone, leaving them hollow and chilling.
Glancing at Shen Qingyao, who slept unaware on the bed, Tu Lan silently recited a prayer used in the southern tribes. “Shen Qingyao, if you still care for your Elder Brother Lu Zhao, please recover soon.”
“My Lord, it’s time to enter the palace. His Majesty has summoned you today.”
During the silence, a figure entered from outside the door—it was Lu Zhao’s attendant. He was no longer called Young Master now. When they saw Lu Zhao, everyone respectfully addressed him as Prime Minister or My Lord.
Lu Zhao lowered his eyes in silence, still meticulously wiping Shen Qingyao’s face with a cloth, cleaning her hands, and gently touching her cheek. He softly said, “Yaoyao, I’ll be back soon.”
His demeanor was natural, as if Shen Qingyao could still hear him.
Cui Qiao and Hong Yun, who were also by the bedside, immediately teared up. For these days, it had been like this. Lu Zhao never left when he was free. If there was something he had to attend to and couldn’t stay, he would arrange everything for Shen Qingyao like he was doing now, then bid her farewell softly.
Only after Lu Zhao had finished everything did he stand up.
The moment he walked out, Kong Lin heard Lu Zhao seemingly turn back and say something.
Kong Lin was momentarily stunned, and after a long time, he remembered what Lu Zhao had said: “If she doesn’t wake up for a day, I’ll wait for her for a day. If she doesn’t wake up for a year, I’ll wait for her for a year. It doesn’t matter how long. I’m sorry to trouble Master Kong to to take care of her.”
The words were spoken casually, but their meaning was profound, shaking Kong Lin’s heart once again.
Lu Zhao entered the palace and went straight into the imperial study without needing to announce himself. Inside, besides Xiao Mu, Shen Qingli was also present.
Seeing Lu Zhao, Shen Qingli’s eyes lit up momentarily, but upon closer inspection of his demeanor, she disappointedly sat back down.
Xiao Mu was straightforward in nature. Without much courtesy, he casually picked up several memorials and handed them over, saying lightly, “Changfeng, take a look at these.”
Lu Zhao furrowed his brows as he took them. Flipping through them casually, most of them accused him of being too young to hold the position of Prime Minister. Some also mentioned that the Duke’s mansion was already too powerful as it had its own troops, and appointing another civil official would make it difficult to control them in the future.
Clichéd arguments.
Lu Zhao’s expression remained unchanged, showing no reaction to these comments. It was only when he reached the last memorial that his eyes turned cold.
The final one was a request for marriage for their daughter, and the other party for the proposed marriage was Lu Zhao himself.
It stated that Lu Zhao’s original wife was seriously ill and had requested that their daughter marry him, willingly becoming a concubine to serve the Prime Minister.
Lu Zhao’s face turned cold, and he snorted disdainfully as he threw the memorial back onto the table heavily, saying with contempt, “Do they even deserve it?”
In theory, this was a private matter among courtiers and should not have been presented to the Emperor. However, Lu Zhao’s current influence was too strong, and there were always those who sought to form connections with him. Despite his deep affection for his first wife, who was nearing death, someone daringly presented the memorial, perhaps hoping the Emperor might use it to restrain Luzhao.
They could connect themselves to Lu Zhao while gaining favor with the Emperor by offering up their daughter. It was a win-win situation, from their perspective.
However, they underestimated the current Emperor’s relationship with Lu Zhao and forgot the weight Shen Qingli held in Xiao Mu’s heart. Just out of her tender affection for her youngest sister, Xiao Mu would never agree to such a marriage proposal.
So, he eagerly delivered the memorial to Lu Zhao.
Before Shen Qingyao woke up, these people were already hoping for her death. Lu Zhao was furious.
Shen Qingli, now the Empress, carefully observed Lu Zhao’s expression and tentatively said, “Such matters will not be uncommon in the future. Even if Yaoyao wakes up, someone will still bring it up. You…”
Lu Zhao’s expression grew increasingly grim, and Shen Qingli paused before continuing, “If you wish, we can bring Yaoyao back to the Shen family.”
After all, no one could guarantee how long Shen Qingyao would remain unconscious.
Before she could finish, Lu Zhao’s gaze pierced her like a blade.
“Empress, there’s no need for you to worry. Yaoyao is my wife, and I will wait for her.”
So they waited, and another three months passed.
Shen Qingyao slept through a long winter with closed eyes. Initially filled with sorrow, worry, and anxiety, the people had now settled into quiet anticipation. Until another warm spring day arrived.
On the first day of the second lunar month, it was Princess Duanhua’s birthday. With their daughter-in-law in a deep slumber, the Princess originally had no plans for a grand celebration. However, Lu Zhao insisted, “Yaoyao loves lively occasions. It wouldn’t hurt to have a small celebration. Perhaps if she hears it, she might wake up on her own?”
Princess Duanhua reluctantly agreed and instructed her attendants to make the arrangements.
This was the first time since Lu Zhao’s promotion that the Lu residence had opened its doors to guests. All the families were eager to impress the Lus.
News of Shen Qingyao’s unconscious state somehow spread. The noble ladies, who had previously lost interest, now became lively again. They all wished to catch the attention of Prime Minister Lu during this banquet. As for Shen Qingyao, the original wife, no one saw her as a threat anymore.
On the morning of the birthday banquet, Lu Zhao, as usual, personally took care of all matters for Shen Qingyao, ensuring everything was in order before changing into his robes and heading out.
The banquet was set in the front courtyard, and the lively noise could be heard from afar, somewhat disturbing. Lu Zhao frowned, concerned that these sounds might affect Shen Qingyao’s rest. Just as he was about to send someone to check, he noticed someone sneaking around nearby. Upon seeing him, the person rushed straight towards him, accompanied by an exaggerated scream, almost falling onto him.
When the fragrance wafted over, Lu Zhaoru dodged to the side with a grim expression, and the beautifully adorned woman fell onto the gravel path.
“Ah! My… My Lord, I-I didn’t mean to. I… I just… got lost…” The woman was in pain from the fall but dared not cry out, only tears streaming down her face, evoking pity.
Lu Zhaoru’s brow twitched, feeling annoyed. The same behavior from Shen Qingyao would have seemed adorable and delightful to him, but from others, it only provoked disgust.
He had seen such antics countless times since childhood, especially in recent months. Lu Zhao had lost patience and no longer cared to maintain his usual grace towards others. He stared at the woman on the ground with eyes so cold they could pierce through, and said in a chilly tone, “The illegitimate daughter of Zhao family, the magistrate of Jingzhao?”
The girl on the ground looked up in surprise when he mentioned her identity, thinking he was silently paying attention to her. However, she met a dead, silent gaze. Trembling, she realized she seemed to have caused a serious mistake, and cold sweat broke out. If her father found out about this, her father would surely punish her severely.
She crawled over in tears, pleading for forgiveness, but Lu Zhao ignored her completely, ready to leave.
“My Lord! My Lord, I’m sorry… I…”
Amidst her cries, a small laughter suddenly mixed in.
The girl didn’t notice, but Lu Zhao, who had planned to leave, suddenly stopped in his tracks. The girl felt hopeful, thinking her pleas had worked and that Lu Zhao would not dismiss her father from his post. Just as she was about to thank him, Lu Zhao turned around and looked beyond her, his gaze fixed on someone behind her.
The girl looked over tearfully and saw a frail girl standing under the shade of a tree not far away. She wore only a plain white shirt and a thick fox fur draped over her, the fine fur making her face appear even paler and smaller. She was supported by a maid, silently watching them from a distance with unclear eyes.
Who was this? Another one trying to gain sympathy?
Yet Lu Zhao’s eyes suddenly filled with joy, and he exclaimed in disbelief, “Yaoyao?”
Yaoyao? Shen Qingyao? Wasn’t the first wife of Prime Minister Lu rumored to be in a coma and near death? Wasn’t it said that due to her severe illness, Prime Minister Lu had finally grown tired of her after many days of vigil?
But looking at Lu Zhao now, who was excited beyond measure, there was not a trace of the cold indifference from moments ago.
Tired of her? Wasn’t this too different from the rumors?
In just a short distance, Lu Zhao seemed to use a martial art footwork technique as he rushed over.
He stared intently at the person before him, unable to contain his joy, almost feeling as though this were a hallucination. He had been prepared to wait another ten or eight years, but he never expected his Yaoyao to wake up on her own.
As he hurried to her side, Lu Zhao reached out to touch her, to confirm her existence. But Shen Qingyao withdrew her hand and stepped back, as if startled by something, slowly raising her head. With a cautious and almost unfamiliar gaze, she looked at him.
Her lips were still dry, and she trembled slightly. She looked at him and softly asked, “Who are you…”