Su Jin hadn't actually caught a cold at all; the imperial physician knew this all too well, yet he dared not utter a single word. Concubine Su Xian was naturally beautiful, her delicate features a masterpiece meticulously crafted by nature. At that moment, lying on her bed in her bedroom, her brows slightly furrowed, her eyes full of emotion, tears glistening, like a dewy crabapple tree after rain, a sight that would have moved anyone to pity. Even the emperor, the sovereign of the land, was no exception.

The next day, as the morning court bells faded from the palace sky, the emperor, visibly anxious, rushed to Concubine Su's chambers. Along the way, he paid no attention to anything else, ignoring the exhausted medical officers who had been kneeling all night in the courtyard. As soon as he entered the chamber, the emperor couldn't wait to call out, "My beloved, my beloved, are you feeling better?" His eager expression betrayed the usual dignity and poise of a Son of Heaven, reminiscent of the anxious lover.

Inside the palace, Concubine Su Xian's face remained haggard. She wore a simple, elegant dress, a simple attire that far from diminishing her beauty, only accentuated it. She strained to hold her fragile frame together, trembling slightly, as if a gentle breeze could easily blow her over. Her pale face resembled a delicate flower battered by autumn frost, a touch withered yet still striving to bloom with a captivating beauty. She bit her tender lips, seemingly silently enduring the discomfort, yet her eyes held a resolute look.

Concubine Su Xian slowly attempted to get out of bed, her steps unsteady, each step seeming to exhaust all her strength. Yet, she managed to maintain her dignified demeanor, bowing gracefully to the Emperor and expressing her gratitude. "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your concern. I am now fine." Her voice was soft as silk, yet it couldn't conceal the weakness within, leaving one feeling even more distressed.

The Emperor's heart was in turmoil at the sight of this scene. On the one hand, he felt deeply distressed by his beloved concubine's frailty; her haggard face pierced his heart like a sharp sword. On the other hand, he was deeply moved by Concubine Su's delicate beauty. Even though he was the Son of Heaven and possessed everything in the world, facing such a beautiful woman, his heart could not remain calm.

The Emperor darted forward, hastily offering another round of warm inquiries. His voice was so gentle it seemed water could drip from it: "My beloved, please don't be so stubborn. Return to bed and rest quickly. Don't be distracted by this, and don't worry about me." With that, he gently supported Concubine Su and carefully lowered her back to bed. His movements were so gentle, as if Concubine Su were a rare treasure that would be damaged by even the slightest force.

Concubine Su Xian's eyes were misty with tears, and those crystal tears rolled in her eyes like dewdrops on lotus leaves in the morning. She was full of gratitude and promised repeatedly: "Your Majesty, I have no way to repay your kindness. I will recover soon and live up to your kindness." The two of them were so affectionate and loving, and the atmosphere of love and affection almost made Su Jin's soul intoxicated, forgetting all the troubles in the palace.

At this moment, Xiao Taozi watched the affectionate interaction between the Emperor and Concubine Su, feeling happy for her master but also secretly lamenting the ever-changing situation in the palace. She knew that her master's favor had not been easy to come by, and she needed to be even more cautious to maintain it.

Concubine Su, regaining consciousness, remembered the exhausted doctors kneeling outside the room and pleaded with the emperor to let them go back and rest: "I am no longer seriously ill. Your Majesty, please allow the doctors to rest as well." As she spoke, Concubine Su cast a loving gaze at the emperor and pleaded again. The emperor, as if waking from a dream, agreed and dismissed the doctors.

At that moment, the Empress, having heard of Concubine Su Xian's illness, hurried to the scene, flanked by a throng of palace maids. She was adorned in magnificent attire, her phoenix robe embroidered with gold thread gleaming brilliantly in the sunlight. Her hair was piled high in a bun, adorned with pearls and jade. Her demeanor was dignified and graceful, her face etched with just the right amount of concern. However, behind that seemingly caring smile, the Empress harbored her own agenda.

The Empress, fully aware of the Emperor's growing favor for Consort Su, had come to demonstrate her generosity and virtue, and also to observe the Emperor's attitude toward her. She pondered, "This Consort Su has been enjoying the Emperor's growing favor lately. If I don't guard against her, I'm afraid she'll threaten my position in the future."

After a warm exchange of greetings, the Empress took in the Emperor's expression and demeanor, then glanced at Concubine Su's shy face. A hint of jealousy welled up in her heart. But she quickly calmed down and said to Concubine Su, "Sister, you must take good care of your health. Don't delay any longer. Seize the opportunity to expand the royal family. Only then can you secure your position within the palace."

After hearing this, Concubine Su blushed with shame, her cheeks instantly turning as red as the sunset. Her eyes were panicked and she lowered her head, biting her lip with her pearly teeth, her heart filled with mixed emotions.

Concubine Su Xian thought to herself, "Life in this palace is so thrilling. The Queen's words seem caring, but they actually hold hidden agendas. If I don't agree well, I'm afraid I'll get into trouble." Meanwhile, Su Jin in her body secretly complained, "Damn, old woman, you're being a hooligan! Are you jealous of me or are you trying to trick me?"

But on the surface, Concubine Su could only pretend to be shy and submissive, and said softly: "The Queen's teachings are engraved in my heart."

The Queen nodded slightly, a subtle scrutiny in her eyes: "I'm glad you understand, sister. This is all for your own good." After saying this, the Queen turned to look at the Emperor, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes, and said: "Your Majesty, I will not disturb Sister Su's rest."

The emperor waved his hand, his expression slightly impatient: "The queen is thoughtful, you can leave first."

The Empress bowed and withdrew. As she turned, her smile faltered slightly, but she quickly regained her dignified demeanor. A hint of loneliness and resignation seemed to linger in her departing figure. Only the Emperor and Concubine Su remained in the room. Concubine Su groaned inwardly, unsure how to face the Emperor's fiery gaze.

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