The weak prince's queen

After a while, Chu Xiyue's sobs, which had been as turbulent as a bursting dam, finally subsided, though occasional sobs could still be heard. She gently wiped the tears from her eyes with an embroidered handkerchief, trying to calm her turbulent emotions. Then, with a hint of tears in her voice, she slowly spoke, "Your Majesty... I entered the palace this time because the pain in my heart has piled up like a mountain, and I have no one to confide in... Wuwuwu..." At this point, her tears began to fall again, like beads from a broken string, uncontrollably.

The queen, seated high on her throne, knitted her eyebrows slightly, a flash of concern flickering across her clear eyes. She parted her rosy lips and softly asked, "Oh? What could possibly have caused you to be so heartbroken?"

Chu Xiyue took a deep breath and tried to calm herself, but the tears still rolled down her cheeks uncontrollably. She gently wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief, and after calming herself down, she slowly replied, "Your Majesty, the Prince of Jin... he is now bedridden, and his condition is getting worse day by day. I have been by his bedside day and night, never taking off my clothes, and taking care of him meticulously, but to no avail. I am truly helpless and have nowhere else to turn. With no other options left, I have come here, disregarding my dignity, to seek your help!"

After saying this, she could no longer suppress her inner grief, and she covered her face with her hands again, sobbing softly. Her already frail shoulders trembled even more with each sob, like a withered lotus leaf in the wind, swaying and ready to collapse, as if at any moment they might collapse under the weight of this heavy sorrow.

Upon hearing this, the Queen's face was filled with surprise. She turned sharply, her gaze fixed on Qiu Ling, who had been standing silently by her side. She asked suspiciously, "Why is it so sudden? Wasn't she fine before? Did you consult a doctor?" Her tone was urgent, clearly showing her deep concern.

Qiu Ling hurried forward with a panicked look on her face. After bowing deeply and respectfully, she spoke cautiously, "Your Majesty, His Royal Highness the Prince of Jin is extremely ill this time. He has been bedridden for many days and even simple movements like getting up are difficult to complete! I implore Your Majesty to remember our past friendship and show mercy and help our princess. If His Royal Highness the Prince of Jin were to encounter any misfortune, our princess would be truly alone and helpless for the rest of her life, Your Majesty..."

The Queen sat quietly, listening to Qiu Ling's explanation. She had already gained a firm grasp of the current situation. She silently pondered: "It seems the Prince of Jin's health is indeed not good this time. If that's the case, then this is a perfect opportunity for the Princess of Jin to quickly take charge of the previously planned matter." With this thought in mind, the Queen gave a slight nod, indicating she had made a decision. Then, she raised her hand and waved to the people around her, slowly commanding, "Alright, all of you, please leave for now. Only the Princess of Jin will remain here."

Upon hearing this, the others hurriedly bowed and replied, "Yes, Your Majesty." Then they filed out and gently closed the door. Suddenly, only the Queen and Chu Xiyue were left in the room.

The queen raised her chin slightly, looked at Chu Xiyue in front of her with sharp eyes, and slowly said: "It is not impossible for you to have me protect you in the future, but there is a condition, as long as you can help me accomplish this task." Her voice was neither loud nor soft, but it carried an unquestionable majesty.

Chu Xiyue was delighted and quickly replied respectfully, "I am willing to follow your Majesty's arrangements. Please give me your orders and I will do my best!"

The Queen nodded in satisfaction and continued, "Prince Jin's health has been deteriorating recently. I want you to take this opportunity to subtly question and test him, and find something for me—a gift from the late Emperor."

Chu Xiyue looked puzzled and asked softly, "I wonder what exactly your Majesty is referring to? Please explain clearly, so that I won't make any mistakes."

The Queen frowned slightly, waved her hand impatiently, and said, "In short, all you have to do is retrieve it. It's an item given to the Prince of Jin by the late Emperor. I can't reveal its specifics for now. But don't worry, when you find it and bring it to me, you'll naturally understand the reason."

Chu Xiyue didn't dare to ask any more questions and quickly responded, "Okay, I understand. I will go back and look carefully. Once I find something, I will report it to Her Majesty immediately." After that, she bowed again to show her determination.

Seeing this, the Queen nodded slightly and said in a slightly slower tone, "Well. Then you can go back first. Remember, this matter must not be made public. If it is handled well, I will not treat you unfairly."

Chu Xiyue nodded repeatedly, then cautiously took a few steps back and turned to leave. After walking a distance, she quickened her pace and hurriedly left the palace.