On the wedding day, my wife was abnormal

Inside the Penglai Imperial Palace, in the seaside pavilion, incense wafted and the aroma of medicine lingered.

Outside the window, the sound of waves crashing against the rocks could be faintly heard, adding a touch of vastness and unease to the tranquil afternoon.

Murong Yan's forced composure during the military review vanished like the tide after returning to the palace, and her illness worsened, leaving her in a daze, sometimes asleep and sometimes awake.

She lay on the couch, still wearing only the black and gold Suzhou brocade cotton nightgown that she wore as her sleeping dress—the Phoenix Descends to Earth Dress.

Because she was ill, the doors and windows of the palace were tightly closed, and the light was dim. The extremely dark background seemed to absorb even the faint light, making her face appear even paler than paper.

The phoenix pattern woven with golden cotton and embroidered with real gold thread no longer shines brightly in the dim light, but flows with a melancholy, dark gold luster as if resting with its owner.

One of her wide, bell-shaped sleeves hung softly over the edge of the couch, the intricate gold embroidery at the cuff brushing the floor, while the other was unconsciously pressed under her cheek.

The black jade thumb ring on her left hand would occasionally tap against the jade pillow, producing a soft, crisp sound when it moved.

The five-zhang-long Suzhou brocade train was now spread out in a mess under the phoenix bed.

Some of it was piled up at the foot of the couch, wrinkled and layered; some meandered to the carpet beside the couch, and a few strands even slid to the table leg further away, picking up some dust; and another section was carried to the edge of the couch by her tossing and turning, hanging in mid-air.

This haphazard arrangement of fabric was not intentional; it was entirely due to her ailing body and inability to care for herself, yet it more truthfully reflected her vulnerability at that moment. The soft, close-fitting cotton fabric became the only source of comfort she found on this sickbed.

Lin Zhen sat on a low stool by the couch, having kept watch for a whole night and half a day.

His eyes were bloodshot, and stubble was growing on his chin, but he still stared intently at Murong Yan's sleeping face, occasionally reaching out to check her forehead temperature or tucking the blankets back in.

He took the black and gold mink shawl from the hanger and gently covered Murong Yan's chest with it to prevent her from catching a cold if she suddenly got up.

The hall was silent, with only Murong Yan's slightly rapid breathing and the soft murmur of the waves.

Suddenly, Murong Yan's eyelashes fluttered a few times, and her brows furrowed slightly, as if she were about to wake up. Lin Zhen immediately leaned forward and whispered, "Yan'er?"

Murong Yan slowly opened her eyes, her gaze initially somewhat confused, but a faint light gathered in her eyes once she saw that it was Lin Zhen.

She opened her mouth, her voice dry and hoarse: "Husband... what time is it?"

"It's Shenshi (3-5 PM)." Lin Zhen quickly poured half a cup of warm water from the jade pot, carefully lifted her head, and brought the cup to her lips. "Drink some water first."

Murong Yan took small sips of warm water from his hand, which slightly relieved the dryness and pain in her throat. She lay back down, her gaze falling on Lin Zhen's haggard face. With a pang of heartache, she reached out and gently stroked his chin with her fingertips.

"Husband, you've stayed up all night for me again? Look at you, you've gotten so thin."

Lin Zhen took her slightly cool hand and pressed it against her cheek, forcing a smile: "I'm fine. As long as you get better quickly, that's more important than anything else."

His voice was heavy with weariness, yet full of tenderness.

“It’s all my fault…” Murong Yan’s eyes welled up with tears, filled with guilt and dependence. “If I hadn’t insisted on making the eastern tour, you wouldn’t have had to worry so much, and this illness would have recurred.”

"Don't talk nonsense." Lin Zhen interrupted her, his tone firm. "The Eastern Tour is a major national event, and it's also a move to deter villains. You did the right thing. It's just that this illness came on suddenly and you need to take good care of yourself."

He paused, then softened his voice even more.

"When you get better, we'll go to the beach together to watch the sunrise, just like we used to do in Jiangnan."

Hearing him mention the past, a faint but genuine smile appeared on Murong Yan's pale face, as if she were recalling some beautiful time. She leaned closer to him, like a small animal seeking warmth, and whispered:

"Hmm...when it's ready, let's go together. Husband, please keep me company. I can't sleep, and I feel anxious."

"Okay, I'll stay with you." Lin Zhen held her hand tighter and began to whisper about trivial things, such as the pomegranate tree in the palace courtyard in full bloom, or the interesting sight of seagulls circling outside the window, deliberately avoiding political and military affairs, just wanting to help her relax.

Murong Yan listened quietly, her gaze falling on the patterns on the Phoenix Descending to Earth dress she was wearing. Suddenly, she asked softly, "Husband, do you think the phoenixes on this dress are tired? That's why their luster has dimmed."

Lin Zhen followed her gaze, feeling a pang of sorrow, but said gently, "The phoenix is ​​only temporarily resting with its wings folded. Once you recover, it will naturally spread its wings again, its brilliance surpassing even the past. This Divine Phoenix Descends to Earth dress is your battle armor and your source of strength; it will protect you."

As they were whispering among themselves, a palace attendant's cautious voice came from outside the hall: "Your Majesty, Your Highness the Prince, Prime Minister Du and General Zheng have urgent business to discuss."

Lin Zhen frowned, about to refuse, but Murong Yan gently squeezed his hand: "Let them in. It must be something important, otherwise they wouldn't be bothering us at this time."

Seeing her insistence, Lin Zhen could only sigh, tidy her hair and the corners of the blanket, and carefully draped the black and gold mink shawl over her shoulders before calling out, "Summon."

Du Ruhui and Zheng Jiao entered the hall quietly and saw Murong Yan looking sickly and haggard, leaning against the couch, with Lin Zhen guarding her side. Both of them felt a chill in their hearts and bowed respectfully.

"Your Majesty, Your Highness, we pay our respects."

"Rise." Murong Yan's voice was still weak, but it carried a hint of imperial authority. "What is so urgent?"

Du Ruhui stepped forward, his face grave: "Your Majesty, I have just received an urgent report from Anzhou. Recently, rumors have resurfaced in Anzhou and the surrounding counties, and are even more rampant than before. There are rumors that Your Majesty is seriously ill in Penglai and is on your deathbed. Some even spread falsehoods, claiming that strange celestial phenomena have appeared and that the main star will fall..."

As he finished speaking, his voice grew increasingly low and filled with fear.

Upon hearing this, Murong Yan's phoenix eyes narrowed sharply. Although she wasn't angry, her aura instantly turned colder. She didn't speak immediately, but her hand on the brocade quilt tightened slightly.

The wide, flared sleeves of the Phoenix Descending to Earth dress trembled slightly.

Lin Zhen's face instantly darkened, and a murderous glint appeared in his eyes: "Investigate! Investigate thoroughly for me! Find the ones who spread the rumors, and whoever is involved, execute them without mercy!"

Zheng Jiao followed up with a report, his tone urgent: "Your Majesty, Your Highness, the naval patrol boats have also discovered several suspicious fast ships in the waters east of Penglai, seemingly spying on the movements of our naval camp. I have strengthened our defenses, but their movements are elusive and difficult to capture."

The atmosphere inside the hall immediately became heavy. The simultaneous emergence of rumors and unusual activity at sea was no coincidence.

Murong Yan remained silent for a moment, then suddenly a violent cough struck her. She quickly covered her mouth with her sleeve, her shoulders trembling as she coughed. Lin Zhen hurriedly patted her back, his eyes filled with heartache and anxiety.

Once her coughing and wheezing subsided, Murong Yan raised her eyes and glanced at Du Ruhui and Zheng Jiao. Although her eyes were slightly dimmed due to her illness, they were still as sharp as knives.

She spoke slowly, her voice hoarse from coughing, yet each word was clear:

"Prime Minister Du".

"The old minister is here."

"Draft edict: First, proclaim to the entire territory of the Andong Protectorate that I am well and safe, that my eastern tour has been successful, and that the military review at Penglai demonstrates the might of the nation. Anyone who dares to spread rumors, believe rumors, or sow discord among the people shall be treated as a traitor and executed without exception! Second, order the Anzhou Prefecture government to immediately arrest the ringleader of the rumors and publicly punish him to set the record straight! Third, instruct the Ministry of Rites to immediately prepare for my reception at the Penglai Palace for officials and elders from surrounding prefectures and counties to show that I am safe and sound."

Her words were clear and logical, and though she was exhausted, they carried an undeniable resolve. This was not merely a response to rumors, but a powerful counterattack.

"Your old minister obeys the decree!" Du Ruhui was shocked and quickly accepted the order.

Murong Yan then looked at Zheng Jiao: "General Zheng."

"The general is here!"

"Strengthen patrols in and around Penglai Water Fortress. Any suspicious vessels that fail to respond to warnings may be attacked without prior authorization. I want to see who dares to stir up trouble right under my nose!"

"I will obey your orders!"

After giving these instructions, Murong Yan seemed to have exhausted all her strength. She leaned back wearily against the soft pillows and waved her hand, saying, "You all go and take care of your duties. I'm tired."