Resisting the Wind and Splendor

As Lu Yunfei had predicted, the morning of the second day was indeed very tiring.

Fortunately, before Chu Yue left, she had eaten and drunk her fill under Lu Yunfei's care.

For the next hour or so, I waited, paid my respects, waited again, paid my respects once more, and then spent the rest of the time waiting.

Finally, the vegetarian feast began, but it was already high in the sky.

The Imperial Garden was bustling with activity, filled with the families of concubines, princesses, princes, and nobles—it was practically one big family.

The men accompanied the emperor, and the women accompanied the empress dowager; it was a lively, warm, and peaceful occasion.

But Chu Yueli never expected that, just after the vegetarian banquet ended and she returned to Consort Yu's Yonghua Palace, Granny Ji brought them terrible news: the young lady had vomited blood this morning and had been unconscious ever since.

The message was brought by someone from the Qin family.

It's Chinese New Year, and Qin Muxue returned to the Qin family home. Unexpectedly, she has been unconscious since last night after vomiting blood.

Knowing that Consort Yu and the Ninth Prince would be staying in the palace with the Empress Dowager and the Emperor, the Qin family hadn't dared to inform them. Their impulsive decision to come today suggests that Qin Muxue's condition is far from optimistic.

On their way to the Qin family, Chu Yueli and Yu Fei were both heavy-hearted.

Lu Yunfei wanted to comfort them, but he didn't want to see them so sad during the New Year.

But he didn't know how to comfort him, and he wasn't good with words either.

Finally, he simply took out a small package and stuffed it into Chu Yueli's hand.

"What are you doing?" Chu Yueli looked at him; the contents of the bag still felt warm to the touch.

"I've heard that eating can cheer you up when you're feeling down." This was something he had specially saved this morning—roasted chestnuts made by the chef today.

Seeing the little princesses eating, he asked the eunuch to prepare a packet for him as well, thinking that he would give it to Chu Yueli whenever she felt like eating.

That way, he won't get hungry and run around looking for food.

Chu Yueli looked down at the paper bag in her hand, thought for a moment, and then suddenly stuffed it back into his hand: "Wait a while... if Xue'er wakes up, give it to her and say... that you specially left it here this morning to bring to her."

“But she’s so sick, she can’t eat this.” Lu Yunfei frowned.

Yu Fei, who was sitting to the side, couldn't help but let out a long sigh.

When will this silly son finally get it?

I fear that Xue'er may not live to see this day.

Chu Yueli glared at Lu Yunfei and said seriously, "This is none of your business. Just give it to her sincerely."

"Okay." Lu Yunfei put the paper bag away again.

Chu Yueli doesn't seem so upset anymore, that's good. Whether she eats or not isn't that important to her.

The carriage finally stopped at the Duke of Qin's residence. As soon as the three of them got out of the carriage, the Qin family's steward came over: "Princess Mo, Miss Biao has woken up and wants to see you."

"See Ali?" Consort Yu was somewhat hurt. She and Xue'er were such good friends, why didn't Xue'er think of seeing her first when she woke up?

Chu Yueli didn't seem surprised. She nodded and immediately followed the servant.

The steward looked at Consort Yu and bowed, saying, "Greetings, Your Highness, greetings, Ninth Prince."

When the people arrived, they first told Chu Yueli that Qin Muxue wanted to see her, and only then did they remember to give Yu Fei and Lu Yunfei a gift. It was clear that Qin Muxue's condition was more serious than they had imagined.

Consort Yu was filled with worry and unease, and asked, "Is Xue'er's condition... really bad?"