The concubine is a man, and the illegitimate son of a divine physician has a spatial ability.

After hearing the eunuch's words, Yin Zijing felt as if she had been struck by lightning. She instantly lost all her strength, her body went limp, and she slumped backward, sitting blankly on the ornate low couch.

It should be noted that from the moment Yin Zijing was born, he was sent to be raised by Zhang. Time flies, and now he is almost of marriageable age, but in all these long years, he has only seen his biological mother, Li, a handful of times.

Even if we are lucky enough to meet a few times, we are always far apart and can only catch a fleeting glance, without even having the chance to exchange a word.

Logically, upon hearing of Li's serious illness, Yin Zijing shouldn't have felt much. However, at this moment, an indescribable pain quietly crept into his heart.

Perhaps it is true, as people often say, that a mother and child are of one heart. Even if they have never been close, that blood-related affection is still deeply rooted in their hearts.

Just then, Empress Du, who had been standing silently to the side, finally spoke: "Granny Qian, quickly bring out the sedan chair from Chengqian Palace and send Miss Yin out of the palace." Her voice was neither loud nor soft, but it carried an undeniable authority.

Upon hearing the Empress's instructions, Granny Qian dared not delay in the slightest. She quickly and respectfully bowed and replied, "Yes, Your Majesty. This old servant will go and prepare immediately." With that, she hurriedly turned and left to begin arranging the relevant matters.

At the same time, Fanghua, who was standing to the side, also acted quickly. She hurried into the west warm pavilion and deftly packed Yin Zijin's bundle. The bundle contained some of Yin Zijin's daily necessities, and Fanghua carefully checked it to make sure that no important items were missing.

After packing her bags, Fanghua took a thick, pink hooded cloak from the shelf. The cloak was soft, brightly colored, and looked very beautiful. Fanghua gently unfolded the cloak, carefully draped it over Yin Zijin's shoulders, and meticulously adjusted its position so that it could better cover Yin Zijin's body.

Next, Fanghua skillfully tied the bag tightly. After doing this, she also pulled down the hood of the cape and gently put it on Yin Zijin's head. She then adjusted it slightly so that the hood could fit Yin Zijin's head better and protect him from the wind and cold.

After all matters were settled, the Empress took Yin Zijing's hands, which were as white and delicate as mutton-fat jade, and said in an extremely gentle tone, "It seems that we will not see each other again until next year's imperial concubine selection. You have always been frail, so you must be very careful and take good care of yourself!"

Sheng Muling, who was standing to one side, quickly stepped forward and echoed, "Sister Zijing, please take good care of yourself on your journey."

Yin Zijing nodded slightly to indicate that she understood, and then gracefully stepped into a small, exquisite sedan chair. Four strong and sturdy eunuchs steadily lifted the sedan chair, while Granny Qian stood quietly beside it. Once Yin Zijing was seated, Granny Qian called out loudly, "Rise..."

As she finished speaking, four eunuchs simultaneously lifted the sedan chair and slowly carried it towards the palace gate. Sitting in the sedan chair, Yin Zijing's mind kept replaying the Empress's meticulous care and attention she had received over the past few days, and a warm feeling welled up in her heart.

Unable to contain his emotions, he reached out his delicate, fair hands, adorned with exquisite gold bracelets, and gently lifted a corner of the sedan curtain. His beautiful, smoky eyebrows, like wisps of smoke, were now slightly furrowed, his gaze filled with reluctance as he looked at Empress Du and Sheng Muling, who were still standing at the entrance of Chengqian Palace.

Seeing this, Sheng Muling quickly waved her arm to signal Yin Zijing to take good care of herself.

Yin Zijin slowly lowered the sedan curtain in her hand. When she thought about returning to the Yin family mansion and the cruel and merciless storms that awaited her, a sense of resistance arose deep in her heart.

Despite his deep reluctance, he had no choice but to grit his teeth and return to that treacherous place.

…………

After Yin Zijin returned to the Yin residence, she was led by the nanny to Li Shi's Yiju Courtyard. As soon as she entered Yiju Courtyard, she immediately felt that the atmosphere was wrong. It was the first day of the Lunar New Year, which should have been a lively and festive day, but now it was gloomy and oppressive.

Upon seeing Yin Zijin arrive, Granny Zhou hurried over and said, "Miss, please hurry. Aunt Li has been holding her breath, waiting for your arrival."

Yin Zijing hurriedly asked, "Why so suddenly? How could Aunt Li suddenly become so seriously ill?"

Granny Zhou quickly explained, "Miss, you haven't seen Aunt Li much, so you're unaware of her health condition. In the past two years, Aunt Li's health has been declining year by year; she's all bark and no bite..."

Yin Zijing walked slowly and heavily into the inner room, where a heavy and oppressive atmosphere filled the air. The maids and servants serving her all had their heads bowed, and although they tried their best to suppress their sobs, a few low sobs could still be heard from time to time.

Zhang and Yin sat solemnly on a stool to the side, their eyes fixed on the sickly figure on the bed.

Li, lying on her bed, was suffering from illness. Although she was still young, she looked haggard and withered.

However, upon closer inspection, one can still discern from her faintly remaining outline that Li was once a stunningly beautiful woman.

Just then, Yin Zijing appeared at the door. Li's previously dull eyes instantly brightened, and then, tears streamed down her cheeks like a burst dam.

She trembled with emotion, a hoarse, gurgling sob escaping her throat, as if she had used all her strength to barely lift a thin, bony hand: "Zijin... Zijin... my child! I'm so sorry! I'm so sorry! You've suffered so much!"

If there is an afterlife, I will spend my entire life atoning for my sins to you…

Yin Zijing felt a pang of pain in her heart. She quickly walked to Li Shi, knelt down in front of Li Shi's bed, and said, "Mother, you are a woman with a bitter fate. You have suffered your whole life. You don't need to atone to anyone."

Li Shi tremblingly picked up the white jade hairpin from under the pillow and placed it in Yin Zijin's hand.