The Eunuch's Declaration of Loyalty

Chapter 81

"Qin Shu, what are you looking at again? Didn't the imperial physician say you need to rest more?"

As soon as Liu Qingtang entered the room, she saw Qin Shu leaning against the headboard looking at something, so she went over and peeked at him. What she saw was a familiar camellia picture book, and Liu Qingtang immediately smiled: "It's the 'Shuming' camellia picture book that I drew for you."

Thinking that there was still one book she hadn't finished drawing, Liu Qingtang reached out and hugged Qin Shu's neck, leaning on his shoulder, and said, "There should have been another book called 'Tsinghua,' but it's a few pages short. Shall we go to the Temple of the Buddha again next time and finish it?"

"Of course it's good." Qin Shu closed the map and reached out to hug Liu Qingtang as well. How wonderful it was to be able to hold her like this again. Back then, when he knew he was about to leave her, the pain and sorrow in his heart were no less than Liu Qingtang's.

Qin Shu was filled with worry that Qing Tang would be upset and cry. Just thinking about it made him feel even more distressed because of her pain than the pain from his own wounds.

Actually, when he saw Liu Qingtang's suffering, he thought about simply letting her die with him, but he suppressed the thought in an instant.

Qin Shu only had Liu Qingtang, but Liu Qingtang had more than just Qin Shu. She also had family, friends, followers, and the people of the Southern Dynasty whom she cared deeply about. Therefore, Qin Shu could die, but Liu Qingtang could not.

Fortunately, they were both alright in the end, so being able to embrace each other quietly like this and feel each other's vibrant life is something to be so grateful for.

"Qin Shu, the sun is shining brightly today. Shall I go outside with you to soak up some sun?"

Qin Shu touched the faint bruise under Liu Qingtang's eyes with some tenderness, "Qingtang didn't get much rest again last night?" After saying that, he sighed first.

"If I weren't like this now..."

"So you need to rest well and recover quickly, otherwise how will you have the energy to make me happy? And if your injuries don't heal quickly, I won't dare to sleep with you at night, afraid that I might accidentally touch your wounds. Look, it's only been a few days since you slept with me, and I already have bruises under my eyes." Liu Qingtang's words were a mix of coaxing and scolding, making it difficult for Qin Shu to continue.

How could he not know what she was thinking? And she understood what he was thinking, so it was better not to talk about these things.

However, this time, completely removing the Grand Secretary and the loyal imperial faction, controlling public opinion and the direction of voices in the court, and filling the vacant positions were already enough to keep Qing Tang busy. In addition, with him bedridden and Qin Shu having to worry about him, he was concerned that Liu Qing Tang would be exhausted.

Lying in bed at night, he wondered if Qing Tang was still dealing with those matters and couldn't rest. During the day, he wondered if Qing Tang had forgotten to eat when she was busy.

He had witnessed it firsthand, though he had remained a silent observer, watching how the woman he loved transformed from an innocent girl into a mature woman wielding power in the court. Others might marvel at her efforts and sweat, but to him, it only brought heartache. An unbearable, overwhelming heartache.

Qin Shu always wanted to see Liu Qingtang, to see that she was still safe and well.

He had countless dreams these past few days, and each time he woke up, his forehead was covered in cold sweat. Although he couldn't remember the content of his dreams, the resentment and regret of not being able to protect Qing Tang lingered deeply in his heart after he woke up.

It was as painful as if he had failed to protect her in his dream and could only watch her die. Even though he couldn't remember what happened in the dream, his heart still vividly remembered that pain and fear.

Qingtang was very tired and busy, and even if he wanted to see her again, he couldn't disturb her. Even if he wanted to spend more time with her, he couldn't ask her to stay. Qin Shu could only think like this, and then he sat there alone, picked up the sketchbook she had given him, and through the beautiful flowering trees, he relived the tender memories of those wonderful times in his heart.

Lovers have always been separated by distance, longing for each other regardless of the distance between them. When Qin Shu missed Liu Qingtang, Liu Qingtang missed him just as much.

However, both Qin Shu and Liu Qingtang were too rational. They were rational most of the time, even though they sometimes hated this rationality.

Liu Qingtang had only come to visit Qin Shu; she still had many things to do. A change of power, both overt and covert, is not easy, especially given the pressure she faced from officials within the Liu family faction.

Imprisoning the emperor, ordering the execution and dismissing officials—not every official in Liu's faction could accept her actions, which resembled treason. She could be ruthless towards her enemies, but when faced with questions from those who had once been her staunch supporters, she could only make tangible, positive changes to reassure them and put their minds at ease.

Liu Qingtang knew she had acted hastily, but she didn't regret it. Since the court was in turmoil because of this, she might as well inject fresh blood into this court that had been controlled by the old faction of ministers for too long without making any changes. She had always been committed to promoting young ministers who dared to think and act, and now she was giving them a chance to show their abilities. Next, it would be their turn to do something practical for the Southern Dynasty.

If she didn't get rid of those lingering signs of decay, how could she feel at ease accompanying Qin Shu in his old age? And this opportunity was fleeting, so she could only seize it and do everything she could now for the future emperor—their adopted son, Xiao Le'an.

So Liu Qingtang was really tired, so tired that she fell asleep almost immediately in Qin Shu's arms. She clearly had so much more to say to him; before coming, she had carefully planned to spend as much time as possible talking to him, knowing he was probably bored alone in his room. But Liu Qingtang found that no matter how strong she was outside, the moment she saw Qin Shu, she seemed to transform from an all-powerful empress dowager back into a delicate flower being carefully tended. Those weaknesses and exhaustion she had deliberately hidden no longer needed to be endured. So, she fell asleep, leaning against Qin Shu's shoulder.

Qin Shu remained silent for a while, but when he turned his head to the side, he heard her soft breathing right next to his ear.

Is she asleep? Qin Shu lowered his head slightly and touched Liu Qingtang's forehead, tightening his embrace around her. Normally, the wound on his waist and abdomen prevented him from sitting for long periods; he needed to lie down and rest after sitting for a while. However, seeing that Liu Qingtang was asleep, Qin Shu dared not make any noise or move, lest he disturb her deep sleep.

Leaning against her, forehead against hers, listening to her soft breathing, Qin Shu felt there was nothing better than this. He wanted Liu Qingtang to sleep a little longer, but after only a short while, she woke up with a start. Qin Shu had just noticed her stir, as if she was about to wake up, when he heard her suddenly call his name, sounding extremely anxious. So he immediately took her hand and replied, "I'm here."

Liu Qingtang hadn't slept much these past few days. Even when she did manage a short rest, she'd have vivid dreams, filled with bizarre and fantastical scenes. Qin Shu lay covered in blood on the palace path, amidst a pile of rubble, blood gushing from his body, turning the surroundings into a pool of blood. Even the image of Qin Shu's mangled corpse, gnawed by insects and crows, from her past life, which she hadn't recalled in a long time, reappeared in her dream. Startled awake, she gasped for breath when she saw Qin Shu's concerned gaze.

"Qingtang, are you having nightmares?"

"Hmm, I haven't had this kind of nightmare in a long time." Even though she was already close enough, Liu Qingtang still felt it wasn't enough and kept snuggling into Qin Shu's arms, messing up her hair a bit. But then she suddenly remembered something, got up and sat up, and said with some annoyance, "The imperial physician said you can't sit for long. I even fell asleep leaning against you. You've been sitting for a long time, haven't you? Lie down quickly."

Qin Shu ignored her and hugged her again, stroking her back comfortingly and saying, "I'll be alright, I can't bear to see you like this."

Hearing Qin Shu speak made Liu Qingtang feel at ease. She nuzzled Qin Shu's neck and kissed his chin. Suddenly, she didn't want to do anything but stay by his side.

It seems the things she's busy with should be left to her brother. A few days ago, Xi Lan saved the day, and she had been thinking of taking the opportunity to reclaim Xi Lan's female identity. However, before she could even tell her, when asked what reward she wanted, she directly revealed her true gender. Liu Qingtang naturally wanted to protect her, and since this matter was related to getting a wife, Liu Qingrong also changed her usual lazy ways and became very proactive. Now that the pressure is basically over, her brother is busy pursuing a wife and has forgotten that his sister is still working herself to the bone.

Her father offered to help several times, but Liu Qingtang firmly refused without hesitation. She didn't want her father to bear the blame; she'd rather do it herself. As for her brother, she felt she should delegate all the chores to him. She'd toiled for two lifetimes, and couldn't even peacefully live a quiet life with Qin Shu. That silly brother of hers was about to get married; seeing his smug look on his face, she didn't want him to have an easy time.

"I'll have my brother go to the palace later, leave all my work to him, and then come back to rest with you," Liu Qingtang said. Then, thinking of Xiao Huaixu's increasingly bad condition in Chang'an Palace, she added, "It's time to have Ayong come to the palace."

Upon hearing Liu Qingtang mention her godson Xiao Le'an, Qin Shu gently patted her back and calmly said, "We have no other choice. A Yong likes you so much, he won't blame you."

"A-Yong likes me? Where did you get that idea? He always bullies me, but he's all sweet and obedient in front of you!" Liu Qingtang snorted. "Even that damned parrot doesn't like me, it only likes you. When A-Yong comes this time, tell him not to bring that dead parrot back. I get annoyed just looking at that glib little beast. Let it stay at the Yang family's place from now on."

"I like you," Qin Shu suddenly said.

Caught off guard, Liu Qingtang suddenly felt her face burning. She uttered an "oh" and fell silent. Ironically, before she fell for Qin Shu, she took advantage of him without a second thought, finding his red ears amusing.

Now, even hearing him say "I like you" suddenly makes me feel a little embarrassed, like a little girl hearing her sweetheart say that for the first time, too shy to do anything but bury her face in his chest.

That day, Liu Qingtang indeed summoned Liu Qingrong to the palace, entrusted him with a series of matters, and brought Xiao Le'an back to Cining Palace. Qin Shu was arranged to sunbathe outside. As soon as Xiao Le'an saw Qin Shu, he broke free from Liu Qingtang's hand and ran up to Qin Shu, saying, "Godfather, once Yong'er has mastered medical skills, I will treat your illness."

Liu Qingtang felt both gratified and conflicted. They had watched him grow up and knew how much he loved medicine. He was still too young and perhaps didn't understand that the position he was about to assume destined him to never become a physician who could truly heal the sick.

"Yong'er, do you know what you're supposed to do when you enter the palace?" Qin Shu, with Liu Qingtang holding his left arm and Xiao Le'an leaning on his right, sat in a rocking chair and asked his godson seriously, as if he were a little man.

Xiao Le'an glanced at Liu Qingtang and replied crisply, "My mother said we should comfort our godmother and not let her do anything rash. Even her own mother has come to terms with it."

After saying that, seeing Liu Qingtang turn her face away in emotion, he sighed like a little adult with his hands behind his back: "I don't know what you adults are worried about all day long. My godparents are so good to Yong'er. If you need any help, just tell me. I'm all grown up now. I can decide my own things."

"Alright, let me ask you, Yong'er, would you like to be the emperor?" Liu Qingtang asked with amusement.

"I'm willing, because once I become emperor, I can treat any patient in the entire Southern Dynasty at will, all the medicinal herbs are mine, and with so many rooms in the palace, there are plenty of places to care for patients!"

Xiao Le'an spoke with conviction, and Liu Qingtang wanted to tell him he was wrong, but upon reflection, she found no way to refute him. It wasn't impossible for an emperor to do that, but no emperor had ever thought of it that way.

Looking at the hope on her godson's childish face, Liu Qingtang suddenly had a strange premonition that when her godson became emperor, he would definitely be the most unique emperor in the history of the Southern Dynasty.

Author's Note: [After Xiao Huaixu was almost killed off, I suddenly found myself at a loss for words. What happened? I didn't get stuck much in the middle, but near the end, the sudden block was incredibly frustrating—like giving birth and thinking, "Oh my god, it's almost out, but it's stuck at the exit!"][Ah, actually, it's pretty much the end, but I'll still write a little bit about what happened to Liu's brother and sister-in-law, Su Shu, Xiao Huaixu, and Xiao Le'an after they grew up. It feels like there are so many side stories _(:3∠)_]

Seaweed threw a landmine

When Yishu threw a landmine

[Thanks to all the girls who threw grenades~ Come give me a couple of kisses~]