In the bedchamber, Li Qingmu lay quietly on the Dragon Bed.

Earlier, he had been too emotional and was knocked unconscious by Rong Si, and he had yet to wake up.

The medicine was already brewed by the Imperial Physician, and Zhi Jin went to fetch it. As she looked at the handsome man on the bed, a hint of spring emerged in her eyes.

"Your Majesty, I’m here to feed you the medicine."

She said as she scooped a spoonful of the medicinal soup, bringing it to Li Qingmu’s lips, yet he showed no reaction.

She glanced at the surrounding palace maids and said blandly, "You all may leave!"

The palace maids hesitated for a moment but yielded to her face and withdrew.

Once the palace maids left, Zhi Jin moved boldly. She revealed a charming smile, leaned closer, and observed the man who was still unconscious.

Handsome but not gaudy, possessing a sharpness that wasn’t severe, his intelligence was near demonic yet he disliked manipulating others...

Such a perfect man, is there possibly a second in this world?

That’s how it is with women; when they fall for someone, all his flaws become merits, and if they don’t, they might as well be ignored.

Moreover, Li Qingmu was outstanding in himself, further making Zhi Jin reluctant to let go.

Watching his serene brows, she knew he couldn’t drink the medicine now. She gave an ambiguous smile, blew on the bowl of medicine, and took a sip herself.

Then she bent over and kissed him.

The liquid medicine slipped into Li Qingmu’s mouth, but soon after, he started coughing intensely and vomited desperately.

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty?"

Zhi Jin, unaware of the situation and thinking it was an aggravation of his condition, was startled and hurriedly called for the Imperial Physician.

After a while, the Imperial Physician arrived, and Li Qingmu, after such a jolt, woke up as well.

His expression was somewhat puzzled, and it took a good while for him to recall the events earlier, his heart once again filled with extreme pain.

He instinctively clutched his chest, feeling somewhat suffocated there and gasping for breath.

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty? Imperial Physician, what’s wrong with His Majesty?"

Zhi Jin, seeing Li Qingmu’s terribly pale face, was anxious and asked the Imperial Physician beside her.

The Imperial Physician took his pulse for a long time, surprisingly finding it perfectly normal, with no issues whatsoever, yet looking at his ghastly face and inability to speak, there was clearly a problem, wasn’t there?

The Imperial Physician sighed, "His Majesty is slightly unwell and needs more rest. Could Aunt Zhi Jin perhaps step away for a while?"

Zhi Jin glanced at Li Qingmu, saw his distressed look, and could easily discern something.

She’s a woman, and women’s intuition is always accurate.

Perhaps His Majesty wasn’t too fond of Lady Ming Fei earlier, but after this incident, Lady Ming Fei probably secured a place in his heart.

Damn, why is it like this?

Why wasn’t it me who rushed forward to shield him from those poison needles at that moment?

Why?!

She was extremely resentful!

But no matter how much she resented, what could that change? Everything was already settled.

Now all she hoped was for that woman to quickly die, so His Majesty would merely grieve for a while and not be bewitched by her.

"Imperial Doctor Chen, you must cure His Majesty!"

Zhi Jin gave Li Qingmu one last look, instructed Imperial Doctor Chen, and left.

Imperial Doctor Chen, looking conflicted, approached Li Qingmu, bowed, and said, "Your Majesty, Lord State Preceptor is already treating Lady Ming Fei, you... needn’t worry too much."

The State Preceptor, You Su, has taken action? 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

Li Qingmu’s eyes squinted, and the discomfort in his heart eased slightly.

You Su had great expertise in toxic medicine. With him handling it, Yue’er... definitely would be fine!

He comforted himself this way and nodded to Imperial Doctor Chen.

"Then... I won’t disturb Your Majesty’s rest any longer!"

He saluted and retreated out.

Li Qingmu watched as Imperial Doctor Chen’s figure disappeared in the distance, his gaze slightly narrowing.

Earlier, Yue’er was in a dire state, and he himself lost composure. His mother must have grown suspicious; he needed to figure out some statements to dispel Rong Si’s suspicions, not just for himself, but for Yue’er too.

"Uh... uh..."

Li Qingmu instinctively gripped his throat, attempting to speak, but still couldn’t utter a sound.

How could this be? What on earth happened?

Li Qingmu’s heart sank to the bottom; if he couldn’t speak, what awaited him?

He never considered it, nor dared to, because it was too terrifying!

What should his next step be?

Go find Yue’er?

No, that won’t do!

When Long Yue was gravely injured, he behaved too intensely. Rong Si was already displeased; meeting her again would only intensify her suspicions.

But if he didn’t check on her, he wouldn’t be at ease.

He was worried that Zhi Jin would harm Yue’er!

Yes, she certainly would!

Li Qingmu was an exceedingly clever man, and how could he not see Zhi Jin’s animosity towards Long Yue?

Previously, Long Yue was conscious, making it hard for her to act, but now? She’s unconscious, and if Zhi Jin wanted to strike, wouldn’t it be effortless?

No, I can’t let her go!

Li Qingmu suddenly stood up and made his way outside.

"Your Majesty?"

Several palace maids and eunuchs immediately saluted.

Li Qingmu glanced at them indifferently, and took out a piece of paper.

One of the palace maids understood and got up to chase after Zhi Jin.

Zhi Jin was walking towards Rong Si’s place.

She was contemplating something.

Since that bitch Wei Yunyan was now comatose, why not do her a favor and ensure she never wakes up?

A sinister smile curled on her lips.

Wei Yunyan, oh Wei Yunyan, don’t blame me. Blame yourself for your ill fate—about to rise to prominence and gain favor, but alas, you won’t be able to enjoy it, hahaha...

Zhi Jin chuckled coldly to herself, when suddenly she heard rapid footsteps behind her.

"Aunt Zhi Jin, Aunt Zhi Jin!"

Zhi Jin halted in her tracks, turned to see the little palace maid, and frowned impatiently, "What is it?"

She was eager to go and finish off Long Yue; why was she interrupting?

The little palace maid, flustered by Zhi Jin’s look, quickly said, "Your Majesty, it’s His Majesty who’s looking for you!"

Zhi Jin’s cold expression dissipated instantly, replaced with the bashful smile of a young girl, "Oh, His Majesty is looking for me? Why is he looking for me?"

"I don’t know, ma’am! You’ll find out once you go."

"Hmm, alright then, let’s go!"

The palace maid quickly got up and led the way with small steps.

Zhi Jin returned to Li Qingmu’s side, finding him already seated by the desk, eating.

His face no longer looked as bad as before and even seemed rosy—is his condition improving?

Zhi Jin stepped forward, saluted, "Your Majesty, what do you need from me?"

Li Qingmu picked up paper and pen, and wrote on it: "I’m a bit bored and want someone to dine with."

Dine together?

In an instant, Zhi Jin’s heart warmed with joy!

How could anyone have the privilege to dine with the Emperor? Only a companion could!

Her status destined her not to be a companion, but this treatment was even better than being one!

At this moment, Zhi Jin even forgot her thought of finishing off Long Yue, happily saying, "Then... I’ll accompany Your Majesty for the meal!"

......

A little off-topic, how come I feel the male lead is becoming more scummy? Ah ah ah, don’t hit, don’t hit, Xiaojiu admits the mistake but absolutely refuses to change~ (manually humorous)