Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 647: Sudden Illness (Part 2)

Four days later, Lu Ruohua returned to the Prince Mansion from Ye County.

Filled with joy, Lu Ruohua learned of her father’s sudden illness upon entering the Prince Mansion and hurriedly ran into the room. Instead of immediately checking on her father on the bed, she first threw herself into Aunt Mei’s arms, who had a haggard face: "Mother! Don’t be afraid! I’m back to be with you!"

Aunt Mei embraced her daughter, and tears she had held back for days began to fall.

Poisoning the person beside her pillow, waiting to be exposed and punished, the fear and anxiety within cannot be simply described in a few words.

For the past few days, she couldn’t eat, and struggled to sleep through the night. There was no need for pretense, as she truly appeared to be a woman deeply troubled over her husband’s condition.

Lu Ruohua also thought her mother was upset due to her father’s sudden illness and hurriedly offered some quiet comfort. Only then did she go to see her father lying in bed.

Lu Xuan had just regained consciousness yesterday, his entire body stiff, and he had no strength to leave the bed. When he tried to speak, his lips quivered a few times, but he couldn’t produce any sound.

"Since father has fallen ill, he should focus on recovering." Lu Ruohua wiped her tears, standing respectfully and dutifully by the bedside.

Someone has harmed me...

Lu Xuan exerted all his energy, his lips moved several times, his hoarse voice struggling to squeeze out sound, but it was unclear and inaudible.

Lu Ruohua looked bewildered and turned to her mother: "Mother, what is father trying to say?"

Aunt Mei watched Lu Xuan’s lips intently, growing tense within, and answered softly, "Your father is relieved to see you have returned."

Lu Ruohua believed this, saying to Aunt Mei: "Father needs a long time to recuperate; mother, you must attend to him but do not be too harsh on yourself. Eat well and sleep well—even have the strength to care for father."

Aunt Mei, eyes red, replied: "Yes, I’ll listen to you."

Two days later, Lu Ying returned as well.

The eleven-year-old Lu Ying was in a growth spurt, had shot up a bit, making him appear somewhat slim. His handsome face was filled with eager worry.

Lu Ying entered the room, first showing concern for Aunt Mei’s condition: "Mother, why have you become so thin and haggard? Father’s sick, but slowly getting better; one day he’ll be well. Don’t let this wear you down physically."

Aunt Mei’s heart was warmed by her son’s words, eyes red as she responded: "I couldn’t eat or sleep for a few days. Now your sister’s back, I’ve gotten much better. Seeing you now, makes it worth even closing my eyes immediately."

These words were truly unfortunate, with an inexplicable oddness.

Lu Ying’s heart sank, though his face revealed nothing, patiently and gently comforting his mother. Once Aunt Mei stopped her tears, Lu Ying approached the bed.

Lu Xuan was unable to speak or move, lying stiffly on the bed, needing help with eating and drinking, resembling a helpless person. In just six or seven days, the handsome and gallant Lu Junma had wasted away, his eyes sunken, gaze vacant.

Someone has harmed me...

Lu Xuan struggled to gesture with his lips.

His son was exceptionally intelligent from a young age, far outshining Ruohua, a silly girl, surely able to grasp his message.

Lu Ying indeed furrowed his brows, his face serious: "Father’s illness is severe, he can’t even speak, going to the Capital City is impossible. Mother, we won’t go to Capital City either; we’ll stay together to accompany father."

Aunt Mei was initially stunned before quickly responding, nodding repeatedly.

Lu Xuan: "..."

Lu Xuan breathed heavily, lips constantly moving but still silent. It was like a pantomime, appearing ridiculous.

Lu Ying had already turned his head, saying to Aunt Mei: "Mother has endured for days, with me back today, you should rest well. Sister, assist mother back to her room."

Lu Ruohua, obedient to her brother, promptly agreed and went to support Aunt Mei.

Aunt Mei did not move, she was looking at her son, wanting to say something. But faced with those calm dark eyes, all words were stuck.

"Mother, rest assured and go to sleep." Lu Ying comforted softly: "I am here."

Aunt Mei’s eyes reflected some moisture, and her previously restless heart suddenly felt calm: "Okay, I’ll listen to you."

Aunt Mei was supported by her daughter back to bed. Strangely, as soon as her eyes closed, fatigue swept over her, and she soon fell asleep.

She slept most of the day. Upon waking, it was already dark. The room was lit by candles, with a familiar figure sitting by the bedside.

Aunt Mei took a deep breath, sat up and held her son’s hand: "Ying’er, I...I have something to tell you..."

Lu Ying was mature and wise beyond his years, always more composed than other children his age. After turning eight, he became the backbone for Aunt Mei.

Aunt Mei had suffered as if on fire these days, living in constant anxiety. Now seeing her son, she suddenly found the courage to face what was to come.

"Your father didn’t fall ill suddenly; I poisoned him. This chronic potent poison doesn’t kill instantly, but causes his body to become rigid, making him unable to get out of bed or speak—just like a wooden statue."

Aunt Mei spilled the secret: "To be honest, two years ago, I secretly spent heavily on this poison. This poison was prepared for your father."

"This life of mine has no hope. I only wish for you two siblings to succeed."

"He was content; I’d serve him peacefully. But if he harbored sinister intentions, I’d go down with him."

"The Commandery Princess fought tooth and nail to reach today. Your father spoke lightly of going to the Capital City, claiming he would support the Commandery Princess. Bah! Shameless!"

"He is nothing more than a live-in son-in-law, neither scholarly nor martial, yet greedy in temperament. Should he truly go to the Capital City, he could be instigated and exploited, causing severe trouble for the Commandery Princess."

"We three, mother and children, have had good days only because of the Commandery Princess. I cannot let your father destroy it all, ruin your future."

"I knew this was when I had to act. Sacrificing my worthless life for his life, removing obstacles and trouble for the Commandery Princess. As long as the Commandery Princess appreciates my deed, she will protect you siblings in the future."

"I don’t regret doing this at all. My only fear was not seeing you one last time before dying. Now that you are back, I could close my eyes immediately and be at peace."

Aunt Mei grew calmer as she spoke, her face clean, devoid of tears.

What kind of life did she lead all these years? Suffering beatings and verbal abuse from Lu Xuan, without dignity. For the sake of her children, she endured it all.

Poisoning Lu Xuan was ultimately for the future of her children.

The Commandery Princess achieves great things, untainted by infamy. Aunt Mei willingly contributed to the Commandery Princess’s efforts, eliminating this loathsome hidden danger.

"I only tell you this secret; Ruohua is still young. You keep it from her, and when she grows up understanding things, then tell her."

"I’m going to see Chief Historian Feng now."