Dongfang Yi had caught a severe cold syndrome. Perhaps it was because she had built a snowman with Donghua that night, or maybe it was due to the cold wind she caught after Helian Qi left. In any case, this illness had sapped all her vitality.
She lay on the couch, her small face as pale as paper. Imperial Physician Li had come to prescribe some medicine, but he only said that the cold syndrome was a minor ailment that needed to be nursed carefully, especially in winter when one had to pay extra attention to one's health.
Helian Qi had not come here for several days since that night. The news of her illness had spread far and wide, so he couldn't have been unaware. There was only one explanation: he didn't want to see her.
That night, she had confessed that she had a secret, one that she couldn't tell him for the time being. This must have dealt a heavy blow to his pride, so much so that he didn't even want to see her now.
Thinking of this, she let out a long sigh and gulped down the half - cold ginger soup in her hand. The soup warmed her stomach, making her feel much better. Then she burrowed back under the covers.
"Concubine Shu has arrived!"
A cry came from outside the palace. Then a woman wrapped in a red mink stole walked in, followed by a little maid carrying a tray.
"Your Majesty, how could you be so ill?" She rushed over, frowning.
Dongfang Yi half - sat up and shook her head, saying that she was fine and telling her not to worry too much.
"Your Majesty, I've brought you some ginseng to boost your energy!" she added.
This was the only decent tonic in her palace. She knew that the queen didn't lack such things, but she just wanted to show her goodwill.
Dongfang Yi understood her intentions and knew she couldn't refuse this kindness. So she nodded to indicate that she would accept it.
The two then chatted about some interesting things that had happened in the palace recently. They said that the snow in the palace hadn't melted in the past few days, and the maids and eunuchs were all enthusiastic about building snowmen. It was said that this custom had originated from the queen's palace.
They chatted so happily that Dongfang Yi even felt a bit more energetic. It wasn't until it was getting dark that Concubine Shu left the queen's palace.
As soon as Concubine Shu left, Dongfang Yi felt her eyelids drooping. Strangely enough, she had been sleeping a lot during these days of illness. All she did every day was take medicine and sleep. She even missed the Western medicine from modern times, which at least wouldn't have made her suffer so much.
Thinking about this, she fell into a deep sleep.
On the other side, in the Qianqing Palace.
Helian Qi was bent over his desk, reviewing official documents. The lamp on the desk was extinguished and refilled, but he didn't want to rest. Dark circles and stubble had appeared on his face. As night fell, his mind became even more wandering.
He had heard from the servants that she had caught a cold syndrome and couldn't even leave her palace. All she did all day was take medicine and sleep. Just thinking about her weak and suffering appearance made his heart ache. Then he began to blame himself. Why did he have to demand an explanation? If she had a secret, couldn't he just let it be? Why did he have to force her?
The more he thought, the more restless he became. He couldn't read the memorials in front of him any longer. Then he stood up, put on his clothes, and left the Qianqing Palace.
When he arrived at the queen's palace, the lights were still on, but the place was very quiet. When Donghua saw him, her eyes widened and she was about to pay her respects, but he waved her off with one hand and then entered the inner chamber.
Through the beaded curtain, he could see the woman sleeping on the couch. He tiptoed over, not daring to make a sound.
Looking at the woman with a flushed face in front of him, frowning even in her sleep, his heart ached even more.
Look at her. Usually, she was a light sleeper, but now she didn't even notice someone standing by her bed.
He reached out his hand, wanting to stroke her forehead, but was afraid of waking her up. So he just took a long look at her and then left. Before leaving, he reminded Donghua that when she woke up, she must act as if he had never been there.
Donghua watched the man in front of her walk away until his back completely disappeared from her sight. Then she let out a long sigh and murmured softly, "Love is really a bitter thing."
She watched these two people secretly missing and loving each other, but neither of them would admit it. They were so stubborn that it made both of them uncomfortable. It was really hard to understand.
It was another night of misunderstanding. Dongfang Yi couldn't even sleep peacefully in her dream. She had a restless night until the next day.
"Did anyone come last night?" she suddenly asked.
She didn't know why she asked this, but she always felt that she had sensed something last night, perhaps a familiar smell.
"Um... no!" Donghua replied. She hadn't forgotten what the emperor had told her and didn't dare to be smart and act on her own.
Dongfang Yi shook her head and gave a bitter smile after hearing this. She thought to herself what she was thinking. Helian Qi was probably still feeling cold - hearted. How could he come to secretly visit her?
However, her body felt much better today. Her head didn't feel heavy and dull anymore, and she even felt refreshed.
"Let's go out and have a look."
With that, she got out of bed, ate a little something to fill her stomach, and then sat in front of the dressing mirror, letting Donghua dress her up.
She hadn't seen the sun for several days, and her face had become very pale. Fortunately, Donghua was an expert at applying makeup. She managed to make Dongfang Yi's face look rosy and shiny. After putting on a light - colored mink stole, she looked even more beautiful and elegant. After everything was done, the two of them left the palace.
When she walked on the main avenue of the palace and saw the snowmen that seemed to be a standard decoration in front of each palace gate, she couldn't help but giggle and said, "It seems that everyone likes building snowmen!"
"Yes! Your Majesty, you are so ingenious!" Donghua also smiled, as if showing off something proud. After all, she had taught everyone how to build these snowmen.
In less than a quarter of an hour, they arrived at the imperial garden. She could faintly smell a delicate fragrance, which made her can't help but exclaim, "It smells so good!"
"Haha, Your Majesty, all the plum blossoms in the Red Plum Garden are in bloom. They are very beautiful!" Donghua said. Then she ran ahead and led her to the Red Plum Garden.
At a glance, the plum trees formed a sea of flowers. The snow on the branches and the plum blossoms complemented each other, creating a truly unique scenery. She stepped into the garden and looked at the fallen plum petals under her feet. She couldn't help but think of a poem.
"Fallen into the mud and crushed into dust, only the fragrance remains the same!"
Now she could only use an ancient poem to describe the beautiful scenery in front of her. Unexpectedly, a male voice suddenly came from behind.
"Your Majesty the Queen is really talented!"