Love at First Sight Chapter 42: Consort Lu Shu

Zun You was overjoyed, and without hesitation, took the pills in his hands, hurriedly asking, "Alchemist, how should these be taken? How many times a day, and how many each time?"

Shangguan Yin Chun, surprised by his eagerness, replied, "The Heavenly Dragon Blood-Changing Pill is taken twice a day, morning and evening, two pills each time. The Hundred-Refinement Blood-Consolidating Great Rejuvenation Pill is once a day, just one pill, as its effects are potent. As soon as the patient wakes, it must be stopped immediately."

"All right, Tong'er, bring some water," Zun You said, settling at the bedside. Ignoring the gazes of others, he gently helped Wen Yueqing sit up and personally fed her the medicine.

Shangguan Yin Chun watched this scene and involuntarily furrowed his brows. Every word and gesture of this prince was far from what one would expect toward a mere maidservant.

Bitterness welled up in his heart, but his greatest concern at the moment was whether Wen Yueqing would awaken. The pills his master had given him were all made from the finest ingredients; if even these failed...

He dared not dwell further on that thought, standing awkwardly to one side, feeling quite at a loss.

He wished he could openly care for Wen Yueqing, but now, the one holding Qing'er was the prince. All he could do was watch silently, unable to speak or act.

Wen Yueqing swallowed the medicine without difficulty this time, no longer vomiting it up. Zun You finally relaxed a little.

"Alchemist, please retire to the guest room for now. Should anything arise, I will send for you. I hope you will remain with us for a few more days," Zun You said, looking at him.

Shangguan Yin Chun wished to stay, so he replied, "Your Highness, I’ll rest in the outer chamber, so I can observe the young lady’s condition at any time."

Zun You assumed he was simply diligent and said no more.

Thus, one sat in the inner room and the other in the outer, both hearts preoccupied with the same person—the one they cared for most.

Late that night, Tong’er discovered Wen Yueqing’s fever had finally subsided and was overjoyed.

She quickly informed Shangguan Yin Chun, who was resting in the outer room. By this time, Zun You had already returned to his own chambers.

"Wonderful! Tong’er, check if she’s still sweating," Shangguan Yin Chun, lightly sleeping in a chair, responded, as he had been worried about Wen Yueqing all night.

Tong’er went to check and returned, saying, "Sister Qing’s clothes are damp, but there’s no more cold sweat on her forehead."

"That’s good. Change her into a fresh set of clothes; I doubt she’ll sweat anymore," he replied, finally at ease. The medicine seemed to be taking effect, and all that remained was for Qing’er to slowly awaken.

After a while, Tong’er had finished changing her clothes.

"Tong’er, go rest nearby. I’ll watch over Qing’er," he said, sitting by the bed.

"All right, Brother Shangguan, I’ll step outside," Tong’er agreed, understanding he likely wanted some time alone after so long apart.

"Qing’er, has your life in the prince’s residence been so hard? Even as a maid, others scheme against you," he murmured, gently smoothing Wen Yueqing’s hair.

"That prince... Qing’er, do you remember our promise? I never forgot," he continued, taking out an amulet—the token of affection Wen Yueqing had once given him.

Early the next morning, Zun You came to visit.

Tong’er called from the outer room, "Your Highness, you’re here. Sister Qing’s fever has subsided."

He had wondered why Tong’er wasn’t inside tending to her, but hearing this, he could only feel relieved.

Shangguan Yin Chun heard him arrive and quickly stood up, pretending he had just entered.

"Your Highness, Miss Wen is no longer sweating. She should fully awaken within a day or two."

"Good. Thank you, Alchemist, for your efforts last night," Zun You said with a smile, noting how tired he looked from staying up.

"It’s my duty. As long as the young lady recovers, I’m content."

Just then, Liu Yi hurried in and spoke to Zun You, "Your Highness, Lady Shu Consort requests your presence at the palace."

"Now?" Zun You was puzzled as to why his mother would summon him at this moment.

He glanced at Wen Yueqing, uneasy, and said, "Alchemist, please watch over her for me."

Inside the palace, in the Hall of Eternal Joy, Lady Shu Consort sat upright, flanked by attendants and eunuchs.

Today, she wore a robe of peacock-patterned brocade with cloud motifs and beaded pearls, her hair adorned with a golden phoenix hairpin entwined with pearls, and a golden circlet featuring coiled dragons, all highlighting her noble bearing.

Though thirty-three, she showed not the slightest sign of age; her oval face was flawless and taut, willow brows and almond eyes slightly upturned, adding a touch of allure. Any glance from her brimmed with charm—no wonder, after so many years in the palace, she remained Emperor Zunlong’s favorite consort.

She hadn’t seen Zun You for months. This son had always been a handful, but she couldn’t help but dote on him.

"Mother, may I ask why you summoned me to the palace today?" Zun You greeted her with a deep bow.

"Come here, let me take a look at you," Lady Shu Consort quickly stood, pulled him to sit beside her, and complained, "What, now that you’re grown, your mother can’t see you unless there’s an urgent matter?"

Zun You grinned, "Of course not, Mother. I’ve always missed you. I just came in a hurry today, thinking you must have something important."

She sighed and asked, "I hear you’ve been posting notices everywhere, searching for famous physicians. What’s this about?"

"It’s for a maid in my residence who’s gravely ill. I sought someone to treat her," Zun You replied honestly, never one to hide things from his mother.

Lady Shu Consort frowned at his words. "What maid is so precious that you’re this concerned?"

"Her name is Wen Yueqing. She’s my personal attendant, always attentive and considerate. I truly appreciate her..." He quickly praised Wen Yueqing.

Before he could finish, Lady Shu Consort’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "Wen Yueqing—is she the one you bought from the street some time ago?"

She’d long heard of that incident and knew Wen Yueqing had once been engaged, promised to another.

"Son, you mustn’t act rashly. With her background, I won’t approve of you taking her in," Lady Shu Consort said sternly.

"Why? But I really like her," Zun You protested, unwilling for his mother to oppose him.

"Because she was betrothed before. Your father won’t consent either. Besides, you haven’t married yet; if word gets out, it’ll harm your reputation. Rest assured, I’ll find you someone of noble birth," Lady Shu Consort declared, her tone leaving no room for argument.

"Mother, this is my own affair. I hope you’ll consider my feelings," Zun You argued persistently.

"Enough. You’re no longer a child. Think about your future. That Lady Li is already expecting your child—you’ll soon be a father. How can you still be so reckless?"