Chapter 1769: A Rising Dread

Hearing Empress Fu's call, Emperor Liu stopped his outburst, turned to look at her, and nearly threw himself to the bedside, tightly gripping her hand, asking with concern: "You're finally awake!"

"Your voice was so loud, even if I kept lying down, I couldn't sleep peacefully!" Empress Fu said in a weak tone, teasing him.

Emperor Liu was in no mood for jokes at this moment, and immediately replied: "If I could wake you up with my shouting, what would it matter if I screamed my throat hoarse?"

"That doesn't sound like something you'd say." Empress Fu let out a soft laugh, saying: "Just now, between waking and dreaming, I heard you berating the imperial physicians and palace attendants?"

"No!" Emperor Liu flatly denied: "Why would I berate them?"

"My illness is no one's fault. They have served me with all their hearts. Don't take your anger out on them, or it will damage your virtue as the Son of Heaven." Empress Fu said, her breath unsteady, speaking in fits and starts.

However, Emperor Liu ground his teeth and said: "I can't care about that much. That so-called virtue is just something those civil officials use to restrain the monarch. I don't care. Whoever dares to stop me, I'll deal with them all together!"

"What if I'm the one stopping you?" Empress Fu let out a soft sigh.

Emperor Liu, almost without thinking, held her hand: "As long as you get better, everything can be discussed!"

"Erlang... cough cough cough..." Empress Fu wanted to say something, but the words caught in her throat, turning into a violent fit of coughing. Seeing this, Emperor Liu panicked, helped Empress Fu up, rubbed her chest and patted her back, then hastily grabbed a handkerchief to wipe the corners of her mouth.

Then, a touch of bright red appeared on the white silk, and traces of chilling blood remained on her lips. Emperor Liu's eyes suddenly turned red, and he immediately turned his head, glaring viciously at Grand Physician Sun: "What's going on? Why is she still coughing blood? What needles are you using, what medicine are you administering? Are you trying to harm the Empress!"

"Your Majesty, I, I..." Grand Physician Sun was so frightened his whole body trembled, and he could no longer speak clearly.

It was Empress Fu who, seeing Emperor Liu's excessive reaction, leaned against his chest, struggled to tug at his sleeve, then looked past him and instructed the crowd in the bedchamber: "All of you, withdraw. No need to attend here!"

However, at this moment, although everyone wanted to retreat and get away from Emperor Liu, this dangerous beast, no one dared to move without his word. Seeing this, Emperor Liu swept his gaze over the crowd, then looked at Empress Fu in his arms, and finally waved his hand: "All of you, get the hell out!"

Only then did the crowd in the hall feel as if they had been granted amnesty, withdrawing from the bedchamber as if they had just escaped through the gates of hell. Emperor Liu's behavior was not merely for show... However, the crisis was not over. A sword seemed to still hang over everyone's head. While the Empress was still there, she could still persuade him, but once the mountain collapsed, who could stop the Emperor's killing intent?

The hall became much quieter. Although it had already been quiet, only when the husband and wife were alone could they completely tear off their masks and reveal their truest selves.

Empress Fu paused to catch her breath, and finally could speak again, sighing: "Why must you do this? What use is it to blame the palace attendants and imperial physicians? Grand Physician Sun has been diligent and dutiful since entering the palace, serving you for over ten years. Why take your anger out on him?"

"I don't care. If he can't cure you, then he's guilty!" Emperor Liu said: "Don't talk anymore. Rest well, and wait for the physicians to consult and administer medicine."

"No!" Upon hearing this, Empress Fu struggled slightly. Though her breath was weak, her tone was especially resolute: "I want to talk with you. I'm afraid if I don't speak now, I won't have another chance!"

"I won't allow you to say that!" Emperor Liu grew angry the moment he heard it, instinctively holding Empress Fu tighter, his chin pressed firmly against her forehead.

Empress Fu ignored him, closed her eyes, and spoke softly: "In the past, I often advised you. Some things you listened to, some you didn't, and some even annoyed you. In truth, with your wisdom, why would you need this woman by your side chattering on?

However, I must advise you one more time. Toward your ministers and palace attendants, show more leniency and compassion. Don't be too harsh. Going too far will only alienate the officials. I don't want you to truly become a solitary sovereign. That would be too hard.

The palace attendants are the ones serving by your side. The matter of the Khitan ruler Yelu Jing must serve as a warning."

Even at this moment, Empress Fu's thoughts were still considering Emperor Liu's welfare. Hearing this, Emperor Liu's eyes grew even redder, and a few drops of hot tears silently slid down, falling onto Empress Fu's face.

Empress Fu felt them, opened her eyes again, glanced at Emperor Liu, and said: "Why are you crying?"

"I'm not crying. Why would I cry?" Emperor Liu's voice was already somewhat choked.

"Right. You are the Emperor. How can you act like a woman?"

However, the more Empress Fu said this, the more Emperor Liu's tears could not be stopped, continuously streaming down his cheeks: "Da Fu, don't say anymore. Once you recover, I'll listen to your admonitions again. You are my worthy helpmate. How could I not listen to your words? As long as you get better..."

Upon hearing this, a pale smile appeared on Empress Fu's face: "Good! Then I can rest easy! I know you were just too worried, only scaring them."

Emperor Liu nodded: "Yes! You must get better. You absolutely must not—"

Emperor Liu ultimately did not, and somewhat dared not, say those words. Empress Fu, however, was far more composed, speaking softly: "Life and death are determined by fate, and the world is ever-changing. Even if that day comes, you must not grieve too much. Take care of yourself."

As she spoke, Empress Fu struggled to raise her hand, reaching toward Emperor Liu's temples, saying: "Look, your white hairs have multiplied again."

Emperor Liu tightly grasped Empress Fu's hand, speechless and choked with emotion. Perhaps this conversation had exhausted Empress Fu's strength, for she began coughing again, strands of foul blood, chilling to behold.

Emperor Liu immediately roared outward: "Someone! Physicians! Physicians!"

After a flurry of activity, Grand Physician Sun and a host of the Imperial Medical Bureau's "gynecology" masters hurried into the hall to hold a consultation on the Empress. Emperor Liu, without wiping his tears or washing his face, stood coldly by the side supervising.

The physicians of the Imperial Medical Bureau were indeed highly skilled and resourceful. After great effort, they managed to stabilize Empress Fu's condition. Only after Empress Fu fell asleep did Emperor Liu slowly walk out of the bedchamber.

The night was already deep. Before Kunming Hall stood a crowd of people whispering among themselves — consorts of the harem, several imperial princes, and ministers who had rushed over upon hearing the news.

"Your Majesty, how is the Empress?" Noble Consort Gao stepped forward, asking with concern.

Emperor Liu glanced at her. Recalling how she had often clashed with Empress Fu in the past, he was tempted to lash out, but seeing that her gaze was sincere and not feigned, he restrained himself. He said flatly: "Nothing serious. Just an old ailment. With some recuperation, she'll be fine!"

Of course, no one present really believed this explanation. According to the news that had spread, the Empress's condition this time was exceptionally grave. However, no one dared to openly question Emperor Liu.

Seeing their varied expressions, anger once again surged in his heart, and he coldly rebuked: "What are all of you doing crowding here? Can you cure illness? Can you save lives? Or are you here to add to the chaos?"

"Your Majesty, please calm your anger! Everyone is merely concerned about the Empress's health!" Seeing Emperor Liu lashing out at everyone, Worthy Consort Zhe stepped forward to soothe him.

Among these people, perhaps only the Worthy Consort could enjoy a measure of Emperor Liu's trust, and his anger was hard to transfer onto her. Letting out a sigh, Emperor Liu waved his hand: "Everyone, disperse!"

"Yes!"

Having driven the crowd away, Crown Prince Liu Yang, who had just received the news upon returning to the palace, hurried over, his anxiety no less than Emperor Liu's. Approaching, he asked the same question as Noble Consort Gao: "Father, how is Mother?"

"The physicians have administered treatment, and her condition is temporarily stabilized!" Emperor Liu said: "She needs rest now, so don't disturb her!"

Liu Yang peered into Kunming Hall, deep worry evident in his eyes. Emperor Liu strove to steady his own emotions and patted Liu Yang on the shoulder: "You've had a tiring day of travel. Make sure to rest. Your mother is being looked after here. No need to worry!"

Emperor Liu's reassurance clearly had little effect; Liu Yang's worry only deepened.

With especially heavy steps, he made his way toward Chongzheng Hall. Along the corridors and passageways he passed, large red lanterns hung everywhere, their light flowing brilliantly — all prepared for the Mid-Autumn Festival. Yet at this moment, they were somewhat jarring. The bright red, festive color almost stabbed at Emperor Liu's eyes.

It was not until he reached Chongzheng Hall that Emperor Liu tripped on the threshold and nearly fell. Yan Tuo, quick of eye and hand, hurriedly steadied him: "Your Majesty, mind your step!"

This time, Emperor Liu did not put on a brave front as he usually did. He let Yan Tuo support him, even leaning against him. It was nighttime, so the tear stains on his face were not so obvious. Even with support, Emperor Liu's steps were somewhat unsteady. Only after he sat down did Emperor Liu speak: "Yan Tuo, I... why does my heart feel somewhat unsettled?"

Yan Tuo hesitated for a moment, then still offered words of comfort: "Your Majesty, Her Grace is blessed with immense fortune. She will surely recover!"

"Right! Right!" Emperor Liu nodded repeatedly, then ordered: "Go at once to Kunming Hall and keep watch. Report to me immediately if anything happens. If the Empress wakes up, come tell me at once!"

"But—"

"I don't need your attendance here!" Emperor Liu said angrily.

"Yes! I'll go at once. Your Majesty, please do take care of yourself..."