The Capital
Since the imperial decree of marriage arrived at the Yu family, Yu Mingyue appeared calm on the surface, but her heart was filled with worry.
For the Yu family, and for Xie Jia'an.
She personally removed the red string they had tied at the Temple of the Matchmaker. She would rather they never meet again than have him return to the capital and lose his life.
She had already collaborated with Luo Lingyi, hoping the Crown Prince would ascend the throne sooner, but she hadn't expected this day to still arrive.
Overwhelmed by worry, coupled with the still-chilly weather, Yu Mingyue fell ill.
At first, she paid it no mind and even went to work at the yamen. It wasn't until yesterday, as she was leaving work and about to board her carriage, that she fainted.
Fortunately, Zhu Yu was by her side and managed to catch her.
Chihua watched as Cui Shi entered and paid her respects. She then continued to cool Yu Mingyue with a damp cloth, following Su Mu's instructions.
"She's burning up again!" Cui Shi hurried to the bedside, touching Mingyue's forehead. "She's still this hot. Why didn't you send someone to tell me!"
Chihua immediately knelt down. "Madam, please forgive me. The young lady was afraid of tiring you, so she told me not to inform you. Her fever had broken this morning, but it flared up again tonight!"
Cui Shi had also been restless day and night due to the bestowed marriage. She had sent people to inform her husband and son separately, instructing them to deliver the message before the imperial decree arrived.
She knew her daughter's feelings and couldn't bear to watch her marry someone she didn't love. She had to plan ahead.
Cui Shi had already decided that if it was impossible to refuse, she would arrange for her daughter to fake her death and leave the capital, which would also fulfill her wish to be with Xie Jia'an.
Cui Shi stayed by Yu Mingyue's side for half the night. Her body couldn't take it anymore, and she was helped by a maid to rest in the next room.
Chihua knelt by Yu Mingyue's bed, tears streaming down her face. "Young lady, please wake up quickly. It's all my fault for not taking good care of you. I shouldn't have urged you to go to the peach grove to relax that day..."
Perhaps Chihua's crying was too loud, and Yu Mingyue frowned. "Chihua, can't you let me rest in peace?"
Hearing Yu Mingyue's voice, Chihua finally stopped crying and smiled. "Young lady, you're finally awake. Do you want some water? Granny Rong in the kitchen has some porridge warm. I'll go get it for you..."
Yu Mingyue coughed twice. Seeing the lamp lit in the room, she knew it was the middle of the night. "Don't disturb everyone. I'm not hungry, but I am a little thirsty."
Chihua quickly poured Yu Mingyue some tea. After she took a few sips to moisten her throat, she asked, "My illness came on suddenly. Have I taken leave from the yamen? I wonder how those cases are going."
Chihua said with concern, "You're still thinking about that, young lady. When you fainted that day, Zhu Yu carrying you back terrified us..."
The young lady used to have a little more flesh on her face, but now she was getting thinner and thinner. Although she was the acclaimed Dali Temple Assistant, she could no longer return to the carefree Yu Liuniang of the past.
The young lady had become better, but she had also become unhappy. Chihua wished her young lady was still the carefree girl she used to be.
"I'm fine." How could she afford to be ill when so many people in the capital had been sleepless these past few days? Lying here for so long was already a great feat.
The Emperor's intentions had become increasingly unfathomable lately, and there was growing discontent in the court. Yu Mingyue received news from the Eastern Palace that two days ago, the Zhongshu Province had submitted a memorial to the Emperor, requesting the Crown Prince's ascension.
However, the Emperor had thrown a tantrum, reprimanding the memorial from the Zhongshu Province and even scolding Prime Minister Mo.
The Emperor had lost the hearts of his ministers. It seemed that day was not far off.
She only hoped for it to come sooner, much sooner.