After the rain, the sky was clear and everything was recovering.
After a few days, the garden of the Su Palace was filled with flowers. Spring swallows built new nests under the overhanging eaves and young leaves grew out from the branches of the willows.
Because there were more imperial doctors and maids in the Wangfu, it became more lively. However, the atmosphere was still as quiet as before. No one made any noise and they just quietly did their own things.
Madam Lu had been by Xu Buring's side for the past few days. Even at night, she would sleep beside Xu Buring, fully clothed. Even the maids and imperial physicians knew about this, but no one gossiped about it. After all, everyone could see how worried Madam Lu was, while Xu Buring found it difficult to even move. After recuperating for four to five days, he could barely sit up for a while. As for when he would be able to walk, it would depend on the heavens.
After the battle at the top of Taiji Palace, the clamor in the marketplace grew louder and louder. The Emperor also wrote a gilded horizontal board with the words' Leader of the Green Army '. After the parade, it was sent to the Wangfu. However, because the horizontal board at the middle gate was written by Emperor Xiaozong, it could only be hung at the side gate for people to admire.
Perhaps Buring deserved this golden horizontal board, and there were many people in the market who were jealous of it. However, because Buring was injured, no one was stupid enough to send a challenge letter yet. Most of the people who came were from the older generation of the pugilistic world who came to visit and deliver some rare treasures.
Song Yu Fu had also been here twice. Originally, she wanted to pay a visit, but it was not convenient for her to enter. After taking a few glances at the door, she left.
Zhu Manzhi was rather quick-witted. She applied for a job patrolling the streets and went around the Su Imperial Prince's estate day and night. However, she still didn't have the chance to see Xu Buring's people.
Time passed day by day and it was the end of February in the blink of an eye.
At dusk, the luxurious carriage stopped outside the Wangfu. The Empress Dowager got off the carriage with the help of the palace maids.
Because she came to visit, the Empress Dowager only wore a red dress with a belt around her waist. It was simple and elegant without much decoration. She only had a golden hairpin in her hair and a food box in her hand. There was only a pot of wine in the food box.
"Greetings, Empress Dowager!"
The guards and maids came out to salute.
The Empress Dowager gently raised her hand and slowly walked into the Wangfu. Led by Yue Nu, she came to the backyard.
There was a smell of medicine in the courtyard of the bedroom. Several imperial doctors sat at the stone table, looking at the piles of books and thinking about the antidote. They all looked worried.
Hearing the news, Lady Lu came out of the room with two black circles on her forehead. She bowed tiredly and said, "Greetings, Empress Dowager. Then she prepared to go back without waiting for the Empress. It seemed that she was still angry because of the Empress Dowager didn't take good care of her.
"Hong Luan.
The Empress Dowager called out to Madam Lu and with a smile on her face, she walked up to her and said gently, "This Empress has heard from the Imperial Physician that Bu Ling will be fine for the time being. It's not good for you to stay like this. Go back and rest for a while."
Madam Lu was indeed a little tired. However, after accompanying Xu Buring for the past few days and seeing his complexion getting better, she was actually quite relieved. She shook her head.
.. Palace. Face. "Emer.
The Empress Dowager's expression was as calm as ever.
"I came here today to visit your son. Secondly, I heard from the Taoist in the Imperial Astronomer that the Lotus Temple outside the city is very efficacious. Whether it's to pray for children or to pray for peace, as long as they burn incense, they will be cured. I don't know if it's true …"
Lady Lu stopped. She was so focused on taking care of Xu Buling that she forgot to burn incense and pray. She quickly turned around and said, "Really? Forget it. How will I know if I don't try? "She walked out of the Wangfu as she spoke.
The Empress Dowager clenched her fists under her sleeves, but she still reminded her, "It's late. If you go now, you can only come back tomorrow morning. It won't be too late to go a few days later …"
With Lady Lu's personality, finding a solution was like finding a life-saving straw. She could not wait for even a few minutes and immediately ran out of the veranda. She even turned around and said, "It's better to be early than late. Please help me take care of your son, Empress Dowager." When she said this, she was a little worried and hesitant.
The Empress Dowager smiled gently and said, "Don't worry. I'm not that unreliable. I really couldn't stop him last time …"
Madam Lu nodded her head and did not say anything more. She called for a carriage with her maid and left the Prince's Mansion without even changing her clothes.
…
The courtyard was quiet and secluded.
The Empress Dowager walked slowly to the door. Her eyes were obviously hesitant and conflicted, but she suppressed it in an instant. She turned her head and ordered,
"The patient needs to rest. Why are you all standing outside? Go to the outer house and wait. I'll call you if there's anything."
"Yes!"
The maids and the imperial doctors naturally did not dare to disobey the Empress Dowager. They bowed slightly and left. Xiao, who was originally standing in the courtyard, also turned and left at this time.
The large courtyard was quiet. Only a few birds chirping could be heard in the distance.
The Empress Dowager pursed her lips and her expression became dignified and calm. She raised her hand and opened the door of the bedroom.
Creak —
The door was opened and closed.
The Empress Dowager stood in the room and faced the door. She hesitated for a moment before turning around and looking into the room.
There was a faint smell of medicine in the room. Between the curtains, Xu Buling was sitting against the headboard of the bed. He was only wearing white clothes. His long black hair was draped over his back. His peach blossom eyes were clear and attractive, and there was a slight smile on his face.
"…"
The Empress Dowager hurriedly turned around again. After thinking for a while, she felt that something was wrong. She forced herself to calm down and coughed lightly. She put the food box on the table outside and walked slowly into the room.
"Greetings, Empress Dowager!"
The sudden voice scared the Empress Dowager, who was walking with her head down. Her shoulders trembled. Her heart was beating fast, but her expression did not change at all. She sat down on the stool unhurriedly and looked at Xu Buling.
"At ease … Are you feeling better?"
Xu Buling's expression was calm as usual. He nodded slightly.
The room became silent.
If Xu Buling did not say anything, the Empress Dowager naturally had nothing to say. Only the sound of breathing could be heard.
The Empress Dowager gradually felt as if she was sitting on pins and needles. She averted her gaze and did not look at Xu Buling. She did not know how long she had been holding back her words, but she forced herself to say them.
"You … Was the antidote method you mentioned last time real?"
How was Xu Buling supposed to answer? He nodded. "If Empress Dowager is unwilling, there is no need to force yourself. Death is inevitable. It's just a matter of time."
"…"
The Empress Dowager tightened her grip on her skirt. She turned her head to the side, and no one knew where she was looking.
She was silent for a long time before she said in a calm tone, "Promise me first. When you recover and return to your fief, you will treat the people in the world well. You must think of the world in your heart and not your own selfish desires. You must be a good King."
Xu Buling was silent for a while before he sucked in a breath.
"Alright."
"The truth?"
"I, Xu Buling, have always kept my word. Just as Empress Dowager said, I will fight for the people, not for my family."
"…"
The Empress Dowager bit her bottom lip and looked up at Xu Buling. She got up and walked to the window. She stuck her head out and peeked a few times.
There was no one around.
The Empress Dowager's gaze was a little panicked. She quietly closed the window, and she looked like a widow who had an affair.
