"One person staying behind is sufficient." Gu Yanxi took charge and instructed, taking the person from Bao Xia and leaning her against himself. He picked up the medicine bowl, took a sip, pressed his lips against A Zhi's, and slowly fed it into her mouth.
His movements were slow, and as he fed her, he skillfully stroked her jaw with his other hand. When he couldn't feel her swallowing, he slowed down even more, but even so, most of the medicine still spilled out.
Looking at the person whose face and body were flushed red, Gu Yanxi tenderly touched her cheek. Seeing Ying Chun bring over a damp cloth, he naturally took it and wiped A Zhi clean.
Ying Chun was momentarily stunned. Though before her was her unclothed young lady and the fully dressed Regent, she couldn't even think about propriety or reputation—she only wanted to cry, to weep loudly. How difficult it had been for their young lady to reach this day! Just when she was about to live a life of contentment, cherished by her family and doted on by the Regent—how wonderful, how perfect! Young lady, the days you've longed for are finally within reach, how could you collapse now?
Bao Xia wiped her tears, pushed Ying Chun to the corner of the bed, took the soiled cloth from the Regent, washed it clean, and handed it back. She then briskly went to change the basin of water, opened a jar of wine, and poured some in.
"I'll do it."
Tears immediately rolled down Bao Xia's cheeks, and she cooperated with Gu Yanxi.
Only a small amount of the second dose of medicine was consumed, and the fever still hadn't subsided. The inner room was filled with the scent of wine, while the atmosphere outside was as oppressive as dark clouds looming overhead. When noises came from outside the courtyard, no one paid much attention—the news of Zhi Er's critical illness and unconsciousness must have spread, so it was normal for the Zhu Family to send someone.
Hua Yizheng looked up and was taken aback upon seeing the bright yellow attire. He had only seen the Sixth Prince a few times from a distance when the prince was still young and unfavored—a far cry from the confident and imposing figure before him now.
His body knelt before his mind could react, and the courtyard was soon filled with kneeling figures.
Despite his anxiety, the young Emperor did not neglect courtesy. Everyone in this room was no ordinary subject—they were the family of the Grand Tutor. He would always remember how Hua Jiejie, who didn't know his identity at the time, had told him he could regard everyone in the Hua family as his own family. Even now, with his status changed, those words still influenced him.
He personally helped Hua Yizheng to his feet and gestured for Hua Pingyu to rise as well, eagerly asking, "How is the Grand Tutor? The rumors outside are rampant—I truly couldn't rest assured."
Using "I" instead of "We" revealed the closeness in their relationship. Hua Yizheng felt happy for Zhi Er and naturally didn't hold the previous Emperor's actions against the young ruler. He bowed respectfully and replied, "Your Majesty, Zhi Er's fever persists."
The Emperor was alarmed upon hearing this and immediately strode inside. "I must see her."
Hua Yizheng stopped the others, allowing only his eldest son to accompany him inside. They saw the newly enthroned sovereign, his brow etched with worry, pause by the bedside before turning to Miraculous Doctor Yu. "How long until the Grand Tutor's fever breaks?"
Yu Lao shook his head. "Your Majesty, I cannot give you a definite answer."
The Emperor grew anxious. With any other imperial physician, he might have scolded, "What use are you?"But facing Miraculous Doctor Yu, he lacked the confidence." If nothing else, Shaoyao would storm into his imperial study upon her return, not to mention they now relied on him to treat the Grand Tutor's illness.
He bowed solemnly. "I beg you to do everything in your power."
Yu Lao quickly stepped aside to avoid the gesture. "I dare not accept such honor. I will certainly exert my utmost efforts.""I've brought Xiao Shuang. Whatever medicinal ingredients are needed, just inform him."
"Yes."
The Emperor glanced at the tightly drawn bed curtains, his eyes catching the pair of men's shoes by the bedside. Understanding dawned on him, though he chose not to remark on it. Instead, he beckoned Berlin and Zeng Han over.
"You must have been frightened. Don't be afraid. The Grand Tutor is merely tired and needs rest. He'll recover after some time."
He spoke with such conviction, as if stating an undeniable truth. Berlin thought to himself, this must be what Elder Sister meant by environment shaping character. The same person who once shared a quilt with him, the same Little Six who had to exert all his effort to match him, could now provide support for him and Elder Sister.
Suddenly, the Emperor reached out and lifted Zeng Han into his arms. Meeting the child's dark eyes, he asked, "What should you call me?"
Zeng Han instinctively glanced toward the bed. "Master said Your Majesty is my senior brother, but the Grand Tutor also said I should keep it in mind without speaking it aloud."
That was indeed something the Grand Tutor would do. While others would seize any opportunity to claim connections, the Grand Tutor maintained clarity in relationships, leaving no room for gossip.
His throat tight with emotion, the Emperor swallowed discreetly and patted the child's round head. "You should call me senior brother. The Grand Tutor won't take any more disciples in the future. You're my only junior brother, and you're my only senior brother. If you don't acknowledge me, you'll have no sect siblings."
Zeng Han looked toward the bed again. Would his master wake up and scold him if he disobeyed?
Biting his lip, he called out, "Senior brother."
"Good child." A strange sense of shared destiny welled up in the Emperor's heart, making him feel even more sorrowful. Heaven was unjust—why did those who committed evil deeds live comfortably while someone like the Grand Tutor had to suffer so much!
Lowering his gaze to conceal his emotions, he looked up again with a slight smile. "What does Xiao Han want to do in the future?"
Zeng Han shook his head.
Thinking the child hadn't considered it, the Emperor said coaxingly, "How about becoming an official? Your senior brother will protect you—no one will be able to bully you."
Zeng Han still shook his head.
"It's alright if you haven't thought about it now. You can think more about it later."
"I don't want to be an official," Zeng Han said clearly. "I want to live in the Library and never go anywhere else."
Everyone present, including Hua Yizheng, was taken aback—this was an answer none had anticipated.
"Why live in the Library? Can't you go there anytime you want while staying with the Hua family?"
"I like it there, and even if I don't become an official, I can still teach students like Master does." After a pause, Zeng Han glanced at the Emperor several times and added emphatically, "I want to teach very outstanding students."
That meaningful look seemed to suggest...
The Emperor wanted to laugh but found his nose inexplicably tingling. With the Grand Tutor's guidance, he believed Zeng Han would surely achieve his ambition. This could be considered the highest aspiration for scholars: I won't become an official myself, but I'll educate an emperor.
"Then you must work even harder."
Zeng Han nodded vigorously.
The conversation might seem childish, yet no one laughed. It had nothing to do with the status of those present, but because they all shared the same teacher.Hua Yizheng now realized that Zhi Er was naturally gifted at teaching. Though her foundation might not be solid enough and she might occasionally be lazy, her intentions were upright, and she excelled at tailoring her teaching to individual students—a rare talent possessed only by a select few. Those who mastered this skill eventually became great masters.
Hua Yizheng’s hands trembled slightly within his sleeves. The Hua family had not produced a great master for two generations.
PS: Worried about the ending falling apart, I’ll write slowly and carefully.
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