The sky and the earth were vast, the mountains and rivers were far away, and his infatuated gaze seemed to pass through the mountains and seas and fall on Shen Xihe.
There had never been a moment when his heart felt so full and hot. He wished he could grow a pair of wings and fly towards her.
Xiao Huayong didn't know when Sui Axi left. He floated to the window like a wandering soul, his eyes looking over the glazed tile eaves at the boundless sky, his mind drifting far away.
He thought she had only two purposes for this trip, one was to congratulate her brother on his marriage, the other was to give shelter to Bu Shulin. What he didn't know was that she also traveled thousands of miles for him, stayed up all night in the cold, just for the momentary beauty of the white jade flower.
"Fool… "
His murmurs became soft and lingering, and it was unclear whether he was talking about himself or her. The corners of his lips could no longer hold back a grin, and the smile in his eyes poured out like flowing light, shining on his handsome face, like the moment when a spring breeze passed and flowers bloomed, making people who saw him couldn't help but be infected by him and feel happy.
"Tian Yuan, I am going to Liyang County." Xiao Huayong couldn't hide his joy.
Tian Yuan opened his mouth, and seeing the terrifying light in Xiao Huayong's eyes, Tian Yuan couldn't help but let such a bright look dim: "I will guard the East Palace well."
Xiao Huayong patted his shoulder with a smile, took a few steps back happily, and then ran quickly to the Chongwen Hall. When he arrived, he looked pale and breathing unevenly, which frightened several ministers.
"Your Highness, do you want to summon the imperial physician?" Cui Zheng asked with concern.
Before His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was crowned, they had very little contact with Him and knew nothing about Him. But after His Royal Highness was crowned, he would drag his frail body to Chongwen Hall every day. Whenever there was something that needed His Royal Highness's review, he would never slack off and would be gentle and polite. He had his own opinions and would humbly accept any suggestions from anyone who had them.
In just half a month, they were able to feel that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was honest and humble, a gentleman like jade, and his virtues were exemplary.
Whenever they met His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, they could not help but lower their voices. Such a dignified man made them feel that it would be blasphemy to argue in front of him.
Seeing that his face was pale, yet his eyes were still clear and gloomy, and he was filled with all the tenderness in the world, it made people forget the worldly things.
"It's okay. I just felt a little short of breath when I woke up this morning." Xiao Huayong said weakly. He gently waved his hand, gathered the cloak on his shoulders, and walked to his seat. "Let's discuss the matter."
Cui Zheng was still somewhat worried, and like the other ministers, he looked at each other and quickly picked out the key points of some important matters to talk about. The people who originally had different political views could not bear to argue anymore, for fear that they might accidentally disturb His Royal Highness the Crown Prince or make him faint from anger.
Even though they were so careful, Xiao Huayong still couldn't catch his breath, coughed violently and passed out, which caused a chaos. Xiao Huayong was sent back to the East Palace, and the imperial physician came, who said that it was the cold winter and the Crown Prince's old illness had relapsed.
After hearing the news, Emperor Youning came to visit in person, and his face was solemn when he left the East Palace.
"Your Majesty, Your Highness is a man of good fortune." Liu Sanzhi whispered.
Emperor Youning suddenly stopped, with a look of deep regret in his eyes: "I am sorry for him."
"Your Majesty, please don't blame yourself." Liu Sanzhi comforted, "What happened back then was not under your control."