Seeing Shang Pu and his wife, Song Ci glanced around his face and said, "What a coincidence, are you also going up the mountain? Mr. Shang, you don’t look well either, why did you co?"
Shang Pu saluted Song Ci with cupped hands and said, "It’s an old ailnt. The dicine helps relieve it a bit. Seeing the weather is nice, I decided to take a walk up the mountain. I must thank Madam for your assistance yesterday."
Song Ci smiled and said, "It was just a small effort on my part, there’s no need for such thanks, Mr. Shang."
Shang Pu still bowed deeply.
"Chronic illness is hard to cure, but maintaining a cheerful mindset and engaging in regular health exercises should improve your condition. Whatever you do, do it within your limits, and don’t trouble those who genuinely care for you." Song Ci glanced at Shang iniang with a smile.
Shang Pu paused for a mont and said, "Madam is insightful."
"I’m at this age, and I haven’t passed through the gate of hell without learning a few things," Song Ci said with a gentle smile, "Go and have fun. I’ll go ahead."
The two hurried to make way.
Song Ci took a few steps, then said, "By the way, avoid the pavilion to the east. The Princess Consort of Prince Min is resting there, lest you cause any disturbance."
The difference between commoners and nobles is like a great, transcendent stairway; not all guards are as easy-going.
She kindly ntioned it in passing, not looking at their faces, and was then escorted away.
Shang Pu, however, stood still.
Shang iniang appeared flustered, looking at him, murmuring, "Should we go ahead to listen to the sutras?"
Shang Pu said indifferently, "You know I never liked listening to the sutras."
Shang iniang, seeing his indifferent expression, dared not speak more but awkwardly supported him.
Shang Pu glanced at the mountain to the east and said, "Let’s walk around instead, so as not to disturb the nobles."
He turned to leave, without needing Shang iniang’s support. As he hurried, he stumbled and nearly fell forward.
Shang iniang quickly held onto him, saying, "Let’s rest for a while."
Shang Pu grasped her arm firmly.
Just then, guards descended the mountain to clear the path. Seeing Shang Pu’s party, they imdiately moved forward to shoo them away.
Shang Pu’s party had to step aside.
Monts later, a very distinguished lady, surrounded by palace maids and female attendants, descended—it was the Princess Consort of Prince Min.
Shang Pu cast a single glance and then lowered his eyes, standing with his head bowed.
Shang iniang did the sa, glancing at Shang Pu’s expression out of the corner of her eye, feeling a mix of emotions she could not understand.
After the nobles completely passed, Shang Pu said, "Now that the nobles have left, let’s ascend the mountain."
He continued up the mountain, but after only a few steps, he felt a sudden sharp pain in his heart, his face turned pale, and he collapsed to the ground.
Shang iniang scread in fright, "Husband!"
Everyone rushed forward.
Shang Pu was already unconscious.
anwhile, on the road returning from the palace, Empress Dowager Wang was bewildered, looking at the surrounding stares, feeling sowhat exasperated, "It wasn’t , I didn’t do anything."
What is all this? She rely rested midway, exchanged a few sharp words with Princess Consort Ji over tea, and it was the other’s pettiness that left her fainting from anger.
She clearly did nothing, so why does everyone think she hard that vixen Princess Consort Ji? It must be that vixen framing her!
"Quickly summon the Imperial Physician, take away the tea." Prince Min personally carried Princess Consort Ji back to the palanquin.
A chaotic scene ensued.
Empress Dowager Wang’s face turned dark: "..."
Aci, it seems I’ve gotten into trouble!
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