CHAPTER 1768: CHAPTER 1768: AGING ESPECIALLY FAST

Su Xuan couldn’t be bothered to look at her son, snorted, and didn’t continue asking, turning to find her mother-in-law to practice Buddhism together.

Ming Jia couldn’t follow, so he could only find a pavilion to sit down. He wasn’t in the mood to enjoy the distant scenery, and his thoughts couldn’t help but drift farther away. Ms. He matched his expectations for a wife.

He liked bright and generous girls, who were a bit clever but didn’t show off their intelligence, knew how to socialize appropriately without being excessive, and her looks matched his aesthetic. It felt like this was the girl!

Zhulan saw Su Xuan walking in with a smile, and there was no sign of anger towards her son on her face. She knew her son well; this boy took after his father!

Mrs. He noticed and muttered "Amitabha" under her breath. It’s hard for women; who wouldn’t want a devoted husband? Sishi is fortunate!

In the back mountain, Yu Wen teased, "You’ve been blown by the wind all the way, and your face is still red."

He Sishi patted her cheeks, "The sunshine is strong today."

Yu Wen, "Haha."

He Sishi’s face burned even more, "The Magistrate is teasing me."

Yu Wen blinked, "What am I teasing you about?"

He Sishi wilted. It wasn’t clear yet, but Young Master Zhou Mingjia was the image she had in mind. She glanced at the Magistrate walking away and hurriedly followed, wanting to inquire but feeling conflicted. The scenery offered no insights, only her inner conflict.

Both families were satisfied with the match, but there was no rush. Su Xuan insisted on waiting for Chang Zhi to return. With only two children in the fourth household, the engagement of the only son carried different significance, so they wanted to wait until after the Qiu Wei.

Returning to the estate, Zhulan learned Jiang Ling had come today. Unfortunately, she was out. The prefectural examination was over, and Shao Xun was to attend the provincial examination.

Zhulan asked Lady Li, "Is there anything else?"

Lady Li said, "Empress Dowager Chen sent some manuscripts, asking you to take a look. The dowager is waiting for your response."

Zhulan, "..."

She couldn’t let her number one fan persona collapse!

Returning to the main courtyard, Zhulan changed clothes and picked up the manuscripts. With just a glance, she noticed something was off. This wasn’t Empress Dowager Chen’s writing style. She raised an eyebrow and flipped to the last page, and indeed, it was written by Miss Jiao.

This girl has bold ideas, and congratulations to Miss Jiao for catching Empress Dowager Chen’s attention. Last time, the dowager bought the story directly; this time, she sent it to her, clearly intending to cultivate Miss Jiao.

Yu Wen didn’t join in reading the story together, "Quite unexpected."

Such a charming girl, yet her mind is so bloody!

Zhulan, "Will you write the book review and opinions?"

Yu Wen stood up, "Grandmother, I walked quite a bit today, so I’ll go back and rest."

Zhulan reached out her chubby hand and tugged her granddaughter’s sleeve, "You don’t need your feet to write."

Yu Wen, "..."

So why should she stay? She should have followed her mother back to the courtyard!

In Chuanzhou River County, Chang Zhi specially booked a private room in a restaurant. He had been in the county for several days, constantly inquiring about the eldest son of the An family’s second wife. This Graduate planned for a minor official position, and while he hadn’t accomplished much official business in recent years, he was adept at obtaining silver.

Next door, people had already arrived— the county magistrate and Young Master An. The two held the county firmly in their grasp, never expecting anyone would dare eavesdrop on their conversation.

The county magistrate asked, "You’re still so young, and there’s an elder from your family holding an official position in the capital. It’s a waste for you to seek a minor official position."

An Ao, knowing his own limits, replied, "It’s lucky enough that I became a Graduate."

The county magistrate’s eyes were deep as he laughed, "Minor officials have their advantages too. Let’s drink."

Chang Zhi squinted his eyes. Ha, becoming a Graduate wasn’t luck but a calculated effort!

Next door, they drank while discussing the political affairs of the county, regretting that they couldn’t touch the silver for repairing the reservoir. Last year’s purge filled them with fear.

After those in the other room left, Chang Zhi stood up and said, "We’re leaving the county."

The young servant, "Yes."

Chang Zhi had been on his way to the county, having been delayed several days. He went to conduct a secret investigation on listed students, feeling heavy-hearted. Seeing these people in person struck him hard, even though he had had some mental preparation on his way to Chuanzhou.

The young servant asked upon returning to the carriage, "Sir, what about the county?"

"We know everything we need to. Let’s not alert the enemy."

"Yes."

Chang Zhi closed his eyes to rest. His anger had long since subsided; now his mind was empty, quietly contemplating many things.

The young servant suddenly asked, "Sir, the prefectural examination is over. Will you go to see the provincial examination?"

Chang Zhi, "No."

The young servant found it a pity but knew his master still had many people to investigate, so he said no more.

The following day at court, Zhou Shuren was puzzled by the Emperor’s foul mood. Even the Crown Prince was quite subdued. Going over recent events in his mind, Zhou Shuren frowned. Nothing major had occurred at the Imperial court recently.

After court, Zhou Shuren noticed Old Master Wen’s anxious expression and instantly understood: perhaps something had happened to the Empress.

Being smart people, they more or less sensed it, and hastily left, wanting nothing to do with the matter.

In the empress chamber, the Emperor and the Crown Prince came over immediately after court. The Emperor asked the chief physician, "Is the Empress alright?"

The chief physician had sweat on his forehead, "Your old minister..."

The Emperor, with a stern face, said, "You are absolved of guilt."

The chief physician, assured by this, spoke without hesitation, "The Empress caught a severe chill. The old minister has already prepared the medicine, and Her Majesty will wake up shortly."

The Emperor gestured for the Crown Prince to go in and see, "Continue."

The chief physician lowered his head, "Her Majesty’s health has always been fragile. It has taken years of careful care. This illness will undo much of that effort, making it incredibly difficult to regain her health."

The Emperor closed his eyes, not inquiring about her longevity, and waved his hand, "Personally oversee the preparation of the medicine."

The chief physician knew his life was spared, "Yes."

The Empress woke quickly, sensing her time might be short. "Your Majesty, you are here."

The Emperor frowned, "How did you fall ill so suddenly?"

The Empress didn’t expect to get sick from enjoying a spring rain. "I worried you, Your Majesty."

The Emperor sighed, "I hope you will be well."

The Empress also wished to live longer. Through the Emperor’s eyes, she saw herself, and her raised hand stiffened. Had she aged so much? Observing the Emperor, a powerful ruler in his prime, in contrast, she realized she had aged faster over the years.

After the Emperor and her son left, the Empress gestured for a mirror. She touched her face, "My skin has lost its luster."

The female officer, "Your Majesty, once you recover, it will be better."

The Empress chuckled, "Don’t comfort me. I know the truth."

The female officer felt deeply uneasy; the silent Empress made her fearful. "Your Majesty, you must regain your health. The Fourth Prince and the princess need you."

The Empress motioned for the mirror to be taken away, "Bring the medicine when it’s ready."

She closed her eyes, only she knowing what she was thinking!

This time, the Empress’s illness wasn’t concealed, and Zhulan learned of it that day.

Lady Li commented, "For those who don’t know, it might seem like an attempt to disrupt the Second Prince’s wedding!"