Xing-Fu came near Sheng Li to inform him about the health of the Emperor. "Your highness, his majesty has gained his consciousness. His majesty is asking for you."

Sheng Li, who was holding both hands of Ying Lili, hummed. He was happy that nothing happened to his father. Placing Ying Lili's hands on the bed, he stood up and said, "Don't take your eyes off her. I am coming back in a while."

​​

Court Lady Xu bowed while Sheng Li left the chamber. He wiped the tears from his eyes and hastened towards the Emperor's manor. Reaching there, he entered and saw the face of the Empress. Nianzu quickly went near Sheng Li and whispered in his ear, "Your highness, don't say anything to the Empress. The Emperor has just woken up. It will not be good for his majesty's health if he sees you fighting with the Empress."

"Everyone, leave this chamber!" Sheng Li in a loud voice said, grabbing everyone's attention.

Weng Wei was glaring at him, saying, "We cannot leave the chamber."

"L-leave the chamber," the Emperor said in a weak voice. Weng Wei and the other wives followed the orders and left the chamber. The other servants, and also the Princes walked out. Eunuch Jin helped Han Wenji in sitting up. Sheng Li went near the bed and sat on the stool placed beside the bed.

Han Wenji noticed the gloomy face of Sheng Li. "How are you feeling, Father?" Sheng Li questioned.

"I am good. How is the Crown Princess?" Han Wenji asked.

"S-she is…" Sheng Li's voice choked and he started crying. Han Wenji placed his hand over Sheng Li's back and patted him. "I am scared," he said. The tears poured down his eyes and he lowered his head.

"The medicine is not working. The Crown Princess's body is getting weaker," Sheng Li said while sobbing. Han Wenji narrowly gazed at Eunuch Jin, who started speaking.

"According to the Royal Physician, the poison gradually weakens the body. The Crown Princess treatment has started, but the Crown Princess's body is not responding fully to it," Eunuch Jin explained to the Emperor.

"Father, nothing will happen to her, right? Someone has abducted Hu Jingguo. Father, please arrange the best doctor for Lili. I cannot see her like this. Last time... last time I saw the same expression in my mother's eyes. I don't want anything to happen to her." Han Wenji found how fearful his son had turned seeing Ying Lili in that state.

"Nothing will happen to the Crown Princess. I have seen how strong she is! Have faith in your love, son. Be strong at this difficult time. Last time when you were on the verge of death, the Crown Princess did not let a single tear fall from her eye. Be like her and stay stronger by her side," Han Wenji encouraged his son as he patted his shoulder.

Sheng Li wiped off the tears from his cheeks and nodded his head. "I am trying, father. I want to kill the person who did this! All these years, I never spoke to you, father. But today, I will. Weng Wei is the one who killed my mother. She attempted to kill me numerous times. Everything was fine until she hurt my Lili. Father, allow me to kill her. Now, I cannot see her in front of my eyes even for a second," Sheng Li proclaimed.

Han Wenji was tearful seeing his son in that condition. "After the Crown Princess wakes up, the punishment for Weng Wei will be decided. I know what Weng Wei did to my beloved wife. But all these years, I stayed quiet because the real culprit behind her is far more dangerous than her."

Sheng Li was shocked to learn the truth from his father. He knew everything! Then, why did his father stay quiet? How could he stay quiet and smile in front of Weng Wei? Sheng Li's mind filled with many questions at once. But at this moment, he had no time to debate with his father regarding this.

"Take rest, Father. I will talk to you regarding this later. I am leaving," Sheng Li stood up from the stool, bowed his head, and left the chamber.

As Sheng Li came out of the chamber, Xing-Fu informed him about Hu Jingguo. "Your highness, Hu Jingguo is in the Zhenzhu Inn." As soon as these words fell in Sheng Li's ear, he ran towards Zhenzhu Inn. Panting, he stopped in front of the door and walked in.

Hu Jingguo was conversing with the Royal Physician. A smile appeared on Sheng Li's lips. "Jingguo," he called out his name and walked near him.

Hu Jingguo stood up from the chair. "Your highness," he looked at Sheng Li, who was devastated.

"Where were you? How did you come here?" Sheng Li queried him.

"It is a long story, your highness. I will explain everything to you later," Hu Jingguo stated. "I was conversing with the Royal Physician regarding the Crown Princess's treatment. The poison indeed makes a person weak. Since it's the first time her highness has undergone something like this, it's deteriorating her condition. But, there is nothing to worry about. My master had taught me a special medicine for such cases. It will take a few hours to prepare that medicine, but it will effectively cut off the poison from the body of the Crown Princess," Hu Jingguo explained.

Sheng Li was relieved to hear that. He hugged Hu Jingguo tightly. "Thank you for coming back. Do whatever you want to do. Just save my Lili," Sheng Li requested Hu Jingguo, who hugged Sheng Li back.

"I will do my best, your highness," Hu Jingguo assured Sheng Li, who pulled back and looked at Ying Lili.

Hu Jingguo had already told the nurse about the herbs and roots, from which he needed to prepare the medicine.

Wang Hao came near Sheng Li. "Your highness, there is something urgent you must know about." Sheng Li tilted his head to meet his gaze and gestured to him to speak.

"Prince Jian saved Hu Jingguo. He is severely injured. You shall once meet him," Wang Hao suggested to Sheng Li, who furrowed his brows together.

"I will talk to him later. Right now, I need to be with Lili. She needs me," Sheng Li stated. Wang Hao bowed and stepped out of the chamber.

Xing-Fu came to the Crown Prince. "Your highness, please take your meals."

"Get out!" Sheng Li shouted at him. "Don't trouble me," he said and went towards the bed and sat beside Ying Lili.