521 Were Alone (2/2)

”How…” he heaved out. ”Do you feel?”

Li Xueyue's voice was stuck in her throat. Yu Zhen needed to see his father immediately. The Emperor truly looked like he was lying near death's door. Any minute now, the doors would open, and the grim reaper would step out.

”Blessed by your presence, Your Majesty,” she responded.

At this, the Emperor's chest rattled like a cage of bones. His laugh was empty, yet warm. He was highly humored by her words.

”My presence is that of a…ghost,” he gasped out. ”There is nothing…to be blessed by.”

”You're mistaken, Your Majesty,” Li Xueyue slowly said. She briefly glanced at Yu Lingluo, who sat by the Emperor's side. There was an open book in her hands, but her head was lowered. Wet spots could be seen on the pages.

”I felt blessed to receive the opportunity to be granted a rare audience with Your Majesty,” she explained.

The Emperor smiled. She had a way of words. He vividly remembered that part about her. Her words had gotten sweeter, but still unexpected. It reassured his heart that someone as reliable as her would be ruling beside his unstable son.

”If only Yu Zhen, that ungrateful son of mine…feels the same as you,” the Emperor coldly said.

Li Xueyue glanced away. He was sick, and tired, but had the energy to be disappointed. It was a strange revelation, one that squeezed her heart. She wished they would at least talk to each other.

Li Xueyue's heart ached. What if Yu Zhen lived with regret for the rest of his life? Regret that he was not able to have a final word with his father before the opportunity would no longer be presented to him.

”Bah, but we're not here to discuss him,” he gently laughed. Suddenly, he broke out into a violent cough.

”Father!” Yu Lingluo gasped out. She rushed out of her chair and tossed the book away. ”Father, shall I call for the Imperial Physician?”

The Emperor instantly shook his head. He reached a hand out and immediately, a newly poured cup of tea was placed into his hand. Infused with lavender and chamomile, the white tea immediately calmed him down.

He let out a relieved sigh and laid back down. The tea soothed his aching lungs. ”Much better,” he muttered.

”Please try not to laugh so much,” Yu Lingluo pleaded. There were even more unshed tears in her eyes.

”What is life without laughter?” the Emperor mused with a tired smile.

The Emperor reached his hand up and gently caressed the side of his daughter's face. ”It's alright. Leave me with the Princess. A thorough discussion must take place.”

Yu Lingluo was hesitant to leave. But she knew how responsible the Crown Princess was. Even so, her heart was heavy, like her foot. It was always difficult to leave his room when it was time to depart.

”Go,” he gently reassured her.

”Continue the story tomorrow,” he said whilst patting the book that was now beside him.

Yu Lingluo bit her bottom lip. She lowered her eyes and sullenly nodded. ”I will have the servants brew a new batch of tea and have them watch over you at night, Father.”

The Emperor's smile widened at her words. This was why he appreciated having daughters. They were more filial and cared about their parents. Unlike those petty sons of his…who rarely visit.

”I will be leaving now, Father.” Yu Lingluo rose from her chair. She cast him a final look, then turned around and approached the door.

On her way out, she nodded her head in acknowledgment of Xueyue, but kept her eyes low. She did not want anyone to see her red-rimmed eyes and the way it glistened with tears.

Yu Lingluo closed the doors behind her.

”Now, it is just us,” the Emperor heaved out. He wanted to sit up and properly talk to her, but could not do so without appearing weak. Well, he already felt weak from lying down and craning his neck to see her.

”Come closer and let me get a good look at you,” the Emperor said.

The Crown Princess showed no hesitation to approach him and it pleased him. Some would hesitate to approach him, they were either worried of offending him or wary of his disease. But he was not as fragile as glass nor was his illness contagious.

”You've somehow matured…” the Emperor murmured.

Li Xueyue was not sure what he meant by that. She was startled when he suddenly grasped her hands and squeezed them. His skin was rough and textured with lines.

”Now that we're alone, I must tell you something dire.”