Chapter 57: The King’s Trust
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation.
The realization struck like a cold wind—the plague had arrived.
The king took a deep breath, momentarily collecting his thoughts before addressing the situation. “You knew it was the plague, and yet, you entered the palace. Madam Xu, your bravery is remarkable,” he stated, easing the tension that weighed on Madam Xu’s shoulders with his words.
The Protectorate Duke’s eyelid twitched involuntarily. The word “plague” resonated ominously in his mind, bringing back memories of the dire situation in the southern country. The confirmation of the plague’s presence sent a chill through him.
“Your Majesty?” the duke asked, his voice revealing his growing dread.
The king quickly issued a series of urgent commands: “Prevent anyone who has been in contact with the southern country from entering the capital. Completely prohibit any travel to and from that region. Everyone must wear a face mask and stay indoors to minimize contact. Those showing symptoms like coughing or fever should receive prompt treatment.” He then called for the Royal Medical Bureau, while Madam Xu discreetly stepped aside.
Concerned for the king’s health, the duke asked, “Your Majesty, how are you feeling?” The thought of anything happening to the king deeply worried him, knowing that the stability of Northern Zhao depended on him.
The king, fully aware of the gravity of the situation, nodded solemnly and did not downplay the matter. He then left the room, marking the start of a chaotic period within the palace.
With the plague confirmed, no one was allowed to leave the palace. Everyone was confined within its walls. The Royal Medical Bureau faced a daunting task but was relieved to have a clear direction in combating the disease.
During this tense time, the king’s thoughts turned to Madam Xu and her daughter, Lu Chao Chao. The teething child was visibly uncomfortable, soothing her gums with a small biscuit. When the king’s gaze met hers, she managed a toothless smile, an innocent gesture that unsettled the maids.
Recalling his eldest sister’s words, the king pondered, “Madam Xu is fortunate; her daughter has a remarkable quality. If I face insurmountable obstacles, perhaps she can help me overcome them.”
With these thoughts, the king left the Kuning Palace, initiating a lockdown of the city to prevent the spread of the plague. Inside the palace, a thorough investigation was conducted. Madam Xu and several female relatives were moved to a residence not yet designated for any royal consort.
“This is the plague, a dangerous and highly contagious disease,” someone remarked, highlighting the severity of the situation.
“Was it Madam Xu who first raised concerns about the plague?” another inquired quietly. If it was her, it would be a significant contribution to their efforts to manage the crisis—a testament to the good fortune of Marquis Zhongyong’s household.
Given Madam Xu’s usual preference for solitude, it was hard for many to believe she would be the one to bring such a critical issue to light. Attention then turned to the Protectorate Duke, who had been stationed at the southern border and might have known about the plague’s presence.
Madam Xu offered a humble smile and replied, “How could I have such foresight? My daughter has been fortunate to accompany the Grand Princess to the palace since she was young, and for this, we are immensely grateful for the Dowager’s generosity. She requested that His Majesty personally attend to the Dowager as a way of repaying her kindness.”
Madam Xu was determined not to let her husband, the Marquis, take credit for her deeds. She believed that all the gratitude they were receiving was actually due to Chao Chao’s influence.
Despite the turmoil at the palace gates, the quick response ensured that the plague did not spread within its walls, and order was promptly restored.
However, the Dowager’s health deteriorated rapidly, and her fever persisted. It seemed her illness had been detected too late, and her condition had already worsened.
Pulling at Madam Xu’s sleeve urgently, Lu Chao Chao seemed to convey a silent message. Despite wearing a protective mask and wanting to help and show her gratitude, Madam Xu hesitated initially. But the silent plea from Lu Chao Chao resonated deeply with her: [If you don’t take me, they will surely die.]
With a heavy heart, Madam Xu agreed.
Upon returning to the Kuning Palace, they saw the Dowager, so weakened and changed by her illness that she was barely recognizable. Everyone, including little Chao Chao, wore thick masks as a precaution against the plague.
The king, seeing the Dowager’s condition, felt his eyes well up with tears. The Dowager, lying on her bed with labored breaths, seemed close to death.
His gaze then fell on Madam Xu, who had brought her daughter with her again. Despite the plague’s risks, Madam Xu chose to expose her beloved daughter to the danger.
Could the solution to this crisis be connected to Lu Chao Chao? The king recalled the Grand Princess’s esteem for the young child and pondered over his eldest sister’s insight.
“Chao Chao, come here,” the king called out, his tone weary. Internally, he questioned his actions. The Royal Physician had declared the Dowager beyond help, yet here he was, placing his hopes on a ten-month-old child.
Lu Chao Chao, wearing a fluffy hat and initially held by someone, wriggled free and made her way toward the king. Her movements on two feet were slower than her usual crawling speed.
When she finally reached the king’s feet, she stretched out her tiny hand towards him. Their eyes met, holding each other’s gaze.
Madam Xu, anxious, moved forward to intervene, but stopped when she saw the king bend down to lift Lu Chao Chao into his arms.
Lu Chao Chao responded with a smile, wrapping her arms around the king’s neck affectionately.
Even the king was surprised by her reaction. His mere presence instilled fear among his subjects, yet this little girl showed no fear.
“Chao Chao, would you keep the Dowager company? She isn’t feeling well.” The Royal Physicians had treated those with milder symptoms, leading to their rapid recovery. However, despite receiving the same treatment, the Dowager’s condition remained unchanged, as her illness had persisted for a long time.
The king’s eyes brimmed with tears.
Understanding the gravity of the situation, Lu Chao Chao nodded, and the king gently placed her beside the Dowager on a soft couch.
With a heavy heart, the king asked everyone to leave the room. Madam Xu, emotional, began to withdraw slowly.
“Your Majesty, my daughter is very young; please ensure she does not disturb the Dowager,” Madam Xu expressed, concerned for Chao Chao’s well-being.
“The Dowager holds a special affection for Chao Chao; let her stay by her side. You may collect her after half an hour,” the king replied, his voice reflecting hope and despair.
Madam Xu left the room, reassured by the king’s words.
Lying next to the Dowager, Lu Chao Chao felt the weight of sadness around her. She reached into her jade pendant space, her tiny hand summoning various spiritual medicines. But with the king watching, she paused, uncertain.
The king, noticing her hesitation, asked, “Do you want me to step outside?”
Lu Chao Chao’s eyes lit up, and she nodded eagerly, her response clear without words.
Amused by her perceptiveness, the king obliged and stepped behind the curtain, giving her space.
Lu Chao Chao then brought out a piece of crystal-clear spiritual medicine, which filled the room with the scent of fresh grass. This aroma seemed to cleanse the air, revitalizing those within its reach.
Although he did not see directly, the king felt a surge of vitality just from the scent.
He acknowledged his eldest sister’s wisdom in valuing Lu Chao Chao.
Carefully, the child placed the spiritual medicine on the Dowager’s lips. It dissolved into a soft green light, flowing into her body.
As the room’s fragrance faded, Lu Chao Chao made a small sound, “Gurgle…”
Looking at her, the king saw her patting her rounded belly, making “gurgle gurgle” sounds.
“It… gurgle gurgle…” she seemed to say, indicating she was hungry.
The king smiled at this unexpected turn, his face showing amusement and wonder. He picked up Lu Chao Chao, looking at the Dowager, whose pale lips now had a hint of color.
Overwhelmed but composed, the king whispered, “Chao Chao, you are indeed a heavenly treasure for Northern Zhao.”
Stroking her cheek, he pondered aloud, “What do you desire? Tell me.”
“Do you want to be Northern Zhao’s divine maiden? A princess, revered above all but one, held in the highest esteem throughout the land?”
“Do you want to be…” His voice trailed off, contemplating the extraordinary future that might lie ahead for this remarkable child.
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation.