Four Months Ago (Part 3)

Making his way towards LiHua Palace as though this was his own territory, a morose Zhi Hai simply grinded his teeth with each step he took. News that Zhou Yourong had taken ill quickly spread to his ears, causing his heart to almost burst out from his chest from worry. Without considering the circumstances, an extremely distraught Zhi Hai found himself at Ping Tian Palace.

Unlike his usual visits, there were no guards or servants tailing behind him. Zhi Hai had come with adviser Zhou alone on a simple carriage. His care for Zhou Yourong making him rush here as soon as he could. [Yourong, please be alright] Zhi Hai kept mentally chanting. Using his status as the Crown Prince, Zhi Hai literally barged his way through Ping Tian Palace.

"Royal brother," Prince Ping called out, approaching Zhi Hai from a distance. "What brings you here?" He had deliberately come out to stop the Crown Prince from going further.

They were a short distance away from the entrance of LiHua Palace. The two princes now stood facing each other in an opposing manner. No further words were spoken by either and the atmosphere only grew heavy and uncomfortable.

Seeing this, adviser Zhou who was walking behind the Crown Prince stepped forwards. "Prince Ping," he greeted with a bow, raising his hands in a respectful way.

Prince Ping quickly gestured for advisor Zhou to raise his head. "Please, there's no need for such formalities here, father-in-law," he reached out wanting to support the man's hands.

Adviser Zhou took a big step backwards. This one move made clear of his rejection towards Prince Ping's kindness. "I appreciate your concern Prince Ping. But please remember our status does set us apart," adviser Zhou politely said.

With nothing to say back, Prince Ping could only awkwardly retrieve his hands.

"Where's Yourong?" an extremely impatient Zhi Hai questioned. "I heard she has fallen ill."

"Physicians are currently attending to her," Prince Ping answered briefly.

"Humph," Zhi Hai threw a dissatisfied glare at Prince Ping. He bypassed him to head towards the doorway of LiHua Palace, but was stopped by the guards of Ping Tian Palace. "Out of my way. Do you know who I am? I'm the Crown Prince."

"Step aside," Prince Ping ordered his guards. He then swiftly moved to stand in Zhi Hai's way again. "May I ask where you're going royal brother?"

"I'm going to Yourong," Zhi Hai announced loudly. He shoved hardly at Prince Ping's shoulder. "Don't get in my way."

Slapping a firm grip onto Zhi Hai's hand upon his shoulder, Prince Ping stood firm. "Have you forgotten Yourong is my consort?" he loudly said, returning Zhi Hai's dissatisfied glare. "Even as the Crown Prince, you won't be able to enter her bedchambers."

Zhi Hai grinded his teeth, his temples throbbing. Snatching his hand back, he was ready to retaliate with a fist to Prince Ping's face.

Sensing the gravity of the situation, adviser Zhou once again stepped forward. "Apologies Prince Ping," he quickly expressed. He placed himself in between the two princes. "As Yourong's father I was concerned about her condition. The Crown Prince was only accompanying me here today. Please do not misunderstand his kind intentions." He then turned to Zhi Hai, "Crown Prince, I'm sure the Second Prince is too worried for this minister's daughter to have misjudged your good will. Please excuse him."

Neither Prince Ping nor Zhi Hai spoke. Both knew advisor Zhou was only trying to smooth things over with his specious but clever words. They simply let it be.

"Prince Ping," a physician came running out of LiHua palace. He came to a stop before them. "Greetings Crown Prince."

Desperate for news about Zhou Yourong, Zhi Hai forcefully grabbed the physician's arm. "Speak. Is Yourong alright? How is her condition?" Zhi Hai demanded.

The physician flinched at the Crown Prince's aggressive manner. He stole a fleeting glance at Prince Ping, feeling it was wrong that the Crown Prince acted so anxiously. Anyone seeing his reaction right now would think Consort Zhou was the Crown Prince's consort rather than Prince Ping's.

"Royal brother, let go and allow him to speak," Prince Ping gently freed the poor physician from Zhi Hai's grasp. "Tell us. How is Consort Zhou's condition?"

"Yes. In response to your highness's question, Consort Zhou has completely recovered," the physician informed.

"Yourong has already recovered!" Zhi Hai couldn't help but happily exclaim. "That's good to hear."

In contrast to Zhi Hai's relieved and happy exposition at the news, Prince Ping's brow knitted together. "Completely recovered?" he repeated in a questioning tone, being very sceptical of this sudden change. "She was in great pain only moments ago."

"I do not dare lie to you, your highness," the physician said. "Please go in to see Consort Zhou."

Eager to see Zhou Yourong, Zhi Hai took a step forward. Only he was once again stopped by Prince Ping.

"Xia Qian Ping," Zhi Hai loudly hissed. His bulging eyes stared daggers at his younger brother. "How dare you block my way to see Yourong?" He clenched his fists in anger.

This time he will not back down so easily.