Chapter 84

Luo Qinghan was clearly already accustomed to her way of thinking and was not particularly surprised by her response. He said indifferently, "There should be someone watching in the kitchen; they won't let your duck burn."

He stepped into the room and immediately saw the unconscious Concubine Bai. His steps faltered, and he frowned, asking, "What happened to Concubine Bai?"

Liu Xu, who was standing beside her, cried and kowtowed, "Please, Your Highness, save Concubine Bai!"

Luo Qinghan had someone fetch the imperial physician.

Liu Xu and another palace maid carried Concubine Bai to a soft couch and laid her down.

After settling Concubine Bai, Liu Xu knelt before the Crown Prince again, wiping her tears and sobbing, "Your Highness, it was Consort Xiao who made Concubine Bai faint. Please, Your Highness, do something for Concubine Bai!"

Luo Qinghan looked at Consort Xiao and asked indifferently, "Why did you provoke Concubine Bai?"

Xiao Xixi looked innocent, "I didn't provoke her."

"Then why did she faint here?"

"Maybe she didn't eat enough at noon."

Luo Qinghan: "..."

Forget it, he decided not to ask anymore.

Liu Xu lifted her head, her gaze filled with hatred as she glared at Consort Xiao.

However, when Xiao Xixi saw Liu Xu's face, her gaze paused.

She hadn't noticed it earlier, but now she realized that this little palace maid's forehead was faintly dark, indicating that she was about to have bad luck!

Soon, the imperial physician hurriedly arrived.

After a thorough examination, Concubine Bai slowly regained consciousness.

When she saw Luo Qinghan, her originally hazy eyes brightened considerably. She struggled to get up and bow.

Luo Qinghan said indifferently, "Since you are ill, you don't need to bow. Lie down and rest."

Concubine Bai lay back down, her eyes fixed on him, and a look of joy appeared on her pale face.

"Your Highness, I haven't seen you in a long time. How have you been recently?"

Luo Qinghan: "I am well."

Tears gradually welled up in Concubine Bai's eyes, and her voice lowered, "I heard that you are about to travel south and wanted to persuade you, but I arrived to find you gone. I could only seek help from Consort Xiao. You dote on her so much; I thought you would listen to her. But who knew... who knew..."

She didn't continue, her frail and weak body trembling slightly.

This appearance of being wronged but not daring to speak was more effective than saying everything outright.

Xiao Xixi thought, this must be what they call "speaking without saying."

Luo Qinghan looked at her, "Do you have anything to say?"

Xiao Xixi was puzzled, "Say what?"

"What do you think about my trip south?"

Xiao Xixi answered honestly, "I think it's a good idea."

Luo Qinghan watched her closely, not missing any change in her expression, "Why do you think so?"

"You are the Crown Prince, raised in the deep palace since childhood, and have never seen the suffering of the common people. Everything you hear and see is relayed by others, which is not a good thing. If you can go out and see how the common people live, it will be very helpful for your future governance."

"Aren't you worried about my safety?"

"Of course, I am worried, but more than that, I trust your judgment. I have told you before that no matter what decision you make, I will always support you."

The lingering frustration in Luo Qinghan's heart finally dissipated.

He felt a sense of clarity.

In this palace, not everyone misunderstood him.

This woman in front of him had always stood by his side, unwaveringly supporting him.

He was not alone.

Someone was willing to walk with him.

Seeing the gloom in his brows disappear, Xiao Xixi, sensing his improved mood, asked eagerly, "Your Highness, can I go to the small kitchen to check if the duck is ready?"

"Go ahead," Luo Qinghan paused, then added expressionlessly, "But no sneaking a bite."

"Okay."