Chapter 692: Bearing the Pain for Her Son 2
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Xia Bingguang looked at Consort Shu’s tears and gently wiped them away. “I promise you. It’s been hard on you all these years.”
Consort Shu wanted to use her life to save her son. These were her last words. How could Xia Bingguang not agree?
What Consort Shu protected was his descendant.
What he promised to do was just give Xia Hongjin what should have been his in advance.
Consort Shu smiled. “Thank you, Your Majesty. I will also instruct Hongjin to be filial to you.”
Xia Bingguang nodded.
Consort Shu poured wine for Xia Bingguang and served him.
Xia Bingguang ate slowly. Tonight, he was only focused on Consort Shu. Looking at Consort Shu, his heart was filled with reluctance.
Time passed bit by bit. After dinner, Consort Shu stood up and sent him off respectfully. “Goodbye, Your Majesty.”
Xia Bingguang slowly walked out of Jade Palace. For the first time, the feeling that he had become old overwhelmed him.
The memories of his past gradually surfaced in his mind. When he returned to the imperial study, he wrote an imperial edict.
After Xia Bingguang left, Consort Shu took a shower. She took off her luxurious clothes, took off the golden hairpin, and went to bed quietly.
There seemed to be a warmth in her palm. As she thought about her wish, it gradually surged into her heart. If this was a chance given to her by the heavens, how could she not seize it?
Her son had suffered for so long. It was enough.
She was not as capable as Xian Fei who could protect her child.
She was not as smart as Consort De who could sense the empress’s hostility and send her child out of the palace.
She was like a fool who had been deceived. When the truth was revealed, it was already too late. There was only one thing she could do for Hongjing.
She was willing to give up everything to extend Hongjing’s life.
That warmth had already gathered in her heart and slowly flowed through her every vein and artery, making her feel warm.
But gradually, a chill began to spread throughout her body.
It was very cold. This coldness seemed to come from her bones. No matter how many blankets she covered herself with, it was not enough. Consort Shu was so cold that her teeth chattered, but there was a smile on her face. She had succeeded, right?
At dawn, Consort Shu felt like she was covered with frost. She put on the winter clothes, although it was useless.
Consort Shu shivered. “Let’s go and see Hongjin.”
Seeing her like this, the maidservant couldn’t help but say worriedly, “Your Highness, why don’t we summon the imperial physician to take a look at you?”
Consort Shu shook her head. “No need. Let’s go and see Hongjin first.”
She desperately wanted to see if Xia Hongjin had recovered. Only then could she feel at ease.
Xia Hongjin woke up a little earlier than usual. He was in a daze and was wrapped tightly in the thick blanket. Only his head was exposed. Tears gradually welled up in his eyes and his body trembled slightly.
There were fine beads of sweat on his forehead. He felt hot.
The heat made him feel a little uncomfortable, but he cherished this feeling as if he had obtained a treasure.
He had never felt so hot before.
He had never been so energetic either.
A voice came from outside. “Second Prince is not awake yet. Should we go and wake him up?”
“No need. I’ll go in alone.”
Consort Shu’s teeth were chattering. She gently pushed open the door and walked in. She closed the door and walked to the bed. Looking at Xia Hongjin, who was wrapped up tightly, Consort Shu panicked. “Hongjin, how are you feeling?”
Consort Shu reached out to touch Xia Hongjin’s forehead, which was covered in sweat.
Xia Hongjin choked. “Mother, I’m fine now.”
Looking at Consort Shu in her winter clothes, Xia Hongjin understood everything. His recovery was earned by his mother.
Consort Shu smiled. “That’s good. That’s good.”
The coldness made Consort Shu tremble uncontrollably. Her body seemed to have stiffened and she could not walk, but she was relieved.
Xia Hongjin cried. “Mother.”
Consort Shu smiled and waved her hand. “I don’t know how long I can last. Stay with me for the next few days.”
Xia Hongjin nodded. His mother had given him two lives.
During the meal, Xia Hongjin could taste the flavor of the food. He was so excited that he cried.
Consort Shu also cried. While Xia Hongjin was experiencing the feeling of being a normal person, Consort Shu also felt what Xia Hongjin used to feel.
The hot soup did not warm her stomach. Even the taste was not good. It was as if there was a piece of ice in her heart that she could never melt. Other than feeling cold, she could not feel anything else.
Living like this was worse than death. She already found it unbearable in just a day, but her son had been like this for twenty years.
That was thousands of days and nights.
Consort Shu picked up some food for Xia Hongjin. “Hongjin, eat more. I’ve already asked your father to give you a fief. From now on, Hongjin, go out and travel around.”
Xia Hongjin nodded heavily. He lowered his head and tears fell drop by drop. He had never felt his mother’s love for him like at this moment. This love was so intense that it burned him.
He could no longer feel the chill in his heart.
Xia Hongjin knew that he had recovered.
It would only take a few days for his weak body to recover. He could learn to shoot the arrow, ride the horse, and run…
However, his mother was no longer in good health.
Xia Hongjin cried, “Mother, I’m sorry.”
Consort Shu gently touched Xia Hongjin’s head. “It’s my fault for not protecting you well.”
Consort Shu retracted her hand. She felt as if her eyes were covered in a layer of cold frost. She stood up and said, “Hongjin, don’t blame yourself. Just live well for me. I’ve been trapped in this palace for most of my life. I don’t know what the sky outside the palace is like. Hongjin, go and travel around for me.”
Xia Hongjin nodded heavily and choked. “Yes, Mother, I’ll listen to you.”
Consort Shu sighed. “I’m relieved to see that you’re better. I need to return to Jade Palace now. After this, Hongjin, you have to take good care of yourself.”
Xia Hongjin cried until his vision was blurry. He only nodded and agreed to everything Consort Shu said.
Consort Shu shouted, “Someone, help me back to Jade Palace.”
Consort Shu’s body was as cold as ice. The maidservants endured the freezing temperature and helped her back to the palace.
Xia Hongjin stood up and staggered outside. He watched as Consort Shu disappeared from his sight bit by bit. The palace servants supported him and comforted, “Second Prince, you have to take care of yourself..”