Chapter 271: Qin Zhenzhen, You Must Be Fine
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Su Bin took the glass of water from Qin Zhenzhen and downed it in a single gulp.
He harbored no real resentment towards Qin Zhenzhen.
Understanding that everyone had their own concealed secrets, he had no intention of withholding anything from her at this moment; he desired an open, honest connection with her.
Upon savoring the water, Su Bin couldn’t help but notice its exceptional sweetness and revitalizing quality.
He chuckled to himself. Could this be a sign that he was falling in love with Qin Zhenzhen?
It seemed preposterous that a simple glass of water could evoke such feelings, but it felt akin to drinking nectar because it was her hand that had poured it.
Despite being aware of her hidden secrets, Su Bin chose not to be angered by them. In fact, he consciously forgave her.
This very sentiment led him to proactively propose acknowledging the Marquis Mansion when he learned that Qin Zhenzhen’s entrance into the palace might be perilous. He was willing to set aside his own pride for her sake. Without question, he had fallen deeply in love with her.
If he wanted her affection, he had to fight for it, even if she had stopped loving him. He longed for her to regain those feelings.
With these thoughts in mind, Su Bin experienced a delightful sweetness that could only be associated with liking someone.
“This water is truly sweet, my dear,” Su Bin said with a knowing look directed at Qin Zhenzhen.
Qin Zhenzhen shot him a glare and muttered insults under her breath. What a petty man!
However, she replied with a smile, “Is it sweet? Shall I pour you another glass, my husband?”
Su Bin nodded. “Okay.”
This time, Qin Zhenzhen did not add any spirit water.
After Su Bin drank it, he was a little puzzled. This was completely different from the previous cup!
Could it be that he felt that it was especially delicious because he was thirsty just now?
The gates of the capital swung open, and the accompanying guards approached with a message.
“Miss Qin and Granny Qin may proceed directly into the palace. The others need not follow.”
Qin Silong hurriedly approached Qin Zhenzhen, offering a reminder,
“Zhenzhen, you must exercise utmost caution inside.”
While he could safeguard his sister and grandmother outside the palace, navigating within its walls presented a different challenge.
Qin Zhenzhen nodded determinedly. “Don’t worry, Fourth Brother. I vow to ensure Grandma’s safety within the palace.”
The awaiting carriage, emblazoned with palace insignia, signaled that they were ready to enter. Su Bin had no choice but to disembark.
Anxiously, Su Bin couldn’t help but reiterate, “Qin Zhenzhen, please take care.”
Qin Zhenzhen reassured him with a nod. “I will.”
The carriage ventured into the palace, the skies brightening ever so slightly.
Qin Zhenzhen and her grandmother were directed to a modest chamber for a brief respite.
Before they could settle in or rest, a nanny arrived and escorted them to the Empress Dowager’s quarters to offer their apologies.
The nanny kindly cautioned Qin Zhenzhen, “The Empress Dowager had a sleepless night and is currently in a foul mood.”
The root cause of her sleepless night, of course, was her persistent headache. The words were a subtle reminder for Qin Zhenzhen to be cautious with her words.
Qin Zhenzhen expressed her gratitude sincerely. “Thank you, Nanny.”
The nanny, ever kind-hearted, leaned in and whispered, “When you encounter the Empress Dowager later, regardless of the circumstances, avoid contradicting her.”
Qin Zhenzhen acknowledged the advice with a nod. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
Upon entering the Empress Dowager’s bedchamber, a potent medicinal odor immediately assailed their senses, reminiscent of contemporary essential oils. It was apparent that the imperial physicians had used copious amounts of medicinal oils on the Empress Dowager the previous night.
Exposure to such a pervasive scent, even without a preexisting headache, could easily induce discomfort.
Inside the chamber, guards flanked either side, while palace attendants bustled about in haste.
Qin Zhenzhen’s gaze fell upon a man attired in imperial physician’s robes, sprawled on the floor. His backside bore a grievous wound, a gruesome mass of blood and flesh. Yet, he endured in silence, suppressing any groans of pain.
It was evident that this imperial physician had incurred the Empress Dowager’s wrath, facing severe punishment for his actions..