Chapter 7: Forcing Wei Chengyi Awake

Shen Xiangwan's diagnosis was identical to that of the manor physician and the imperial physician. Zhao Yuping and the others, who had held onto a sliver of hope, were now filled with nothing but disappointment and agony. The hot-headed Wei Chenghe even took the opportunity to throw a few sarcastic jabs, but Shen Xiangwan ignored him; in her eyes, he was nothing more than a brat who hadn't even grown his hair in yet.

"Madam, you haven't slept all night. Why don't you go eat something first?"

As time passed slowly and the sky gradually brightened, the nanny attending to Zhao Yuping leaned in and whispered.

"Hmm?"

Submerged in grief, Zhao Yuping froze reflexively before sobbing, "I can't eat."

With her son in such a state, how could she have the appetite for food?

It wasn't just her; Wei Chenghe and Wei Ling'er, who had also stayed awake all night, showed no intention of getting up either.

Looking back and forth at them, Shen Xiangwan said in a low, firm voice, "Mother, please go have your meal first. I am here."

"I..."

Zhao Yuping wanted to say she had no appetite, but Shen Xiangwan gave her no chance, stepping forward to pull her up. "Mother, the Prince has already collapsed; you cannot collapse as well. Besides, if the Prince wakes up and sees you like this, won't he be worried to death?"

"But..."

"No buts. Chenghe, Ling'er, hurry and take Mother to eat."

As Zhao Yuping tried to say more, Shen Xiangwan cut her off again. While pushing her toward the door, she didn't forget to call out to Wei Chenghe and Wei Ling'er. Others might not know, but she did—the imperial decree for the seizure of property and exile was likely already on its way to the Prince's manor. It was better to be full when the time came than to be starving. Moreover, she wanted to take this opportunity to speak with Wei Chengyi privately.

"I'm not going!"

"Oh."

Wei Chenghe was contrarian as usual, but Wei Ling'er obediently stood up and followed. Shen Xiangwan turned back and said crossly, "You unfilial son, Mother hasn't slept all night. Do you really want her to go hungry as well?"

"You..."

"Chenghe!"

Hearing this, Wei Chenghe jumped up in indignation, looking ready to lash out, but Zhao Yuping scolded him once more. Afterward, she took Shen Xiangwan's hand and said, "Wanwan, thank you for your trouble. We will be back soon."

"Don't say that, Mother. The Prince is also my husband."

In other words, it was her duty to care for him.

"Mhm."

Seeing how thoughtful and sensible she was, Zhao Yuping patted the back of her hand affectionately before turning to her son, whose eyes were bulging with rage. "Chenghe, accompany me to eat."

"I... fine."

Wei Chenghe was neither fearful nor truly angry, yet he was unwilling to defy his mother. Before leaving, he shot a fierce glare at Shen Xiangwan.

"Everyone, out."

After watching them leave, Shen Xiangwan spoke in a heavy voice, dismissing the servants in the room.

"Yes."

The servants dared not disobey and filed out in a line, bowing deeply.

Looking at Qing Ying, who remained in the room, Shen Xiangwan did not continue to drive him out. Instead, she walked straight to the bedside. "There are no outsiders left here. Get up, let's talk."

"..."

The "unconscious" Wei Chengyi showed no sign of waking. Shen Xiangwan's lip twitched. "Stop pretending. We are in the same boat now; there's no point in continuing this act."

"..."

Unfortunately, Wei Chengyi still did not open his eyes.

"You're forcing my hand."

As she spoke, a silver needle suddenly appeared in her hand.

"Don't be foolish."

Just as she aimed for one of his pressure points, preparing to prick him, her wrist was suddenly grabbed. The moment Shen Xiangwan looked up, she collided with Wei Chengyi's dark, deep eyes. At this moment, his face and eyes were tinged with a hint of helplessness, as if he were looking at a mischievous child.

"Finally willing to wake up?"

Raising an eyebrow, Shen Xiangwan pulled her hand back and put away the needle. "Do you know something?"

Otherwise, why would he have directly feigned a surge of anger leading to vomiting blood and unconsciousness? It was clearly impossible based solely on her brief warning.

"Go outside and keep watch. Do not let anyone approach."

Wei Chengyi did not respond immediately. Instead, he looked at Qing Ying standing to the side. The latter immediately bowed. "Yes."

"I do indeed know some things. As for you, why did you suddenly warn me?"

After watching Qing Ying's tall figure disappear from sight, Wei Chengyi sat up and stared straight at her. She was completely different from his memory, and she even knew the Emperor intended to harm him on his wedding night. Clearly, her secrets were no smaller than his.

[End of Chapter]