After Rebirth, She Becomes the Revenge Queen-Chapter 552 - 358 General Wants to Host_3

"Fainted?" Pei Zhan focused his eyes, "Was there no one by His Highness’ side at the time?"

"There was," Chang Shao nodded, "At the time, two eunuchs were accompanying His Highness, but after they arranged everything in the rundown temple, the eunuchs stepped out to prepare tea. In fact, their absence wasn’t long, not even a quarter of an hour."

Pei Zhan turned back to look at the water’s surface and said after a moment, "So, during that brief quarter of an hour, His Highness fainted."

"Exactly," Chang Shao replied, "According to the master, when they heard the noise and entered, His Highness was on the ground, the chair he was sitting on also overturned. His Highness’ face was pale as gold paper. After they pinched the philtrum to revive him, the whole body was still trembling.

"He kept pointing at the Bodhisattva behind him, repeatedly saying there was a ghost, and was drenched in cold sweat. The master and the eunuchs asked him a few questions, but he couldn’t respond. After returning to the palace, His Highness fell severely ill."

Pei Zhan asked, "What did the Imperial Physician say?"

"They all said it was a disorder of vital energy and blood, an inversion, agreeing with the notion of being frightened."

"In that terrified quarter of an hour, what did he really see? Did His Highness ever mention it later?"

"His Highness only said that at the time, the lightning illuminated the Bodhisattva’s appearance, which was particularly terrifying, and he was scared. He didn’t say anything else."

Pei Zhan furrowed his brows tightly.

On the water’s surface, ripples spread, occasionally a fish nudged the fishing line, but none took the bait.

Conversely, while replying, Chang Shao occasionally glanced at the fishing rod, and at this moment, a foot-long fish had already bitten the hook.

Pei Zhan said, "It seems General Cheng’s words are not false; your fishing skills are indeed superb. I know there’s a restaurant in Ningtai Lane in the southern city whose fish dishes are authentic, I’ll host lunch today."

Chang Shao was flustered and thankful, "I’m humbled by the General’s praise. How dare I accept this?"

Pei Zhan smiled, "It’s not a free meal; didn’t you just catch a fish? Besides, I’m quite curious about that City God Temple. I want to see how scary it is inside. Can you guide me there later?"

How could Chang Shao dare to refuse? He agreed immediately.

The three of them were keen on fishing here; on the other side, Fu Zhen had already rolled up several paintings and returned to Kunning Palace.

The Empress was still sitting in the palace, but compared to yesterday, there were two dark circles under her eyes.

Upon seeing this, Fu Zhen knelt down, "It is all my fault, bringing up those things yesterday, rekindling Your Majesty’s heartache."

At sixty, most people cannot withstand such psychological shocks, and indeed, Fu Zhen felt a degree of regret in her heart.

"How can I blame you?" The Empress personally helped her up, letting her sit beside her on the edge of the couch, "Not only do I not blame you, but I must also thank you. It was you who informed me he is still alive, which has eased my heart."

Though such are the words, given the depth of their mother-son bond, with Yang Yi clearly having the option to enter the palace to meet, yet choosing not to, the mother’s heart must feel aggrieved.

However, to voice such thoughts would only serve to pour salt on the Empress’ wounds, so Fu Zhen remained silent and instead presented the paintings she brought.

"After leaving the palace yesterday, I immediately went to see His Highness, and during our conversation, I sketched these two paintings."

The Empress eagerly received them with both hands, unrolling them with a longing gaze.

As she looked, she murmured, "When I hadn’t seen him, I was always imagining what he must look like now, but I never could picture it.

"Now that I’ve seen him, it seems he naturally should be this way. His seated posture with the book, raising his chin slightly when listening, it’s all just as it was back then."

As the Empress spoke, her eyes again brimmed with tears.

Fu Zhen edged closer, "Your Majesty, do you see much resemblance between His Highness and his two brothers?"

The Empress, upon hearing this, examined the paintings closely once more, and then said, "Not very much. He resembles his father and me more. Because I raised him myself, always by my and the Emperor’s side, naturally he picked up many of his mannerisms.

"His two brothers were both born in the palace; back then I had to assist the Emperor in managing the harem, while the Emperor governed the court, and the two Princes’ education was entrusted to their masters."

Fu Zhen looked at her, "Wouldn’t King Yan be overjoyed to learn that His Highness is alive and well now?"

"Him?" The Empress looked up slowly calming her breath, "He would only be shocked."

Fu Zhen’s eyes flickered slightly, "Your Majesty, do you mean that King Yan doesn’t know of His Highness’ existence? He’s unaware that you and the Emperor have been searching for His Highness all along?"