56

After being examined by the doctor from the royal hospital, Zhou Chuqi discovered that Zhou Chuyu's current health condition was worse than expected, as he had not regained consciousness for an entire day. First, it was Yurong Dripping. Although there wasn't a significant accumulation of poison in his body, the doctor refrained from using certain herbs due to the content of the dripping. Second, Yuhong Xun had whipped and kicked him many times, especially in his abdomen, causing internal organ injuries that had not been properly healed. Third, the prolonged emotional distress, including sadness, indignation and despair, had accumulated in his mind, adversely affecting his health. Lastly, the arrow inflicted by Yuhong Xuan became the final damaging his body. The arrow was deep and had a substantial impact. All these factors contributed to Zhou Chuyu's slow recovery. Given Zhou Chuyu's weakened state, the doctor recommended Zhou Chuqi focusing on treating his arrow wound first and hesitated to use certain herbs. The prescription was nearly identical to Zhou Chuqi's. Nie Huanzhang and Zhou Chuqi took turns caring for Zhou Chuyu until the third day when he finally woke up. His first words after awakening were:

"Ge, I want to go home."

Nie Huanzhang said happily, tears welling up in his eyes:

"Yes, we'll go home, baby. We'll bring you home and never come back here."

Zhou Chuyu smiles wistfully, nodded slightly and fell asleep again. 

The second day of Zhou Chuyu's awakening, Princess Yun visited his room. Nie Huanzhang had stayed up all night taking care of Zhou Chuyu because Zhou Chuyu suddenly developed a fever in the middle of the night. Nie Huanzhang had been busy bringing down his fever, so Zhou Chuqi insisted that he had to take a short break. When Princess Yun entered the room, Zhou Chuqi was helping Zhou Chuyu to take the medicine. Zhou Chuqi saluted her immediately. Seeing Zhou Chuyu lying there pale and weak, Princess Yun also felt a wave of sadness and offered many comforting words, but then abruptly shifted the topic, saying: 

"Mr. Zhou, Huanzhang is a person with deep sentiment and righteousness, who has always share us about your brotherhood. I also feel fortunate that he has such a brother like you, considering your true relationship. I'm grateful to you because it is you who allowed him experience the feeling of home and the warmth of having a relative."

Zhou Chuyu said weakly:

"Your Highness, just say whatever you want directly. Otherwise, I'm afraid I won't be able to hold on until you get to the main point."

Princess Yun chuckled:

"Well, you see. I'm getting old and I like to nag. Okay, forget the past! But Huanzhang's status is more different now than before. Everyone knows he is my child so in the future he'll be surrounded by the influential and powerful friends. Moreover, he will be involved in the state affairs in the central government. So, I hope he can have a normal life from now on." She paused, glancing at Zhou Chuyu, who remained expressionless. Zhou Chuqi, standing aside, couldn't help but frown. Princess Yun continued, "Today I went to the palace and spoke to my eldest brother, the Emperor. I asked him to approve a marriage for Huanzhang. As you know, he is 22 years old. Having no offspring is the worst form of unfilial behavior toward the parents. I hope he can give me a grandson."

Zhou Chuyu spoke coldly:

"Your Highness, forgive me for not paying my respects to you. I understand your intentions, so rest assured. I know how to do. Don't worry."

Princess Yun continued:

"But I know about your relationship and I don't want to cause regrets for him. He cares about you so you can stay by his side. I believe it's the best arrangement for both of you. Do you understand?"

Zhou Chuyu's heart was broken and said coldly:

"The relationship like Yuhong Xun and me. I understand your intention and I know what to do. Don't worry! But sorry, Your Highness, I'm so tired that I have to sleep."

He closed his eyes to control his tears, shutting out any further conversation. Princess Yun seemed to have more to say but Zhou Chuqi interrupted:

"Your Highness, please forgive my brother because he is severely injured. He needs to take a rest. He assured you not to worry and you can trust him to handle it. Don't worry!"

Princess Yun insisted:

"Okay, here is fifty thousand silver. Please accept it so I can feel at ease."

Zhou Chuqi responded with a hint of annoyance:

"Your Highness, You can be at ease. Please forgive us but we can't accept your money. In the world there is something you can't buy with money. But I beg you, Your Highness, please give us some time. Thank you!"

After Princess Yun left, Zhou Chuyu opened his eyes with the tears and said:

"Chuqi, talk with Dad and Mom, let's go home as soon as possible. I don't want to stay in the capital anymore."

Zhou Chuqi also cried and said:

"Chuyu, my good brother, don't be sad. You have us."

"When he has a princess to be his mother, I should understand that it is impossible for us. But I still had a great hopes. Now I wake up. Chuqi, let me be alone, please!"

"Chuyu, please don't be sad. This isn't good for you to recover."

"I promise you I will never be sad. I just want to sleep. I'm tired."

But Zhou Chuqi didn't leave his younger brother alone till Zhou Chuyu fell sleep.

Actually there was a person who was standing outside and hearing the conversation between Princess Yun and Zhou Chuyu. This person was Yu Weiwei. He felt angry and sad. Suddenly he detested this place and had the urge to escape. He didn't go into the room to see Zhou Chuyu. He didn't need to see because he knew how heartbroken Zhou Chuyu was and how furious he must be after the humiliation. Yu Weiwei stood there until Zhou Chuqi came out of the room. He approached and said:

"Chuqi, if you want to go home, I will help you. But I think it is better for you to tell Huanzhang. I don't think he wants to stay here. He loves your brother."

Zhou Chuqi wiped his tears and said:

"Did you hear it?"

"Yes. I came here for Chuyu but I felt angry too after hearing this so I want to help you if you need."

"Yes, we do need help but please don't tell Huanzhang. Chuyu doesn't want to tell him. He told me Princess Yun is his mother, his only blood relative. It is too important for Huanzhang so Chuyu doesn't want to ruin this bond. I'm going to discuss with my parents about this now. We will leave here as soon as possible."

"If you need help, you know where you can find me. Maybe I can accompany all of you to go home."

"Thanks for your help, including Zheng's divorce."

Yu Weiwei smiled and said:

"My pleasure!"

Nie Huanzhang went to Zhou Chuyu's room. There was no one inside and Zhou Chuyu was still sleeping but there were teardrops in the corners of his eyes. Nie Huanzhang felt a pang of heartache and gently kissed away the teardrops, thinking: What sad dream did you have again? My baby, from now on, I will make sure you are happy every day, just like before. I will pamper you and let you live freely.

At this moment, the door opened and Zhou Chuqi entered, holding a bowl of medicine. He glanced at Nie Huanzhang, saying nothing, and approached Zhou Chuyu. He gently shook Zhou Chuyu and called out:

"Chuyu, wake up. It's time to take medicine."

Zhou Chuyu slowly woke up. When he saw Nie Huanzhang, he wanted to smile to him but suddenly he started to vomit blood. Nie Huanzhang was in a panic and asked in hurry:

"What's going on? Chuqi, what's going on?"

Zhou Chuqi quickly checked Zhou Chuyu's pulse and looked sadly at his younger brother but said:

"He is okay. Spitting up this blood might make him feel better. Chuyu, my dear brother, don't worry. Everything will be fine. You have all of us so don't be sad. Please! If you are like this, I feel hurt in my heart. Please!"

Zhou Chuyu looked at Zhou Chuqi with an inquiring gaze. Zhou Chuqi nodded slightly. Then Zhou Chuyu saw Nie Huangzhang's worried and concerned eyes. He forced a smile and said in a weak voice:

"Yes, everything will be fine. Huanzhang, you're a good person who will always get good lucky."

Nie Huanzhang furrowed his brow slightly. He knew that Zhou Chuyu would only call him Huanzhang or Mr. Nie when Zhou Chuyu began to alienate him. He wanted to inquire further but seeing Zhou Chuyu's tired and pale face, he swallowed his questions. Zhou Chuqi fed Zhou Chuyu spoonful by spoonful of the medicine. At this moment, Nie Huanzhang suddenly had a feeling that Zhou Chuyu seemed to be distancing himself from him. He felt fear and anxiety, retreated outside and stood in the corridor for a long time. When he saw Zhou Chuqi coming out with the bowl, he asked:

"Is he awake?"

"No, he's already asleep. The medicine contains some herb to help to sleep. He's too weak right now."

"Chuqi, tell me what happened?"

"What?"

"Wangshi rarely calls me Huanzhang or Mr. Nie, only when he begins to alienate me. Please tell me what happened."

Zhou Chuqi smiled and said:

"Mr. Nie, you're overthinking. Nothing happened. Maybe his mind is a bit confused right now."

"I hope so. Chuqi, please tell me the truth about Wangshi's condition. Could you heal him?"

"I did my best. The antidote for the poison doesn't have been found so far. Yes, his body is in a very poor condition. He has endured prolonged abuse and whipping for such a long time without proper treatment. Additionally, there was an aphrodisiac involved, which Yuhong Xun used on him. However, Chuyu resisted desperately with sheer willpower so as not to fall into that desire, to the extent that Yuhong Xun believed the aphrodisiac was ineffective on Chuyu. Yet, it caused certain damage to his heart and kidneys if the person couldn't vent this desire. To put it bluntly, he now needs thorough rest without any external disturbances, living peacefully and quietly for healing, perhaps for the rest of his life like this."

Nie Huanzhang said firmly:

"It's my duty. Once his health improves a bit, I'll take him away, find the best doctors in whole country and a quiet place for him for healing. I promise you to make it happen."

Zhou Chuqi was stunned for a while but he said:

"Mr. Nie, this is my job. He is my younger brother and I'm a doctor. I know where to find the right doctors to treat him. And you, now, have your blood relatives who need you care and your home is in the capital while Chuyu needs a quiet place. Jingdu isn't a right place for him."

Nie Huanzhang shook his head and said:

"I don't have much affection for the capital. Wherever Whangshi's home is, that is my home."

Zhou Chuqi was moved and hesitated to tell him the truth. However, considering who Nie Huanzhang's mother is, he said:

"Well, it is your choice. I don't want to say more. Honestly, what I worry now is about Chuyu right now."

After saying this, Zhou Chuqi walked away, leaving Nie Huanzhang feeling a bit melancholic.