If you fall ill, then move to the Cold Palace!

Noon, Chuxiu Palace in the Imperial Palace.

To feign illness, Hui Yue’er returned to Chuxiu Palace and pretended to be frail. Pressing her temples, she said to Nanny Li and the others, “What’s wrong with me today? My head feels heavy, and my body alternates between chills and fever. I don’t know what’s going on.” She had contracted smallpox when she was seven or eight. Though highly contagious, smallpox was not an incurable disease.

Qiqi came over worriedly to support Hui Yue’er, and Fu Xiu also touched Yue’er’s forehead, but there were no signs of a fever. Still, Fu Xiu said, “Your Highness, since you’re unwell, it’s best to have the imperial physician examine you!” Li Wanrong and the other young ladies watched Hui Yue’er with schadenfreude on their faces. They all understood what sickness meant during the selection process. If it was a contagious disease, the afflicted would be sent to the Cold Palace, doomed to obscurity for life.

Hui Yue’er hastily replied, “Let’s wait and see. Perhaps I’ll feel better soon, and if not, then we can call for the physician.” She still needed to tell Qiqi that she was only pretending, so as not to worry her. Qiqi supported Yue’er back to her room, and once they were alone, Yue’er resumed her normal demeanor and said to Qiqi, “I’m not sick at all—I need your help!” Pulling Qiqi to sit beside her, she smiled and said, “There’s good news—Bookworm has found my brother and Princess Silky’s whereabouts. Only I can locate where they’re staying, so I asked Bookworm to find a way for me to leave the palace for a few days. He suggested I feign illness, and he’ll sneak me out. But you’ll have to bear the brunt of palace scrutiny for me!” Risky as it was, she had to try for the sake of her brother—she would do anything.

Qiqi understood and nodded. “Don’t worry, Sister Yue. I’ll hold down the fort!” Yue’er was Qiqi’s idol; ever since she’d watched Hui Yue’er catch a snake for the first time, Qiqi had been in awe of her.

Hui Yue’er blinked and smiled at Qiqi. “Quick, go to the Imperial Infirmary and find Physician Chen. He’s Bookworm’s man. He’ll say I have smallpox, and then no one will dare come near me.” She was aware things might not go so smoothly, but leaving the palace was worth the gamble. She must be one of the few young ladies eager to escape the palace.

According to Yue’er’s plan, Qiqi first went to the palace maids by Nanny Li’s side, instructing them to report to Nanny Li about Hui Yue’er’s illness and request an imperial physician. Then she herself went to fetch Physician Chen. When Physician Chen arrived, he had Hui Yue’er drink a concoction to simulate a fever and unconsciousness. When Nanny Li arrived, he checked her pulse. Nanny Li looked on with concern and asked, “Physician, what illness has Princess Siyue come down with? She was fine this morning—how did she fall ill so suddenly?” She was not truly worried for Hui Yue’er, but feared having to answer to the Emperor if something happened to her. In the palace, few truly cared for anyone else.

Physician Chen shook his head. “I’m afraid Princess Siyue has contracted smallpox. Instruct everyone else to stay out of the room to prevent contagion.” Physician Chen was about thirty, the son of Zhao Chengxian’s father’s close friend; the two families were very close. Once, he had prescribed the wrong medicine, causing the Crown Prince Xuanyuan Ren to have diarrhea all night. If not for Zhao Chengxian’s plea, he would have lost his life. This was the first time Zhao Chengxian had asked him for help—he could hardly refuse.

At the mention of smallpox, Nanny Li and the others’ faces changed dramatically, and they hurried out of Hui Yue’er’s room. Nanny Li shouted to those inside, “Since she’s ill, move her to the Cold Palace!” This was palace protocol. The other young ladies worried they might catch the disease, so none dared approach. Still, Nanny Li sent word to Du Haiju. Du Haiju arrived shortly. The young ladies greeted her nervously, “Peace and fortune to Your Majesty, the Empress!” Du Haiju ignored them and tried to go in, but Nanny Li stopped her. “Your Majesty, please don’t enter. Princess Siyue has smallpox—it’s contagious!” How could they let Du Haiju risk infection? If something happened to her, not even ten heads would suffice to pay for it.

Physician Chen came out and saluted Du Haiju. She asked anxiously, “Does Princess Siyue truly have smallpox?” How could she explain this to Xuanyuan Ren? He had wanted to visit Hui Yue’er upon hearing of her illness in the Phoenix Residence, but Du Haiju volunteered to visit in his stead, fearing he might be exposed to danger. She would not let even the slightest risk befall Xuanyuan Ren.

Physician Chen thought for a moment and replied, “Yes, Princess Siyue has smallpox. It’s still early, so the rash hasn't appeared, but in a day or two it will. I recommend moving her residence to a more secluded area to prevent the spread.” This was the physician’s professional advice—and exactly what Zhao Chengxian had instructed him to say.

After considering his words, Du Haiju nodded. “Very well, move Princess Siyue to the Meditative Garden. Physician Chen will be responsible for her treatment, and her personal maid will attend to her. Care for her meticulously; no negligence will be tolerated.” The Meditative Garden was not the Cold Palace, merely an uninhabited courtyard. Upon hearing Du Haiju’s decision, everyone breathed a sigh of relief, while Hui Yue’er stifled a laugh beneath her covers.

Ladies and gentlemen, old and young, neither too old nor too young, shower me with gold medals, red packets, and gifts—don’t hold back! Let the storm rage even fiercer!