From cute to empress

Chapter 151 After the rain, the sky is clear

Dr. Sun was so frightened by his sudden action that his face turned pale and he was trembling and speechless. I took a deep breath, forced myself to calm down, and let go of his collar.

"Doctor Sun, you are a skilled doctor, there must be a way, right? You must save him, I beg you!" I said almost begging.

Divine Doctor Sun knelt on the ground and kowtowed tremblingly, "Your Majesty, I am incompetent. The general... the disease he contracted this time is too dangerous. I... am powerless to save him!"

I slumped helplessly in my chair, my vision darkening and my ears ringing. Zhen Youcai, the once dashing, high-spirited young general, now lay dying in a hospital bed. My heart ached, yet I was powerless.

"No, no, he will be fine..." I murmured to myself, telling myself over and over again, but the tears kept flowing down.

In the days that followed, I stayed by Zhen Youcai's bedside, cleaning him, feeding him medicine, and talking to him, even though he couldn't hear. His temperature was alarmingly high, his breathing so weak it seemed as if it would stop at any moment. I dared not close my eyes, fearing that if I did, he would be gone forever.

Dr. Sun came every day to see Zhen Youcai and change his prescriptions, but his condition showed no improvement. I watched him become thinner and thinner, and my heart was filled with despair and helplessness.

"Your Majesty, you haven't slept for several days. If you continue like this, your body will collapse..." the personal maid advised worriedly.

I shook my head and looked firmly at Zhen Youcai lying on the bed. "I'm fine. I want to stay with him until he wakes up..."

"But..." The palace maid wanted to persuade her again, but I interrupted her with a wave of my hand.

"Go down and leave me alone."

The maid reluctantly retreated, leaving only Zhen Youcai and I in the bedroom, with the faint scent of medicine lingering in the air. I held Zhen Youcai's hand, gently resting my face against the back of his hand, feeling his faint warmth.

"Youcai, can you please wake up? Open your eyes and look at me, I'm right here by your side..." I whispered in a low voice, my voice choked, tears blurring my eyes again.

"His Majesty……"

Suddenly, I heard a faint call in my ear. I raised my head suddenly and saw that Zhen Youcai's eyelids trembled slightly, as if he wanted to open his eyes.

"Youcai, is that you? Can you hear me?" I excitedly held his hand tightly and asked in a trembling voice.

Zhen Youcai's eyelids moved, but he never opened. His lips were slightly open, as if he wanted to say something, but no sound came out.

I held my breath and stared at him intently, afraid to miss any movement.

He uttered another faint cry, and then...

He uttered another faint cry, then fell silent. I was terrified, gripping his hand even tighter, calling his name over and over again. Dr. Sun said this was a last gasp of life, and told me to be prepared.

I collapsed on the bed, tears streaming down my face. Is this the end for us? I refused to accept it, and I didn't believe it!

"Youcai, you can't leave me. You promised to stay with me until we grow old..." I leaned on his chest, crying.

During this period, the entire country was shrouded in a haze. The people spontaneously prayed for Zhen Youcai, hoping for his speedy recovery. In the court, the ministers were also worried, and people came to inquire about Zhen Youcai's condition every day.

I suppressed my grief, handled government affairs, and comforted people. However, only I knew that my heart had been shattered with Zhen Youcai's coma.

Late at night, in the stillness of the room, I was alone by Zhen Youcai's bed, gently stroking his face.

"Youcai, you know? I love you..." I finally plucked up the courage and confessed my love to him who was unconscious.

"From the first time I saw you, I was attracted by the sunshine and justice in you. You are like a ray of light, illuminating my once dark world..."

"I know I used to be very willful and stubborn, but that was because I loved you..."

"You always say that I'm like a child who never grows up and needs your protection. But I want to tell you that I also want to protect you and face all the storms with you..."

My voice got lower and lower, and finally turned into silent sobs.

Suddenly, I felt a warmth in my palm, as if something was tightly gripping it. I raised my head abruptly and looked at Zhen Youcai in disbelief.

His eyes slowly opened...

"Your Majesty...you just said..." He spoke weakly, his voice hoarse, but it reached my ears clearly.

My eyes widened in disbelief, tears only flowing harder. "You...you're awake? You're really awake?" I stammered, my words incoherent and visibly swirling with excitement.

Zhen Youcai struggled to raise his hand, and I quickly took it, gently placing it on my cheek. "It's me, it's me, I'm always here." I choked, pressing my cheek against the back of his hand.

He felt the warmth of my cheek, and the corners of his mouth lifted slightly, revealing a weak but incredibly warm smile. "Silly girl, why are you crying? I'm fine, aren't I?"

His voice, though weak, was like a shot of adrenaline, instantly dispelling all the gloom in my heart. I burst into laughter and nodded repeatedly, "Yes, yes, you're fine. Everything is over."

Upon hearing the noise, Divine Doctor Sun rushed over. After carefully examining Zhen Youcai's pulse, he said with relief, "Congratulations, Your Majesty! Congratulations, Your Majesty! The general has passed the critical period. He only needs to rest and recuperate. He will recover in time."

Zhen Youcai's awakening was like a long drought finally ending in rain, and the entire palace was filled with joy. I stayed by his side day and night, bringing him tea and water and telling him about what had happened during this period.

With Zhen Youcai's recovery, the epidemic was completely over, and the capital city returned to its former prosperity. The people spontaneously took to the streets, singing and dancing, celebrating the final victory over this disaster.

I have issued an edict commending those who have contributed to the fight against the epidemic, particularly County Magistrate Li. He diligently governed and cared for the people. He implemented effective measures early in the outbreak, keeping the epidemic under control and making significant contributions to the ultimate victory over the epidemic. I have decided to promote him to the position of Minister of Revenue, hoping that he will continue to work for the well-being of the people.

"Your Majesty, thank you for your grace!" County Magistrate Li knelt down excitedly to express his gratitude. I personally helped him up and encouraged him to keep up the good work and make greater contributions to the country.

Everything is moving in a good direction, and the haze in my heart has completely dissipated, except...

"Your Majesty, do you want to..." My personal maid Chuntao hesitated to speak, and signaled me to look at Taoist Zhou who was cleaning the courtyard not far away.

I collected my thoughts and said calmly, "Let him in." Taoist Zhou lowered his head and slowly entered the hall. He had lost considerable weight, and his once vibrant face was now etched with age and guilt. "I, Zhou Tai, pay my respects to Your Majesty." He knelt on the ground, his voice low.

"Get up." I said calmly, looking at him calmly, "Have you ever reflected on your life in prison?"

"Reporting to Your Majesty," Zhou Tai raised his head, tears of regret glistening in his eyes. "I have been reflecting on my sins day and night lately. I was blinded by greed and nearly caused a disaster. Thinking about it now, I truly regret it. Thanks to Your Majesty's mercy, you have spared my life. I am deeply grateful and have no way to repay you..."

"Admitting one's mistakes is the best way to improve oneself." I interrupted him. "I've heard that you're proficient in medicine. Although the plague is over now, the people's health still needs care. Are you willing to use your skills to do your part for the people?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Tai suddenly raised his head, a glint of surprise flashing in his eyes. He kowtowed again, "I am willing! I am willing to serve Your Majesty and the people with all my heart, until my death!"

I nodded and motioned for him to stand up. "Okay, go down and make your preparations. Tomorrow you will go with Divine Doctor Sun to various places to provide free medical services and treat the people."

"Yes! I obey your order!" Zhou Tai kowtowed again, his eyes full of gratitude and hope.

A few days later, the palace was festooned with lights and colors, a scene of joy and celebration. Zhen Youcai and I, dressed in our finest attire, walked hand in hand into the magnificent palace to receive the congratulations of the civil and military officials.

"Today's banquet is held, firstly, to celebrate the victory in the fight against the epidemic, and secondly, to..." I paused and turned to look at Zhen Youcai beside me. His eyes were full of tenderness and love, "to announce to the world my marriage to General Zhen."

As soon as I finished speaking, the entire hall erupted in cheers and blessings. I saw County Magistrate Li wiping his eyes excitedly, Doctor Sun stroking his beard and grinning from ear to ear, and even the usually solemn commander of the Imperial Guards had a gratified smile on his face.

"Mengmeng," Zhen Youcai held my hand, his hand warm and strong, "Thank you for being willing to spend your life with me."

I held his hand back, interlocking our fingers, "Youcai, I love you."

At this moment, I feel extremely happy and satisfied. I know that we will create a peaceful and prosperous era together, and our love will become the most touching chapter in this history.

"The auspicious time has arrived. Your Majesty, Your Majesty, please..." the ceremonial officer chanted in unison. I turned to look at Zhen Youcai, his eyes filled with anticipation and joy. I took a deep breath, interlocked my fingers with his, and prepared to step onto the platform that symbolized happiness and the future...