Rebirth: The Fourth Lady Wants to Lie Down

The wind in the capital always seemed to carry a sense of heaviness and urgency, especially in this troubled time. In stark contrast to the warm and spring-like family atmosphere in Yi Ya's home, the eldest prince Yinzhi was experiencing a physical and mental torment.

He was concerned about Mingzhu's safety. The worry was like a huge rock pressing on his chest, forcing him to hurry up just to see Mingzhu as soon as possible and confirm his condition.

Finally, when Emperor Kangxi and his entourage arrived in Hangzhou and enjoyed the scenery of the south of the Yangtze River, the eldest prince also returned to the capital in a dusty state.

Without a moment's rest, he went straight back to his palace. After a simple wash, he couldn't wait to set out on the journey to Mingzhu Mansion.

The atmosphere in Mingzhu's mansion was heavy and depressing. The servants were surprised to see the eldest prince coming, but they quickly realized that this was the order of Emperor Kangxi, and he came to visit Master Mingzhu.

They quickly led the eldest prince into Mingzhu's room, praying silently in their hearts that Lord Mingzhu could feel the care from the royal family.

When I opened the door, a faint scent of medicine wafted into my nose, and what came into view was Mingzhu's extremely thin figure with a face as pale as paper.

The eldest prince's heart suddenly tightened, and he quickly stepped forward and called softly: "Master Mingzhu, are you okay?"

Upon seeing this, the servant nearby hurriedly stepped forward and reported Mingzhu's recent condition and the imperial physician's diagnosis to the eldest prince.

Mingzhu forced a smile and said gratefully, "Thank you, Your Majesty, and the eldest prince, for your concern. I know my health is under control."

After saying this, Mingzhu glanced at the servants around her and waved her hand gently, signaling them to leave.

When only the eldest prince and himself were left in the room, he slowly spoke. Although his voice was weak, it revealed a firmness that could not be ignored: "Eldest prince, I know you came here to discuss something important. I don't have much time left, and there are some things that must be said now."

Hearing this, the eldest prince felt a complex emotion in his heart, including grief for Mingzhu's illness and a sense of responsibility for the important task he was about to be entrusted with. He sat by Mingzhu's bed, quietly waiting for Mingzhu's next words.

Mingzhu took a deep breath, as if recalling the past, and then slowly said: "I have fought with Suo Etu for a lifetime, and the outcome is unpredictable, but at this moment I feel unprecedented unwillingness. Some of my connections and resources may come in handy in your future. I will give them to you, and hope that if you can ascend to the throne one day, you must protect the Nalan family, they are innocent."

As she spoke, Mingzhu took out a token and a secret letter from her pillow and handed them to the eldest prince carefully. The eldest prince took them with both hands, feeling not only the heaviness of the items, but also the heavy expectations and trust of Mingzhu.

"Lord Mingzhu, don't worry, I will live up to your trust." The eldest prince's voice was firm and powerful. He knew that he had a heavy responsibility on his shoulders and he must go all out to live up to Mingzhu's expectations.

……

The flickering candlelight in the room illuminated the complex and ever-changing expression of the eldest prince Yinzhi. As he listened to Mingzhu's weak but firm voice, his heart was filled with indescribable excitement and sadness.

Over the years, Mingzhu has not only been his think tank, but also an important pillar in his struggle against the prince's faction in the court.

Now, seeing Mingzhu so weak, Yinzhi couldn't help but have red eyes, but he held back his tears and tried to bring some comfort to Mingzhu with his words.

"Master Mingzhu, you must get better. I still need your help with many things."

Yinzhi's voice was choked with sobs. He held Mingzhu's hand tightly, as if this could give him strength. "Our cooperation has just begun. How can we give up so easily?"

Mingzhu smiled slightly, with a hint of helplessness and relief in her smile.

"Big brother, I appreciate your kindness. But I know my own body. However, although I can no longer help you personally, I have paved the way for you."

As she spoke, Mingzhu's eyes became profound, as if she had penetrated the darkness before her eyes and seen farther away.

"Suo Etu, he is my lifelong rival and an obstacle to your future. But I had expected this day to come, so I have been secretly investigating his whereabouts over the years. Do you know that he has obtained a large amount of money for the prince in Jiangnan and other places in recent years? This money is the evidence of their collusion."

When Yinzhi heard this, he was shocked. He didn't expect Mingzhu to know all these clearly.

"Master Mingzhu, you are truly far-sighted. But now the Emperor is in Jiangnan. How can we tell him about this without causing the Crown Prince to be suspicious?"

Mingzhu smiled slightly, with a sly look in her eyes. "Don't worry, my eldest brother. I have already made all the arrangements. I will let my confidants present the evidence to the emperor at the right time. By then, we won't have to do it ourselves. The emperor will naturally deal with Suo Etu and his followers. And you, who just came back from abroad, can stay out of it and avoid unnecessary suspicion."

After hearing this, Yinzhi felt a warm feeling in his heart. He looked at Mingzhu with gratitude, knowing well the good intentions behind this plan.

"Lord Mingzhu, I am so grateful for your thoughtful consideration for me. Please take a good rest. When you recover, we will fight side by side again."

However, Mingzhu just shook his head slightly, knowing that his body could not hold on for much longer.

"My eldest brother, I don't have much time left. But I believe that with your wisdom and talent, you will be able to gain a foothold in this court full of disputes. However, please remember to protect the other members of the Nalan family at all times and in all places. They are innocent."

Yinzhi nodded solemnly, keeping Mingzhu's words in mind. Afterwards, he chatted with Mingzhu for a while about government affairs and the future. Their conversation was full of trust and expectations for each other.

Finally, Yinzhi reluctantly bid farewell to Mingzhu and left Nalan Mansion. He was worried about Mingzhu's illness but also had a firm belief in the future struggle.