I Am a Salted Fish in Ancient Times

Chapter 57

Imperial Physician Su said, "Prince Consort, the Prince will need someone to care for him when he wakes up. You must take care of your own health first."

Xie Zhui gently placed Xiao Shan's hand down and instructed someone to move a soft couch to the closest possible spot next to Xiao Shan.

The incredibly vivid dream he just experienced left him unable to remain calm, not even maintaining a facade of composure.

Imperial Physician Su and Imperial Physician Qin observed that, apart from moving closer to Xiao Shan, Xie Zhui did nothing else.@@@@

Both physicians witnessed all manner of human experiences in the palace, and at this moment, they merely exchanged a glance and allowed Xie Zhui to be.

The most important thing now was to wake Xiao Shan and ensure the safety of Xie Zhui and the child in his belly; everything else was secondary. As long as they achieved the desired outcome, these minor issues could be overlooked.

Perhaps Imperial Physician Su and Imperial Physician Qin relaxed too soon.

In the middle of the night, Xiao Shan began to develop a fever. When Imperial Physician Su felt his rising body temperature, his heart tightened. Fortunately, he was prepared and quickly began to address the situation.

Hearing the news, the other physicians waiting nearby rushed over. They tried various methods to administer medicine to Xiao Shan, hoping to bring his fever down quickly.

Xie Zhui couldn't lie down any longer. He sat by Xiao Shan's bed, continuously wiping Xiao Shan's forehead with a fine cloth.

Despite being deeply worried about Xiao Shan's condition, his hands remained steady, and he didn't feel tired, mechanically repeating the same actions.

Imperial Physician Su and Imperial Physician Qin had no time to pay attention to Xie Zhui. They were focused on monitoring Xiao Shan's body temperature. Most of the medicine they tried to give Xiao Shan couldn't be swallowed, and sometimes he would involuntarily spit it out. The physicians would then continue to prepare more, hoping to get at least some of it into him.

The group of people busied themselves until dawn, and finally, Xiao Shan's temperature stabilized.

Although the fever hadn't gone down, at least it hadn't continued to rise.

Xie Zhui gently stroked Xiao Shan's burning forehead, fully aware of Imperial Physician Su and the others' concerns. If the fever persisted, even if Xiao Shan woke up, he might end up mentally impaired.

Fortunately, there was still hope.

At dawn, Consort Lan personally came to inquire about the situation. Upon learning that Xiao Shan's temperature had risen, the exhausted Consort Lan, who cried all night, nearly collapsed, but was supported by Cui Shu.

At this point, Consort Lan's eyes were so dry that she couldn't shed any more tears. She stood there, staring blankly at the tent, neither leaving nor moving.

Fortunately, by the afternoon, Xiao Shan's temperature finally began to drop.

Seeing this, Imperial Physician Su was nearly moved to tears; at least there was hope.

***

Xiao Shan felt his eyelids were very heavy, and he could hear faint voices around him, all unfamiliar. He tried hard to open his eyes, but no matter how much effort he put in, it was useless; his eyelids felt as heavy as a thousand pounds.

Xiao Shan thought, Why can't I open my eyes? Where is Xie Zhui?

Thinking of Xie Zhui, he recalled Xie Zhui's pale and worried face. His heart raced, and with a surge of determination, he managed to open his eyes.

Before he could clearly see the figures around him, he heard someone cry out in joy, "Quick, inform the Emperor, Prince Li has awakened."

Xiao Shan blinked, feeling pain throughout his body. He let out a soft breath, and then his hand was quickly grasped by someone—someone familiar.

Xiao Shan looked at the person; Xie Zhui's face was somewhat haggard, filled with joy yet tinged with disbelief. Sniffling, Xie Zhui said, "You... you woke up?"

At this moment, Xiao Shan's mind cleared, and he understood what had happened. He gently squeezed Xie Zhui's hand and said, "I dreamed that you were crying, so I woke up."

Having not spoken for days, his throat was dry and rough, but at this moment, all he wanted was to hold this person's hand with his weak grip.

"Are you hurt?" Xiao Shan asked in a hoarse voice, remembering Xie Zhui's state before he lost consciousness.

Xie Zhui shook his head vigorously, unable to utter a single word.

Xiao Shan wanted to smile, but as soon as he tried to move his lips, he felt intense pain all over his body. He held back and said, "That's good."

Seeing his weak smile, Xie Zhui couldn't describe the feeling in his heart.

It was both sour and numb, making him want to cry.

This person, even before losing consciousness, was worried about his health. Upon waking, the first thing he did was still to care about his well-being. And yet, he himself suffered such severe injuries, barely surviving.

Xie Zhui buried his head in Xiao Shan's hand and said, "Xiao Shan, worry about yourself. It hurts me."