Qin Meng couldn't suppress her emotions. "Your Highness, you were cruel to have left me in the Palace. Since you left for Ning'guo temple, I have been longing for your return. It has been seven years!"
Yun Shang chuckled. When she opened her mouth, she couldn't stop coughing. Qin Yi hurried to help her to breathe. Seeing this, Qin Meng sobbed loudly, "Your Highness, you were fine when you left. When did you become so weak? Your Highness, please rest. I'll take good care of you."
Yun Shang's brow was glistening with sweat as she coughed. Qin Yi helped by wiping her perspiration. Yun Shang raised her head and said, "Silly girl. I am fine now. See? I'm a bit tired. Take me to Qinxin Hall."
As Qin Yi lifted her from bed, Yun Shang noticed that Hua Jing and Qin Meng exchanged looks before the maid hurriedly took a step to support Yun Shang. "Your Highness, let me help you."
Hua Jing nodded with satisfaction and said, "Shang'er, I have a gift for you. I made these osmanthus cakes myself. Mother says they taste sweet. I remember that they're one of your favorite dishes. Please accept them."
Yun Shang smiled and said, "Thank you, sister Jing." Qin Yi graciously accepted the cakes and handed them to a maid standing behind Qin Meng. Then she took Yun Shang's arm and guided her outside.
The Emperor Ning had ordered the preparation of a sedan chair for Yun Shang. She sat in the chair and was carried to Qinxin Hall.
Just as The Empress had said, Qinxin Hall hadn't changed at all; neither the servants nor the furnishings. Yun Shang and Qin Yi led the way. As soon as they drew back the curtain, a sound of meowing was followed by a fuzzy staff member that rushed at Yun Shang.
"Ah..." Yun Shang screamed and passed out.
"Your Highness, Your Highness..." The servants following the Princess panicked. Qin Yi frowned and rebuked, "Stop shouting. Her Highness needs to rest. Take the stray cat out, and then do your chores..."
However, the servants all stood still until Qin Meng nodded her head. Noticing this, Qin Yi understood immediately. She frowned and walked Yun Shang to bed.
Having settled down, Qin Yi gave Qin Meng a prescription and said, "These are Her Highness's medicines. I have to look after her. I cannot leave. So I need you to pick up the medicines, for I don't trust the others."
Qin Meng grinned, "I will do as you ask. I will be back in a little while." Then she bowed before Yun Shang and left.
"Bah! Qin Meng, the vile scum. She has been Mistress of Qinxin Hall for seven years." Qin Yi sniffed and went to the bed.
Glancing at Qin Yi, Yun Shang chuckled, "All of them must have been bought by The Empress. In order to break her control, I will have to replace them with Ning Qian and the other followers. She smiled at Qin Yi and said, "Lean closer to me."
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