The Xuan Emperor looked at Ning Chen and smiled. "Let us do it this way. If you are uneasy about this emperor, let Miss Zisu stay in the palace these few days and look after this emperor. How would that be?"

The Xuan Emperor knew Zisu had seen how serious his illness was.

Keeping Zisu here was to stop her telling Ning Chen.

Ning Chen smiled. "Of course."

In fact he would have done the same if the Xuan Emperor had not said it.

Because he had decided to leave for the western frontier that very night.

With Zisu looking after the Xuan Emperor's illness, he could stop worrying.

Ning Chen looked at Zisu. "Zisu, it will be hard work for you these next days."

Zisu bowed. "To look after His Majesty is this commoner woman's good fortune."

"But this commoner woman must go home and prepare some things. I ask Your Majesty's leave."

The Xuan Emperor inclined his head slightly.

He gave Zisu a look with a meaning of its own.

He thought Zisu would understand what he meant.

Ning Chen smiled. "Your Majesty, then your subject will take Zisu home first... and send her into the palace later."

The Xuan Emperor smiled. "Go."

Ning Chen brought Zisu out of the imperial study.

On the way back Ning Chen's expression turned worried. "Zisu, has His Majesty's illness gotten worse?"

Zisu gave a start.

Ning Chen said, low and hard, "Tell me the truth."

Zisu hesitated, then nodded slightly. "How did you know?"

Ning Chen sighed. "His Majesty's color is plainly worse than it was a few days ago, he has grown a lot thinner all over, and his breathing is feeble. How could I not see it?"

"And there is this. You spoke lightly enough, but your eyes were grave... I knew you were lying. It was His Majesty's doing, I take it?"

Zisu's expression was grave. "His Majesty's illness is worsening faster than I expected. The organs are beginning to fail, and if I am not mistaken, His Majesty has already begun coughing blood."

Ning Chen's face changed…