Qian Zhong limped out of Kunning Palace. The moment he turned out of the corridor, the sun burst from behind the clouds, and glaring white light spilled across his face, stabbing his eyes with pain.
He swayed and toppled backward, but a warm hand braced his back and gave him a push, setting him upright again.
Qian Zhong dazedly turned his head and saw Pan Yun withdrawing her hand.
Qian Zhong's eyes widened slightly. Almost at once, a voice rose in his heart: It's her. She can save Younger Sister!
Qian Zhong immediately dropped to his knees.
Pan Yun reached out, grabbed his arm, and held him firmly in place.
Even after all these years, she still was not used to people here dropping to their knees at every turn.
Qian Zhong begged, "Daoist Priestess Pan, please save Her Majesty the Empress."
Though his words were vague, Pan Yun understood at once. "Martyrdom Sacrifice?"
Qian Zhong nodded repeatedly, his face pale. "Her Majesty is willing to eat vegetarian food and pray for His Majesty's blessings for the rest of her life. Please put in a good word for her before Prince Cheng and ask the Imperial Clan Court not to subject Her Majesty the Empress to Martyrdom Sacrifice."
Although the list had been drafted by the Imperial Clan Court, it was only a recommendation. In the end, it still required the approval of the new Emperor and the Empress Dowager. The new Emperor's intentions, especially, were crucial.
Pan Yun looked steadily at him, then withdrew her hand. "Your leg injury is serious. Go back and recuperate."
Qian Zhong stared blankly at her retreating figure, unsure whether she had agreed or not.
At dusk, Zhu Qiyu came to Pan Yun, exhausted from head to toe, to listen to her recite scriptures.