Before Cool Palace stood ancient scholar trees, their boughs arrayed into shade, lending the courtyard a secluded charm. Dim, hazy light and shadow reflected the radiance of palace lanterns.
In the chill night wind, raindrops finer than threads drifted through the mist.
Su Ziji had servants bring fruit drinks. Amid the cool breeze and fine rain, he occasionally raised the bottle to his lips and took a few sips. It was light and sweet.
He seemed to be enjoying such a night, along with the faint, lingering music of strings and pipes.
When the imperial physician arrived at last, having hurried over and completed his examination,
"This subject has an urgent matter to report."
"Speak."
"Lord Qian can neither speak nor move. He lies paralyzed in bed and can only point at objects with his fingers... His condition is difficult to resolve, and medicine will be hard-pressed to have any effect!"
The imperial physician explained each detail, then hesitated before kowtowing. "I fear he only has these next few days."
Su Ziji said nothing at first. He listened absently to the music of strings and pipes, then silently set down his cup.
Hearing that Qian could only point at things with his fingers, his heart stirred. "Did he look to be in pain?"
"Somewhat, it seemed. More than that, he was agitated, as though he wished to say something!"
Ignoring Gao Ze, who had rushed over and saluted, Su Ziji waved for him to wait. After pondering for a long while, he finally said softly, "The first time I heard this news, all I felt was desolation."
"I understand. You may withdraw."
After the imperial physician left, he listened in silence for quite some time. Only when a particular tune was being played did Su Ziji ask, "Was this an