Qiqi began feeling dizzy again. The bee venom was extraordinarily potent. Hu Xiaotian summoned the imperial physicians, but none of them were experts at treating poison, and they were all at their wits' end. He told Quan Dean to return to King Yongyang's Residence first. He still had some Blood-Cleansing Pills there that might help counteract the venom, and he asked Quan Dean to bring his medicine chest over as well.
Hong Beimo had been waiting outside the door all along. Seeing Quan Dean emerge, he asked with concern, "How is Her Highness?"
Quan Dean delegated Hu Xiaotian's instructions to another little eunuch, then explained the situation to Hong Beimo. Hong Beimo frowned. Just then, a eunuch's announcement sounded outside: the Old Emperor, Long Xuan'en, had heard the news and come in person. Ever since reclaiming the imperial throne, Long Xuan'en had never taken the initiative to visit anyone. He could not even be bothered to attend court. Clearly, Qiqi still held a considerable place in his heart.
Long Tingzhen had come along as well. Hong Beimo and the others hastily dropped to their knees before the emperor.
Long Xuan'en nodded and merely said in an indifferent tone, "All of you, rise."
Hong Beimo and Quan Dean approached him together. Long Xuan'en asked, "How is she?"
"She has been poisoned," Quan Dean said quietly, then added, "Lord Hu and several imperial physicians are inside."
Long Xuan'en nodded. At that moment, Hu Xiaotian came out, having heard the commotion outside and stepped out to welcome the emperor. Before he could bow, Long Xuan'en waved a hand. "Dispense with the formalities. I only came to see how Qiqi is doing." He strode inside, with Quan Dean and Hong Beimo following. Long Tingzhen wanted to enter as well, but Hu Xiaotian blocked his