It was an ordinary minor court audience, with few people attending and no major matters to discuss. The realm could now be called peaceful across the four seas. There were no great affairs worthy of the court's attention; each day merely followed its accustomed course.
Liu Heng was speaking when he suddenly felt a buzzing in his head. Then his vision blurred. His last memory before darkness swallowed him was Luo Jing's terrified expression.
Luo Jing reached out to support Liu Heng's body. The other ministers' faces filled with terror at the same time, and Liu Che rushed forward to help hold him up. Luo Jing said urgently, "Everyone, summon the Director of Imperial Physicians at once! Your Highness the Crown Prince, please do not leave. His Majesty will surely be all right."
The ministers worked together to lay Liu Heng flat on a bed. The Director of Imperial Physicians hurried over and, after examining him, said, "His Majesty has overworked himself and ought to rest quietly. I will prescribe some medicines to restore his health and vitality."
The Director of Imperial Physicians trotted out that classic set of assurances.
But Luo Jing did not believe him. Looking at Liu Heng's pale face, he felt an ever-deepening chill.
Symptoms like Liu Heng's appeared far too often in the historical records. Even Emperor Xiaohui, not so long ago, had been exactly the same.
One unexpected fainting spell, followed by repeated bouts of unconsciousness, had progressed to death in a very short time. He had departed this world, leaving behind the young Liu Heng and King Wen of Luo as regent.
Was his elder cousin, the emperor of Great Han, going to leave just like this?
"A Jing."
Liu Heng's faint voice suddenly came from the bed. Luo Jing heard him clearly,