The carriage returned to the Eastern Palace and, arriving at the Chuihua Gate, Yun Chi alighted and carried Hua Yan back to the Phoenix West Garden.
During Hua Yan's brief rest in the Shanzhen Pavilion, she dreamt of the moment before her death in her previous life. It depleted her energy, and although she didn't collapse spitting blood, it ultimately harmed her vitality and spirit. By the time Yun Chi carried her into the room and laid her on the bed, she had already fallen into an exhausted sleep.
Yun Chi covered her with a thin quilt, then sat beside the bed watching her.
Hua Yan's breath seemed to carry with it a hint of weakness.
Yun Chi gathered her scattered black hair beside the pillow, stood up, and left the room.
Caiqing was standing at the door, and when she saw Yun Chi emerge, she greeted him with a quiet curtsy, "Crown Prince."
Yun Chi nodded, instructing in a low voice, "The Crown Princess Consort is asleep. Go keep her company. I am off to see Tian Bujue."
