Chapter 920: The Young Empress (57)

He still waited outside the sleeping chambers for an entire day.

Only at mealtimes would servants bring him some pastries.

In just two days, he had become noticeably thinner.

For those two days, he hadn't slept well at all.

Whenever he closed his eyes, the Empress's figure would appear before him.

Even in his dreams, it was still her.

Over these past days, he had replayed every moment they had spent together.

And the more he remembered, the more precious those days seemed.

On the third day, Su Qing continued waiting outside the palace chambers. It wasn't until noon that the doors finally opened.

The Chief Eunuch stepped out, her face brimming with joy.

“Her Majesty has awakened.”

“Really?”

The exhaustion vanished from Su Qing's face, and he immediately perked up. Grabbing the Chief Eunuch, he asked eagerly,

“Her Majesty is truly awake? Can I go in and see her?”

The Chief Eunuch hesitated.

“Her Majesty has only just awakened. The Imperial Consort has already sent for the imperial physicians. Her Majesty hasn't asked to see you for the time being.”

“It doesn't matter. I'll wait.”

“Her Majesty has slept for three days. Her mind must still be muddled. In a little while, she'll surely call for me.”

A smile hung on Su Qing's face.

Seeing that smile, the Chief Eunuch shook her head inwardly.

I'm afraid you'll be disappointed.

Her Majesty…

Never tolerated betrayal.

Another hour passed before the Chief Eunuch emerged again, her expression complicated.

Heaven knew that she had spent an entire hour practicing that complicated expression. Only after satisfying the Empress had she come out to see Su Qing.

“Does Her Majesty wish to see me?”

“Young Master Su, please come in.”

Sensing that something was wrong with the Chief Eunuch, unease rose within him.

But right now, he wanted only one thing—

To see that person.

The one he had never taken seriously…

Yet cared about beyond measure.

The moment he saw the pale figure leaning against the bed, joy filled his heart, and his steps quickened.

Arriving beside the bed, he called out with longing in his voice,

“Your Majesty, are you alright?”

Originally, he thought the answer would be:

“I'm fine. There's nothing wrong.”

And afterward, the Empress would surely ask after him with concern.

But the Empress before him only looked at him with unfamiliar eyes.

Then she turned to the Imperial Consort seated beside her and asked,

“Who is he?”

“Your Majesty,” Jing Cheng explained calmly, “he is one of the members of your harem. Su Qing.”

Those words made Su Qing's heart sink.

“Your Majesty… you don't recognize me anymore?”

Anxiety overtook him, and his voice unconsciously grew louder.

Jing Cheng frowned in displeasure.

“The imperial physicians said that when Her Majesty fell from the cliff, she injured her head and lost part of her memories. I allowed you in only to see how much she still remembered.”

“The Imperial Consort means…”

“Her Majesty doesn't recognize me?”

“She doesn't remember me?”

Su Qing's expression collapsed completely.

He had waited for three days.

And this was the result he received.

How could he possibly accept it?

He had only just come to understand his feelings.

He had only just begun persuading himself that even if he pursued his ideals, he should try not to hurt her.

Yet…

She had lost her memories.

And forgotten him.

“Since I don't remember you,” Tang Guo said indifferently, “you may leave for now.”

Such a cold and distant Empress felt unbearably unfamiliar to Su Qing.

An indescribable bitterness spread through his heart.

Looking at her unfamiliar gaze, he felt as though something precious had been taken away.

His heart seemed to have a hole in it.

The Empress…

Had forgotten him.

She truly didn't remember him anymore.

“Su Qing, leave for now.”

Jing Cheng's impatience was evident.
Su Qing looked at Tang Guo.
But Tang Guo didn't even spare him a glance.