Thanks, This Great Kindness Will Be Repaid in the Future

Use it!

A hoarse female voice came from behind the Emperor. Everyone turned to look and saw Imperial Noble Consort Helena Hsieh, her face deathly pale, being helped into the inner chamber by palace maids.

Imperial Noble Consort Helena Hsieh did not perform any courtly etiquette toward the Emperor. She walked straight up to Serena, looked her in the eye, and said firmly, "Serena, be bold and use the medicine. I will bear all consequences. If my son dies, I will follow him."

A mother's strength—Helena Hsieh pushed away the palace maids and stood there proudly, her gaze unwavering, with not a trace of hesitation or fear.

"Beloved Consort?" The Emperor shook his head in disapproval. "Let the imperial physicians try their methods first. If that fails, then use the Master of Mystic Healer Valley's medicine."

This was the most cautious treatment plan. It was clear the Emperor genuinely wanted to save the Eighth Prince.

But Helena Hsieh refused to agree. She knelt directly before the Emperor and said, "Your Majesty, the imperial physicians are not confident they can save the Little Prince. He is already in this state—I am not afraid of anything anymore. I want to take this gamble. I believe that, with Your Majesty's True Dragon aura, both my son and I will survive. If something happens to the Little Prince, it means his blessings were too thin and he could not bear Your Majesty's aura. I will accompany him in death."

Helena Hsieh's words were masterfully crafted: if the Little Prince survived, all the credit would go to the Emperor, elevating her own standing in his eyes. If the Eighth Prince died and she took her own life, the Emperor would not soon forget his son.

"Beloved Consort, get up quickly. I permit it—Serena, use the medicine." The Emperor gently helped Helena Hsieh to her feet, recalling all the good she had done and how she was willing to risk her life for the Eighth Prince. He was deeply moved.

Who says there is no true affection in the imperial family? Isn't this proof enough?

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Helena Hsieh took the opportunity to lean into the Emperor's embrace. The Empress stood to the side, watching coldly. Her face always wore a worried expression; anyone unaware would think she truly cared about the Little Prince's life or death.

With Helena Hsieh's support, Serena could use the medicine boldly. To avoid harming the Little Prince, Serena proposed starting with only one-eighth of the dose and increasing it if necessary.

Before the imperial physicians could say anything, Helena Hsieh nodded in agreement. "Serena, do everything you can. I trust you. All consequences will be borne by me—Helena Shaw."

When the imperial physicians declared her son dead, she felt as if the sky had collapsed. It was Serena who snatched her son back from Yama's hands—what reason did she have not to trust her?

With such a reasonable family member, Serena could relax. She used a small tweezer to gently scrape a layer of the medicine, dissolved it in warm water, and carefully fed it to the Little Prince, not spilling a single drop.

Watching Serena's skillful movements, the imperial physicians present were quite astonished.

Medicine for children is the hardest to administer—most doctors won't even take responsibility for feeding it. No one expected Serena to be capable of everything.

"How is he? How is he?" As soon as the medicine was administered, someone couldn't help but ask anxiously. Serena was speechless.

This is medicine, not a miracle pill—it can't possibly work instantly.

The person who asked realized they were being impatient and retreated awkwardly.

Serena turned and formally reported to the Emperor and Helena Hsieh, "Your Majesty, Your Ladyship, the Little Prince has received the medicine, but it will not take effect so quickly. I will stay here and watch over him."

The Emperor nodded and comfortingly patted Helena Hsieh's hand. "Beloved Consort, do not worry. The Eighth Prince is blessed—he will be fine. I hereby grant him the name 'Fu' (Blessing). If he survives this ordeal, I will confer a princely title upon him."

For the Emperor's sons, none are granted princely titles before the age of eighteen. These words were a special honor for the Eighth Prince.

As for granting a name, in Eastlyn, princes are named after their one hundredth day. The Eighth Prince's hundredth day has long passed, but because of his cleft lip, the Emperor had ignored him. This was merely compensation.

Helena Hsieh didn't care much for names or titles, but since the Emperor had spoken, she could only give thanks. "I thank Your Majesty for your great favor on behalf of my son Fu. Long live the Emperor!"

"Beloved Consort, no need for such ceremony. Take good care of yourself and the Eighth Prince. If anything happens, come to the Imperial Study to find me." The Emperor left these words and then turned to go—he was the Emperor, after all, and could not stay here all day.

Before leaving, he told the Empress to fulfill Helena Hsieh's every request.

The Empress repeatedly agreed. After the Emperor left, she offered Helena Hsieh a few words of comfort before leaving herself—never once looking at Serena.

After suffering several setbacks at Serena's hands, the Empress was now wary—she hardly dared to make trouble for Serena anymore.

The imperial physicians remained in Radiant Hall, all staring blankly at each other. Without orders from the Emperor or Empress, they dared not leave, but staying here was equally useless for them.

The imperial physicians looked at one another, none daring to mention leaving. Fortunately, Helena Hsieh was straightforward—she had long been displeased with these physicians. Seeing how uncomfortable they looked, she felt uncomfortable herself, so she waved her hand and told them to get out.

Yes, Helena Hsieh actually said 'get out.' It showed just how much she disapproved of them.

The imperial physicians didn't dare utter a word—they grabbed their medicine chests and hurried away.

Radiant Hall was instantly quiet. Serena felt her ears finally clear, so she took out her stethoscope to check the Little Prince's condition. Helena Hsieh stood nearby, worried but silent.

After Serena finished her examination, her brows relaxed slightly.

The Little Prince's condition had not worsened. That was enough.

Serena turned and removed her stethoscope. "Your Ladyship, there's no need to worry. The Little Prince is stable. As long as he makes it through tonight, he'll be fine."

"Thank you, Serena." Helena Hsieh didn't say much—her simple thanks held countless emotions.

"It's just my duty as a physician—there's no need for thanks, Your Ladyship. You seem unwell; it's best for you to rest. If you fall ill just as the Little Prince recovers, it would be a shame. I'll watch over him—he'll be fine." Though Serena disliked how Helena Hsieh was drawn into palace intrigue, she couldn't turn her back on the innocent Little Prince.

Helena Hsieh nodded and accepted Serena's advice. Before leaving, she gently touched the Little Prince's forehead. "Don't be afraid, baby. Mother will always be with you."

When a mother is willing to risk her own life for her child, there is nothing in this world that can defeat her.

She knew she had brought Serena a great deal of trouble, but she had no regrets.

Helena Hsieh rose and gave Serena a deep bow. "Serena, I'm sorry, but I do not regret my decision."

If she hadn't summoned Serena to the palace, her son would surely have died.

"The kindness you have shown to my son and me—we will never forget it. When my son Xiao Ba grows up, I will tell him that you saved his life. Without you, he would not exist. I will make sure he honors you as his teacher."

While expressing her gratitude, Helena was also ensuring a future for the Eighth Prince. Serena was at a loss for words and could only wave her hands repeatedly. "Your Ladyship, there's no need for this. I am simply fulfilling my duty as a physician—it's nothing more."

Though this duty was a heavy one—one misstep could cost a life.

Helena Hsieh said no more—she had already made up her mind.

When the imperial physicians had already declared the Eighth Prince beyond saving, Serena still risked everything to try. Such a kindness could never be repaid with words; Helena and her son would never forget it...