The sky began to pale with the approach of dawn, and the biting north wind that had howled all night finally ceased.
After seeing off Zhou Cong and Yang Hai, Pei Hengyu boarded his palanquin to leave the palace. His Majesty had canceled the morning court session and, accompanied by the imperial physicians, went in person to the Grand General’s residence to check on Cui Jilei.
Pei Hengyu had rejoiced too soon. Upon arriving at the residence, he learned that while Cui Jilei was indeed alive, he had not regained consciousness since returning from Ruoyun Villa. The imperial physicians took turns examining him and finally discovered a hematoma the size of a fist at the back of his head. Imperial Physician Li surmised that before falling into a coma, Cui Jilei had been struck by a heavy object, causing blood to pool both inside and outside the cranium. The external bruising could be cleared within ten days or half a month, but no one could do anything about the blood pooled inside the skull. As for when he might wake up, it was entirely up to fate—it could be a month, a few years, or perhaps he would never wake up for the rest of his life.
Chapter 74