The Noble Consort is the most favored in the harem

Chapter 37 - Seeking Help

"What should we do then? Will the medicine help?"

"Don't worry, Chief Eunuch Qin. The young lady has a strong constitution. With proper care, she will recover. However, the injury to her ankle will take some time to heal."

"Go write a prescription immediately. Oh, and there are others in the house who are also injured. Check on them while you're at it."

"Understood!"

The medical officer was of the ninth rank from the Imperial Hospital, while Chief Eunuch Qin held the seventh rank as Deputy Director of the Inner Palace. Naturally, the medical officer was highly respectful in front of him.

After examining Xia An, the medical officer then checked on Chunqi, and finally on Xiaoluzi. Upon seeing the bruises from the footprint on Xiao Luzi's chest and back, Qin An became visibly furious but restrained himself due to the medical officer's presence.

Once the medical officer had finished his rounds and left, Qin An hurried over to Xiao Luzi, looking at him with concern.

"What happened?"

"Master, you didn't see the grand display of Chu Guiren. She clearly came looking for trouble, using the excuse of the locked moon gate to discipline everyone in the courtyard."

"She kicked me twice as soon as she arrived—nearly killed me! And the two sisters, they only suffered because they were trying to protect the young mistress. Just look at their faces and the injuries on their bodies! Chu Guiren's actions were far too vicious!"

"And what about the young lady? How did she get hurt?"

"I heard from Sister Xia An that Chu Guiren pushed the young mistress and was about to whip her, but Sister Chunqi stepped in and took the blow. The ankle injury likely happened during the fall."

Xiao Luzi knew the whole truth but chose not to reveal it. This was his first time lying to his master, but he didn't regret it one bit! The young lady had a difficult position in the harem, and without protection, such incidents would surely repeat.

Now that he was a servant of the Left Side Hall, he vowed to dedicate himself to safeguarding the young lady. He didn't feel he was exaggerating; in fact, he thought he was just stating the truth!

After hearing this, Qin An's face darkened.

Conflicts between the palace ladies were common, with some overt and others covert, but it was rare to see such blatant aggression and violence, especially with hidden weapons involved! It was as if Chu Guiren had no regard for palace rules.

With a stern expression, Qin An turned to Xiao Luzi and said, "Endure it for now. I'll go find Eunuch Dong."

Now Xiao Luzi finally understood why the young mistress had made such arrangements. Chu Guiren relied on her high rank to bully them, but the palace was not solely under her control. Since she wanted to use her power to suppress others, she would have to face the consequences.

Outside the Qian'an Palace, Dong Yuzhong, after hearing Qin An's report, was deeply shocked.

At best, this was a case of petty jealousy between concubines. But at worst, it suggested that Chu Guiren, who hailed from the northwest, might disregard palace rules—and if she disrespected palace rules here, perhaps her family didn't respect imperial authority either back in the northwest.

Such a seemingly small incident could have far-reaching implications. However, Dong Yuzhong knew that reporting this matter directly might attract too much attention. He quietly whispered to Qin An, "I understand. You may return. Just ensure that Lin Daying receives extra care."

"Understood."

Qin An couldn't read Dong Yuzhong's intentions. His words were ambiguous, and Qin An wasn't sure whether the emperor would learn of this incident or step in on Lin Daying's behalf. However, his years of caution made him respectfully withdraw.

After he left, Dong Yuzhong called over Qiu Ming and whispered a few instructions.

In the imperial study, Emperor Yuwen Hong had been reviewing memorials for most of the day and was feeling quite tired.

As he picked up his teacup, he noticed it was empty and called out, "Dong Yuzhong."

"At your service, Your Majesty."

"Refill my tea."

"Right away!"

Seeing the emperor pinch the bridge of his nose, Dong Yuzhong asked, "Is Your Majesty feeling tired again?"

"I've been reading memorials all day, and none of them bring me peace of mind."

"Shall I give you a massage?"

Hearing this, the emperor immediately thought of Lin Daying. "Where is Lin Daying? Summon her to attend me."

"Yes!" Just as Dong Yuzhong was about to leave, he turned back and suggested, "Your Majesty, it's almost time for dinner. Perhaps you could visit Yihua Palace? Not only could it help you unwind, but it would also be convenient to dine there. I've heard that Lin Daying is almost finished with the nightwear she's been sewing for you. Perhaps you could try it on?"

Looking at the late afternoon light, the emperor thought it was a good idea and decided to visit Yihua Palace.

As he made his way there, the scenery was quite pleasant, and he turned to Dong Yuzhong, saying, "Tell the imperial kitchen to prepare some dishes from Shu Prefecture. Lin Daying likes spicy food."

"Understood! If Lin Daying learns of Your Majesty's thoughtfulness, she will surely be overjoyed!"

The emperor chuckled lightly and said no more.

Upon arriving at Yihua Palace, the emperor expected to see Lin Daying waiting to greet him, but instead, there was only Qiu Ming, who knelt down in fear.

Dong Yuzhong immediately scolded him, "Weren't you supposed to inform Lin Daying of the emperor's arrival? Why are you kneeling here?"

"Your Majesty, Lin Daying... Lin Daying is injured and still unconscious, so she cannot receive you."

"Injured? What about the servants in the courtyard? How were they attending to her?"

"They're also bedridden and unable to get up."

Dong Yuzhong feigned surprise and hastily said to the emperor, "Your Majesty, what should we do? Shall we summon the imperial physician?"

Yuwen Hong hadn't expected that the lively Lin Daying he'd spoken to just a few days ago would now be bedridden.

His first thought was that she might be playing weak, trying to gain favor like other concubines, but then he realized there was no way she could have known in advance that he was coming.

With a calm yet serious expression, he said, "Call for the imperial physician. I'll go in and see her."

"Yes!"

Dong Yuzhong quickly turned to Qiu Ming and instructed, "Go summon Physician Wang."

Qiu Ming understood the implication and hurried off to the Imperial Hospital.

This was the emperor's first time visiting Lin Daying's quarters. But right now, he had no time to observe the surroundings as he went straight to the inner chamber.

There, he saw the once-vibrant Lin Daying lying pale and sweating, her brows furrowed in what seemed to be a nightmare. Standing by her bedside was none other than Xia An, tending to her.