The Enchanting Imperial Concubine (Book 1)

Chapter 136 - Attend to the sick

The Empress Dowager awoke in the evening. Upon receiving the news, all the palace consorts hurried over immediately, filling the room with a crowd.

Ning Chen personally fed her medicine and then asked, "Mother, do you still feel unwell anywhere? The imperial physicians have said that with proper care, there will be no lasting ailments, so please don't worry too much."

"As for the servants in your palace, I haven't yet made a decision. Whatever their punishment may be, I leave it to you."

Since the Empress Dowager was his elder, Ning Chen didn't want to overstep by directly punishing the servants of Cining Palace, showing his respect for her authority.

"I've already heard from Fuzhi about what happened. Those lazy cleaning servants, just give them thirty strikes and drive them out. With the Double Ninth Festival approaching, it's not appropriate to stir up too much trouble," the Empress Dowager said with clarity.

She shifted slightly, and pain shot through her, causing her brow to furrow tightly.

The weather was still warm, and with so many people in the room, it felt stuffy, filled with the unpleasant odor of medicine.

The Empress noticed her discomfort and quickly gave orders.

"Everyone, wait outside. It's too stuffy with so many people gathered here. Suqin, open the window in the corner to let in some air."

Everyone bowed and left the room, except for a few noble consorts, the Empress, and the Emperor.

Tai Guifei, wiped her tears. "Dear sister, how did you fall? I was so worried I couldn't even eat. Now that you've woken, I feel a bit better. Since I have nothing to do anyway, let me come to Cining Palace to tend to you."

"You're not young anymore. Let the younger ones handle the caretaking. I would feel uneasy if you overexerted yourself and fell ill," the Empress Dowager replied. Though she wished to frustrate Tai Guifei, her illness made her irritable, and seeing her only brought back memories of the past, further vexing her. She was eager to send her away.

"Very well. It is indeed the children's time to show their filial piety," Tai Guifei said obediently.

It was all a formality, as one was insincere, and the other knew the offer would be declined.

Ning Chen, hearing these pleasantries, remained calm. "Let the Empress arrange for the caretaking. Since there aren't many high-ranking consorts, only those ranked Jieyu and above will attend. The others are not required."

"I understand. But what about Chen Meiren..." The Empress glanced at the Empress Dowager, hesitant to finish her question.

"Did I not say only Jieyu and above?"

"Yes, Your Majesty..."

"The chill in the air is getting heavier in autumn. Sun Xiurong's body never fully recovered after the epidemic, and with the recent rains, it seems she's caught a cold," Yichun said.

"Have the imperial physician write a prescription. This discomfort is unbearable," Sun Xiurong said irritably.

The cold seemed to seep deep inside her body, and no amount of rubbing or massaging could relieve it. Only when a hot towel was applied did she feel slightly better.

It was only early September, yet she was already considering using the brazier for warmth.

Yichun nodded but felt troubled. At this point, which imperial physician would really put their heart into treating her master?

Sun Xiurong herself didn't understand, but Yichun knew well—this was likely the onset of rheumatism.

"Once you get this kind of illness, it's not easy to treat," Yichun thought. "With the weather still warm, it's bearable for now, but once winter sets in, without enough charcoal and thick blankets, it could be life-threatening."

Fortunately, Sun Xiurong had once been favored, and her family was still respectable. She had managed to accumulate enough possessions, so she wouldn't lack thick blankets. But as for the allotment of charcoal, that was uncertain.

Leaving the room, Yichun poured some water and prepared to head to the Imperial Medical Bureau. Though her mistress was confined, the servants were still allowed to go in and out of Hanlu Pavilion.

Seeing her, Danruo quickly walked over and stopped her. "Good sister, take a break. Let me handle this errand. You've been serving Sun Xiurong all morning, and haven't you been dealing with some internal heat? I'll fetch some licorice for you to brew tea."

"Then I'll leave it to you. I'll head to the small kitchen to make some porridge for Sun Xiurong. The food from the imperial kitchen is simply unfit for our mistress," Yichun sighed.

Danruo patted her on the shoulder without saying much. However, as she turned away, her eyes flickered with a hidden thought.

No matter what, Sun Xiurong's illness wouldn't garner anyone's attention.

And this year's Double Ninth Festival wouldn't be canceled due to the Empress Dowager's injury. On the ninth day of the ninth month, the evening banquet was held as usual, with members of the royal family and prominent ministers and nobles from outside the palace attending.