无翼乌工口里番无色无摭挡

Splendid Palace.

The Emperor hurried over, walking lightly as he entered Concubine Jin’s bedroom, lifting the curtain himself.

The room was dimly lit.

He saw Concubine Jin leaning against the head of the bed, her eyes slightly closed, with her left hand lightly pressing her forehead.

The warm orange light cast on her side face and her long hair, which flowed like clouds.

Her usually charming appearance now seemed a bit soft, but with a different kind of tenderness that evoked sympathy.

“Zhuzhu…” The Emperor walked over, sat by the bedside, and looked at her face, “I heard you were ill and rushed over. Does your head hurt again? What did the Imperial Physician say?”

Concubine Jin said lightly, “It’s just an old ailment. It’ll be fine in a few days. Your Majesty doesn’t need to worry.”

“How can I not worry?”

“Your Majesty, where have you come from?” Concubine Jin looked up at him, sniffing, “It smells so nice.”

The Emperor smiled, “I visited Concubine Xian this afternoon. Poor girl, with Prince Huai injured, she’s in a difficult situation.”

Concubine Jin said, “In that case, Your Majesty, please return to Prosperity Palace. If you just leave Concubine Xian like this to come here, won’t that bring her resentment upon me?”

The Emperor said, “Zhuzhu, you know me. If it weren’t for your unwillingness, I would gladly stay here with you every day. How could Concubine Xian compare to you? Besides, you’re ill. If I don’t come, I won’t feel at ease.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty. I’m feeling much better.”

“I’ll be here with you tonight.”

“My headache prevents me from serving you, Your Majesty. Please, return.”

“But…”

“Your Majesty,” Concubine Jin looked at the Emperor, “I’m deeply touched that you came to visit me in my illness. I just want to have some peace and quiet to rest. With you here, I won’t be able to sleep restfully. Besides, Concubine Xian is pitiable too. With Prince Huai in such a state, she earnestly wishes for you to drop by. If you just leave like this, how can she handle it? Wouldn’t that bring resentment on me? If you truly care for me, please return to Concubine Xian. When I’m better tomorrow, you can come again, won’t that be nice?”

Her reasonableness today surprised and moved the Emperor.

“Zhuzhu, you’re not just saying that in anger, are you?”

“Do I look like I’m speaking in anger? I just took my medicine and feel much better. Please, go.”

“Well, alright,” the Emperor stood up, and instructed the palace maids, “Take good care of the noble consort. Report any concerns promptly. Zhuzhu, you rest peacefully. As soon as I finish morning court tomorrow, I will come to see you. Tell me what you want to eat, and I’ll ask the Imperial Kitchen to prepare it.”

“I want to have breakfast made by the Princess Consort.”

“…Alright, I’ll send someone to ask her to prepare it.”

The Emperor gave a thousand reminders and a million instructions before finally leaving with the eunuchs.

When she confirmed that he had left Splendid Palace, Concubine Jin stretched lazily and yawned, “Finally left. All that talking almost put me to sleep. Xiangli, put out the light, let’s go to bed.”

There was not a trace of sickness in her.

A palace maid whispered with a smile, “Since you went to the trouble of inviting the Emperor over, why let him go? Now he’s sure to return to Prosperity Palace. Wasn’t all our effort wasted?”

Concubine Jin crawled under the blanket and closed her eyes, “By now, Concubine Xian has probably gone to bed.”

“Yes, isn’t it perfect timing for the Emperor to go?”

“Our Emperor likes beauties.”

“…Yes.”

“After all, Concubine Xian is approaching fifty. No matter how well she maintains herself and dresses up, she can only preserve her appearance while sitting still. Once she removes her makeup, her pale complexion, the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes, and the drooping corners of her mouth are all exposed.. How can there be any beauty left in that?”