After a few thoughts flashed through her mind, Yun Shu still picked up her medicine box and followed the eunuch into the palace. On the way, Yun Shu gathered some news from the eunuch. Yesterday, the Emperor was fine, but this morning after the morning court, he claimed to be unwell. The imperial physicians examined him but found nothing, so they prescribed some tonic medicine.
Yun Shu arrived at Zhan Tianhong's sleeping quarters. The eunuch explained that after feeling unwell from the morning court, the Emperor had returned to his chambers and was handling state affairs from his bed. Yun Shu followed the eunuch into the sleeping quarters. This was not her first time entering Zhan Tianhong's chambers.
As she walked in with her medicine box, she saw Zhan Tianhong lying on the bed, his face a little pale, engrossed in reviewing memorials. The moment he saw Yun Shu, Zhan Tianhong exclaimed with delight, "Second Miss Yun!" His gaze fell upon her, and he realized he hadn't seen her in a long time.
Yun Shu smiled and nodded, "This commoner greets Your Majesty."
"You don't need to be so formal. You don't need to mind these palace etiquettes," Zhan Tianhong said, finding it awkward to see Yun Shu curtsy. He was used to everyone bowing to him, but he couldn't stand seeing her do so.
Yun Shu completed the formalities before walking to the bedside and asking, "When did Your Majesty realize you were unwell?" Zhan Tianhong subtly clenched the brush in his hand. He clearly sensed her distance from him.
"I've been feeling a bit unwell since last night. I don't trust those imperial physicians, Second Miss Yun. I only trust you," Zhan Tianhong said with a smile, his tone filled with trust and reliance on Yun Shu.
Yun Shu nodded without comment and gestured for Zhan Tianhong to extend his hand so she could take his pulse. Zhan Tianhong obediently offered his wrist. He then watched Yun Shu attentively taking his pulse. Did she truly intend to marry Zhan Tianye?
The eunuch beside them was secretly startled. Why did it seem like the Emperor's feelings for Second Miss Yun had only grown stronger? He hadn't thought much of it before, believing the Emperor saw Second Miss Yun as a savior. But as he observed over this period, he realized it was far more than just gratitude for saving his life! The existence of the favored consort Jiao Meiren validated this.
Yun Shu examined the pulse carefully. Finding no abnormalities, she looked up at Zhan Tianhong. "Your Majesty's body is fine. It's likely due to excessive worry these past few days, affecting your sleep. Drinking some calming herbal soup for a few days will be effective."
Zhan Tianhong knew perfectly well that he was not ill, but he still smiled and nodded. "Alright, I'll listen to you. I'll drink the calming herbal soup. It seems I was too worried and thought I had fallen seriously ill again." Yun Shu's expression was indifferent and calm, revealing nothing. At this moment, she was inwardly alarmed. When a person's heart changes, their aura subtly shifts.
She stood up and picked up her medicine box. "Since Your Majesty is well, this commoner will take her leave."
"Wait!" Zhan Tianhong suddenly sat up straight and stopped her. Yun Shu raised her eyes to look at him. "Does Your Majesty have something else?"
"I..." Zhan Tianhong had many words he wanted to say, but he suddenly felt they were not worth saying. They were things he didn't know who to talk to about, and saying them would only bother her. Yet, he had no other reason to ask her to stay, even for another moment.
"It's nothing. I just wanted to ask Second Miss Yun, if I wanted to leave the palace another day, could I visit the General's mansion?" Zhan Tianhong asked with anticipation in his eyes. Come to think of it, he hadn't left the palace in a long time.
Yun Shu nodded. "Of course." All lands under heaven belong to the King. The General's mansion was a gift from the royal family, and no one could stop the Emperor from going wherever he pleased.
Zhan Tianhong's heart rejoiced. "Good." He then commanded the eunuch beside him, "Send Second Miss Yun out of the palace."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Yun Shu followed the eunuch out. The moment she stepped out, a thought flashed through her mind: she hoped Zhan Tianhong would not truly break Zhan Tianye's heart. For some reason, Yun Shu had a sense of foreboding.
Not long after she had walked a few steps, she was met by a palace concubine, surrounded by several maids. From their attire, it was clear she was a palace concubine. Just as Yun Shu was about to pass, the concubine suddenly spoke first, "You must be Second Miss Yun, right? I've heard the Emperor mention you."
"This servant greets favored consort Jiao Meiren," the eunuch behind Yun Shu said, bowing to the concubine. Jiao Meiren quickly said, "Sir, there's no need for such formality." She then turned to Yun Shu and said warmly, "The Emperor says Second Miss Yun has superb medical skills. It was Second Miss Yun who saved him when he was critically ill before."
Yun Shu smiled faintly. Jiao Meiren continued speaking, but a hint of shyness suddenly appeared on her face. "Could Second Miss Yun please help me? I've been feeling weak lately, and when I am with the Emperor, I fear I might displease him." These words were quite bold.
Yun Shu now took a closer look at Jiao Meiren. She occasionally heard news from outside the palace. Jiao Meiren was a concubine Zhan Tianhong had recently favored. At first, Yun Shu hadn't paid much attention, but now she found Jiao Meiren's makeup and features strangely peculiar. It was as if her face had been meticulously sculpted. Those unfamiliar with the art of disguise might not notice.
Jiao Meiren felt inexplicably uneasy under Yun Shu's gaze, her eyes darting away. She was somewhat annoyed. As the Emperor's concubine, why was Second Miss Yun not giving her any face? "This commoner's medical skills are not as good as the imperial physicians. It is Your Majesty's trust. Since Favored Consort Jiao seeks me out, I will examine you." Yun Shu agreed. She glanced at Jiao Meiren's face again, a suspicion forming in her mind. Before being favored by Zhan Tianhong, Jiao Meiren was a mere palace maid. Could a palace maid know the art of disguise? Her face had undergone some disguise to alter its contours.
Jiao Meiren immediately offered her wrist. "Thank you, Second Miss Yun. I appreciate your trouble!" As Yun Shu placed her fingers on Jiao Meiren's pulse, she found her very interesting. She directly withdrew her hand.
"Second Miss Yun, what... what illness do I have? I've been worried for two or three days, I'm so scared!" Jiao Meiren stared intently at Yun Shu's reaction. Yun Shu's tone was indifferent, without deliberate lowering. "When the Emperor doesn't grant you his favor, Favored Consort Jiao simply needs to rest more."
Jiao Meiren blushed instantly. "I... Oh my... I didn't understand. You must laugh at me, Second Miss Yun!"
"It's nothing." Yun Shu looked at Jiao Meiren again carefully. The disguise was skillfully done.
Just as Jiao Meiren was about to speak further with Yun Shu, her expression suddenly changed as she saw Zhan Tianhong standing not far away. "Your... Your Majesty..."