With a sharp slap, a hand landed heavily on Fu Ning's face.
Chu Qianli, already in a foul mood, was further enraged when she saw Fu Ning clearly trying to cause trouble. "You wretch! Do I have to constantly bring you medicine?"
Having refused once, did this lowly servant dare to ask again? Was she foolish?
"Fu Ning, don't think you can be presumptuous around me just because you've rendered service in the past!"
If it weren't for the fact that Fu Long was still quite useful, she would have long since gotten rid of this lowly servant!
"Your subordinate dares not," Fu Ning replied, lowering her head.
Despite the slap, her expression remained unchanged, only a subtle, unnoticeable glint flickered in her downcast eyes.
"What is that look?" Chu Qianli, with her sharp eyes, quickly noticed something amiss.
"Fu Ning, what exactly are you thinking?" Chu Qianli's internal alarm bells began to ring.
In the past, Fu Ning would occasionally show confusion while by her side.
But she had never struck Fu Ning.
After all, Fu Long was very important to her.
She still had many things she needed Fu Long to do.
However, this did not mean she would allow Fu Ning to provoke her boundaries!
If Fu Ning truly suspected something, this person absolutely could not be kept!
"Your subordinate dares not, your subordinate merely... merely wants some medicine..."
"Presumptuous!" This Fu Ning was clearly deliberately making things difficult for her.
Chu Qianli said angrily, "Guards, drag her out and give her thirty strokes..."
"Your Majesty, Commander Fu seeks an audience," came the voice of a guard from outside.
Chu Qianli's anger had not yet subsided.
Fu Long, waiting outside, had already heard her angry command.
Upon entering, he saw Fu Ning standing to the side with her head bowed, clearly having displeased Chu Qianli.
Fu Long quickly said, "Your Majesty, Fu Ning was originally from the martial world and does not understand many rules. I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness!"
He didn't know what had happened, but seeing Fu Ning's current demeanor, it was clear she was not convinced.
Fu Long quickly pulled her, saying, "Fu Ning, why don't you quickly beg Your Majesty's forgiveness!"
Fu Ning took a deep breath, glanced at him, then looked at Chu Qianli. Though unwilling, she at least knew her limits.
"Your subordinate knows her mistake. I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness."
"I see you no longer wish to remain by my side. Since that is the case, starting today, you need not serve me."
"Your Majesty..."
"Begone!" Chu Qianli waved her hand, turned, and walked to a chair to sit down.
Her anger had still not dissipated.
Fu Long cast a glance at Fu Ning.
Fu Ning sighed helplessly and nodded, "Your subordinate obeys!"
After bowing, she turned and left.
After she departed, Chu Qianli's expression finally softened a little.
She looked at Fu Long, her tone becoming much gentler, "Your sister is becoming more and more unruly lately. It's not that I intentionally make things difficult for her, but she..."
"I understand. I will discipline her properly when I return."
"Never mind. Although she is ignorant, you know, I've never truly held it against her."
Chu Qianli looked at him, the smile on her brows becoming even more tender.
"Fu Long, you came to see me, was there something you needed?"
Chu Qianli had long since noticed Fu Long's affection for her.
For a man who liked her, Chu Qianli naturally showed more leniency.
Moreover, Fu Long was truly extremely useful to her.
Fu Long quickly said, "The Emperor's old ailment has recurred. This time, he sent me to ask you to come to the palace to examine him. By the way, the medicine you previously prescribed for the Emperor has been finished. He hopes you can prescribe the same medicine again, as it has an excellent soothing effect on his condition."
Medicine again!
Chu Qianli's expression changed subtly, almost imperceptibly.
But she remained composed and smiled, "The same medicine cannot be taken continuously. After prolonged use, the effect will diminish... Alright, I will go to the palace first and check the Emperor's pulse."