Chapter 97

Chapter 97: Favored Once More

Hearing this, Qi Shu Xian’s expression flickered. If anyone else could cure him, he naturally wouldn’t seek Sheng Zhi Wan’s help.

It made sense that Huan Zhu, having served Sheng Zhi Wan, would know these techniques.

Considering it briefly, he quickly turned back. “Fine. But remember, if you’re deceiving this Heir, you know the consequences.”

“Yes!” Huan Zhu timidly lowered her head. “Could… could this Concubine tidy herself up first?”

Only then did Qi Shu Xian notice Huan Zhu’s soaking dress.

The thin fabric clung tightly to her body, soaked completely through, revealing smooth, porcelain-like skin beneath the rays of the fading sun. The sight inexplicably reminded him of another, whose skin was equally fine…

“My Lord?” Huan Zhu shivered lightly.

Though the garments Sheng Zhi Wan had sent her were beautiful, when wet and touched by the wind, they truly chilled her to the bone.

Snapped back to his senses by her voice, Qi Shu Xian looked away awkwardly. “Go ahead.”

“Yes.” Huan Zhu soon returned, dressed anew.

The gown was still from Sheng Zhi Wan. Light and delicate, the pale pink outer robe contrasted beautifully with the soft apricot lining, resembling the subtle blush of natural skin. In the dimly lit room, she carried an irresistible allure.

“My Lord, please sit and expose your left arm,” Huan Zhu softly instructed.

Qi Shu Xian impatiently loosened his garment, revealing his left arm. There, a wound inflicted by the hairpin had begun scabbing over.

“It’s here,” he gestured.

“Yes.” Huan Zhu began gently pressing his arm in precise, rhythmic motions, exactly as Sheng Zhi Wan had once taught her.

Qi Shu Xian initially doubted, but after the first session, he truly felt warmth flow through his arm.

“My Lord, this should be done at least three times daily for several dozen days,” Huan Zhu explained softly, tilting her face subtly to display her loveliest side.

“Mmm,” Qi Shu Xian responded absently.

Silence fell. Qi Shu Xian’s gaze, wandering, rested upon Huan Zhu’s face, realizing for the first time that this maidservant he’d never really noticed had an unexpectedly lovely countenance.

A subtle fragrance rose as she grew slightly flushed from her efforts, stirring something within him.

He closed his eyes, struggling to suppress the growing heat within.

After the final treatment, just as Qi Shu Xian moved to rise, Huan Zhu suddenly cried out, seemingly unsteady from maintaining the same posture for too long. She stumbled forward and landed directly into his arms.

Qi Shu Xian felt the rush of her scent enveloping him, her delicate skin soft as jade beneath his fingers.

Before he realized it, he had turned and pressed her firmly against the table.

“You lowly wretch! Did you drug me again?” Qi Shu Xian growled furiously, slapping her across the face.

Caught in the excitement of her success, Huan Zhu was suddenly jolted awake by the strike. Stunned, she stammered, “No… it wasn’t me… I—I didn’t use any drug!”

“How dare you lie! You deliberately tempted me again, didn’t you? Fine! Since you’re so eager, I’ll fulfill your wish!” Qi Shu Xian slapped her once more.

Amid Huan Zhu’s startled cries, shameful sounds soon filled the small courtyard.

…

Night was approaching. Meng Yang, exhausted from the day’s affairs and heavily pregnant, finally returned home.

Worried and weary, her thoughts lingered on Qi Shu Xian’s wounded arm. [How could it be that those doctors couldn’t even heal an injury from a mere hairpin attack by Sheng Zhi Wan?]

Today, she’d asked around about doctors from Eastern Wa. Their methods reportedly differed greatly from Sheng Kingdom’s; perhaps they could cure her Lord.

Thinking this, she opened her mouth to send Qing Liu to Mountain Mist Courtyard to summon Qi Shu Xian, only to recall Qing Liu was still bedridden. So, she instead called Qing Xing to go in her place.

After Qing Xing left, Meng Yang freshened herself carefully. Even pregnant, she wished to present her best appearance to the man she loved.

She lightly powdered her face until the faint pregnancy spots vanished. Smiling with satisfaction, she mused about the inconvenience of ancient cosmetics. [If only modern cosmetics could be recreated here…]

Excited by the idea, Meng Yang waited patiently.

Yet, even when the main kitchen had delivered dinner, Qing Xing had not returned.

Meng Yang grew restless.

Normally, Qi Shu Xian would arrive without being summoned at this hour. Why hadn’t he come tonight?

Could his injury have worsened?

Worried, Meng Yang immediately stepped outside the Endless Courtyard. She soon spotted Qing Xing hurrying back alone, head lowered and without Qi Shu Xian.

“Where is my Lord? Has his wound worsened?” Meng Yang anxiously asked.

“N-no… Mistress, perhaps you should wait inside. My Lord might come shortly,” Qing Xing said nervously, avoiding eye contact.

Meng Yang pressed urgently, “What’s going on? Did you even go to him?”

“I did!” Qing Xing dropped to her knees, frightened. “My Lord… he’s at Fragrance Gathering Garden!”