Pampered Consort of the Fragrant Orchard

“This Emperor understands.” Han Mingze rose, looking at Du Xiaoli. “Anle, regarding the Empress, I apologize on her behalf. At the time, she was threatened by the Empress Dowager, so she...”

“I understand,” Du Xiaoli replied. “I no longer blame the Empress. The moment she shielded me from that strike and nearly lost her life doing so, I let go of my resentment.”

“Even if she hadn't intervened, you would have been fine,” Han Mingze countered.

“Yes, the Empress Dowager's strike couldn't have harmed me. But in the Empress's eyes, that blow would have taken my life,” Du Xiaoli replied. “The significance is different. If the Empress were ruthless or ill-natured, she wouldn't have worried for me. And I wouldn't have fought to save her. Though she may feel more guilt, regardless, her heart isn't evil. Besides, you've all said she had no choice.”

If the Empress had merely used that night's peril as an excuse—saying she acted out of necessity and offering a simple apology—Du Xiaoli would never have forgiven her. But she risked her life to express her regret. That proved she felt genuinely guilty. After all, as the Emperor's wife, she needn't have saved Du Xiaoli at all. No one would have blamed her for not doing so.

“I'm glad you understand. I must attend the morning court session. The Empress is in your care. Oh, and by the way—Fan Nuo'er and Wang Ze have been arrested within the palace grounds.” Han Mingze smiled at Du Xiaoli before opening the door and departing.

Outside, Eunuch Shan and several other eunuchs waited, holding the dragon robe. Seeing the Emperor emerge, they hurried to assist him in changing for the morning court session.

Du Xiaoli instructed Xia Yuan and Ying Ge to rest in the adjacent room. After days of continuous travel, followed by a night of harrowing events upon their return, everyone was exhausted.

Xia Yuan hesitated to leave but, receiving Du Xiaoli’s order, obeyed and left to rest.

Du Xiaoli came to the Empress's bedside to take her pulse every fifteen minutes. She even held the Empress's hand, channeling her own inner energy into the Empress's body. Du Xiaoli could see that the Empress's condition improved significantly after her energy entered her body.

Could her energy possess healing properties?

Du Xiaoli startled herself with this thought, then chuckled, dismissing it as overthinking.

By midday, sensing the Empress's condition had stabilized, Du Xiaoli leaned against the bed to rest. Before she could drift off, Xia Yuan entered to announce Han Mingze and Han Mingyi had arrived.

Du Xiaoli instructed Xia Yuan and Ying Ge to pull the newly installed screen across to block the view of the Empress's bed before opening the door to let them in.

“How is the Empress’ condition?” Han Mingze's first words upon entering were a concern for her health.

“Her condition has stabilized. It's just a matter of when she'll wake up.” Du Xiaoli replied, “However, her internal organs are currently undergoing self-repair. It's still inadvisable to move her. It's best for her to remain here for the next few days.”

“Thank you, Anle,” Han Mingze said gratefully.

“It's my duty,” Du Xiaoli answered. If not for her, the Empress wouldn't have ended up like this.

“So the Empress is essentially out of danger?” Han Mingyi inquired.

“Well, theoretically yes. But unexpected complications cannot be ruled out,” Du Xiaoli clarified.

Upon hearing this, Han Mingyi stepped forward, took Du Xiaoli's hand, and pulled her toward the exit. As they walked, he stated, “Liuli Palace.”

Liuli Palace was where Du Xiaoli had stayed during her last visit to the palace. By mentioning it, Han Mingyi was signaling to Han Mingze that he should go there if he needed to find Du Xiaoli.

Han Mingze watched Han Mingyi pull Du Xiaoli away without comment, then turned and retreated behind the screen.

“Xiao Yi-gege, where are you taking me?” Du Xiaoli followed Han Mingyi out of the Cold Palace. Along the way, numerous palace maids and eunuchs bowed to them in greeting.

“To rest,” Han Mingyi replied. “You need rest.”

They arrived at Liuli Palace, where Han Mingyi led Du Xiaoli straight to the bedchamber.

“Sleep,” Han Mingyi said, settling her onto the bed.

Du Xiaoli looked at Han Mingyi’s expression and giggled. “ At least let me take a bath and freshen up before sleeping. I haven't had a proper bath in ages—I stink."

Han Mingyi sat beside her, leaned in to sniff her, and declared, “You don't stink. You still smell sweet.”

Du Xiaoli rolled her eyes at him. “Your nose must be broken.”

“Not at all,” Han Mingyi replied. “My nose has always been perfectly normal—and quite sensitive. But a bath will help you rest better, so you can soak before sleeping.”

As soon as Han Mingyi finished speaking, Ying Ge had already had the bath tub and hot water brought in.

Du Xiaoli watched Ying Ge directing them and silently wondered why she hadn't seen her earlier—apparently Han Mingyi had summoned her here to help.

“Mistress, the hot water is ready. Here are Mistress’ clothes; I've placed them here. This servant will take her leave now.” Ying Ge closed the door behind her as she spoke.

After all that rushing around, Du Xiaoli reeked of both dust and blood. Seeing the hot water, she wanted to soak properly. She got up and walked to the tub, only then remembering there was a man sitting in the room.

She turned to face Han Mingyi and asked, “Aren't you leaving?”

“I stayed to see if you need anything,” Han Mingyi replied calmly.

Du Xiaoli shot him a withering look. “Are you sure you're not just here looking for a beating?”

MoonWhisperer, skyrise's Thoughts

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