Her wound had not yet healed, so she could not wear layers of luxurious clothing.
After thinking for a moment, he continued: "Send some rewards over tomorrow, and inform Consort Rong of this news, to avoid making her feel disheartened."
Although he had made thorough arrangements that day, even if Consort Rong hadn't shielded him, he wouldn't have actually been hit by the arrow.
But the fact that Consort Rong was injured for him was undeniable.
Wang Dequan naturally agreed to all of the Emperor's instructions.
When he entered through the curtains, several Imperial Physicians were standing behind the screen, directing the female doctors to scrape away the necrotic flesh around Consort Rong's wound.
Seeing the Emperor arrive, they all stopped their actions, intending to bow, but were stopped by the Xuanwu Emperor: "No need for formalities, Consort Rong's wound is more urgent, please continue!"
Lianqiao was startled and bit her lip, not daring to look at the Xuanwu Emperor. Had he heard everything she said earlier?
Consort Rong's clothes were half undone, but when the Xuanwu Emperor saw this, he didn't have any inappropriate thoughts. He only felt that the arrowhead must have been truly sharp, as Consort Rong's injury this time was not light.
"Your Majesty..."
"Don't get up!"
The Emperor pressed down on Consort Rong: "I've come to see how you're recovering."
Lianqiao thought: It feels like he's hinting at me!
Anesthetic had been applied to the wound, so Consort Rong only felt a slight tingling sensation. However, watching the necrotic flesh being scraped away from her chest was still a frightening sight.
Consort Rong smiled with a pale face: "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I... I am fine."
She certainly didn't look fine.
The Xuanwu Emperor turned to ask the Imperial Physician: "Will it leave a scar?"
Women attach great importance to their appearance and skin, especially those in the palace. The more beautiful their outward appearance, the greater their chances of gaining favor.
The Imperial Physician considered carefully before answering: "Consort Rong's wound is deep enough to see bone, so it will definitely leave a scar. We will do our best to make the scar as light and small as possible for Consort Rong. If the color is light, it can be concealed with powder."
Women apply powder when dressing up, and applying powder to the body can similarly conceal blemishes.
Upon hearing that there would be a scar, Consort Rong's entire demeanor wilted, her expression on the verge of tears.
The Xuanwu Emperor coughed twice out of guilt: "Wang Dequan, I remember that among the tribute gifts from Goguryeo, there was some premium scar-removal gel. Have someone bring two jars for Consort Rong."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Goguryeo had always been famous for its superior makeup and beauty techniques.
Scar removal should also be quite good.
After the wound was bandaged and the Imperial Physician instructed not to let it touch water, Consort Rong nodded and tried to stand up. However, due to the anesthetic, her delicate body fell helplessly into the Xuanwu Emperor's arms.
If she were to fall now, wouldn't the wound burst open and bleed again?
The Xuanwu Emperor could only reach out, avoiding her wound, and hold her slender waist, embracing her in his arms.
Seeing this, Lianqiao quickly signaled to everyone with her eyes. Wang Dequan glanced at the Emperor before retreating along with the Imperial Physicians and female doctors.
Consort Rong's eyes were full of coyness, her beautiful face flushed, exuding a charming and alluring aura.
The Xuanwu Emperor avoided her passionate gaze, gently laying her down and helping her lie on the bed: "My beloved, your arrow wound has not yet healed. You should not get out of bed or move around. I will arrange for palace servants to take good care of you. It's already late today, so I won't disturb your rest. I'll come to see you another day."
"Cousin!"
Consort Rong grabbed the hem of his robe before he could withdraw, her eyes full of grief: "If it's not Senior Concubine Xian, can it not be anyone else?"
The atmosphere froze for a moment. The Xuanwu Emperor pulled back his robe and left the chamber without slowing his pace.
Sometimes, silence is the best answer.
The magnificent palace was like an exquisite cage, locking away what should have been a beautiful life.
What use was this flower-like beauty?
Without someone who truly appreciated her, she was like a flower deprived of water and sunlight, soon to wither and fade in this exquisite prison.
"My Lady..."
"Where... did His Majesty go?"
"This servant heard His Majesty say he was returning to Chengqian Palace."
Consort Rong gave a bitter laugh: "I thought he was in such a hurry to go to Hexi Palace to accompany Senior Concubine Xian."
Lianqiao hesitated to speak, and seeing this, Consort Rong said flatly: "If you have something to say, just say it."
Lianqiao felt that her mistress should know, so she said: "His Majesty sent someone to bring Concubine Zhen's mother into the palace."
He didn't go to Hexi Palace not because he didn't want to, but out of consideration for Senior Concubine Xian. He left space and time for the mother and daughter to reunite, willing to inconvenience himself so that Senior Concubine Xian could maintain a good mood.
"Crash!"
The medicinal decoction that had just been prepared by the palace maid was pushed to the ground, shattering into pieces.
The sky cleared, revealing a pristine blue.
The first rays of morning sunlight filtered through the carved window into the inner chamber. A faint fragrance of fruits and melons rose continuously from the large incense burner.
The tapestry on the east wall basked in the sunlight, its gold and silver embroidery reflecting dazzling light.
Groups of palace maids entered in a line from the corridor, led by Xi Que and Shuang Jiang. Everything was so beautiful and gentle.
Lady Ruan had already risen and was watching the Sixth Prince drink milk in the back hall.
It wasn't until Xi Que came to call her for breakfast in the front hall that she reluctantly returned to Jiang Xinyue's chambers.
All the other concubines in the palace had sent congratulatory gifts. If it weren't for the Emperor's decree that no one was to disturb Senior Concubine Xian during her confinement period, the threshold of Hexi Palace would likely have been worn down by visitors.
However, while the Emperor's verbal order could stop the palace concubines, it couldn't stop the eldest princess, the second princess, and the third prince.
The small dining table was crowded with people today.
The third prince glared at the Fourth Prince with his big eyes, as if trying to bore two holes in his face.
The eldest princess wasn't as relaxed as usual. She had heard from the palace servants about how her mother had pushed down Concubine Zhen, almost causing difficulties during childbirth.
If it weren't for the second princess insisting on bringing her to see their sixth prince brother today, she definitely wouldn't have dared to come.
She liked Concubine Zhen very much and was afraid of seeing a look of disgust in her eyes. That would have been a tremendous hurt for her.
A piece of taro soaked in meat broth was placed in the eldest princess's rice bowl. Looking up, she saw Concubine Zhen's gaze, as gentle as ever: "What's wrong? Our eldest princess usually eats with the most gusto. Why aren't you using your chopsticks today? Is the food at Concubine Zhen's place not to the eldest princess's liking?"
"No, no... it's not that..." The eldest princess's eyes instantly reddened, her nose tingling as she said: "It's very delicious."
Jiang Xinyue knew what she was anxious about. She reached out to stroke her hair and smiled kindly at her: "Third prince, do you remember what Concubine Zhen told you? The grievances between adults have nothing to do with you children."
"I remember, I remember!" The third prince excitedly raised his hand, snuggling up to Jiang Xinyue's side and looking at the Fourth Prince with a challenging expression: "Father Emperor said the same thing."
"Smack!"
The third prince's head received a light slap. He yelped, looking at Jiang Xinyue in confusion, his mouth puckering up as if he was about to cry.
