It is often said that "Ten fingers are connected to the heart."
Moreover, a burn is different from other injuries. The initial pain can be endured, but after a while, the burned area feels like it's being pricked by needles, causing a piercing pain.
Xiao Jingheng gently placed Song Zhao's hand in his palm, his eyes filled with compassion.
"Go and fetch the imperial physician!"
During grand banquets in the palace, the imperial physician would be present in the side hall, ready to attend to any emergencies.
Xiao Jingheng urgently called for the imperial physician, who hurriedly ran from the side hall to attend to Song Zhao's injury.
After a brief examination of the injury, the imperial physician said:
"Fortunately, the temperature of the tea was not too high, and the injury is not severe. I will apply some cooling ointment for burns, and within three to five days, it should fully heal."
"Three to five days..." Song Zhao suddenly withdrew her hand and shook her head, pursing her lips. "I still want to play a pipa piece to celebrate the Emperor's birthday. Would the imperial physician wait for me to finish playing before treating me?"
"Well..." The imperial physician clearly hesitated and struggled to respond.
Xiao Jingheng, concerned and displeased, said:
"Nonsense. You can play the pipa anytime. How can we let the roots of the injury take hold? Chu Imperial Physician, go and fetch the medicine."
Xiao Jingheng could sense the disappointment on Song Zhao's face, so he embraced her shoulders and softly comforted her:
"Alright, I understand your intentions. But if you play the pipa while injured, won't every note cause me heartache?"
With so many eyes watching Song Zhao, Xiao Jingheng's concern for her was undeniable.
If she were to act coquettish at this moment, it would likely invite much envy.
So, she tactfully said, "It's because this concubine is clumsy and has ruined Your Majesty's enjoyment."
Xiao Jingheng found it strange.
In his eyes, Song Zhao was never a reckless person. On such an occasion, she would not even be unable to hold a cup steady.
As his thoughts drifted, he instinctively looked at Concubine Liu.
Concubine Liu was startled by his sharp gaze and was about to defend herself when Song Zhao preemptively spoke:
"Your Majesty, it has nothing to do with Concubine Liu. It was this concubine's carelessness in failing to hold the cup firmly."
Concubine Liu's explanation was stuck in her throat and she swallowed it back down. She then leaned close to Song Zhao, gently blowing on her fingers, displaying a look of compassion.
Observing their "deep sisterly bond," Xiao Jingheng's suspicions did not dissipate.
He felt that something was amiss with this situation.
Perhaps Concubine Liu had deliberately caused it. After all, the sound of their cups clinking earlier was loud enough for him, who was seated at the head, to hear clearly.
And Song Zhao, with her gentle and conflict-averse nature, perhaps didn't want to invite trouble, so she swallowed her grievances.
"Ah!" Just as Xiao Jingheng was about to continue his questioning, Song Zhao suddenly let out a cry of pain while the imperial physician was applying the cooling ointment.
The young girl tightly bit her lip, and a faint blush colored her lips.
Song Zhao's delicate eyebrows furrowed slightly, and tears glistened in her eyes.
Xiao Jingheng's heart shattered as he watched, his tone turning stern with the imperial physician.
"Can't you be more careful with your actions?"
The imperial physician noticed that Song Zhao's fingers, which were applying ointment, were trembling. He quickly fetched some clean water and rinsed off the ointment from her fingertips.
Upon closer inspection, they discovered numerous tiny wounds on Song Zhao's fingertips that were barely noticeable to the naked eye.
"Your Majesty, please forgive me, Princess, please forgive me. This humble servant was foolish and did not notice the many minor wounds on Princess's fingertips before."
"This cooling ointment should not be used on open wounds. Otherwise, the ointment would seep into the wounds and cause a stinging sensation. This humble servant will prepare a milder ointment for Princess, which should alleviate her pain quickly."
The imperial physician swiftly retrieved another ointment.
However, this time, Xiao Jingheng said, "Bring it here. I'll apply the ointment to Song Zhao."
He cradled Song Zhao's hand and gently applied the ointment to her fingertips.
The other consorts, who had initially come to spectate, unexpectedly witnessed Xiao Jingheng's tender treatment of Song Zhao.
Empress Ying caught a glimpse of a displeased expression on Concubine Chen's face and took the opportunity to sarcastically remark in a low voice, "The Emperor is so considerate towards Song Zhao. Concubine Chen, the Emperor dotes on you the most. Has he ever treated you this way?"
"Hmph," Concubine Chen's jealousy dissipated, replaced by a scornful expression. "Since I entered the palace, I've rarely experienced any illnesses. The only time was during a miscarriage, and the Emperor stayed by my side for a full two months. Ying, you should be asking the Empress about this matter."
She smiled and looked at the Empress, her tone filled with a peculiar air. "Empress, you often suffer from heart ailments. Has the Emperor ever treated you like this?"
The Empress responded with a gentle and smiling demeanor, completely ignoring Concubine Chen as if she didn't exist.
She stepped forward and stood before Song Zhao, showing concern.
"I heard from Consort Yao that you originally had no knowledge of playing musical instruments. However, in order to make the Emperor happy during the Wan Shou Festival, you tirelessly practiced the pipa day and night. At night, you even braved the cold winds to practice in the corridor, so is that true?"
Song Zhao felt a bit embarrassed and lowered her head, shaking it in denial.
"I am naturally untalented, but I can only make up for it with diligence in order to learn a thing or two."
Xiao Jingheng finally understood. "So the wounds on your fingers were caused by the strings of the qin?"
Song Zhao pursed her lips and remained silent. Yun Shan, who was standing aside, couldn't hold back and interjected, "Princess, practicing the pipa day and night without skill, how could you not get injured? Besides, if it's because your wrists lack strength from practicing for so long, how come you can't even hold a teacup steady?"
"Yun Shan, do not speak out of turn in front of the Emperor!"
Despite the admonishment, the words had already been spoken.
As for whether it was an indiscreet remark, the speaker may have had no ill intentions, but the listener naturally had their own thoughts.
For example, Xiao Jingheng, who was currently applying ointment to Song Zhao's fingers.
As he looked into Song Zhao's eyes, there was clearly an added touch of pity and tenderness.
"How can I not feel heartache when you're like this?"
"Your Majesty, this concubine only wanted to give you a surprise..." Song Zhao's emotions were deeply despondent as she choked up and said, "Unfortunately, even such a small matter has been ruined by this concubine."
Her grievances were laid bare,
She had worked so hard to prepare for this, but now her heartfelt intentions had only caused her own failure,
Self-blame and regret were inevitable.
Actually, if she were to cry in Xiao Jingheng's embrace at this moment, it might bring him some comfort.
But watching her desperately suppress all her grievances and swallow them down,
It was as if there were countless sharp hooks scratching at Xiao Jingheng's heart.
He held Song Zhao tightly, speaking with gentle reassurance,
And Song Zhao, always understanding the bigger picture,
Not a single tear fell from her eyes, only a glistening hint of tears as she smiled at Xiao Jingheng,
Seeing Xiao Jingheng furrow his brow with concern, she reached out and smoothed his brow,
"Today is Your Majesty's auspicious birthday. Sisters have all prepared performances with great care. Your Majesty should be happy. When Your Majesty is pleased, this concubine will also be happy."
