Chapter 58: A Visit
Lan Wu’s thoughts remained unclear to Chen Li, but seeing her calm down, Chen Li inwardly breathed a sigh of relief.
When Chen Li saw the contents of the medical records, she herself was greatly startled and immediately wanted to close them, wishing she had never laid eyes on them. She thought to herself, Her Ladyship truly investigates with precision, uncovering such a matter that could cost one’s head.
However, as she nervously glanced around, she couldn’t help but find Imperial Physician Xu’s actions strange, almost as if they were deliberate.
Even she had been assigned to Zhen Shuyi by His Majesty, so it was impossible that Imperial Physician Xu’s medical records would not be seen by His Majesty. Yet, to this day, no commotion had arisen.
What did this mean?
It meant His Majesty had other plans!
Only after realizing this did Chen Li carefully flip through the medical records again.
“These days have been troublesome for you, Court Physician Chen. Rest assured, you will not be without rewards in the future,” Lan Wu spoke softly to her, though her tone was icy.
Chen Li’s heart skipped a beat, and she quickly changed the subject to stop her words, replying with a respectful and gentle smile, “This humble official dares not accept such praise. Assisting Your Ladyship is an honor. Today, I came to deliver medicine to Your Ladyship.”
Upon hearing that word, Lan Wu’s mouth began to water. She forced a dry laugh and said, “Very well.”
The medicine could not be avoided.
Meanwhile, Jia Pin arrived at Qiushui Pavilion.
This was the second time she had seen the personal palace maid specially assigned by His Majesty to care for Rong Shuyi.
“What is your name? Tell me.”
Jia Pin was in no hurry to see Rong Shuyi; instead, she was somewhat curious about Zhu Xia.
Zhu Xia appeared no different from the other palace servants, except she was more meticulous in her conduct, resembling the matrons who once taught palace etiquette.
Yet, when replying, she was respectful, showing no signs of impropriety.
“This servant is Zhu Xia.”
Jia Pin nodded, suddenly recalling something. “I remember Rong Shuyi has another palace maid named Ban Xia. Have her come serve me tea later. I must ask her whether she has taken proper care of Rong Shuyi.”
Zhu Xia acknowledged the order and led her into the hall.
In just three days, the foul odor in the hall had dissipated completely. A small incense burner in the room was leisurely emitting wisps of fragrance.
Jia Pin immediately noticed Rong Shuyi, who had risen to greet her with a bow.
She paused slightly for a moment but quickly composed herself and helped Rong Shuyi up as if nothing were amiss. “Sister Rong, please take your seat. Why would I stand on ceremony with you?”
Rong Shuyi rose with her assistance and only sat down after Jia Pin had taken the seat beside her.
“How is your health now?” Jia Pin examined her carefully and said slowly, “I see you have lost much weight.”
Rong Shuyi lowered her head slightly and replied, “The Imperial Physician says I am already well.”
At this, she seemed to recall something sorrowful. Her expression shifted slightly, and she covered her face with a handkerchief, saying, “But my body is still depleted, and I have no appetite, so I have grown thinner.”
Jia Pin noticed Ban Xia entering the hall with tea. Unlike Rong Shuyi, her small face appeared pale from fright, looking even more haggard.
Zhu Xia was not in the hall.
Jia Pin remarked, “I just saw the palace maid His Majesty assigned to you. She seems quite meticulous. His Majesty truly cares for you, Sister, otherwise he would not have specially sent someone to look after you.”
However, in the past month, His Majesty had not once visited Qiushui Pavilion.
His Majesty had always been indifferent, but now, with Zhen Shuyi, he doted on her like a treasure—an exception indeed.
“Sister, while recuperating in the hall, you may not know of the affairs outside. That Zhen Jieyu is now Zhen Shuyi.”
She told Rong Shuyi, “A few days ago, His Majesty sent someone to Longyu Pavilion to teach Zhen Shuyi the rules. The matron was disrespectful to Zhen Shuyi, and His Majesty immediately dealt with her. Zhen Shuyi was wronged, so His Majesty promoted her.”
“I’m telling you this, sister. Since His Majesty has already said it was an accident, don’t act impulsively when you see her in the future.”
Rong Shuyi gripped the armrest of her chair, seemingly unsettled by her words, but she quickly regained her composure.
“Thank you for telling me, Your Highness. I understand.”
“I only came to see you today. His Majesty said you should rest quietly. Since you’re better now, go out more often and get some sunlight.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
As Jia Pin stepped out of the hall, she turned around and spotted Banxia standing inside. She looked at Rong Shuyi and said, “I have some tonics at my place that I meant to bring you, but I forgot. Have one of your palace maids come with me to fetch them.”
Upon hearing this, Rong Shuyi expressed her gratitude and then turned to call Banxia to follow and retrieve the items.
Watching Jia Pin’s figure disappear into the distance, Rong Shuyi calmly sat back down. Zhu Xia entered the hall to tidy up.
When Banxia arrived at Changying Hall, she heard Jia Pin ordering someone to fetch the items and tried to follow, but Jia Pin stopped her.
“I noticed you’ve been unusually quiet today. Has something happened recently?” Jia Pin asked suspiciously, eyeing her.
Banxia immediately shook her head and whispered that nothing was wrong.
With no one around outside the hall, Jia Pin glanced at Qingrong beside her. Qingrong took off a bracelet she was wearing and handed it to Banxia. “Our mistress is worried about Lady Shuyi’s health. Not seeing her for a month, she fears Lady Shuyi might be distressed and something could happen. Please tell us, is Lady Shuyi truly alright?”
Banxia nervously refused the bracelet, but seeing she couldn’t decline, she knelt down. Knowing Jia Pin had been concerned about Rong Shuyi, she couldn’t help but timidly look up and speak:
“This servant doesn’t know either…”
…
After having a palace maid watch Banxia return to Qiushui Pavilion, Jia Pin pondered what Banxia had said earlier.
Banxia mentioned she often saw Rong Shuyi bleeding, but it had stopped in recent days. Rong Shuyi had been in low spirits for a while, but she had suddenly perked up in the last few days.
However, one thing Jia Pin hadn’t guessed wrong was that Rong Shuyi’s symptoms after the miscarriage had persisted for too long. She often saw white smoke rising from Qiushui Pavilion, likely from burning clothes.
A miscarriage is a miscarriage, but keeping everything so tightly sealed and not allowing anyone to investigate seemed as if there was some other hidden truth.
Jia Pin narrowed her eyes. She had another inexplicable thought in her mind, but how could she confirm her suspicion based solely on the burning of clothes? That suspicion was too… frightening. Without more concrete evidence, she wouldn’t voice it.
Besides, Imperial Physician Xu frequently visited Qiushui Pavilion to attend to Rong Shuyi’s health.
Perhaps she could start with Imperial Physician Xu?
But that was the Imperial Medical Academy.
Consorts were not allowed to befriend imperial physicians; being discovered would be troublesome.
After much thought, Jia Pin suddenly had an idea—she couldn’t befriend the imperial physician, but Consort Shu could.
She was only a Pin, how could she compare to Consort Shu, who managed the affairs of the inner palace?
At the very least, Consort Shu had people working for her. It was better not to take the initiative to become that helper.
Having settled on this, Jia Pin smiled faintly.
She summoned Qingrong.
“Prepare the writing brush and ink.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”