Yun Qin and Rong Xin finished tidying up and stepped outside, where daylight already streamed brightly.
Upon arriving at the main hall, they saw a palace maid from the Emperor’s personal attendants carrying a water basin and other items into the inner chamber.
Could it be that the Emperor had not yet left for court?
Exchanging a glance, both saw astonishment mirrored in each other’s eyes.
The Emperor was known for his diligence in governance and always attended court punctually. What could have happened today?
Composing herself, Yun Qin lowered her gaze and followed closely behind Rong Xin, stepping lightly and swiftly into the hall.
The windows in the inner chamber remained unopened, with only two candle lamps illuminating the space, casting a dim and shadowy atmosphere.
As Yun Qin entered behind Rong Xin, she lifted her eyes slightly and took in the scene clearly.
The Emperor stood in the center, attended by a palace maid from his personal staff who was helping him into his court robes. Another set of court robes lay discarded on the soft couch nearby, seemingly having been changed out of.
Concubine Hui sat on the couch, her eyes filled with grievance and fear as she watched the Emperor, looking as though she wanted to reach out but dared not.
From the situation, Yun Qin could guess what had likely happened—Concubine Hui had probably soiled the Emperor’s robes while helping him dress, perhaps due to a mishap.
Recalling that Concubine Hui was most prone to morning sickness, Yun Qin wondered if she had vomited on the Emperor’s clothes.
For a moment, Yun Qin wasn’t sure whom to sympathize with.
The delay in attending court, though the Emperor’s face showed no obvious anger, had created an oppressive atmosphere that left everyone in the hall trembling with anxiety.
The palace maid attending to him trembled slightly, fumbling with a button for what felt like an eternity without securing it. Growing impatient, Huo Jinchi waved his sleeve to dismiss her and began fastening the buttons himself.
As he casually glanced up, his eyes fell upon Yun Qin, who had just entered and stood still in the hall. His gaze lingered on her for a moment.
It wasn’t that Huo Jinchi had intentionally taken notice, but the young palace maid seemed to stand out more than others. Among so many people, he always seemed to spot her at a glance.
She still wore the same willow-green palace attire. The uniform winter garment, though not perfectly fitted, still revealed her slender waist. Even the bulky clothing seemed to suit her well.
Yun Qin stood with her head bowed, focusing intently on maintaining a low profile, when suddenly she felt a forceful shove from behind.
Rong Xin gasped in shock, reaching out to pull Yun Qin back, but it was too late. Stumbling forward, Yun Qin found herself standing right before the Emperor, and she quickly masked the surprise in her eyes.
Yun Qin was utterly astonished. Instinctively turning her head, she saw Xu An’s wrinkled face and immediately understood, gritting her teeth in frustration.
What? No one dared to step forward, so they pushed her out to “face death,” is that it?
Huo Jinchi’s gaze first shifted to Xu An, his expression tinged with amusement.
Xu An felt somewhat embarrassed under the scrutiny and dared not look up again.
His reasoning was simple: seeing the Emperor’s lingering gaze on Yun Qin, he had pushed her forward to serve, hoping it might please the Emperor.
Huo Jinchi withdrew his gaze and let it settle on Yun Qin’s face.
In the dimly lit chamber, her delicate features appeared somewhat hazy, as if she were afraid. The slight trembling of her long eyelashes evoked pity. Indeed, viewing a beauty by lamplight was a pleasing sight.
Huo Jinchi released the button he had been fastening, waiting for Yun Qin to step forward and help him dress.
To his surprise, though Yun Qin took a step forward, she stopped before Concubine Hui.
“Your Highness, are you feeling unwell? Should this servant hurry to the Imperial Medical Bureau to fetch your medicine?”
Huo Jinchi was taken aback for a moment, then let out a soft chuckle, nearly laughing aloud.
Xu An, meanwhile, was almost dumbfounded.
Should he praise her for her loyalty, or scold her for her foolishness?
The silence in the room was broken by Yun Qin. Everyone felt like fish that had been submerged underwater, finally surfacing to take a breath. The atmosphere in the inner hall relaxed accordingly.
Upon hearing Yun Qin’s words filled with concern, Concubine Hui’s eyes reddened even more. She shook her head slightly and said, “I am fine.”
Yun Qin felt a pang of sadness, suddenly realizing that Concubine Hui was only nineteen years old now—a year younger than she had been before crossing over.
Because of Yun Qin, Huo Jinchi also noticed Concubine Hui’s expression. Seeing both mistress and maid with reddened eyes, he felt somewhat helpless.
“It’s just a piece of clothing. Is it worth getting so upset over?”
“I… I didn’t mean to,” Concubine Hui grew even more aggrieved. “But I truly couldn’t control myself, and I’ve angered Your Majesty again.”
Seeing her on the verge of tears again, Huo Jinchi’s expression darkened as he looked at Rong Zhi and the others. “Are you all dead? Your mistress has vomited. Why are you all standing around instead of preparing some food for her?”
Hearing this, Yun Qin inwardly scoffed. Why were they all pretending to be dead? It was because you were throwing a tantrum!
She reached out and touched the teapot on the table, finding it still warm. She poured a cup and handed it to Concubine Hui. “Before having your meal, Your Ladyship, drink some warm water to soothe your stomach.”
Concubine Hui nodded and took a small sip.
Watching this, Huo Jinchi inexplicably felt that this little palace maid was subtly rebuking him.
He inwardly clicked his tongue, then said to Concubine Hui, “I’m the one whose clothes got dirty, yet you seem more aggrieved than I am. If you’re not feeling well, there’s no need to rush your meal. Wait until I return from court, and I’ll join you for breakfast.”
“Does Your Majesty truly mean that?”
“Of course.” Huo Jinchi smiled, glancing at Yun Qin out of the corner of his eye.
Yun Qin lowered her gaze, indifferent to this. She simply suddenly remembered Beauty Liu.
Last night, the Emperor had also said he would join her for breakfast.
Afterward, the Emperor hurriedly put on his court robes and left in his carriage.
Yun Qin and Rong Xin opened the windows of the inner hall, drew back the curtains, and let bright light flood the room.
“Your Ladyship, perhaps you should rest for a while,” Rong Zhi whispered in persuasion.
Concubine Hui, now in high spirits, shook her head at her and looked toward Yun Qin, who was tidying the bed.
“Yun Qin, come here,” she beckoned with a smile.
As soon as Yun Qin approached, she was met with a fierce glare from Rong Zhi. Suppressing the urge to roll her eyes, Yun Qin smiled and asked, “What does Your Ladyship require?”
Concubine Hui affectionately took her hand and said with a smile, “Thanks to you last night and this morning, I must reward you properly. Is there anything you desire?”
“Serving by Your Ladyship’s side is this servant’s greatest honor.” Yun Qin had anticipated this and wore an expression of pleasant surprise.
Concubine Hui patted her hand. “I never realized before what a thoughtful person you are. From now on, you shall stay by my side to serve.” She repeated what she had said the previous night, then turned to Rong Zhi. “In my jewelry box, there is a filigree gold hairpin inlaid with green jade. Find it and give it to Yun Qin.”
“This is too much. This servant never expected any reward for doing these things,” Yun Qin quickly waved her hands in refusal.
“If I give it to you, accept it,” Concubine Hui’s smile grew even warmer.
Yun Qin lowered her head, feigning shyness. “Last night was not this servant’s accomplishment alone. It was Xiao Dezi who went to fetch the imperial physician.”
“You don’t seek to claim all the credit,” Concubine Hui couldn’t help but laugh. “Don’t worry, I will reward him as well.”
“This servant thanks Your Ladyship.”
When Rong Zhi handed the hairpin to Yun Qin, Yun Qin could almost hear the sound of her gritting her teeth. A sudden sense of satisfaction welled up in her heart.
I should thank her for helping me take this step!