Xiao Chengyan knew she was angry.
Even though she was now a concubine, she was still a noble lady raised by a prestigious family. Doted on and cherished since childhood, when had she ever suffered such wrongful accusations and grievances!
“I… from now on, I will trust you.”
Lin Nong turned her face away, her slender fingers quickly brushing past the corner of her eye, forcing a smile: “Thank you, Wangye, for uncovering the truth and clearing my name.”
The two stood in the courtyard.
For a moment, neither spoke.
The Imperial Physician, who had been summoned two hours earlier, had only just arrived.
It was clear that Zi Sangli had intentionally delayed, only allowing the physician in once she knew the matter had nothing to do with her.
Xiao Chengyan frowned.
He felt Zi Sangli had gone too far.
No matter what, she was the daughter of a high-ranking official!
“Examine the concubine carefully.”
The Imperial Physician acknowledged the order and began taking her pulse.
He was indeed thorough, taking a full cup of tea’s time to finish.
“Reporting to Wangye, there are strong traces of cooling medicine in the concubine’s body, likely due to consuming more of the pastries. Fortunately, Wangfei discovered it early, otherwise, in less than half a year, both ladies would have… This humble official will prescribe a formula. With two months of careful recuperation, she should be fine.”
Lin Nong listened quietly, neither sad nor joyful, as if she were completely indifferent to whether she could bear children or not.
Xiao Chengyan remembered that her wrist seemed injured and instructed further: “Examine the concubine’s wrist.”
The Imperial Physician checked Lin Nong’s wrist.
It was slightly swollen, with a large bruise marring her delicate, fair skin—a shocking sight.
A light touch made her face pale.
Xiao Chengyan regretted his earlier impulsiveness, having injured her so roughly.
The Imperial Physician said: “Fortunately, the bone is unharmed, but it is indeed quite severe. Your Highness, please endure it. This humble official must massage the bruise to disperse the stagnant blood, or it may not heal for ten days to half a month.”
Lin Nong nodded.
The next moment, even her tightly bitten lips could not stifle a cry of pain.
Her other hand instinctively reached out and grabbed something nearby.
Xiao Chengyan’s arm was seized, and her small face buried itself in the crook of his elbow.
Looking down at her bowed neck, slender and graceful, her fragile body trembled, fine beads of cold sweat emerging.
How could she be so delicate?
He thought this, unconsciously feeling a twinge of pity.
The Imperial Physician finished.
He left a prescription and took his leave.
Lin Nong, weakened, leaned against his waist, breathing shallowly.
Xiao Chengyan did not push her away, waiting until her trembling gradually subsided before speaking: “Does it still hurt very much?”
Lin Nong looked up, realizing she had grabbed him, and panic flashed across her pale face.
She released his arm, hurriedly half-crouching and half-kneeling: “Wangye, please forgive me! I did not know it was you I pulled. I had no such intention!”
Xiao Chengyan saw the fear in her eyes and thought he must have been too harsh that morning, frightening her.
“I am not blaming you, nor do I think you did it intentionally.”
He then called her maid to help her sit down.
Lin Nong’s body swayed slightly as she was assisted, appearing extremely frail.
But she did not sit, instead glancing at him hesitantly.
Xiao Chengyan, intending to make amends, found himself with more patience: “If you have something to say, sit and speak slowly. If it is within my power, I will grant it.”
Lin Nong reminded him softly: “The Empress has placed spies here. These past few days, they have been constantly reminding me…”
Xiao Chengyan frowned.
He glanced outside.
If the palace were to learn that he and Lin Nong had never consummated their relationship, they would likely send others in soon.
Lin Nong was gentle and perceptive, disdaining to compete, but other women might not be the same!
Women raised in noble households were skilled in schemes and calculations, each more formidable than the last. If that happened, A Li would surely be unable to cope, and even Lin Nong, who had entered the household first, might suffer.
“Tonight, this Wangye will stay here.”
Lin Nong breathed a sigh of relief: “Your humble consort will abide by her duties and cause no trouble for Wangye and Wangfei. However, it would be best for Wangye to inform Wangfei in advance about staying here tonight, to prevent the servants from gossiping and causing misunderstandings.”
Xiao Chengyan studied her expression closely but saw not a trace of delight or excitement from start to finish.
Instead, there was a hint of annoyance.
As if his staying over was nothing but a nuisance.
He, a dignified Qinwang, had countless noble daughters eager to serve in his household—it was always his choice whether to accept or reject them. Yet this delicate woman forced upon him by the empress dowager didn’t seem to care about him at all!
It nearly made him laugh in frustration!
Main courtyard.
Zi Sangli’s face was dark: “Miss Xu—how dare she covet my husband! Have her taught a lesson, quietly, without leaving any evidence.”
The maid acknowledged the order, smiling as she said: “This servant understands, and will ensure Miss Xu knows it was Consort Lin who arranged her punishment! Even if she seeks revenge in the future, it will be directed at the side consort, not us!”
Zi Sangli smiled in satisfaction.
As the maid was about to leave, she saw Xiao Chengyan entering the courtyard.
“Wangye is here.”
Zi Sangli immediately leaned back against the pillows, a light layer of powder making her appear frail.
Xiao Chengyan sat at the edge of the bed, gently stroking her cheek.
Though not a woman, he knew what lay beneath his fingertips.
He didn’t expose her, withdrawing his hand as he said: “This matter—I will report to Her Majesty tomorrow. This should buy us some time.”
Instead of feeling secretly pleased, Zi Sangli’s heart tightened: “Your Highness… what are you planning to say?”
Xiao Chengyan looked at her: “The empress dowager has eyes in the residence. I cannot continue neglecting Lin Nong indefinitely.”
Zi Sangli sat up straight, her eyes fixed intently on him: “What is Your Highness telling me? That you plan to consummate the marriage with her? Has Lin Nong used your mistaken accusation against her to threaten you with the empress dowager’s authority?”
Xiao Chengyan shook his head: “This has nothing to do with her.”
Zi Sangli didn’t believe him, her sense of crisis making her sharp: “How could it have nothing to do with her? Before she entered this household, Your Highness never had such thoughts! We’ve been married barely two years—has Your Highness already developed feelings for another woman?”
Xiao Chengyan understood her feelings and didn’t reproach her: “The empress dowager gave her only one year. If there’s no child by then, she will send another group of women to the residence.”
Zi Sangli trembled.
A group!
Not just one!
She had experienced the methods of those noble daughters.
When that time came, how would she cope?
“Her Majesty has people stationed here who have already issued reminders. If I continue neglecting her, the palace will eventually find out. It’s only staying the night—nothing will happen.”
Zi Sangli didn’t believe him.
She knew how much advantage a woman’s beauty provided in competing for favor.
And Lin Nong’s beauty was undoubtedly the perfect weapon to conquer a man!
With such a weapon at his disposal, how could a man possibly leave it neglected in the arsenal forever?
“Really?”
Xiao Chengyan’s gaze darkened slightly.
Zi Sangli asked no further.
Even though they were husband and wife, first and foremost, he was a Qinwang.
The royal family’s authority could not be questioned by anyone!
Zi Sangli bit her lip hard, letting the corners of her eyes grow moist as she gazed at him with pitiful yet profound affection: “I believe you will keep your promise. Even if palace pressures compel you to favor other women, in your heart, I will always be your only wife!”