Chapter 49: The Elixir

On the floor, the verdant leaves of the intertwining peonies swirled around the incense burner, releasing tendrils of fragrant smoke that mingled with the scent of orchids from the adjoining room. The combined aroma suddenly invaded the nostrils and surged violently into the mind.

The strange fragrance was dizzying, making one feel light-headed.

Gu Tan seemed somewhat weary, yet she was unwilling to sleep. Her well-maintained, polished nails moved toward Shen Quanyi’s brow. Yang Siqiu watched anxiously but saw the hand stop just before reaching her eyes.

“Please, Aunt Shen, serve me some tea,” Gu Tan said.

Recalling the day when Shen Quanyi's fingers were scorched red and blistered, Yang Siqiu’s heart filled with worry. She stepped forward to shield Shen Quanyi, then knelt with a stiff resolve, lowering her head. “Today, I have the honor to behold the noble lady’s heavenly beauty, and my heart is filled with longing. If only I could serve her, it would be a rare blessing. Though I cannot attend her side, please allow me to serve tea to the lady today.”

Gu Tan suddenly laughed softly, a hint of impatience in her voice. She raised her foot and kicked Yang Siqiu’s shoulder, eliciting a muffled groan before she felt satisfied. “With such an ugly face, I do not wish to see you every day, lest you disturb the child in my womb. Be sensible and keep your distance.”

“Such pretense of sisterly affection—I want to see how long your feelings last in this inner courtyard.”

Yang Siqiu was dumbstruck, simultaneously ashamed and angry. She instinctively covered the scar on her head, tears welling in her eyes as she glanced back to Shen Quanyi, who shook her head in silent worry.

Shen Quanyi felt compassion for Yang Siqiu and was moved, but she knew that any words now could be twisted into fault. So she remained silent, kneeling by the incense burner, watching the little teapot on the stove clink gently as it warmed.

The window frame in the inner chamber had loosened and creaked open slightly, letting a gust of wind whistle inside.

The wooden frame bumped against the windowsill, producing a “clack-clack” sound that drew Zhu Lian and her maids into the room.

Zhu Lian entered holding a basin, a scraper, and a fine embroidered cloth.

The group stood silently by. Zhu Lian glanced coldly at Yang Siqiu, who seemed to awaken and quickly bowed to receive the damp cloth from Zhu Lian.

Her voice grew even more humble: “I am clumsy, but I hope the lady will not despise me.”

Yang Siqiu knelt before the bed, bending carefully to support Gu Tan’s jade-like arm. She gently wiped it with the cloth, then rubbed fragrant ointment between her palms before applying it to Gu Tan’s arm.

Her forehead was already beaded with sweat by the time she finished.

Gu Tan withdrew her arm and cast a sideways glance, raising an eyebrow at Zhu Lian.

Zhu Lian immediately understood and took away the basin from the small table, cradling it as she turned to leave. Passing by Shen Quanyi at the stove, her grip faltered, and the basin’s contents spilled over Shen Quanyi.

At that moment, someone entered through the door. Zhu Lian’s sudden movement caused water to splash further. The curtain was lifted, and a cold wind swept in, making Shen Quanyi shiver uncontrollably.

Li Qian, attended by Zhang Desheng, removed his cloak dampened by the water. He frowned, his expression grim, and was about to inquire. Initially, he thought Gu Tan was punishing some foolish maid, but seeing Shen Quanyi kneeling on the floor, drenched, with glistening water droplets on her delicate face, his heart skipped a beat.

He tore the cloak from Zhang Desheng and draped it over the still-kneeling Shen Quanyi, pulling her into an embrace and helping her to her feet.

“Why are you kneeling here?”

Li Qian’s voice was full of concern. Before Shen Quanyi could reply, Gu Tan cried out softly, drawing his attention. His eyes, filled with urgency, shifted to her pale face as she clutched her belly in pain, wailing miserably.

He spun toward her but, in his haste, failed to watch his step. Shen Quanyi’s skirt trailing on the carpet caught his foot, causing him to stagger and nearly fall. To steady himself, he inadvertently kicked Shen Quanyi.

Once steady, he looked back, concerned he might have hurt Shen Quanyi. She forced a smile and waved him off. He sighed, knowing she never wished to trouble him.

This time, the child’s cries were unmistakably real. Tears welled in Gu Tan’s eyes as severe pain pressed downward in her abdomen. Her face turned ashen. Seeing Li Qian approach, she hastily grabbed his sleeve.

“Master! My belly aches terribly. What should we do? What about the child?”

Her voice trembled like a frightened bird as she threw herself into Li Qian’s arms. The familiar scent of dragon’s amber enveloped her, calming her slightly.

The room suddenly became chaotic. Zhu Lian, surprised by Li Qian’s arrival, knelt with a pale face, pressing her forehead to the ground. Li Qian frowned. “Enough of this bad luck. Get out. Zhang Desheng, give her ten lashes. Then send someone to summon the imperial physician.”

Gu Tan sought to intervene, but tears flowed from her eyes. With trembling hands, she gently grasped Li Qian’s embroidered dragon-patterned collar, pleading, “I feel at ease only with Zhu Lian attending me.”

Li Qian pressed his lips together, meeting Gu Tan’s beseeching gaze and mindful of the child she carried. Reluctantly, he waved his hand. “Fine. For your sake, I’ll spare her today.”

Zhu Lian gratefully withdrew. Li Qian remained seated on the bed, holding Gu Tan close in an intimate embrace, whispering soothing words. Though the others could not hear, the scene was tender and warm.

Yang Siqiu’s heart filled with envy, yet she dared not show it. The inner courtyard of Chun Ya Palace bustled to life as she and Shen Quanyi followed the others out.

Standing in the corridor, the cold wind brushed her face, fully awakening her. Yang Siqiu wanted to slip her hand warmer into Shen Quanyi’s arms, but it was pushed away. Cautiously, she studied Shen Quanyi’s face, which was cold and pale.

She hurriedly grasped Shen Quanyi’s hand, but it was as cold as death.

Believing Shen Quanyi was hurt, she comforted her: “Sister, don’t be sad. The Crown Prince is anxious about the child in the side consort’s womb; surely he is thinking of you as well.”

Shen Quanyi slightly raised her eyebrows, wrapped the cloak tightly around herself, and led the way outside. Waiting at the courtyard gate, Hu Shang immediately approached. Noticing Shen Quanyi’s pale lips and the ill-fitting dragon-embroidered cloak, he instantly guessed what had happened.

Silently, he supported Shen Quanyi along the upper gallery. Behind them, Yang Siqiu quickened her pace to catch up.

Walking beside Shen Quanyi, she asked, “Sister, are you upset?”

Shen Quanyi’s steps did not falter. She smiled faintly at Yang Siqiu, her tone calm and measured: “People like us are not even worthy of jealousy, let alone anger.”