Her cheeks were more swollen than before, looking somewhat ferocious.
"Are you serving alone?"
When Emperor Yu Wenhong’s deep voice sounded next to Xia An, she was startled.
Upon turning around and seeing the Emperor in his bright yellow Dragon Robe, she immediately knelt down and prostrated herself in greeting.
"Xia An from the left wing of Yihua Palace greets Your Majesty."
She continued without pause.
"Originally, palace maid Chunqi and eunuch Xiao Luzi were also serving here. But now, one is bedridden from a whip injury and the other from a kick injury, so only this servant remains here."
After listening to Xia An’s response, Yu Wenhong’s expression turned somber.
He stepped forward and glanced at Lin Wanyi.
A few days ago, she only had injuries on her knees; how come both her hands and feet are bandaged today?
Gently lifting the quilt for a look, he was shocked by the sight before him.
Her ankle was dislocated, causing a blockage in blood circulation. Her knee bore an old wound, turning her once fair and tender calf a faint shade of blue and purple.
Her ankle was so swollen, even with medication and bandaging, the damage was evident.
"What about the medicine I sent to Lin Daying a few days ago?"
"The young mistress instructed me to store it carefully; I’ll fetch it now."
Xia An found the medicine in the cabinet and immediately offered it, then proceeded to bring hot water and a cloth.
Upon her return, she saw the Emperor deftly removing the bandage from Lin Wanyi’s ankle.
The Emperor gently wiped away the ointment with the cloth, and then cleansed the area with warm water. Despite their care, the redness and swelling were more severe than before.
Receiving the bottle of medicine he had personally gifted to Lin Wanyi, Emperor Yu Wenhong meticulously applied it to her once again, not delegating the task to anyone else.
Xia An watched closely from the side, noting how adept the Emperor seemed at treating wounds.
These thoughts remained buried as she dared not voice them.
Once Lin Wanyi was fully tended to, he handed the medicine bottle back to Xia An.
"Apply some on your face yourself; it will heal by tomorrow."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Xia An took the copper basin, cleaned up, and slowly exited the room.
Upon her exit, she saw Qiu Ming coming forward to assist.
Nearby, Dong Yuzhong spoke in a low voice.
"With the Emperor accompanying the young mistress, I’ll serve here. You should go with Qiu Ming to treat your injuries first."
"Trouble you, Mr. Dong."
Xia An glanced inside through the curtain, but her worries were futile.
She could only follow Qiu Ming temporarily, perhaps a tough battle awaited them later.
Inside the room, Emperor Yu Wenhong sat quietly by the bed, watching Lin Wanyi’s slightly relaxed brow, recalling how she had once stretched this area with her fingertips while massaging him.
Imitating her gesture, he attempted to smooth her brow, but ended up waking Lin Wanyi.
His uneven application of pressure left a small red mark on her forehead.
"Your Majesty? Why are you here?"
Lin Wanyi attempted to rise and pay respects, but the movement brought a sharp pain back to her leg.
However, it also felt soothing, similar to the sensation she remembered from her knee.
She looked at the Emperor with some confusion, causing Yu Wenhong to blush and cough before changing the topic.
"What happened, with everyone injured ?"
Hearing this, Lin Wanyi lowered her eyes and then spoke directly.
"Lady Chu came stirring trouble, using the locked Moon Gate as an excuse. She kicked Xiao Luzi, slapped Xia An, and when I couldn’t bear watching, I argued with her. As a result, she pushed me to the floor, causing my ankle sprain, and then tried to whip me with the soft ribbon from her waist. Chunqi was injured protecting me."
Her eyes were clear, without any trace of fear.
There was neither sobbing nor exaggeration, as if she was an outsider calmly recounting the events.
The Emperor raised an eyebrow at her; though she was the same person, he could no longer understand her.
They sat in silence for a moment, exchanging looks.
After a while, Emperor Yu Wenhong raised his voice and called out.
Dong Yuzhong quickly entered, bowing slightly to take orders.
"Investigate this. If it is as Lin Daying said, then every servant and palace maid with Lady Chu will be flogged with thirty lashes, and the leader sent to Yeyou Court for hard labor. As for Lady Chu, send two Royal Etiquette Nannies to properly teach her the rules!"
"Yes, at your command!"
This decree was a firm slap on Lady Chu.
Not to mention the thirty lashes, where survival was uncertain; being sent to Yeyou Court for hard labor meant no chance of redemption in this lifetime.
It served as a warning to these palace servants who aided and abetted her.
Lin Wanyi was beaten at noon, and by evening, the Emperor himself had come to visit, and soon after, the news of the punishment for Lady Chu and her servants spread.
This news traveled quickly, reaching the Six Palaces.
The first to visit Lin Wanyi was, naturally, Miss Qin He, the Chief Palace Maid by the Imperial Concubine’s side.
Upon entering, she smiled warmly yet with some concern.
"The Imperial Concubine was so worried upon hearing about the young mistress’s situation, but with so many matters to attend to during the Dragon Boat Festival, she sent me with things to check on the young mistress instead."
She indicated the gifts she brought along.
Medicines, tonics, and more, all included.
Additionally, there were fabrics and jewelry which did not seem intended for Lin Wanyi.
"The Concubine was delighted to hear about the loyalty and bravery of the young mistress’s servants, so she gifted a bolt of cloud brocade to Xiao Luzi, and red gold jewelry to Chunqi and Xia An, to acknowledge their merit."
Standing by, Xia An looked at Lin Wanyi in surprise and bewilderment upon hearing this.
"Accept them. Since it is the Concubine’s wish, you shall accompany me to Linzi Palace in a few days to thank the Imperial Concubine."
Xia An offered a curtsey to Qin He before respectfully receiving all the items brought.
Lin Wanyi gave Qin He a slightly apologetic smile.
"Thank you, Miss Qin He, for making the trip. My leg injury has yet to heal, so I cannot visit the Concubine to pay my respects. I hope you can explain this to her on my behalf."
"Oh, there’s no need to mention it. The Imperial Concubine was both anxious and pleased upon learning of this."
She approached Lin Wanyi and whispered.
"The Concubine said: the young mistress doesn’t act often, but when she does, it’s remarkable. Most of Lady Chu’s servants are incapacitated, and even she’s stuck with Nanny Jiao Yi. You should have seen Princess Consort Yi’s face; it was quite a sight!"