The Imperial Physician left behind a prescription and some ointment and then departed.
Shui Yun caught Beauty Qing’s meaningful glance and went out to see him off, slipping a purse into his hand: "Thank you for coming such a long way, but the fact that my lady is skilled in medicine must remain undisclosed. We hope the Imperial Physician will keep it quiet."
The Imperial Physician smiled and said, "You’re too kind. I understand, Beauty Qing can rest assured."
Shui Yun bowed respectfully to see the Imperial Physician off.
Inside the side chamber of Jingxin Palace, Sun Cairen drank some water, feeling significantly better.
Yin Huang went out to find a place where medicine could be decocted, while Beauty Qing kept Sun Cairen company and talked.
"This was brought by Prince Xuan, entrusted by your father, Vice Minister Sun. You must keep it well. I see the steward nanny of Jingxin Palace seems difficult to get along with, you and Yin Huang, as master and servant, must be smart."
Sun Cairen was momentarily stunned by Beauty Qing’s words, but soon returned to her senses.
She looked down at the silver note in her hand, amounting to a full five hundred taels, and a purse filled with silver beads, clearly meant for her to use to reward and gain some connections.
Sun Cairen’s eyes reddened: "I didn’t expect that my father and mother not only didn’t blame me but still care for me so much."
"But why is Prince Xuan the one to send this?"
Beauty Qing recounted the encounter with Prince Xuan, including his words.
"So that’s how it is. I am unfilial, causing my father and mother to worry, and it truly burdens them to seek help for me everywhere."
"I have heard since I was in the boudoir, Vice Minister Sun and his wife truly love you," Beauty Qing sighed, "Unlike me, after my mother passed away, my father remarried a stepmother..."
Sun Cairen instantly imagined a detailed domestic drama.
It’s truly unexpected that even Academician Han’s household is so complicated, no wonder Beauty Qing’s disposition is so tolerant and cautious in all matters.
"Look at me, talking about old grievances, making you worry, first keep these safe. Here are clothes and food I brought for you, the weather is hot and food isn’t easy to store, so I didn’t bring much. Tomorrow I’ll send someone to bring you more."
"You must regularly change the medicine on your wounds. I will also send someone to keep an eye on things here, to minimize the grievances you suffer."
Sun Cairen expressed her thanks continuously, jokingly saying: "I’ve been hit stupidly, I forgot that Beauty now oversees the harem."
"Then I’ll thank Beauty for looking after me first."
Beauty Qing shook her head with a smile: "What overseeing? I haven’t even seen those books yet, nor have I had the chance to meet various stewards, after all, I am merely a Beauty, having this status only makes things slightly better for myself."
"Indeed, the Emperor has not established an empress, the phoenix seal is still kept by the Empress Dowager, and all harem matters are under her control. You’re taking on the duties of the Empress Dowager’s niece, who knows how much she resents you in her heart."
Sun Cairen believed it, immediately becoming worried for Beauty Qing.
Beauty Qing noticed Shui Yun had returned and rose to leave: "Then, I’ll head back, your attendants here are too few. Are there any available in the palace? I can ask if anyone is willing to come here and stay with you."
"Who would be willing to come?" Sun Cairen laughed self-deprecatingly: "Even Yin Cheng abandoned me, how could anyone else be willing to come here and suffer?"
"The talented lady didn’t know?" Shui Yun spoke in surprise.
"Know what?" Sun Cairen showed confusion.
"This..." Shui Yun looked at Beauty Qing, uncertain whether to speak.