After a while.

The Imperial Physician arrived, panting heavily with a box in hand.

"Quickly check the injuries on Guard Lin," Xiao Luming instructed.

"Yes, Your Highness." The Imperial Physician took the order.

He thought to himself, imagining it was the Crown Prince who was injured, but it turned out to be a guard. 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

Nearly ran himself to death.

The Imperial Physician took a deep breath and had Lin Zichan sit beside him while he sat down to examine the wound on his back.

He pressed down with his hand.

Lin Zichan’s body visibly trembled slightly but he made no sound.

Xiao Luming’s face showed displeasure, "Be gentler."

"Your Highness, I was merely checking if Guard Lin’s bones were injured," the Imperial Physician quickly explained.

He hadn’t expected the Crown Prince to be so concerned about a guard.

"So, are they injured or not?"

"It seems there is some bone injury," the Imperial Physician said. "I’ll apply some ointment for bruises. As long as Guard Lin avoids injuring his back again, it should be fine."

"Then hurry and apply it."

"Yes."

The Imperial Physician quickly took out an ointment.

Xiao Luming watched intently as the Imperial Physician applied the medicine.

Whenever Lin Zichan’s body slightly trembled from pain, he couldn’t help but scold the physician to be gentler.

Even he couldn’t understand why he was so concerned about Lin Zichan.

Was it just because Lin had saved his life?!

Finally, after much effort, the Imperial Physician applied the ointment to Lin Zichan and advised, "Guard Lin, avoid getting water on your back for these few days, as it can easily lead to infection. Also, since there’s some bone injury, make sure not to wield swords or spears to prevent further damage, which could be difficult to heal. I’ll also prescribe some medicine; be sure to take it regularly."

"Thank you, Imperial Physician," Lin Zichan expressed his gratitude.

The Imperial Physician nodded and then moved aside to write prescriptions.

Lin Zichan lowered his head, preparing to put on his clothes.

"Wait," Xiao Luming stopped him. "Your clothes are all dirty. I’ll have someone bring you new ones."

"Thank you, Your Highness." Lin Zichan bowed.

"Eunuch Wen," Xiao Luming ordered, "bring a quilt for Guard Lin to keep him warm, and then go to the Cloth Bureau to fetch a new set of clothes for him."

"As you command," Eunuch Wen promptly responded.

He ordered some to fetch a quilt and others to get clothes.

Eunuch Wen had served the Crown Prince for well over a year, and it was the first time he saw the Crown Prince show such concern for a subordinate.

"Rest here for a bit," Xiao Luming instructed Lin Zichan, "I’ll go over there to read."

"Yes."

Xiao Luming moved to a nearby couch, picked up a book from the table, and began reading.

Usually, outside of helping his Father with state affairs and attending lessons, he spent most of his time reading.

Today, he didn’t know why the sudden urge to practice martial arts arose.

If not for the spontaneous impulse, today’s incident wouldn’t have happened.

Thinking about Lin Zichan’s wounds made Xiao Luming uneasy.

He couldn’t help but glance quietly at Lin Zichan sitting not far away. Now, a quilt was draped over Lin’s shoulders, and he sat there properly, motionless, with a cold expression. Seemingly sensing the glance, Lin Zichan’s eyes turned to meet his.

Xiao Luming quickly withdrew his gaze.

His heart was still a little fast.

He actually felt somewhat intimidated by Lin Zichan.

From childhood until now, he only feared his father. Or maybe it wasn’t fear, but admiration, which made him care more about his father’s opinions and be more cautious, striving to perform better in his presence.

Xiao Luming buried his head and refocused his attention on the book.

Lin Zichan also averted his gaze.

Then, maintaining a static posture, he sat there with a blank look, yet countless thoughts filled his mind.

So.

Are the Emperor and Empress on better terms now?!

"Brother!"

At the palace door, a child’s tender, clear voice suddenly rang out.

No one had entered yet.

The voice carried inside.

Lin Zichan regained his focus, watching a chubby little girl with short legs quickly running in, dart past him, and head toward Xiao Luming.

Xiao Luming quickly set aside the book in his hand.

Seeing the reckless Youyou, he reached out to catch her.

Fearing she might accidentally fall.

"Youyou, be careful," Xiao Luming admonished with a hint of reproach.

"Brother is being mean to me." An Youyou pouted unhappily.