The Palace Attendant beside An Ning quickly left to prepare for the bath.

Lin Zichan swiftly carried An Youyou back to Xiaoxiang Palace.

Upon returning, the Palace Attendant had already prepared hot water.

An Youyou left Lin Zichan’s side.

For some reason, she always felt a sense of familiarity with Lin Zichan.

Now parting from him, she was somewhat reluctant.

However, feeling cold and knowing she should take a hot bath first, she obediently followed the Palace Attendant to the inner chamber.

At that moment, An Ning also arrived at Xiaoxiang Palace, saw An Youyou going to bathe, then turned and noticed Lin Zichan standing aside.

She saw him standing there, thoroughly soaked, reverently.

An Ning lightly pressed her lips together.

She had an inexplicable aversion towards Lin Zichan.

It felt like his presence affected her.

Lin Zichan naturally noticed An Ning’s gaze and looked back at her.

Their eyes met.

An Ning frowned.

A mere guard dared to look into her eyes like this.

And the expression in his eyes...

Just as An Ning wanted to delve deeper.

Lin Zichan lowered his eyes.

An Ning bit her lip.

Her heart was in turmoil.

"How come you were there when the Princess fell into the water?!" An Ning sharply questioned, "Why aren’t you properly accompanying the Crown Prince? What are you wandering around for?!"

Lin Zichan lightly pressed his lips together and replied, "The Crown Prince instructed me to return to recuperate. On my way along the lake, I heard someone shouting for help and rescued the Princess."

An Ning suddenly fell silent.

It seemed she couldn’t find a reason to punish him, and yet she felt displeased.

Lin Zichan could sense her emotions.

There was an awkward standoff.

An Ning spoke, "Since the Crown Prince told you to recuperate, why aren’t you leaving?"

Lin Zichan’s Adam’s apple seemed to move slightly.

She seemed quite dismissive of him.

Lin Zichan bowed, "I take my leave."

Then he turned around and left.

At the moment of departure.

He suppressed a cough.

An Ning frowned.

Her eyes watched his departing figure.

Watching him soaked through, leaving her presence...

An Ning took a deep breath.

She shouldn’t feel too much pity for just a guard.

An Ning withdrew her gaze and directly walked into An Youyou’s inner chamber.

No matter how An Youyou’s condition was, she needed to see if An Youyou had been truly harmed physically.

...

The next day.

Lin Zichan went to the East Palace.

Song Yanqing was instructing Xiao Luming.

Lin Zichan stood guard by the side.

Half a morning passed, during an intermission break, An Ning came to the East Palace.

"Your son greets Mother Empress."

"This humble official greets the Empress."

Xiao Luming and Song Yanqing stepped forward to salute.

"Rise." An Ning said lightly, then asked, "How much longer is today’s lesson?"

"To answer the Lady: Today’s lesson will end in an hour." Song Yanqing replied.

"After teaching the Crown Prince, Song Yanqing, I have something to discuss with you alone." An Ning stated directly.

"Yes."

"I will watch from the side; continue the lesson."

"Yes, Lady Empress."

Song Yanqing and Xiao Luming sat back on the couch.

An Ning sat to the side, quietly listening.

It’s undeniable that Song Yanqing was indeed knowledgeable, and his teaching was lively; Xiao Luming listened attentively.

However, An Ning was somewhat restless.

Having disliked such rigid learning since childhood.

Feeling bored, she kept snacking.

And at that moment, seemed to only notice Lin Zichan standing by.

His face seemed to have an unusual flush.

An Ning moved her eyes slightly.

Choosing to ignore.

An hour passed.

Song Yanqing finished his lesson.

An Ning sent Xiao Luming outside, and spoke to Song Yanqing alone, "The Emperor hasn’t attended court lately, and has been reviewing documents privately. Are there any opinions from the other ministers at court?"

"Replying to the Empress, indeed, there has been slight criticism among the ministers," Song Yanqing said honestly, "The Emperor has been back from Mobei for over a month; other than meeting ministers upon his return, there’s been no further interaction. Even when ministers sought private audiences, the Emperor declined. Naturally, ministers would have concerns. If possible, it’s hoped the Emperor will resume court sessions soon, to alleviate their doubts."

"Song Yanqing, I’m not hiding anything from you." An Ning suddenly spoke seriously.

Song Yanqing was slightly surprised.

"You should also know the Emperor was severely injured in Mobei."

"Yes, Ruotong informed me privately, saying it was near death."

"So when the Emperor awoke, he changed significantly. I won’t explain all the changes; suffice to say he’s forgetful with many details, and is inexperienced in handling court affairs. It’s been a month with only me and Luming assisting. Ultimately, I’m not skilled in court matters, and Luming is still young, somewhat lacking comprehensive insight. Starting tomorrow, come to the palace daily to accompany the Emperor in handling political affairs. Provide him with more opinions; essentially, guide him to resume court sessions quickly."

"..." Song Yanqing looked at An Ning, hesitating to agree.

"I understand your reluctance due to Xie Ruotong and your precious daughter, but in the interest of national importance, please prioritize the greater good." An Ning insisted.

Song Yanqing couldn’t refuse.

Though reluctantly.

He eagerly awaited Ruotong’s return, for their happy family reunion...

"Yes, this humble official obeys." Song Yanqing reluctantly accepted.

An Ning said no more.

She felt a pang of guilt herself.

She rose, saying, "Return home early today; remember to arrive early at the palace tomorrow."

"Yes." Song Yanqing, with a small, forlorn look, said, "This humble official takes his leave."

Song Yanqing left.

An Ning followed him out.

Xiao Luming saw An Ning and quickly approached with a salute, "Mother Empress."

"How’s your hand?" An Ning asked with concern.

Xiao Luming raised his right hand, "Replying to Mother Empress, it’s mostly healed."

"Until fully recovered, avoid injuring it further and keep it dry."

"Yes." Xiao Luming nodded obediently.

"Mother Empress is going to your father Emperor now." An Ning stated.

"Safe travels, Mother Empress." Xiao Luming saluted.

An Ning nodded slightly.

As she turned to leave.

Her eyes glanced again at Lin Zichan.

His face appeared increasingly flushed.

An Ning pursed her lips and left.

Just a few steps away.

"Guard Lin!"

Suddenly, Xiao Luming’s tense voice called out.

An Ning abruptly turned back.

Turning, she saw Lin Zichan collapse to the ground.

An Ning frowned.

An unexpected panic gripped her, forcing her to clench her fist.

She shouldn’t let a guard affect her emotions.

"Mother Empress, look at Guard Lin!" Xiao Luming, alarmed, pleaded with An Ning.

An Ning pressed her lips.

Eventually, she walked over, calmly and slowly.

She crouched down, her fingers near Lin Zichan’s wrist.

Without even touching his pulse, his surprisingly high fever startled her.

She quickly felt Lin Zichan’s forehead.

The extreme heat seemed ready to burn him to death in moments.

An Ning swiftly commanded, "Move Guard Lin to the inner chamber, Xiu Lian, quickly send someone to Fengqi Palace to fetch my medical kit."

"This servant obeys."

Suddenly, the East Palace was thrown into chaos.

Xiao Luming was tense throughout.

Usually calm and mature since childhood, he rarely displayed such nervousness.

"Mother Empress, Guard Lin’s back injury is severe; should you check if it’s causing his collapse?" Xiao Luming anxiously suggested.

An Ning was indeed puzzled by Lin Zichan’s sudden high fever.

The prior day’s inability to change clothes promptly couldn’t explain it.

She ordered Lin Zichan’s body turned over onto the couch and had him undressed.

The moment his clothes came off.

Everyone was shocked by the bloodied and mangled back...