Chapter 120 Care

As the massage progressed, Jiang Huan's neckline inevitably opened during the movements.

When Granny Zhang, who was in charge of massaging Jiang Huan's neck and shoulders, reached her hand towards the junction of Jiang Huan's neck and shoulder blades, her movements suddenly stopped.

A striking red mark, like a few red plum blossoms blooming in the snow, was clearly imprinted on Jiang Huan's fair skin.

There were even several deeper teeth marks, extending from the back of her neck to the edge of her shoulder blades, which were partially covered by her nightgown, appearing ambiguous and alarming in the dim light.

The two experienced matrons exchanged a glance, both seeing the understanding in each other's eyes.

Having spent decades navigating the complexities of the imperial palace, what kind of traces hadn't they witnessed?

But this sudden surge of newfound attention, coupled with the Emperor's earlier urgent yet subtle concern...

However, this is indeed a bit heavy.

As Liu Mama massaged Jiang Huan's back, she sighed silently in her heart, and her movements became even lighter and slower.

This youthful impetuosity shouldn't be handled like this.

Zhang Mama's eyes also held a hint of the helplessness of an elder watching a younger generation misbehave, her fingertips extremely gently avoiding the edges of those marks.

Although they didn't say it outright, their silent sighs and the deliberate lightness and avoidance in their hands instantly jolted Jiang Huan out of the comfort of the massage.

A tremendous sense of shame swept over her like a tsunami, making all the blood rush to her head.

She bit her lower lip hard to keep from letting out an embarrassing sob, and buried her face deeper into the soft pillow like an ostrich, wishing she could disappear on the spot.

The silence behind the screen immediately alerted Huo Lin.

[Hmm? What's wrong? Did you apply too much pressure? Or does something hurt?]

[That shouldn't be the case; if it hurts, you'll cry out. Why are you silent?]

Have the maids stopped?

He instinctively listened intently, trying to catch more information, but found nothing.

Huo Lin's brows furrowed almost imperceptibly. He put down the vermilion brush and leaned forward slightly.

Just as he was about to ask a question, Zhang Mama, who was behind the screen, seemed to have noticed the emperor's attention outside.

Her voice was neither too loud nor too soft, just enough for those outside to hear clearly, carrying a perfectly measured respect and a gentle reminder.

"Your Majesty, please forgive me. This old servant was too rough. This massage is only a temporary relief. Your Majesty's health is precious, and you need to rest more these next few days."

As she spoke, her hands massaged her shoulders and neck with even gentler movements, like a feather brushing against her skin, deliberately avoiding all sensitive areas.

“Exactly.” Granny Liu immediately chimed in, gently adjusting the slightly loose collar of Jiang Huan’s nightgown as she added earnestly.

"Your Majesty's body is delicate and tender, and your blood and qi need to be nourished slowly. After we massage you, Your Majesty must rest well and not overexert yourself."

The word "tired" was pronounced with exceptional clarity and profound meaning.

Huo Lin wasn't stupid. The nannies' hesitant words, combined with Jiang Huan's mortified reaction, made it all clear.

For the first time in his life, Huo Lin felt utterly ashamed.

He, the supreme ruler, was actually subtly reprimanded by two old nannies because of... because of the marks left behind by his uncontrollable passion?

"cough."

Huo Lin clenched his fist and pressed it to his lips, feigning a cough in an attempt to hide his embarrassment, but his ears turned bright red uncontrollably.

He could almost imagine the nannies thinking to themselves how much they thought he was an unrestrained emperor.

[I...I...]

His inner voice was screaming wildly, but he couldn't utter a single word in rebuttal.

This was his first time, and he did indeed lose control of his strength.

Huo Lin couldn't say it outright, so he could only force himself to remain calm and said in a deep voice to the person behind the screen, "Yes, Consort Zhuang needs to rest and recuperate. You all should serve her diligently."

He tried to keep his voice steady, but a hint of tension still slipped through his lips.

The two nurses understood immediately and said no more, focusing instead on completing the subsequent massage.

Throughout the entire process, an indescribable awkward atmosphere permeated the bedchamber.

Finally, the massage ended.

The two maids quickly tidied Jiang Huan's clothes, bowed respectfully, and took their leave.

"This old servant takes his leave. Your Majesty, please rest well."

They lowered their heads and retreated quickly and lightly, as if staying any longer would be torture.

The palace doors were gently closed, leaving only Huo Lin and Jiang Huan inside the bedchamber.

Jiang Huan remained lying face down on the soft couch, her face buried in the pillow, not daring to move, her exposed ear tips red as if dripping blood.

Oh my god, I'm so embarrassed.

Huo Lin took a deep breath, calmed his turbulent emotions, and walked around the screen into the room.

He walked to the soft couch and looked at the figure curled up in a small ball. The embarrassment in his heart was instantly replaced by a softer emotion.

It's all my fault.

He silently blamed himself in his heart, filled with deep pity.

Huo Lin slowly sat down on the edge of the couch, reached out and carefully brushed aside a few stray hairs from her cheek, revealing her blushing profile.

Jiang Huan felt his touch, and her body trembled almost imperceptibly, but she did not pull away.

Her eyes remained closed, her long eyelashes trembling violently like the wings of a startled butterfly.

"Jiang Huan".

Huo Lin's voice was low and hoarse, gentle yet tinged with apology.

He didn't say much, but leaned down and gently placed a comforting kiss on her temple.

The kiss was devoid of any lust, filled only with tenderness and reverence.

"Thanks a lot."

He straightened up, took the neatly folded brocade quilt from the side, unfolded it, and covered Jiang Huan with it.

"You're not feeling well, you should get some rest."

He carefully tucked the blanket in to make sure no cold air could get in, and gently put Jiang Huan's exposed hands under the blanket to cover them.

After doing all this, Huo Lin did not leave.

He lay on his side on the outside of the soft couch, and through the soft brocade quilt, stretched out his arm and naturally embraced Jiang Huan.

It feels so good to hold her like this.

All the awkwardness and embarrassment vanished in that moment, replaced by pure tranquility.

He slowly closed his eyes, feeling the even and shallow breathing of the person in his arms.

The air around Jiang Huan was filled with the comforting scent of ambergris.

That precious and heartfelt sentiment, like the gentlest warm current, slowly flowed through Jiang Huan's heart, soothing all her embarrassment and unease.

My tense nerves completely relaxed, and the fatigue of the past few days and the ultimate comfort brought by the massage came over me like a tide.

Jiang Huan's eyelids, which she had been trying to keep open, grew heavier and heavier until they finally closed completely.

She unconsciously snuggled closer to Huo Lin, finding the most comfortable position, her breathing gradually becoming long and steady.

Feeling the person in his arms completely relax, Huo Lin silently smiled and hugged them even tighter.

Sleep now, I am right here.

Inside the hall, the candlelight flickered, casting a gentle glow.