"We're doomed! They must be here to spy on us. You guys need to pull yourselves out of this and cheer up. We absolutely can't let them see you looking like this."

Upon hearing the announcement, Xiao Yanzi, who was examining Chen Nian's leg injury, jumped up and paced anxiously, giving instructions.

Seeing Xiao Yanzi's anxious look, Chen Nian shook his head helplessly, rubbed his sore neck, and stood up despite feeling uncomfortable all over, obediently putting away his tired appearance.

They weren't there to gather military intelligence; they were there to show concern for their sweetheart.

"Ice packs are here! Ice packs are here! Does anyone need ice packs? We brought ice packs, so please use them to cool down."

Benjamin Yongqi stepped into the inner hall as he spoke, followed by Ertai and Erkang.

"Little Swallow, your forehead is swollen. You need to put an ice pack on it. Come quickly."

Yongqi had a clear goal; he pulled Xiaoyanzi to her seat and began applying the ointment.

Standing to the side, Chen Nian looked at the desolation in Benjamin's eyes and sighed, "The second male lead is always the most tragic."

She may have been lost in thought and reflection, but she had no power to change the course of events.

Little Swallow had no time to pay attention to her now. She returned to her seat, poured herself a cup of hot milk, and drank it.

Since it's already served, might as well drink it. Besides, Shufangzhai has a lot of delicious food.

She also wanted to go back to Cining Palace, but the Empress Dowager was definitely not resting yet, so she could only shamelessly stay a little longer and have Qing'er apply the medicine to her when she got back to Cining Palace.

Aside from being somewhat familiar with Xiao Yanzi at Shufangzhai, I didn't have much interaction with anyone else, nor did I want to. Naturally, I couldn't ask anyone else to apply medicine for me.

"Miss, you look terrible. Your knees are swollen, your elbows are purple, and your forehead is red."

As soon as Chen Nian sat down, he heard Jin Suo's loud complaints.

Tsk.

Call it inexplicable or malicious, she simply dislikes Jin Suo. There's no reason, no explanation. She disliked her when she first watched the show, and now, seeing her up close, she dislikes her even more.

He always speaks without considering the consequences, the occasion, or his own thoughts, despite having a sincere heart for Ziwei.

If it weren't for the supporting character's halo, it would be questionable whether he could even survive an episode under the Empress's nose.

The Empress can't touch Ziwei, but she can easily deal with a lowly palace maid like her; her aura isn't as strong as the main characters'.

I wonder why the Empress didn't touch the golden lock? Is it because she's too inconspicuous to attract the Empress's attention?

Chen Nian was genuinely puzzled. How could the Empress, who was so clever, have forgotten that she could impose a fine with a gold lock?

Little did Shen Nian know that it was just as she had guessed. Jin Suo was too inconspicuous, and the Empress did not notice her at all, or rather, she did notice her but disdained to bother with Jin Suo.

Doesn't she care about her mistress? If she makes things difficult for her mistress, she'll feel just as bad.

Jin Suo's words made it sound as if only Ziwei was suffering.

After looking around, Chen Nian's gaze still landed on Yongqi and Xiaoyanzi on the other side; this pair was still the best to ship.

Looking at the couple Ziwei and Erkang, seeing Erkang's heartbroken gaze and Ziwei's aggrieved eyes, which were sticky and a little greasy, she couldn't bear to watch.

"Hey, don't move."

Hearing Yongqi's low instructions, Chen Nian turned her head to look at Xiao Yanzi. Waaah, she was totally shipping this couple. Just for those sweet and doting voices, please keep this couple together forever.

Xiao Yanzi is definitely the most beloved female lead. The Emperor dotes on her, Consort Ling spoils her, Ziwei keeps an eye on her, and Yongqi and Benjamin indulge, help, and protect her. They accompany Xiao Yanzi no matter what she wants to do, and even the Fifth Prince eventually gives up his prince status for her.

There was also Xiao Jian, who searched for her everywhere outside the palace and doted on her as soon as he found her.

What an enviable life story!

As soon as Ertai entered the room, he saw Chen Nian standing to one side.

Looking at Shen Nian's exposed wounds, his eyes immediately filled with heartache and worry. He wanted to go forward, but he was afraid that Shen Nian was still angry, so he dared not go forward.

Ertai hesitated for a while, looking at the wound on Chen Nian's forehead, before finally taking the ice pack and walking over.

"Princess Shen, your forehead is swollen, why don't you put some compress on it too?"

...

Ertai is either feeling sorry for someone or on his way to feeling sorry for someone.

Contemplation is either a sign of being hurt or on the path to being hurt.

...