Well, it seems there's still a chance.

If she wasn't mistaken when she came in, someone was just sitting next to Niannian, pouring water and handing out pastries.

"Yes, a little. I had a high fever for two days, and it only came down yesterday."

Qing'er nodded and explained Shen Nian's illness.

Then, glancing back, sure enough, I saw worry and heartache in someone's eyes, and the smile in their eyes deepened.

However, you'll have to work hard to win Niannian's heart, as she's quite slow to catch on.

"Oh, that was serious! Are you feeling better now? Do you still have a fever?"

Little Swallow hurriedly lifted Chen Nian's head and pressed her forehead against his, wanting to see if he still had a fever.

"I'm all better now, Little Swallow."

Seeing Xiao Yanzi's actions, Chen Nian did not stop her and let her do as she pleased.

To be honest, it was a bit surprising to have someone press their forehead against hers; it was the first time she had ever experienced it.

In her past life, she had seen many mothers do this to check if their children had a fever, and she was very envious. She never imagined that this was what it felt like.

In her past life, she had no family, no friends, and no one cared about her. When she was poor, she would just endure her illnesses. Later, when she became rich, she continued to endure them. She would not take medicine unless it became very serious.

Who would have thought that the Qing Dynasty would come along, and she would be taking medicine every day, either taking medicine or on her way to take medicine, as if it were a punishment for her stubborn refusal to take medicine when she was sick in her previous life, and that she should make up for all the medicine she missed in her previous life.

Qing'er watched Xiao Yanzi's actions, and saw the surprise and satisfaction in Chen Nian's eyes.

A pang of heartache rose in her heart for Chen Nian; it seemed that she hadn't been caring enough for Niannian.

Ertai, who was behind him, also saw the emotions in Shen Nian's eyes and looked at Xiao Yanzi with gratitude in his eyes.

Xiao Yanzi made up for what Chen Nian lacked, what those around her hadn't noticed, and what he couldn't make up for at this stage.

"Are you really alright? Should we summon the imperial physician to take another look? Mingyue, Caixia, go and fetch the imperial physician—"

Xiao Yanzi asked in a panic, and then wanted to send someone to summon the imperial physician.

"Oh, no need, no need, I'm fine now, the imperial physician has already examined me."

Chen Nian watched as Xiao Yanzi, who was about to send someone to summon the imperial physician, repeatedly stopped her.

"Really? Chen Nian, don't let it be that you get sick!"

"Really, really."

Chen Nian nodded firmly.

"Little Swallow, Niannian's illness is almost cured."

Qing'er also chimed in.

"Little Swallow, I'm sorry to have bothered you today. It's getting late, so I'll take Niannian back now."

"Okay, be careful on your way. I'll come find you again tomorrow, Chen Nian."

Little Swallow nodded.

The two of them started chatting away again.

Seeing that no one had noticed Bian, Ertai stepped forward and cupped his hands in greeting to Qing'er, saying, "Qing'er, please take good care of Princess Chen's injuries."

"Oh~?"

He looked at Qing'er, who had come up specifically to give him these instructions, with interest in his eyes.

Ertai sensed the teasing in Qing'er's tone and saw the interest in her eyes. He didn't say anything, but bent over a little deeper and his face warmed up.

He believed that Qing'er was so smart that she must have noticed his different feelings towards Chen Nian.

Qing'er is Shen Nian's best confidante. If he really wants to pursue Shen Nian, then Qing'er is someone he absolutely cannot afford to offend.

"Alright, I'll take good care of Niannian."

Looking at the sincere-looking person in front of her, Qing'er sighed and withdrew the interest from her eyes.

She's not funny at all. She's already looking forward to the expression on Nian Nian's face when she finds out Er Tai's feelings. It's going to be very interesting.

"Niannian, we should go."

Qing'er kept talking to Xiao Yanzi while shouting.

"good."

Chen Nian nodded to Xiao Yanzi and Ertai, and then went out with Qing'er.

Qing'er took the outer cloak handed to her by Shuang'er and draped it over Chen Nian's shoulders before slowly leaving with her entourage.

Ertai's gaze followed the departing figure until he was out of sight, and only then did he look away.

"Qing'er, has the Empress Dowager rested yet?"

Chen Nian tightened the cloak that Qing'er had given her, and took Qing'er's hand as they walked slowly together.

"Don't worry, I've already rested. Did you have fun today?"

...