"Move your arm and see if you've broken any bones." Qing'er stared intently at Physician Hu and An Ke without blinking.
"Princess Qing, there's no need to worry. The princess has only sprained her ankle. With my ointment, she'll be fine in less than half a month," Physician Hu said after his diagnosis. He then put away the handkerchief and his hand.
"Thank you for your help, Physician Hu." After hearing Physician Hu's diagnosis, Qing'er finally felt relieved. "Shuangxi, see Physician Hu off."
"Yes!" Shuangxi bowed slightly and led Physician Hu out.
Seeing that no one else was around, Qing'er slowly sat down on An Ke's bed. "You, you're usually so impulsive. You never come near anything dangerous, but you're acting strangely today." As she spoke, she tucked the blanket around An Ke.
"Oops! My foot slips! Besides, isn't this fine? Perfect, it can be used as a cushion under the Empress Dowager." An Ke scratched his head sheepishly and said truthfully.
Because Qing'er knows her too well, even if she lies, she can't escape Qing'er's eyes, so it's better to tell the truth.
"Oh! It must have been tough for you. You could wear Han shoes outside the palace, but once inside, you can only wear platform shoes." Qing'er was the one who understood An Ke the most, because she had lost both her parents at a young age. She had been fostered by the Empress Dowager since childhood, so naturally, her speech and behavior had to follow the strictest rules.
I used to practice etiquette in secret, learning it countless times. I endured a lot of hardship and shed many tears in private. Thankfully, the hardship has finally paid off.
"This old servant greets the Princess and Princess Qing." Granny Gui smiled and bowed slightly to An Ke and Qing'er.
"But is something wrong with the Empress Dowager?" Qing'er suddenly frowned. In Qing'er's heart, the Empress Dowager was the closest person to her (including An Ke after An Ke came), so naturally she didn't want anything to happen to the Empress Dowager.
"Princess Qing, there's no need to worry! The Empress Dowager is fine. She just sent this old servant to check on the Princess and you, to see if the Princess has summoned the imperial physician. The Empress Dowager is just concerned about you!" Granny Gui immediately reassured her upon hearing Princess Qing's words, afraid that Princess Qing would also become anxious and upset. After all, everyone had witnessed how much Princess Qing cared for the Empress Dowager.
"Oh, that's good!" Qing'er breathed a sigh of relief.
"I'm perfectly fine. Your Majesty need not worry!" An Ke was indeed alright. If anything were wrong, she would have simply explained it to herself.
"Then this old servant will take her leave!" Granny Gui said respectfully and tactfully as she withdrew.
After Granny Gui left, Qing'er shook her head helplessly and tapped An Ke's nose. "You, you're still so sharp-tongued, making people afraid to get close to you."
"What's the big deal? I still have you by my side. Besides, my personality is what makes me happier! Otherwise, if I had to worry about other people's feelings all the time, I would be so tired!" An Ke confided in Qing'er without any reservations.
"That's true. You're meant to be an eagle soaring freely in the vast open spaces, not confined to these deep courtyards." Qing'er gently patted An Ke's head. "Anyway, it's all over now. Get some rest!"
"Okay, sure!" Anke was indeed quite tired after this incident, so she obediently lay down.
Qing'er stayed by her side until Shuangxi reminded her, then she left the room, looking back every few steps.
"An'an, are you asleep?" The old lady saw Qing'er walking towards her and knew that An'an must have already gone to bed.
Qing'er sat down directly and massaged the Empress Dowager's shoulders. "Yes, she just fell asleep a little while ago."
"This commotion today is quite something. Princess Huanzhu has certainly broadened my horizons. I've been in the palace for so long, and I still haven't learned the palace rules. Today is the most lively welcoming scene I've ever seen in my life." The Empress Dowager's brows were furrowed. Although Qing'er's massage was very comfortable, the Empress Dowager's brows just wouldn't relax.
"After all, Princess Huanzhu grew up outside the palace, so she might not be able to adapt all at once. Your Majesty should give her more time to learn! Your Majesty must have seen enough of those fake welcoming scenes. Although Princess Huanzhu caused quite a stir, it was still quite unique. Qing'er is truly blessed to be able to witness such a thrilling scene with Your Majesty as soon as she returns to the palace." Qing'er spoke up understandingly in defense of Xiao Yanzi.
Although she didn't know anything about Princess Huanzhu, she was still shaken by what had happened that day. However, no one wanted things to escalate too much. Especially seeing Xiao Yanzi standing in front of the Empress Dowager, she believed Xiao Yanzi hadn't done it intentionally. Furthermore, seeing the Emperor's worried expression today, she knew Xiao Yanzi was deeply favored by him in the palace. If the Empress Dowager were to hold a grudge, the relationship between mother and son would likely become very strained.
It would be better if the Empress Dowager took a step back, which would make the Emperor feel more at ease and at the same time make him feel guilty towards the Empress Dowager.
"You're right. I'm a little tired, you should go and have your meal first!" The Empress Dowager patted Qing'er's hand affectionately.
"Yes!" Qing'er helped the Empress Dowager lie down and then left.
Shufangzhai
They were all educating Little Swallow.
"Didn't you say you wouldn't show a single hair today? Well, you really are a case of 'silent until you speak, then astounding everyone'!" Er Kang was the first to be criticized.
"Even if you really want to go, you should at least discuss it with us! Today's scene was truly chaotic and disorganized."
"Especially since the Empress Dowager, Consort Yu, and Princess Yong'an have all fallen to the ground. I wonder how they are? If any of the three of them are seriously injured, Little Swallow, you're finished."
"My mother is alright, she was just a little frightened, but she wasn't seriously injured. Luckily, Ertai and I cushioned her fall." The Fifth Prince overheard the accusations against Xiao Yanzi as he entered the room. He quickly offered an explanation.
"What should we do now? We don't know anything about the Empress Dowager. Should we go and see Princess Yong'an?" Ziwei twisted her fingers, her eyes filled with worry.
"Hey, that's a great idea! Let's go take a look now!" Little Swallow exclaimed immediately upon hearing this. Ever since the accident, she had been complaining that she finally had a little bit of remedial measures, and she wanted to do it right away.
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