[1]The Consort is Both Charming and Scheming, Rising Through Palace Intrigue

Ning Shuyan finally let go, and it was immediately obvious that a large bump had swelled up on her forehead. Her skin was already pale and delicate, which made the swelling look even more alarming.

Xiao Yu's brows furrowed deeply. He raised his voice, "Summon the imperial physician!"

Ning Shuyan quickly said, "Forget it, the physician would only apply medicine anyway."

Yang An stood in the hall, unsure whether to advance or retreat. Just as he hesitated, Xiao Yu suddenly shouted, "What are you standing there for? Hurry and get the medicine!"

Frightened, Yang An jolted and rushed off to fetch it.

Xiao Yu sighed lightly. "Why didn't you say anything when you came in? If you had, I wouldn't have—"

"I saw Your Majesty concentrating on your memorials, and I didn't want to disturb you. Who would've thought Your Majesty would mistake me for an assassin? Clearly, it was Your Majesty who hurt me, and now you blame me for not speaking up."

As she spoke, she pouted in dissatisfaction, the reproach in her tone practically leaping out.

When Yang An returned with the ointment, he was stunned. This Zhao Xiuyi really had guts. That was the Emperor she was lecturing! She actually dared blame him!

But Xiao Yu showed no trace of anger. Instead, he gently took Ning Shuyan's hand and said softly, "Alright, don't be upset. It was my fault."

Only then did Ning Shuyan let out a soft, girlish humph.

Xiao Yu knew her well enough to understand that this little humph meant most of her anger had melted away.

He dipped his finger in the cool ointment and examined her forehead carefully. The swelling seemed even redder and more inflamed, and he felt waves of pain in his heart just looking at it.

Seeing him staring at her without moving, Ning Shuyan asked, "Why aren't you applying it, Your Majesty?"

Xiao Yu's eyes shifted. In a low voice, he said, "I'm afraid it'll hurt you."

Ning Shuyan found his flustered expression amusing and smiled. "It doesn't hurt anymore. You can go ahead and apply the medicine."

Xiao Yu knew she was trying to comfort him. He gently applied the ointment, and when Ning Shuyan furrowed her brows in pain, he immediately began to softly blow on the area.

"Bear with it a little."

This kind of medicine needed to be gently massaged in for better absorption, so Xiao Yu used the lightest pressure possible to rub it in.

Ning Shuyan stared blankly at his face. They were so close, and his dark, deep eyes were focused entirely on her forehead.

Xiao Yu was truly very handsome, his facial features perfect and flawless. Especially in this moment, his face looked calm and gentle, making him seem far more approachable.

"Why are you staring at me like that?" Xiao Yu noticed her gaze and couldn't help the soft smile that played on his lips.

Ning Shuyan looked away and smiled. "Your Majesty looks very handsome when you're being gentle."

Xiao Yu raised an eyebrow. "Just now you were in pain, and now you're full of sweet talk."

Once the ointment was mostly absorbed, Xiao Yu lowered his hand.

A maid brought in clean water and a handkerchief. Xiao Yu looked at the ink on Ning Shuyan's nose and chuckled. "Yan'er, you actually look rather cute like this. I almost don't want to wipe it off."

Ning Shuyan gently touched her nose and said sweetly, "Quick, Your Majesty, wipe it for me."

The corner of Xiao Yu's mouth curved into a charming smile, his eyes full of warmth and amusement. He picked up the handkerchief and carefully wiped the ink from her nose.

Ning Shuyan was truly grateful she hadn't used much makeup today—otherwise, having it all wiped off would have been quite embarrassing.

After cleaning her up, the attendants withdrew. Ning Shuyan stood up and picked up the brush from earlier, examining it carefully. She smiled. "I'm taking this brush back with me."

"Oh? Why?" Xiao Yu asked, puzzled.

Ning Shuyan smiled sweetly, her eyes sparkling with playfulness. "I need to keep it. If Your Majesty bullies me again in the future, I'll use this brush to knock you on the head."

As she spoke, she lightly tapped his hairpiece with it, grinning brightly. Xiao Yu froze for a moment, and just as he was about to scold her, he saw her radiant smile and could only mutter, "What nonsense."

But Ning Shuyan stepped forward and hooked her arms around his neck, looking up at him. "If Your Majesty doesn't bully me, then I won't act silly. Besides, what's wrong with some teasing between husband and wife?"

Xiao Yu couldn't help but laugh and pinched her cheek. "I really can't do anything with you."

His gaze moved to her fair and slender neck, and he turned away, saying quietly, "Let go of me. This is Zhaochan Hall."

Instead of letting go, Ning Shuyan pressed closer to his chest and said coquettishly, "I missed Your Majesty. Can't I even get a hug?"

Xiao Yu awkwardly raised his hand to pat her back. As she leaned against him, he felt his chest start to warm. "I still have state affairs to attend to. Don't be unreasonable."

Ning Shuyan frowned. So now he wanted to play the virtuous ruler in broad daylight?

She had no choice but to slowly release him, biting her lip with an unhappy expression.

Xiao Yu saw her displeased and wrapped his arm around her waist to coax her. "Alright, tonight I'll come to Lanyue Pavilion. You can hug me all you want, okay?"

Only then did Ning Shuyan smile. "Then it's a promise, Your Majesty. You haven't visited Lanyue Pavilion in days."

Xiao Yu rubbed her hand. "I was planning to come tonight anyway. There were just too many memorials today, so I'll be a bit late."

Recalling his earlier troubled expression, Ning Shuyan asked gently, "Is something wrong in court?"

Speaking of court matters, Xiao Yu sighed and massaged his brow tiredly. "There are some thorny issues, but I can handle them."

Ning Shuyan looked at him with concern. "Your Majesty must also take care of your health. If it's too late, don't bother coming to Lanyue Pavilion. Just rest well in Zhaochan Hall."

"It's fine. I sleep better at Lanyue Pavilion."

That was the truth. Perhaps it was because of the woman before him—whenever he stayed at Lanyue Pavilion, he always slept soundly.

Especially since he'd gotten used to sleeping with her in his arms, it gave him a strange sense of security. If she ever stopped letting him hold her, he probably wouldn't sleep well anymore.

Ning Shuyan smiled gently. "Then I won't disturb Your Majesty any longer."

With that, she gave a slight curtsy and exited Zhaochan Hall.