Ning Lou had an amused grin all the time, because every time she was displaying an act, she couldn't keep herself from the enthusiasm building inside. Her ears would perk jauntily, heaped with attentiveness, like a recording device that would perceive the surroundings of any sounds. One must know, in conning, that it is better to have silver ears than a silver tongue!
"What does the Imperial Physician want to ask Bengong?"
"Nucai would like to know if Your Highness is feeling very hot. Are Your Highness' robes also soggy from excessive sweating? I also noticed Your Highness is thirsty."
Ning Lou raised her voice, producing a surprised pitch: "The Imperial Physician has foresight. Bengong did seem a little uncomfortable. My back and forehead are dripping with beads of sweat! And yes, Bengong is thirsty all of a sudden. What does it mean?"
Tang-Mama showed a look of surprise, which was spotted by Xuanji. Xuanji's previous proud demeanor resurfaced, and his spoken words were now filled with pride.
"Your Highness is experiencing internal heat due to the excess floating Yang drying the yin's internal pool," Xuanji explained, brimming with confidence.
Ning Lou paid complete attention to the physician's articulation. His words were now delivered smoothly, which is very different from his previous choppy and hesitant statements. He stutters every time I change the rhythm of the pulse His breath will be shaky, as if he were troubled. He spoke hurriedly whenever that Tang-Mama questioned my state, but now, after I settled it to a steady pace, he uttered his words filled with vigor.
This man seemed to value reputation a lot and will not accept any faults! Aren't some men like that? They are full of ego! Speaking of men, I can't find any information referring to the incumbent emperor. When I tried to compare the painting scrolls and history annals in a Chinese gala I sneaked in, I couldn't help but think of this body's statistics...
Ning Lou shuddered at her thoughts. That's why I needed to get out of here soon!
"Is the Imperial Physician implying Bengong is sick? It couldn't be a terrible disease. Bengong has been taking care of her health well. It was only a dip in the pond! How could it result in something grave?" Ning Lou spoke hurriedly, stifling some tiny sounds.
Tang-Mama was about to console the Empress when Xuanji beat her to it: "Your Highness needn't to worry. Nucai assures that by increasing the water intake and regulating the meals—serving some food rich in yin—Your Highness' body will return to its previous state. I will also concoct an effective medicine, and if there's any more hindrance, in three days' time, Your Highness can take a stroll again."
Ning Lou rubbed her chin in deep thought. Three days of time can be enough. I just need to create excuses to distract these pesky nuisances!
"The Empress is already sleeping. This servant had also arranged for her closest maids to pay attention. As of now, the Imperial physician has made a diagnosis and given this servant the prescription. Does the Old Dowager like to see it?"
"What there's more to say is that this child easily gets sick, making this old one worry always. That Heng'er also doesn't pay a bit of attention. This old one doesn't know how to deal with these things anymore."
The Old Dowager sighed before adding her inquiry in a serious tone: "Did you already investigate the morning's incident? This old one doesn't feel at ease. Although that Lou girl lacks foresight, she isn't stupid enough to harm herself; someone must have orchestrated the whole thing."
Tang-Mama nodded earnestly, agreeing with the old woman's remarks. The Empress may be lacking in the head, but she won't possibly drown herself. It was also unfortunate that Little Qu and Little Yan weren't at the scene; otherwise, the culprit would have been punished already.
"This servant will investigate this matter seriously and will not let the culprit get away." Tang-Mama assured the old woman that she would prioritize the matter to ensure Ning Lou's safety.
The two chatted for a while before Tang-Mama remembered another matter. She hesitated for a moment, wondering if it was necessary to relay Xuanji's confusing behavior from hours ago. She herself was also stumped for words.
Seeing Tang-Mama bothered, the old Dowager lightly called out, wanting to know if the woman in front of her had something important to say.
"It is about the Imperial Physician. A while ago, this servant..." Tang-Mama recalled the physician's unusual behavior and narrated what happened in great detail. In the midst, she could see the old woman would frown and would sigh heavily. Tang-Mama felt the old woman's mood wasn't good anymore and decided to shorten her report.
After listening, the old woman patted her chest and closed her eyes. Tang-Mama immediately went forward and held the old woman's hands. She lightly patted it, comforting the old woman. Sure enough, the matter from years ago still affects her and lingers in her heart. For a few seconds, Tang-Mama could already feel the wetness in her hands and stayed silent.
"It's this old one's fault. If this one didn't bring that Lou girl here, she must have been as healthy as the other ladies her age. She won't be caged in her palace all day." The old woman lost her calm facade and burst into tears.
The incense continued to burn as both figures drowned in sorrow.
________
Meanwhile, the subject of the conversation, Ning Lou, was having a lavish lunch. This ancient man knows how to have a good life. Look at these tables: roasted duck, eight treasured chickens, stir-fried shrimp dumplings, and some Nu'er wine. I'm living my life!
As for how the table was filled with sumptuous dishes, it was all thanks to Ning Lou's good nose that he managed to intercept an eunuch outside the chamber who was delivering someone's food.
The little eunuch, who was a victim of Ning Lou's claws, was still outside, bitterly staring at the chamber's door, which was guarded by two other eunuchs.