Su Jingxi waited in the inner room, feeling extremely bored. Everything was a masterpiece, every item was priceless treasure, and nothing could be damaged or replaced by her.

  Whats more important is that she doesnt know which one is his favorite, and if she accidentally breaks it, the thunderous anger wont be something she can easily withstand.

  A painting hung on the opposite side of the eight-treasured crystal couch instantly caught Su Jings attention, a woman who could truly be described as stunningly beautiful, captivating and alluring, with a beauty that rivaled the moon and put flowers to shame.

  Next to her was a two or three year old child, sitting in a red sandalwood chair that was even taller than him. The woman smiled at the child, and with one glance, she became a hundred times more beautiful, making the six palaces ladies-in-waiting lose their color. In an instant, her radiant beauty shone brightly, and even the branch of proud snow red plum behind her lost its color.

  Su Jing merely glanced at it a few times, and she could feel the painters meticulousness, with every brush stroke being delicate, even the intricate patterns on the chair were clearly visible. The womans brocade clothes were also rendered with each stroke visible, showing the painters focus. The womans expression was vivid, just like a real person.

  Is that the young childs mother? It doesnt seem quite like her though...

  Before entering the palace, Father had specially called her to the study and told her as much as he could about the secrets of the imperial palace, which naturally included Empress Xi. However, at that time, Fathers official position was lowly, so what he knew was only rumors and couldnt be taken entirely seriously.

  Empress Xi had been in the palace for only a few years, but she was deeply favored by the late Emperor. Even in the history of Chu Zhou State, it is impossible to find a concubine who was more favored than Empress Xi. The descriptions of Chang Le Palace and Mei Garden by historians are all proof of this.

  Such a woman herself must have been stunningly beautiful, with both talent and beauty, having her own charm to attract the late emperor, but the harem is after all the harem, never able to accommodate such a wonderful woman.

  "Your Majesty..." Su Jing was still in a daze when she heard the sound of movement coming from the doorway.

  Zong Zhengjin walked in with big strides, and was stunned by her call, only to remember that he had asked her to be here. Her powdered face, bright eyes, gentle smile, and charming glances captivated his heart.

  Su Jingxi didnt notice his abnormality and walked up to him, "Your Majesty is done with your busy schedule?"

  Zong Zhengjin nodded slightly, "Uh-huh."

  That natural fruit fragrance floated around his nose as she approached, "Come over here."

  "Hmm... Emperor..."

  Su Jing was pulled into his arms with great force, and the violent breath immediately fell, the mans breath rushed over, not gentle at all.

  Su Jing suddenly realized his abnormality at this moment, and he seemed not very happy?

  She responded slightly to him, inviting his even more unbridled plundering. It was unclear who had bitten through whose lips in an instant, and a bloody aura spread between the two mouths.

  Su Jing was tossed about by him, her mind in a daze, and before she knew it, he had done nothing to prepare her, but directly collided with her, causing her to lean against his shoulder and sob out loud.

  Somethings off about this situation...

  Su Jing couldnt withstand his offense, sobbing quietly, but her mouth conveyed the most primitive reaction of her body, slowly calling out in a low voice, "It hurts... Your Majesty... it hurts so much..."

  Zong Zhengjin seemed to have not heard her at all, holding onto her slender waist, continuing his reckless behavior until she rubbed against his cheek and he felt a patch of wetness.

  He paused, stopped his attack, pulled her in front of him, furrowed his eyebrows, and his eyes were filled with mist. A pair of beautiful eyes were also tinged with red, the tip of his nose was red, and his lips were cracked at one corner, with a trickle of blood spreading outwards.

  Gazing at him quietly like this, occasionally choking back sobs, touching and pitiful, also quite wronged.

  Zong Zhengjin felt a little guilty, raised his hand to wipe away the tears that had fallen from her eyes, and kissed her pink cheek. "Its okay, I was wrong, does it still hurt?"

  She is still young and her body has not fully developed, she must have been wronged just now.

  Su Jingxiu stole a glance, blushed and shook her head, biting her lip. "It doesnt hurt anymore, but please be gentle, Your Majesty."

  Zong Zhengjin patted her back, "Mm."

  …………

  After a long time, even if Zong Zhengjin intentionally lightened his movements, Su Jingxian still fainted after several rounds of attacks.

  Zong Zhengjin had her two legs straddled over his waist, embracing each other closely, the jade body in her arms was full of marks left by him, soft and warm. Zong Zhengjin maintained this posture for a long time without moving.

  If Su Jing had been conscious, she would have seen the emperor, whom everyone admired, reveal a vulnerable and injured expression for the first time, and perhaps she would have understood many things.

  The sky outside had long since darkened, and it was already past dinner time. Unfortunately, Su Shunian stood outside, not daring to make a sound or disturb him, even using the excuse that His Majesty needed to take care of his dragon body.

  "Susu xian."

  "Your humble servant is here, what instructions does Your Majesty have?"

  "Imperial Physician."

  Zong Zhengjins face was visibly displeased, and Su Shunian could guess a few points even if he hadnt seen it. He didnt dare to delay for a minute, so he responded hastily and rushed out, personally "dragging" the Taichang Hospitals dean over before considering the matter settled.

  "Reporting back to Your Majesty, Zhen Concubine is not seriously ill and will recover with proper rest. She should be able to regain her health in a few days," said Zhang Taishi after finishing his examination and kneeling down.

  He has mixed to the position of Taichang Hospital, except for his medical skills being top-notch, he also has a brain, like now, the one lying on the bed, even if he really has something, can he still say that the emperor indulged in excess, so much so that Zhen Fei was injured?

  "Go ahead and get your medicine, you know what to say outside."

  "Your humble servant understands, Your Majesty can rest assured, your humble servant takes his leave."

  He is the emperors personal imperial physician, and even if the emperor doesnt say anything, he will never utter a word to outsiders. The most important thing in life is being able to keep your mouth shut, especially in the palace.

  Zong Zhengjin, with a hint of tenderness in his heart, personally cleaned her up and applied medicine to her wounds. He sat at the head of the bed, gazing intently at her eyebrows.

  Su Jing hummed softly, her eyelids heavy and unable to open, her slightly hoarse voice, "Your Majesty..."

  "Im here," Zong Zhengjin held her hand, lay down beside her, saw her leaning over automatically and subconsciously hooked the corner of his mouth, and soon fell asleep with his arms around her.

  A dreamless night.

  "Master, Her Majesty said you dont need to go and pay your respects to the Empress Dowager for the next few days," Liang Yu hastily said as soon as she saw her wake up.

  Su Jing slightly moved and felt an unusual sensation beneath her, the pain was more severe than before, "Hmm."

  "Master, its already been medicated over there, no big deal, Master just needs to rest well."

  Su Jing saw her calm expression, blinked her eyes, and knew she was subtly reminding her. She smiled and said, "Dont worry, your master is not so fragile. The emperors favor is an honor to your master."

  Whether its pain or suffering, whether its bitter or tearful, all are the emperors favors. She naturally only has reason to thank him, how could she possibly harbor resentment?

  "Lets get up, my lady, and return to Drunken Cloud Villa."

  Ting Yao also knew that the master of their own house had been waiting here since yesterday afternoon, and now it was already past the time for paying respects. If they waited any longer, they might really get into more trouble.

  "Xiaozhi pays respects to Zhen Huang," a small eunuch came over as they exited the palace gate, "Zhen Master, I have already prepared the sedan chair."

  Su Jing smiled reluctantly and said, "Please trouble Gonggong and Su Gonggong to say a word, Ben Pei will return to Zuiyun Valley first."

  "Dont worry, Master Zhen," Xiaozhi said with her head bowed and eyes downcast, not daring to look up. Although she couldnt see the smile on her face, her voice was very gentle.

  "Thanks, Xia Gong," just in time, Yao handed over a handbag.

  Xiaozhi didnt decline either, and put it in her sleeve, "I wouldnt dare, I wouldnt dare, Master Zhen has already spoiled me rotten."

  She watched the faint figure leave, and Xiaozhi stood still, carefully recalling her own behavior just now. She should have shown enough respect to this Zhen Jun, as Su Gonggong had repeatedly emphasized the importance of this master.

  Drunken Cloud Villa

  "Go get some food, Im starving," Su Jing said as soon as she stepped into her own territory, only to realize that she was already famished.

  Dai Man saw that his masters face was pale, and although he was worried, he didnt ask many questions. He quickly brought over a small dish of chestnut cake, "Master, have something to fill your stomach first, Xiao Fu will be back soon."

  Ting Yao stood by and poured a cup of water, "Master, have some water to moisten your throat."

  Su Jing hooked up the corner of her mouth, "Whos so delicate?"

  Although thats what he said, in the end he picked up a piece of chestnut cake and started eating it little by little, drinking some water from time to time.

  After dinner, Su Jingzhen was about to enter the inner chamber to rest, but as soon as she got up, her body involuntarily shook a little. "Listen, Yáo, follow Ben Pei in."

  Taking advantage of Yaos strength to barely enter the inner chamber, Su Jing wiped the fine sweat from her forehead and handed over her hand, "Honestly speaking."

  Ting Yao placed her fingers on him and repeatedly examined him, furrowing her brow. "Master, it seems youve been poisoned, but Im just a novice and dont dare confirm it."

  Ji Zhen saw Su Jings dazed expression and continued, "Master, for the sake of your own body, I hope you will allow me to invite a physician."

  "Are you going to listen to the truth? What are you suspicious of?"

  Yaoer thought carefully, "Ive been with Master since morning, and except for the two sips of water in the Zichen Hall, Master only had a meal after returning to the Cuizyun Pavilion. I didnt notice anything unusual during that time."

  "So the medicine I took was a chronic poison?" Su Jing thought carefully and realized that she hadnt felt any discomfort before.

  "Sneering, he smiled and said, Go invite Imperial Physician, remember to invite two of them, but schedule the time separately."

  Xiang Yao thought for a moment and understood Masters meaning, so she hurried out to find Xiao Fuzi.

  Zichen Hall

  "Has she returned?" Zong Zhengjin had just finished his morning court session and casually asked as he descended from the dragon throne.

  Just as Su Shun had entered the Zichen Hall, Xiao Xiazi had already given him a signal. Fortunately, he had guessed that the Emperor might ask about it and was prepared, "Your Majesty, Zhen has returned."

  Zong Zhengjin walked towards the Long case, Su Shunxian was just about to go make a cup of tea, when he saw Little Li Zi rushing over with a flustered expression, seemingly having something to report, and didnt even bother with formalities, hastily walking over in light steps.

  He whispered a few words, and Su Shunian was stunned, not daring to delay, "Your Majesty, Zhen Zhuangzi seems to have been poisoned."