Chapter 28: Tending Wounds and Paying a Visit

Lie Chang'an was instructed by the Emperor to recuperate in the palace. He had been injured, and Gu Li worried for him, longing to pay him a visit. Yet, because of her status, it was not easy for her to go openly and directly.

It happened that, when she went to Fengyang Palace to pay respects to her mother, the Empress, the latter was mindful that General Chang'an's wounds had been suffered for the Emperor's sake. As mistress of the harem, she could not neglect him and so ordered the servants to send medicines and nourishing soups.

Gu Li seized the opportunity, volunteering to bring the palace maids along herself. She said that General Chang'an had once rescued her at the racecourse and she had not yet properly thanked him; now was the perfect chance to do so in person.

The Empress agreed, thinking it appropriate, and instructed her attendants to add some fine pastries to the gifts, to be sent together.

Finding the right moment, Gu Li, satisfied, led the group of maids to the side hall assigned by her father.

Jasmine followed closely behind the Princess and, seeing the Princess's lips unable to suppress their upward curve, sighed at the power of love—even the pampered and willful Princess Danqing now showed tenderness.

Though this side hall was far from the inner palace, Gu Li, anxious and full of longing, felt no distance at all.

Upon arrival, a young eunuch went in to announce their presence. Gu Li suppressed her excitement and lifted her skirts as she entered.

Lie Chang'an was reading some reports sent from the military camp. During these days of convalescence in the palace, he had entrusted all matters to Deputy Commander Qi. Fortunately, only trivial affairs had arisen; otherwise, he would truly have been stretched thin.

When the eunuch came in and reported that Princess Danqing had brought the Empress's gifts, Lie Chang'an's heart trembled. He immediately set the reports aside and rose to tidy his attire.

"General Chang'an."

Just as he finished, he heard that soft, delicate voice.

Lie Chang'an strode forward, bowed his head, and saluted, "Greetings, Princess."

"No need for formalities." Gu Li saw his spirits were good, though his complexion was slightly pale, and her heart was eased.

"Is your injury serious, General?"

"It is nothing, just a minor wound—it will soon heal." Lie Chang'an instinctively touched the injury on his left chest. This morning, it had felt heavy, but now he could hear the strong beat of his heart, laden with suppressed joy and emotion.

"That's good." Gu Li watched as the maids placed bowls of nourishing soup and pastries on the table. "These are a token of my mother's care, and all are excellent for healing wounds. Be sure to partake."

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your concern."

"And this..." Gu Li took out a small jade-green bottle from her sleeve, asking shyly, "Last time, when you applied the Jade Skin Lotion, did it leave any scars on your back?"

Lie Chang'an immediately understood. After his last injury healed, he had used a bronze mirror to check and found no scars. He answered truthfully, "None."

Gu Li handed him the Jade Skin Lotion, her cheeks tinged with pink. "Please remember to apply this as well—I trust it will prevent any scars this time too."

Last time, she had applied the medicine for him, but now, hearing he was wounded on the chest and surrounded by so many maids, she could not disregard a maiden's modesty to help him herself.

Lie Chang'an, in truth, cared little for scars; his body already bore many. Yet, seeing the anticipation and concern in her eyes, he instinctively reached out to take the bottle, nodding his assent.

Gu Li smiled, radiant as spring sunlight, and he was momentarily lost.

"Be sure to use it," she said.

Otherwise, with each new scar, she would ache a little more for him.

Her words carried an unconscious girlish tenderness.

He felt his heart tremble again and replied obediently, "I will."