Zi Yue, fearing Xia Ruqing would suffer from excessive internal heat, boiled two peeled pears on the small charcoal stove, adding large chunks of rock sugar.
Xia Ruqing drank a bowl, belching contentedly.
After the meal, Zi Yue carefully massaged medicinal oil into her skin beside the brazier.
It wasn't until the Xu Hour (11 p.m.–1 a.m.) that she clutched her Hot-water Bottle and snuggled into the warm depths of her bedding.
That night, she slept exceptionally soundly.
However, in the Harem, some could not sleep—Noble Concubine Shih, for instance...
The Empress attending the Emperor's bed had caused Noble Concubine Shih's heartache to flare up again. She lay in bed, her face etched with distress.
Ying Yue, unsure how to console her, simply asked, "Your Grace, shall we... have an Imperial Physician take a look?"
Noble Concubine Shih replied impatiently, "Look at what? Can the Imperial Physician bring the Emperor here?"
Ying Yue dared not speak further.
