At that moment, a burst of hurried footsteps approached from afar. Everyone looked in the direction of the sound. It was the Director of the Imperial Hospital, trotting towards them. From a distance, he seemed to be stumbling and looking a bit disheveled, as if he had just experienced a thrilling chase. As he drew closer, everyone was surprised to see that his once-clean face was now drenched in sweat, his forehead covered in a dense layer of fine beads of sweat, which trickled down his cheeks and onto his already slightly wrinkled official uniform.

Finally, the director of the Imperial Hospital came running over. He took a few deep breaths, trying to calm his rapid breathing and violently beating heart. Then, he gathered his composure and looked around. When he saw the pale-faced Concubine Shu lying on the bed, a trace of worry flashed across his eyes, but he quickly forced himself to calm down and cautiously approached, carefully examining the wound on Concubine Shu's face, which had already faded.

He narrowed his eyes slightly, his expression focused and serious, as if examining a rare treasure. He reached out his right hand and gently touched the skin around Concubine Shu's wound, feeling its warmth and elasticity. He also listened attentively to Concubine Shu's faint breathing and occasional soft moans. After a long moment, the experienced court official slowly straightened up and let out a long sigh.

Then, he turned to face everyone present, and said with a serious face: "Everyone, this time it is thanks to the Queen Mother who made a prompt decision and handled the situation properly. Otherwise, judging from the current condition of the Concubine Shu, if it had been delayed for a moment longer, I am afraid that this beautiful face would have been completely festered. But fortunately, the situation is not too bad now. As long as you apply the medicine on time according to the prescription I prescribed, I believe that it will not be long before the Concubine Shu's injury can be effectively controlled and gradually improve." After saying this, he took out a prescription that he had prepared long ago from his arms, handed it respectfully to the maid standing beside him with both hands, and repeatedly reminded her to strictly follow the requirements of the prescription to give the Concubine Shu the medicine, and not to be careless in the slightest.

At this moment, the Empress Dowager, who had been standing silently nearby, suddenly asked, "So, in your opinion, this Concubine Shu might be left with a scar on her face?" As soon as this was said, the other concubines present all turned their gazes to the imperial physician, their eyes filled with varying expressions: some worried, some curious, and still others with a hint of gloating. After all, within the inner court of this palace, appearance was of paramount importance to the women.

Facing the gazes of the Empress Dowager and the concubines, the imperial physician appeared quite calm. He bowed slightly to the ladies before replying calmly, "To the Empress Dowager and all the other ladies, although Consort Shu's injuries are serious, with proper care, there should be no scarring. Please rest assured, Your Majesty." He bowed once more to the group and said, "I will take my leave!" Then, hastily picking up his medicine box, he turned and left.

At this moment, Concubine Shu gritted her teeth, enduring the sharp pain in her body. Beads of sweat rolled down her forehead, but she still tried to remain dignified and calm. With the careful support of the palace maid beside her, she struggled to push herself up and slowly stood up.

After regaining her balance, Concubine Shu, not bothering to straighten her slightly disheveled hair and clothes, walked straight towards Tang Wenshu with a slightly unsteady gait. When she reached him, she bowed respectfully, her voice trembling but filled with sincerity as she said, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for saving my life. I am truly grateful! If it weren't for Your Majesty's intervention, I'm afraid..." Before she could finish her words, tears welled up in her eyes.

Seeing this, Tang Wenshu showed a gentle smile on her face, waved her hand gently, and said softly: "Sister, please stand up quickly. This is just a small favor. There is no need for such a big gesture." After that, she stepped forward and reached out to support Concubine Shu.

After receiving Tang Wenshu's permission, Concubine Shu stood up and gently wiped the tears from her eyes with a handkerchief. Then, surrounded by a group of palace maids, she slowly turned and left. Although her steps were still a little unsteady, she tried to straighten her back and try not to look too embarrassed.

Tang Wenshu quietly watched Concubine Shu's retreating figure until she was completely out of sight, then she averted her gaze. Then, she slowly picked up the steaming cup of fragrant tea that Ruyi had just brought back. She first brought the cup to her nose, gently sniffing the refreshing aroma, then parted her red lips and took a small sip. As the tea entered her mouth, a warm, sweet aroma instantly filled her mouth, leaving her feeling refreshed and invigorated.

After savoring the tea, Tang Wenshu contentedly placed the cup down. She gracefully stood up, folded her hands before her, bowed slightly, and said softly, "I'll take my leave." As soon as she finished her words, she turned and prepared to leave.

In reality, Tang Wenshu knew full well that Ruyi was close to the Empress Dowager. Even as the supremely noble Empress, if she truly tried to attack Ruyi, the Empress Dowager might not intervene. In that case, it would be better to turn a blind eye and avoid unnecessary trouble. Thinking of this, Tang Wenshu quickened her pace.

Just as she finished her words, the Queen Mother quickly intervened, saying, "Wait a minute, Queen! I haven't been feeling well lately. I'm thinking of bringing in a few trusted servants from outside the palace to serve me, so I can feel more at ease. Furthermore, the Queen's family could also come to visit you." The Queen Mother gently placed her hand on her forehead, a trace of fatigue on her face. Ruyi, standing cautiously behind her, gently massaged her head to ease her discomfort.

Hearing the empress dowager's words, Tang Wenshu paused for a moment, then smiled and replied, "Thank you for your concern, mother, but there are indeed no girls of the right age in my family." She paused briefly, instantly capturing the attention of the concubines present. They all held their breath, wondering how the empress would respond. At this moment, Tang Wenshu continued calmly, "Since that's the case, why not let me personally attend to her. After all, serving your majesty is my duty, and I cannot refuse."

"This..." The Queen Mother looked hesitant, but she couldn't refuse. After all, when the Emperor and Empress were both away at the Li Kingdom, it was the Consorts Xian, Liang, Shu, and De who had diligently served and cared for her while she lay on her sickbed. Now that the Empress had returned, it was only right that they should come and attend to her, showing filial respect and honoring the Queen Mother.

After thinking for a moment, the Queen Mother finally spoke slowly: "In this case, let the Queen come together with these four concubines to take care of the patient." Her tone seemed a little helpless, but she knew in her heart that this arrangement might be the most appropriate.

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