When Long Xi arrived at the Empress’ room, sixth princess Long Qin was at her bedside accompanying her. Long Qin was the Empress’ only daughter. She had just turned 14 and was at that age when a young girl was just about to bloom.
Although the Empress was nearing 50 years of age, she had maintained her appearance and looked only about 30. However, all that exquisite make-up couldn’t hide her frailty. Lying on the bed, a gentle smile lit up her face when she saw Long Xi arrive.
“Xi, you look rather unhappy today.”
As Long Xi looked at his bedridden mother, he dared not reveal the slightest sign of depression. He forced a smile as he shook his head.
Long Qin stared at Ji Fengyan, who was standing beside Long Xi, with sparkling, almond-shaped eyes. She quickly sized up Ji Fengyan.
“Brother, is this my future sister-in-law? She looks exquisite.”
Long Xi couldn’t help smiling at a young girl’s innocent words. He shook his head and explained that Ji Fengyan was an official guest staying at his residence.
Long Qin was still rather curious, but she was well-mannered and didn’t pursue further. The Empress smiled warmly at Ji Fengyan before addressing Long Xi. “You were admonished by your father again.”
Long Xi was just about to refute this when he noticed his mother’s concerned gaze. He couldn’t bring himself to lie to her and just mumbled his way through. He was prepared to deliver the Nine Revolutions Soul Return Elixir to the Empress.
“This is the Nine Revolutions Soul Return Elixir. It may improve your health if you take it.”
“My child, you are so thoughtful. I am fine, you don’t have to worry.” Despite her casual words, the Empress carefully kept Long Xi’s gift.
Ji Fengyan remained silent by the side, unwilling to interrupt this joyful family moment. However, a vaguely peculiar expression crossed her face when her gaze landed on the Empress.
“Empress, I have had some medical training from a young age. I wonder… if I could take a look at your condition?” Ji Fengyan suddenly spoke up, startling Long Xi.
The Empress never expected the young lady to make such a request. “It’s just some chronic ailments accumulated over the years. It’s no big deal. Xi is just too anxious. However, if you are willing, I am happy to let you take a look.”
Ji Fengyan didn’t hurry forward but just looked at Long Xi. Only after Long Xi nodded, his assent did she move towards the Empress.
Ji Fengyan had a special way of examining. She just placed two fingers on the Empress’ wrist, which was something that had never been done in the medical practice of this world. With this light touch, Ji Fengyan infused the vital energy from her own inner core into the Empress’ meridians. As she examined the Empress, surprise flashed across Ji Fengyan’s eyes.
Nevertheless, she deftly hid her astonishment, and no one noticed anything strange.
“How is it?” The Empress smiled.
Ji Fengyan retrieved her hand and laughed awkwardly. “My medical skills are too amateurish. I really can’t see anything wrong with your health.”
The Empress looked amused, although a glint of disappointment flashed across her eyes. But she quickly erased that disappointment.
“There was never anything really wrong with me. Your father is just being a worrywart, making Qin visit me daily. She is not a young child anymore and will be leaving the palace in two years’ time. Xi, since you are here today, could you bring Qin out for a jaunt in the capital city?”
