Chapter 27: Auntie, how does the taste of meditation feel? [One + two updates]

Chapter 27: Aunt, How Does the Taste of Quiet Contemplation Feel? [Author's Note: First and Second Watch Combined]

The lamp flame flickered, the light was hazy, time seemed to lose focus.

A slow smile spread across Jing Huayan's face.

The beloved in his arms spoke with affection, her hopeful expression for happiness naturally bringing him joy.

Though busy with political affairs, having such an understanding soulmate could ease his troubled thoughts and offer brief relaxation.

Jing Huayan reached out, stroking Ruan Hanzhang's tender pink cheek, then suddenly bopped her between the eyebrows.

"Very well, I grant your wish."

As if teasing a kitten, he pinched Ruan Hanzhang's cheek and said with a laugh, "As long as you remain docile, obedient, and gentle, I will make all your wishes come true."

Ruan Hanzhang lowered her gaze to look at him, seeing his usual languid indifference, yet feeling no ripple of emotion in her heart.

Jing Huayan was always like this.

Sometimes forceful, sometimes gentle, sometimes cold, sometimes intimate.

Whether thunder or dew, all were the grace of the sovereign.

Only what he was willing to give, only what he desired to give.

No one in the palace had the right to refuse.

Jing Huayan released her, holding her waist as he set her back on her feet, then said, "Your promotion to Consort Zhuang is the cause of everyone's envy, why this sudden melancholy?"

He took Ruan Hanzhang's hand again, his tone leaving no room for doubt: "You should be happy."

Ruan Hanzhang took a deep breath, quickly adjusted her emotions, and gave him a sweet, delicate smile.

"Yes, Your Majesty, I understand."

Jing Huayan gazed deeply into her half-lowered eyes, studying her face for a moment before chuckling lightly: "My Beloved Concubine has always been considerate. You know what to do."

Ruan Hanzhang knew very well that he only wanted an obedient kitten.

She blinked, and when she rose again, her face was full of smiles.

"Your Majesty, it is time for supper. You should rest now."

After supper, Ruan Hanzhang accompanied Jing Huayan for a walk along the veranda of Qianyuan Palace.

The moonlight was clear, the starlight brilliant, a silver glow falling upon the earth, illuminating the glazed tiles on the roof ridges.

The entire Changxin Palace was enveloped in tranquility, only the palace lamps lit the path they had taken.

Ruan Hanzhang held Jing Huayan's arm, speaking softly: "Is Your Majesty in a better mood now?"

Jing Huayan said, "Much better, my Beloved Concubine is thoughtful."

As long as she was obedient and acted according to his wishes, she deserved praise.

Jing Huayan always believed in clear rewards and punishments.

"The flood breached the embankment, Your Majesty need only send people for disaster relief. Why so troubled?"

In the court, there was no palace rule forbidding the harem from interfering in politics. Throughout history, empresses and favored consorts, besides receiving the emperor's genuine love, could also support the state. If they were truly useless to the nation, relying only on favor, they would not leave a significant mark in the history books.

The current Empress Dowager Renhui was the best example.

Thus, when Ruan Hanzhang asked this, Jing Huayan was not displeased.

"The Changhe River breached its embankment at Jiezhou. The flood control dam there was completed just three years ago, overseen by the then Provincial Governor Mei Youdao. According to the Ministry of Works' plans, it should have held for ten years."

A dam meant to last ten years was destroyed in three, resulting in the flooding of Jiezhou's newly cultivated fertile fields, disaster for nearby villages, and even the extinction of some small hamlets.

This was a grave fault.

Ruan Hanzhang pondered: "Is that Consort Mei's paternal uncle?"

Consort Mei came from the Jingzhou Mei clan, a prominent family since the previous dynasty, producing countless capable ministers who supported the state. The Mei family was full of talented officials; though their fortunes had fluctuated over two hundred years, they had never produced corrupt or treacherous courtiers.

Consort Mei's father died early; the family head was her eldest uncle, currently serving as the Governor of Jiangnan, overseeing the affairs of three provinces in the Jiangnan region. The Mei Youdao mentioned by Jing Huayan was Consort Mei's third uncle, who served as Provincial Governor of Jiezhou three years ago and had since been promoted back to the capital as Vice Minister of Rites.

Although the Yao family currently dominated the court, the Mei family was also prestigious, equally valued as loyal ministers and close relatives by marriage.

Ruan Hanzhang's two months in the harem had not been spent solely on needlework in Tangli Pavilion; she had already grasped the court's factions and the harem's cliques.

For this, she had to thank Ruan Zhongliang for giving her such a great opportunity.

Otherwise, she could not have leveraged the Ruan family's power to succeed smoothly.

Ruan Hanzhang said softly: "Your Majesty's worry is not just about the breach itself, but also the difficulty in deciding how to handle this matter."

Court factionalism was constant. Judging by Jing Huayan's expression, the matter from back then must have been handled cleanly, leaving no evidence.

Thus, it was impossible to determine whether Mei Youdao embezzled himself or was framed by enemies. In any case, it was difficult to reach a conclusion.

Jing Huayan was not surprised by Ruan Hanzhang's intelligence.

Discussing politics with her was even easier than with Prime Minister Yao.

Because Ruan Hanzhang had no personal stance; every word she spoke prioritized the Emperor and the state.

Her stance aligned with Jing Huayan's.

"Indeed, what does my Beloved Concubine think?"

Ruan Hanzhang thought for a moment, recalling the snippets she had glimpsed on the memorial. Those fragments were enough to piece together Jing Huayan's plan.

"For Your Majesty, the truth is not important. After all, the past cannot be changed," Ruan Hanzhang spoke clearly. "The priority now is disaster relief."

"The banks of the Changhe River are the main producing area for Champa rice. Vast plains yield half of Great Chu's grain. Now that Jiezhou is flooded and fertile fields destroyed, besides relief, strategies must be quickly devised to ensure an abundant autumn harvest."

"Your Majesty, is what I said correct?"

Jing Huayan squeezed her hand and sighed: "My Beloved Concubine truly lives up to being the top talented woman of Qingzhou, the most outstanding student in the history of White Crane Academy. Your insight is profound, bringing me comfort."

"I cannot claim to be the most outstanding student. When it comes to governing the country, it should be Senior Sister Jiang Qingming."

Jing Huayan held her hand as they walked side by side. The moonlight in the courtyard was bright, and suddenly, the night-blooming cereus flowers opened.

A wave of fragrance wafted over, and the two paused before the blooming flowers.

Ruan Hanzhang said: "I have always heard of the night-blooming cereus's fleeting beauty, but it always blooms after midnight. Today, we are fortunate to witness it firsthand, making this life worthwhile."

Jing Huayan said, "This is a unique Midnight Epiphyllum, which blooms earlier than ordinary epiphyllum but opens for just a quarter of an hour."

The two stood before the quietly blooming epiphyllum, holding their breath in rapt attention, awaiting its bloom and eventual closure.

A gentle breeze arose, causing the wind chimes hanging high in the pavilion to tinkle softly. Jing Huayan looked up at the sky and saw only a vast expanse of stars.

"Tomorrow, it will finally clear up."

Jing Huayan remarked, "Indeed, heaven is just."

Over the past few days, there had been constant drizzling in Yujing, making farming difficult for the people in the nearby suburbs and counties. They toiled daily in the muddy fields, braving the wind and rain.

Spring rain is as precious as oil, yet sunny days are also longed for.

After all, you can have too much of a good thing.

The epiphyllum bloomed in full splendor under the hazy moonlight, like a celestial fairy gracing the mortal realm. A mere glimpse of her could be remembered for ages.

A quarter of an hour later, the blooming Midnight Epiphyllum slowly closed its petals. From then on, its beauty faded, leaving behind only a lingering fragrance.

"Your Majesty, I believe that if rice cultivation is not feasible, perhaps other crops could be planted instead."

Jing Huayan took Ruan Hanzhang's hand again, and the two walked toward the Danruo Palace.

"My love, your thoughts align perfectly with mine."

Ruan Hanzhang asked, "Does the Imperial Agricultural Bureau currently have any new crops? Seizing this opportunity to test them on a small scale might yield unexpected success."

Jing Huayan suddenly laughed.

"My love, can it be that you can read my mind?"

"What makes Your Majesty say that?" Ruan Hanzhang paused at the entrance of the Danruo Palace, looking up at Jing Huayan. "Your Majesty possesses exceptional foresight and would never cling to outdated methods. I do not know if the Imperial Agricultural Bureau has any new crops, but I am certain that Your Majesty would not allow the people to starve or live in poverty."

Inside the Danruo Palace, the glazed palace lanterns cast a warm and bright glow, forming a halo of light behind Ruan Hanzhang.

The young Consort Zhuang resembled a fairy who had just descended to the mortal world, much like the ephemeral Midnight Epiphyllum, smiling as she questioned the emperor.

"Since Your Majesty says so, I must have guessed correctly."

"Does Your Majesty have a reward for me?"

Ruan Hanzhang's smile was lively, gentle, and charming.

Jing Huayan lowered his head slightly and suddenly placed an exceedingly tender kiss on her forehead.

"My love, you are truly clever."

Jing Huayan led her by the hand into the Danruo Palace and said, "I shall owe you one for now. I will remember it."

Ruan Hanzhang continued walking, remarking meaningfully, "Your Majesty's words are as good as gold. Do not forget them."

State affairs were busy, and today Jing Huayan had only called Ruan Hanzhang for some casual conversation, with no intention of summoning her to attend him overnight.

After Ruan Hanzhang bathed and changed, she rested and read in the bedchamber while Jing Huayan remained busy in the outer study.

Xue Yan attended to Ruan Hanzhang.

"Congratulations, Consort Zhuang."

Ruan Hanzhang, ever gracious, personally prepared a red envelope for her and said, "You have worked hard during this time."

Once Ruan Hanzhang moved to the Changchun Palace, she would no longer need to come to the Danruo Palace to attend to the emperor, and opportunities to see Xue Yan would become rare.

Xue Yan shook her head, not feeling distant from Ruan Hanzhang but rather more intimate.

"Your Majesty holds you in such high esteem, truly the envy of everyone."

Ruan Hanzhang did not ask about how Jing Huayan usually interacted with other concubines but instead inquired with Xue Yan about interesting happenings in the Weaving Bureau. The two chatted with such delight that they lost track of time, conversing for half an hour before finishing.

After the hour of Hai, Ruan Hanzhang began to doze off.

She asked Xue Yan to inquire with Liang Santai, who came in person to report: "Your Highness, please rest first. His Majesty is still occupied."

Ruan Hanzhang nodded and instructed, "Thank you for your hard work, Eunuch Liang. You serve by His Majesty's side day and night. As His Majesty works tirelessly, you too must work incessantly. Please ensure you also take good care of yourself."

Consort Zhuang Ruan was consistently gracious and polite, gentle and refined. She never treated palace servants with arrogance, a fact Liang Santai was well aware of.

Hearing her even express concern for him, Liang Santai's plump face broke into a grateful smile.

"Thank you for your concern, Consort Zhuang."

Ruan Hanzhang said, "His Majesty is prone to stomachaches. Now, as spring turns to summer, it is especially important to take good care of his health. Please check if the Imperial Kitchen has prepared any soups—sweet ones like snow fungus and snow pear soup, or savory ones like sour radish and old duck soup. If available, serve them to His Majesty and urge him to take good care of himself."

Such thoughtfulness.

Liang Santai replied with a respectful 'Yes', bowed, and took his leave.

Ruan Hanzhang then drifted off to sleep alone.

Xue Yan quietly extinguished three of the palace lanterns, leaving only one lit on the table, its faint glow illuminating the path at her feet.

In the Tangli Pavilion, Ruan Hanzhang slept very lightly and was easily awakened by noise. However, she was easygoing and did not dwell on it; even if awakened, she could simply turn over and go back to sleep.

In the Qianyuan Palace, she slept more soundly.

Perhaps the safest place in the entire Changxin Palace was right here.

After midnight, Jing Huayan finally finished his ablutions, changed clothes, and slowly made his way to the bedchamber.

Liang Santai gently pushed open the paneled door and was about to step forward to light the palace lanterns when Jing Huayan waved him away.

"Go rest. Let Peng Yu attend to me tomorrow."

Liang Santai withdrew, and Jing Huayan entered the chamber himself, closing the door behind him.

The bedchamber was quiet, illuminated only by the dim glow of the palace lanterns. Jing Huayan walked to the canopy bed and reached out to draw aside the bed curtains.

Ruan Hanzhang slept peacefully on the inner side of the bed, leaving half the space for him.

She lay flat on the soft pillow, the thin blanket neatly covering her. Her face was somewhat indistinct in the dim light, but her steady breathing indicated she was sleeping soundly.

So unworried.

Jing Huayan shook his head and smiled. In that moment, his heart inexplicably settled into tranquility.

Lying side by side with her on the bed, surrounded by the familiar scent of roses, Jing Huayan thought he would lie awake, his mind still occupied with endless political matters without respite.

Yet, after lying there for a while, drowsiness crept over him, clouding his thoughts.

In the last moment before falling asleep, Jing Huayan thought: Who would have thought Consort Zhuang could help him sleep.

If he had trouble sleeping in the future, he could have her share his bed.

————

May 14th was Virtuous Consort Xu's twenty-third birthday.

As it wasn’t a milestone year and due to political matters in the court, the palace did not plan a grand celebration. Virtuous Consort Xu requested Empress Dowager Renhui to invite all the fellow consorts in the palace, along with the dowager consorts and concubines, to a small gathering at the Falling Petals Pavilion in the imperial garden. They would enjoy a banquet, listen to music, chat, and stroll through the garden.

Such thoughtful behavior greatly pleased Empress Dowager Renhui, who praised her devotion and personally sent Peng Gu to invite the dowager consorts from various palaces.

Most of the lower-ranking consorts from the late emperor’s time had gone to Longfu Temple to pray for the nation. The remaining consorts in the palace, such as Dowager Consort De and Dowager Consort Shu, had moved to princesses' residences with the princesses, living more freely outside the palace.

Those who remained in the palace were Empress Dowager Renhui, Imperial Noble Dowager Consort, Noble Dowager Consort, and a few other dowager consorts. Some stayed because their children were young and not yet married or established in their own residences, while others disliked Buddhist practices, each for their own reasons.

Even including Dowager Consort De and Dowager Consort Shu, there were only eight.

However, with the addition of the palace concubines, princesses, imperial uncles, and Virtuous Consort Xu’s relatives, they could still fill three tables, making it lively and dignified.

At dawn, the entire Lingxin Palace was bustling with activity.

Virtuous Consort Xu woke early, first instructing the palace servants on their tasks before preparing herself.

Aunt Meiying by her side smiled and said, “Today is Your Ladyship’s birthday. Wishing you good fortune and smooth sailing.”

Virtuous Consort Xu smiled, her eyes curving, her expression softer and more amiable than usual, with less of a sharp edge.

“Thank you, Aunt, for your years of companionship. It is my fortune. From now on, let us walk side by side, with a worry-free future ahead.”

As they were speaking, the senior palace maid Gui Xiang hurried in.

“Your Ladyship, a report from Tingxue Palace.”

Virtuous Consort Xu’s hand, which was outlining her eyebrows, paused slightly. “What is it?”

Gui Xiang bowed and said, “Just now, Qing Dai from Tangli Pavilion reported that Consort Zhuang Ruan suddenly developed abdominal pain this morning and is unwell, unable to come to the Falling Petals Pavilion to congratulate Your Ladyship on your birthday.”

Virtuous Consort Xu raised an eyebrow and sneered, “What a letdown.”

“Your Ladyship, it’s better if she doesn’t come,” Meiying said carefully as she combed her hair. “If she were here, everyone would fawn over her again. Your Ladyship wouldn’t enjoy that either.”

Virtuous Consort Xu snorted but ultimately said nothing.

After a long pause, Virtuous Consort Xu said, “But she’s just a mere Consort Zhuang. What is there to be proud about?”

“She naturally cannot compare to Your Ladyship’s status.”

Meiying brought over a teacup from the side and whispered, “Your Ladyship, have some tea.”

Virtuous Consort Xu’s expression was detached. She sighed and said, “I drink it every day, but it doesn’t seem to help.”

Despite her words, Virtuous Consort Xu took the teacup and drank it all in one go.

The palace was unusually joyful today. Not only Lingxin Palace but also the other palaces were bustling early on.

Only Tangli Pavilion remained quiet, with even Qian Xiaoduo absent from the courtyard and only Qing Dai guarding the entrance.

Unexplainedly, Ruan Hanzhang had woken up early today. After Peilan served her a piece of cake, she suddenly developed abdominal pain and turned pale.

Peilan, unusually kind, said, “Your Ladyship, why not summon the imperial physician for an examination?”

“Forget it.”

Ruan Hanzhang, sweating on her forehead, leaned weakly against the bed and sighed. “Perhaps I caught a chill these past few days. Fetch me the Warm Star Pill for now.”

Peilan had been feeling drowsy lately, especially as this day approached. She struggled to wake up.

Because of this, Peilan had stopped taking her calming soup two days prior.

No matter what, today was the best opportunity and must not be delayed.

Yesterday, Peilan was still dizzy and tired, but after last night, she felt unusually energetic today.

Thus, early in the morning, Peilan was busy in Tangli Pavilion.

“Why should Your Ladyship fear her?”

Peilan said, “Your Ladyship is ill. Calling for the imperial physician is only reasonable.”

Ruan Hanzhang sighed. “After all, it is Virtuous Consort Xu’s birthday today. It wouldn’t be proper to spoil the mood because of me. We can discuss it tomorrow.”

Peilan lowered her eyes and said no more.

Ruan Hanzhang suddenly asked, “Why is Xiao Duo not here?”

“Yesterday, Qian Xiaoduo received a letter from home saying his mother had fainted again. I learned of it this morning and allowed him to return home.”

Peilan hurriedly explained, stuttering slightly, perhaps worried that Ruan Hanzhang would be angry.

Ruan Hanzhang said, “He is pitiable. When he returns, remember to give him another ten taels of silver so his mother can properly take medicine and see a doctor.”

“Your Ladyship is truly compassionate.”

The two of them had always been distant, and now sitting together, they had little to say.

Ruan Hanzhang said quite politely, “Aunt, you may rest. I do not need attendance here.”

Peilan thought for a moment and said, “Yes. Then, Your Ladyship, please rest for a while. This servant will excuse herself.”

Ruan Hanzhang was not nervous. She even took a nap in the morning and seemed to have improved by lunchtime.

At this time, only Qing Dai was attending to her in Tangli Pavilion. She had been busy since early morning and had just been sent to Lingxin Palace to deliver the birthday gift Ruan Hanzhang had prepared for Virtuous Consort Xu in advance.

The gift was neither expensive nor unique—just a glazed mirror. The mirror surface was made from foreign imports obtained through maritime voyages, capable of reflecting clearly.

It was a new item from the Imperial Workshops this year. Earlier, Jing Huayan had gifted one to Ruan Hanzhang, who liked it. Since she had no time to concern herself with Virtuous Consort Xu’s birthday, she prepared an identical gift.

Virtuous Consort Xu must have already had one. Indeed, when Qing Dai returned, her expression was unpleasant, surely because Lingxin Palace had been cold, snubbing Ruan Hanzhang.

Ruan Hanzhang smiled and called her over, saying, “Aunt Peilan is not here. Keep me company for the meal.”

Qing Dai, naive, saw nothing amiss and sat down to dine with her.

Watching Qing Dai eat earnestly, Ruan Hanzhang smiled and said, “Qing Dai, you seem quite suited for the imperial kitchen. The lotus sugar cakes you made before were delicious. Your skills are remarkable.”

Qing Dai smiled shyly. “This servant’s family originally sold baked cakes. Both my father and mother were skilled, and I learned from a young age. I’m glad Your Ladyship likes them. My efforts were not in vain.”

Simple, but not unintelligent, and she knew how to flatter.

Ruan Hanzhang thought for a moment, then took out a full twenty-tael silver ingot from her sleeve and placed it in Qing Dai's hand.

"I remember your birthday is the day after tomorrow. I’m afraid things might be too busy then, so here’s an early gift for you."

Qing Dai’s face flushed.

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness."

Ruan Hanzhang smiled and said casually, "Keep it on you—it'll bring good fortune."

The meal was cheerful, with both of them laughing and enjoying themselves.

Peilan was missing and had been gone a while. After lunch, Ruan Hanzhang took her usual nap. When she woke up, Peilan finally returned.

She was directing Qing Dai to move a wooden bucket to her bedchamber.

"Aunt, where were you?"

Ruan Hanzhang stood leaning against the doorframe, looking curious.

Peilan’s back stiffened, and it took her a moment to collect herself before replying, "There was a message from the mansion. This is wine specially made by Madam for you. I’m storing it in my room for now and let you taste it in a few days when it’s properly aged."

Ruan Hanzhang’s face lit up with joy. "Really? Madam is so thoughtful, always keeping me in mind."

Of course, always remembering how to bring about your death.

Peilan felt relieved and even more pleased after receiving confirmed news from the Ruan family.

To avoid suspicion, Peilan acted as usual, said coolly, "Naturally, Madam is a kind and compassionate person."

By this time, the imperial garden should have been in full swing.

Ruan Hanzhang leaned against the doorframe and looked up at the bright sky.

"The weather is so nice today. When I’m better, I’ll take you all to the imperial garden to enjoy it."

Qing Dai happily agreed, "Yes!"

Peilan had never felt time drag on like this.

This bright, sunny day seemed as if it would never end.

Every moment felt like an eternity as she restlessly paced her room. Meanwhile, Ruan Hanzhang expressionlessly hung the prepared earlier gold and silver fruit-shaped trinkets on her belt.

She hefted the pouch—it was neither too heavy nor too light, and looked inconspicuous.

Then, she took out the thick-soled 'Rising Cloud' shoes she had prepared earlier and put them on.

She had practiced walking in these shoes many times and could now walk with light, swift steps.

By the time everything was ready, it was already evening meal.

Ruan Hanzhang had a great appetite that evening, eating an extra bowl of rice congee and asking Qing Dai to bring two plates of mung bean cakes. She said, "I had a stomachache during the day and had no appetite, but now I’m feeling hungry."

Peilan paid no attention to these small actions, as she had been focused on the burning incense stick.

Ruan Hanzhang, curious, asked, "What’s wrong, Aunt?"

Peilan instinctively clenched her sleeve and gave a hollow laugh. "It’s nothing. I was just wondering how the Virtuous Consort’s birthday banquet is going. The new opera at Nanyin Pavilion must be wonderful."

"Yes, it must be extremely lively."

As they spoke, a commotion suddenly arose outside. Peilan was startled and called out clearly, "Qing Dai, what’s going on?"

Qing Dai hurried out and returned quickly, looking anxious. "It seems something suddenly happened at Lingxin Palace. Aunt Peng from Shoukang Palace personally came to Tingxue Palace and summoned Noble Lady Murong and Lady Wei."

Ruan Hanzhang grew anxious. "What exactly happened?"

Qing Dai shook her head. "The senior maids up front wouldn’t say, and I didn’t dare press."

Ruan Hanzhang immediately grew worried, stood up, and began pacing back and forth. Suddenly, as if seized by a stomach pain, she fell back onto the daybed.

"Your Highness!"

Peilan rushed forward in a panic, supporting Ruan Hanzhang. "Your Highness, what’s wrong?"

Ruan Hanzhang was sweating heavily. "My stomach hurts."

Peilan seemed to forget about Consort Xu’s birthday and turned to say, "Qing Dai, take the Tangli Pavilion pass token and go to the Imperial Medical Institute yourself. Try to bring back the chief physician."

Though worried and flustered, Qing Dai, having spent many years in the palace, kept her wits about her.

She hurriedly replied, "Yes, Your Highness. Please wait. Qing Dai will be back soon."

Soon, most of the staff in Tingxue Palace had left.

Tangli Pavilion was left with only Ruan Hanzhang and Peilan.

Peilan escorted Qing Dai out herself. When she returned, she had perfectly composed.

Holding a pill in her hand, she stepped into the bedchamber and closed the door behind her.

Ruan Hanzhang was leaning on the daybed, unable to get up.

"Your Highness, this is a Warming Star Pill. It will help relieve your stomachache."

Ruan Hanzhang gave a faint nod, eyes narrowed, and Peilan stepped forward to personally feed her the pill.

After watching her swallow it, Peilan relaxed completely.

She sat down heavily on the daybed, a malicious smile spreading across her face.

Ruan Hanzhang, with her head lowered, didn’t see Peilan’s expression. She only said, "You’ve been busy all day, Aunt. Have some water. Everything will be fine once the physician arrives."

The cup of tea on the table had been one Peilan had poured herself.

Thinking of the busyness ahead, she picked up the teacup and drained it in one gulp.

The tea was somewhat cold and was intensely bitter.

"Your Highness, are you feeling better now?"

Peilan’s voice was strained.

It was full of glee, malice, and frenzied delight.

Ruan Hanzhang slowly raised her head.

Now her eyes were clear, and her cheeks were rosy. There was not a trace of illness or discomfort on her.

Peilan was startled. She tried to stand up, but she felt her whole body go weak. Her waist gave way, and she slumped onto the daybed like a sack of potatoes.

"Ah, ah..."

Her face was full of terror, yet she found herself unable to utter a single word.

Even her tongue refused to obey. As she gasped in shock, spittle dribbled messily from the corner of her mouth.

Ruan Hanzhang leaned over to look at her pitiful state, raised an eyebrow, and smiled. "How does it taste, Auntie? The Serenity pill—was it delicious?"