Xie Lin took a step back and released Jiang Yunshu.
"There is no need for concern, Madam. This servant is merely a eunuch."
"Today’s circumstances demanded urgency. If Chancellor Duan were to misunderstand because of this, this servant can personally explain to him—"
Jiang Yunshu hastily interrupted Xie Lin, "No need."
She had already severed all ties with Duan Jinxing. Whether he misunderstood or not, Jiang Yunshu couldn’t care less.
But for the Imperial Seal to personally explain such a matter to Duan Jinxing—wouldn’t that be strange?
Jiang Yunshu thought that if she and Duan Jinxing still had any marital affection left, Xie Lin’s explanation would only make things worse when there was nothing to begin with.
"If the Imperial Seal has no further business, this servant… this servant will take her leave."
As a first-rank titled lady, Jiang Yunshu could refer to herself as "I" in front of Xie Lin, yet she still chose to call herself "this servant."
She was a palace official—she could address herself as "this servant" before anyone!
Compared to the title of first-rank lady, Jiang Yunshu undoubtedly preferred her identity as a palace official.
Xie Lin hesitated before speaking. "Madam, in your current state… it would be best if this servant escorts you back to your quarters."
Jiang Yunshu looked down and saw her drenched appearance, her face flushing even deeper.
This state of hers had been fully witnessed by Xie Lin—more humiliating than when he had held her in his arms earlier…
At least when they had embraced, Xie Lin couldn’t see her face. But then again, Jiang Yunshu realized, if she had been able to feel the firm, resilient contours of his chest and abdomen so clearly, then Xie Lin must have also been able to feel her…
Jiang Yunshu quickly halted her thoughts, not daring to dwell further.
In her current state, there was no way she could walk back alone. Xie Lin swiftly summoned palace attendants—maids draped a cloak over Jiang Yunshu, while eunuchs brought a palanquin to carry her all the way back to the quarters of the palace officials.
Once back in her chambers, Jiang Yunshu immediately bathed and drank a large bowl of steaming ginger soup, finally feeling the chill in her bones dissipate.
Yet, as she lay in bed that night, she still sneezed several times.
Silently, she prayed—in ancient times, even a common cold could be fatal. She absolutely must not fall ill…
Exhausted from the day’s fright and exertion, Jiang Yunshu quickly drifted into sleep.
At the break of dawn, she was roused by a commotion outside. Sitting up in confusion, she asked the maid, "What’s happening out there?"
The maid replied, "Reporting to the official, the Imperial Seal developed a fever late last night. The imperial physicians from the Medical Academy have all come to attend to him."
Jiang Yunshu frowned. Xie Lin was a man of formidable martial skill—how could his constitution be weaker than hers? She hadn’t even caught a fever after falling into the water…
Guilt rose in her heart. Xie Lin had fallen into the water because he had saved her.
She sent a young eunuch to inquire whether it would be appropriate for her to visit the Imperial Seal today.
Jiang Yunshu did this purely out of courtesy, fully expecting Xie Lin to refuse.
Yet, to her surprise, the eunuch returned moments later and said, "The Imperial Seal is ill, so this lowly one only met with the steward of Weiyang Palace. The steward said the official may visit at any time today."
Jiang Yunshu was instantly at a loss. Now, if she didn’t go, it would truly be a breach of etiquette.
Steeling herself, she resolved to visit the Imperial Seal…
She reassured herself that since he was ill, she likely wouldn’t even see him. She would leave the gifts, sip tea in the outer hall, and then take her leave.
But once again, Jiang Yunshu was mistaken. Upon arriving, the young eunuch led her directly into Xie Lin’s bedchamber.
Unfamiliar with the layout of his quarters, she assumed the curtained room was merely a reception area—until she abruptly found herself facing Xie Lin’s bed!
Jiang Yunshu nearly bolted in shock.
She instinctively retreated two steps, pausing with a deep frown.
"This… this won’t do!"
Xie Lin lay beneath thick quilts, sweating out his fever.
He employed no adult maids or eunuchs—only young attendants under ten years old.
But now, Jiang Yunshu doubted these children knew how to properly care for an ailing Xie Lin.
His face was flushed with fever, his expression pained beneath the suffocating weight of the quilts, brows tightly knit in restless sleep.
This was no condition for heavy sweating!
"Remove the quilts at once," Jiang Yunshu ordered the young eunuchs. "Bring warm water to wipe him down."
The children stared blankly, as if unable to comprehend.
Growing frantic, Jiang Yunshu stepped forward and yanked the quilts off Xie Lin herself. "Fetch a basin of warm water—now!"
Finally, one eunuch snapped to attention. They scurried out and soon returned with warm water, placing it beside her.
A small attendant handed her a cotton cloth.
Without thinking, Jiang Yunshu took it, dipped it in the water, and began wiping Xie Lin’s wrists and elbows.
Only when she came to her senses did she realize this wasn’t her place. She moved to pass the cloth back—
Suddenly, Xie Lin struck.
His hand shot out in a martial lock, seizing Jiang Yunshu’s arm.
She gasped—many trained warriors remained alert even in sleep, instinctively subduing anyone who approached.
As Xie Lin’s grip shifted toward her throat, she blurted, "It’s me—Jiang Yunshu!"
His movements slowed. His eyes opened, fixed unblinkingly on her as if struggling to recognize her.
After a moment, he gave a faint nod, his expression clearing—Ah, it’s you.
Jiang Yunshu exhaled in relief, thinking herself safe.
But in the next instant, Xie Lin’s choking hold twisted into an embrace.
The world spun as he pulled her down onto the bed.
Then his lips crashed against hers in a fierce, burning kiss.
