The increase in Bai Lian's favorability had brought Lin Feng a valuable reward from the system: Basic Medical Knowledge. This influx of information, covering basic anatomy, common ailments, and herbal remedies, was a significant boost to his survival and potential influence within the palace. More importantly, the increased favorability signified a shift in their relationship. From initial kindness, they had progressed to a level of romantic interest, marked by kissing and physical intimacy. Bai Lian, while still a shy palace maid, now carried a subtle warmth in her gaze when she looked at Lin Feng, a lingering softness in her touch, and a faint, almost imperceptible blush would often bloom on her cheeks when they were near each other. Their shared secret had created a delicate bond between them, a hidden warmth amidst the cold formality of the palace.
Lin Feng knew the outer courtyard of Concubine Hua's residence wasn't the energy jackpot he needed. He had to get closer, ideally within touching distance, without causing alarm or Mama Zhang to develop a permanent twitch in her left eye. His attempts to find legitimate reasons to enter the inner chambers began with a series of what he hoped were subtly helpful suggestions.
"Esteemed Mama Zhang," Lin Feng began one morning, while dusting a particularly ornate vase near the entrance of the inner hall, "I couldn't help but notice a slight… film… on this exquisite piece. Perhaps a special polishing technique, one passed down through generations in my… family of meticulous cleaners, would restore its true brilliance?" He held up his polishing cloth with what he hoped was an air of profound expertise.
Mama Zhang peered at the vase, her gaze sharp. She ran a finger over its surface, her expression unchanging. "It was polished this morning, young Feng. Attend to the other… less pristine… surfaces."
Later, Lin Feng tried a different approach with Xiao Die while they were arranging flowers in the outer courtyard. "Xiao Die jie-jie," he said, carefully adjusting a wilting peony, "these blossoms are truly magnificent, but I fear they might not last the day in this particular vase. Perhaps if we transferred them to a slightly wider one, allowing for better… floral respiration?" He gestured vaguely at a collection of equally sized vases.
Xiao Die chuckled, shaking her head. "You always have such interesting ideas, Little Feng. But Her Ladyship is very particular about her arrangements. They stay in these vases." She patted his arm. "Maybe you can find a particularly cheerful leaf to polish?"
Despite his best (and perhaps slightly awkward) efforts, Lin Feng found the inner chambers remained as elusive as the Emperor's true feelings. He was starting to suspect that Mama Zhang possessed an uncanny ability to sense his ulterior motives, her gaze often lingering on him with an unnerving intensity.
Lin Feng knew he needed to step up his game if he wanted to bathe in Concubine Hua's potent energy again. Subtlety was not his forte when dealing with the hawk-eyed palace staff. Perhaps a more direct, albeit still carefully constructed, approach was needed. He just had to come up with a reason that even Mama Zhang couldn't refuse. The thought of a rare, energy-draining dust bunny infestation in Concubine Hua's private quarters began to form in his mind. It was a long shot, but desperate times called for… slightly less dramatic measures.
The hushed whispers started in the outer courtyard, flitting between the maids like nervous sparrows. Lin Feng, ever observant while meticulously arranging a vase of plum blossoms, caught snippets of conversation – "Her Ladyship… the pain… returned…" and "Mama Zhang is beside herself…"
Concubine Hua's recurring stomach ailment, a well-known source of concern within her residence, had flared up again. A palpable tension hung in the air, replacing the usual smooth efficiency of the palace staff with an undercurrent of anxiety. Right on cue, Lin Feng thought with a touch of mischievous glee. His 'Basic Medical Knowledge,' a gift from Bai Lian's unexpected affections, finally had a stage.
He approached Mama Zhang, who was currently pacing the length of the outer hall, her brow furrowed in worry. He bowed deeply, his expression a carefully crafted blend of concern and respectful helpfulness. "Esteemed Mama Zhang," he said, his voice pitched just low enough to convey sincerity without being intrusive, "I overheard some of the other maids discussing Her Ladyship's discomfort. If I may be so bold, perhaps my… limited knowledge of herbal remedies might offer some small comfort?"
Mama Zhang stopped pacing, her sharp eyes scrutinizing Lin Feng. "Your herbal remedies, young Feng? You are an expert in cleaning and tending to the gardens, not in medicine."
"Indeed, Esteemed Mama Zhang," Lin Feng replied, his tone humble, "but in my village, we often relied on simple, natural remedies for common ailments. During my time assisting in the outer gardens, I have also observed Her Ladyship's preferences – the calming effect of certain floral scents, for instance. Perhaps a gentle tisane, brewed with specific herbs known for soothing stomach discomfort, might offer some relief, at least until the Imperial Physicians arrive?" He subtly emphasized the delay in the Physicians' arrival, tapping into the urgency of the situation.
Mama Zhang hesitated, her worry for Concubine Hua clearly outweighing her usual skepticism towards Lin Feng, one of the newly instated eunuchs in the residence. "The Imperial Physicians have been summoned, of course, but they are attending to other matters within the Forbidden City. It will take time," she sighed, the silk of her robes rustling with the movement. "Her Ladyship is in considerable pain. Her delicate complexion, usually so radiant, is now pale, and she clutches her stomach with such distress. If your… village concoction… could offer even a moment's respite…" She looked at Lin Feng, a flicker of desperation in her eyes. "What herbs would you suggest?"
Lin Feng, seizing the opportunity, mentioned a few common herbs known for their digestive soothing properties, recalling the information provided by the system with surprising clarity. Mama Zhang, her anxiety evident, instructed a young maid to gather the specified ingredients. Under Mama Zhang's watchful gaze, Lin Feng carefully prepared the tisane, the fragrant steam filling the outer hall.
Finally, after a tense wait, Mama Zhang made her decision. "Very well, young Feng. You may bring this to Her Ladyship. But remember your place. You are to speak only when spoken to, and you will leave immediately after. Do you understand?" The implication was clear: as a eunuch, any undue familiarity or touch would be severely punished.
Lin Feng bowed his head respectfully. "Understood completely, Esteemed Mama Zhang."
With a carefully poured cup of the warm tisane in his hands, Lin Feng followed Mama Zhang as she led him into the inner chambers of Concubine Hua. The air here was thick with the heavy scent of expensive incense, and the soft glow of several oil lamps cast long, dancing shadows on the silk screens and ornate furniture. Concubine Hua lay on a low divan draped with luxurious silks, her slender figure appearing even more fragile in repose. Her face, usually framed by perfectly styled dark hair adorned with jade and pearls, was now pale and etched with discomfort, a delicate, ivory-skinned hand resting on her abdomen. The light fabric of her inner robe, a soft shade of lavender, clung loosely to her curves, hinting at the gentle swell of her breasts beneath and the delicate indentation of her waist.
Mama Zhang approached the divan, her voice soft with concern. "Your Ladyship, young Feng, one of the attendants from the outer courtyard, claims some knowledge of soothing herbal remedies. He has prepared a mild tisane. Would you perhaps… try a sip?"
Concubine Hua's eyes, usually sparkling with a vibrant energy that hinted at a playful spirit, were now clouded with pain. She looked at Lin Feng, her gaze assessing, taking in his youthful appearance and respectful demeanor. He knelt respectfully by the divan, holding the cup carefully, ensuring no accidental touch occurred. "Your Ladyship," he said softly, his voice filled with genuine concern, "it is a simple blend of calming herbs. I hope it might offer you some small relief." He held the cup out at a respectful distance, allowing her to take it herself.
Concubine Hua, with a weary sigh, reached out with her free hand, her long, elegant fingers, adorned with delicate rings, grasping the warm porcelain. As she slowly sipped the warm liquid, her eyes met Lin Feng's. There was a flicker of something in her gaze, perhaps gratitude for the offered comfort, perhaps a hint of the curious recognition he had sensed during their previous, fleeting encounter in the courtyard. For Lin Feng, kneeling near her in the soft light of her inner chambers, surrounded by the rich scent of incense and the palpable aura of her potent energy, this was more than just administering a simple remedy. This was an opportunity he had patiently sought, and as Concubine Hua finished the last of the tea, a quiet sense of accomplishment settled within him