No one knew what Emperor Chengping was thinking. After a while, he turned to He Changdi and said, "Marquis of Anyuan, take Yao 'er to the imperial physician's tent first."

The emperor's orders could not be disobeyed. He Changdi glanced at Chu Lian again and found that the little woman had lowered her head and was no longer looking at him. His heart felt as if it had been squeezed by a large hand and crushed into pieces.

He Sanlang's voice was a bit hoarse as he responded. He turned and left with the guards with Princess Leyao in his arms.

Emperor Chengping then strode in the direction of the polo field, ordering He Lin to hurry and find the imperial physician.

At this time, Imperial Consort Wei also came down with the others.

Princess Duanjia hurried over and held Chu Lian's hand, asking her about her condition worriedly.

Chu Lian's face was as white as paper. She forced a smile. "Princess, I'm fine. It's just a small injury."

Princess Duanjia shook her head solemnly. "No, we can only make a decision after the imperial physician examines you. Sixth Chu, don't move."

As she spoke, she personally supported Chu Lian and had Jinxiu bring over a soft stool to help her sit down.

The image of He Changdi walking away with Princess Leyao in his arms without even looking back was still in Chu Lian's mind. She was out of her wits and in a daze, Princess Duanjia helped her sit down.

Her already pale face became even more haggard.

Emperor Chengping and Imperial Consort Wei walked over at this time.

Chu Lian wanted to stand up and bow to Emperor Chengping and Imperial Consort Wei but was stopped by Emperor Chengping.

Emperor Chengping's dignified voice carried a trace of rare concern. "Since you're injured, there's no need for formalities. Have a good rest!"

Imperial Consort Wei's eyes darted around and immediately became amiable to Chu Lian.

"Your Majesty is right. Have a good rest. The imperial physician will be here in a moment. What a coincidence, I didn't expect something like this to happen. It's all thanks to Lord Xiao this time."

Concubine Wei wanted to continue speaking, but Emperor Chengping suddenly looked at her with an icy gaze. Her entire body trembled and she immediately swallowed the words she was about to say.

She had almost forgotten that the Marchioness of Anyuan before her was no longer the Jinyi Village Lord that she could do whatever she wanted. She was the child of Emperor Chengping and that slut, a true descendant of the imperial family.

Chu Lian bowed slightly to Emperor Chengping after receiving extra generosity.

Emperor Chengping casually glanced at Chu Lian, only to find that Chu Lian's soul had left her body and she was not happy.

He then looked at Xiao Bojian and Consort Wei, his eyes slightly deepening.

"Xiao Bojian, you have done a meritorious service in saving people. We will remember this for now and reward you when we return to the palace.

Wait for the imperial physician to come and take a look. If there's nothing else, all of you should return to your tents and rest. "

Chu Lian and Xiao Bojian both replied yes.

The expressions of the people who were guarding the side changed slightly.

What was going on? Since when did Emperor Chengping favor Xiao Bojian so much?

What meritorious service did he have? Didn't he just save Lord Jinyi Village? Didn't he save Marquis Madam of Anyuan? This was something he did willingly. How could he be rewarded according to his merits? Although Lord Jinyi Village had a title, he was not of true royal blood. What did this have to do with Emperor Chengping's reward …

Everyone scratched their heads in confusion.

However, the way he looked at Xiao Bojian and Chu Lian became more and more complicated.

Soon, these people were dismissed by Consort Wei.

The imperial physician came to take Chu Lian and Xiao Bojian's pulse. Just as she said, Chu Lian was fine. There were only some abrasions and bruises on her body. She had also suffered some shock. On the other hand, Xiao Bojian's injuries were quite serious. Not only did he sprain his ankle, but he also had several internal injuries. It was likely that he would not be able to recover without two or three months.

Chu Lian was supported by Wenqing and Wenlan. She bowed to Xiao Bojian.

Xiao Bojian looked at her with a desolate gaze. The corners of his mouth twitched and he said in a low voice, "Lian 'er, have we become so estranged?

Isn't it right for me to risk my life to save you?

This was the promise I made to you before. "

Chu Lian's brows furrowed. She looked at him with a complicated expression. Without saying anything, she turned and left.

Xiao Bojian looked at Chu Lian's slender and delicate figure until it was covered by the tent. His originally gentle and handsome face instantly darkened, making him look sinister and terrifying.

He clenched his fists and kicked away the soft stool Chu Lian had just sat on.

The fire in his heart could not be suppressed. It almost burned his entire body.

"Preposterous! She doesn't believe me!"

The imperial physician jumped in fright. He couldn't react for a few seconds.

He couldn't believe that the handsome man who was as gentle as jade in front of His Majesty and Jinyi Xiangjun was now like a demon who had crawled out of hell.

His angry look made people shiver uncontrollably.

The imperial physician was only a minor official. His job was also a high-risk one. He had long trained his heart to be able to resist falling. Seeing Xiao Bojian's unexpected reaction, he only froze for a few seconds. Then, like a puppet, he continued to treat Xiao Bojian's wounds.

Wei Jia glanced at the imperial physician who was half-squatting to the side. Then, he comforted Xiao Bojian in a low voice, "Milord, you're injured. Being angry is not good for your body."

Xiao Bojian seemed to be venting the anger in his heart. After being persuaded by Wei Jia, he closed his eyes and suppressed his anger.

On the way back to the imperial tent, Emperor Chengping began to order He Lin, "Find out what happened."

He Lin was very fast. In a moment, he told the gloomy emperor everything in detail.

"Nanzhang?

The daughter of the Duke of West River?

An Min? "

Emperor Chengping raised his voice and reported these names. Those who heard it couldn't help but tremble.

He Lin vaguely understood that these noble ladies were in trouble. However, he didn't dare to say anything.

After a while, He Lin said in a low voice, "Your Majesty, Princess Leyao's injuries …"

"Send someone to tell Imperial Consort that I'm tired and will return to the tent to rest."

"Yes, Your Majesty." He Lin quickly left with the two guards.

Before Emperor Chengping and his three or four guards reached the imperial tent, Eunuch Wei had already come to greet them.

Emperor Chengping glanced at Eunuch Wei. He knew that he had most likely received the news. "Mo Wen, when we return to the tent, I have something for you to do."

"Yes, Your Majesty. This old servant obeys."

When Chu Lian returned to the tent, Princess Wei and Princess Duanjia followed her.

Princess Wei even found a skilled female physician to take a look at Chu Lian's injuries. She also examined the scratches on her body that were inconvenient for the imperial physician to see.

The female physician left a good ointment and prescription. Wenqing applied the ointment on Chu Lian while Wenlan went to brew the medicine.

Princess Duanjia was sitting by the bed. She held Chu Lian's hand and said with lingering fear, "Chu Liu, you really scared me to death. If anything had happened to you this time, I would have died of guilt."

Chu Lian forced a smile. "Princess, please don't say that. No one expected such an accident to happen before the competition."

Princess Duanjia frowned. "It wasn't appropriate for me to ask you in the polo field. Now, tell me and Imperial Mother what happened.

Why did Dong 'er and Nan' er attack you from both sides?

If I remember correctly, you didn't have any dealings with them. "

Chu Lian shook her head. She really didn't have any dealings with the West River Duke.

The twin daughters of the West River Duke had a good reputation. They were obedient, sensible, and talented.

She didn't understand why the daughters of the West River Duke would plot against her at this time.

"Could it be An Min?

An Min and Leyao are the closest. Could it be Leyao's idea? "Princess Duanjia guessed.

Princess Wei patted Princess Duanjia's shoulder. "Although Leyao's personality isn't good and she's been spoiled, she isn't a scheming person. She couldn't have thought of this."

Princess Wei was right. To put it bluntly, Princess Leyao was a brainless person. From the polo match, to the match between the noble ladies, to the selection of contestants, and finally, to sabotage Chu Lian on the field, there were so many steps. If one of them wasn't handled well, Chu Lian wouldn't have been injured.

Princess Leyao couldn't have thought of all this.

Moreover, Princess Leyao wasn't at the scene, so it was even more impossible.

Consort Wei couldn't have done it either. Her eyes were filled with shock and surprise when Chu Lian was injured and rescued. Consort Wei was right beside her at the time, so she couldn't have faked such an expression.

"Then who could it be?

I must find the culprit and avenge Chu Liu. "Princess Duanjia clenched her fists.

Consort Wei sighed helplessly. She patted Princess Duanjia and then Chu Lian, "Alright, don't be rash. I'm afraid this matter isn't as simple as it seems. We need to plan this carefully."

Then, she looked at her daughter, "Don't worry. With me here, I will definitely find out the truth and avenge Jinyi."

Princess Duanjia's shoulders slumped as if she had withered after hearing Consort Wei's words.

Princess Duanjia blamed herself. She always thought that Chu Lian's injury was because of her.

Consort Wei could tell what her daughter was thinking. "Alright, Jinyi has suffered a shock and is tired. Let's go back and let her rest."

Princess Duanjia helped Consort Wei up and said reluctantly to Chu Lian, "Chu Liu, quickly lie down and sleep. I'll come back to see you tomorrow."

Chu Lian responded, her voice filled with exhaustion.

When Princess Duanjia and Consort Wei reached the entrance of the tent, they suddenly stopped and frowned. "Where's Marquis An Yuan?"

The guard at the entrance shook his head.

Princess Duanjia immediately clenched her fists. "That stinky man! Chu Liu is injured and he still hasn't come back!"

Don't tell her that He Changdi is accompanying the emperor. Emperor Chengping has returned!

How could He Changdi still be outside?!

Consort Wei's expression darkened. She wasn't as impulsive as Princess Duanjia. She just silently kept this matter in mind.

Chu Lian lay on the bed. The pillow behind her was soft and comfortable, and the blanket on her was warm and fragrant. However, her expression wasn't good at all.

She couldn't help but think back to when He Changdi carried Princess Leyao and left.

She rang the silver bell by the bed and Wenqing immediately walked in.

"Third Young Madam, are you feeling unwell?

Bear with it a little longer. The medicine will be ready soon. "

Chu Lian turned to look at Wenqing who was standing by the bed. "Where's my husband?"

Wenqing was startled. Then, she lowered her head and replied, "Third Young Madam, Third Young Master hasn't returned yet. I don't know where he is either."

After receiving Wenqing's answer, Chu Lian waved her hand weakly. "You may leave."

Wenqing looked worriedly at the slender figure on the bed. She sighed softly and quietly retreated.

As soon as she left the tent, Wenqing called for the guard from Marquis Anyuan's estate and told him to quickly find He Changdi.

The guard didn't dare to delay and quickly ran off.

Chu Lian drank the decoction. The prescription given by the female doctor contained sleeping and calming herbs. Chu Lian quickly fell asleep after taking the decoction.

She didn't know how long she slept, but when she woke up, the tent was already lit with lanterns.

Wenlan hurried in, perhaps because she heard the noise behind the screen.

She walked to the side of the bed and helped Chu Lian up. Then, she placed a soft pillow on her back.

"Third Young Madam, you must be hungry. Do you want to eat something?"

Chu Lian looked at the tent. "What time is it?"

Wenlan poured a cup of warm water and handed it to her. "It's just past nine."

Chu Lian took a sip of the warm water. She was slightly surprised. She didn't expect that she would sleep until almost midnight.

Wenlan didn't hear her say whether she wanted to eat or not, so she got up and told Wenqing to bring the food box in.

"Third Young Madam, this servant and older sister made some chicken mushroom porridge and some refreshing side dishes we brought from the marquis's estate. Third Young Madam, please eat some."

Chu Lian nodded. Although she didn't have much of an appetite, she was indeed hungry.

Wenqing and Wenlan were delighted.

The two found a small kang table and placed it on the bed. Then, they took out the porridge and side dishes from the food box.

Chu Lian barely ate half a bowl. With some food in her stomach, she couldn't eat anymore.

She waved at Wenqing and Wenlan. "Take it away. I'm full. There's still a lot of porridge. If you're hungry, you can also eat some."

Wenqing looked at the bowl of porridge that was only half eaten. She wanted to persuade Chu Lian to eat more, but she saw her shrink into the quilt and get ready to lie down.

Wenlan shook her head at her older sister. The two could only take the food away.

After confirming that Chu Lian was really asleep again, the two left.

The two sisters' eyes were filled with worry.

"Older sister, Third Young Madam is really angry this time. She didn't even ask about Third Young Master's condition."

Usually, if He Changdi wasn't at home, she would tell them to leave some for Third Young Master or ask when He Changdi would be back.

But just now, Chu Lian didn't ask about He Changdi's condition or when he would be back. She didn't even think about whether He Changdi had eaten or not. It was as if He Changdi didn't exist.

"Eh?

I sent someone to ask in the afternoon. What happened? "

Wenlan pursed her lips. "The guards said that Third Young Master is in Duke Leyao's tent … He was stopped outside and wasn't allowed to enter …"

"What?"

This time, even Wenqing was furious. Princess Leyao!

That brat! What right did he have to dominate their master?

"Older sister, Princess Leyao is already eleven years old this year … Could it be …"

Wenqing didn't like to speculate about others' evil intentions. She frowned and warned, "Wenlan, don't say such things. If it gets out, not only will it tarnish the reputation of the marquis's estate, it will also bring disaster upon you."

"Yes, older sister. Wenlan knows she's wrong."

Although Wenqing said so, she was actually more worried than Wenlan.

The children of the royal family matured early. If they were too naive, they wouldn't be able to survive in the palace. What was Princess Leyao trying to do?

Could it be that she really liked their master?

Chu Lian had slept well during the day due to the effects of the medicine. Now, she couldn't fall asleep at all.

She tossed and turned, but no matter what she did, she couldn't fall asleep.

After tossing and turning for two hours, she finally managed to fall asleep.

He Changdi returned in the middle of the night.

Wenqing and Wenlan, who were guarding the tent, were jolted awake when they heard the soft sound of the tent's curtains being lifted.

When they saw that the person who entered the tent was He Changdi, who was covered in dew, they put down their swords and stood to the side respectfully.

He Sanlang's cloak was wet, and even half of his hair was wet.

His entire body was damp, and his voice carried a bone-chilling coldness.

"Get out."

Wenqing and Wenlan couldn't help but shiver. Wenlan still wanted to say something, but Wenqing pulled her sleeve and dragged her out.

After leaving the tent, Wenlan was still indignant. "Older sister, what are you doing? I want to explain everything to Third Young Master. Third Madam is so pitiful. She almost lost her life in the afternoon, but Third Young Master ran around outside for the whole day. It's fine if he doesn't care about her, but he only came back now!

Does he even have Third Madam in his heart? If I were Third Madam, I would definitely complain to him in person! "

Wenqing raised her hand and gave Wenlan a "crunching" sound of a popped chestnut.

"Stop talking nonsense. Is Mistress's matter something you can discuss?

Don't forget Third Young Master's temper. Be careful of your little head. Third Young Master isn't as softhearted as Third Madam. "

Wenqing's words made Wenlan shut up unwillingly. She followed her older sister to the small tent to rest.

He Sanlang froze in his tracks. His five senses were very sensitive. Standing in the tent, and in such a quiet night, he could hear Chu Lian's gentle breathing from behind the screen.

He stood there and listened for a while to make sure that Chu Lian was asleep.

Then he took off his wet cloak and casually draped it over the back of a nearby chair.

Then he quietly walked around the screen to the side of the bed.

A dim hexagonal lantern was lit beside the bed, hanging on a lamp stand not far from the head of the bed.

With the dim light, He Changdi could clearly see Lian's sleeping appearance.

She wore a pale-pink nightgown embroidered with rich and noble flowers. She was curled up on her side with her two small hands on her chest. Her soft hair was spread all over the pillow, with two strands falling down to cover her cheeks.

Her skin was as white as porcelain. It should have been a very beautiful color, but at this moment, when it was illuminated by the light, it was pale.

Her pink lips were slightly pursed, and her thick, curved eyelashes were covered in a layer of mist. There were even specks of crystal on them.

He Changdi suddenly felt as if someone had stuffed a huge rock into his heart, making him feel extremely uncomfortable.

He reached out to touch Chu Lian's delicate face, but the eyebrows on that little face trembled. Her little head shook twice, and then tears began to fall.

Chu Lian's situation was clearly a nightmare.

He Sanlang's hand seemed to be stung by something. He trembled and then pulled it back.

Thinking about how she had been saved by Xiao Bojian during the day and then held in his arms, the veins on his forehead bulged. He could not suppress the jealousy and anger in his heart, wishing that he could tear Xiao Bojian's body into ten thousand pieces.

Then, Chu Lian smiled sweetly at Xiao Bojian and thanked him, which made him even more unable to bear.

He clearly knew that today's matter was not Chu Lian's fault, and it was only right for Chu Lian to thank Xiao Bojian, but he could not control the jealousy in his heart.

When he gradually calmed down, he became even more terrified. He was terrified of his terrifying possessiveness towards Chu Lian.

He couldn't even see her standing next to any other man, let alone having a normal conversation …

She could only be his. No matter if she smiled or cried, she could only look at him!

When he thought of this, He Changdi covered his tired face with one hand and rubbed it hard.

He Changdi did not know how long he stood by Chu Lian's bedside. When Chu Lian woke up again, he was still not there.

When she opened her eyes, Chu Lian subconsciously looked around the tent. The figure that she had been thinking about for a day and a night was still nowhere to be seen.

This time, when Wenlan came in, Chu Lian did not restrain herself anymore. She asked, "Is He Changdi back?"

Wenlan carefully looked at Chu Lian and nodded. "Third Young Mistress, Third Young Master came back in the middle of the night. He was called out early this morning. His Majesty is going hunting today, and almost all of the officials who came with him went."

Although Chu Lian usually slept like a log, she did not sleep soundly at night. If someone slept next to her, she would definitely feel it. Moreover, when she woke up in the morning, the bedding next to her was very flat and untouched. It did not seem like someone had slept in it.

Wenlan carefully noticed Chu Lian's gaze. She braced herself and explained, "This servant brought hot water in this morning. I saw … I saw Third Young Master sleeping on the long bed behind the screen …"

Chu Lian's pupils shrank. Her usually clear and bright eyes immediately dimmed. Wenlan's heart clenched and her heart ached.

She regretted telling Third Young Mistress about this.

Chu Lian did not ask anything else. She leaned against the headboard for a while, her eyes lifeless.

An hour later, she let Wenqing help her up to eat breakfast.

Breakfast was placed on the table in the middle of the tent. Wenqing helped Chu Lian to the table.

Halfway through the meal, Wenqing said softly, "Third Young Mistress, this servant has something to report."

Chu Lian regained her composure and perked up.

She looked up at Wenqing. "Speak."

"Third Young Mistress, Princess Leyao insisted on going hunting in the forest yesterday and got injured. She injured her leg. The imperial physician said that even if she recovers in the future, her leg will remain a cripple."

Chu Lian was slightly shocked when she heard Wenqing's words. Princess Leyao's leg was crippled?

She looked at Wenqing again. She saw that Wenqing had lowered her head and was silent.

Chu Lian exhaled helplessly. She understood the meaning behind Wenqing's words.

She was probably trying to explain for He Changdi. She was trying to explain why he returned late and why he did not care about her injury.

However, this didn't make any sense. Princess Leyao had broken her leg. Even if she had broken her brain, it would have nothing to do with He Changdi.

Why would he return late because of Princess Leyao?

Don't tell me that it was Emperor Chengping's order. Emperor Chengping would have nothing better to do than to make things difficult for a married man like him.

It was true that Princess Leyao was interested in him, but Princess Leyao was still young. Whether it was Noble Consort Wei or Emperor Chengping, they would not be so 'desperate' as to choose a married man who was almost ten years older than Princess Leyao.

Chu Lian finished eating and put down her chopsticks. "Alright, I understand.

Wenqing, Wenlan, accompany me for a walk. "

Wenqing didn't expect Third Young Mistress to react so calmly. She didn't dare to say anything else.

Chu Lian lifted the thick curtains of the tent to block the wind and looked at the clear blue sky.