The mirror was carved from smooth redwood, its handle as thick as a thumb and etched with beautiful patterns. The phoenix and dragon on either side were so lifelike that they seemed ready to emerge and soar into the sky.
Shen Yangge paid little attention to the exquisite mirror itself. What held his attention was his reflection.
The person in the mirror had rosy lips and white teeth, with flecks of blood still at the corners of his mouth. Chu Xuanzhen had wiped his nose red. Just as he thought he would find obvious markings on his cheek or neck, his gaze landed on the stud in his ear. It was pure silver, with something that might have been a diamond set in its front.
It was a vivid red. The instant that vermilion caught his eye, Shen Yangge understood. No wonder he had felt neither itching nor anything touching his skin. At the time, the sharp pain in his ear had made him think he had simply overlooked those sensations.
Thinking back carefully now, that had not been the case.
The bright red ear stud was festive and striking. Together with the pair of Dragon Horns that had never disappeared from the top of his head, it suddenly lent him an even more sacred air.
Had an outsider been there, their knees would probably have weakened at the first sight of him, leaving them unable to resist bowing in worship.
Chu Xuanzhen moved the mirror away and set it aside.
Clothes rustled as he supported the back of Shen Yangge's neck and lifted him halfway up. Shen Yangge had only been loosely wrapped in an outer robe. Chu Xuanzhen settled him into a more comfortable position without releasing his sealed acupoints.
"Your Highness, you heard what the Imperial Physician