"Frost falls in the courtyard, golden chrysanthemums gleam; the moon rounds above secluded paths, where hidden fragrance streams~..."
The lilting tune of a sixteen-year-old girl echoed through the silent courtyard.
Linghu Qingmo silently peeked over the roof ridge and glanced at the Alchemy Chamber. Finding Xie Jinhuan absent, he could not help frowning inwardly.
Coal Ball, however, knew the way well. Raising his head to indicate the West Residence courtyard, he flapped over to the Alchemy Chamber window and opened his beak to beg for food.
"Huh? Coal Ball! Come here, come here, help fan the fire..."
"Coo?!"
Coal Ball looked utterly shocked, but when he saw the snacks produced a moment later, he hurriedly began fanning...
Afraid of being discovered, Linghu Qingmo withdrew his gaze and continued along the roof ridge with his sword. He soon reached the courtyard where the young lady lived. The doors and windows were shut, but voices carried from inside:
"Look at yourself! How badly are you hurt? There isn't an unbruised patch on you..."
"It's not that serious..."
"Stop moving..."
Xie Jinhuan was hurt?
Linghu Qingmo's heart tightened. He immediately leaped down to the doorway and pushed the door straight open.
Clatter~
A woman's piercing shriek rang out from the room:
"Ah-?!"
Filled with urgency, Linghu Qingmo looked toward the sound, only for his expression to freeze.
On the embroidered bed, the well-proportioned Xie Jinhuan lay neatly facedown on a pillow. Large bruises covered his exposed shoulders, back, and arms, their oily sheen suggesting medicine had been applied.
Meanwhile, the voluptuous Bespectacled Girl sat on his lower back with her legs folded outward, medicinal oil on her hands as she massaged his shoulders and back.
In itself, this could only be considered treating injuries without standing on ceremony.
But the