Priorities 2

Banxi pavilion.

Liqiu looked up as Xiaolian returned, she glanced from the bowl to Xiaolian's face. "What_"

Xiaolian interrupted her, "I heard about the beatings, you must be in pain. Take off your blouse, applying a cold compress will help with the pain".

"Umm.... okay", Liqiu replied, her back hurt as she lifted her hands to untie the knots of her blouse but she still endured.

She carefully removed her blouse, skirts and undergarments, until she only hand her inner wear on

When she was done, Xiaolian gestured for her to lie on her stomach, on the stiff bed.

Wetting her lips, Liqiu glanced around and sure enough, a few of the maids had stopped talking and quietly watched them.

She covered her chest with her hand self-consciously with a pained expression.

Xiaolian glanced at the maids with a frown, she kept the bowl beside her bed and picked up her blanket.

Luckily their bed were in a curved corner, she Spread out the blanket and tied it to both ends of their bed. This blocked the other maids view and made Liqiu feel a little bit more comfortable.

"Don't worry, they can't see us", she said with a reassuring smile.

Liqiu eyed the blankets for some minutes before nodding, "thanks", she murmured scooting up the bed and lying on her tummy.

Xiaolian picked up the bowl of water and placed it on the small table beside the bed. She took a clean handkerchief out of her sleeve and quickly rolled up her sleeves.

Xiaolian soaked the handkerchief in water and squeezed it before moving closer to Liqiu's bed. She moved the lamp closer to get a clearer look.

The laundry maids hadn't spared any piece of their delicious gossip so she was aware that Liqiu had received more than ten strokes of the ruler.

However, that prior knowledge did not prepare her for the sight of Liqiu's injuries. She gasped as her eyes fell on the red swollen welts on the upper parts of her back.

Her skin was bright red, Xiaolian shivered at the thought of the amount of pain, Liqiu was currently under.

She spread the wet handkerchief and carefully brought it down over her Swollen skin, she was very careful not to touch the welts.

Liqiu sucked in some breath as the wet cloth touched her inflated skin.

Xiaolian kept placing the warm compress until the previous heated pain Liqiu experienced reduced.

After which she helped Liqiu change into her night dress. For the next few days, Liqiu slept on her stomach until the swelling cane down.

********

Two Weeks Later, Duke agency residence.

Nie Shaoqing's health had improved during the last two weeks, the muscles in his legs had gotten stronger and his limp was no longer as pronounced.

Although he was yet to resume his studies, Nie Shaoqing now walked around the residence frequently.

After weeks of putting off joining the Nie family for the monthly family meeting, Nie Shaoqing was finally joining the family. This would be his first time meeting his old friend, Nie Yong.

Nie Shaoqing was surprisingly calm as he arrived at the family hall located a short distance away from the main courtyard.

He was only a few steps away from the door when he heard his name mentioned.

"Mother, that Shaoqing seems to have gotten a little too bold since he fell sick. How is it that you as an elder is already here before him a mere concubine-born son? Does he think that father will protect him forever," a coarse male voice said.

Nie Shaoqing glanced at Deming with a raised bed, "Who", he mouthed.

Deming stepped closer and whispered into his ear, "this should be eldest master Zihan".

Nie Shaoqing's lips twitched, he had not yet met this brother of his but from all that he had gathered, this young master did not seem like the smartest pea in the bud.

Before Lady Fu could reply her son, she heard a faint cough a few steps away from the door.

She gave her eldest son a silencing stare before turning to the door.

Nie Shaoqing stopped a few steps away from Lady Fu and bowed respectfully, "Shaoqing greets mother".

Lady Fu's felt a slight irritation as he called her mother but did not let it show on her face.

"Please get up, you are still recovering from an illness. There is no need to stand on ceremony, please have a seat", she said gesturing to the free seat next to her younger son.

"Thanks, mother", He replied and walked to the seat, he had met women like Lady Fu in the palace.

He was familiar with her kind and understood how their mind worked, she was not pleased that he had survived his sickness.

Until he discovers the identity of the person behind the poisoning, he wanted to play dumb to prevent any suspicion. Nie Shaoqing exaggerated his limp to make Lady Fu feel more relaxed.

His actions achieved his desired effect because Lady Fu ignored him throughout the dinner.

However, the peace was broken when Duke Shenxiu brought up the upcoming Imperial examination.

As the maids cleared the table and delivered the clear water, Duke Shenxiu glanced at his youngest son and sighed.

He had felt uneasy since the physician reported that the fever had affected his youngest son's brain.

Duke Shenxiu had high hopes for Nie Shaoqing and had invested a lot of money in training him with hopes that he would rank first in the next imperial examination.

The Duke felt cheated out, he set down the cup of warm water and said,

"It has been a while since we last met. How are your health Shaoqing, are you feeling better or should send for another physician?"

Nie Shaoqing's hand holding his cup of water shook slightly, he clenched his teeth silently for some seconds before replying, "there is no need to worry... I am recovering well_ Father".

Nie Shaoqing's response left a bitter taste in his mouth but as much as he soon got over that when he remembered the main reason he had accepted the original owner's offer.

'I don't have enough power to get my revenge yet, until I do... I will keep a low profile, he thought staring at Duke Shenxiu over his cup of water

"Okay", Duke Shenxiu nodded completely oblivious to the thoughts running through his son's mind. "Shaoqing, if you are feeling stronger, you can resume your studies and join your older brother.

"The Imperial examination is only three months away, you mustn't forget your priorities. You are lucky enough to study with the princes, the least you could do is rank on the Imperial examination".

"Yes father", Nie Shaoqing replied in a quiet tone.