At 52, Gu Yunting came to help apply the medicine.

When Lin Rou returned to the mansion, Jiang Xunian told her about her background. She learned that Lin Rou was actually Jiang Xunian’s child. Over the years, despite being the daughter of a maid, Lin Rou had received better treatment than Jiang Xunian’s own daughter. Jiang Xunian had long resented Lin Rou for this. If it weren’t for the fact that Lin Rou was a distant relative of the Old Madam Jiang, she would have dealt with her a long time ago.

Previously, out of respect for the Old Madam, Jiang Xunian held back. But now that she knew Lin Rou was born of a maid and dared to act so arrogantly before her, she no longer wished to tolerate it.

Lin Rou looked at Jiang Xunian’s suddenly fierce expression, full of malice, but she was not surprised. She had always known that Mrs. Li presented herself as understanding and kind in public, but in truth, she was as cold-hearted as a snake.

However, due to their respective statuses, Lin Rou had never dared to show her disdain openly. But after repeated grievances, she could no longer hold back. She raised her hand and slapped Mrs. Li. “You’re just a concubine who has risen in status. Why shouldn’t I dare to hit you? You’re hardly any nobler than I am.”

Seeing Lin Rou actually dare to fight back, Mrs. Li completely lost her reason. She grabbed Lin Rou’s hair and dragged her roughly, but Lin Rou fought back without fear.

Meanwhile, back at the Magnolia Garden, Jiang Shuwan was unaware of all this. She lay on a couch, her face pale, while Liusu, her attendant, carefully applied medicine to the bruises and cuts.

“Ouch,” Jiang Shuwan cried out involuntarily as the sting of the ointment spread over her wounds.

Liusu looked apologetic. “Miss, forgive me. I tried to be gentle.”

Jiang Shuwan looked up at her, noticing the bruises and discolorations on Liusu’s face. She realized that Liusu had been beaten the previous day while protecting her. A wave of guilt washed over her, and she shook her head softly. “I’m fine.”

Seeing how badly injured Jiang Shuwan was, tears fell from Liusu’s eyes. “Master and the Old Madam were too cruel to hurt you like this.”

Jiang Shuwan recalled how not long ago, they had beaten her almost to death, and she had been soaked through by rain all night. If it weren’t for the timely arrival of the eunuch Su, she might have truly died.

“They have always despised me. Now that they have the chance, they won’t let me off. Don’t be sad; I’m alright now,” Jiang Shuwan said with a faint smile, trying to comfort her.

“Miss, you’re so badly hurt and yet say you’re fine,” Liusu said tearfully, continuing to apply the medicine gently.

Since her mother’s passing, Liusu was the only one by Jiang Shuwan’s side, and the care warmed her heart deeply. Though the medicine burned fiercely every time it touched her wounds, Jiang Shuwan gritted her teeth silently, making no sound.

Yet the tight grip of her hand and the sweat beading on her forehead betrayed her pain.

“Your Lord has arrived,” a voice said suddenly.

In her haze of pain, Jiang Shuwan recognized the familiar tone and looked up to see Gu Yunting’s frost-covered face.

She tried to sit up, but Gu Yunting pressed a large hand firmly on her shoulder. “Don’t move.”

Obediently, Jiang Shuwan remained still.

“Why have you come, Your Lord?” she asked, puzzled.

“I heard you were beaten, so I came to check on you,” Gu Yunting replied calmly.

Jiang Shuwan was surprised how quickly the news had spread that even Gu Yunting knew about it. She composed herself and said, “Thank you, Your Lord.”

Gu Yunting cast a glance at the large, swollen, and bruised area behind her, recognizing the severity of her injuries. His eyes darkened as he sat beside her and took out a white porcelain bottle from his sleeve, pouring some medicine onto her wounds.

“Ah!” Jiang Shuwan cried out as the burning pain intensified.

Gu Yunting frowned slightly but did not stop; he just slowed his movements. “It will stop hurting soon.”

“Mm,” Jiang Shuwan bit her lip, managing a sound of endurance.

After a moment, the burning sensation turned cool and soothing. Her brows relaxed noticeably.

Seeing her body finally loosen, Gu Yunting knew the medicine was taking effect.

Because he had been focused on her injury, he had not noticed that Jiang Shuwan had lifted her clothes. Now, seeing the smooth, pale skin where there were no wounds, Gu Yunting’s throat tightened involuntarily. His hand gripped the porcelain bottle tighter as he looked out the window, hastening his movements, yet his mind kept replaying the image of her delicate skin, making his breathing grow heavier.

To distract himself, Gu Yunting spoke lightly, “This ointment was given to me by a herdsman near the border. He often tended his flocks in the mountains and made this medicine because of the many cuts and thorns he encountered. I’ve used it myself—it’s very effective. Your wounds should heal in about two days, and the pain will subside. Take good care of yourself, and you’ll be well soon.”

Jiang Shuwan was taken aback by his explanation. Somehow, she detected a slight huskiness in his voice but dismissed it as her imagination. She smiled and nodded. “Thank you, Your Lord.”

The faint smile on the girl’s lips made Gu Yunting’s breath grow heavier. Suddenly, he stood up, handing the porcelain bottle to Liusu. “Apply this to your lady twice a day from now on.”

Liusu gratefully took it. “Thank you, Your Lord. I will definitely do so.”

“Take good care of your lady.”

With that, Gu Yunting strode out the door.

Jiang Shuwan watched his retreating figure with a puzzled heart. This man had come only to deliver and apply medicine! She had thought he might offer some words of comfort, but it seemed she had overthought it. Yet, his actions were genuinely kind—no sweet words, but warmth in what he did.

“Miss, please raise your body slightly; I’ll help pull down your clothes,” Liusu reminded her.

“What?” Jiang Shuwan’s mouth fell open as if she could fit an egg inside.

Liusu repeated herself patiently.

Jiang Shuwan’s cheeks flushed deeply. This meant Gu Yunting had seen her bare back just now.

The thought made her face burn hotter than the sting of her wounds.

Ah, might as well be dead—she had been exposed before a man like that!

No wonder Gu Yunting left so quickly; he must have realized and fled in embarrassment.

“Miss, what’s wrong? Your face and ears are so red. Are you running a fever?” Liusu asked, touching her forehead. Finding her temperature normal, she said, “Strange, it’s not.”

Embarrassed, Jiang Shuwan smiled and said, “I’m fine. Please help me pull down my clothes. I’m a bit cold.”

Without further thought, Liusu moved behind her and gently pulled down her garments. Knowing Jiang Shuwan’s body was weak and injured, and that she was always sensitive to the cold, Liusu turned and added two more pieces of charcoal to the stove.