Imperial Aunt's Comfort.

A ring of young ladies in silk dresses surrounded Ding Xue's bed like a flock of colorful birds, whispering comforting words into her ears. "Don't worry, sister Xue," one voice rose above the others, "you'll be well again soon."

Suddenly, the voices fell silent and the ring broke, making way for Ding Xue's Imperial aunt. "Greetings to Your Majesty the Empress," the young ladies murmured, lowering their heads.

Ding Xue's imperial aunt waved her hand dismissively, gesturing them to leave. As they obeyed and headed for the door, she walked across the room towards Ding Xue's bed.

A soft sound escaped Ding Xue's lips, "Imperial aunt…" She tried to rise, making sure to grimace in pain, though she felt none.

"Rest easy, do not strain yourself." Her imperial aunt said gently. She sat beside Ding Xue, guiding her back onto the silk pillows with a tender hand. Her fingers stroked Ding Xue's hair as she looked at her with a gaze full of concern. "How do you feel?"

Ding Xue gave a faint smile and nodded towards the bedside table, where two bowls lay empty. "Imperial aunt's ginseng soup and Crown Prince chicken soup, were very delicious and nourishing, I feel a little better," she said.

Her Imperial aunt smiled back and nodded. "So the Prince sent you something too?" She sounded pleased.

Ding Xue looked away. "He had a servant bring me the soup," she blinked back tears. "I have not seen him since I arrived here."

Her Imperial aunt frowned. "He has not visited you even once?" she asked in disbelief.

Ding Xue shook her head and let a few tears roll down her cheeks. Did the Crown Prince not care for her at all? Was he with that harlot Liu Fen, who tried to lure him all the time? Ding Xue hissed at that thought and clenched her fist under the silk sheets that covered her body.

Her Imperial aunt stroked her cheek and said soothingly, "Do not worry, child. Perhaps the Crown Prince has been busy with his duties. I heard his imperial father tasked him to investigate those villains who dared to harm you. He must be working hard to find out the truth and punish them."

Ding Xue shivered as she remembered her misfortunes by the river. Her fist tightened. She hoped the Crown Prince would find those vile assassins, especially the one who had dared to touch her with his filthy hands. She wanted nothing more than to see him beg for mercy before losing his head.

Her Imperial aunt leaned closer and said, "How about this? I will go to the Prince personally and ask him to come see you."

Ding Xue smiled and looked at her Imperial aunt with gratitude. "Thank you, Imperial aunt." she said.

She missed the Crown Prince and wished to see him. She was glad there were no marks on her face. She wouldn't know how to face him if there were. The fall on the riverbank had only left some scratches on her back, and the imperial physician had given her an ointment that would prevent any scars if she applied it regularly.