The late afternoon sun cast long shadows through the latticed windows of Sheng's chambers. A tense silence hung heavy in the air, broken only by the soft murmurs of the imperial physicians.

Two of them, their faces etched with concern, hovered over Sheng, who lay propped against silken pillows. His brow was furrowed in discomfort, a sharp contrast to his usual serene expression. A white bandage swathed his left arm, a reminder of the altercation with Yao that had left him wounded.

Just as one of the physicians finished securing a fresh bandage, the silk curtain billowed outwards, announcing the arrival of the empress. Your entrance was a whirlwind of shimmering jade silks and the soft scent of orchids. Your eyes, usually sparkling with amusement or warmth, were now narrowed with worry. Concerned faces of the physicians to Sheng's pale visage.

The lead physician, a wiry man with a neatly trimmed beard, bowed low. "Forgive the intrusion, Your Majesty. Consort Sheng was... injured earlier today."

Sheng flinched at the word injured, a flicker of apprehension crossing his features. He knew the empress wouldn't take kindly to any harm befalling one of her concubines. The empress's gaze met Sheng's, your expression softening slightly.

Sheng opened his mouth to speak, then hesitated. He caught the worried glances exchanged by the physicians, and a wave of protectiveness washed over him. He didn't want to burden the empress with his troubles, especially if it meant causing anger or concern.

"It was nothing, your Majesty," he began, his voice barely above a whisper. "A mere... accident while tending to the garden."