freenovelworld Chapter 385 The Real Purpose of the Draft
Chapter 385 The Real Purpose of the Draft
Gu Junze had just put Chu Ruohan's feet back into the soft bedding when the warmth of her skin still lingered on his fingertips.
A soft knock came from outside the door.
"Come in," Gu Junze said in a deep voice.
The door was pushed open, and Doctor Qian walked in carrying his medicine box, looking travel-worn, clearly having just returned from outside the city.
"General, Madam," Doctor Qian bowed respectfully, "Upon hearing that Madam was unwell, I rushed back immediately."
Gu Junze nodded: "Thank you, Dr. Qian. She went out today and her ankle was swollen when she came back."
Dr. Qian put down his medicine box and walked to the bedside.
"Madam, please extend your wrist."
Chu Ruohan did as instructed, extending her hand and placing her wrist on the soft pulse pillow.
Dr. Qian placed three fingers on her pulse and closed his eyes to concentrate.
For a moment, only the faint sound of breathing could be heard in the bedroom.
Gu Junze stood to the side, his gaze fixed on Doctor Qian's face, his brows slightly furrowed.
Chu Ruohan could sense the tension emanating from him.
A moment later, Dr. Qian opened his eyes, his expression softening.
"General, rest assured, the lady and the baby in her womb are both well, and their pulses are steady and strong."
He looked at Chu Ruohan's swollen ankle.
"As for the swelling in the legs and feet," Dr. Qian explained, "When a woman is pregnant, especially in the later stages, the flow of qi and blood becomes sluggish, which often causes varying degrees of swelling. It's not a serious problem."
"Pay more attention to rest during the day and avoid standing or walking for long periods. Soaking your feet in hot water before bed can promote blood circulation and relieve the symptoms."
As Dr. Qian spoke, he took out a small celadon jar from his medicine box.
"This is my homemade anti-swelling ointment, made by soaking and boiling some medicinal herbs."
He opened the jar, and a faint, refreshing herbal scent wafted out.
"Apply to the swollen area daily and gently massage for a while to help reduce swelling and relieve pain."
Gu Junze took the ointment: "Thank you, Dr. Qian."
"General, you're too kind. I'll head back now; there are still some patients waiting outside the city." Doctor Qian packed his medicine box.
"Hmm." Gu Junze gestured to the guards standing at the door to escort Doctor Qian out.
He picked up the small medicine jar and examined Chu Ruohan's swollen ankle with focused attention.
"Does it hurt?" Gu Junze asked softly.
Chu Ruohan shook her head, a gentle smile curving her lips: "It doesn't hurt too much, just a little swollen."
Gu Junze nodded slightly and unscrewed the lid of the medicine jar.
The fresh herbal scent permeated the air even more intensely, carrying a hint of coolness. He dabbed a little ointment on his right index finger; it felt delicate and slightly cool to the touch.
"It might be a little cold," he said first, then gently applied the ointment to her swollen ankle.
When the ointment first touched her skin, Chu Ruohan couldn't help but tremble slightly, but she quickly got used to the coolness.
Gu Junze's movements were unexpectedly gentle. He first applied the ointment slowly along the contour of the ankle, then gradually moved upwards until he reached the swollen area of the calf.
"Is the force sufficient?"
"Yes, just right," Chu Ruohan replied, letting his fingertips roam over her skin.
Gu Junze touched her with utmost care, afraid of hurting her. As the ointment spread, its cooling sensation gradually seeped into her skin, bringing a sense of relief.
"Dr. Qian is right, you have indeed been working too hard," Gu Junze said in a low voice while massaging the ointment. "You should rest more these days."
"Some things, if they can be delegated to others, should be delegated. The things that can't be, I'll handle."
He gently pressed the acupoint on her ankle with his thumb and continued, "Your primary task now is to take care of your health, and—" His gaze involuntarily fell on her swollen belly, and his voice softened, "and our child."
Chu Ruohan knew he genuinely cared for her, and reached out to wipe a bead of sweat from his forehead.
"Don't worry too much, I know what I'm doing."
Gu Junze did not respond immediately, but focused on continuing the work at hand.
As the ointment was gradually absorbed by his skin, he took some more and continued to massage gently.
After the ointment was fully absorbed, Gu Junze got up and sat down next to her, gently putting his arm around her shoulder.
"Today, while reviewing memorials in my study, I came across a piece of news."
"What news?" Chu Ruohan asked curiously.
“The Western Xia has sent an envoy, who will arrive in the capital in a few days.” Gu Junze’s expression was slightly solemn. “It is said that they are here to discuss intermarriage.”
"Intermarriage?" Chu Ruohan frowned slightly. "A princess from Western Xia is going to marry into our dynasty?"
Gu Junze shook his head: "No. The Western Xia side proposed that our dynasty's princess marry into their family."
A knowing glint flashed in Chu Ruohan's eyes: "So, this talent show..."
"It's very likely because of this."
Gu Junze continued, “The late emperor had no daughters. If we want to complete the marriage, we must select a concubine from the palace, confer upon her the title of princess, and send her to Western Xia.”
Chu Ruohan suddenly realized: "No wonder His Majesty asked each family to recommend candidates for the imperial concubines; it turns out that's why."
"This is just my guess," Gu Junze said in a deep voice. "No one has mentioned this yet, so don't spread it around."
Chu Ruohan nodded.
If what Gu Junze said is true, then the purpose of this selection is not to fill the harem, but to select a "princess for a political marriage".
No wonder His Majesty issued an edict ordering officials of the fifth rank and above to recommend candidates for the imperial concubines; this was to select the most suitable candidates from among various families.
"The Western Xia region is characterized by strong winds and sandstorms, and a harsh climate. If a princess were to go there, I'm afraid she would have a difficult time."
She leaned against Gu Junze's chest and closed her eyes to rest.
She kept replaying the expressions on her uncle and aunt's faces as they left, and she always felt that they wouldn't let it go.
Sure enough, within three days, Chu Ruohan received a message sent by her mother. Guo Ying'er had been selected as a candidate for the imperial concubine examination.
"Madam, Madam Guo has sent a letter." Yu Ling walked into the courtyard holding a letter.
Chu Ruohan took the letter, unfolded it, and frowned.
The letter stated that her cousin, Guo Ying'er, had been recommended by Vice Minister Zhao and had become one of the candidates for the imperial concubine selection. She was now preparing to enter the palace as a candidate.
"What's wrong?" Gu Junze had just returned from outside and noticed her strange expression, so he asked.
Chu Ruohan handed him the letter: "My cousin still made it into the imperial concubine selection."
Gu Junze glanced at the letter, his face darkening: "Why would Zhao Xu, the Vice Minister of War, recommend your cousin?"
Chu Ruohan gently shook her head: "It must be that my uncle bribed him with money."
“Bribing an official appointed by the imperial court is a serious crime,” Gu Junze said coldly.
Chu Ruohan scoffed lightly: "I'm afraid my uncle and aunt are determined to send my cousin into the palace, hoping she will gain favor and bring wealth and glory to the family."
"Since they insist on taking this risk, they should bear the consequences themselves."