Concubine Hua sighed contentedly as she finished the last sip of the warm tisane, a faint touch of color returning to her pale cheeks. She offered a small, grateful smile to Lin Feng. "Thank you, young Feng. That… that did seem to soothe the sharpest edges of the discomfort."
Just then, the familiar shimmer filled Lin Feng's vision, a detailed window materializing with several tempting options:
[Concubine Hua - Current State: Mild Relief, Still Experiencing Discomfort]
[Potential Interaction Opportunities:]
(Offer a respectful compliment on her resilience): +7 Favorability (Subtly inquire if the pain is still present): +10 Favorability (Suggest a gentle pressing of the abdomen, known to aid digestion): +15 Favorability (Requires Physical Contact - Proceed with Caution) (Remain silent and await further instructions from Mama Zhang): 0 Favorability (Safe, but no potential gain)
Lin Feng's eyes flickered to the third option. Fifteen favorability points were a significant boost, and his 'Basic Medical Knowledge' did include some understanding of gentle abdominal massage for digestive issues. However, the warning about physical contact in the inner chambers of an imperial concubine was hard to ignore. He weighed the risk against the potential reward, his inner gamer leaning towards the bold move.
Mentally, he selected the third option: (Suggest a gentle pressing of the abdomen, known to aid digestion).
A new notification appeared instantly:
[Chosen Interaction: Suggest a gentle pressing of the abdomen, known to aid digestion] [Warning: Performing any unsolicited physical touch on an Imperial Concubine may result in severe punishment. Ensure utmost respect and obtain clear permission before proceeding.]
Lin Feng took a deep breath, the system's stark warning amplifying the already tense atmosphere. He turned his gaze back to Concubine Hua, his expression carefully conveying concern and a desire to help, without a hint of impropriety.
"Your Ladyship," he began respectfully, his voice soft, "I am relieved to hear the tisane offered some comfort. If I may be so bold," he paused, gathering his courage, "in my village, when someone suffered from similar discomfort, sometimes a very gentle pressing of the abdomen, following specific patterns to aid digestion, could also bring relief. Of course," he hastened to add, his heart thumping against his ribs, "only if Your Ladyship would permit such a… humble suggestion." He kept his gaze lowered, avoiding any direct eye contact that might be misconstrued.
Concubine Hua looked at him, her brow furrowed in thought. The pain was still clearly lingering in her eyes. She glanced at Mama Zhang, who stood nearby, her expression unreadable. After a moment of consideration, Concubine Hua spoke, her voice soft but laced with a hint of curiosity. "A… pressing of the abdomen? By a… eunuch?" The question hung in the air, a testament to the unusual nature of the suggestion within the palace walls.
Mama Zhang's reaction was immediate and sharp, her face hardening into a mask of disapproval. "Young Feng!" she exclaimed, her voice laced with indignation. "What impertinence! A mere newly initiated eunuch advising a concubine of the Emperor on such… intimate matters? Do you forget your place?" Her eyes narrowed, her gaze sharp enough to pierce through Lin Feng's carefully maintained respectful demeanor. "Such a suggestion is… highly inappropriate, and goes against all palace protocols." She took a step towards Lin Feng, her posture radiating authority and a clear warning.
Just as Mama Zhang's reprimand hung heavy in the air, a familiar shimmer appeared in Lin Feng's vision:
[Concubine Hua - Favorability: +10 (Intrigued by the Suggestion)] [Current Favorability: 28]
The notification, appearing almost directly in his line of sight, was a stark contrast to Mama Zhang's furious expression. Despite the head maid's clear disapproval, Concubine Hua's favorability towards Lin Feng had increased, indicating her intrigue with his unconventional suggestion.
Concubine Hua's gaze remained thoughtful, her delicate fingers still resting on her abdomen. She looked from Lin Feng to Mama Zhang, whose expression remained a thundercloud of disapproval. After a prolonged silence, she spoke, her voice surprisingly firm.
"Mama Zhang," she said, her tone brooking no argument, "while I appreciate your concern for protocol, the pain is… quite persistent. This young man's suggestion, though unorthodox, is intriguing. If it offers even a modicum of relief until the Imperial Physicians arrive, I am willing to try it." She turned her gaze back to Lin Feng, a hint of curiosity now softening the edges of her discomfort. "Tell me, young Feng, this… pressing. Is it done gently?"
Lin Feng nodded eagerly, relieved by her unexpected openness. "Most gently, Your Ladyship. Only light pressure, following the natural flow of digestion." He demonstrated with a light touch on his stomach.
Concubine Hua watched his demonstration, then made her decision. "Very well. Mama Zhang, Xiao Die, Chun Hua," she instructed, her voice carrying a newfound authority, "I believe I would prefer some… quiet. Please attend to your other duties and await the arrival of the physicians in the outer hall."
Mama Zhang's eyebrows shot up, her lips forming a silent protest, but she quickly swallowed her objections, bowing deeply. "As Your Ladyship commands." With disappointed and wary glances at Lin Feng, Mama Zhang and the two maids retreated from the inner chamber, leaving Lin Feng alone with Concubine Hua in the soft, incense-scented light. The heavy silk screen doors closed gently behind them, creating an intimate stillness within the room. The air crackled with a newfound tension, different from the earlier anxiety of her ailment. This was a moment Lin Feng had hoped for, and the opportunity, fraught with potential danger and immense reward, was finally his.
Concubine Hua settled back onto the silk cushions with a soft sigh of relief, the lavender robe shifting around her slender frame. Her pale complexion had regained a delicate flush, and a hint of serenity softened the lines of discomfort that had etched her face moments before. Her lips, full and naturally rouged, were slightly parted, her breath coming in slow, even waves that suggested a fragile peace.
The loose silk of her robe had fallen open slightly as she reclined, revealing the gentle swell of her breasts beneath. The fabric, thin and almost translucent in the soft lamplight, hinted at the shape of her areolas, the delicate shadows suggesting the hard peaks of her nipples pressing against the material. As she inhaled, the fabric stretched taut, momentarily outlining their roundness before settling back into a soft drape.
The movement also revealed a tantalizing glimpse of her stomach, a smooth expanse of ivory skin just above the tied sash of her robe. The gentle rise and fall with each breath was hypnotic, drawing the eye to the delicate curve of her waist as it disappeared beneath the overlapping fabric.
Further down, the silk robe pooled around her hips and thighs, obscuring some areas while subtly emphasizing others. The way she was lying caused the fabric to cling to the gentle curve of her buttocks, hinting at their roundness and the smooth line where they met her thighs. The fabric then flowed down her long, slender legs, the outline of her thighs visible beneath the light material, promising a soft warmth beneath. Her posture exuded a delicate vulnerability, a beautiful woman seeking respite from pain, now alone in the intimate stillness of her chambers with only Lin Feng for company