"The Emperor has arrived!" a shrill voice pierced the silence.
Li Shimin strode in. Xiao Song bent his stiff waist, "Your Majesty."
"No need for formalities. I have just learned of the news. How is Lady Xianliang's condition?" Li Shimin asked.
Xiao Song remained silent. Liu Qingsong hastily said, "Lady Xianliang has twenty-four wounds, big and small, including one on her back that reaches the spine. She's in a critical state. Even if she wakes up, she might... have no sensation in her lower limbs."
Liu Qingsong felt it necessary to let Li Shimin know the great price Ran Yan had paid to save his son.
Li Shimin paused, then turned and solemnly bowed toward the bed where Ran Yan lay.
Zhang Songhe and the others held great respect for Ran Yan. Upon hearing this, without waiting for Li Shimin to speak, they hurried forward to prepare to take her pulse. They had been summoned by the Emperor precisely to treat Lady Xianliang.
