The ointment made by the court doctor had a rapid recovery effect, and within a day, there were no marks on my face. But the pain in my heart was still palpable, and I shut myself in my room and refused to step out of it. I was afraid to face everyone in the court, and I did not want to see the strange look in their eyes. Sometimes I would wonder if the rumors of my adultery had spread far and wide and if even the servants were talking about it privately? Have I now labeled a slut by everyone? The more I thought about it, the more annoyed I became, and the more afraid I became!