Jinyi Spring

Princess Zhao leaned against the pillow, her face pale, but her eyes shone with light.

She smiled and said, "This time we were able to turn the tide thanks to Dr. Feng's skillful treatment. Thank you for your help."

She was truly grateful to Doctor Feng. After all, he was a descendant of Doctor Feng, and at such a young age, he was even more skilled than the imperial physicians.

One maid carried two bolts of brocade, and another maid offered a purse.

Feng Chuchen thanked her, and Shaoyao accepted the brocade and purse before taking her leave.

She had just reached the door when she heard a maid announce, "Princess Consort Qin has arrived—"

Feng Chuchen paused, unsure whether to continue or not.

A maid standing by the door shook her head and whispered, "Doctor Feng, please wait a moment."

He gestured for her to move to the side of the curtain on the west side.

A moment later, several well-dressed maids and servants escorted a beautiful woman in palace attire into the room.

The beautiful woman was about seventeen or eighteen years old, dignified and elegant, with a slender figure. Her movements were silent, with only the soft rustling of her clothes.

Without looking left or right, she went straight to the bedroom on the east side.

Judging by her figure, she's not pregnant.

Feng Chuchen suppressed his inner turmoil. He was only two steps away from his sister-in-law, yet they did not recognize each other.

She didn't dare to look any longer and stepped across the threshold with the peony in her arms.

Princess Qin sat gracefully at the head of the bed, and the two sisters-in-law seemed to be very close.

Princess Qin smiled and chanted a Buddhist prayer, "Amitabha, my sister-in-law is finally safe and sound. Only now can I rest easy."

Princess Zhao smiled gently. "Indeed, I was terrified that day too. I felt like the sky was about to fall."

Princess Qin leaned slightly forward and inquired, "Is Doctor Feng's medical skill really as legendary as the rumors suggest?"

Princess Zhao's smile remained, but a barely perceptible hint of caution flashed in her eyes. "She does possess some unique skills, especially with hemostatic needles; it's said she received her true teachings from Physician Feng. This time, we owe a great debt to her."

Princess Qin understood; she meant that Doctor Feng's forte was administering hemostatic injections, not treating infertility...

Feng Chuchen and his companion rode in a mule cart from the Prince's Mansion to the side gate. A horse-drawn carriage was parked outside the gate, while Uncle Wu's mule cart was waiting a little further away.

Just as they were about to pass through the side gate, they saw two young women alighting from the carriage; they were Xue Yan'er and Shangguan Ruyue.

Xue Yan'er had already heard that Feng Chuchen had cured Princess Zhao's illness, and her family elders were overjoyed.

She was not happy at all, and walked up to him in a few steps, saying, "Oh, you've come here to play the doctor again. What kind of illnesses does an unmarried girl treat? How dare you?"

Shangguan Ruyue quickly pulled her back and whispered a warning, "Sister Xue, this is the Zhao Prince's residence."

Feng Chuchen ignored them and walked away.

After the two got into the car, Peony whispered, "Finally, we don't have to come to this place anymore. It's terrifying."

Feng Chuchen said, "Aren't you incredibly brave?"

Peony said, "I'm not afraid, I'm worried about you, Miss. If you're not careful, you might run into those unreasonable people and I'm afraid you'll be wronged."

When I got home, lunch had just been set on the table.

Aunt Wang laughed and said, "Today, another member of a high-ranking official's family came to the clinic. I heard she's a concubine of the Vice Minister. Oh my, quite the entourage! Two old women are staying with her at the clinic, and the other servants have rented a small courtyard in the first two alleys."

Although she was just a concubine, she was still from the Vice Minister's residence, which was enough to make the people at the clinic happy.

It's not because of his high official rank, but because the clinic has gained the approval of the Vice Minister, which will lead to greater recognition in the future, making its prospects promising.

After dinner on the evening of August 18th, Ming Shanyue returned to his study from Furong Hall.

Manager Wei has arrived again.

"Reporting to Master, under the pretext of checking the daily expenses of each household, I carefully reviewed the purchasing accounts of the mansion over the past ten years. Since the Madam took over the management of the household affairs, the mansion has been purchasing lanterns from multiple shops, and the purchases have not been consistent."

"For bamboo ware, we have only sourced from two shops for more than ten years and have never changed them."

Ming Shanyue's eyes narrowed. "Which two?"

Manager Wei smiled and replied, "There's a Xu's Bamboo Shop and a Li's Bamboo Shop. I've secretly investigated both shops. Li's Bamboo Shop has been operating in the capital for decades, and our household has been buying bamboo products from them forty years ago."

"As for Xu's bamboo shop, we only started buying goods there after my aunt took over the household affairs. The shopkeeper is from Yuzhou and moved to the capital with his family about twenty years ago. Although the shop is not big, it is doing very well because it has been supplying our mansion with goods for a long time. Moreover, this shopkeeper is tall and strong, and seems to be skilled in martial arts."

Ming Shanyue lightly tapped the table with her knuckles; Xia's ancestral home was in Yuzhou.

The time and place of origin both match up.

A chill ran through his eyes. This thread had been buried for twenty years; at that time, Xia was only thirteen years old.

Previously, she might have visited Xu's shop regularly. But since Wanping's accident, she was afraid that Mingshanyue would find out, so she dared not go there on her own and could only contact them when she went to the Jokhang Temple.

"Keep a close eye on Xu's shop; there's something wrong with it."

He then said to Yinhe, "Go and invite my grandfather and father to Zhuyin Tower. They have important matters to discuss."

In the stillness of the night, only the east room of Zhuyin Tower was lit.

Once Xia Achan's betrayal of the Ming family was confirmed, the old Duke sat frozen in his armchair for a long time, his weathered face filled with disbelief and astonishment.

The one who hurts you the most is always your closest relative—he and his wife had long regarded Xia Achan as their own daughter, loving her, teaching her, and planning everything for her.

Even knowing she had her own "little thoughts," he always remembered that she was a "widow and unemployed," and that life was difficult for her alone, so he was always tolerant and understanding...

But who could have imagined that she would scheme for her own selfish desires, even before she was married, betraying the Ming family and putting the entire Ming mansion in danger.

These are just the findings of the grandson; how much filth is hidden in those undetected dark corners?

“We’ve given her our hearts…” the old Duke finally spoke, his voice hoarse, like a dull knife scraping against gravel, “Whatever she wants, we give her… Who in this manor has ever mistreated her in the slightest? How… how can she still be unsatisfied? How dare she do those things!”

The last few words were almost a low growl, filled with sorrow and rage, sounding particularly desolate in the silent night. He gripped the chair arm tightly with one hand, his knuckles cracking, the veins on the back of his hand bulging.

Duke Mingguo advised in a low voice, "Father, please calm down and take care of your health. Now that we have figured it out, it is not too late. However... this matter must be told to Mother slowly, so as not to upset her and damage her mental state. I should also explain this matter to Xuanxuan."

Ming Shanyue said in a deep voice, "Grandfather, now is not the time to take action against the Xia family. She is in the open, while we are in the shadows. Keeping her around... it's good that she can pass on some things to us."

"Grandparents should keep this in mind. From now on, they should be more vigilant about her, and be careful in all aspects of her life, including her food, clothing, and shelter. On the surface, everything should be as normal, and they should not alert her."

The old Duke's eyes were filled with sorrow and resolve, his voice icy cold, "As you say. This wretched child... shall remain for now. From this day forward, she is no longer a daughter of the Ming family. Since she has chosen this path, let her walk it to the end."

The next day at 9 AM, Feng Chuchen was busy at the clinic when Granny Li rushed in. She looked anxious. "Dr. Feng, my old lady caught a chill last night after kicking off the covers. She has a headache, a cough, and can't breathe..."

Upon hearing this, Feng Chuchen quickly took the peony and went there.

When we arrived at Fu Rong Tang, the old lady was still lying in bed with her eyes closed, her face pale, and she occasionally groaned.

The old Duke sat dejectedly to one side, his expression somber.

Madam Ming and Madam Xia stood in front of the bed. Madam Ming looked solemn, while Madam Xia wiped away her tears with a handkerchief, her eyes red from crying.

Xia said first, "Dr. Feng, please take a look at my mother... This illness came on so suddenly, it's really worrying me to death."

Feng Chuchen sat down on the brocade stool in front of the bed, focused on taking the old lady's pulse, and then opened her eyelids to take a look.

The old lady was indeed a little unwell, but it was far from being as serious as it appeared.

She glanced at Xia out of the corner of her eye; this whole performance was probably staged for her.

Feng Chuchen withdrew her hand, looking distressed, and said, "The old lady caught a cold, the pathogen invaded her skin, and her lung qi failed to circulate properly, hence her headache, cough, and shortness of breath. In addition, due to her age, her qi and blood are inherently weak, so once she falls ill, the symptoms become more severe..."

As she spoke, she took out silver needles, preparing to administer acupuncture to the old lady.

The old lady finally opened her eyes and said in a hoarse voice, "Last night I dreamed of my father, mother, and my uncle and aunt... In the dream, I was riding horses and fighting with them. I was so excited that I threw off the covers."

Her uncle was the late Emperor, and her aunt was Empress Shotoku. Her father was Prince Yu, a man of great military achievements who died in his only defeat. She was only eight years old at the time, and her mother died soon after. Afterwards, she was raised by Empress Shotoku herself.

The old lady simply couldn't face Xia Achan calmly, the person she had cherished like her own flesh and blood for over twenty years. She had no choice but to find an excuse to send her away temporarily so she could calm down for a while.

The old Duke said, "They must miss Rong'er and have come to see you together. Let Mingfeng take a leave of absence for ten days to go to the Jokhang Temple to copy scriptures and observe a vegetarian diet for the late Emperor, Empress Shengde, father-in-law and mother-in-law. Also, copy a few copies of the Heart Sutra for Rong'er to offer before the Buddha and pray for her well-being."

Madam Ming hurriedly said, "Ming Feng is restless and playful, so let your daughter-in-law go instead."

Xia stepped forward, wiping her eyes with a handkerchief, and said, "Sister-in-law has to take care of this whole family, how can she leave? I'll go instead. I've been with Mother the longest and know her usual Buddhist preferences."

They seemed so eager, as if they were afraid of missing out on the credit for fulfilling their filial duty.

Madam Ming lowered her eyes, concealing the sarcasm and hatred within them.

The old Duke thought for a moment, then nodded and said, "Let A-Chan go. Rong'er dotes on you the most. Just don't overwork yourself. If you lose weight, Rong'er will be heartbroken."

Feng Chuchen then realized that the old man was actually quite the actor.

Xia's eyes reddened again, and she replied, "Yes, daughter has remembered." She hesitated for a moment, then said, "Um, could you let Yan'er go too? Let her show more filial piety to her elders in front of the Buddha, and also to better restrain her temperament."

The old Duke agreed, “Go ahead. The young lady is delicate, so bring her fine things and don’t make her feel uncomfortable. You and your daughter can go to Zixia Nunnery instead of Dazhao Temple. It’s closer to the manor, so if anything happens, you can send someone back to let them know.”

Madam Ming replied, "Father-in-law, rest assured, I will make the arrangements."

Xia stepped forward, bent down to tuck the blanket around the old lady, and said softly, "Mother, please take good care of yourself. I will be back in ten days. I will stay by your side every step of the way then."

The old lady closed her eyes and hummed in agreement.

Xia left quickly, and Madam Ming followed her out to make arrangements.

Once the footsteps faded into the distance, the old lady slowly opened her eyes, her gaze clear and lucid. She reached out from under the covers and tightly grasped Feng Chuchen's hand, which was resting on the edge of the bed.

Their eyes met, and without a word, they understood each other perfectly.

After a moment, Feng Chuchen said gently, "I will give the old lady acupuncture."

The old lady finally let go.

Feng Chuchen buried the silver needles, and the old Duke made an excuse to send away the two maids and one nanny from the Ming family who were guarding the room.

Feng Chuchen then instructed Shaoyao, "Go to the small kitchen and start stewing the Ten-Tonifying Soup we brought."

There was no one else in the room.

The old lady looked at Feng Chuchen again, her eyes overflowing with love and tenderness.

"Good child, you have suffered all these years."

Her voice was slightly hoarse, and she stretched out one hand again.

Feng Chuchen stepped forward and grasped the warm hand that bore the marks of time.

Feng Chuchen said, "Heaven has eyes, I am still alive. I am fortunate to have been raised by the Feng family and to have met you and my husband again.

Tears welled in the old woman's cloudy eyes. "It's all our fault. We've allowed treacherous officials to rise to power and wreak havoc in the palace. You've been forced to wander among the common people and suffer so much. Little Wan'er is still in a nunnery, her life a solitary affair... Alas, this old woman has failed Empress Shengde."

The old Duke advised in a low voice, "Rong'er, don't be sad. Fortunately, Chen'er is still alive and well, which is the biggest turning point. Let's take it one step at a time, and the truth of the case will eventually come out."

He then looked at Feng Chuchen, his eyes filled with praise and admiration, "Good child, like Rong'er, and also like Empress Shengde, brave and resilient, a remarkable woman."

Feng Chuchen smiled and said, "You flatter me, sir."

The old lady said with certainty, "It's true. We are no less capable than men in battle, and my son Chen'er is no less capable than men in healing and saving lives."

The old Duke knew best how to please the old lady, and chuckled, "After all these years, the Shui family has produced another heroine."

The old lady laughed out loud, all the gloom in her eyes disappeared, and she held Feng Chuchen's hand tightly.

He then added, "A golden branch and jade leaf have fallen into the common people's hands, while we've spoiled a vicious wolf. General Xia was such a good person back then, loyal, brave, and righteous, how could he have given birth to such a scoundrel..."

As the footsteps outside the door drew closer, everyone tacitly fell silent, and the old lady also let go of her hand.

At noon, Feng Chuchen stayed for lunch.

The Ten-Tonifying Soup is ready.

Feng Chuchen said, "The old master also eats it. The two elders have one cup every day, which can last for several days."

Madam Ming looked at Feng Chuchen with eyes full of affection. Last night, she heard the Duke talk about this child; she was not only Xiao Wan's daughter, but also Shan Yue's destined one.

Shan Yue is finally able to get married, and to such a wonderful wife... Truly, he is a blessed man who doesn't need to worry.

After the meal, Feng Chuchen took his leave.

Today the weather is fine and sunny, neither too hot nor too cold. Although autumn has arrived, there is no sense of desolation; the bamboo is emerald green, the leaves are golden, the fragrance of osmanthus wafts through the air, and the hibiscus flowers are in full bloom…

Feng Chuchen was already in a great mood, and stood at the hanging flower gate, looking around.

Seeing her interest, the old nanny Li, who had accompanied her, smiled and said, "The weather is fine this time of year, and the scenery is beautiful too. Shall this old servant lead Miss Feng for a stroll by the lake?" (End of Chapter)