Ties of Love, Ruan Wan

The female physician Su bowed to Rong Yufen and said, "I had no such intention. The concubine is in good health, and His Highness is in his prime. The concubine will surely conceive. The most important thing right now is to get His Highness to come to your room. Only then will there be a chance for her to get pregnant."

"You don't need to tell me that. If I had a solution, would I be here talking to you?"

Lian Xin, being quite sensible, helped the female physician Su up. "If Doctor Su has a solution, please be sure to tell our young lady. Our young lady is just sad and upset; she didn't mean to make things difficult for Doctor Su."

Rong Yufen looked at Physician Su with suspicion, not believing that a mere physician like her could come up with any good ideas.

Physician Su brushed the shards of porcelain off her knees and said, "Your Highness is so angry this time probably because you found out that the Holy Maiden looks like Ruan Wan. It was you who had someone spread the news, and it was you who notified Lord Zhang Qian to arrest Liang Feng."

Rong Yufen also thought of this. If it was just a normal jealousy, she could cry and make amends, and Xia Changfeng wouldn't ignore her for long.

This time, she listened to Linglong's words and went all out, which is why things have gone so far. She was really scared. If it really was Ruan Wan, Xia Changfeng would devote all her heart to her.

"I know that, but what can I do now to ease the tension between me and His Highness?"

"Actually, what angers His Highness is that your father used the power of Minister Zhang of the Ministry of Rites to let His Majesty know that your father still has connections with officials in the court. If the concubine only needs to have your father make a copy of the list of his retainers and present it to His Highness, and then the concubine can show weakness and cry a little, then nothing will happen."

Rong Yufen rubbed her forehead, sat down, and then waved to Physician Su, "You can go now."

How could she possibly ask him to do this? She had only managed to get her father to do it by threatening to kill herself.

Now that Lord Zhang Qian has passed away, Father must be angry. If we bring this up again at this time, I'm afraid Father might not agree.

But if she didn't do this, she had no other way to please Xia Changfeng.

After much deliberation, Rong Yufen wrote down her request. After all, her father only had her as his daughter, and he was now living in his hometown and no longer needed any connections related to being overweight. Even if she were to be included on the list, it should be fine.

When the Empress heard about the Holy Maiden's pregnancy, she sent a nanny to serve her as usual, but the nanny was not even allowed to enter the Yaotai Courtyard and was firmly blocked outside.

Having learned their lesson from last time, the two guards dared not let anyone in, even if it was a maid sent from the palace.

Granny Yuan glared coldly at the two guards. "Do you even know who I am? How dare you block my way?"

The guard bowed and scraped, "Please don't make things difficult for me, Granny. I was just following orders. I went in and asked, and the Holy Maiden instructed that no one is needed to serve us here."

Granny Yuan refused, saying, "I was sent by the Empress to take care of the concubine's unborn child. Who dares to disobey the Empress's decree?"

The guard frowned, wanting to cover the old woman's mouth, but dared not do so. He could only whisper, "Old woman, please keep your voice down. Do not address the concubine as 'Holy Maiden,' but rather as 'Holy Maiden.'"

Granny Yuan stared intently, "According to the principles of our Great Xia, since she has married the Seventh Prince as a concubine, what does it matter whether she's a saint or not?"

Granny Yuan tried to force her way in, but two guards blocked the entrance, preventing her from entering.

Ruan Wan was getting a headache from the noise outside. She glanced at A Qing beside her, and A Qing immediately understood and walked towards the gate of the courtyard.

The guards were struggling to hold their own when they saw Ah Qing approaching. They quickly said, "Miss Qing, you've come at the right time! The matron insists on going in."

Seeing someone come out, Granny Yuan took a step back, straightened her clothes, and looked at Aqing with a sidelong glance, "Where is your concubine?"

They didn't even come to see her in person; she represents the Empress.

Ah Qing smiled and said, "The Holy Maiden doesn't allow the old woman to enter this Yaotai Courtyard; it's for her own good."

She was a concubine.

Aqing continued, "In our Miao region, we practice snake manipulation and gu poison. There are many snakes, insects, rats, and ants in this courtyard, and we're afraid they'll frighten Granny."

As soon as Aqing finished speaking, a small green snake coiled around Aqing's neck, its two dark eyes staring at Granny Yuan, its blood-red tongue flicking out.

Granny Yuan was so frightened that she stumbled backward, almost falling, her voice trembling, "How dare you! How could you raise such poisonous creatures in the Seventh Prince's residence!"

Granny Yuan pointed at the two guards and said, "Hurry up and seize her!"

The two guards remained unmoved. Ah Qing laughed and said, "It's not just snakes, scorpions, spiders, centipedes—the Yaotai Courtyard is teeming with them. If you really want to come in, Granny, I won't stop you."

Aqing made way for them, and the two guards stopped blocking them, but Granny Yuan dared not come in.

Granny Yuan glared at the two guards and Aqing, then snorted coldly, "You just wait and see."

Then he turned and left, heading straight for Xia Changfeng's courtyard.

Love skipped and hopped, then turned and went back into the room.

Seeing Aqing's happy expression, Ruan Wan asked, "Have the people been driven away?"

Ah Qing laughed and said, "She did leave, but she ran towards His Highness's courtyard. I'm afraid she went to complain."

Ruan Wan smiled and said, "Don't bother with her. Rong Yufen's letter has already been delivered."

Aqing replied, "It was delivered to the Rong family in Zhangzhou yesterday by express courier, but Rongda hasn't responded at all."

Ruan Wan smiled and said, "Rongda won't hand over this list so easily. If he does, his precious daughter will lose all her support."

"Shall we add fuel to the fire and make Consort Rong suffer a little?"

Ruan Wan shook her head. "This matter can simply be left to Rong Yufen. Rong Da dotes on his daughter so much, he'll agree."

Once the first month of the lunar calendar is over, the sixth prince, Xia Wuxiu, will be sent to the border of the Eastern Barbarians to take over the management of the four cities ceded by the Eastern Barbarians.

This was an imperial decree issued before the new year, and Xia Wuxiu was suddenly appointed without any warning.

This is no easy task. The two countries have just ended their conflict, and the Dongyi people in the four cities must still harbor resentment towards the Great Xia. Governing these four cities will not be an easy task.

Everyone in the court was speculating about what the Sixth Prince had done to anger the Emperor, which was why he had been sent to this place.

However, the sixth prince, Xia Wuxiu, remained quiet and unassuming, and it was truly impossible to figure out what he had done to offend the emperor. It was truly unfathomable what the emperor's mind could hold.

Today, Xia Changfeng and a group of princes saw Xia Wuxiu off at the city gate.

Although they may not have a particularly good relationship in private, they still have to maintain appearances. In particular, the royal family must be fraternal and respectful to set an example for the world.

Standing on the city wall, watching Xia Wuxiu's entourage being transported away, Xia Ziru smiled and asked Xia Changfeng, "Seventh brother, do you know where Sixth brother offended Father Emperor to be sent to that desolate land?"

Xia Changfeng looked at Xia Ziru with a strange expression. "You're his own brother, and you're asking me this?"

Xia Ziru laughed and said, "Even brothers can be distant. He's never been close to me since we were kids."

Xia Changfeng laughed and said, "Then there's even less reason for me to know."

Xia Ziru leaned closer to Xia Changfeng and whispered, "Isn't your family home home for a powerful saintess? Couldn't she figure it out using Miao witchcraft?"

Xia Changfeng stepped back, frowning. "Third Brother, don't talk nonsense. The Miao Holy Maiden can only use some natural power, and since she's far from Miao territory, her abilities are greatly reduced. Even if she still had that ability, she wouldn't dare use it on Father."

Xia Ziru laughed and said, "Just kidding, why are you reacting so strongly?"

Xia Changfeng clasped his hands in a fist salute and said, "Third Brother, I have other matters to attend to at the manor, so I'll be leaving now."

Xia Changfeng hurriedly ran down the city wall, jumped onto his horse, and galloped towards the Prince's Mansion.

Xia Ziru turned around, squinted, and watched Xia Wuxiu's departing figure.

As soon as they arrived at the gate of the mansion, Amu came to greet them, leading the horse. "Your Highness, Granny Yuan from the palace is currently in your courtyard."

"Why is she here? Does Mother have any instructions?"

"It was Her Majesty the Empress who sent her to take care of the Holy Maiden, but she wasn't even allowed inside the courtyard; she was kicked out. She's probably going to complain to His Highness."

Xia Changfeng laughed instead. After spending two months in Miao territory, he had become fearless.

Xia Changfeng did not return to his own courtyard, but instead went to Ruan Wan's Yaotai Courtyard first, where he saw Ruan Wan leisurely warming herself by the fire and reading a book.

"You're certainly free, but Granny Yuan is staying in my courtyard and won't leave."

Ruan Wan turned a page of her book without even lifting her eyelids. "She's a servant, you're a prince. What can she possibly do to you?"

Xia Changfeng disregarded his image and squatted down, warming his hands in front of the stove. "After all, she was sent by the Empress Dowager, so I have to give her some face. It's not really appropriate to send her away."

Ruan Wan closed the book and looked at Xia Changfeng. "My belly is about to show, keeping her around will definitely give me away."

Speaking of Ruan Wan's pregnancy, Xia Changfeng couldn't help but feel sad. "Don't worry, I will definitely protect my cousin's bloodline."

Ruan Wan looked down at her stomach. She still couldn't feel that a life was growing inside her.

If she hadn't diagnosed herself with pregnancy by taking her own pulse, she wouldn't have believed that she was really pregnant.

Pregnancy brought with it a miraculous event: Ruan Wan fully awakened the Saintess's abilities, and it was this ability that allowed her to escape death.

Ruan Wan looked up at Xia Changfeng and asked, "Didn't you say you'd let me see Ali after the first month of the lunar calendar? When are we going to see him?"

"Don't worry, Xia Wuxiu has been in charge of the Ministry of War, and Ali Ke has also been looked after by people from the Ministry of War. We can only find an opportunity to see him after he leaves. Wait a few more days, and I'll take you there once I've made the arrangements."

Ruan Wan smiled and looked out the window. "You should go back now. Don't leave the old woman there to freeze."

Xia Changfeng sighed, propped himself up, and stood up. "Then I'll go deal with Granny Yuan."

Looking at Xia Changfeng's lifeless back, Ruan Wan couldn't help but laugh out loud, which was a rare occurrence for her.

Xia Changfeng returned to his Shengping Courtyard and entered with a smile. "Granny Yuan, what brings you here? Does the Empress Dowager have any instructions?"

Granny Yuan hurriedly knelt down to pay her respects, but Xia Changfeng helped her up. "Granny, there's no need for such formalities. When did you arrive? I went to see Sixth Brother off out of the city today, and I kept you waiting."

Granny Yuan, her face dark, snorted coldly, "Your Highness, you need to properly discipline that concubine from Miao territory."

Xia Changfeng pretended to know nothing and asked, "Has Granny seen the Holy Maiden? That's strange, she never leaves the courtyard."

Granny Yuan sighed and spread her hands. "Her Majesty the Empress sent this old servant to take care of this concubine's pregnancy, but the concubine is so arrogant that she refused to let this old servant in, and I haven't even been able to see her."

Xia Changfeng sighed, "I dare not discipline the Holy Maiden. Father and Mother both witnessed the miracles of New Year's Eve. The Holy Maiden doesn't even need to kneel before Father. How could I dare to discipline her?"

"This is outrageous! Since ancient times, women have been subordinate to their husbands, and she is merely a concubine."

Xia Changfeng laughed and said, "Why don't you go and discipline them for me, Granny?"

Granny Yuan, however, looked troubled. Still shaken by the sight of the green snake, she stammered, "This old servant is but a lowly servant; how dare I discipline my master? But Her Majesty the Empress sent me; how can I possibly answer to her?"

Xia Changfeng laughed and said, "Just tell them I sent you back. We lost Granny Zhou earlier, so we wouldn't dare trouble anyone from the Empress Dowager's palace again."

Speaking of Granny Zhou, Granny Yuan felt a wave of fear. To be honest, even if that Holy Maiden invited her to go now, she wouldn't dare to move in.

It would be better to kill her than to make her live with snakes, insects, and rats.

The sixth day of the second lunar month is the birthday of the current emperor. In order to commemorate the people and soldiers who died in the war, the emperor decided not to hold a grand celebration this year, but just have his family gather together.

This was also the opportunity that Xia Changfeng had been waiting for. Although no birthday banquet was held, in order to show respect for the emperor, all the ministers still kowtowed to the Taiji Hall to express their congratulations to the emperor.

If one person does it, everyone else has to do it too. If you don't do it, it will become a handle for others to use against you in the future.

So a long line formed at the entrance of Taiji Palace, and the guards of Alik took turns going to Taiji Hall to kowtow.

The guard on duty was an old acquaintance of Xia Changfeng, so he could take advantage of his shift to go in and visit Alike.

The night before, Xia Changfeng told Linglong that he had to go out on business early the next morning and asked her and Rong Yufen to go to the palace by themselves.

Before dawn, Ruan Wan was already waiting at the door. Xia Changfeng rushed over, only to find Ruan Wan standing alone at the door in a cloak. "Where are your two maids? Aren't they with you?"

"There will be too many people around, I'll go by myself."

Xia Changfeng jumped onto the carriage, then reached out and pulled Ruan Wan onto the carriage as well, heading straight for the courtyard where Ali was being held.

The courtyard was located in the bustling city. After all, he was the eldest prince of Dongyi. As a hostage, he was not a prisoner. His food, clothing, and lodging were still provided according to the standards for a prince.

It only restricted his personal freedom.

The carriage stopped at the back gate, and the guard Jiang Peng hurriedly came forward. "Your Highness, you must hurry inside. The shift has just changed, but someone will patrol every quarter of an hour. You must be out within a quarter of an hour."

Xia Changfeng patted Jiang Peng on the shoulder. "Thanks, I'll treat you to drinks another day."

Jiang Peng clasped his hands in a fist and smiled, "How dare I? It is my honor to serve Your Highness."

Xia Changfeng lifted the curtain, and Ruan Wan covered her face with her cloak, then helped Xia Changfeng down from the carriage.

Jiang Peng opened the back door. "The maid doesn't live in the same courtyard as Ali, and she hasn't arrived yet at this hour. Ali is the only one in the courtyard right now. Your Highness, turn right after entering the courtyard, cross the stone bridge, and you'll see the courtyard with lanterns hanging there; that's Ali's residence."

Ruan Wan went inside, and Xia Changfeng wanted to follow, but Ruan Wan stopped him, saying, "I'll go see him alone."

Xia Changfeng refused, saying, "How can you go alone? What if he attacks you?"

Ruan Wan sneered, "No one can get close to me."

Ruan Wan walked inside without looking back. Xia Changfeng frowned, took a few steps inside, and then came back out.

Jiang Peng, looking curious, peeked inside. "Your Highness, could this be your newly acquired Holy Maiden Consort?"

Xia Changfeng sighed, "Whatever you do, don't tell anyone that the Holy Maiden was here."

Jiang Peng smiled and said, "I will naturally keep my mouth shut, Your Highness, please rest assured."

Following Jiang Peng's instructions, Ruan Wan crossed the stone bridge and found the courtyard with lanterns hanging there.

Pavilions, terraces, artificial rocks and landscapes—how could that beast still live such a carefree life?

Ruan Wan walked to the door and knocked gently. After a while, a rough and angry voice came from inside: "Didn't I tell you not to wake me up in the morning? Can't you understand human language?"

Alec rudely opened the door, froze on the spot, and then fell to the ground in fright.

He stared wide-eyed at Ruan Wan, his voice trembling, "A ghost? You're a ghost?"

A chilling smile appeared on Ruan Wan's face as she looked at Ali. "Yes, I am a ghost that crawled out of hell, here to claim your life."

Alek propped himself up on his arms and crawled backward. Looking down, he saw the lantern reflecting Ruan Wan's shadow and realized that there was a living person in front of him.

He feigned fear, slowly retracting his leg. As Ruan Wan walked forward, he suddenly lunged at her, saying, "I thought you were dead, my beauty. I was heartbroken for a long time. Now you've delivered yourself to my doorstep."