“Chapter 089”

"Chapter 089"

"The handling of the plague this time was very timely, unlikely to erupt as it had in her previous life, yet Chuyin remained worried."

"The Director of the Horse Institute, hailing from the famous Apricot Forest family, was undoubtedly skilled in medicine, but still inferior to Cheng Miyuan in treating plagues. It was uncertain if he could heal the sick or reduce fatalities."

"While Chuyin pondered this, Princess Baocheng came to visit."

"She was here to bid farewell."

"Chuyin asked, 'Auntie, are you leaving for Qingfeng Town so soon? Won’t you stay a bit longer?'"

"But Princess Baocheng's expression was serious, 'I heard about the epidemic in Wei State. Jingzhuo dispatched all the imperial physicians, didn't he?'"

"'Yes.'"

"'Ah, such diseases are hard to cure. I'm going back to ask him; he has experience in this and once saved some people but never taught me, saying it wasn’t time yet.'"

"This was exactly what Chuyin needed, 'If the Director is overwhelmed, then Doctor Cheng will be needed.' It was odd that Princess Baocheng didn't refer to Cheng Miyuan as 'Master' or 'Doctor Cheng,' but simply 'he.' Was their relationship that strained?"

"'It must have been quite tough for you to learn, Auntie?'"

"'At my age, learning anything is hard,' Princess Baocheng thought. Thankfully, Cheng Miyuan taught well and even summarized her mistakes, making future learning easier, 'Ayin, after I leave, take good care of your sister-in-law...' She seized the opportunity to inquire, 'I heard you were quite concerned about Jingrui’s matter. What exactly happened? I heard from Lin'er that Jingzhuo was going to investigate a lady; is that true?'"

"It was just a misunderstanding."

Her casual tone suggested the matter was already resolved, and Princess Baocheng didn't inquire further.

After leaving the palace, she quickly set out for Qingfeng Town.

In the evening, Chuyin and Lu Jingzhuo discussed Doctor Cheng Miyuan with Auntie, "Auntie said Doctor Cheng had experienced an epidemic and has substantial experience. If the royal physicians like Ma Yuanzheng can't cure the disease, His Majesty could let Doctor Cheng try."

Needless to say, she must have known about this beforehand.

No, even earlier, she had recommended Cheng Miyuan to Auntie.

Concerned about the lives of his people, Lu Jingzhuo instructed Li Yuan to rush to Qingfeng Town to learn from Cheng Miyuan, urging him to share any effective remedies.

Then, he turned to Chuyin, "Do we have to wait until the Winter Solstice?"

She had already blatantly shown her extraordinary abilities.

Chuyin hesitated for a moment, "Hmm."

Because once the truth is revealed, given Lu Jingzhuo's acuity, he would surely ask about her past life, how and when she died. She didn't want him to live in fear until the Winter Solstice like her, burdened with too many responsibilities. A distracted mind could lead to catastrophic decisions.

"Let's talk over roasted meat on the Winter Solstice. We still haven't used up the pine branches brought back from Rabbit Hill," she said, trying to sound casual.

This was certainly a good idea, but why the Winter Solstice? She still hadn't made it clear.

Could that day hold special significance for the "immortal"?

Lu Jingzhuo scrutinized Chuyin in his arms, then pinched her cheek, his hand slowly moving down...

"This touch felt unfamiliar to Chuyin, not driven by desire, but seemingly an exploration."

"She curled up under his caress, her eyelashes fluttering ceaselessly."

"Finally, unable to bear it any longer, she gasped, 'Stop, Your Majesty...'"

"Her beautiful face flushed, eyes shimmering with an irresistible charm."

"If there ever were a fox spirit, it would surely look just like this."

"Lu Jingzhuo's Adam's apple bobbed, and he leaned down to kiss her, lost in the allure before him."

………………

"When Princess Baocheng arrived at Qingfeng Town, Cheng Miyuan was packing his bags."

"Li Yuan had arrived a day earlier."

"'What’s going on?' she inquired."

"'Your Highness, His Majesty commanded me to ask Doctor Cheng for any effective remedies...'"

"Before he could finish, Cheng Miyuan interjected, 'Each patient is different, how can the same remedy be used for all? I must go to Wei State to see the patients myself before prescribing anything.'"

"'Master, you mustn’t go,' his senior disciple Fu Ping advised, 'The epidemic is contagious. What if you catch it?'"

"The other disciples also tried to dissuade him."

"But Cheng Miyuan remained resolute."

"Seeing this, Zhao Jiubiao took Princess Baocheng aside and whispered, 'Please try to persuade the master later. He will surely listen to you.'"

"'Why should I? If he truly listened to me, he wouldn’t always get so angry with me.'"

"'You don’t know, Princess. Ever since you went to the capital, Master has been so worried about you he can hardly eat or drink... Didn’t you notice he has lost weight? It's all because he missed you so much.'"

"Princess Baocheng's face flushed with heat, 'Nonsense!'"

"Yet, as she spoke, her mind involuntarily recalled Cheng Miyuan's every gesture when she left."

"Could it be that he really had feelings for her…"

"Scolded by Princess Baocheng, Zhao Jiubiao didn’t dare to continue on that topic, instead saying, 'Although Master has experienced the plague in Yanhe Town, he has never contracted the disease. If he catches it this time, he’s not young anymore, he might not be able to withstand it.'"

"'In his thirties and not young? Ridiculous!' Princess Baocheng glared at him, 'That’s hardly old!' and with a flick of her sleeve, she stormed inside."

"Cheng Miyuan had finished packing and said to his senior disciple, 'Ah Ping, while I’m away, you’ll teach them. You can read any book or scroll on my shelf.' With that, he started to leave."

"'Is that all you have to say?' Princess Baocheng frowned, 'Stop right there.'"

"Cheng Miyuan, feigning deafness, didn’t stop."

"When she left, he had asked her repeatedly when she would return. Now that he was going to such a dangerous place, he was so abrupt."

"Princess Baocheng raised her voice, 'Don’t you have anything to say to me?'"

"Cheng Miyuan paused, 'No.'"

"Annoyed, Princess Baocheng ordered her maids, 'Move my luggage back to the carriage; I’m going to Wei State too.'"

"'Are you mad?' Cheng Miyuan turned around sharply, 'What are you going there for?'"

"'That’s none of your business,' Princess Baocheng snorted coldly, 'Can you stop me?'"

“……”

She walked towards the door, head held high and chest out.

Cheng Miyuan grabbed her, "You can't go."

"Let go of me!" Princess Baocheng felt her arm might break under his grip, "You're hurting me, you..." She looked at Li Yuan, "Quick, pull him away, he dares to offend me, the Princess!"

As the Emperor's aunt, Li Yuan couldn't let her go to Weizhou either. Seeing the odd relationship between the two, he said, "Princess, as you are master and disciple, it's inappropriate for me to intervene." He then stepped outside.

Princess Baocheng looked at her three senior brothers, who also quickly retreated outside the door.

The remaining maidservants, naturally siding with Cheng Miyuan, all urged her not to go to Weizhou.

Princess Baocheng: "..."

"Let go first," she took a deep breath, "It really hurts."

She wondered if his strength came from frequently preparing medicinal herbs or chopping wood in the mountains.

Cheng Miyuan did not relent, asking her, "Are you still planning to go?"

His fingers remained tightly clasped, his tone grave.

Unable to break free, Princess Baocheng questioned, "Why won't you let me go? Aren't you going yourself?"

"I can heal and save others; your presence would only cause trouble..."

Implying that she would only hinder their efforts.

Angrily, Princess Baocheng kicked him, "Release me, or I swear I'll go to the authorities and accuse you of assault!"

Seeing him still unyielding, she tried to pry his fingers off with her other hand.

Touched by her warm skin, Cheng Miyuan's face flushed red, his grip loosening, fingers tingling and weakening.

"I'm afraid you'll catch the epidemic; please don't go." He surrendered, revealing his true concern.

"The man's voice was low, filled with concern and a plea."

"Princess Baocheng paused in her effort to pry his fingers open."

"'With you around, why should I fear the epidemic?' she challenged, raising her eyebrows, 'Can’t you cure it? If you're not sure, why go? Just send the prescription to the Imperial Guards.'"

"'Practicing medicine is my life's pursuit. I must go. Even if it costs me my life, I will have tried my best. But you can’t,' Cheng Miyuan gazed at her, 'Shanhui, I can’t bear not being able to save you.'"

"His own life he could risk, but not hers."

"Princess Baocheng now understood his feelings."

"Feeling her cheeks warm, she chided softly, 'Foolish, risking your life without certainty. Is your life so worthless?'"

"'A commoner’s life is of less value than that of a princess.'"

“……”

"Having said his piece, Cheng Miyuan gently rubbed her arm, 'I must go now, take care of yourself.'"

"She didn’t hold him back."

"Watching his figure disappear into the distance, she felt a sudden emptiness inside."

………………

"News of the plague in Wei State quickly spread throughout the capital."

"Nobles and influential families voluntarily cut back on their daily expenses to support the afflicted in Wei State. Lu Jingchen also contributed, donating a thousand silver taels, but feeling it was not enough, he secretly sought an audience with Lu Jingzhuo without telling his family."

"Lu Jingzhuo set aside his reports, 'Have you really considered going to Wei State?'"

"'Yes, I wish to help. I heard they are short-staffed.'"

"'Did you hear that the Director of the Horse Institute is also infected?'"

"Lu Jingchen’s heart skipped a beat, initially reconsidering, but for his wife and son, he couldn’t back down, 'Given the situation, I should go even more. Please grant permission, Your Majesty.'"

"Lu Jingzhuo clearly understood his younger brother's intentions but hadn’t expected him to be so bold."

"'Does your wife know about this?'"

"'...She doesn’t,' Lu Jingchen looked down, 'I haven’t told her.'"

"Lu Jingzhuo said indifferently, 'Aren’t you afraid of dying in Wei State without seeing her for the last time?'"

"'...' Could he really be that unlucky?"

"Sweat broke out on Lu Jingchen’s forehead."

"'I’ll give you one more chance, are you sure you want to go?'"

"Lu Jingchen was in turmoil."

"But if he changed his mind now, what would that make him? A coward who flees from the battlefield? He couldn’t face his wife and son after that."

"Lu Jingchen stated firmly, 'Please, Your Majesty, grant me this.'"

"As he spoke, sweat dripped down his forehead."

"Lu Jingzhuo found it amusing, though his face remained expressionless, 'Go back. Wei State won’t miss one Prince of Jin.'"

"'Ah?' Although scared, Lu Jingzhuo’s opposition frightened him more, 'Your Majesty, even though I am the Prince of Jin, I can do anything, even distributing medicine in Wei State...'"

"'Wouldn’t that be a waste of your talents?'"

"'No, no, I am not of great talent, just suited for smaller tasks.'"

"Lu Jingzhuo’s lips curled slightly, 'Let it be for now, go back.'"

"Lu Jingchen left feeling dejected, not immediately grasping the implication of his words."

"It wasn’t until he was sitting in his carriage, leaving the Qianqing Palace, that he suddenly realized what 'this time' meant."

"'This time' means not this time, but next time certainly will."

"Lu Jingzhuo was implying that next time, he would assign him a suitable task."

"His heart bloomed with joy in an instant."

"Returning to the Prince of Jin's Mansion, he rushed to his wife, exclaiming, 'Feiyan, we might not be assigned to the border after all!'"

"Tang Feiyan, who was teaching their son poetry, responded with surprise, 'Really? How do you know? Did the Emperor send a messenger?'"

"Lu Jingchen recounted the recent events to Tang Feiyan."

"This led to a scolding and a beating."

"'Are you insane? You actually wanted to go to Wei State? You were thinking of leaving us, your wife and son, to die? That’s a plague, not some minor illness...' She cried and hit him, 'Why didn’t you discuss it with me first? Do you even consider me your wife?'"

"Lu Jingchen could only apologize repeatedly, 'I was wrong, I admit my mistake.'"

"Their son, Lu Shaowen, frightened by the quarrel and crying, clung to their clothes, 'Daddy, Mommy, what’s wrong?'"

"Tang Feiyan then stopped her tears, glaring fiercely at her husband, 'Your father and I were just playing, it’s nothing.'"

"'Yes,' Lu Jingchen kissed her cheek, 'See, Daddy and Mommy are fine.'"

"Lu Shaowen burst into laughter."

"Lu Jingchen took the opportunity to wrap his arms around his wife’s waist, whispering, 'Don’t be angry, I promise to discuss everything with you in the future, okay?'"

"Tang Feiyan gritted her teeth, 'You were crazy just now. Who risks their life like that? I’d rather our family be stationed at the border, even close to the barbarians, than become a widow and orphan!'"

"'I understand,' he said softly, 'I won’t make such foolish decisions again.'"

"She knew her husband meant well for their family, and seeing his repeated apologies, her heart softened, embracing and kissing his neck."

"Lu Jingchen returned the kiss, taking their son’s hand, 'Shall we go fly kites?'"

"'Yes!' Lu Shaowen cheered loudly."

"The fierce wind whirled leaves around the courtyard."

"Unnoticed, it was already November."

"News came that with Cheng Miyuan in Wei State, the sick Director of the Horse Institute had recovered, and the health of the people was gradually improving."

"Chuyin felt greatly relieved, but as the Winter Solstice drew nearer, she couldn’t help but feel uneasy."

"To prevent catching a cold like in her previous life, Chuyin stopped going out for horseback riding and archery, and even ceased taking her daughter out to pick flowers. She also stopped seeing off her son and Lu Jingzhuo in the mornings, claiming it was too cold to get up, spending her days indoors with a lit charcoal brazier."

"Sometimes, she even asked Liu Yuanpan to take her pulse and prescribed medicine to prevent colds."

"Lu Jingzhuo noticed her unusual behavior but every time he brought it up, she deferred to 'Winter Solstice.' Without a way to press further, he spent his free time reading about myths and legends, finding no tales linking anything peculiar to Winter Solstice."

"However, he did discover a creature that dreaded the cold."

"The Snake Spirit."

"Recently, Chuyin hadn’t been leaving the house at all, not even to see him off, always citing the cold as her reason, spending time indoors with the children."

"Could she be…"

"He shook his head, dismissing the thought. A fox spirit seemed cuter anyway!"