Page 154

"It's said that a broken mirror cannot be mended, and spilt water cannot be retrieved," Rong Shu spoke sincerely. "Since we have already divorced, it's best for both of us to part ways amicably. Sir, you will surely encounter a girl more suitable for you in the future."

Rong Shu never doubted this. There were countless girls who admired him in the capital. Even if he didn't fancy Wen Xi and didn't marry her, once he became the crown prince, there would be other noble ladies fitting for him.

Moreover, they had been married for less than a year, and during that time, their conversations and shared experiences were scarce. How much could he truly like her?

Once the matter in Yangzhou was settled, he would return to the capital, and perhaps he would forget about her within days.

After saying these words, Rong Shu lowered her eyelashes slightly, bowed briefly, and quickly left the cellar.

Chang Ji and Shiiun, who were waiting outside the tavern, immediately fell silent upon seeing her emerge.

Chang Ji stepped forward and called out, "Miss Rong."

Rong Shu's mind was still in a daze. Hearing Chang Ji's voice, she lifted her gaze, managed a faint smile, and said, "Lord Gu was injured. It's best to find a doctor at the clinic to tend to his wounds."

She really didn't have the energy to engage in further conversation with Chang Ji and the others. With that, she continued on her way to the City God Temple.

Watching her hurry away, Chang Ji couldn't help but frown.

Master returned from battling the pirates with additional wounds on his body.

Despite his injuries, he behaved as if nothing had happened. The moment Patrol Chief Lu opened the city gates, he promptly rode to the tavern, all to ensure Miss Rong's safety.

Seeing his demeanor, Chang Ji thought that this time, Master would finally express his feelings to Miss Rong.

However, Miss Rong's expression earlier was clearly not favorable. Perhaps Master had said something inappropriate?

Both Chang Ji and Shiiun were concerned about Master's injuries but hesitated to enter the tavern, fearing they might disrupt Master's plans. Yet, judging by Miss Rong's expression, there was no sign of a maiden's bashfulness after having her feelings revealed.

Instinctively, Chang Ji believed that Master must have once again played the role of a mute turtle.

He muttered to himself, How could an iron tree bloom so effortlessly?

While he was lost in thought, he lifted his gaze to see Gu Changjin stepping out of the tavern.

"Master," Chang Ji observed Gu Changjin's face, "Miss Rong was indeed worried about your injuries. She specifically instructed me to escort you to the clinic to seek a physician's help."

Gu Changjin had kept his eyes half-lowered since leaving the tavern. Upon hearing this, he slowly raised his eyelashes and looked at Shiiun, saying, "Follow her. Since Lian Yan is not with her, make sure nothing happens to her."

Shiiun was more observant than Chang Ji. Noticing the alternating shades of green and white on Gu Changjin's face, he said, "I'll go right away."

Gu Changjin merely hummed nonchalantly, took the reins from Chang Ji's hand, and mounted his horse. "I'll inform General Liang about the situation here."

Chang Ji was about to mention that Eunuch Qi Xin had already sent someone, but Gu Changjin had already pressed his heels into his horse's sides, galloping towards the city gate.

In a hurry, Chang Ji grabbed the other horse and was about to mount when he heard a loud thud.

Following the noise, he saw that the man lying on the ground could only be their master.

Chang Ji: "..."

It wasn't until Rong Shu was on her way back to the City God Temple that she realized her clothes were stained with a large bloodstain.

This was Gu Changjin's blood, likely transferred when he held her.

The wine cellar was dimly lit, so she hadn't noticed the severity of his injuries.

Recalling his scorching hot palm and his fiery breath, Rong Shu couldn't help slowing down her pace.

She still couldn't comprehend the origin of his affection for her.

In her previous life, they had spent three years together, yet he never developed feelings for her. In this lifetime, their interactions were so scarce; he didn't even know what kind of person she was. Why would he suddenly have feelings for her?

It made no sense.

She genuinely didn't wish to be entangled with him anymore.

Forget it. Once the Shen family's affairs were settled, even if she returned to the capital, she wouldn't stay long. As long as she left the capital, it would be difficult for her and Gu Changjin to cross paths again.

Lost in thought, she arrived at the City God Temple.

No sooner had she stepped into the temple gates than Chang Ji followed, carrying an unconscious person on his back.

"Miss Rong! Our master has fainted! Please, Miss, quickly find a physician!"

His loud cry immediately attracted many curious gazes.

The City God Temple was bustling with people, and even Lu Shiyi had sustained some minor injuries, currently attending to them with a bottle of external wound medicine.

Hearing Chang Ji's words, he left the grand hall with a furrowed brow and said, "Quickly bring in Lord Gu. Zhaozhao, you stay with Lord Gu; I'll go fetch Doctor Mu right away."

Doctor Mu was the most renowned physician in Yang Zhou City. Advanced in years, he rarely gave consultations except for when Lu Shiyi, who had a close relationship with him, requested his services.

Rong Shu had already learned about Gu Changjin's severe injuries at the tavern earlier. Now, with Lu Shiyi's plea, she reluctantly stayed behind, instructing Lan Yan to dampen several handkerchiefs to wipe Gu Changjin's forehead in turns.

Just as she was about to withdraw after Doctor Mu's arrival, Chang Ji blocked her path.

"Miss Rong," he pleaded, "you know that our Master doesn't let just anyone feed him medicine. Right now, only you can convince him to take it." He looked beseechingly at Rong Shu. "Shiiun is already preparing the medicine. Once it's ready, could you spare a quarter of an hour to help feed it to him? You heard Doctor Mu—Master's injuries this time are severe, and we must lower his fever within these next two days."

Rong Shu had indeed heard Doctor Mu's warning.

If Gu Changjin hadn't shared those words with her earlier, she would have agreed without hesitation. The official had been injured while defending Yang Zhou, and any citizen of Great Yin would feel compelled to help.

But now...

She neither agreed nor declined. After a moment's deliberation, she replied, "Come find me again if you and Shiiun can't convince him to take the medicine. Even then, I might not be able to persuade him either."

Chang Ji's face lit up with a smile. "If even you can't do it, then there truly wouldn't be anyone else in this world capable of feeding Master his medicine."

Rong Shu lowered her eyes slightly and spoke calmly, "I'll go to the adjacent small pavilion to inventory the medicinal herbs. If you have any matters, you may find me there." Saying this, she left without turning back.