Chapter 28 – Can I Not If I Can?

Chapter 28 - Can I Not If I Can?

The rain had already started pouring down heavily, accompanied by fierce winds that amplified its force. The raindrops pelted against the roof and tree branches with a loud clatter, forming a continuous curtain like a waterfall that rushed over the bluestone paths, catching everyone off guard.

In the Sixth Prince's residence, the atmosphere was as gloomy as today's weather. No one dared to speak, tiptoeing around in silence until Doctor Jiang was carried in by Fang Rui, which lifted everyone's spirits.

Some hurriedly fetched handkerchiefs to wipe the rainwater off the old doctor, others brought dry clothes for him to change into, and still others prepared tea to soothe his throat. They were so busy attending to the old doctor that they didn't even notice Little Marquis Fang standing right beside him.

Little Marquis Fang didn't pay attention to these details either. He wiped his rain-soaked face, the water dripping from his clothes forming a small stream at his feet, and urged them on anxiously. "Hurry up! Someone is sick inside!"

"Don't worry, don't worry..." Doctor Jiang moistened his lips, swallowed, and took a deep breath. "Let me catch my breath."

But he only caught his breath for a moment before being ushered into the room.

Inside, the light green bed curtains were drawn, and Prince Zhu Yan sat by the bedside, his expression dark.

Fortunately, it was just his mood that was poor; he didn't look seriously ill.

Doctor Jiang bowed respectfully to the prince, his face solemn. "Your Highness, please extend your hand."

"It's not about me," Zhu Yan pushed aside the bed curtains. "Examine him."

Only then did Doctor Jiang see a young man lying on the bed, a very handsome young man with fine eyebrows and a delicate nose, blessed with good bone structure. But his complexion... As he felt his pulse, Doctor Jiang let out a surprised exclamation.

"What's wrong?" asked Zhu Yan.

"It's a bit strange," replied Doctor Jiang.

"How so?"

"Young as he is, his heart pulse has weakened significantly, suggesting a short life span..." Doctor Jiang carefully examined the pulse. "How could this be?"

Zhu Yan's eyes darkened. "Are you sure?"

Doctor Jiang was momentarily startled by the murderous intent in his words.

Fang Rui was also anxious. He hadn't bothered to change his clothes outside and had come in soaking wet, leaving a trail of water behind him. "Impossible! My brother is usually very healthy, neither weak nor taking any medication, and he's full of spirit, always ready to tease people. How could he suddenly have a weak heart?"

Doctor Jiang pressed his fingers against the pulse, stroking his beard. "If I'm not mistaken, this child must have suffered a life-threatening injury within the past five years, an injury to the heart pulse that left him hanging by a thread. He would have had to lie in bed for half a year or more without any guarantee of survival. It would have been a difficult and painful ordeal, requiring immense strength and pain tolerance to live until now... Such a severe injury would surely have left a scar on his left chest."

Fang Rui reached out to touch him. "Let me see—"

His hand was slapped away.

Not only did Zhu Yan swat away his wet hand, but he also wiped it with a handkerchief, drew the bed curtains to block the view, and then proceeded to unbutton Wen Ruan's shirt.

The youth's skin was very pale, lacking color, giving it a translucent fragility. His collarbones were exquisite, indented beautifully, but the sight came to an abrupt end when one looked further down. On his left chest was a grotesque scar, raised flesh in a faint pink hue, not pretty at all, telling tales of the pain he had endured.

After so many years, it still hadn't healed properly, indicating that someone had dealt a fatal blow back then. He had almost...

Zhu Yan recalled the mountain assassins, the unexpected intruder who had charged in alone, the last masked man whose skills, mind, and determination were clearly different. It had taken him more effort to deal with him—that person had targeted Wen Ruan.

But how could a child who had been lost for thirteen years, wandering and suffering since childhood, have made such a great enemy?

Looking at Wen Ruan's face, devoid of color, his lips grayish and tinged with a faint blue, his breathing weak, he was nothing like the lively and cheerful figure from that day, capable of cheering people up, teasing them, and stubbornly provoking them.

"How do we treat him?" Zhu Yan lowered his eyes, buttoning up Wen Ruan's shirt and turning to Doctor Jiang.

Doctor Jiang: "We can't cure it."

Zhu Yan's gaze turned increasingly dangerous. "What?"

"This illness can only be managed."

Doctor Jiang took out his acupuncture kit and began selecting needles. "His pulse indicates excessive consumption of heart blood in daily life. He's too tired. At his young age, he should be enjoying the world's love, living a carefree life. What could possibly be causing such a drain? What is he worrying about, what is he exhausting himself over?"

Fang Rui crossed his arms and snorted. "What else could he be worried about? Taken away at a young age, he never had a single good day outside, never knowing where his next meal would come from, constantly worrying about how to survive. Even after returning home, he was bullied, unwanted, and unloved by anyone. His so-called family members were sweet-faced but bitter-hearted. He finally managed to grow some seedlings, hoping to cultivate crops, not necessarily for the benefit of the common people, but at least to help those around him. Who would have thought that even such a trivial matter couldn't be accomplished? The newly sprouted seedlings were pulled out!"

He had only recently heard about this incident, and it infuriated him. How could anyone treat someone like this!

He glared at Zhu Yan. "You didn't eat with Wen Ruan, so you wouldn't know. He doesn't just make floral soaps; he also knows how to farm. That corn, something no one knew about, cared about, or believed could yield a bountiful harvest, he actually grew it, and grew it exceptionally well. The yield per mu was twice as high as the most skilled farmers in the capital. The grains could be used to make porridge or cakes, both fragrant, sweet, and soft. They were delicious! Wen Ruan cherished those fields so much. This time, he planted a lot, saying that the harvest this year would definitely be impressive. But someone actually pulled out the plants! How could they do such a despicable and immoral thing? Look at how worried the child is, to the point of falling ill!"

Zhu Yan seemed to ignore his words, watching Doctor Jiang insert the needles. "How do we manage it?"

Fang Rui: ...

It seemed that complaining wouldn't work.

He had known that the Sixth Prince couldn't be relied upon. He would have to take matters into his own hands. The Wen Marquisate, wait and see!

Doctor Jiang: "Medicinal soup will certainly need to be consumed. I'll prescribe a formula later, but managing an illness involves three parts medicine and seven parts self-care. This child needs to avoid anger and emotional turmoil, not overexert himself, maintain a peaceful state of mind, and take the medicine daily. Let's see how he fares after two or three years. If his constitution is good, he might recover four or five percent. If not, we'll switch formulas and continue managing..."

"Can he get better means he can get better, and if he can't, he can't. What does four or five percent mean?" Fang Ruan scratched his head.

Doctor Jiang: "He's no longer in the worst condition. Normally, he's no different from a healthy person. It's only when the illness flares up that he becomes like this. The heart pulse is crucial. If neglected, he may have to fight this ailment for the rest of his life, facing danger every time it recurs. But if given proper attention and care, don't fear the bitterness of the medicine, and nurture him for eight to ten years, removing the root cause of the illness, can't he then live a long life?"

Fang Rui understood. "In other words, he can get better."

Then there was nothing to fear. He patted his chest. What was a little medicine? With him around, his brother could afford any precious herbs!

"This child is blessed with good fortune, his condition is stable," Doctor Jiang seemed hesitant to say something, glancing at the Sixth Prince. "But..."

Zhu Yan: "What?"

Doctor Jiang: "His illness is most sensitive to lack of rest. I noticed that his eyelids kept fluttering, his brows furrowed tightly, and his fingers seemed to be searching for something... He doesn't seem to sleep soundly here. Perhaps he hasn't been here before and isn't familiar with the scent, environment, or sounds?"

Fang Rui blurted out, "He's never been here before. How could he be familiar with it?"

Zhu Yan: ...

Dr. Jiang: "Some people are more sensitive, especially after experiencing great danger. If their surroundings can't provide a sense of security, they won't dare to sleep soundly, even if they're unconscious."

Fang Rui frowned, "His familiar place? That means he can't stay here with His Highness the Sixth Prince for long, right?" He continued, "It seems he can't return to the Duke's Mansion either. He's only been in the capital for a few days, and there aren't any good people over there. It would be strange if he felt safe..."

Zhu Yan had already called out, "Prepare the carriage."

Fang Rui anticipated where he might take Wen Ruan, "But it's raining outside..."

The road was long and difficult to travel, and it was almost nightfall. The city gates...

"My pipa bone will be well taken care of, outsiders should keep quiet." Zhu Yan summoned Lan Tian and gave him instructions. Though he spoke little, Lan Tian, who had served him for many years, understood his intentions perfectly. He was quick-witted and efficient, quickly grasping the essentials and making prompt arrangements.

The carriage had to be the largest and best one available, ensuring a smooth ride without jolts. It was crucial that rainwater wouldn't splash inside. The interior needed to be warm, with multiple layers of soft cushions for comfort. The young master's medicine should be prepared on the journey so it could be taken immediately upon completion. Therefore, an additional carriage should accompany them...

While the external arrangements were being made, the acupuncture session had concluded. Zhu Yan dismissed Dr. Jiang and had Wen Ruan wrapped up tightly. He personally carried him, holding him protectively in his arms, and rushed into the rain.

Of course, someone held an umbrella, but they couldn't match his swift martial arts skills. The carriage was parked not far from the veranda, and he leaped over, barely getting wet himself, let alone Wen Ruan. The tightly wrapped bundle was opened, revealing the youth sleeping soundly, not a single hair out of place.

Almost as soon as he settled in, the carriage started moving. Lan Tian drove it himself, both swiftly and steadily.

"But wait, didn't you see there's still a person here?"

Fang Rui chased after them, but the carriage did not wait for him.

He wiped his face and shouted under the veranda, "My raincoat—where's my raincoat!"

No one responded.

The servants were busy, packing things, preparing the accompanying carriage, finding herbs immediately, and cleaning up to send the old doctor away. Everyone was occupied.

Moreover, since Young Lord Fang entered the mansion, he had been soaking wet, refusing advice to change clothes. Now, adding a raincoat would serve no purpose. The suggestion was to first change into dry clothing.

"You can't be serious, Your Highness the Sixth Prince. You wouldn't be so stingy as to not give me a raincoat?"

Fang Rui looked at the rain overhead, realizing that wearing a raincoat would be useless; he would still get wet. He mounted his horse and followed them, undeterred.

"Do you want to come along?" Zhu Yan's voice came from inside the carriage, muffled by the rain.

Fang Rui justified himself, "Why can't I follow? This is my brother, my best friend!"

Zhu Yan asked, "Shouldn't you go to the Duke's Mansion?"

Fang Rui responded, "Huh?"

"Your good brother, your best friend..."

"Oh, right! I need to stand up for my good brother!" Fang Rui suddenly realized.

The carriage window swiftly opened and closed, and a token flew out. Its dragon claws were prominent, and its mouth exuded authority—it was the Sixth Prince's pass.

Zhu Yan said, "Tell them that my pipa cannot withstand any damage."

Fang Rui's voice grew louder, now knowing exactly what to do!

It seemed that when he complained earlier, the Sixth Prince wasn't ignoring him!

...

When Wen Ruan regained consciousness, his heart felt heavy and achingly painful, but his breathing was slightly easier, and he wasn't as weak... Had the rain stopped?

It hadn't.

He heard the rain outside the window, the damp air filling his nostrils. Opening his eyes, he saw a dimly lit room. Turning his head, he noticed the window was slightly ajar, revealing a torrential downpour, shimmering silver lines cascading down with great force.

He heard the crisp sound of branches and leaves greeting the rain, like the sound of bamboo shoots growing taller at night, lively and cheerful, eager to grow rapidly. He heard the raindrops falling from the eaves, tapping on the bluestones in front of the veranda, greeting each other warmly. He heard water flowing happily on the ground, weaving together everywhere, wanting to touch everything—the feet of small animals, plants, flowers, anything. They wanted to make friends with the entire world.

Wen Ruan could vividly imagine these scenes in his mind, undoubtedly beautiful and delightful.

He used to love the rain, with summer being his favorite season. Whenever it rained, he would always appreciate it, whether inviting friends or enjoying solitude, drinking tea or indulging in good food and novels. It seemed that doing anything on a rainy day would become romantic and serene. However, in recent years, he had grown fearful of the rain.

The heavier the rain, the more his heart ached, and the harder it was for him to regain consciousness.

Yet crops required rain; no plant could mature without a drop of water.

Wen Ruan supported himself with his hands and slowly sat up. He was in his own manor, in his own room, with a medicinal scent lingering and a faint unfamiliarity... Who had visited?

"It was His Highness the Sixth Prince."

Nanxing heard the movement and entered with a bowl of medicine, kneeling by the bed. "Young Master, you've been unconscious for a day and a night. The rain came suddenly, and I returned late, unable to fetch you in time. It was His Highness the Sixth Prince who happened upon this situation, invited the imperial physician, and brought you back to the manor... Young Master, please punish me."

The Sixth Prince? Before passing out, he did see his face. Such a distant and indifferent person actually had the patience to care for a patient?

Wen Ruan told Nanxing to rise, "Did you thank him?"

"I did, but His Highness the Sixth Prince doesn't accept gifts. Once you recover, you must visit him personally," Nanxing lifted the bowl, "Young Master, please take your medicine first."

Wen Ruan stared at the black concoction, unmoving.

Nanxing lowered her gaze, "This prescription was given by the imperial physician His Highness the Sixth Prince invited from the palace. The elderly doctor was carried to the mansion by Young Lord Fang to take your pulse in such heavy rain..."

Wen Ruan was speechless.

"Alright, alright, I'll drink it."

He reached for the bowl, his strength not great. His hand was slender and thin, with visible veins, and his lips weren't healthy-looking. He seemed to want to finish it in one gulp but couldn't tolerate the taste of the medicine. After drinking half of it, he closed his eyes to catch his breath.

A bolt of lightning flashed outside the window, followed by a loud rumble that sounded powerful and joyful.

He caressed the scar on his left chest, his lips curling slightly, "Maize... I believe it will grow very well this year."

Nanxing: ...

For an ordinary person, shouldn't their first concern be their own well-being? If one's body cannot withstand the rain, it would be best to hope for eternal clear skies—unlike our young master...

"Young Master taught me that a gentleman does not stand beneath a crumbling wall. In any situation, what one should prioritize above all is self-preservation. As long as one is alive, there is hope for all endeavors. Young Master is wise and particularly adept at observation. With such obvious changes in the weather recently, you must have noticed them early on. Why didn't you conclude your affairs and return home sooner, insisting instead—"

"I'm sorry," Wen Ruan admitted straightforwardly. "I caused you worry."

Nanxing: ...

"Young Master always acts this way."

You admit your mistakes but dare to repeat them.

Wen Ruan drained the medicinal soup in one go, swiftly changing the subject. "Where is Miss Li?"

Nanxing took the bowl. "She has been rescued and is staying at the estate. This medicinal soup was prepared by her."

Sick in the same way, yet while she—a frail and delicate girl—recovers with just one dose of medicine, sleeping through the night and waking up full of energy, Young Master...

Wen Ruan: "Ask her if she wishes to see me."

There was no need to ask; Nanxing frowned. "Young Master has just woken up..."

Wen Ruan: "Precisely because I've just woken up, I won't be able to sleep again for a while, which means I can talk to someone for a bit."

Nanxing left with the empty bowl, and soon after, the door was knocked upon. Li Yue'e arrived.

Seeing Wen Ruan, her eyes reddened as she knelt down and gave a deep bow.

He was her true benefactor, unlike others who deceived her with false promises or sought her beauty in exchange for her body. This young master had a pure heart and clear eyes, wanting only to help her without expecting anything in return.

Little did she know that she had been mired in a quagmire for too long. To save her required immense effort, leaving him unconscious and ill, facing unknown troubles ahead.

She wanted to say she would repay him properly, but she truly had nothing to offer, leaving her heart filled with a mix of bitterness, sorrow, and unease.

"There's no need for that," Wen Ruan told her to rise, smiling gently. "Are you a little afraid, unsure of what to do next?"

Li Yue'e nodded, her fingers twisting together nervously.

Wen Ruan: "I heard from Nanxing that you're skilled in cooking? Do you enjoy researching dishes?"

"Mmm," Li Yue'e, unsure why the young master asked this, relaxed slightly and answered truthfully. "My mother was an excellent cook. When I was young, I would watch her prepare meals, finding her most beautiful during those moments. Though she was busy and never stopped moving, I felt a sense of calm, thinking it wouldn't be bad if life continued like this. Whenever I felt troubled or distressed, I would think about entering the kitchen."

Wen Ruan asked, "Is marriage the only way to achieve that certainty and peace?"

Li Yue'e paused momentarily before slowly shaking her head. "No."

Wen Ruan could see that this young lady had some difficult experiences to recount.

Li Yue'e looked down at the floor, her voice soft. "Some were stronger than me, with power, influence, and wealth. They could provide me with a comfortable life as long as I didn't fear pain and didn't care about my dignity. I refused; that wasn't the life I wanted. I escaped, but couldn't get away. Another man saved me, but he too wanted me, saying he wished to marry me. I should have been grateful to him, but for some reason, I couldn't feel gratitude..."

Wen Ruan: "You don't wish to submit to him; you don't like him."

"Can I... refuse?" Li Yue'e bit her lip, looking up at Wen Ruan. "Am I being too unreasonable? Shouldn't I be more obedient? For a woman like me, it's enough that someone wants me. What's the point of talking about liking or disliking when it comes to living day-to-day..."

Wen Ruan: "It's precisely because you have to live day-to-day that it's better to like each other."

Li Yue'e was startled. She was regretting having spoken so candidly, revealing her innermost thoughts. She feared the young master might not be pleased, but she hadn't expected...

Wen Ruan looked at her. "Why can others force you, but you can't refuse?"

Li Yue'e's nose tingled as tears fell.

Why couldn't she refuse? It was because of this stubbornness that she had made it this far.

The room fell silent for a moment, then Wen Ruan spoke slowly. "Have you considered that there might be another kind of life?"

"Another kind of life?" Li Yue'e didn't understand.

Wen Ruan had actually been pondering a solution earlier, and today, an idea came to him. "Your culinary skills are impressive. I happen to be short-staffed here. If you don't mind, you could sign a contract to work for me, learning as you go."

Li Yue'e: "Learning?"

Wen Ruan: "Observing your clear and sharp gaze, I see that you are thoughtful and enjoy research. I have some recipes and techniques here... There are also other directions you could explore. If you're willing to learn, I can teach you, but I have one condition."

He looked at Li Yue'e. "If you sign a contract with me, you cannot marry within three years."

After three years, she would be nineteen, considered an old maid in this era.

Wen Ruan then softened his stance. "If your work is outstanding, exceeding my expectations and accomplishing tasks I give you, or if you make significant contributions, and if you meet a good man, the conditions can be relaxed, allowing you to marry."

Li Yue'e didn't mind whether she married or not. She didn't want to find a man at all, only cautiously asking, "Do I need to... sign a personal contract?"

A labor contract differed from a personal contract. Normally, one would sign a personal contract, becoming a servant and entering into slavery. But from what she understood, the young master didn't want her to become a servant?

Wen Ruan nodded. "Of course not. I don't lack servants..."

Li Yue'e immediately agreed. "I can do it! Young Master, rest assured, I will work hard!"

What mattered wasn't three or two years; she could spend her entire life by the young master's side!

She didn't dare think about the future now, only wanting to tightly grasp this ray of light, no longer needing to live in fear!

After chatting for a while, Wen Ruan's energy began to wane. "Don't rush. Think about it carefully. Go out and talk to Nanxing. Once you've decided, he'll make the arrangements. When I'm feeling better, we can discuss the future in detail..."

"Young Master, rest well. I'll take my leave."

Seeing that Wen Ruan was tired, Li Yue'e helped him lower the bed curtains before going to find Nanxing.

Nanxing spoke at length about the Young Master—his obsession with farming, his endless stream of novel ideas, his lack of self-concern yet his constant care for those around him. He didn't quite embody the typical master, instead, he was more like a friend in their interactions. His heart was particularly soft, easily swayed by the elderly, the weak, and women, leading to frequent financial deceptions...

Li Yue'e signed the contract promptly.

At night, lying on a warm and dry bed, free from peril, her tears fell anew.

She knew deep down that she was somewhat despicable. Others might be unaware of her circumstances, but she knew all too well—the future held significant troubles. The Duke's household had never treated the young master kindly, and her presence would only add to his burdens...

Nanxing was right; the Young Master's downfall was his excessive kindness, making him susceptible to deceit by women like her.

She decided to take action.

It couldn't involve others; all she needed was an opportunity, just...

Soon enough, the opportunity arrived.

The next day at noon, the rain gradually ceased, and word reached her table that the case of Lord Chen Yongan from within the city had gone to trial!

This case involved significant implications, with each incident shrouded in ambiguity, making it difficult to pass judgment. The reason the Second and Third Princes were so anxious was that after these many days, there should finally be some resolution.

Lacking evidence... isn't she the evidence herself?

Li Yue'e bit her lip, not bothering to inform anyone, and headed straight into the city for the government office.

A crowd had already gathered outside the government office, including the Second and Third Princes.

Naturally, their special statuses made it inconvenient for them to mingle with the common folk; they preferred the elegant private rooms by the windows of the teahouse on the street corner, fully aware of each other's presence yet ill-disposed towards one another.

No grain if you want grain, no silver if you seek silver—I have no face to go over there, neither do you, right? If you've got the skills, make a grand move today and directly win over Chen Yongan!

The two reminded themselves not to act rashly, not to ruin things, yet they cast dark glances at each other's private rooms—

I want to see how long you can hold out!

Brought into the hall, Chen Yongan, shackled at the wrists, remained silent. The presiding official reviewed the evidence piece by piece: from Chen Yongan being caught in the act, to the silver and grain vanishing without a trace, to the questions raised at the scene suggesting involvement of multiple factions, then to the unknown force's combat capabilities and escape routes, particularly the suspicious direction towards the Matchmaker Temple, only lacking concrete proof.

"I am the proof!"

Li Yue'e suddenly stepped forward, her eyes burning with intensity. "I can testify that the Matchmaker Temple is involved in this matter. The temple engages in unspeakable acts, sacrificing women to forge illicit alliances for profit!"

"Outrageous!" the presiding magistrate slammed the bench, "Who are you to dare create such a disturbance in this court!"

Li Yue'e knelt before the hall and bowed deeply, her voice resounding with earnestness, "Your Honor, permit me to speak. As the victim myself, I have been subjected to such offerings in the past! I possess intimate knowledge of the intricate connections and methods employed within this matter. I implore you, therefore, to vindicate Lord Chen and see justice served for this humble maiden!"

Duke Residence.

Upon hearing that Li Yue'e had the audacity to present herself before the hall and confess her actions, the Zhou Clan matriarch promptly slammed down the Buddha's offering tray in astonishment.

"How dare she... How could she! Are the Pans all good for nothing, unable even to subdue a single woman!"

Elder Sister Mo, usually so obedient, where did she learn such rebelliousness?

Madam Zhou rubbed her sore knees from kneeling. Was she supposed to step up and help? She had already embarrassed herself enough; now under house arrest and punished to kneel, how could she possibly go out?

The Sixth Prince was too ruthless, and so was Little Marquis Fang...

She had learned her lesson, it was painful enough. Now unable to leave and unable to care for more, surely things couldn't get any worse... right?