Chapter 17 “We Meet Again.”

Chapter 17

"We meet again."

She dared not utter these words to Ming Ya, for the girl would surely overreact, deeming her far too naive and kind-hearted.

Zhu Yinluan herself couldn't pinpoint the origin of this sentiment.

How could she possibly trust a concubine who had, in essence, "snatched" her husband?

The thought struck Zhu Yinluan as utterly preposterous, almost provoking a laugh, yet she refrained.

Perhaps Fang Zhongyue was simply too peculiar. Since her intentions remained unclear, it was best to observe and await developments.

In the days that followed, Wei Ruzhuo did not return home. Zhu Yinluan knew not what kept him occupied, nor did she inquire. No news arrived from the Zhu family either, leaving her equally ignorant of Zhu Chentan and Luo Xuan's circumstances; she had not dispatched anyone to investigate.

She had once yearned for Wei Ruzhuo's return, day and night, to the point of aching longing for a period. Though the intensity had lessened, she still hoped for his presence, for he was her husband, her intimate companion, the confidant with whom she had shared her deepest thoughts.

But then, they drifted apart. After he took a concubine, she found herself, inexplicably and unknowingly, repulsed by his touch, resorting to lies to thwart his desire for intimacy.

Now, with Wei Ruzhuo absent, her longing had vanished, replaced by a sense of ease and comfort.

Her sole hope now was for Fang Zhongyue to conceive swiftly, to bear a child for the Wei family. She would diligently assist in its upbringing, and thus, her days would unfold.

Fang Zhongyue's mother was connected to the Shen family, and Pang Shi held her in high regard. These days, she frequently invited Fang Zhongyue to dine at Tingyu Pavilion.

To honor Pang Shi's position, Zhu Yinluan entrusted Fang Zhongyue with numerous household duties—tasks that were light yet prestigious, such as reviewing daily accounts with the stewardesses, cross-referencing kitchen ledgers, or preparing gifts from the storeroom for visiting noble families.

Furthermore, Zhu Yinluan meticulously oversaw Fang Zhongyue's meals. All the knowledge she had gleaned from the physician regarding pregnancy preparations was imparted to Fang Zhongyue and her attendants.

For these efforts, Zhu Yinluan earned a reputation for being virtuous and magnanimous.

Pang Shi, try as she might, found no fault to pick.

She had anticipated Zhu Yinluan's silent resentment given her recent closeness to Fang Zhongyue, yet the servants uniformly reported Zhu Yinluan's exceptional kindness towards Fang Zhongyue, treating her as a true sister.

Yun Mama seized the opportune moment to praise Zhu Yinluan before Pang Shi, but Pang Shi, seeing through her intentions, scoffed, "What good is virtue and generosity if she cannot bear a child?"

Sensing her mistress's displeasure, Yun Mama fell silent.

After a moment, Pang Shi remarked, "I recall a bolt of cloud brocade being stored in the storeroom the other day. Have someone cut half of it and send it to her."

Yun Mama promptly assented.

Though merely half a bolt seemed rather stingy, something was undeniably better than nothing.

Pang Shi's recent coldness towards Zhu Yinluan had inevitably led to some opportunistic servants disregarding her authority and disrespecting her as the legitimate mistress.

After serving Pang Shi her bird's nest soup, Yun Mama had the brocade cut and swiftly delivered to Zhu Yinluan.

Upon receiving it, Zhu Yinluan paused in surprise for a fleeting moment but accepted it with a smile.

Yun Mama offered words of comfort, urging her to eat more, noting that while her complexion had improved, she still appeared considerably thinner.

Zhu Yinluan offered her freshly brewed tea and said, "I understand your meaning, Mama. I am grateful for your constant support and care."

"You are too kind, Young Madam. You are the mistress, and you have always been benevolent. Even if this old servant has gained some standing in the Wei family over the years, I am still but a servant. To speak of 'support' and 'care' is far too flattering for one such as I."

"The weather has been poor these past few days, always raining. Mama suffers from chronic ailments—this is a medicinal wine I had Ming Ya purchase from the Shen family's pharmacy. It has a mild scent and is quite effective. Please try it."

Yun Mama gratefully accepted it. "This unworthy one is touched by your thoughtfulness."

Yun Mama then offered Zhu Yinluan a few more pieces of advice, suggesting that despite Fang Zhongyue's arrival, she should still strive to win Wei Ruzhuo's favor. Even without children, marital harmony and a husband's affection remained crucial.

"As for heirs, you are still young—who knows? You might even conceive this year," Yun Mama reassured her, adding that no matter how favored Fang Zhongyue became, she was still merely a concubine. Pang Shi would never allow Fang Zhongyue to surpass her; her humble origins alone ensured that.

At the mention of "origins," Zhu Yinluan inwardly smiled wryly but outwardly agreed.

"This brocade has a beautiful pattern. The young master sent word to Tingyu Pavilion today that he will return in a couple of days. Have someone quickly tailor a dress for you—you will look stunning."

The thought of pleasing Wei Ruzhuo filled her with aversion.

Despite her reluctance, Zhu Yinluan verbally agreed.

After seeing Yun Mama off, Ming Ya suggested entrusting the brocade to the seamstresses.

Zhu Yinluan gazed at the half-bolt of fabric, pondering how long it had been since Pang Shi last sent her anything.

It seemed like an eternity; the last time was during the New Year, and now another New Year was fast approaching.

Pang Shi had actually sent her brocade before the occasion—no, half a bolt.

"Young Mistress, what style would you prefer? Shall I have them make the currently fashionable 'Flowing Clouds over Water' design?" Ming Ya inquired.

Zhu Yinluan snapped out of her reverie, dismissing her thoughts, her mind now occupied with something else entirely.

She took Ming Ya's hand. "It's been a while since you made clothes for me. Would you personally make this one?"

"Of course!" Ming Ya was exceptionally skilled; she had often sewn clothes and even crafted hair ornaments for Zhu Yinluan during their maidenhood.

"Good. In that case, please begin. The sooner, the better. Didn't Yun Mama say my husband would return soon?" she prompted.

Seeing her mistress finally show interest, Ming Ya nodded eagerly, then asked about the desired style.

"Anything is fine. You decide," Zhu Yinluan said, trusting her judgment.

"Since Young Mistress trusts me, I will not disappoint you," Ming Ya declared, determined to showcase her craftsmanship.

Once Ming Ya departed to her task, Zhu Yinluan beckoned Jiao Hui, took a cloak and a veiled hat, and led her out.

To avoid alarming Ming Ya, she left word that they were going out to buy pastries.

Inside the carriage, Zhu Yinluan deliberated. She couldn't go to the Shen family's pharmacy, nor any of her usual ones, fearing detection. She needed a more secluded location.

Though familiar with certain parts of the capital, she didn't know every nook and cranny.

"Jiao Hui, do you know of any pharmacies that are rarely frequented and relatively secluded?"

She had brought Jiao Hui precisely because the maid was taciturn, loyal only to her, and rarely questioned her. Moreover, Jiao Hui had previously earned a living in the capital, traversing its streets and alleys, and would undoubtedly be familiar with its hidden pathways.

"This unworthy one knows of such a place."

"Good, take me there," Zhu Yinluan whispered.

Jiao Hui directed the coachman to a location that even he seemed unfamiliar with, guiding him through the turns.

After navigating a labyrinth of narrow lanes, they arrived at a quiet alley. Leaving the carriage behind, Jiao Hui led Zhu Yinluan through a hidden passage.

Emerging on the other side, they found themselves in a small market. Though there were stalls and vendors, the crowd was sparse, making it relatively secluded and quiet.

Zhu Yinluan glanced around, as if questioning her choice. Jiao Hui explained, "I used to seek work here. Most of the vendors are from out of town, and they are not particularly strict about hiring."

"The pharmacy over there doesn't get many customers. The physician is also from out of town, but his medical skills are excellent. He won't scam you with fake remedies or charge exorbitant prices."

Rounding the corner, Zhu Yinluan saw the pharmacy's hanging sign.

"Chu Bing Zhai," she silently read.

A good name, indeed.

Only, she wasn't here for treatment.

The pharmacy was quiet, permeated by a faint scent of herbal medicine. A young apprentice noticed them and approached, leading Zhu Yinluan further inside.

The place was truly secluded. The inner courtyard boasted two towering locust trees that almost entirely enveloped the space. Sunlight filtered through the gaps in their branches, casting dappled shadows. The courtyard was cool and serene, with a swing tied to one of the locust tree branches.

A gentle breeze stirred, causing the swing to sway softly.

Gazing at the swing, Zhu Yinluan felt a momentary disorientation.

Amidst the subtle medicinal aroma in the courtyard, a melodious, bell-like laugh suddenly echoed in her mind, as if someone had sat on the swing, laughing with pure joy.

But upon closer inspection, there was no one on the swing; the courtyard was empty.

Was she overly tired? Why would such an image flash through her mind?

How peculiar.

Zhu Yinluan continued inward, leaving Jiao Hui to wait outside.

The physician seemed quite young?

He was sprawled in a reclining chair, a medical text covering his face, his feet propped on the desk—apparently resting.

Zhu Yinluan had to clear her throat to get his attention.

But after a soft cough, there was still no response. She had to raise her voice.

Only then did he stir as if waking from a dream—no, more like startled awake—as the medical text slid from his face and onto the floor.

Zhu Yinluan finally got a clear look at him.

He possessed a remarkably handsome face, and he was indeed quite young. But why did he bear a slight resemblance to that Shen Jingzhan?

Was it her imagination?

"You...?" He hastily bent to retrieve the book. "Are you here for treatment?"

"Yes..." Zhu Yinluan felt a touch of awkwardness.

"Oh, the physician is upstairs brewing medicine. I'll go get him for you—"

Before he could finish, the physician, having heard the commotion, descended the stairs.

"Madam, are you here for treatment? What troubles you?" Zhu Yinluan nodded but, due to the other man's presence, did not elaborate on her specific ailment.

The other man raised an eyebrow, sensing her hesitation, then excused himself to the physician and departed.

Hearing the physician address him as "Young Master Shen," Zhu Yinluan's heart stirred. Was he from the Shen family?

The man had already left.

After sitting down, she did not describe her symptoms. Instead, she produced a silver ingot and handed it over.

Only then did she say to the physician, "Could you prescribe me a medicine that would make me appear frail?"

The physician glanced at the silver, then at her face, stroking his grizzled beard.

After a long silence, he accepted the money, took a sheet of Xuan paper, dipped his brush in ink, and began to write.

Moments later, Zhu Yinluan descended with the prescription to find the apprentice to fill it. But as she passed through the inner courtyard, she encountered a man accompanied by attendants.

Dressed in luxurious silks, his figure remarkably tall and distinguished, he seemed equally surprised to see her.

A polite and charming smile quickly spread across his exceptionally handsome face. "We meet again, my lady," he said.