Chapter 31

Chapter 31

Gao Zhen’s voice carried far enough that everyone in the courtyard heard his first shout.

Soon, Qin Lelang helped Beauty Feng to the door. Seeing that it was Gao Zhen and the Ninth Prince, both were somewhat surprised.

Beauty Feng said worriedly, "The place is crawling with bugs—how dare you come out?" As she spoke, she pointed at Qin Lelang. "Yesterday, there were so many bugs that he was too scared to go back inside."

"It's better now," the Ninth Prince said, his expression turning faint as if he had remembered something. "Perhaps Zhao Pu sprinkled charmed water when he came this morning."

While they were talking, Gao Zhen stepped forward and handed a small package to Beauty Feng and Qin Lelang. He then addressed Beauty Feng’s question specifically, saying, "His Highness was worried about you, so here we are."

"Wow, what's with the sweet talk today? Did you eat honey?" Beauty Feng teased him.

Gao Zhen snorted. "I’m in a good mood today, so I'll let it slide." Turning around, he saw Qin Lelang bowing in gratitude to the Ninth Prince. He immediately pointed at Beauty Feng and said, "Look how polite he is, and then there’s you?"

"What’s wrong with me?" Beauty Feng retorted immediately. "Can’t I wait my turn to thank him too?" After saying this, she stood behind Qin Lelang, waiting for him to finish thanking the Ninth Prince before following suit.

The Ninth Prince gave a helpless smile and reached out to support her. "Your leg hasn’t healed yet—don't overdo it."

"I just don’t want to be scolded by a kid, that’s all."

The Ninth Prince said, "Indeed, kids say whatever they want."

Beauty Feng: "..."

Faced with the Ninth Prince’s obvious favoritism, Beauty Feng turned directly to Gao Zhen and said, "Well, hello there, little friend. Thank you for speaking your mind."

Gao Zhen’s face flushed slightly from her words, but he still snorted, not giving an inch.

Qin Lelang was amused by their back-and-forth, but soon his smile faded. He said worriedly, "Did Zhao Pu give you any trouble, Your Highness?"

"No."

The Ninth Prince was silent for a moment before a faint smile gradually appeared on his face. "He was quite frightened by A Zhen and sent over a whole cart of stuff."

"Ah? Who was frightened by whom?!"

Beauty Feng gave an unbelieving look at Gao Zhen, then looked at the items in her hands and said in surprise, "No wonder we got all these nice things today. So this is how they came about?"

Gao Zhen smirked and leaned in toward Beauty Feng. "Didn’t expect that, did you?"

Beauty Feng: "Heh. Look at you, getting ahead of yourself!"

She was used to teasing him, but after saying this, she laughed. She was mouthy but not ungrateful. How could she not appreciate Gao Zhen’s kindness in bringing her these things as soon as he got them?

Gao Zhen took Beauty Feng’s words as praise.

Qin Lelang spoke much more gently than Beauty Feng, speaking softly like to a child. "Our A Zhen is really capable, isn’t he?"

"I don’t know about other things, but his skills in saving people are indeed quite good." Beauty Feng recalled how Gao Zhen had gone looking for herbs in the dark the day before and, for once, refrained from teasing.

Gao Zhen got a little embarrassed by their praise. He rubbed his nose and quickly deflected. "Speaking of saving people, you two are quite remarkable too."

"My, you really are sweet today. Your little mouth is as if it’s dipped in honey." Beauty Feng continued to tease.

"However," Qin Lelang grew worried again, "now that Zhao Pu has come out on the losing end, I’m afraid he might seek revenge later."

"There’s no need to worry."

The Ninth Prince looked toward the distant sky and spoke calmly.

Then, his gaze fell on Gao Zhen, softening gradually, like a transparent shield, giving Gao Zhen a sense of safety.

Seeing this, Qin Lelang said nothing more and simply nodded.

"Would Your Highness like to come in and sit for a while?" Beauty Feng asked.

"No, I still need to visit my mother."

After saying this, the Ninth Prince turned and left. Gao Zhen waved back at the two before following him.

Beauty Feng and Qin Lelang watched their disappearing figures and sighed at the same time.

Beauty Feng nudged Qin Lelang with her elbow, signaling him to observe the Ninth Prince’s subtle movements. The Ninth Prince seemed to be encircling Gao Zhen almost unnoticeably, keeping him firmly within a three-foot radius.

Wasn’t that something one would only do out of real fondness?

Qin Lelang sighed with emotion. "Makes you jealous just watching."

Beauty Feng snorted. "I’d say it’s just showing off."

"Because we’re in the cold palace?"

Beauty Feng didn’t answer.

After a long pause.

"You were worried before that he would drag His Highness down. It seems you can stop worrying now, right?" Qin Lelang asked.

Beauty Feng rolled her eyes and said disdainfully, "He's still got plenty to learn!"

"You're just stubborn," Qin Lelang said, amused.

…

Consort Ning never expected her son to bring her such a large bundle of items—not only quilts and clothes but also daily necessities. She had almost forgotten what these things looked like, and holding them again now felt almost unreal.

Through the door, she took a deep breath and asked, "Where did you get these things? You didn’t cut some deal with Zhou Yundu, did you?"

"A Zhen made Zhao Pu send them."

If one listened carefully, they could detect a hint of pride in the Ninth Prince’s tone—someone he cares about had accomplished something remarkable, and he couldn’t wait to boast about it to his mother.

A mother knows her son best. Consort Ning almost immediately guessed what he was thinking. However, she said, "If he were truly that capable, would he still be willing to put up with suffering with you in this cold palace? In my opinion, you should keep him away from those eunuchs. Don’t let him get ideas and do something stupid—"

"Mother—"

"Enough—"

"I won’t!"

The three of them spoke almost simultaneously. After exclaiming, they all froze in surprise.

Gao Zhen reacted the fastest. He quickly stepped up and gave a respectful bow toward the tightly shut palace door, saying, "I am Gao Zhen, here to see Dowager Consort Ning. There’s no need to worry, Your Ladyship. I will not betray His Highness."

"…"

Dowager Consort Ning stayed quiet for a good while.

"A son of the Gao family, how could he be this clueless about protocol? Who let him come?!" Consort Ning was so angry her chest rose and fell heavily.

After a long while, she said coolly, "You don't need to call me that. I am no longer a consort, and there's no need for you to mock me with such things."

Gao Zhen's heart gave a little twinge. He could tell that losing her position as consort had hit Consort Ning hard; she seemed to lack confidence and had become sharp with her words.

Such a person was the Ninth Prince's mother.

Over the years, how had the Ninth Prince gotten along with her? Did he have to scramble to find food for her while also enduring her sharp tongue?

Thinking about the life the young Ninth Prince had lived all these years, Gao Zhen's heart ached for him again.

However, Consort Ning, in her current state, needed some affirmation.

So, Gao Zhen said, "Whether you hold the consort title or not is merely a matter of status in the eyes of outsiders. In my view, as long as you are the Ninth Prince's mother, you will always be Dowager Consort Ning."

"You're quite the smooth talker," Consort Ning sneered. "Don't think that just because you say a few nice words, I'll believe you. You were sent here by Zhao Chenglan; I don't believe she didn’t cut some deal with you."

"Nothing like that."

"If there was no deal, why would Zhao Pu listen to you?" Consort Ning, who had fought with the Empress Dowager for half her life, seemed particularly cautious about this matter.

Just as Gao Zhen was about to speak, the Ninth Prince tugged him back: "Let me explain."

Behind the door, Consort Ning's eyebrows shot up. If he wants to speak, let him speak—what are you doing speaking for him?! Do you think I can’t understand human speech, or are you afraid he’ll talk nonsense?

Her son’s behavior was exactly like that of a foolish ruler led astray by some little demon!

Consort Ning was furious at his spinelessness but couldn’t vent her anger.

She had no choice but to wait, annoyed, for him to continue.

Outside the door, the Ninth Prince said softly, "Today, Zhao Pu came to deliver healing tonics, but A Zhen tricked him with a purgative brew and made him look like a fool. He was flustered, and A Zhen took the opportunity to demand the resources that had been withheld from us over the years. Mother, A Zhen’s ability to get Zhao Pu to listen is not due to any deal with the Empress Dowager; he is just clever. Moreover, he is kind-hearted. At the time, he didn’t take the opportunity to scheme for himself but was solely focused on our affairs."

The Ninth Prince had spoken to this extent. If Consort Ning still couldn’t see it, she would have wasted giving birth to him for nothing. No wonder her son had brought the young man here today—he was showing off for approval!

How rare! After ten years, this was truly the first time her son had come to ask her for something.

Yet, this first time was for an outsider.

Consort Ning was touched.

To be fair, she didn’t want to disappoint her son, but she still didn’t trust Gao Zhen.

After a few moments of standoff, Consort Ning spoke indifferently: "What happened today counts as his merit. If you want to hear it, I can say 'I give him credit.' But for me to sincerely accept him, he must first prove he has no connection to Zhao Chenglan."

Gao Zhen: ...

Why is Dowager Consort Ning’s personality so all over the place? No wonder she lost the fight for favor to the Empress Dowager. If he were the old emperor, he wouldn’t have picked her either.

The Ninth Prince seemed accustomed to this. Hearing Consort Ning’s words, he immediately thanked her and led Gao Zhen away.

A small, soft hand was enveloped in a calloused palm.

The two walked in silence until they swung open the door to the small courtyard. Then the Ninth Prince turned to look at Gao Zhen and said, "Mother wasn’t like this before. She’s been confined in that courtyard for ten years."

"I understand. Don’t worry, Your Highness."

Gao Zhen nodded. He was now even more worried about the Ninth Prince. He couldn’t imagine how the young, ten-year-old prince had endured everything during Consort Ning’s initial breakdown.

Gao Zhen even naively thought that if he had crossed over here ten years earlier, he could have accompanied him through those difficult times.

At some point, another small, soft hand reached out, and both small hands cupped the larger one, enveloping it in their palms.

Gao Zhen looked at the Ninth Prince, seeing his own reflection in his eyes, and said solemnly, "Your Highness, don’t worry. I will find a way to cure your mother’s illness."

A promise was as good as gold.

The Ninth Prince immediately said, "Don’t push yourself."

Gao Zhen shook his head. He knew that everyone’s fate in the cold palace was incredibly harsh. If he was going to intervene, he had to be prepared to shoulder it all.

Then, his gaze became resolute: "I will give it my all and leave no regrets."

"..."

Zhou Yunning stayed quiet.

Gao Zhen, however, had already lowered his head in deep thought. He knew that to treat mental illness, besides clearing energy channels, one also had to address the emotional scars, which required a great deal of patience and care.

At this thought, Gao Zhen’s mind suddenly conjured the image of Imperial Concubine Hong’s hands, which were like dry twigs—hands that would break anyone's heart. Even in the cold palace, such hands were rare.

Gao Zhen felt that if he could cure Imperial Concubine Hong, he could certainly cure others.

So, he tugged on the Ninth Prince’s sleeve and said, "Your Highness, can you take me to see Imperial Concubine Hong? I want to treat her."

"Sure. But let me go refresh the charcoal in the wooden box first." After saying this, the Ninth Prince climbed over the wall to the west courtyard.

Gao Zhen went to the west room.

He pulled out a fur blanket from the pile of junk on the floor. The Ninth Prince, accustomed to frugality, wasn’t accustomed to using such things, and Gao Zhen had no use for it either. Rather than letting it collect dust in the west room, it was better to give it to someone who needed it more. Seeing how frozen Imperial Concubine Hong’s hands were, she probably had no means of keeping warm.

The Ninth Prince returned quickly. Seeing Gao Zhen holding the blanket, he raised his eyebrows slightly, his eyes curious.

"Want to give it to Imperial Concubine Hong?" Gao Zhen asked with a smile.

The Ninth Prince reached out and brushed the hair at Gao Zhen’s temple behind his ear. His gaze was gentle, and his voice was soft as he said, "Give it to her."

"Okay. Thank you, Your Highness."

Holding the fur blanket, Gao Zhen happily followed the Ninth Prince out.

Imperial Concubine Hong lived not far away, kitty-corner from them. There was a well at her doorstep, one of the landmarks of the cold palace.

Her courtyard was small, less than half the size of the Ninth Prince’s, with only three rooms. There were no trees in the yard, only weed-choked ground, with a narrow path in the middle that was worn smooth from use.

The main gate was half-open, but the door to the house was closed, though faint, crazy singing could be heard from inside.

Gao Zhen stood at the door and called out, "Imperial Concubine Hong, are you there?"

The singing stopped immediately. The door was pulled open with a bang, and a figure rushed out wildly, capering and dancing wildly.

At first glance, Gao Zhen didn't recognize who it was. Her cheeks were smeared with dust, and she was wearing a new robe. On second glance, he realized it was Imperial Concubine Hong. The robe she was wearing was the one they had given her.

Imperial Concubine Hong’s gaze was still vacant when she looked at people. At this moment, she stared straight at Gao Zhen and asked in a hoarse voice, "Does my makeup look good like this?"

"Makeup?" Gao Zhen was completely thrown by the question.

On the contrary, it was the "worldly-wise" Ninth Prince who reminded, "The makeup on her face."

Gao Zhen shook his head vigorously and quickly urged her, "It doesn’t look good. Quickly wash it off! You've got dirt smeared all over your face—it’s really bad for your skin. It'll make you ugly."

"Ah? I had no idea. Quick, give me some water!" Imperial Concubine Hong suddenly grew anxious and began searching around for water to wash her face.

However, the water jar was bone dry. She couldn’t remember how long it had been since she last fetched water.

Gao Zhen couldn't just stand there watching. He went to the well outside the door, hauled up a bucket of water, and brought it to her to wash her face.

After using up the entire bucket of water to finally wash all the mud off her face, Gao Zhen immediately said, "Imperial Concubine Hong, I’m here to treat your illness."

"I’m not sick," Imperial Concubine Hong stared blankly at Gao Zhen and said, "I’m perfectly fine."

"Then just think of me as here to make you more beautiful. How about that?" Gao Zhen coaxed gently.

Imperial Concubine Hong smiled. Though her gaze remained vacant, she said to Gao Zhen, "You’re a good person."

Well, getting handed the "good guy card" came out of nowhere.

Gao Zhen shook his head helplessly and prepared to take Imperial Concubine Hong’s pulse.

The furniture in Imperial Concubine Hong’s room was also very simple, with only two chairs and a bed. As Gao Zhen had expected, all she had on her bed was a straw mat and a thin quilt. Gao Zhen handed her the animal skin blanket he had brought and said, "It gets cold at night. This'll keep you warm."

"For me?" Imperial Concubine Hong seemed unable to believe it.

Gao Zhen pushed the blanket into her arms: "It’s yours. Take it!"

Imperial Concubine Hong hugged the animal skin blanket, burying her face deeply into the soft fur, and tears started flowing again before she could stop them.

"Why are you crying?" Gao Zhen asked helplessly.

"I can't remember the last time I was this warm," Imperial Concubine Hong’s voice was hoarse and broken as she said, "Thank you."

"Save your thanks for when you're better," Gao Zhen said as he sat down in a chair and motioned to Imperial Concubine Hong, "Come here, let me check your pulse."

Even though Imperial Concubine Hong was mentally confused, she could tell Gao Zhen genuinely had her best interests at heart, so she cooperated fully.

Gao Zhen’s brows gradually furrowed, however, because Imperial Concubine Hong’s liver and gallbladder were severely damaged, and there was a lot of stagnant energy in her meridians, making it naturally very difficult to clear.

It seemed this would be a long-term battle.