Chapter 47 Medicinal Kiss “She is my betrothed.”

Chapter 47: The Medicine Kiss "She is the Marquis's fiancée."

Last night's dinner was also served in their room. Later, Yue Rongrong became genuinely upset, and only then did Shen Jichen show some restraint. After comforting her for quite a while, he cradled her until she fell asleep. For a moment, it seemed as if they had returned to the past—she was delicate, and he was indulgent.

Early the next morning, Shen Jichen actually woke up promptly, energetic. He looked at Yue Rongrong in his arms; her face still flushed, tender and soft. Satisfied, he kissed her cheek, then felt it wasn't enough and kissed her lips, reluctant to pull away. Only when Yue Rongrong whimpered discontentedly, unconsciously mumbling a soft, nasal protest: "No more..." did he restrain his impulse. He checked the time, sighed helplessly, and said softly, "Sleep well." Then he got up to dress.

Wen Song was already waiting outside the door with Shen Jichen's court attire, along with Huiyin and Guyu. After they attended to him, Shen Jichen instructed, "Let the young lady continue sleeping."

Huiyin and Guyu acknowledged the command.

Yue Rongrong slept until late morning before waking. She moved slightly and immediately winced, her cheeks flushing bright red.

"Young lady is awake. The Marquis has already gone to court. Would you like to have a meal first or bathe first?"

Huiyin had been waiting in the outer room. Hearing movement from the inner chamber, she hurried in and stopped outside the screen.

Yue Rongrong felt a moment of embarrassment, but then thought there was no need to hide it from Huiyin. She sat up, suddenly feeling a chill. Her delicate shoulders trembled slightly as she pulled the thin quilt around herself. "First... *cough*."

She felt her mouth dry and throat sore. Huiyin quickly poured a cup of warm water, came in, knelt by the bed, and held it to Yue Rongrong's lips.

Yue Rongrong didn't hesitate and drank the entire cup of warm water from Huiyin's hand, feeling as if her cool body felt somewhat better.

"More?" Huiyin asked.

Yue Rongrong looked at her and nodded shyly. Huiyin smiled and went to pour another cup.

After three cups, her throat finally felt more comfortable. Yue Rongrong said, "Let's bathe first."

By the time Huiyin and Guyu finished helping Yue Rongrong bathe, the chef had already started brewing the nourishing decoction.

"Be careful, all of you. This decoction is very particular about the heat. The slightest mistake could affect its efficacy and delay the young lady's nourishment. If the master blames us, don't say I didn't protect you." The chef straightened his posture and spoke sternly.

The kitchen women chuckled happily. "Don't worry, this is the first time our Marquis household is brewing this kind of medicine. We're very attentive. We were originally worried the Marquis didn't care for women, but now it seems it depends on the person."

"Is there really any man who doesn't care for women?" Several married kitchen women giggled quietly.

Someone whispered, "But Miss Rongrong's status is rather low. In the future, I'm afraid..."

"So what? With the Marquis's favor, what is there to fear?" Unmarried maids dismissed the concern.

The married kitchen women just smiled without speaking.

Another said, "I think Miss Rongrong is quite nice. She's so beautiful and doesn't put on airs at all. She smiles whenever she sees us—unlike those noble ladies. If you ask me, it would be great if she became our Young Mistress."

"Keep dreaming! How could the Marquis marry a woman with no status to be the Marchioness?"

Another said, "I heard the Grand Princess has already taken a liking to the elder daughter of the Meng family..."

At this, everyone fell silent. The Meng family's young lady—if that were the case, it was at least sixty to eighty percent likely to happen!

*Smack, smack, smack!*

The chef hit each of the gossiping kitchen women on the head with a palm-leaf fan. "How dare you!"

They covered their heads and begged for mercy.

After bathing, Yue Rongrong finally felt completely refreshed. She was also hungry, so Huiyin quickly called for the meal. Along with it came that bowl of tonic soup.

Huiyin placed the bowl of medicine beside Yue Rongrong. She glanced down and frowned. "What is this?"

"A tonic soup!" Guyu said playfully.

Yue Rongrong immediately understood and coughed dryly, pushing it away. "I'm not drinking it."

"You must drink it. You had a taxing night..." Guyu was still persuading her when Huiyin secretly kicked her. Only then did she realize, seeing Yue Rongrong's flushed face. Huiyin had to push the medicine aside.

"Then, young lady, have your meal first so the medicine doesn't ruin your appetite."

Yue Rongrong nibbled her chopsticks, glanced at the tonic soup, and looked away.

＊＊

Since returning from the Marquis household that day, the Grand Princess had fallen ill. Although Marquis Shen Jichen was angry with her, she was still his mother, so he visited her daily. She remained cold, and whenever they met, the Grand Princess wouldn't speak to him. He would sit for a while and then leave. Today, she finally showed him some courtesy—when Shen Jichen fed her the medicine, she drank it.

Her tone was still stiff. "Yue Rongrong—are you just going to keep her in your residence like this?"

Marquis Shen Jichen handed the bowl to a servant, took a towel to wipe his hands, and said calmly, "You are in the Duke's estate, she is in the Marquis's household. As long as you don't trouble her, she won't be in your way."

The Grand Princess snorted. "You've thought it through thoroughly and protect her tightly. So, you plan to never let her see me? Not even during festivals to offer greetings?"

Marquis Shen Jichen looked at her intently. "As long as you are willing to accept her."

Seeing the sincerity in his eyes, the Grand Princess's heart skipped a beat. She refused to ponder the deeper meaning in his gaze and said, "I won't interfere with Yue Rongrong's matters. I know I can't control you now. Love her, dote on her—I can't stop you. But one thing: your official wife must be a high-ranking noblewoman from a prestigious family."

Marquis Shen Jichen's gaze paused briefly. His mother was still ill, and he didn't want to say more. "Rest well. I should go to the Ministry of Justice."

The Grand Princess's eyes darkened as she watched him leave with disappointment. Melancholy, she said to Aunt Chun, "You see? He still wants to marry Yue Rongrong."

Aunt Chun remained silent.

The Grand Princess's gaze stilled for a moment. "We must resolve the Yue Rongrong matter before the Duke returns to the capital. Where is it?"

Aunt Chun glanced out the window, then brought over a booklet and handed it to the personal maid Qingdai in the room. "Take this to the undercover guards."

Qingdai received the order and withdrew, bumping into Meng Jiayan, who had come to visit. The booklet in her hand suddenly fell to the ground. Ziteng immediately went to pick it up, while Qingdai hurried to bow to Meng Jiayan. "Miss Meng, please forgive me."

Meng Jiayan helped her up. "It's fine. My footsteps were too light; it's not your fault." She took the booklet from Ziteng and returned it to Qingdai. "Do you have an errand to run?"

Qingdai curtsied. "Yes, I must take my leave."

She hurried away. Aunt Chun, hearing the noise, came out and said with a smile, "Miss Meng is here."

Meng Jiayan respects her greatly and bowed to her. Aunt Chun immediately stepped aside, not daring to accept the courtesy, returning the bow. "The Princess was just mentioning you, and here you are."

"Is the Grand Princess feeling better today?" Meng Jiayan asked as she followed Aunt Chun inside.

She chatted with the Grand Princess for a while, accompanied her for a meal, and strolled with her in the garden to cheer her up. It was afternoon by the time she left. Before she departed, the Grand Princess asked her to come again tomorrow.

After leaving the Duke's residence and getting into the carriage, Ziteng poured Meng Jiayan a cup of tea. Only then did Meng Jiayan ask, "What did you see?"

Ziteng was surprised, then smiled. "Nothing escapes you, miss." She frowned. "That booklet had a name and Suzhou Prefecture government written on it."

"Whose name?"

"Qu Lieshan."

Meng Jiayan's expression became thoughtful as she fell into pensive thought. "Qu Lieshan..."

"Has the young lady heard of him? Why would the Grand Princess write this person's name?" Zi Teng asked, puzzled.

Meng Jiayan smiled. "How would I know? If you're so curious, just send someone to the Gusu Prefecture to investigate."

Zi Teng nodded emphatically. "Yes!"

Meanwhile, Aunt Chun was with the Grand Princess, sighing. "This Miss Meng is excellent in every way—well-educated, graceful, dignified, and intelligent. She's truly the ideal choice for a principal wife, except..."

"She's too aloof and proud," the Grand Princess interjected, smiling. "It's that innate pride of noble young ladies."

Aunt Chun nodded. "Indeed. Speaking of which, she and the Marquis grew up together, so their bond is stronger than with other young ladies. But I heard she hasn't visited the Marquis's residence since returning to the capital."

The Grand Princess didn't seem bothered. "Since she visits me every day, she must have some intention. Tomorrow, prepare some of Piao Yao's favorite snacks and have her deliver them on her way out. Let her meet Yue Rongrong and humble herself a bit. Once I'm better, I'll host a small banquet and invite Madam Meng for a chat." She then asked, "When is Mother's spring banquet scheduled?"

Aunt Chun replied, "On the twenty-eighth of April, just three days from now."

The Grand Princess nodded. Seeing her tired, Aunt Chun helped her lie down on the couch for a nap.

＊＊

Yue Rongrong lay on the window-side mat reading, the spring breeze occasionally blowing cherry blossom petals onto the pages fluttering in the wind. She paid them no mind, nor was she really absorbing the book's content, instead staring absently at a petal caught in the spine. Just as Hui Yin approached with a freshly brewed bowl of medicine, she noticed Shen Jichen returning home unexpectedly at this hour. Startled, she was about to bow when Shen Jichen raised a hand to stop her.

He glanced at the medicine in Hui Yin's hand, his tone slightly stern. "She didn't drink it this morning?"

Hui Yin thought, *The Marquis truly understands the young lady*, and curtsied. "Yes, the young lady had no appetite this morning."

Shen Jichen, as expected, took the medicine bowl and gestured for her to leave. Turning into the room, he saw Yue Rongrong lying on the mat, legs swaying in the air. Her silk skirt had slipped to her knees, revealing jade-like calves, and the lotus-colored silk dress clung to her rounded, pert bottom, flowing smoothly down to her slender waist. The spring breeze gently rustled the fabric, creating subtle ripples.

He walked over calmly, sat beside her, leaned down with one hand braced outside her, and whispered, "What are you reading?"

The sudden voice startled Yue Rongrong. She turned her head sharply, her heart skipping a beat under his intense gaze. She tried to sit up, but he didn't budge, forcing her to lie back against his chest. "Why are you back so early?"

He loved her casual tone, feeling full inside. He pulled her up to sit, holding the medicine bowl in his other hand. "I came back to make sure you take your medicine."

Yue Rongrong resisted, leaning back only to press against his palm, leaving her no retreat. She stared at him intently, but his gaze, though calm, was unyielding. Defeated, she sighed, "I don't want to drink it. I'm perfectly healthy."

"Be good. This is for replenishing your qi and blood. Last time, you were in terrible pain during your period, and the imperial physician said it was due to poor circulation. And last night, you were exhausted..."

Before he could finish, Yue Rongrong glared at him, and he chuckled softly.

Yue Rongrong quickly changed the subject. "You, a grown man, went to ask the imperial physician about such things?"

She meant to tease him, but Shen Jichen admitted calmly, "Yes."

Yue Rongrong pouted. Seeing Shen Jichen bring the medicine closer, she tried to find an excuse.

"Or, I can feed it to you," Shen Jichen suggested.

As he moved to bring it to her mouth, Yue Rongrong hurriedly took the bowl. "I'll drink it myself." Holding her nose, she tilted her head back and drank it all, her face scrunching up from the bitterness.

Shen Jichen said, "We'll share the bitterness."

Before Yue Rongrong could react, his lips covered hers, instantly parting them and tasting the bitterness in her mouth. Her heart pounded wildly as she pushed against him, but he wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her into a deep kiss.

About a while later, Yue Rongrong lay exhausted on the bed, refusing to move. Shen Jichen brushed the hair from her cheek, his voice smiling. "What would you like for dinner?"

Yue Rongrong turned her face away. "I don't want to eat." In this matter, she felt he had become even more excessive than before!

Shen Jichen said, "How about going out to eat?"

Yue Rongrong perked up, turning back to face him. She was still as easy to coax as ever when not being stubborn.

Once dressed, as dusk settled and the moon rose, Shen Jichen held her hand and they left the residence.

Shen Jichen originally intended to take her to *Yizhan Jiangnan*, but Yue Rongrong refused, saying she wanted to go to *Qingyang Tower*. Shen Jichen saw the hesitation in her eyes but deliberately ignored the real reason she didn't want to go to *Yizhan Jiangnan*, suppressing a flicker of displeasure, and acquiesced to her wish to go to *Qingyang Tower*.

*Yizhan Jiangnan* often hosted evening banquets attended exclusively by noble families. Going there would inevitably mean facing them, and Yue Rongrong had no desire to involve herself in such occasions.

Shen Jichen understood perfectly.

Yue Rongrong had assumed *Qingyang Tower* in the evening would be filled with affluent commoners, but as soon soon as they entered, the manager warmly greeted them. His words caught in his throat when he saw their clasped hands.

Fortunately, the manager was adept at navigating high society and quickly recovered, smiling even more warmly. "Greetings, Marquis. What a coincidence—Lord Han and the others are here too, in *Jiangxue Pavilion*."

Yue Rongrong wanted to retreat, but that would seem too obvious. She didn't want Shen Jichen to notice anything, so when he glanced at her, she gave him a sweet smile. She had already thought it through: while she could avoid others, Han Zixian and his group were unavoidable.

So she followed him openly into *Jiangxue Pavilion*.

Upon entering the garden, they heard ethereal singing. A beautiful woman stood in the lakeside pavilion singing. Inside the pavilion were Han Zixian, He Minxuan, Zheng Xuchao, and Xue Yubai, along with three other gentlemen Yue Rongrong didn't recognize, each accompanied by a lady serving wine.

Yue Rongrong paused, startled, but Shen Jichen pulled her along. When the group saw Shen Jichen, they all stood up.

He Minxuan and Zheng Xuchao had already learned about her from Han Zixian, so they weren't surprised. The other two gentlemen, however, stared at her in astonishment, though they assumed she must be a girl from some courtesan house and understood. It was common to bring girls to such occasions, but they were surprised because Shen Jichen was known not to let any girl touch him.

Yue Rongrong saw Xue Yubai staring at her intently. She could only smile at him. Suddenly, Shen Jichen wrapped an arm around her shoulder and led her to the side.

"Don't look around randomly."

"I wasn't."

Shen Jichen glared down at her, and she glared back.

After sitting down, Yue Rongrong glanced over and saw Han Zixian with the lady beside him. She narrowed her eyes. Han Zixian choked on his wine, hurriedly shaking his head. Yue Rongrong raised an eyebrow slowly and turned away.

After a while, someone suggested playing a game of *touhu*. He Minxuan came over to pull Shen Jichen along. Not wanting to spoil their fun, Yue Rongrong said, "Go ahead."

Shen Jichen paused for a moment before standing up. He Minxuan opened his mouth to speak but then thought it perfectly normal for Shen Jichen to listen to Yue Rongrong—after all, he had always listened to her in the past.

Seizing the opportunity, Han Zixian walked behind her and whispered quickly, "I haven't done anything. Don't say anything foolish if you see Yi Yi."

"Oh, really?" Yue Rongrong deliberately drew out her words, raising an eyebrow.

Han Zixian left gritting his teeth, and Yue Rongrong laughed. The evening breeze carried a hint of warmth as she looked toward the brightly lit garden, where Shen Jichen stood out strikingly.

Watching Shen Jichen in high spirits, his posture dignified while playing *touhu*, He Minxuan murmured, "Doesn't it feel like we're back in the days in Hangzhou?"

Hearing this, Shen Jichen smiled.

Xue Yubai's heart ached. He glanced back and saw Yue Rongrong deciding which snack to try from the table.

The ladies there had been eyeing Yue Rongrong for a while. Finally, one couldn't resist and walked over, sitting next to her. "Which courtesan house are you from, sister? With such beauty, how come we've never seen you?"

"Exactly! How did you meet the Marquis? One of our sisters tried for a year, used every trick, and never even touched his hand. Tell us, sister!"

"Are you stupid? Why would she tell you that?"

"Well, sister, what kind of arrangement do you have with the Marquis? Is it just for tonight, by the month, or by the year?"

Yue Rongrong clenched the brocade cushion beneath her, the mention of "Jiaofang" stirring up unpleasant memories. The barrage of questions left her feeling dizzy and overwhelmed.

"She is my fiancée," a deep, authoritative voice rang out, cold and deliberate.

Yue Rongrong was utterly stunned, staring at him in disbelief.

The beauties seated on the floor turned pale with fear. Shen Jichen, his face dark with anger, helped Yue Rongrong to her feet and said coldly to Han Zixian and the others approaching, "Next time, don’t invite such unsavory types to these gatherings!"

Han Zixian immediately pointed at He Minxuan. "It was all He Minxuan’s doing." After speaking, he looked earnestly at Yue Rongrong, his eyes pleading: Don't say anything to Yi Yi!

He Minxuan slapped his hand away fiercely.

Shen Jichen glanced at He Minxuan and said coolly, "We’re leaving." He wrapped his arm around Yue Rongrong and led her away.

He Minxuan watched their retreating figures and remarked casually, "Can you believe that just over a month ago, they wouldn’t have anything to do with each other?"

"......"

The two young masters asked in disbelief, "Is she really Piao Yao’s fiancée? Then what about Meng Jiayan?"

No one answered them.

Han Zixian looked at Xue Yubai and said meaningfully, "Drop it."

Xue Yubai smiled bitterly. "Everyone thought Meng Jiayan was his perfect match. Do you really think Piao Yao would marry Rong Rong?"

Han Zixian remained silent. When it came to Shen Jichen, he couldn’t be judged by ordinary standards.

On the way back, the words "fiancée" echoed in Yue Rongrong’s mind. She wanted to ask Shen Jichen why he had said it, but then thought that in such a situation, it might have just been to save face. Instead, she questioned, "Do you often have gatherings like this? Each bringing someone?"

Shen Jichen’s gaze tightened. "That’s them. I never have."

Yue Rongrong gave him a suspicious look and turned away. "You're known by the company you keep."

A moment later, she heard a deep chuckle from his chest. She turned and met his smiling eyes, then hit him in frustration. "What are you laughing at?"

Shen Jichen caught her hand, his eyes growing intense. He wanted to ask her if she cared about him, if she was jealous, but feared hearing an answer he didn’t want. In the end, he let it go, lowering his eyes with a slight smile.

"Don’t worry, I won’t bring anyone."

Yue Rongrong’s cheeks warmed, her heart pounding. Not wanting him to see her feelings, she turned away and muttered, "I meant Han Zixian. If Yi Yi finds out, what if it affects the baby?"

Shen Jichen’s smile faded. "Han Zixian is devoted to Yi Yi. No one else catches his eye but her."

Yue Rongrong nodded. The carriage fell silent, becoming stuffy. She opened the window.

Back at the Marquis’ estate, Shen Jichen pulled Yue Rongrong into their room and closed the door. He lifted her onto the table and kissed her. Only in these moments did he feel at ease, feeling that Rong Rong was entirely his—with no thought of Qu Lieshan. He could even forget the reason she stayed with him.

Only when Yue Rongrong was exhausted and half-asleep did he dare whisper, "Rong Rong, do you still love me?"

Naturally, there was no answer. He held her, brushing away the damp hair stuck to her temples. "Even if you don't, it’s alright. You will always be my wife."

In the morning, when Yue Rongrong woke, Shen Jichen was already gone—he had left for court. She admired these court officials; how could they rise so early?

Huiyin Guyu did her hair and makeup. Yue Rongrong said, "Prepare the carriage. I’m going to Jinxiu Tower."

Gu Yu left immediately.

Today was the day the embroidery maidens from Jinxiu Tower were selected to enter the palace. She wanted to see Zhong Yu off.

She went straight to Cloud Brocade Courtyard. When the embroiderers heard she had arrived, they crowded around. Seeing her followed by two dignified maids and looking at Rong Rong now, they couldn’t help but exclaim, "Rong Rong, you’ve become so glamorous and refined..."

The envy was unmistakable. Yue Rongrong could only smile. Zhong Yu pushed through them, pulling Yue Rongrong aside to talk in private, but Yue Rongrong stopped her. "Don’t waste time. I’m just here to see you off, to make sure you’re not nervous."

Zhong Yu tapped her nose proudly. "Me, nervous? You underestimate me!"

Yue Rongrong laughed, but then she noticed Du Yan standing at the doorway wearing a face veil, her eyes shadowed. Her heart skipped a beat. "Why is Du Yan wearing a face veil?"

Zhong Yu whispered, "No one knows what happened. This morning, she suddenly broke out in a bad rash on her face. She can’t take part in the selection process this time."

Yue Rongrong was astonished.

Ren Hanzhen, however, had recovered enough to be up. She walked over to Du Yan and took her hand, comforting her. "Du Yan, don’t be upset. There will be other opportunities."

Du Yan glared at her venomously. "It was you! You swapped our medications!"

Ren Hanzhen smiled gently, her lips pressed together. "If you hadn’t had ill intentions, how would you have suffered the consequences?"

"I misjudged you! You appear gentle, but your heart is so malicious!"

Ren Hanzhen’s smile turned icy. "You have only yourself to blame for not being careful, Du Yan. We're two of a kind. Zhong Yu wasn’t my obstacle—you were."

With that, Ren Hanzhen turned and walked away. Du Yan, enraged, shouted after her, "Ren Hanzhen! A curse upon you!"

Everyone was shocked, staring at them in stunned silence. Yue Rongrong glanced at Zhong Yu, who looked equally bewildered.

Ren Hanzhen turned back, her eyes filling with tears. "Du Yan... after all we've been through as sisters, why would you say such a thing..."

Since Du Yan was usually domineering and Ren Hanzhen gentle, everyone sided with Ren Hanzhen. "Du Yan, if you took the wrong medicine, don’t take it out on Han Zhen."

Yue Rongrong hadn’t expected to witness such drama while seeing someone off...

Zhong Yu ignored them, pulling Yue Rongrong aside sadly. "Once I enter the palace, we’ll only be able to see each other once a month."

The future held too many uncertainties. Yue Rongrong could only say, "Remember, we’ll meet each time you leave the palace."

After seeing Zhong Yu off, Yue Rongrong took the carriage back to the Marquis’ estate. Passing by a jade shop, she noticed a string of peace talismans hanging at the entrance and remembered that Qu Lieshan’s birthday was almost here. On that day, she should go visit him...

Author’s note: Wen Song: How about we move the Marquis’s daily necessities to the lady's chambers? It’s quite tiresome hauling his clothes to the door every day and waiting...