Chapter 10 Not Bitter

Chapter 10: No Bitterness

The Crown Prince personally tended to Jiang Yanzhou without delegating the task to others. Sometimes, Jiang Yanzhou couldn't swallow in time, and the medicinal liquid would slip from his lips, staining his sleeves, but he took no notice.

He fed Jiang Yanzhou the medicine bowl sip by sip, intermittently, taking the time it takes for an incense stick to burn to finish.

After feeding the medicine, Xiao Yunlang laid Jiang Yanzhou down, tucked the quilt tightly around him, and kept vigil for another hour. Fortunately, there was no more vomiting.

The physicians were overjoyed. Xiao Yunlang supported himself on his knees as he stood, moving away from the bedside.

When he left the inner chamber, he realized he was drenched in sweat—whether from the heat of the charcoal brazier or from the stress, he didn't know. His clothes were stained with large patches of medicine, not only unsightly but reeking.

Before the age of six, Xiao Yunlang had nearly starved to death in the cold palace, but after turning six, such a disheveled state had become rare for him in the capital.

Liu Hexuan was still waiting in the outer chamber.

As a subordinate advisor, he couldn't very well leave without permission under the circumstances earlier. Only when Xiao Yunlang emerged and waved him off did he speak: "You may return first."

Liu Hexuan had also been listening to the commotion earlier. Now, with nothing appropriate left to say, he could only respectfully advise the Crown Prince to take care of himself before withdrawing from Yan Gui Xuan.

Xiao Yunlang lingered in the outer chamber for a while longer. It wasn't until the physicians confirmed that Jiang Yanzhou's fever was indeed subsiding that he rose to bathe and change clothes. By the time he finished, the sky was already streaked with the first light of dawn.

An entire night had passed just like that.

It was a stroke of immense luck that Jiang Yanzhou had come through this danger. He slept through the night and the following day, waking intermittently in a dazed state, unable to speak. He managed to eat a few bites before closing his eyes and drifting back to sleep.

When he finally awoke properly, daylight filtered into his eyes. Jiang Yanzhou felt as if his bones had turned to mush from lying down for so long. Staring blankly at the canopy above, he felt as if a lifetime had passed, uncertain of the present day or hour.

Feng Lan, beside him, was overjoyed but kept his composure, lowering his voice as he called out softly, "Young Master?"

Jiang Yanzhou clutched the quilt, taking a long moment to gather himself, as if his soul had finally returned to the mortal realm and he remembered who he was. He coughed softly and slowly turned his head: "Feng Lan..."

"Young Master, you're finally awake!" Feng Lan immediately instructed an attendant to inform the Crown Prince while expressing his concern, "Do you feel any discomfort anywhere?"

Just as Jiang Yanzhou was about to shake his head, Feng Lan quickly added, "Young Master, you may not realize how perilous this situation was. The physician has instructed that we must be extremely careful. If anything were to go wrong again, we, your close attendants, would be failing in our duties. So, no matter how minor any discomfort might be, please do inform me."

Jiang Yanzhou hated to trouble others, but if staying silent would only complicate matters, he decided to be honest.

He was uncomfortable in several places: his throat, his limbs, and...

Jiang Yanzhou hid his face a little in the quilt, feeling a bit embarrassed: "...and I'm also a little hungry."

Feng Lan immediately turned his head: "Quickly prepare some light, easily digestible food!"

Thank heavens, Second Young Master Jiang finally wanted to eat. Being able to eat meant he could regain his strength.

Having lain down for so long that his body felt sore, Jiang Yanzhou didn't want to stay in bed. So, Feng Lan helped him sit up, propped against soft pillows. Although the room was very warm, he still draped a robe over Jiang Yanzhou's shoulders.

While waiting for the food, Feng Lan recounted what had happened the previous day.

Upon learning that he had had a brush with death, Jiang Yanzhou showed little reaction; he merely felt that this body's frailty had exceeded his expectations.

But when he heard that Xiao Yunlang had kept vigil by his side all night, Jiang Yanzhou, who had been so composed, was shocked.

Xiao Yunlang had kept vigil by his side all night!?

Feng Lan: "He even personally fed you the medicine. When you couldn't keep it down, the physicians were at their wits' end. It was His Highness the Crown Prince who refused to give up and finally managed to feed you the medicine."

Jiang Yanzhou stared wide-eyed, as if hearing a fairy tale.

...This couldn't be real.

That formidable emperor, not only kept vigil by his side when he was ill all night, but also... personally fed him medicine!?

So, the voice he had faintly heard in his dazed, semi-conscious state was truly Xiao Yunlang speaking to him, trying to call him back to consciousness?

But he had almost caused trouble for Xiao Yunlang!

Now, Jiang Yanzhou felt a discomfort in his chest as well, finding it hard to breathe.

His slender frame bent forward slightly as he clutched his chest. Feng Lan's expression immediately changed: "Young Master!"

"I... cough... I'm fine..."

As Jiang Yanzhou instinctively spoke, footsteps sounded from the outer chamber. Two figures arrived one after the other. The first was the physician, and the one who strode in behind was... Xiao Yunlang.

The physician quickly stepped forward to check Jiang Yanzhou's pulse. Xiao Yunlang stopped a few steps away, and across the several people between them, his gaze met Jiang Yanzhou's from a distance.

The physician said something while examining him, but Jiang Yanzhou didn't catch a single word. He just stared blankly at Xiao Yunlang.

He noticed that the way Xiao Yunlang looked at him had changed.

Xiao Yunlang still carried the imposing aura of imperial nobility, but when he looked at Jiang Yanzhou now, it was no longer so daunting and awe-inspiring. At the very least, Jiang Yanzhou no longer felt afraid when meeting his gaze.

Jiang Yanzhou rarely dwelled on matters, but a rare surge of recklessness and determination had driven him: he desperately wanted to open his eyes and see whether he had indeed caused trouble for Xiao Yunlang.

But now that he was awake and had heard Feng Lan's account earlier, he found he couldn't say a word.

While he remained silent, Xiao Yunlang had something to say.

After the physician finished the diagnosis and confirmed Jiang Yanzhou's improvement, Xiao Yunlang stepped forward.

He was dressed in the Crown Prince's court attire, tall and imposing, in black robes with a golden crown, adorned with four-clawed golden dragons. He looked deeply at Jiang Yanzhou: "News from Shuntao County has arrived."

Jiang Yanzhou let out a soft "ah."

"The matter of the Jiang and Shangguan families misappropriating disaster relief grain is confirmed. The report has already been placed on the Emperor's desk."

After verifying the information in Shuntao County, Commissioner Sui immediately drafted letters. Two secret missives: one covertly delivered to the Crown Prince's residence, the other to the Emperor. Upon receiving the news, Emperor Yonghe was, of course, furious.

Xiao Yunlang suddenly raised his hand and bowed deeply toward Jiang Yanzhou.

Jiang Yanzhou recoiled in surprise: "Why are you..."

Xiao Yunlang interrupted Jiang Yanzhou, his voice firm and resonant: "Young Master Jiang has been of immense assistance to the Crown Prince's residence regarding both the disaster relief and the matter concerning the Prince of Jin. I am profoundly grateful."

"If Young Master Jiang is willing to join me in court affairs, my study will always welcome you with open arms. If you prefer a carefree, reclusive life, I will certainly ensure you live in peace and comfort, wanting for nothing."

Xiao Yunlang straightened up: "At this moment, the Emperor urgently summons me to the palace. Given the haste, some matters must wait for detailed discussion upon my return. In the meantime, you may also consider your options. And—"

Xiao Yunlang said solemnly: "Although I do not know why you asked that question before losing consciousness, since we have met, you have never caused me any trouble."

Jiang Yanzhou was stunned. And Xiao Yunlang, truly busy, had already turned to leave.

He was so occupied, yet he insisted on coming to Yan Gui Xuan before entering the palace to personally say these words to Jiang Yanzhou.

Why?

Was it because he felt that answering my question from before I lost consciousness was extremely important?

That place...

Feng Lan thought he was being asked and replied, "It's where His Highness convenes with his advisors."

So, Xiao Yunlang not only believed Jiang Yanzhou hadn't caused any trouble but also thanked him and invited him to become an advisor.

Xiao Yunlang thought he could discuss important matters together.

If Jiang Yanzhou really became an advisor to the crown prince, then he wouldn't just be a witness to history but could truly become a participant.

A realm at peace, feats of legendary glory—he, Jiang Yanzhou, could claim a part of that glory too.

Jiang Yanzhou wondered if he was still dreaming, so he pinched the back of his hand.

Then he hissed in a small breath of pain.

...It was real!

Jiang Yanzhou's hand instantly reddened where he'd pinched it. His skin was fair, so any mark stood out vividly, like red plum blossoms on snow—a striking, indelible beauty.

"Young Master, the meal is here, please eat... Young Master, why is your face so red? Could you have a fever again!"

Feng Lan was startled. Jiang Yanzhou came back to himself and realized his face was indeed flushed.

He hid his pinched hand under the blanket and hurriedly said, "No, it's just from being covered up for too long, a bit warm, yes, a bit warm."

After confirming Jiang Yanzhou was truly fine, Feng Lan relaxed, began laying out the dishes, and remarked casually, "Young Master seems to be in a very good mood."

Is... is it that obvious?

Jiang Yanzhou couldn't help but touch his face. Hmm, it really was hot.

He had no idea what expression he wore now: cheeks flushed pink, eyes sparkling, every flutter of his dark lashes spilling over with joy and delight.

It was Xiao Yunlang's words that had made him so happy.

Jiang Yanzhou's face was rosy, sweeter than if he'd eaten a pound of honey.

He rarely received genuine praise from others. To be validated was such a joyous thing, it turned out. The wild thoughts during his illness, the pain of struggling at death's edge—all dissipated like mist under Xiao Yunlang's few sentences.

There were actually many things that could make Jiang Yanzhou happy; he had just never been given them before.

Jiang Yanzhou still refused to let the servant feed him. He held the bowl and ate by himself, mulling over Xiao Yunlang's offer as he ate. He asked if I wanted to be an advisor. What should I do? Should I accept or not?

If I accept, I fear I lack the capability and I'd end up ruining the Crown Prince's grand plans.

But if I don't...

Emperor Wu himself had acknowledged him.

Thought he was capable.

How embarrassing.

Jiang Yanzhou pursed his lips, secretly delighted.

Feng Lan saw him eating with such relish and thought he was very satisfied with today's meal, which also made him let out a sigh of relief.

But then again, so far, it seemed Jiang Yanzhou liked everything put in front of him.

Jiang Yanzhou hadn't been here long, and he hadn't had the same dish twice, so every time Jiang Yanzhou tasted a new dish, his eyes would always sparkle with amazement.

What kind of upbringing did the Jiang family provide? Feng Lan frowned.

Feng Lan was a loyal guard. Once he recognized someone as one of his own, he would of course be unwaveringly loyal.

Previously, the situation was unclear, and he had just performed his duties routinely. Now that Jiang Yanzhou had gained the Crown Prince's recognition and was not a member of the Jiang faction, Feng Lan naturally became even more attentive and thorough.

His dissatisfaction with the Jiang family also grew stronger.

Although Jiang Yanzhou was hungry, his stomach was still unsettled, so he stopped after not eating much.

Afraid of wasting food, he tried to eat a few more bites, but it almost made him retch again, so he hurriedly put down the bowl.

After the meal, Feng Lan brought the medicine—a pitch-black bowl emitting a strong, pungently bitter smell.

But Jiang Yanzhou took it in his hands, didn't use a spoon, and drank it all without changing his expression.

He wasn't afraid of bitterness. Thinking he was finished, he was surprised when a servant brought over another tray.

On it were a bowl of osmanthus-infused water and a small plate of preserved fruits.

Feng Lan explained, "His Highness specifically instructed that after taking the medicine, something sweet should be prepared to cleanse your palate. You can choose whichever you prefer, the sweetened water or the preserved fruits, and we'll prepare accordingly from now on."

Xiao Yunlang, having personally fed him medicine earlier and been steeped in the bitter smell for half the night, knew best how bitter this medicine was, so he had specifically instructed the attendants.

A peculiar feeling welled up in Jiang Yanzhou. He asked, "Does His Highness like sweet things?"

"Not exactly like," Feng Lan said, "but he doesn't dislike them either."

Jiang Yanzhou realized what that earlier feeling was.

The Xiao Yunlang from the history books was shrouded in the mists of a thousand years, cast in a golden light by generations of praise. Even when he truly appeared before Jiang Yanzhou, Jiang Yanzhou still looked at him as if worshipping a golden statue in a temple.

But before being a wise ruler or a crown prince, Xiao Yunlang was clearly a living, breathing person.

He could get angry, express gratitude, and his likes and dislikes were obvious. Besides government affairs, he also cared about the small details of daily life: like having something sweet after drinking medicine.

Xiao Yunlang was really quite different from the historical descriptions. He wasn't a gentleman who only spoke of sage principles.

But... Jiang Yanzhou thought this was good.

He had originally thought he already understood Xiao Yunlang well enough, but now he realized he didn't, and he wanted to know every side of Xiao Yunlang even more.

Jiang Yanzhou felt like asking Feng Lan, what is the Crown Prince usually like?

But that question seemed a bit abrupt and too broad.

Since there was an opportunity, and Xiao Yunlang was willing to keep him by his side, it was better to observe for himself. Observing people was like reading books; what you comprehend yourself is the most interesting.

Jiang Yanzhou picked up the osmanthus sweet water and took a sip.

Sweet.

Seeping right into his heart.

His porcelain-white fingers rested on the spoon. "After I fell ill, did the Emperor give any other orders to the Crown Prince?"

He had started feeling dizzy in the palace and hadn't clearly heard many things said afterward.

Now that he was awake and had tasted Xiao Yunlang's sweetness, it was naturally time to attend to duties again.

As for whether to become an advisor or not, he could think about it while working.