Chapter 200

When Zhou Ling's father sent someone to call her over, she went to the study and heard what her father said about the King of Pengcheng appointing her for marriage. She was shocked and confused.

Isn't it inappropriate?

Why did you change your mind?

"The wedding will be announced today. Since it's urgent, we'll keep it simple. Go back and pack your luggage today. I'll have the warehouse prepare an allowance for you. The dowry will be sent to Pengcheng later. You'll leave with the King of Pengcheng tomorrow."

Zhou Ling, still in confusion, suddenly heard his father's sudden words. His eyes widened in surprise, and he asked in astonishment, "Why so fast?!"

Seeing that his daughter was just surprised that she was going back with King Pengcheng, and not that she was getting married, Sect Leader Zhou felt a little relieved.

After all, I am willing to do it.

"The world outside is in turmoil. If we send someone else to get married, the journey will be long and dangerous. At least King Pengcheng is a local overlord and has considerable power. If you go with him, your safety will at least be guaranteed."

Having said this, he added, "If you marry, your aunt and your second sister-in-law will be in charge of the finances of the Duke's Mansion in the future. Your stepmother will not be able to harm your aunt and your brother."

The power of the head of the household was taken away from the stepmother, and now it is basically managed by the steward and Mrs. Zhou Er. In the harem, each of the ladies wants to have some power.

With power, you will control the money in the mansion, and your life will naturally not be bad.

Zhou Ling returned to the yard from the study in a daze. Soon, her mother came in a hurry.

Her eyes were red and swollen, obviously she had been crying. When she saw her daughter, she started crying again.

"Why are you in such a hurry? You haven't even prepared your wedding clothes or dowry, and you're rushing off to Pengcheng. How will the servants in the Pengcheng Palace ever look down on you as their mistress?"

Originally, I wanted to marry far away, but I could also stay in the mansion for a while. But who wanted to just arrange a marriage and let her go with this man without any name or status. As a mother, how could I not feel distressed?

Zhou Ling repeated what her father had said, even mentioning the dowry: "As for the dowry, my father will have it prepared and sent to Pengcheng."

The aunt was stunned and bewildered for a moment, then her emotions calmed down. She obviously felt that what the county lord said made sense.

It's a mess outside, so it's better to leave with King Pengcheng.

After figuring it out, she wiped the tears from her eyes and said, "A Ling, don't blame your mother for forcing you. But in this world, the sons of wealthy families are not to be trusted at all. Only the strong can keep safe and sleep peacefully."

Even though she lived deep in the backyard, she often heard about some noble family being robbed by thieves or some lady being raped.

The more I hear this, the more worried I become.

Zhou Ling had figured it out long ago, so she said calmly, "My daughter understands."

The aunt thought for a moment and then instructed, "You are in Pengcheng, far from Yuzhang. Without anyone to rely on, remember to be cautious and don't offend the King of Pengcheng. If you have any problems, write back and ask your second brother for help. He will help you."

Hearing about her second brother, Zhou Ling lowered her voice and said, "Mother, my second brother is going to accomplish great things. You can get along better with my second sister-in-law in the future."

Upon hearing this, the aunt frowned and said, "Although the mistress has lost her real power now, it is very easy for her to control me."

"Father said that from now on, my aunt will be in charge of household expenses, and my mother and second sister-in-law will prepare the dowry."

The aunt opened her eyes slightly, with a hint of disbelief in them.

Zhou Ling said, "I will be leaving with Prince Pengcheng tomorrow. Before I leave, I would like to say goodbye to Mr. Ge. I would like to trouble you, mother, to help me pack my bags."

The aunt came back to her senses and nodded quickly: "Okay, okay, go quickly and come back early."

At the same time Zhou Ling left the house, news that the sixth daughter of the Yuzhang Zhou family was going to marry Prince Pengcheng also spread out of the house.

There are signs of a marriage, but one cannot understand why the candidate was decided so quickly.

They originally thought that the most likely daughter was the legitimate daughter of the second master of the Zhou family, so how did she become the concubine's daughter of the county duke?

After careful inquiry, it was found that it was appointed by King Pengcheng himself, which is very intriguing.

When the news reached the courtyard of the Duke's wife, Miss Zhou Ba, who had always been unruly, lowered her head in grievance in front of her mother.

"I asked you to approach King Pengcheng so that you could form a marriage alliance with him and get him to support your brother. Why didn't you listen?"

"How could I not be close? I was terrified. I would still look for an opportunity to talk to that lousy Laozi King, but he's blind and wouldn't even look at me. What can I do?"

"Then why does he like Sixth Girl? Is Sixth Girl prettier than you?"

When it comes to appearance, Miss Zhou Ba immediately disagrees: "No, how could Zhou Ling be prettier than me! King Pengcheng must be blind when he sees Zhou Ling, how can he blame me?!"

She had already suppressed her fear and disgust and condescended to approach the King of Pengcheng, but he was blind and fell in love with Zhou Ling. What did it have to do with her?

Although he looked aggrieved, he was actually somewhat glad that he was not the one being arranged to marry.

The Duke's wife took a deep breath. In the past, her daughter would have been naive and innocent. With the support of Yuzhang, no one could bully her. But now that her mother and brother had been deprived of their power, how could she still be so naive and ignorant of the seriousness of the matter?

Mrs. Zhou San, who was standing by, hurriedly advised: "Don't be angry, mother-in-law. Although we have lost Pengcheng, we still have the King of Runan..."

As soon as she finished speaking, she was glared at by her arrogant sister-in-law: "The King of Runan is old enough to be your father, sister-in-law, and you actually want me to marry him. How can you be so vicious!"

Even the wife of the duke frowned and looked at her daughter-in-law.

Mrs. Zhou San said slowly, "It's not the Prince of Runan, but the Prince of Runan."

"Who are you kidding, sister-in-law? I heard that the old man is going to remarry!"

Madam Zhou San looked at her mother-in-law and said, "It hasn't been made clear yet. Mother-in-law, you might as well send someone to pass on the news. The daughter of the Yuzhang County Duke's family is about the same age as the Crown Prince. If they can get married, that would be the best. If not, Yuzhang County won't force it. If that doesn't work out, there's still the Seventh Daughter."

Upon hearing this proposal, the Lady of the County could not help but think deeply.

She knew her husband best. He could use marriage to gain power, but he also had to have dignity. It was impossible for him to let his daughter, who was in her prime, marry a man of the age of King Runan.

But the wife of the county duke also thought of sacrificing the sixth girl in exchange for the power of Runan County.

Getting married or not is just a matter of lying on a couch. You will have to get married even if you don’t want to.

But she didn't expect that the sixth girl would actually be favored by the King of Pengcheng and would leave Yuzhang tomorrow. She didn't even have time to plan and could only accept it.

Miss Zhou Ba curled her lips and said, "There is absolutely no way I will marry the Prince of Runan. I can marry whoever I want, but if it's the prince, I might consider it."

The Duke's wife glanced at her daughter.

Indeed, if the Prince of Runan were to agree, he would consider it. However, even if the Prince of Runan agreed, it did not necessarily mean that the Duke of the County would agree.

Her husband now intends to suppress her and the Gu family, so how could he let Xiaoba marry to Runan?

We have to think of a way.

*

When Yu Ying heard that Zhou Ling was going to Pengcheng with King Pengcheng the next day, she was also caught off guard by the news.

It's so sudden, it's hard not to be surprised.

After learning the news, Yu Ying also hurriedly packed some medicinal herbs and asked Zhou Ling to take them to Pengcheng.

At the same time, notes on common diseases are also compiled.

Zhou Ling studied in the medical school for half a year. Although this little girl was from a county mansion, she never slacked off. She was not the most outstanding, but she was also presentable.

She had only been learning for half a year, and she had not been learning for long, so she did not have a comprehensive understanding of many diseases. That was why Yu Ying prepared a note for her.

Seeing that she was staying up late to organize her notes again, Fu Wei had no choice but to help her.

"Even if she becomes the Princess of Pengcheng, it's not certain that Miss Zhou Liu's medical skills will still be useful."

Yu Ying lowered her head as she copied, never looking up. "Just in case of emergency. Besides..." She glanced up at him and said, "Who says a princess can't be a doctor and can't treat common people?"

Fu Wei smiled and followed her words: "Indeed, no one has said that."

“It’s just that many people, once they are in a high position, will no longer look down at the people below them.”

Yu Ying was silent for a few breaths, then spoke: "I don't know what will happen in the future, but I do understand Zhou Ling now. At least she won't change now, and these notes are prepared for her now. What kind of person she will become in the future is not something I should consider now."

Having said that, he lowered his head and continued copying.

Fu Wei's gaze fell on Yu Ying, serious and dazzling.

He couldn't help but support his chin and stare quietly.

After a long while, he said softly, "What kind of people will we become in the future?"

Yu Ying paused, then looked up at him again: "Maybe I'll become a father, a mother."

Fu Wei's calm eyes suddenly opened, he looked down at Yu Ying's lower abdomen, then raised his eyes to look at her in astonishment.

Yu Ying chuckled: "No."

Fu Wei secretly breathed a sigh of relief when he heard this.

Due to uncertain reasons and unrest, it is not suitable for them to have children.

Moreover, he didn't want her to have too many concerns in this era.

Yu Ying put the written note aside, stood up, walked behind Fu Wei, hugged his shoulders from behind, and whispered in his ear: "Let's have a child after peace is restored."

Fu Wei lowered his eyes and replied softly, "Let's talk about it after peace is restored."

*

The next morning, King Pengcheng's men were ready to go. The army, which had arrived two days late, rested for a few days and was waiting outside the city in high spirits.

Three carriages were waiting outside the mansion.

Zhou Ling's aunt reluctantly sent her daughter to the gate of the mansion, and earnestly reminded her: "When you arrive in Pengcheng, remember to send a letter back to report that you are safe."

Zhou Ling nodded with red eyes.

The aunt glanced at the Prince of Pengcheng who was talking to the Duke of the County, and whispered, "Remember what your mother told you about the rules you must follow before getting married."

Zhou Ling immediately understood what her mother was referring to. Her cheeks flushed and she also looked in the direction of King Pengcheng.

Unexpectedly, the other party looked up. She was caught off guard and thought that he had heard what she had said to A Niang. She was so scared that she quickly looked away and lowered her head.

Heng Ji rarely regretted anything, but when she saw this, she felt a rare sense of regret in her life.

With that look of fear on her face, how could she not be afraid of him in the future? Even if she did become afraid in the future, wouldn't it be in ten or eight years?

Yu Ying caught up with the farewell procession, walked quickly to Zhou Ling, and handed her the prepared box and bundle.

"There are some medicinal herbs in it that are hard to find in the north, as well as some medical manuscripts. If you have nothing to do, you can read more on the way."

It would be a lie to say Zhou Ling wasn't touched. Her eyes were moist. She then handed the things to the servant and bowed to the master: "A Ling thanks you for your cultivation. I will never forget your teachings."

Yu Ying smiled and said, "I hope you don't forget your original intention."

Zhou Ling nodded with tears in her eyes, looking towards the gate of the Zhou Mansion, at her aunt and brother, and those familiar faces, and a strong sense of reluctance surged in her heart.

She didn't know when she would be able to come back, let alone when she would see these familiar faces again.

Over there, the King of Pengcheng had already said goodbye to Sect Master Zhou and exchanged a few words with Fu Wei. He then walked past his fiancée, paused for two breaths, and said, "Let's go."

Zhou Ling, who was feeling sad, was suddenly brought back to her senses by this emotionless and cold voice.

Looking at the tall figure of Hengji walking towards the army, he felt even more confused and uneasy about the road ahead.

She didn't know how many times she would regret her choice today.

She said goodbye to her relatives reluctantly, got on the carriage, lifted the curtain and kept looking back until she could no longer see anyone, and she did not let go for a long time.

After seeing Zhou Ling off, Yu Ying couldn't help feeling sad.

After leaving the Duke's Mansion with Fu Wei, she asked, "What did the King of Pengcheng say to you when he left?"

Fu Wei: "He said that he hopes I can meet him again alive and intact next time, without any missing limbs."

Yu Ying jokingly said, "Does King Pengcheng really not believe that you can protect yourself on the battlefield?"

Fu Wei: "Perhaps they see me as a weak scholar, and fear that if I get hurt, no one will be able to improve the reforms in the future."

Speaking of the battlefield, Yu Ying said, "I heard from Madam Zhou Er that there's going to be another war, is that right?"

Fu Wei held her hand and said, "It's inevitable nowadays."

War is still a heavy topic.

Yu Ying changed the subject and asked something else: "When the young lady came to see me the day before yesterday, Saturday, she mentioned to me that the King of Runan was coming to propose marriage. Is it true or false?"

Fu Wei frowned slightly and said, "I heard Lord Zhou mention that the King of Runan is almost fifty years old. At such a young age, Sect Master Zhou would not agree."

She would not agree, but Zhou Ling clearly heard the previous prince's wife, now Madam Zhou San, swearing that she should marry the King of Runan.

After a brief thought, based on my experience watching previous domestic intrigues, I knew that they must be hiding something sinister. Fortunately, Zhou Ling had already left Yuzhang, so even if they wanted to plot against her, they couldn't.

However, even though Miss Zhou Liu is gone, there is still a Miss Zhou Qi.

Zhou Ling said that in the future, her biological mother and second sister-in-law could jointly manage the affairs of the mansion, or perhaps they could hint at something and first find a marriage for the seventh girl. After all, she wasn't from the Zhou mansion, so her reach wasn't that far, and she couldn't always help this little apprentice.

Only seven or eight days after Zhou Ling left, someone from the Prince of Runan's Palace came. However, Yu Ying did not expect that the person who came to Yuzhang was not the old Prince of Runan, but the eldest son of the Prince of Runan's Palace.

The Prince of Runan only thought that they came to give gifts and that Zhu Yuzhang had received a great help from Pengcheng, but he did not mention the marriage proposal.

Just when Yu Ying was wondering, just two days later, the Prince of Runan changed his words and said that he had reached the age of marriage and came to propose to the eighth daughter of the Duke of Yuzhang.

Although the Gu family is still in power nowadays, Sect Master Zhou will naturally not allow the Gu family to expand its influence, so it is unlikely that Sect Master Zhou will agree.

But who would have thought that Sect Master Zhou actually agreed.

Yu Ying thought about it and guessed the truth.

When Fu Wei massaged her shoulders, she asked, "Are the two of you already in a relationship?"

Fu Wei was silent for a moment: "I don't know, but I guess it's eighty/nine times out of ten."

Yu Ying frowned slightly: "I thought it would be the old prince, but it turned out to be the prince."

Fu Wei: "The Duke's wife and the Gu family have lost Pengcheng's support now, so they will definitely not let the Runan Palace go. However, they will not let Miss Zhou Ba marry an old man over fifty years old. So when the Runan Prince came, I guessed their plan."

Yu Ying turned to look at him: "Then why didn't you remind Sect Master Zhou?"

Fu Wei said nonchalantly, "It's not convenient to push them too hard. We need to relax so that we can solve the problem later."

Yu Ying...

She didn't know whether he was getting smarter or she was getting dumber, but she couldn't understand what he was saying anymore.

Fu Wei explained more bluntly: "After all, if we push them now, it will only lead to internal friction, allowing others to take advantage of the situation. It is better to wait until we truly become the master of the Imperial City to resolve the issue."

Yu Ying understood what he said.

Indeed, civil war does not injure the enemy but injures a thousand of one's own.

Fu Wei suddenly changed the subject: "In three days, I will leave Yuzhang."

After a moment of silence, he seemed to have finally made up his mind and asked, "Do you want to go with me?"

Zhou Yi asked his wife to ask Yu Ying indirectly, tentatively asking her whether she wanted to go to the battlefield with them.

Yu Ying did not give Mrs. Zhou Er an answer, but was waiting for Fu Wei to ask her.

He asked, and she replied, "Of course I will go. The military doctors are young, and I still need to stay and guide them."

She knew that war was coming and was afraid of it, but she was unable to change it. She just wanted to stay away and protect herself.

But now those who are fighting hard in the front include her lover, her relatives and friends, and her students. She also wants to do her best to help them when they need her.