Chapter 54 Chapter 54 He and that black wolfhound wanted to beg for meat...

"Princess, please rest assured. Everyone here only has some common minor ailments, such as occasional fever, which will be cured after a few doses of medicine. As it stands, there is no risk of an epidemic."

Liu Jixue led Feng Mian and Baili Xunzhou to a tent and told Feng Mian in detail about what had happened in the past few days.

Feng Mian glanced around the tent; the furnishings were simple. A wooden screen separated the bed and table, serving as both a sleeping quarters and a reception room. In the corner, a small ceramic pot held dandelions, their pale yellow flowers adding a touch of brightness to the drab room.

The day before yesterday, several children had persistent high fevers, so Liu Jixue asked someone to set up this tent and stayed there herself, taking care of them all night without closing her eyes.

Seeing the faint dark circles under her eyes, Feng Mian pursed her lips with a touch of heartache, "You've really had a hard time these past few days."

A smile appeared in Liu Jixue's eyes as she said softly, "Practicing medicine and saving lives is what my heart desires. How could I feel it's hard or tiring?"

"Besides, the princess sends people to deliver ginseng soup every day. I just look a little tired, but I'm perfectly healthy."

"The ginseng soup can only help you recover a little; you still need to rest properly. I'll take them back to Black Stone Gully in three to five days at the latest, so you can go back to the Prince's Mansion and recuperate for a few days."

Liu Jixue asked curiously, "What are you going back to Heishigou for?"

Baili Xunzhou was taken aback: "You're taking them back?"

Liu Jixue and Baili Xunzhou asked in unison, but with completely different focuses.

Baili Xunzhou seemed startled by the news that she wanted to go to Heishigou together. He almost jumped up. Although he sat down, he leaned forward and waited for her answer with burning eyes, wondering if he had misheard.

Feng Mian looked at this and that, then answered Liu Jixue's question and briefly explained his plans to open a trade market in Heishigou.

“That’s good. Although they don’t say it, I can tell they all miss their homeland.” Liu Jixue was very happy for them. “The village chief even secretly asked me if there were any grain seeds for sale in Yunzhong County. He’s planning to prepare some seeds for next year’s spring planting.”

After she finished speaking, she couldn't help but glance at Baili Xunzhou on the other side. He seemed to have heard nothing else, and he leaned forward hurriedly. After she finished speaking, he asked impatiently, "What did you just say? Are you going to Black Stone Gully with me?"

Feng Mian nodded hurriedly, pressing Baili Xunzhou's shoulder to push him back to sit down. "Of course I'm going. After all, it's the first trade fair, and the people must have many doubts. How can I not be there?"

"I was handpicked by my uncle to be in charge. If I hide in the back and let them charge into battle while I don't take any risks, wouldn't that be disheartening?"

"Is that right, young general?"

Bai Lixun knew she was right. Just like soldiers going to war, he and his father were both used to leading from the front.

Only when generals are fearless of death and soldiers are willing to sacrifice their lives can they unite as one and fight to the death without end.

But……

"I can't get away and can't personally escort you."

Liu Jixue pursed her lips and said: "Tsk."

Before the princess came to Yunzhong County, every time she went to the Prince's mansion, she would see the prince angrily sending people to Baili Xunzhou, urging him to return to the mansion to prepare to pick up the princess. He ignored the prince's repeated orders and continued to do as he pleased, refusing to return to the mansion.

Now that the princess is in the northern frontier, she is only going to a border town that is a little further away. She is being escorted by the Swift Feather Battalion and the Luanyi Guard, and is accompanied by Lords Gu and Lu. He is eagerly thinking about escorting her.

Men's minds really do change in an instant.

"Although Black Stone Gully is a border town, it is still within the territory of the Northern Frontier. With you and Father in charge, and the Swift Feather Battalion following me, there will definitely be no danger. You can go about your business with peace of mind."

Seeing that Feng Mian's smile was completely free of any gloom, as if he didn't care at all about not seeing him for several days before leaving Yunzhong County, Baili Xunzhou felt a surge of anger in his heart. He held back for a long time but couldn't say anything more.

Feng Mian sent people to summon the village chief and others, announced the matter of the trade market, and asked them if they were willing to go back with her.

The scene fell silent for a moment, then erupted into uncontrollable cheers.

The village chief's lips trembled as he repeatedly replied, "Yes! Of course we're willing to go back! What a great favor the princess has done!"

Yunzhong County, though more stable and prosperous than Heishigou, still meant leaving one's home and sleeping on someone else's bed, drinking water from someone else's well. Heishigou, however dilapidated and poor, was still a home built brick by brick by oneself.

Being able to go back to earn a living and rebuild the homes shattered by natural disasters—this hope is more joyful than anything else!

The thought of "being able to go home" burned like wildfire in everyone's hearts. Anxious hearts found a stable path forward, and every face became relaxed as they packed their belongings.

"Princess, Your Highness, you should go back first. I still have a few people whose pulses I haven't finished taking."

Feng Mian wanted to take Liu Jixue back with him, but Liu Jixue shook her head and refused, "The princess is about to travel far away, and it is not appropriate for me to stay at Xueyue Residence any longer. I have already asked Fang Ya to help me find a house these past two days."

"Do you have enough silver on you? Should I give you some of your salary in advance?"

Feng Mian wasn't just teasing her when he said he was inviting her to be a female physician; he formally documented it and set up a salary for her.

I had intended to mention that there was a small, empty courtyard behind Huichuntang, but then I thought that if I ate and slept in the clinic, I wouldn't have any time to relax and rest, so I simply gave up on that idea.

“That’s enough. I’ve saved up some money over the years.” Liu Jixue gently refused. She could afford to rent a courtyard house; otherwise, where would she get the confidence to leave home?

Feng Mian felt relieved and was about to help Baili Xunzhou into the carriage when she suddenly noticed another carriage parked not far away, with a somewhat familiar figure waiting under it.

Liu Jixue followed the gaze and her face immediately turned cold. Seeing that Liu Jixue had noticed him, the man hurried forward, "Jixue, daughter! Father has finally seen you!"

It turns out to be Lord Yuan.

Feng Mian frowned, withdrew his hand, and stood next to Liu Jixue, resuming his protective stance. "Master Yuan, please watch your words. Where is your Yuan family's daughter here?"

Lord Yuan stammered as he bowed, "This humble subject greets Your Highness the Princess and Your Highness the Heir Apparent."

He stood there with his hands at his sides, looking honest and unassuming. His beard was disheveled, his sideburns were streaked with white, and the lines under his eyes were loose and sagging, clearly indicating that he had not slept well for several days.

"Princess, please forgive me. Ji Xue was born and raised in the Yuan family. Even if she throws a tantrum and doesn't want to acknowledge me as her father, I cannot disown her as my daughter!"

He looked earnestly at Liu Jixue, "Jixue, come home with your father. That Xu woman is no good; I've been deceived by her all these years! I'll divorce her when we get back to avenge you!"

"Don't be angry with your father. It breaks my heart to see you suffering like this, sleeping in the open and braving the elements!"

How could this person be so shameless?!

Feng Mian was truly astonished. "You were the one who signed the severance document that day, promising to be estranged from each other in life and death, honor and disgrace. What are you trying to do now, acting like this?"

"Your Highness has truly misunderstood me! Those words about severing all ties with Ji Xueen were spoken by my stepmother, Madam Xu! I'm not afraid Your Highness will laugh at me, but Madam Xu is a shrew all day long. I was just confused for a moment and signed that document that I now deeply regret!"

"You..." Feng Mian was about to say something when a hand gently pressed down on her shoulder. Liu Jixue's pretty face turned pale, and she gently shook her head at Feng Mian.

Even if her parents had a thousand faults, it seemed a bit inappropriate for Feng Mian to scold her biological father in front of Liu Jixue.

Liu Jixue stepped forward and blocked Feng Mian's path.

She had been so angry at Master Yuan's words that her breathing became rapid, and her hands and feet felt cold and numb. She only gradually calmed down after hearing Feng Mian's words of defense.

It's time to say some things that have been buried in my heart for a long time.

“When Mother was alive, you took Xu as your mistress, and she gave birth to a son who was several years older than my elder sister. Xu couldn’t wait to take her place and came to the mansion to make trouble several times. You ignored her and watched the two women fight over you, which angered Mother to death.”

“My mother’s body was barely cold when you rushed to marry Xu Shi. She and her son bullied my sister and me, cut off our food and clothing. I often went hungry, and my sister would save her own food to feed me. You did nothing then, watching them mistreat the only two children left by your deceased wife.”

“My sister had just reached marriageable age when Madam Xu was eager to marry her off to a distant place. We begged you so much, but when you saw the dowry piled up in the courtyard, you slapped my sister and forcibly put her in the bridal sedan chair. My sister couldn’t bear the torment from her husband’s family and wrote a letter for help, but you ignored her and even forcibly locked me up at home.”

"When your sister passed away, you didn't even shed a tear, and you continued to drink and talk business with that heartless family."

Liu Jixue paused, blinked away the tears in her eyes, and exhaled softly to calm herself before continuing, "You have never cared about my sister's life or death, nor have you cared about me. Why pretend to be kind now? If I continue to be a daughter of the Yuan family, I will be letting down my mother, my sister, and myself."

"You say she deceived you, but did she also force you to hit and scold me?"

“You never treated me like a daughter, but you blamed the mistakes on unrelated people, as if you were a victim yourself.”

Her eyes were fixed intently on Master Yuan, and she said, word by word, "Yuan Shande, you are the one who deserves to die the most. Go away, I don't want to see you again."

As Liu Jixue relentlessly spoke, Master Yuan's face grew paler and paler, not from sadness or guilt, but from trembling with rage. "How dare you! How dare you speak to the father who gave you life and raised you like that!"

“My mother gave me life, and my elder sister raised me. If you feel I owe you anything, then take those herbs in my yard and sell them. It should be worth more than the money you’ve spent on me over the years.”

"You scoundrel!" Master Yuan raised his hand in a fit of rage.

Feng Mian hurriedly pulled Liu Jixue behind him to protect her. Baili Xunzhou grabbed Yuan Laoye's wrist, which was half-fallen, with such force that Yuan Laoye cried out in pain instantly, feeling as if his wrist bones were about to break, and he could no longer exert any strength.

"Didn't you hear? Miss Liu said she doesn't want to see you again." Baili Xunzhou's voice was as cold as ice, every word imbued with a chilling killing intent. "If you harass me again, I'll make sure you and your precious son have a taste of prison food."

"Get out." He abruptly flung the person away, as if brushing away some filth.

Master Yuan staggered back several steps, his face drained of color, leaving only utter terror. He dared not look again, and scrambled away as fast as he could.

Feng Mian gently stroked Liu Jixue's trembling shoulders and back, "It's alright, it's all over now."

For Liu Jixue, tearing open her wounds in front of everyone was tantamount to public execution. But when she poured out all the grievances she had held for so many years, she felt a sense of lightness and complete relaxation.

Perhaps she shouldn't have kept it to herself; keeping it bottled up only caused her pain.

Liu Jixue turned her head and gave Feng Mian a faint smile. "I'm fine. I'm sorry for making the princess and the prince laugh."

"Anyone who dares to laugh at you, I'll send someone to put a sack over their head!" Feng Mian said seriously. After she finished speaking, she looked at Baili Xunzhou beside her and saw him glaring at the hand that had just grabbed Master Yuan's wrist, looking disgusted as if he had just touched something dirty. He wanted to wipe it off his body, but couldn't bring himself to do it.

Feng Mian and Liu Jixue were amused by his appearance. Feng Mian took out a handkerchief from her sleeve, grabbed Baili Xunzhou's hand, and wiped it for him.

"Alright, it's clean now."

Baili Xunzhou looked at his palm, smiled, and then took the handkerchief from Feng Mian's hand. "It's dirty. I'll wash it for you and then return it to you."

Feng Mian went with him, then whispered a few words to Liu Jixue before getting into the carriage.

The carriage slowly drove into the city.

Baili Xunzhou sat opposite Feng Mian with his long legs bent, one hand pressed against the handkerchief under his clothes, his fingertips slightly curled, his mind a jumble of thoughts. He only came back to his senses after Feng Mian called him twice.

Feng Mian looked at him curiously, "What are you thinking about?"

I called out to them for ages but they didn't respond.

Baili Xunzhou always felt that her eyes were as clear as a fawn's, or like crystal-clear black grapes, always sparkling. When she looked at people intently, it made one's heart pound and one's mouth involuntarily blurt out what was on one's mind: "When you go to Black Stone Gully, remember to send me a note every day."

"What?" Feng Mian was stunned for a moment.

“I’ve been in the military camp for the past three days, and you haven’t sent me a single note.” He spoke softly, as if afraid that his sudden complaints would upset her, and there was also a hint of “I’ve suffered such a great injustice, yet I still have to swallow my pride.”

I was speechless for a moment.

She had previously thought that Baili Xunzhou resembled the black wolfhound her fifth brother kept, and she felt that it was impolite to think of him that way. But now, looking at his earnest black eyes, she still felt that his expression was exactly the same as that black wolfhound's when it wanted a bone.

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Author's Note: Baili Xunzhou: Woof?