Seeking medicine (or repair)
Feng Daizhu's heart sank slightly. Dou Yanzhou rarely discussed these court matters with her.
Dou Yanzhou pondered for a moment, and seeing that the person in his arms hadn't spoken for a long time, he realized that perhaps his tone had been a bit harsh. So his gaze softened, and he casually said:
"Now that spring has arrived, and my second brother's health is gradually recovering, perhaps our two families can choose a warm day to travel together. It would be better than you staying cooped up at home all day."
Dou Yanzhou's gaze fell upon the painting of an autumn hunt in the northern frontier, hanging high in the hall behind the beaded curtain. The painting depicted galloping horses and crisscrossing arrows, a scene of vast and heroic grandeur rarely seen in Mujing.
Feng Daizhu came from a prestigious family in the northern frontier. Before her marriage, her life must have been as unrestrained as this painting. But after marrying him, she was confined to this small courtyard every day.
He put his arm around her waist and said softly, "Although Zhu Niang is pregnant now, spring is the perfect time, it's good to go out and about. Don't stay cooped up at home all the time, it will only make you more anxious."
The person in his arms frowned slightly, their voice tinged with hesitation:
"But my second brother has never been favored by Mother. It's fine if we get along well with him and maintain proper etiquette, but if we become too close to him... I'm afraid it will inevitably displease Mother..."
The villa had been neglected for so many years, and even though Feng Daizhu had only recently married into the family, she quickly realized it.
Dou Yanzhou, however, didn't mind. His expression remained unchanged, but a resolute calmness flashed in his eyes. Could Dou Yanxun, a mere illegitimate son, possibly affect him? His younger brother didn't have that kind of ability.
Dou Yanzhou chuckled softly:
"Madam, you are overthinking it. Although Mother is strict in managing the household, she has always been fair. My second brother was scolded by Mother because he was not up to his own good. It was not that Mother deliberately made things difficult for him. Now that he has learned his lesson, he must have learned his lesson and will not do it again. Besides... my second brother and I are brothers after all. Although we are not born of the same mother, we are still brothers connected by blood. Being closer to him will only show that I, as the elder brother, am considerate of my brother."
As Dou Yanzhou spoke, he toyed with the ends of Feng Daizhu's hair, shrugged lightly, and smiled nonchalantly:
"However, we are mainly concerned about your health. If you are not in a good mood, we will not go. We will leave everything to you."
Upon hearing his words, Feng Daizhu's eyes regained some composure, and she nodded gently, saying, "In that case, I will follow my husband's arrangements." She then asked no further questions.
.
A thin curtain hangs low, amidst pale clouds and rain. On the dark blue eaves, a few crows and sparrows have perched, chirping softly from time to time.
Fu Qing carefully closed the window that had been open for half a day. A pot of medicinal food was simmering slowly on the stove, the aroma of herbs wafting gently through the air. In the midst of this tranquility, a knock suddenly came from the front door.
Fu Qing paused in his movements, a tremor running through his heart.
This is not the time when Dou Yanxun would come here.
Since she moved out of Bihua Tower, very few people have known that she lives here alone. Apart from her two close sisters, only Dou Yanxun and Zhao Qi know that she lives here alone.
As for Zhao Qi... he hasn't come since she rejected him. Dou Yanxun, on the other hand, comes to see her from time to time, but each time he only stays for a short while, gets the ointment from her, and then leaves.
She usually stays here alone, and unless it's an emergency, she probably wouldn't have anyone come to her door at this time.
Thinking of this, Fu Qing frowned slightly, reached out to pull her thin purple robe tighter, and after a moment's thought, put on a thin shawl before quickly walking into the courtyard.
She listened carefully to the sounds outside the door, and after a long while, she cautiously opened the door a crack.
She had only peeked out for a moment when a bright light flashed across the darkness. The light drew ever closer, and she was startled, her whole body trembling with fear—
A gleaming, scimitar-shaped blade emerged from the crack in the door!
Fu Qing was immediately alarmed and retreated without saying a word, while trying her best to close the door tightly.
At the critical moment, a fair hand reached in and firmly held the door shut.
That hand clearly belonged to a well-maintained, pampered woman.
Fu Qing looked closely and saw a slender yet familiar figure standing outside the door.
The woman was dressed in a simple blue dress, with a gentle and elegant demeanor. Yet, the look in her eyes was incredibly tender, revealing her to be an old friend.
Seeing that she remained silent for a long time, the woman smiled slightly and said:
"Miss Qingqing, it's been a long time. Why are you so nervous to see me?"
After saying that, Lin Xu slowly opened the door and, in front of Fu Qing, leisurely put away the curved knife in his hand.
She merely touched it with two fingers, and the blade, which had just been gleaming with a cold light and was incredibly sharp, immediately retracted.
It turned out to be a fake knife that could extend and retract freely.
She actually used a fake knife to scare him! Fu Qing couldn't help but feel a sense of being mocked.
Lin Xu smiled, calmly putting the knife back into her bosom. She raised her eyes and looked at Fu Qing with a relaxed expression.
The fear in Fu Qing's eyes gradually faded, replaced by a complex expression. Her eyes flickered slightly, carrying a hint of wariness and a touch of resentment, before she finally spoke in a low voice:
"Madam Dou... what brings you here so late at night? Is there something important you wish to discuss with me, Fu Qing?"
Upon hearing this, Lin Xu's smile deepened.
"Miss Qingqing, why are you being so polite? We've finally met again, so it's only natural that we're very close. Shouldn't you invite me to sit down and have a cup of tea?"
Fu Qing had no choice but to lead her in.
The last time Lin Xu was unconscious, Dou Yanxun brought him here to heal his wounds; that was the first time the two met. Presumably, it was then that Lin Xu secretly memorized the address of the street where he lived.
As Fu Qing prepared the tea, he turned his gaze slightly away, unwilling to look at the woman who seemed to know her way around the room so well since she entered.
She had always been aloof, and her outward cheerfulness was merely a facade she wore when she performed at Bihua Tower. Now, suddenly being disturbed by a stranger, especially one whose identity was not simple, Fu Qing couldn't help but frown.
What brings Lin Xu here to see her?
Fu Qing pondered quietly, but a sense of unease crept into her mind. She had no desire to make friends with strangers anymore. Besides, she was now his wife. What was even more vexing was that, in just a few days, Lin Xu had become even more beautiful.
In her view, the ethereal beauty that had made her sigh with admiration at first sight now seemed even more gentle.
Marrying Dou Yanxun... is life really that easy?
Fu Qing couldn't help but gently bite her lower lip, and the hidden feelings in her heart began to stir uncontrollably.
Having been alone away from home for so many years, the lingering tenderness and bittersweetness in her heart should have long since vanished. But... it's like the persistent drizzle in the chill of spring, lingering there, indescribable, leaving her only with a heart full of anxiety and unease.
As if sensing her thoughts, Lin Xu took a step closer to her, and a cool aura mixed with gentleness wafted over.
Lin Xu smiled, his eyes seemingly able to see through her anxiety, and said:
"Miss Qingqing, you seem so absent-minded today, is something on your mind?"
Following Lin Xu's meaningful gaze downwards, Fu Qing realized that she had been lost in thought, and the tea in her cup was already overflowing.
Fu Qing hurriedly put down the teapot in his hands, his hands trembling slightly.
"It's nothing... Please have some tea, Madam."
Lin Xu looked around, then slowly pulled up a chair and sat down at the table. She took the teacup, lowered her head to smell the aroma, and said lightly, "The aroma of herbs and plants is very strong. The steamed green tea here is indeed excellent."
Fu Qing lowered his head and did not answer.
She simply stood there, quietly watching Lin Xu sip his tea. Her every move was natural and composed; Lin Xu, it seemed, showed no intention of speaking first.
Fu Qing grew increasingly anxious as she thought about it. Finally, as if making up her mind, she took a deep breath and then knelt down on the ground in front of Lin Xu with a "thump".
“I…I did not keep my promise to Madam Dou that day and continued to associate with the Second Master. Fu Qing knows that he has failed Madam’s trust and help. You have been magnanimous to me, but I have harbored selfish thoughts. I am truly ashamed and beg Madam to punish me.”
Lin Xu remained unfazed by these words, simply taking another sip of tea before setting the teacup down. The clear, cool tea rippled gently in the cup, lingering for a long time.
She looked gentle and helped Fu Qing up.
“Why do you have to be like this, Miss Qingqing? We have always been honest with each other, how could I blame you for such trivial matters? Besides, you saved my husband and me in a critical moment that day. Such a great favor is something that I could never repay even if I helped you again and again. Why should you feel guilty over such a small matter?”
A flicker of shock crossed Fu Qing's eyes, and she lowered her head. As she watched Lin Xu help her up, a complex mix of emotions gradually surfaced in her eyes.
Lin Xu redeemed her from her servitude, making him her savior. She had explicitly said she would break off all contact with Dou Yanxun, but whenever he came to her for medicine, she felt resentful… even if it was just to glance at him quietly. She knew what she was doing was wrong…
All the guilt and gratitude in my heart intertwined...
Fu Qing kept her head down, not daring to look Lin Xu in the eye. Her dry lips opened and closed several times before she finally spoke:
"But Madam's magnanimity is truly undeserved..."
Unlike when Lin Xu first woke up, Fu Qing was cheerful and outgoing. Now, Fu Qing was increasingly concerned with formalities like respecting hierarchy in front of her.
Lin Xu was actually unwilling to do so.
So she just smiled slightly, a hint of cunning in her eyes, and gently pointed to her cheek. The wound had gradually healed, leaving only a barely noticeable scar.
"The 'contact' you mentioned, is it the matter of Dou Yanxun coming to you a few days ago to get medicine? I had already guessed this, after all, looking at the entire Mujing City, I'm afraid no one can match Qingqing's medical skills, so he should have come to you for help."
Upon hearing this, Fu Qing was startled and hurriedly looked up at Lin Xu, feeling guilty and uneasy.
However, Lin Xu simply helped her up gently, a warm smile on his lips, and said softly:
"As I just said, Miss Qingqing really doesn't need to worry. Besides, I'm here today because I have a favor to ask."
Fu Qing was slightly taken aback, then asked in a low voice:
"What is it that you, Madam, request? I will do my utmost to help you with anything that I can do."
Lin Xu's eyes showed a hint of earnestness, and he smiled gently as he spoke:
"Miss Qingqing, you may not know this, but I have an old friend in my family who, although in good health for many years, has never been able to conceive. She has long suffered from a deep and unresolved distress. I've been thinking that since you are such a skilled physician, especially adept at women's health, I wonder if you also know the invaluable art of gynecology? If you are, would you do me the favor of writing a few prescriptions for her to recuperate and improve her health?"
After listening, Fu Qing lowered his eyes and pondered for a moment before saying in a deep voice:
"...I do have some knowledge of this art, but medical treatment requires careful examination and diagnosis to prescribe the right medicine. Since it is Madam's request, I, Fu Qing, will do my best. Madam only needs to bring that old friend to see me when you have time. If Madam dislikes my place... we can also find a teahouse or alley to have a pulse diagnosis. Perhaps I, Fu Qing, can also consider a few basic ancient prescriptions for recuperation, so that the old friend can get the medicine and take good care of himself."
It was late when she left, and the howling night wind, carrying a chill, swept towards Lin Xu, almost causing her to stumble. Yuehuan Lane was narrow and winding, and although lanterns hung high in every household to illuminate the cold night, the bluestone pavement under her feet was covered with frost, and she could easily slip and fall.
Zhou Qi and Zhou Quan waited at the alley entrance early in the morning as she instructed, and both breathed a sigh of relief when they saw her come out.
Lin Xu handed the prescription to Zhou Qi and whispered:
"Go and deliver this prescription to the Lin residence, and personally hand it to Mother. Fu Qing is a skilled and kind-hearted doctor; this prescription will surely be of great help to Mother."
Zhou Qi replied with a "Yes" and hurriedly took his leave, his tall figure disappearing into the moonlight in an instant.
Lin Xu carefully covered her face with his veil and hood, protecting her from all sides. The carriage sped along and soon stopped at a wooden door that was half-covered by weeds.
This was a shortcut that Zhou Qi and Zhou Quan had recently found out for her. It led directly to the back garden of the villa, next to a side room. This wooden door used to be reserved for transporting firewood, but now it allowed her to come and go freely in the deep courtyard.
The secluded and quiet courtyard naturally has the advantage of making it less likely for people to be detected.
She carefully removed her veil. The crescent moon hung low in the courtyard, casting a soft, luminous light throughout the night; it was as quiet and deserted as ever.
Lin Xu said in a low voice, "I've been having you keep an eye on Qi Rou'er. Has she caused any more trouble lately?"
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