Taking a pulse
Panting, Jiang Mian jogged all the way to the front courtyard. The abbot, looking travel-worn and still wearing his monk's robes, greeted her with a gentle smile and clasped his hands together, saying, "Benefactor."
Jiang Mian took a deep breath and couldn't wait to say her purpose. After listening, the abbot pursed his lips and pondered for a moment, then suddenly reached out to take her pulse.
Jiang Mian stared at him without moving, her heart pounding with tension. She didn't know if she would hear the answer she wanted, so she pursed her lips and even breathed softly.
It wasn't until the abbot frowned and uncertainly took her pulse again that Jiang Mian sensed something was wrong and asked, "Can this Gu be cured?"
“Your health is fine. As for the mother-child gu you mentioned, I do know a little about it, but you do not have any child gu in your body.” The abbot confirmed this time, withdrew his hand, and said gently.
No?
Jiang Mian's mind went blank for a moment, and she subconsciously doubted it. However, the abbot continued, "If you are not at ease, you can have other doctors take a look."
That's right.
Jiang Mian came to her senses, feeling a mix of emotions. Ever since he had "cast a spell" on her, she had been living in constant fear, and the seven-day period had only added to her anxiety. Now, the abbot was saying that she was perfectly fine. Jiang Mian's feelings were incredibly complicated.
Why did Shen Ji lie to her?
She was in a daze and returned to the Shen residence. He Yue was waiting for her at the door. When she saw that she had finally returned, she gently served her dinner.
Jiang Mian had no appetite and only ate half a bowl before listlessly lying down on the bed and falling asleep.
The next day, she lied and said she was feeling unwell, asking Doctor Chen to come to the mansion to take her pulse. Doctor Chen did not suspect anything and placed his hand on her pulse through a silk handkerchief. Jiang Mian stared at him without blinking. After a while, Doctor Chen withdrew his hand and said, "Miss, you are fine, just a little weak. I will prescribe some medicine for you to take on time every day, which will help you recover."
Undeterred, she asked, "Do I not have any illness at all?"
Dr. Chen looked at her inexplicably, as if he were meeting someone like her for the first time, his eyes revealing a hint of eagerness, as if he hoped she was ill.
However, Dr. Chen, who had practiced medicine for many years and possessed superb medical skills, shook his head and said, "The young lady is very healthy."
Jiang Mian breathed a sigh of relief, unsure whether it was relief or something else. She calmly saw Doctor Chen out and saw He Yue brewing medicine in the kitchen. Suddenly, she had an idea and found an excuse to send He Yue away. Then, she secretly took some of the medicine she was supposed to take for the next seven days.
To ensure everything goes perfectly, she still needs to make a final judgment.
She had Yunji take the medicine out of the mansion and have a doctor who had never interacted with the Shen family examine it. The doctor's answer was the same: the medicine was for replenishing qi and blood and did not have any aphrodisiac effects.
At this point, Jiang Mian finally realized that she really didn't seem to be sick.
Shen Ji was scaring her.
She pursed her lips and sat quietly in front of the lamp. Since she had not been drugged, it meant that she could leave at any time, and Shen Ji could no longer hold her back.
The clear moonlight shone through the window, casting a faint shadow on the ground. The girl closed her eyes uneasily, but after a moment, she suddenly opened them. She tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep for a while.
She should have been overjoyed by her discovery, but an indescribable soreness spread through her chest, and two voices collided in her mind, tearing at her thoughts.
If she wanted to leave, how could she do so safely? Under his watchful eye, she wasn't confident she could persuade him; but if she wasn't under his watchful eye, she feared he might do even more things she couldn't control when he returned.
Jiang Mian sighed and pulled the blanket over her eyes.
As the moonlight streamed down and the third watch of the night approached, birds perched on branches, watching the warm light emanating from the house and the graceful figure silhouetted against the candlelight.
Shen Ji slowly unfolded the letter, which recorded Jiang Mian's every move, including her visit to Jing'an Temple a few days ago.
He lowered his eyes without showing any emotion, his gaze lingering on the three characters "Jing'an Temple" for a long time, before suddenly calling out, "Someone come here."
Yun Qing appeared.
"I'll go back tomorrow."
Yun Qing was somewhat surprised. Although things had been mostly resolved, the young master had barely rested these past few days and was originally planning to rest for a few days before returning home. Why was it happening so suddenly?
Although he was puzzled, he dared not say anything and nodded in agreement.
They are currently in the capital. If they want to return to Jeju, it will take at least three to five days. What happened that made the young master so anxious?
Shen Ji nodded. His intuition told him that Jiang Mian wouldn't wait for him patiently. She must have done something these past few days. The longer it went on, the more things could go wrong. If he hadn't come to the capital for business these past few days, he would have loved to stay with her all the time.
In this way, once she gets used to it, she won't develop any ulterior motives.
His fingers tightened, and the veins on the back of his hand became prominent. It had been more than half a month since he last saw her. He wondered if she had missed him.
Jiang Mian was in a drowsy sleep and vaguely had a dream.
In her dream, she finally broke free from Shen Ji's control and arrived at a place where no one knew her.
She also opened a teahouse. Although life was peaceful, it made her feel very at ease.
One day, a customer passed by. He had a gentle demeanor but wore a mask. He said that his appearance had been ruined and he felt inferior. He asked her if she would look at him with strange eyes.
Jiang Mian immediately shook her head. When she was young, she was also isolated because she lost her parents. Those people bullied and insulted her, saying that she had a bad fate and would bring misfortune to her parents and elders. She knew all too well what it felt like to be pointed at and talked about by others.
She sympathized with the man's plight and said many comforting words to him.
Until night, the spring branches trembled.
The cold moonlight climbed onto the window frame. She got up from the bed and suddenly saw a person sitting casually by the window. The person was dressed in a moon-white robe, like a cold and aloof Buddhist monk, but his fingertips were clutching a swaying mask.
Her heart skipped a beat, and she looked up at his face.
He was handsome and graceful, like a finely carved piece of jade, without the slightest flaw, and his dark, deep eyes were looking at her with a half-smile.
Jiang Mian's face suddenly turned pale, and she said in a trembling voice, "Cousin...cousin?"
Shen Ji jumped down from the window and strolled to her side. He threw away the mask in his hand, a casual smile curving his lips, but there was no joy in his eyes, only the possessiveness and obsession that she knew all too well.
"Good sister, is this how you treat your cousin?"
"I love you, I cherish you, and I can't bear to hurt you, but what about you? You not only want to run away, but you also want to get married."
He spoke casually, but his palm landed on her slender, supple waist, slowly caressing it.
"I...I didn't..."
"Nothing? You haven't left me, or you don't want to get married?" With each word he spoke, his fingertips moved a little lower until finally, the only piece of fabric covering her was easily torn off, exposing her delicate softness to the air. He reached in without hesitation.
Forced to raise her neck, the spring water wet the flower petals. His eyes held a deep and intense desire, and she was also in great discomfort, twisting her body, wanting to escape.
The young man curled his lips indifferently, held her down for a long time before finally releasing her. He lowered his eyes and wiped his fingers with a clean handkerchief, his cool voice slowly saying, "It's been so long, this place is more honest than this place."
He placed his fingertip on her heart.
Jiang Mian sat helplessly to the side, hugging her knees, her eyes reddening. No matter where she went, he would relentlessly follow her.
"Sweetie, your cousin has a gift for you." Shen Ji kissed her forehead, and seeing that she didn't resist, the anger in his heart subsided a little.
He tore open the package he had brought, and the scene inside made Jiang Mian feel nauseous and want to vomit; the scarlet blood stung her eyes.
It was a blood-soaked arm.
He had just given her oranges during the day and asked her if she wanted to have dinner at his house.
A fierce wind swept through, distorting everything, but the young man beside her leisurely enjoyed her disheveled state.
“Mianniang, you can only belong to me. If you want to marry someone else, this is what will happen to you.”
"I've said it before, I can't bear to hurt you, but I might not have that much patience for others."
"Whoever you marry will die."
The clear, Zen-like words echoed in her ears. The surrounding light and shadow went out, and she lay on the pillow in a panic, clearly quite frightened.
until--
Someone called her, and the suffocating feeling slowly subsided. She suddenly opened her eyes, somewhat unable to distinguish between reality and illusion.
"Miss, did you have a nightmare?"
Jiang Mian was still panting, cold sweat beading on her forehead. She looked up and saw Yun Ji standing by the bed with a concerned expression.
She realized that everything that had just happened was a dream, but this also reminded her that she needed to think carefully before leaving.
It absolutely must not become like in the dream.
After several sunny days in spring, a light drizzle finally fell.
Another seven days passed, and He Yue brought over the freshly brewed medicine. Jiang Mian took the bowl, raised an eyebrow, and did not drink it.
When will your young master return?
He Yue shook her head: "This servant does not know, but it should be soon."
Jiang Mian understood. It should be within the next few days. Counting it up, he has been gone for more than half a month. She has nothing to do at home these days. She doesn't know when she will be able to go out again after he comes back. So she took advantage of the rain just stopping and went out for a walk.
"Please drink it while it's hot, young lady. The medicine will be less effective if it gets cold," He Yue said gently.
"Go and find me two candied fruits."
He Yue was taken aback. She looked at the medicine on the table. The young master had instructed her to watch her drink it.
"This medicine is quite bitter and difficult to swallow."
“…Yes.” He Yue lowered her eyes and quickly walked out.
After she left, Jiang Mian immediately poured the medicine into the potted plant next to her. The soil, which had absorbed the medicine, turned particularly black. She frowned, her face contorted, and then quickly sat down. He Yue happened to come in and, looking at the empty medicine bowl, asked uncertainly, "Miss, have you finished drinking it?"
"Quick, give me some candied fruit."
He Yue opened her palm, and Jiang Mian couldn't wait to eat one before her brows relaxed.
She only breathed a sigh of relief after He Yue left.
The seven-day period has passed, and she hasn't taken the medicine. She should be fine, right?
The sky was clear and blue after the rain, and there seemed to be a refreshing scent in the air. Jiang Mian didn't let He Yue come along. She just wanted to get out and clear her head. The dream she had last night still made her feel uneasy.
The spring sunshine was beautiful today, and the Shangsi Festival had just passed. The streets and alleys were bustling with activity. She hadn't seen such a lively scene in a long time, and she was infected by the atmosphere, which made her feel even more wonderful.
There were quite a few people on the street. The master and servant wanted to cross the bridge, but a fight broke out on the bridge. Taking advantage of the chaos, someone kidnapped Yunji. Jiang Mian looked back and saw that the big man was holding a piece of cloth and stuffing it into Yunji's mouth.
She screamed and shouted, but no one paid any attention to her. In fact, the noise from the two groups fighting on the bridge was so loud that it drowned out her cries for help.
Jiang Mian watched as the two burly men left the bridge. She was sweating profusely with anxiety. She finally managed to get through the crowd to the place where the men had disappeared, but there was no trace of Yun Ji, nor even the men.
Jiang Mianxin panicked and stopped the person, asking, "Have you seen my maid?"
The passerby shook his head.
She sought help from several people, but couldn't get any information out of them. Jiang Mianxin sank to the bottom and made a snap decision to report it to the authorities.
Unexpectedly, she walked too fast and accidentally stepped on a pebble, slipped, and almost fell backward. Fortunately, someone behind her caught her, and in her shock, Jiang Mian finally managed to stand up.
"Young lady, why are you in such a hurry? Is something the matter?"
A gentle and refined voice rang out, and Jiang Mian was startled. Before her eyes was a handsome young man wearing a phoenix crown, exuding a heroic aura. She looked at the people accompanying him and wondered which wealthy family they were. Anxious, she immediately said, "My maid has been kidnapped. I must go and report it to the authorities."
A knowing glint flashed in Xie Zheng's eyes. Although the girl in front of him was wearing a hood, her beautiful figure and gentle voice were enough to show that she was an extremely beautiful woman.
Xie Zheng lowered his eyes and looked at the person behind him: "Hurry up and go find them."
The attendant was taken aback: "Your Highness...Young Master."
"Don't worry, someone dared to snatch someone in broad daylight. Once I find her, I will definitely give the girl an explanation."
"Those two burly men were about eight feet tall, with beards, and dressed in brown clothes. They ran in that direction. Thank you, young master. If you can find my maid, Mianniang will reward you handsomely." Although Jiang Mian didn't know the background of the noble man in front of her, Yun Ji had only been abducted for a short while. If she were to report to the authorities, it would take half a day to get there and back. She couldn't imagine what Yun Ji would go through during that time.
However, just in case, she still went to the government office, and when she came out, she looked worried.
"Don't worry, we'll definitely find them."
Xie Zheng took off his cloak, intending to put it on her, but Jiang Mian stepped back, subtly avoiding it. She bowed gently and said, "May I ask your honorable name, young master?"
Xie Zheng noticed her deliberate distancing, but he didn't pay much attention to it. He always liked to pretend to be helpful in order to gain other people's trust. When he saw the woman take a half step back, he clicked his tongue in his heart, but his smile became even more gentle.
"My surname is Xie."
Jiang Mian nodded, her eyes filled with gratitude.
“If you don’t mind, I have an appointment with someone, and it’s not good for me to stand here any longer. Why don’t we go to the teahouse and sit down? I’ll let you know as soon as I find the person.”
Jiang Mian hesitated. Firstly, Yun Ji's whereabouts were unknown, and secondly, this was the first time she had met this person. Following him without knowing the reason would damage her reputation.
"The teahouse is right on the street, with people coming and going all the time. It won't damage the young lady's reputation," Xie Zheng said calmly, noticing her concerns.
“…Alright, thank you, young master.” Now that things had come to this, Jiang Mian couldn’t refuse any longer, after all, Yun Ji’s safety was more important right now.
She followed Xie Zheng to the teahouse, and suddenly saw a familiar figure by the window. The person heard the noise, turned around, and frowned slightly when he saw the person in front of him and the woman behind him.
"Long time no see. I just arrived in Jeju today. You must show me around as a good host."
Xie Zheng opened his folding fan, looking like a dashing and dissolute man.
Jiang Mian stopped in her tracks, looking at the handsome young man, and couldn't help but call out, "Brother Wen Shi?"
Song Mingyan blurted out, "Mian'er?"
"It's me, Brother Wenshi. Just now, Yunji and I were playing outside when two big men kidnapped her. Brother Wenshi, can you help me find Yunji?" She was overjoyed to see an acquaintance and, without thinking of anything else, told him everything that had happened.
After listening, Song Mingyan pondered and said, "Mian'er, don't worry, Yunji will definitely be alright."
Xie Zheng's gaze swept between the two of them, and he suddenly said with an ambiguous meaning, "I was going to introduce you, but it seems you two actually know each other?"
"Your Highness...this is my fiancée." Song Mingyan shielded Jiang Mian behind him and explained to Xie Zheng. Jiang Mian was worried and anxious at the moment, and did not correct his words.
“I see. It’s fate that we met by chance. Why don’t we sit down and have a cup of… tea? I believe that the maid will be found within the time it takes for an incense stick to burn.” Xie Zheng put away his playful smile and sat down first.
Song Mingyan held Jiang Mian's shoulder, her hood still on, and comforted her through a veil: "Mian'er, don't worry, this is my good friend. Since he said he would help you, he will definitely find Yunji."
Jiang Mian nodded absentmindedly. She took off her hood, revealing a beautiful and exquisite face. Xie Zheng's eyes flashed with amazement. The beauties of the capital were as extravagant as the city's splendor, but he had never seen anyone like her before. Like a begonia in bloom, she was a blend of charm and innocence. Now, with her hair being blown by the wind, she had an even more pitiful air about her.
No wonder Song Mingyan traveled all this way here; it turns out he came to see a beauty.
He touched the teacup and suddenly felt a little listless.
Before an incense stick's time had elapsed, Xie Zheng's attendant brought Yun Ji back. Yun Ji was clearly quite frightened, and the two embraced each other excitedly.
“Miss Mian can rest assured now,” Xie Zheng suddenly said.
“I thank you on behalf of Mian’er.” Song Mingyan bowed to him.
But his arm was pressed down by the folding fan: "Between you and me, there is no need for thanks. Is this your reason for not wanting to marry Xiao Qi?" He looked at Jiang Mian and suddenly understood. Back then, his father wanted to reward him by giving him Xiao Qi, but this man not only refused, but even said that he already had a fiancée. Although his father did not blame him, Xiao Qi threw a huge tantrum.
The two had a falling out, and just then, a matter came up. He took the opportunity to divert Song Mingyan's attention, thinking that Xiao Qi might not be angry anymore once he returned.
Unexpectedly, the fiancée he mentioned actually existed.
“Mian’er and I grew up together, and she is the love of my life.” Song Mingyan looked down at Jiang Mian and spoke without hesitation.
Xie Zheng chuckled. He already had a Crown Princess, but he didn't love her. He was surrounded by concubines in his mansion, and he couldn't say which one he liked. Sometimes he couldn't even remember the names of those women. When he went out to play or run errands, he would occasionally bring one or two back with him.
He liked to play the role of a lovelorn young master, but he wasn't truly lovelorn. However, seeing Song Mingyan's earnest words, he smiled and said, "Don't speak too confidently. What if..."
"There will be no one else. In my life, I will marry no one but Mian'er." The young man's voice was gentle, but every word he uttered was unquestionable.
Jiang Mian couldn't help but look at him, her heart filled with mixed feelings.
He made such a solemn promise to her, yet she couldn't say anything. If nothing had changed back then, if Brother Wen Shi hadn't met with an accident, if she hadn't come to Jeju, and if she hadn't met Shen Ji, perhaps she would really be marrying him now, just as he said.
But ultimately, things are different.
How could she possibly marry him without any burden now? She was no longer worthy of him.
"Mian'er, no matter how long it takes, I will wait until you are willing to marry me." Song Mingyan turned his head, his eyes filled with tenderness.
"If you've made up your mind, come find me at this restaurant. I'll be waiting for you." Song Mingyan lowered his voice, his eyes filled with deep affection as he gazed at her.
Jiang Mian's heart skipped a beat, and a hint of emotion flickered in her eyes.
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