Chapter 50 Chapter 50 Rumors, Symptoms
In winter, there is less to do and people have more free time. At this time, the restaurants and teahouses in the capital are the most lively. Tea is cheap, the floor stoves are warm, there are storytellers and singers, and friends gather to chat. People can sit and have fun all day long and don't want to go home.
If there is anything new in the capital, these places are the most informed.
No one knew where the rumor originated, but it was said that the wife of the Shangshu Ling had asked to leave the house because she had not given birth to any children for many years, and she was said to have moved out of the house.
The teahouse was filled with noise, and if you sat in the lobby corridor, the noise was a little quieter, so even your table mates couldn't hear clearly.
Therefore, as soon as he said this, his tone became slightly higher, and all the guests around him turned around, their eyes burning, with curiosity clearly written on their faces.
The man who had spoken hurriedly covered his face with his sleeves, his attempt to hide only made it more obvious. Someone with quick thinking immediately exclaimed, "You actually knew about this, too?"
After these words were spoken, there was a moment of silence, followed by echoes from all around. The man hesitated for a moment, then poked his head out again, only to glance around with a pair of eyes. He hesitated and said, "You all know?"
Without even discussing it, everyone nodded in agreement: "I know, I heard about it yesterday!"
"I saw the carriage leave the city with my own eyes!"
"Exactly!"
Seeing everyone's stories were so convincing, the man gradually let down his guard and revealed his whole face. Unable to resist the urge to speak up, he also echoed, "I heard that after the Xu family found out, they came to plead for mercy, saying they would send their other daughter to bear a child as a surrogate mother, but in the end, the lady had her people beat them out!"
As soon as these words fell, there was a collective gasp. Everyone listened intently, asking repeatedly, "What happened next?"
The man had been surrounded at some point and was in the spotlight. He forgot himself for a moment and started talking non-stop with a smug look on his face.
"Speaking of which, our Lord Linggong is truly magnanimous! Mrs. Xu had been childless for many years, yet not only did he not take a concubine, he also gave her the proper respect. Even though Mrs. Xu left, she still enjoyed the protection of the Shangshu Ling Mansion. When she left, she even left with countless valuables in carts and carriages!"
"From what you said, it's clear that the old feelings between you and your lord are still there. Why did you agree so easily?"
"That's right! When the Ma family divorced, the lady only took away her dowry. I've never heard that she was still under the protection of the family. She didn't even receive any gifts of money. Master Ma was known for loving his wife!"
"Exactly! I heard that Lord Linggong's marriage was personally granted by the Empress. How could he just divorce her?"
Seeing the doubts all around him, the man was so angry that he slammed the table and stood up, waving his arms and shouting angrily, "What do you know! The Queen is urging us to get married, not granting us a marriage. We can get divorced naturally! I don't know whether there is any old love, but I know that even if the deal fails, there is still righteousness! If the Ma family is so heartless, why don't they allow Lord Linggong to be righteous? My cousin's wife's relatives on her mother's side work in the Shangshu Ling Mansion. This news has spread throughout the noble mansions! I swear to heaven, if I say even a word false, I will make sure that I will never get rich in this life!"
Those who came to drink tea and listen to stories in the depths of winter were mostly ordinary people with a little extra money. Who wouldn't work day and night for a few taels of silver? In this world, without money, you can't get anywhere. With the end of the year approaching, swearing that you won't get rich at this time shows how hard-hearted you are.
After all, being struck by lightning is illusory, but having no money is a real suffering.
With this, the voices of doubt suddenly died down, and most people were convinced and nodded in agreement. Suddenly, someone in the crowd, which had already formed three layers inside and outside, said, "So, if Lord Linggong agreed, could it be to make room for the woman in the house in Mianhe Hutong?"
Unexpectedly, the murmurs and buzzing noises suddenly quieted. Not only did no one respond, but the crowd suddenly dispersed. The person who had spoken, seeing the situation was not good, hurriedly blended into the crowd. In a short while, the teahouse was almost empty.
The remaining people who had not left but had been listening with their ears perked up all cursed the man in their hearts for being too talkative, saying that he would get mouth ulcers in the future!
After all, Xu is a thing of the past, so let people talk about her. As long as it doesn't damage the reputation of the Shangshu Ling Mansion, there's no harm in listening to it.
But the one in the mansion in Mianhe Hutong is the apple of Lord Ling Gong's eye! Even now, many people come to visit the Liuli Mansion every day.
How dare you chew that person's tongue? Isn't that like a birthday star hanging himself because he thinks his life is too long?
*
Once the news leaked, it spread like wildfire. Within half a day, word spread from one person to ten, and from ten to a hundred, until everyone in the capital knew about Lord Ling's divorce.
Logically speaking, Lord Ling Gong, at such a young age, already holds the highest position among all officials, possessing immense power and influence, and possessing a distinguished appearance. Now that the position of principal wife is vacant, countless ladies should be eager to take the position.
However, the glamorous mansion that was built with so much fanfare still stood tall. Even though it was reported to the emperor and reprimanded by the empress, the guests in the mansion were not implicated at all.
A good son-in-law is certainly desirable, but who wants their husband to love someone else like a treasure? Young girls' love is real, but noble ladies are not fools. Consider the example of the Xu family. After years of marriage, not only did they not say that water drips through stone, but they also lost all trace of affection and divorced without a single day's delay.
And the rumor that Lord Daoling still has feelings for the Xu family is truly a huge joke.
Who was Lord Linggong? His reputation for ruthlessness and prestige was so great that the entire court, both civil and military, avoided him. While there were many talented and intelligent women among the nobles, no one, no matter how high their self-esteem, was arrogant enough to believe they could control a man like him.
Although they secretly envied the woman for having the Duke under their thumb, they couldn't help but feel curious and admired her.
A storybook is just a storybook. If you take it seriously, you are the biggest fool in the world.
*
Imperial Palace, Yide Hall
Because of a unilateral rift between the Renwang Mansion and the Shangshuling Mansion, Xu's resignation was not kept secret, seemingly intentionally spread. Therefore, among the powerful and influential people in the eighteen streets, the Renwang Mansion was one of the first to learn of the news.
To this end, he even specially prepared delicious food and wine and called his precious daughter to gloat over the matter. Therefore, when Princess Baozhen was summoned to the palace by the Queen and the matter was mentioned, she was not surprised, but she was still shocked.
"...He mobilized the Jingji Guards for her, was repeatedly impeached, and embarked on a massive renovation of the mansion. Now, even his position as first wife has been vacated! He loves that woman and can't bear to let her suffer. But has he ever considered the rumors and gossip Xu will have to endure after leaving the mansion? How will she survive in the future? That huge mansion is barely big enough for one person?"
"He's really, lost his mind!"
Princess Baozhen blinked, then saw the Empress holding her forehead and frowning, seemingly angry. She hurried forward to gently pat her back and said bluntly, "Given Lord Ling's status, renovating the mansion is no big deal. I think those censors are making a fuss out of nothing. Besides, as for Xu, it's not like there are no women in our Sheng Dynasty who have divorced."
"Let's not talk about far away places, let's just talk about the Ma Mansion nearby. After Madam Sun left the mansion, she became the head of the household. She didn't have to visit her every morning and evening, she didn't have to fight with her sisters-in-law, and she didn't have to compete for favors with concubines. With money in her hands, her life was so comfortable."
"I've heard that the Lord Ling's mansion has gifted Xu with a considerable fortune and has also granted her the protection of the Shangshu Ling's mansion. As long as she's determined to establish herself, how bad can her life be? Besides, in my opinion, it's better to leave and have some peace and quiet than to remain in the mansion without favor, or to watch others being pampered and suffering from jealousy."
Princess Baozhen's words were indeed sincere. Lord Ling hadn't deliberately concealed the truth, so she naturally knew who lived in the mansion.
The matter depends entirely on one's position. If one sides with Miss Lan, Ling Gong will dote on her in every way, take all the trouble, dare to act and take the responsibility, and naturally it will be a great success.
For Xu, not having an heir was a grave sin. Even though she disregarded such words as dirt, people's words were terrifying. Leaving the Shangshu Ling Mansion, perhaps she could find a soulmate again. Wouldn't that be better than being a widow?
Although the words were somewhat unorthodox, they were true. Empress Guo often summoned Baozhen to accompany her because she liked her personality. She spoke her mind directly without any twists and turns.
Moreover, she was not really speaking up for Xu. Even if she did, it was only a little at most.
Even though Xu's childlessness wasn't entirely her fault, it still evoked some resentment. She was the only female mistress in the Gu Yan residence, and despite all the favorable circumstances, she hadn't even managed to conceive a son or daughter. She was truly unfit for purpose.
Gu Yan, a man of prudence, had been repeatedly breaking his composure for the past six months, showing signs of being seduced by women. Furthermore, she had ordered him to manage the affairs of the mansion, not to expel Xu.
He actually dared to act first and report later on such a major matter as divorce. He is becoming more and more willful and reckless.
Princess Baozhen was secretly complaining when the Empress suddenly asked, "I know that your visit to the Great Baoen Temple was due to that woman. From what you've said, it doesn't sound like you harbor any grudge against her. Since you've had some dealings with her, tell me the truth. Who is this woman, that she would even show some leniency to someone as difficult as you?"
Princess Baozhen paused in her movements and raised her head as if she sensed something.
Empress Guo, now leaning with one arm against a soft pillow, wore a phoenix robe, her hair adorned with gold hairpins and pearl and jade rings. A palace maid stood behind her, bowing, her brows lowered, her bare hands gently rubbing her forehead. Her phoenix eyes half-closed, her gaze condescending, yet indifferent yet commanding, she exuded a powerful presence that intimidated her.
It's true that the Queen has always had a reputation for virtue, but how could she manage such a huge palace and make the concubines live in harmony and respect each other just by virtue?
Baozhen's back tightened, her mind racing. In the blink of an eye, she had pursed her lips, her cheeks tense, like someone who'd been hurt but was holding back. She bowed, then stepped off the platform and took a seat at the lower level. She reached for the silk ribbon at her waist and flicked it lightly in her other palm. Her brows raised slightly, the corners of her lips curled, revealing a hint of her usual imposing demeanor.
"That woman and I are worlds apart. Wouldn't it be beneath my dignity to argue with her? If Her Majesty hadn't asked, I would have already forgotten about her."
Suddenly, his brows knitted slightly, as if reminiscing. "I vaguely remember her as being quite pretty. Please don't blame me, Your Majesty. I've only met that woman twice. Once, I was invited to your residence by Lord Linggong, and once when she came to visit me at the Great Baoen Temple. We didn't have a long conversation, but I vaguely felt that she was straightforward and sensible, not someone with deep thoughts."
Empress Guo said nothing, but continued calmly, "Was it her fault that slapped Gu Yan on the face a few months ago?"
The main halls of the imperial palace all had underground heating systems, and the Empress even burned sandalwood charcoal on the Phoenix Terrace where she sat and reclined. Princess Baozhen removed her cloak upon entering the palace, revealing a long purple satin dress lined with mink fur, a waist-length jacket of the same color, and a fiery red fox fur collar around her neck, enveloping her in warmth.
At this moment, I felt a growing heat on my back and a slight sweat on the tip of my nose.
Though the Empress had lived in the inner palace for a long time, she was still very discerning. If one wanted to know what happened in someone's residence this morning, it wouldn't be until noon. The Minister of State, sporting a slapping mark on his face that was clearly from a woman, had actually gone to court to handle matters, sparking considerable discussion within the capital.
The Empress treated him like her own daughter, and planned everything carefully. How could she not know about such a serious matter as a slap in the face?
How could someone who couldn't even lift a finger against someone else tolerate someone else hurting him? Lord Ling Gong may be a thoughtful and thoughtful person, and he can still protect people for now, but men are often fickle. If one day his looks fade and his love wanes, and he has no one to protect him, he will be punished when the time comes. I'm afraid he won't end well.
Princess Baozhen's eyes flickered slightly, but she didn't respond directly. Instead, she smiled bitterly and said, "Your Majesty, I do know a thing or two about this matter. However, Lord Linggong is ruthless and vindictive. Your Majesty, you know that I have already received a small punishment from Lord Linggong, and I dare not offend him again."
Although she had gone to the Great Baoen Temple under the pretext of praying for blessings, the incident had caused quite a stir that day, and the inside story was known to all the powerful and influential. She, a princess who had been pampered since childhood, had indeed been wronged by Gu Yan's ruthless treatment.
And in her opinion, the punishment was too severe.
Afterwards, she seemed to have grown wiser and never mentioned the matter again. This time, though her words were laced with sarcasm, Empress Guo was magnanimous and not only did not take it to heart, but with a smile, she ordered her attendants, "Go and fetch the red jade headpiece from my private treasury and give it to the princess."
Upon hearing this, the senior palace maid who was in charge of the key to the private vault responded with a blessing.
Taking advantage of the moment, Empress Guo pointed her finger at her with her well-maintained slender hand, shook her head and smiled, "Did I summon you to the palace today to file a complaint? Well, you've certainly been wronged in that matter. Don't worry, now that you're here, if he ever finds a reason to pick on you again, I'll take care of it for you."
The Emperor deeply loved the Empress, and while the Imperial Treasury held the world's rarest treasures, the Empress's private collection was even more precious. This set of red jade headpieces was meticulously crafted by the palace's treasure workshop, and its appearance and craftsmanship are impeccable.
After receiving the reward and the promise, Princess Baozhen naturally confessed everything she knew. She said sternly, "To be honest, Your Majesty, I didn't see with my own eyes who had slain the mark on Lord Linggong's face. But I do know that the woman was deceived by Lord Linggong."
Then, she recounted the events of that day in detail. Seeing the Empress's brows furrowed slightly, her expression growing more serious, Princess Baozhen tactfully stood up and said, "I have troubled you for a long time today. If there is nothing else, I will take my leave now."
Empress Guo had not expected such a hidden story to happen, and her mind was in turmoil for a moment, so she just waved her hand and let her go.
Gu Yan, under orders to rest in Yuqing, concealed his identity out of a desire to avoid being disturbed, which was understandable. On the other hand, it was the woman who lacked manners, secretly engaged in private dealings with others, and was so audacious that she even traveled thousands of miles to seek him out.
To be fair, this kind gesture is worthy of praise. However, how is this different from elopement when it comes to uninvited marriages? It's hard to be looked up to when one is so self-deprecating.
However, he still has some merits because he realized his mistake and turned back.
In the final analysis, it was Gu Yan who deceived people first and then forced them to do what they wanted. Since that's the case, let's wait and see.
*
Lan Nongnong was a little annoyed. He used to talk to her often, but she just thought he was talking to himself. He didn't force her to respond, so they were in peace.
But ever since she started rehabilitation, he had been insisting on her response. She was fed up with it, and she would always excuse herself by saying she was sleepy, but he wasn't so easy to fool. Sometimes he would pinch the tip of her nose, sometimes he would kiss her lips, forcing her to gasp for air and wake up.
I don't know where he got all these questions from: how she slept, how she ate, how many steps she took, what she did. He even asked about her notebook and her handwriting, which was really noisy.
Speaking of the storybook, she'd only written a dozen chapters, and the protagonist hadn't yet solved the fifth case. According to her outline, there were still thirteen cases to be solved. Lan Nongnong had always loved suspenseful and crime-solving genres, and she found them quite easy to write. While this type of writing wasn't mainstream at the moment, it did have a market.
Next, the protagonist will solve his first case in this new land, thus becoming famous...
Seeing her lost in thought again, Qin Jingyao was no longer anxious. She didn't reject his approach, and even allowed him to take advantage of her. There was no hatred in her eyes when she looked at him, she just didn't respond.
Since she showed that she had forgotten everything, he did not ask any more questions. Her health was the most important thing. Now she was willing to stay with him obediently.
All other things are not worth mentioning.
*
Unlike Qin Jingyao's relief, Mo Chou was only filled with confusion.
Miss Lan's condition when she first woke up was definitely not fake. How could she have recovered without any external interference in just a few days?
If depression were truly so easily cured, why would it be such a difficult problem for doctors?
But Miss Lan was really cooperative, she could laugh and answer questions. Although she still often stayed alone, she looked no different from an ordinary person.
Mo Chou had the heart of a doctor, seeking clarity when he had doubts. So after taking the pulse that day, he stood up, bowed, and said bluntly, "I have a question for you, young lady. Would you be willing to answer it?"
Lan Nongnong was now able to walk on her own. She hurriedly held the table and returned the greeting, inviting the guest to sit down. She said humbly, "Doctor Mo has saved my life. If I can answer, I will tell you everything I know. Please speak."
Mo Chou made a few humble remarks, then stopped being polite and asked directly, "Excuse me, young lady, what is the opportunity that led to your recovery this time?"
Fearing any offense, he hurriedly explained, "Please forgive me, young lady. I meant no offense. Depression is a symptom that is difficult to cure. I've read through medical texts and tried many methods, and while I've found some that can slightly prolong lifespan, I've never seen anyone escape depression for life. So, seeing that you're now open-minded and your pulse is clear, I'd like to ask for your advice. If you're willing to give me some advice, I'd be very grateful."
Practicing medicine is like peeling back the threads of a cocoon; any subtle change could be the key. This allows one to analyze symptoms, adjust prescriptions, and treat the symptoms accordingly. If this is recorded in a journal, it might benefit others in the future.
However, when Mo Chou raised his head, he saw Miss Lan's confused expression, and she seemed even more confused than he was.
Lan Nongnong was completely bewildered. She had no idea when she had developed depression. She would be willing to help, but the key was that she didn't have the disease.
Faced with the other party's face full of thirst for knowledge, Lan Nongnong seriously examined herself again and finally determined that she was just frozen silly and exhausted both physically and mentally. Her physical strength gradually recovered in the past few days and she naturally got better.
After confirming everything, she told him the truth. She felt that she had not been able to help, and her sick face was full of guilt. To make up for it, she racked her brains to search for methods that she knew could help depression. She whispered softly,
"This disease... I've heard of it before. Its symptoms vary widely, from palpitations and insomnia to withdrawal and self-loathing, self-doubt and depression, and even self-harm and self-injury, ranging in severity. Although I haven't experienced it myself, I do know that this disease is a heart disease. While heart disease requires heart medicine, external aids are also indispensable."
She frowned slightly, trying to recall. "You must be in a relaxed and stable environment, associate with people with bright minds, stay away from those who are deep and obscure, and avoid too much contact with those with deep thoughts and obscure emotions. Bask in the sun often and feel the natural energy of the four seasons. Keep some calming incense and medicine with you, and read and listen to positive and comforting words on a daily basis..."
Lan Nongnong is not a medical student and has never studied medicine specifically. All she knows is what she heard from interviews with experts in the medical column or from occasionally reading medical books at home.
Medical matters were of great importance, so she did not dare to add any personal opinions. She repeatedly confirmed that what she said was correct and that her meaning had not been misinterpreted before she concluded cautiously.
"All I know is what I've heard and seen occasionally, so it's quite superficial. Furthermore, everyone is different, and the symptoms are myriad, so not all of them are accurate. If there are any shortcomings in what I've just said, please consider it for yourself and take what is useful. I just wonder if these fragmentary words can be of any help to Doctor Mo?"
Of course it’s beneficial!
The path of medicine is like a journey of a thousand miles, a journey of continuous exploration that never ends. Discussing and discussing with others is also about learning from others and becoming a teacher.
Although Miss Lan's words were similar to the treatments he knew, they were more direct and detailed. The last sentence, "Mental illness is small, nature is great," was particularly profound, drawing on the great principles of heaven and earth to heal one's own mental illness.
Mo Chou recited the words silently in his heart, and felt that they were more and more profound. He could not help but sigh in admiration: "The person who came up with this recipe is truly a master."
He paused as he finished speaking, looking up in astonishment. The woman opposite him looked relaxed, her face filled with the satisfaction of having helped someone. However, the more lightly she spoke, the heavier the weight on Mo Chou's heart grew.
He couldn't speculate on the entanglement between the adults and him, but from a medical perspective, Miss Lan had returned with only severe frostbite and a minor lung infection, but her pulse showed no signs of serious illness and her bones were undamaged. This showed that the so-called fall from a height was probably within her expectations.
A woman with minor injuries was able to evade the search of the palace guards who were always following her and spend a few days in peace.
It is quite normal for a woman with such courage and strategy to be so calm and composed after waking up.
But she is not a saint. Faced with such a sudden change, her plan was about to fail, and her injuries worsened, how could she remain so calm?
Only when symptoms occur can we trace and identify the cause and prescribe the right medicine. If symptoms remain hidden, accumulating internally and becoming more serious, a sudden outbreak can often be even more dangerous and unpredictable.
Miss Lan is well aware of the various symptoms of depression and also knows the corresponding relief methods, so she deliberately avoided the symptoms. Looking at her expression and words, it doesn't seem fake, so there is only one possibility,
She even fooled herself.
Mo Chou thanked her and left, his brow furrowed as he walked along. He didn't know if it was because he couldn't bear to see such a smart woman forced to use this to protect herself, or because he was worried about how to treat someone who believed she was healthy.
*
As winter deepens, reports of snowstorms become more frequent. To avoid a repeat of last year's fate, the court has dispatched numerous envoys with money and grain to various locations to provide relief. Fortunately, tax revenues have been plentiful in recent years, and the treasury is well-stocked, so even with these frequent disbursements, no one objects.
As her condition gradually improved, Qin Jingyao stopped bringing official documents back to the mansion. He wasn't afraid of being called foolish, but he knew she hated being criticized, so he wanted to protect her reputation.
Fu Zhirong finally saw that he had not dismissed the court and went straight back to the palace, so he sent someone to guard the palace gate. He went back to his duty to arrange everything, and then waited early by the Shangshu Ling's carriage outside the capital hall.
As soon as he saw someone coming out, he hurried forward and bowed, saying with a smile, "Your humble servant greets His Excellency. You've been so busy lately that I didn't dare disturb you. Seeing you look so cheerful today, I guess you've finally got some free time. Would you mind honoring us with a visit?"
Qin Jingyao didn't stop walking and glanced at him: "Just say it."
Fu Zhirong didn't beat around the bush. His tall stature allowed him to catch up in a few steps, and he said with a wry smile, "Your Excellency is so perceptive, I admire you! To be honest, my wife has issued a strict order, specifically asking me to inquire on her behalf. I wonder if it would be convenient for you to send a letter to your residence? My wife wants to meet up with an old friend."
Qin Jingyao was about to step onto the stool and get into the carriage, but upon hearing this, he retracted his foot. He stood still for a moment, then turned and glanced at him. The sight of this heroic and robust fourth-rank official made him feel guilty and short of breath. He then smiled slightly and said in a rare and pleasant manner, "It's freezing cold, so it's inconvenient to entertain guests. If you have any interesting news or happy events, please write to me."
Fu Zhirong watched the carriage go away before he breathed a sigh of relief, turned around and mounted his horse, but he did not head towards the government office.
Officials in the Sheng Dynasty enjoyed generous salaries. They began their shifts at the beginning of the morning hour and ended at the beginning of the evening hour, with a one-and-a-half-hour lunch break. Lunch was provided by the office, but if it wasn't tasty, they could have it delivered from home. Those living nearby were also allowed to return home for meals, but they needed to arrange this themselves and not miss work.
Fu Zhirong was a fourth-rank Lieutenant General of the Imperial Guards, responsible for guarding the Imperial City. He usually rotated duties with his deputy general, but today, he was in charge of patrolling the city's security, freeing himself from the inner confines of the palace and allowing himself to return home for a short rest at noon.
Wang Yingzi had anticipated that the Minister of the Chancellery would not attend, so she had prepared a meal for him. Seeing him return, she asked a maid to remove his armor, then she took the long sword and placed it on the shelf. After washing their hands together, the couple sat across from each other and shared a meal.
There were no elders to serve in the house, and no children, so the couple did not bother with those empty formalities, dismissed the servants, and chatted while eating.
Fu Zhirong served his wife the first bite of rice, then wolfed down a few mouthfuls of half a bowl of rice before speaking as if to give her an assignment: "...From your Lordship's expression, I know the young lady is recovering from her illness, but it's inconvenient for her to go out in the winter. I ask that if you have any important matters, you can send them in a letter, but it must be happy news."
Wang Yingzi also practiced boxing to keep fit, and she had a big appetite to begin with. She finished half a bowl of rice and helped him with the dishes. She nodded and said, "I didn't expect him to agree. Nong Nong must have suffered a lot during her trip. As long as she's safe, she'll get better sooner if she hears some interesting stories to cheer herself up. Your Excellency is really thoughtful."
Fu Zhirong couldn't understand such affection between women. In his view, his wife and Miss Nalan had only met a few times, and his brother-in-law had been forced to leave Beijing because of her, unable to return home for a year or two. Far from harboring any resentment, his wife treated him with genuine love. Upon learning of Miss Nalan's drowning, she worried day and night, visiting the Great Baoen Temple for days to pray and pray. Upon hearing the news of her death, she was overcome with grief.
It's not that he was overthinking it, but because on the day his brother-in-law left Beijing, he didn't see his wife crying like his mother-in-law did.
Wang Yingzi knew what he was thinking at a glance. When interacting with people, the first thing to consider is rapport, followed by character, and then personality. She and Nong Nong possessed all three.
He also felt pity for her because he knew she had been deceived, and that despite her humble background, she had the courage to refuse to bow to the powerful. He waited for the right opportunity and acted decisively without hesitation.
At first, she just felt pity for Nong Nong, but then gradually her feelings turned to admiration, until she developed sincere admiration for her.
His courage and determination to resist are greater than many men in this world.
She had no idea what Shang Shu Ling's mood was when he found Nongnong, but she herself was filled with joy at having found her again.
The more Wang Yingzi thought about Nong Nong's actions, the more she couldn't wait to see her. She wondered if her injuries had improved, if her body had recovered, if her mind had relaxed. Thinking about this, she felt unable to eat. She simply put down her bowl and chopsticks, saying, "I'm going to write a letter," and rushed to the study, leaving Fu Zhirong stunned and forgetting to eat.
*
By noon, the snow had stopped and the sky had cleared. The snow outside the glazed dome had long been cleared away, and under the sunlight, it shone brilliantly and radiantly.
Inside the palace, rockery is craggy, waterfalls cascade down like silk threads. Fish swim leisurely between small bridges and flowing water. Flowers bloom in profusion, fragrant with their aromas, and butterflies flutter. Everywhere is vibrant and warm, like spring.
The gate of the mansion opened, and a gust of cold wind took the opportunity to invade, but before it could spread around, it disappeared into thin air.
The carriage entered the mansion and stopped in front of the screen wall. As Qin Jingyao got out of the carriage, he glanced at Mo Chou, who was waiting there, and motioned for him to accompany him. Then he strode towards the inner courtyard.
Mo Chou was of medium build, a little thin, but not frail. He followed closely behind with steady steps, not struggling at all. Knowing that he was anxious to see someone, he spoke faster, reported what had happened that morning, and gave his judgment.
"...I have searched through medical books and manuscripts, and fortunately found a condition similar to yours. This condition is similar to hypnosis, but the former is performed by the doctor, while the girl is self-hypnotized, deceiving herself and others, burying her inner thoughts. Although she seems to be no different from an ordinary person at the moment, but--"
Qin Jingyao stopped abruptly, the smile on his face vanishing in an instant, replaced by a frosty coldness. He put his hands behind his back and slowly turned around. Without asking for details of her condition, he said in a deep voice, "You only need to eliminate the root cause of her illness and take good care of her body. Your rash words today will not happen again."
Mo Chou suddenly looked up and met his warning gaze. His unfinished words were choked in his throat. However, it was really difficult for a doctor to give up halfway even though he knew the symptoms.
Furthermore, hiding one's illness and avoiding medical attention is a serious taboo. Even if one appears healthy at the moment, hidden dangers may be lurking. If left untreated, it will be too late to regret once the condition becomes irreversible.
Mo Chou stared at him for several breaths, then finally looked away as if in compromise, saying, "I will obey your orders, sir. However, if you want to maintain the status quo, you must not tolerate any strong stimulation. At least before spring, your body cannot bear it."
Qin Jingyao watched him leave with a stern expression, and when he turned around, all the darkness in his eyes disappeared.
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