Chapter 146: Wandering

Ming Huazhang looked very seriously, with a completely different solemn look than usual. Ming Huashang had just moved her fingers when Ming Huazhang noticed. He immediately put down what he was holding and leaned over to support Ming Huashang: "Shangshang, you're awake. How are you? Are you feeling unwell?"

Ming Huashang shook her head slowly, Ming Huazhang helped her sit down, turned around and brought a cup of water to her, carefully feeding her. Ming Huashang dodged subconsciously, Ming Huazhang was slightly startled, tightened his fingers, did not embarrass her, but put the cup in her own hands.

Ming Huashang held the teacup and sipped it. The water had a light salty taste, not too hot or too cold, just the right temperature for drinking. Ming Huashang quickly finished the glass of water, and before she opened her mouth, Ming Huazhang poured her another glass as if he could read her mind.

"You have a fever and are sweating a lot. The doctor said you should drink salt water. The taste may be a little strange, so bear with it."

Ming Huashang had been burning for a whole day and night, her brain was burnt, she drank whatever Ming Huazhang gave her, lowering her head and drinking the half-cooled salt water obediently. When she finally drank enough and put down the teacup, she found that the drawings were gone.

She didn't even notice when Ming Huazhang put those things away.

Ming Huazhang calmly put away the map, not wanting these things to disturb her recovery. She was sensitive by nature, and could easily detect the criminals' psychology, but was also easily attacked by those with malicious intent.

This is also the reason why Ming Huachang did not let her experientially restore the murderer's psychology from the beginning. When she put herself in the role of the murderer, she could easily infer what the murderer was thinking and what he wanted to satisfy when he did these behaviors. This is indeed very helpful in solving the case. However, if you immerse yourself in the ink vat for a long time, even the most solid white paper will inevitably be stained with black spots, not to mention that Ming Huachang's emotions have never been strong.

In her current state, if she saw Zhaocai's body, she would definitely be shocked. But he was afraid that she would feel guilty if she didn't see Zhaocai one last time, so he tried his best to keep Zhaocai's body. When she recovered and had the strength to face these things, she could decide whether to see Zhaocai or not.

Ming Huazhang was unable to save Zhaocai, nor could he get sick for her. All he could do was to become a barrier to shield her from the outside world's doubts, malice, and pressure, so that she could be herself without any burden. No matter what her decision was, Ming Huazhang would help her realize it.

But in front of Ming Huachang, Ming Huazhang did not mention a word of these things. He acted as if nothing had happened and asked in a gentle voice: "Do you want to eat something?"

Ming Huashang nodded slowly, and Ming Huazhang asked the maid to bring the medicine soup, test the temperature, and pass it to Ming Huashang. As soon as Ming Huashang finished drinking, he took the empty bowl and put a candied fruit in her palm.

The core of the candied fruit had been removed. Ming Huashang put the flesh on the tip of her tongue. A soft sweetness spread, overpowering the faint medicinal taste in her mouth.

Ming Huashang didn't say a word, but she found that everyone had taken care of her. His care was like a gentle spring breeze, taking care of everything, moistening everything silently, but it didn't bring any pressure at all, and it was even more thorough than Ming Huashang herself thought.

Ming Huashang finished eating the preserved fruit and finally said the first thing she said after waking up: "I want to eat more."

When Ming Huazhang heard her speak, his brows relaxed a lot, and his attitude was gentle but firm. He said, "You can only eat one more. It's late now, and eating too much will cause toothache."

Ming Huachang hummed softly. Ming Huazhang quickly brought the preserved honey. He seemed to be concerned about Ming Huachang's refusal when she just woke up, and he did not try to feed her again. Instead, he put the preserved honey in her palm, and stopped there. He was considerate and gentlemanly.

Ming Huashang ate two dates in a row and seemed to have regained a lot of strength. She was troubled by the stickiness on her fingertips, so Ming Huazhang took out a wet towel and wiped her fingers clean carefully.

He put the wet towel back into the basin, rubbed it gently and forcefully, squeezed it dry, and placed it on the edge of the copper basin. He picked up the dry cloth beside him, wiped the water stains on his hands casually, and touched Hua Chang's forehead with the back of his hand: "It's still a little hot, you need to sweat more. Are these quilts heavy? Do you want to change to a lighter one?"

Ming Huashang spoke in a hoarse voice: "Second brother, you don't have to be so careful, I'm fine."

Ming Huazhang looked at her and said nothing. He turned around and said to the maids, "Take these and leave. You are not needed here."

The maids murmured their agreement, put away the cups and basins, and walked out in small steps. After the door was closed again, Ming Huazhang pulled the quilt over Ming Huashang and said nonchalantly, "I have already confessed our affairs to my father."

Ming Huachang was unconscious during her nightmare, and couldn't help but burst into tears when she saw him. Now she was more conscious, and the conversation between them that night came back to her mind. She thought back to the scene of herself hugging Ming Huazhang and crying, and she felt embarrassed.

From now on, they were just siblings, and she should keep her distance from him. So she refused his water and company, intending to return to the normal distance between siblings. She was silently drawing a line in the sand, and she really didn't expect to hear such words from Ming Huazhang.

This was like a bolt from the blue. Ming Huashang raised her head suddenly, forgetting the warning she had just made to keep her distance. She asked in disbelief, "What did you say?"

Ming Huazhang still looked calm. He reached out to help her straighten her sleeves, as if her untied sleeves were the most important thing in the world. He said slowly, "Although I think you already know, there are some things I still want to tell you in person. I am not actually your brother, but the son of Crown Prince Zhang Huai. I have been taken care of by Duke Zhenguo for many years and have been fostered in the Ming family. Is it too late for me to answer your question last time?"

Ming Huashang was completely stunned. Ming Huazhang smiled at her, stretched out his hand to smooth her fluffy hair, and said, "I have been your brother for seventeen years. I don't know if I have done a good job. If I am still okay, can I stay by your side as a man in the future?"

Ming Huashang's fever had not yet subsided. Her eyes were watery and her cheeks were red. She stared at him blankly like a lost deer, making people love and pity her.

Ming Huazhang wanted to touch her cheek, but he held back. He withdrew his hand from Ming Huachang's hair and said like a restrained and polite brother, "Don't feel pressured. I'm telling you all this because I think this matter should have an answer, for you and for myself. Whether you respond or not, it won't affect anything. I will still fulfill my responsibilities as a brother in the future."

Ming Huashang felt a little at a loss under such gazes, and lowered her eyes and said, "You and I have nothing to do with each other, so what responsibilities do we have?"

"Of course I do." Ming Huazhang said seriously, "I owe you this."

Ming Huashang seemed to have heard the gods pronounce a verdict that she had known the outcome of. She was not surprised, but only felt empty and exhausted. She leaned back, curled up in the pillow, and said, "You don't owe me anything. It's me who has let her down. I have taken a position in the mansion, but I am neither good at literature nor martial arts, and I need you to take care of me. If I had been the one sent away, it would have been better. She would have done better here than me."

Ming Huazhang held her hand tightly and said, "Shangshang, you are very good. You are unique and no one can replace you. It's not your fault that your sister was sent away, and it's not your fault that the case happened. Just focus on recuperating and don't let your imagination run wild."

Ming Huashang still had her eyes downcast, looking listless. If it was two days ago, she would have agreed to Ming Huazhang without hesitation, willing to accompany him to face his life experience, his national hatred and family feuds, their uncertain future and endless rumors. But now, Ming Huashang was timid.

Zhaocai's death was like a heavy hammer, hitting the innocent, idealistic and optimistic Ming Huashang. She had confidently told Princess Yongtai that she would be brave enough to be herself. She had thought that she had the courage to face all the prejudices in the world, but now, she found that she could not do it at all.

She is not as strong and brave as she imagined, and her recklessness will only bring disaster to those around her. Perhaps, as Madam Ming said, it is right to marry peacefully, have children, and live a life of obedience.

Ming Huazhang felt distressed when he saw Ming Huachang's fragile appearance. He wanted to hug her tightly, but was afraid that it would scare her. He clenched his fingers and hated his own incompetence.

There was a knock on the door. The guard stopped outside and said, "Second Master, there is a child who wants to see you."

Ming Huazhang frowned and pursed his thin lips into a straight line. He probably guessed who the child was, but Ming Huachang was at a vulnerable time, and he wanted to stay here with her...

Ming Huashang saw Ming Huazhang's embarrassment and took the initiative to say, "Second brother, go and do your own thing. I'm a little sleepy and want to take a nap."

Even at this time, she was still thinking about others. Ming Huazhang's lips moved slightly, and finally he pursed his lips, gently helped her lie down, and said softly: "Okay, I'll be back soon, you rest assured."

Ming Huazhang called the maid in and whispered to her when to change the water and when to give medicine, then he left quietly.

Ming Huashang lay on her side inside the curtains, staring absentmindedly at the delicate and bright flowers on the tent, and she hadn't felt sleepy for a long time.

Of course she couldn't sleep. She had been sleeping since last night and her bones were aching. Ming Huashang turned over and asked a few maids, "How are Prince Shao and Prince Wei doing?"

Jinbao and the others were stunned for a moment before they realized it was Ming Huashang who was speaking. They lowered their voices, fearing that they would scare Ming Huashang, and said carefully, "His Royal Highness Prince Shao has passed away, and the Prince of Wei was not blessed, and he could not be saved."

Ming Huashang was stunned for a long time, and couldn't help but sit up and ask: "What about Princess Yongtai?"

Princess Yongtai was forced to divorce Ji Xian and remarry Wu Yanji. Fortunately, she and Wu Yanji got along well, they had a child, and their life gradually improved. What would she do if Wu Yanji died?

Jinbao and the others seemed to sigh, and their voices became softer: "Princess Yongtai was afraid of losing her child, so she followed Prince Shao and Prince Wei."

Ming Huashang was completely stunned after hearing this, and murmured to herself: "How could this happen... They were all fine two days ago."

·

Ming Huazhang walked to the outer courtyard. As soon as he entered the door, he looked up and saw two thin figures behind the window coffin. He said to himself, "As expected."

The visitor was the errand boy that day. He kept his promise and really brought the little beggar who was going to deliver a message to Yan Jingcheng.

The two children were in the mansion, feeling uneasy but unable to help looking around curiously. They heard footsteps and turned around to see a tall and handsome young man standing in the twilight, and they were both startled.

The little beggar was so shocked by the sight of the god-like figure that he didn't know what to do with his hands and feet. The other child, on the other hand, became excited when he saw Ming Huazhang and ran over to him, saying, "I found him!"

Ming Huazhang smiled, walked into the main hall, and said softly, "Thank you very much. You must be tired after coming here so late. Do you want to eat something?"

The errand boy immediately said, "I want some bingsu!"

"Okay." Ming Huazhang half-knelt in front of them and asked patiently, "What flavor do you want?"

The errand boy was not afraid of Ming Huazhang at all and said bluntly: "I want red bean flavor, a big plate!"

Ming Huazhang nodded in response, looked at the little beggar, and asked, "What about you?"

He had a handsome appearance and an extraordinary demeanor, but he spoke very kindly. The little beggar gradually grew bolder and said, "I want cherry flavor."

Ming Huazhang agreed gently and asked someone to go to the kitchen and order two crispy buns, one with red beans and one with cherries. Afterwards, he asked the two children to sit down, and his attitude was like entertaining guests of nobles, without any contempt for their young age and ragged clothes.

Ming Huazhang said, "It will take a while for the kitchen to make the sushan. During this time, can you please tell me who asked you to go and inform Yan Jingcheng that day?"

The errand boy and the little beggar felt the rare respect. Even though they knew there was a huge gap between them and Ming Huazhang, they did not feel embarrassed at all and told the whole story of that day.

Ming Huazhang looked at them seriously, nodding his head from time to time. The little beggar realized for the first time that someone was listening to him. He became happier and stopped stuttering. He said, "The man was wearing a black cloak and a green ghost mask. I didn't see his face. But I remember he had a mole on his hand."

Ming Huazhang stretched out his hand and asked the little beggar to point to a certain place, not caring at all about the little beggar's dirty hands. The little beggar quickly pointed to a place, Ming Huazhang narrowed his eyes slightly, pondered for a moment, and asked: "Do you remember when he gave you something, was it his left hand or his right hand?"

The little beggar thought for a while and said, "It seems to be the left hand."

Ming Huazhang felt a little sad. The wound on Zhaocai's abdomen was caused by the left-handed man. Ming Huazhang called a few guards in and asked, "How tall is that person? Who does he look like most?"

The little beggar walked around the guards and pointed at one of them hesitantly: "He looks a bit like him."

Ming Huazhang asked: "Is that person very thin?"

The little beggar nodded: "Yes. Oh, I remember now, he always coughs when he talks to me."

Ming Huazhang thanked him quietly and asked his followers to take the two children to the chamber for dinner. In addition to Sushan, he also had hot meals prepared for them.

They are still growing, so dinner should mainly consist of soup. If they really like desserts, they can just pack them up and take them away.

After the two children left, Ming Huazhang stood alone under the eaves. He looked at the evening sky that was gradually changing from azure blue to inky black. After a long while, he said, "Call Honeysuckle."

·

Night falls. There is no moon tonight, but the sky is full of cold stars.

Ming Huashang lay in bed, tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep. She sighed resignedly, grabbed the quilt, and sat up from the bed. She leaned against the screen, staring at the shadow on the ground in a daze.

She thought that Li Chongrun and Wu Yanji were the royal descendants after all, and that the empress would not really beat them to death even if she was angry; she thought that with so many people in the royal family, there would always be a way to save them.

However, they were actually beaten to death.

It was unbelievable that a dignified prince, the empress's grandson, and the prince's eldest son was beaten to death in public at Danfeng Gate.

How desperate must Princess Yongtai be to be able to scare a pregnant woman to death? How upset must Ming Huazhang be when he knows these things?

And she didn't even care about him, letting him take care of her here for the whole day. He took the initiative to apologize and tried to solve the previous problem, but she buried her head and avoided it, which was rightly wasted his tenderness.

However, he was clearly the saddest and most difficult one. She lost Zhaocai, Ming Huazhang lost his cousin, cousin, cousin-in-law and unborn nephew. What he endured was much heavier than Ming Huachang.

Ming Huashang was lost in thought when suddenly a cool breeze blew in from the window, causing the curtains in the room to move slightly, disturbing the night sky. Ming Huashang came back to his senses and subconsciously raised his head: "Second brother?"

There was no response from outside. Ming Huashang's heart sank, and she instinctively reached under her pillow, but found nothing.

She had been living in such a mess that day, how could she remember to hide the weapon? Ming Huashang secretly clenched her palms, got out of bed as calmly as possible, and walked out calmly.

The other party was able to come in without anyone noticing, so it was useless for her to play dumb, so she might as well take the initiative to face it. Stay closer to the door and window, at least she could run one step earlier when calling for help.

Ming Huashang opened the curtain, raised her eyes, and saw a person who was unexpected yet not unexpected.

Su Yuji stood in the gloomy night, looking at her quietly.