Volume 2 Chapter 10 - Seeking Medicine
Zi Yu entered the room to check on Leng Jiu, but she was startled to find another person there. Her eyes widened in shock. The person turned to look at her, and those cold eyes seemed to pierce her soul, leaving Zi Yu so frightened that her legs went weak and her entire body stiffened, unable to react.
Just as Zi Yu was about to collapse, a delicate arm reached out from under the covers and turned the head back. Then, Leng Ji’s lazy voice rang out, “She’s mine, don’t scare her!”
Long Yue Li caressed her tender and delicate face, “Don’t you know that I have people stationed outside the palace? Summon a few of them to come in, they are absolutely loyal!”
“You just want your people to monitor me, don’t you?” Leng Jiu gave him a sidelong glance, as if she didn’t know his intentions.
Long Yue Li chuckled, “It’s because you attract so many admirers. It’s already generous of me not to get rid of them one by one!”
Leng Jiu ignored him and slightly sat up, glancing at Zi Yu. “You can leave now! Don’t let anyone else in!”
Zi Yu struggled to steady herself and nodded, then turned and left! But she probably wouldn’t sleep well tonight!
Long Yue Li pulled Leng Jiu back, “You care so much for your maid, I’m getting jealous!”
Leng Jiu sneered, “You haven’t been jealous enough?”
Long Yue Li sighed helplessly, “I’m only jealous because of you, you heartless thing, and now you’re mocking me?”
Leng Jiu leaned into his arms and continued to sleep, “Don’t make a fuss! I’m still sleepy!”
Long Yue Li frowned, “You’ve slept for almost ten hours, how are you still tired? Your body isn’t that weak, is it?”
Leng Jiu didn’t respond, closing her eyes and pretending to be dead. How could she say that if she didn’t sleep, she’d be pounced on by this overly energetic wolf? She didn’t want to be tormented by him all night; it could be deadly!
With Leng Jiu’s refusal, Long Yue Li truly only held her and did nothing else. Whenever he had the time, he would stick around in Leng Jiu’s palace, and Zi Yu, having seen this a few times, got used to it. Although she knew it was somewhat improper, she also understood that some matters were beyond the concern of a lowly palace maid like herself.
Many things had settled down, and Leng Jiu finally had a few days of peace. The days gradually grew boring again, but fortunately, Zi Yu could play the zither to keep her entertained.
Du Heng walked in and glanced at Zi Yu, who was playing the zither nearby, then approached Leng Jiu. “Your Majesty, Eunuch w.a.n.g from the Weaving Bureau requests an audience!”
Leng Jiu cut a piece of apple with a silver fork and placed it in her mouth, “Why is someone from the Weaving Bureau seeking me?”
“I asked him, but he insisted on seeing Your Majesty before he would speak.”
Leng Jiu thought for a moment, “Let him in.”
When Zi Yu saw that Leng Jiu was summoning someone, she put down her zither and went to stand by her side to serve! After a short while, a thin eunuch walked in, “This servant greets Your Majesty!”
Leng Jiu set down her fork, “Speak! What do you want with me?”
Eunuch w.a.n.g glanced at Zi Yu and Qing Ling, who were standing beside Leng Jiu, “Your Majesty, could you ask these two ladies to step aside?”
Leng Jiu waved her hand, “You may leave.”
After Zi Yu and Qing Ling had left, Leng Jiu spoke, “Let me guess. The people from the Weaving Bureau have no connection with me, so for you to come here, there must be a pressing matter. After thinking it over, the only connection seems to be with Lu Chang, who has some dealings with you eunuchs, meaning that you are Eunuch Fu’s person!”
Eunuch w.a.n.g smiled, “Your Majesty is indeed perceptive! This servant is indeed sent by Eunuch Fu. Upon learning about the disappearance of Eunuch Lu, he specifically sent me to deliver a message to Your Majesty!”
Leng Jiu sneered, “Eunuch Lu is missing, and instead of looking for him, does he expect me to search for him?”
Eunuch w.a.n.g’s expression didn’t change, “Eunuch Fu said that although he did not partic.i.p.ate in the palace change incident four years ago, he is well aware of it. Over the years, he has had no enmity with Your Majesty. If Your Majesty is willing to spare Eunuch Lu’s life, he will keep those matters buried in his heart forever and never speak of them to anyone.”
Leng Jiu raised an eyebrow at his words, “Is he threatening me?”
“Your Majesty, you misunderstand! Eunuch Fu merely wishes to propose a trade with you.”
Leng Jiu picked up her cup lid and gently slid it across the surface, lowering her eyes calmly, “Go back and tell Eunuch Fu that if he wants to make a deal with me, he should bring some substantial chips to the table. Stop dragging up these old, trivial matters. I didn’t get to where I am today by being afraid of someone stirring up a little trouble.”
Eunuch w.a.n.g looked at Leng Jiu deeply, then bowed his head, “This servant will convey your message.”
After speaking, he took out a few patterns from his sleeve, “These are the new clothing patterns for the upcoming New Year. Would Your Majesty be interested in any?”
Leng Jiu glanced over the patterns and said, “The orchid one looks nice. I’ll take that.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. This servant will take his leave.”
After Eunuch w.a.n.g left, Leng Jiu called for Qing Ling, “Send a message to the General’s Mansion and have them investigate where Eunuch Fu lives and his influence!”
“Is it about Eunuch Lu’s disappearance?”
“Just a dying old eunuch. What right does he have to question me? He just wants to use the secret of a past bedchamber incident to make a trade!” Leng Jiu sneered coldly, “Using a secret that’s nearly buried to get someone from me, he really underestimates me!”
Qing Ling looked at Leng Jiu, then quietly left.
Leng Jiu lowered her eyes and walked over to the zither table. She raised her hand and slid it across the strings, her eyes flickering slightly, “In a few days, we’ll meet again. I wonder if the sound of the zither will be the same?”
Du Heng walked in, “Your Majesty!”
Leng Jiu plucked a string, “What is it?”
“The Young Lord Hua sparred with some generals today and was accidentally injured. He was carried back an hour ago. The n.o.ble Consort Hua just received the news and has already taken several imperial physicians to the palace.”
“Zheng!” The string in Leng Jiu’s hand made a deafening sound as she drew it across. Leng Jiu slightly lowered her eyes, “Is the injury serious?”
“It’s said to be a deep wound to the leg, so deep that the bone is visible. Even the d.u.c.h.ess was so frightened that she fainted!”
“I see. You may go.”
“Yes!”
After Du Heng left, Leng Jiu plucked another string, a single note leaping out from her fingertips. After a while, she stopped and let out a long sigh, “They’re all so troublesome, aren’t they?”
That evening, Long Yue Li came again. As soon as he arrived, he mentioned Hua Jinzhi’s injury. After explaining, he noticed that Leng Jiu’s expression hadn’t changed at all, and he asked in confusion, “Aren’t you worried?”
Leng Jiu looked at him strangely, “Why should I be worried?”
Long Yue Li raised an eyebrow mischievously, “That boy is very much in your favor, isn’t he? At his coming-of-age ceremony, you personally attended, not only did you give him a coronet and a hairpin, but you also drank his wine of happiness. Now that he’s injured, why aren’t you worried?”
“He has plenty of people to care for him. Even if he were to die, it wouldn’t be my turn to cry!” Leng Jiu replied coldly.
Long Yue Li’s eyelid twitched, and he couldn’t even muster his usual jealousy. He sighed and hugged Leng Jiu, “How could I forget that you’re a heartless creature? To think I expected you to show some concern. What a waste of effort!”
Leng Jiu said nothing. Long Yue Li suddenly lifted her chin and asked very seriously, “Hey! If one day I were to die, would you be sad at all?”
Leng Jiu lazily lifted her eyelids, “I would burn some peerless beauties for you to take to the grave so you won’t be lonely in the afterlife.”
Long Yue Li’s face turned dark, “Can’t you say something nice for once?”
“I’m obviously speaking human language, but it’s just that you can’t understand it!”
“You heartless thing!” Long Yueli fiercely bit her cheek. One bite wasn’t enough, so he continued, biting until Leng Jiu couldn’t help but snap: “You b.a.s.t.a.r.d, are you a dog?”
“Wrong! This king is an ox, and I’m thinking about chewing you up and swallowing you whole!”
“You really do have some self-awareness, knowing that you’re getting old!”
Unable to win against Leng Jiu in a verbal spar, Long Yueli suddenly pounced on her, curling his lips wickedly as his desire rose: “This king is indeed an old ox, so I’ll make sure to eat this dewy gra.s.s thoroughly!”
Leng Jiu was speechless. She raised her hand to push him away, but Long Yueli grabbed her hand, leaning in closer, his voice hoa.r.s.e with a soft sigh: “Jiu’er! It’s been five days. If I hold back any longer, I might die!”
Leng Jiu’s heart skipped a beat, and in that moment of distraction, Long Yueli had already lowered his head and kissed her lips, his large hands roaming over her body! Leng Jiu initially glared angrily at him, but in the end, the fire in her eyes turned into pa.s.sion, and she sank into it along with Long Yueli!
The night was warm and full of pa.s.sion, but who knows how long it lasted!
The next morning, when Leng Jiu tried to get up, she felt her whole body stiffen, and a blazing anger surged within her, nearly causing her to bite through her lip: “Long Yueli! Just wait until I strangle you to death!”
“Achoo!” Long Yueli, who had just returned to the royal residence, sneezed loudly. Without needing to think, he knew that Leng Jiu was cursing him. Long Yueli let out a helpless smile and rubbed his forehead: “I’m doomed! I didn’t hold back last night, and who knows how many days I’ll have to be celibate now!”
When Zi Yu walked in, she saw Leng Jiu glaring with eyes full of fury, looking as if she was ready to devour someone. She nervously approached: “Empress Dowager! What’s wrong?”
Leng Jiu finally closed her eyes with difficulty, and after a long while, she forced herself to suppress the anger, got up, wrapped herself in a coat, and coldly ordered: “Prepare clothes for me, I’m going to bathe!”
Zi Yu could tell at a glance that Leng Jiu was in a bad mood and obediently replied, “This servant will prepare them right away!”
Leng Jiu waved away the other palace maids and stepped into the bath. The warm water enveloped her, and her stiff body finally felt a little more comfortable. She hadn’t taken off her clothes, but even so, she knew her body was covered in marks. d.a.m.n Long Yueli, if he were in front of her right now, she’d definitely castrate him!
But after suffering such a loss, Leng Jiu understood one thing: men cannot be spoiled, nor can they be indulged, especially not those thick-skinned men who are impervious to anything. Never trust their promises!
After bathing, Leng Jiu’s mood had returned to normal. Qing Ling had prepared a meal, and Leng Jiu was indeed hungry, eating half a bowl more than usual!
After the meal, her body felt tired again. Just as she was about to return to her bed to lie down, she saw a third-cla.s.s palace maid dressed in green, approaching with her head lowered: “This servant Xiang Ming greets the Empress Dowager!”
Leng Jiu paused: “What is it?”
Xiang Ming took out a jar of ointment and handed it to Leng Jiu: “This is from my master, who asked me to give it to you. She said applying it will make it hurt less!”
Boom! The rage that Leng Jiu had been suppressing instantly exploded, her eyes narrowing dangerously as the anger flared up. Xiang Ming was so scared that she forgot to react, feeling an urge to run, but Leng Jiu didn’t give her the chance. She suddenly placed a hand on her shoulder and gave a sinister smile: “Go back and tell your master that I’m thinking about castrating him. Should he do it himself, or should I do it personally? He can choose!”
Xiang Ming looked at Leng Jiu in fear, dumbfounded: “Is there a difference?”
“Of course!” Leng Jiu’s smile grew even colder: “If he does it himself, it’ll hurt less. If I do it, I’ll make sure he’d rather be dead than alive!”
Xiang Ming opened her mouth but couldn’t say anything!
Leng Jiu pinched her pale cheek: “Be a good girl and pa.s.s on the message, alright?”
Xiang Ming nodded instinctively!
It wasn’t long before Long Yueli got word of what Leng Jiu had said, without a single word left out. He let out a long sigh; for his own safety, it would be best to lay low for a while!
Carrying her anger towards Long Yueli, Leng Jiu went back to bed. Now that she was so exhausted, she could hardly kill an ant. What else could she do but sleep?
She woke up around noon, just in time for lunch. Leng Jiu then had Zi Yu give her a ma.s.sage. Even after sleeping for so long, she still felt too lazy to move!
“Zi Yu! I’ve noticed your ma.s.sage skills have improved a lot recently!” Leng Jiu said with a satisfied smile, her eyes half-closed.
Zi Yu chuckled softly: “This servant ma.s.sages the Empress Dowager every day, and a few days ago, I even sought advice from the court physician. The physician said ma.s.saging these acupoints is most effective, so I learned from that!”
Leng Jiu nodded: “Not bad. If you do well, I’ll reward you. Ah, a little lower, my waist is still sore!”
In the cool afternoon breeze, Leng Jiu had Du Heng move the chaise longue to the Hundred Flowers Garden, laid out a silk cloth, and went straight to sleep there. Before her was a cl.u.s.ter of peonies, which had just bloomed beautifully, but before long, they had turned into a pile of shredded petals!
Although her body still felt somewhat tired, Leng Jiu couldn’t fall asleep now. She lazily lay on the chaise longue, waving for the servants to bring the flowers from the courtyard for her to crush!
Zi Yu looked at the petals scattered all over the ground with pity, but seeing that Leng Jiu was obviously in a bad mood, she didn’t dare try to dissuade her!
“Empress Dowager!” Du Heng walked in with a duster in hand: “Empress Dowager! Consort Hua requests an audience!”
Leng Jiu paused her flower-crushing hand: “I’m not seeing her! I’m in a bad mood!”
“Yes!” Du Heng retreated, but after a while, she returned: “Consort Hua is kneeling outside the hall, saying she has something to ask of the Empress Dowager!”
“She’s asking for my help?” Leng Jiu raised her eyebrows slightly, dropping the peony petal in her hand: “What could she possibly need from me?”
“This servant does not know! But Consort Hua is kneeling at the door, touching her head to the ground, and it seems like she has something urgent!”
Leng Jiu thought for a while before finally saying: “Let her in then!”
Before long, Hua Yuxuan entered, dressed in simple yet elegant clothes, her face showing signs of fatigue, as if she had rushed over from somewhere. Her expression was somewhat somber, and she walked up to Leng Jiu, kneeling: “This concubine greets the Empress Dowager!”
Leng Jiu looked at her posture and chuckled softly: “I’m not worthy of such a grand gesture from the n.o.ble consort, please rise!”
Hua Yuxuan didn’t get up; instead, she looked at Leng Jiu with an expression devoid of the usual hostility: “I beg the Empress Dowager to save Jinzhi’s life!”
Leng Jiu narrowed her eyes slightly, “Why would the n.o.ble consort say such a thing?”
“Jinzhi sparred with someone yesterday and injured his leg. The imperial physician discovered that the injury affected his tendons and bones. Even if it heals, it will leave a lasting problem. I know the Empress Dowager possesses a miraculous medicine that can regenerate tendons and bones, so I beg you to grant the medicine and save Jinzhi’s life!”
Upon hearing this, Leng Jiu chuckled softly, “It’s just a minor lingering problem; it’s not life-threatening. Why say it’s a matter of life and death?”
“Empress Dowager! Jinzhi has loved martial arts and horseback riding since childhood. If he is left with a lingering problem, he won’t be able to ride or practice martial arts as he pleases. That would be like taking his life away!”
Leng Jiu picked up a handkerchief and wiped the flower juice from her hands: “Qing Ling!”
“Yes, Your Highness!”
“What miraculous medicine do I have that can regenerate tendons and bones?”
“Empress Dowager, it’s the Black Jade! It was made by the late, world-renowned divine physician Ghost Hand, using over a hundred rare herbs. It can regenerate tendons and bones. Years ago, when the old general was severely injured on the battlefield, his leg bones were shattered, and his tendons damaged. He was almost crippled. The divine physician, impressed by the old general’s loyalty and bravery, gave him the only piece of Black Jade, allowing the general’s bones to be reforged and his tendons repaired. The general recovered, and he and the divine physician became close friends. However, the divine physician pa.s.sed away a couple of years later, and no one has been able to make Black Jade since.”
Leng Jiu raised an eyebrow slightly. Such a miraculous item? She turned to Hua Yuxuan and said with some difficulty, “n.o.ble Consort Hua, did you hear that? This is the only keepsake left by the divine physician to my father. I cannot make a decision on this. Please, return.”
Hua Yuxuan looked at Leng Jiu with wide eyes, unable to believe it: “Empress Dowager! Are you really going to let Jinzhi die?”
Leng Jiu frowned in confusion, “It’s not that I want to let him die; it’s that I’m powerless. This is the divine physician’s keepsake, and it’s my father’s. Even though I am the Empress Dowager, I cannot make this decision. If you are determined, send someone to ride swiftly to the southwest and ask my father. Perhaps, seeing the longstanding friendship with Duke De, he may be willing to save Hua Shizi.”
“I never thought the Empress Dowager would be so heartless!” Hua Yuxuan’s face turned pale, and she spoke with a bit of anger, “Jinzhi carried the hairpin you gave him at his coming-of-age ceremony during his days at the military camp. He drank alone every night, and it was because of his drunkenness that he got into a fight and got injured. I don’t believe you had nothing to do with this; last night, as I watched over Jinzhi, I personally heard him call your name. He has deep feelings for you. If he knew you were so heartless, wouldn’t he be heartbroken?”
Hearing her accusatory tone, Leng Jiu found it amusing: “Hua Yuxuan! I don’t know whether to call you foolish or clever. If you know that I am the Empress Dowager, then you should know the crime of a minister coveting the Empress Dowager. If this were known, at worst, the emperor might exile him; at worst, the world would despise him and he would be reviled. Since you are aware of this, you should keep it to yourself, yet now you use it to accuse me of being heartless. In your view, should I show affection towards him? And with what ident.i.ty are you questioning me? Don’t you find it laughable?”
Hua Yuxuan turned deathly pale. She was angry at Leng Jiu’s coldness and indifference, but everything she said was true, leaving her unable to argue. After a long while, she managed to find something to say: “Even if Jinzhi were condemned by the world, wouldn’t the Empress Dowager fear being labelled a femme fatale who brings chaos to the court?”
Leng Jiu plucked a peony: “I’m only twenty years old now. Even if I did nothing, the t.i.tle of femme fatale would probably be pinned on me. What do I have to fear? And besides, to be a femme fatale, one must have the right qualities, no?”
Hua Yuxuan tightly clenched her handkerchief, unable to respond. Leng Jiu was like a block of iron, impervious to anything. No matter what she said, it would be thrown back at her. What more could she say?
“In that case, I… shall take my leave!” Hua Yuxuan took a deep breath, got up, and left, her figure heavy with dejection.
Leng Jiu lowered her gaze, not looking at her. Only after she had gone did she speak: “Qing Ling! Is that item at the General’s residence?”
Qing Ling nodded, “It is!”
“Go fetch it for me!”
Qing Ling was a bit surprised, “Didn’t the Empress Dowager just say she wouldn’t give it? Besides, that medicine is the only one of its kind in the world. If it’s used, it might never be found again!”
Leng Jiu slightly raised her eyelids, “Things are dead, but people are alive. Besides, I don’t want to see that proud man fall. That would be no fun!”
Qing Ling said no more, and turned to have someone retrieve the medicine. Within half an hour, it was presented to Leng Jiu.
“This is Black Jade?” Leng Jiu looked at the small, black piece in front of her, no larger than her palm. It was hard, like a lump of coal, and it had an inexplicably unpleasant smell.
“They say it’s made from the bones and blood of fifty rare treasures, mixed with over fifty kinds of herbs. There’s only this one piece in the world!”
“And how is it used?”
“You just need to soak it in water, and it will soften and dissolve. It’s applied to the wound, and within seven days, the tendons and bones will regenerate, even stronger than before. The old general used most of it back then. If it’s given to Hua Shizi, there will be none left!” Qing Ling spoke with some reluctance.
Leng Jiu inspected the item but couldn’t make sense of it. She didn’t know much about medicine, only a few herbs for insect repellents and stopping bleeding. To her, it was just a black lump: “So miraculous? Then as long as one isn’t dead, even if all their bones are broken, they can recover?”
“More or less!” Qing Ling nodded. “By the way, should the Empress Dowager send this medicine to Hua Shizi now?”
Leng Jiu put the medicine back in the box beside her and said, “I said I wouldn’t give it, so I won’t.”
Qing Ling was puzzled and didn’t understand.
Leng Jiu didn’t explain, continuing to destroy the flowers in front of her.
Less than an hour later, Du Heng hurried in: “Empress Dowager! The Emperor has brought Duke De!”
Before the words were finished, Eunuch Qu’s voice rang out: “The Emperor has arrived!”
“Greetings to the Emperor!” A group of palace maids knelt down.
“Rise!” The Emperor raised his hand and walked quickly towards Leng Jiu. Seeing her lazily reclining on the couch, his eyes flickered: “Is the Empress Dowager feeling unwell again?”
“The Empress Dowager was merely taking a nap, and now one after another comes, clearly not letting me have a peaceful rest, right?” Leng Jiu spoke lazily.
Duke De quickly stepped forward, cupped his hands, and bowed. “Your servant greets the Empress Dowager!”
Leng Jiu raised her hand. “Duke De, you may rise! What brings you here today?”
Duke De’s face was heavy with concern. “Your servant wouldn’t dare disturb the Empress Dowager, but for the sake of my son, Jinzhi, I have no choice but to thicken my face and come to plead. My son was severely injured yesterday and is still unconscious. Although the imperial physician can heal his leg, they cannot restore his muscles and bones. I’m afraid my son will be crippled for life. I humbly beseech the Empress Dowager for medicine!”
Seeing that Leng Jiu remained silent, Long Yi spoke up, “I understand the Black Jade is invaluable, but Jinzhi urgently needs it. I ask the Empress Dowager to grant the medicine on my account.”
Leng Jiu lowered her eyes. “The Black Jade was a gift from the divine physician to my father, and I cannot make that decision. Why doesn’t Your Majesty send a letter to ask my father?”
Long Yi frowned, “A round trip to the southwest, even at top speed, would take seven days. Jinzhi cannot afford to wait that long!”
“Empress Dowager!” Duke De fell to his knees, tears streaming down his face. “I only have one son, Jinzhi, born of my primary wife. I beg the Empress Dowager! If the Empress Dowager is willing to grant the medicine, I will forever be in your debt and repay this favour to both you and the old general!”
Leng Jiu’s brow twitched slightly; this was exactly what she had been waiting for. “Duke De, you are too serious! Let me think about it.”
Seeing her soften, Duke De felt a glimmer of hope. “I never intended to trouble the Empress Dowager, but I am left with no choice!”
Long Yi patted Duke De on the shoulder. “Uncle, do not worry too much. The Empress Dowager is not unreasonable.”
Leng Jiu thought to herself, *Do I look like a reasonable person?*
She deliberately remained silent and troubled for a long moment before sighing deeply, “Fine! Saving a life is like fighting a fire; surely my father wouldn’t blame me for this. Qing Ling, go to the general’s manor and fetch the Black Jade for Duke De!”
Qing Ling understood and nodded. “Yes, Your Majesty!”
Duke De finally felt the weight lift from his heart. “Your servant thanks the Empress Dowager for this life-saving medicine!”
Qing Ling took Duke De to retrieve the medicine, while Long Yi sat down beside Leng Jiu. Seeing her lazily reclining on the soft couch, her exquisite beauty even more captivating in the sunlight, he reached out to caress her, but Leng Jiu opened her eyes, coldly staring at his hand.
Long Yi had no choice but to retract his hand. He looked at the scattered petals on the floor, feeling a sense of melancholy. “I never imagined we would end up like this.”
“What is the Emperor lamenting?”
Long Yi gazed at her, his eyes filled with guilt, repressed affection, and helplessness. “If I had intervened back then, would things be different now?”
“The past is the past. No matter how much one regrets it, everything is already set in stone. The Emperor should refrain from saying more; I haven’t finished my nap.” With that, she closed her eyes, no longer looking at him.
Long Yi sighed once more. As he got up to leave, he suddenly asked, “Have you ever heard the story of Empress Mingxian?”
Her response was the sound of her steady breathing. Long Yi flicked his sleeves and left with his hands behind his back.
After he had gone far, Leng Jiu opened her eyes. “Zi Yu, come tell me a story!”
Zi Yu was initially stunned but then realised that Leng Jiu wanted to hear about Empress Mingxian. Thinking for a moment, she began, “Empress Mingxian was the second empress of the founding emperor of the previous dynasty. Originally, Empress Mingxian was the youngest concubine of the emperor’s father, known as a beautiful woman. After his father’s death, the emperor brought this woman into the palace. After many twists and turns, she eventually ascended to the position of Empress and was conferred the t.i.tle of Empress Mingxian.”
Leng Jiu raised an eyebrow. “Is that all?”
Zi Yu pouted, “Empress Dowager, these are just stories from unofficial records. My father never allowed me to read such books, so it’s already good that I know this much!”
Leng Jiu thought about it and decided not to push her further. Although there were only a few words, the meaning was clear, and as for Long Yi’s intentions… did he intend to follow that emperor’s example? Leng Jiu’s eyes flickered, unsure whether to feel mockery or amus.e.m.e.nt.
When Leng Jiu finished her dinner, Qing Ling returned. “The Black Jade has been given to Duke De.”
“Hmm,” she responded casually, indicating she was aware.
Qing Ling stood by for a while before finally voicing her curiosity, “Why did the Empress Dowager insist on Duke De coming to ask for the medicine before giving it?”
Leng Jiu put down her chopsticks and wiped her mouth. “What do you think?”
Qing Ling shook her head. “I don’t understand! If the Empress Dowager had already decided to give the medicine to Lord Hua, why go through so much trouble?”
Leng Jiu tapped the table and sighed, “Do you really need me to explain everything?”
“When Hua Yuxuan came to ask for the medicine, if I had given it so easily, who would remember this favour? The Black Jade is incredibly precious, and if I just handed it over casually, it would lose its value! Hua Jinzhi’s injury requires the Black Jade for full recovery. Duke De, for the sake of his son, would definitely come to me to request the medicine. I pretended to hesitate, but they couldn’t wait and had to plead with me. By reluctantly agreeing, Duke De now owes me a favour. In the future, if the Leng family faces trouble, he may not be able to help much, but he won’t stand by and do nothing either. Even though a favour isn’t very tangible, it’s better than nothing. And such a valuable thing shouldn’t be given away for nothing, right?”
Qing Ling suddenly understood and admired Leng Jiu even more. There was so much wisdom in what seemed like a simple matter!
Zi Yu, who had been listening nearby, only half-understood. “At first, I thought the Empress Dowager really wasn’t going to give it.”
Leng Jiu chuckled, “He’s the heir to a Duke’s mansion, not just an ordinary person. With both Consort Hua and Duke De requesting the medicine, and the Emperor acting as an intermediary, even if I didn’t want to give it, I had to!”
“So, exchanging it for a favour seems like the best option.”
Leng Jiu’s eyes gleamed. “This is called maximising benefits. If something must be done, then make sure it works to your best advantage, so you don’t lose too much, right?”
Zi Yu nodded eagerly, full of admiration.
In Duke De’s residence…
Hua Jinzhi finally woke up and saw Hua Yuxuan sitting by his bed. His face darkened, and he turned away.
Hua Yuxuan was used to his expressions and wasn’t bothered. She simply asked, “Does it still hurt? The imperial physician has bandaged it; it shouldn’t be too serious.”
Hua Jinzhi remained silent. Hua Yuxuan sighed, “I know you don’t like me, but you should consider Father and Mother. When you were carried back, Mother was so frightened she nearly fainted.”
Upon hearing this, Hua Jinzhi was moved slightly, his voice hoa.r.s.e, “Where is Mother?”
Seeing that he was willing to speak, Hua Yuxuan smiled slightly. “Mother was exhausted from watching over you and only went to rest after I persuaded her. She hasn’t slept since last night. I’ll let her know you’ve woken up when she wakes.”
Hua Jinzhi said nothing more. Hua Yuxuan sat silently by the bed, her eyes wandering until they fell on something half-hidden under his pillow—the familiar design of a hairpin. Her heart trembled, and she reached out to take it, but before she could touch it, Hua Jinzhi grabbed her hand, looking at her with guarded eyes. “What are you doing?”
Looking at the hairpin, she felt like she could see that person—kneeling before her in the humblest posture, pleading, yet receiving only cold, unfeeling indifference. Although she didn’t want that person involved with Hua Jinzhi, seeing him like this felt unfair. Now, seeing this hairpin, countless emotions welled up within her, impossible to suppress.
“Is this the hairpin she gave you?”
Hua Jinzhi let go of her hand and stuffed the hairpin back under his pillow. “It’s none of your business!”
Hua Yuxuan looked at him with some pain, saying, “There are so many women in the world. Why did you have to fall for the one you shouldn’t? Don’t think I don’t know about your wild behavior in the military camp—drinking and acting crazy with hairpins. If you hadn’t been so disheveled from drinking, how could anyone have harmed you?”
Hua Jinzhi’s eyes grew cold. “Are you spying on me?”
“If I hadn’t sent people to watch you, no one would have known if you were beaten to death!” Hua Yuxuan said with slight anger.
Hua Jinzhi stared at her sternly and said word by word, “Hua Yuxuan! Stay out of my business. Just take care of yourself!”
Hua Yuxuan, exasperated, said, “I’m your sister, yet you treat me like a wolf. You defend that heartless woman at every turn. Do you even have a conscience?”
Hua Jinzhi glared fiercely. “I forbid you to speak of her like that!”
Hua Yuxuan sneered in anger. “You defend her so foolishly, but do you know she doesn’t even care about your life or death? When I went to the palace today and begged her on my knees, do you know what she said? She had life-saving medicine but refused to help, saying she would drag you down even if it meant bearing the name of a beauty who brings disaster. She’s not afraid of you being exiled or being slandered by everyone in the world!”
Hua Jinzhi’s face turned red with anger, but then he noticed something and his expression changed. “What do you mean by life-saving medicine? What do I need?”
Seeing his expression turn cold, Hua Yuxuan realized she had revealed too much. She wanted to backtrack but saw that it might not be possible. “The sword wound you received almost severed your tendons and shattered your bones. The doctor can only treat the injury but cannot restore the tendons and bones. Even if the injury heals, your leg will almost be useless!”
Hua Jinzhi felt his strength drain instantly, and the only thought in his mind was: Useless! He’s become a cripple!
Hua Yuxuan, seeing his face turn gray, was scared and immediately said, “But it’s not without hope. As long as we get the black jade left by the divine doctor for the old general, your tendons and bones can be restored to their original state!”
Hua Jinzhi moved his eyelids slightly. “Is that why you went to beg her?”
“Yes!” Hua Yuxuan nodded, holding her handkerchief. “She was extremely cold-hearted and refused to give it to me, not caring about you at all!”
Hua Jinzhi lowered his eyes, looking dejected, and murmured, “How could she care?”
Hua Yuxuan, thinking he had lost his heart for Leng Jiu, felt relieved and added fuel to the fire. “Just now, father also went to the palace and begged the emperor to go with him. They both knelt before her, but she still refused to give it. I see that she really doesn’t care about you. Just give up!”
Hua Jinzhi closed his eyes and stopped speaking.
Seeing his apparent hurt, Hua Yuxuan felt a sense of relief, thinking that if he was hurt, he might forget the cold-hearted woman, and everything would be fine in the future!
Soon, Duke De returned with the black jade, looking excited. “Jinzhi is saved! He’s saved!”
“Doctor! Doctor!”
Duke De called out excitedly, and several doctors quickly came out. The lead old doctor looked at Duke De with excitement. “Did the prince obtain the black jade?”
Duke De nodded repeatedly. “Yes, yes! Quickly apply it to Jinzhi!”
The old doctors were also excited. This was a miraculous medicine left by the divine doctor, a treasure of the highest order. “Rest a.s.sured, Your Highness! We will apply it immediately and ensure the young master’s leg will be restored to its original condition!”
“That’s good!”
Duke De handed the black jade to the doctors and went inside. Seeing Hua Jinzhi awake made him very happy. With the medicine now available to save him, Duke De was no longer gloomy and just wanted to get him well soon. He went to Hua Jinzhi’s bedside and said, “Jinzhi, don’t worry. Father will make sure you’re healed!”
Hua Yuxuan, seeing his joy, asked, “Did the Empress Dowager agree to give the medicine? She clearly said she wouldn’t.”
Duke De nodded. “It’s the only divine medicine left by the divine doctor and was meant to save the old general’s life. It’s understandable that the Empress Dowager was reluctant to part with it. However, she’s still reasonable and eventually gave it. I’ve had the doctors start applying the medicine immediately. He will recover fully!”
Hua Yuxuan carefully looked at Hua Jinzhi, fearing that he might change his mind about the Empress Dowager’s willingness to give the medicine. However, seeing him still looking grim, she felt somewhat relieved.
As the doctors applied the medicine, the stinging pain felt like being cut by a knife. But Hua Jinzhi was numb and endured it without even frowning. The doctors praised his determination, not knowing that his heart was in even more pain!
September was about to end, with golden leaves falling, creating the most beautiful scene of late autumn.
“Empress Dowager! The weather is cold; don’t stand in the wind!” Zi Yu brought a cloak and urged Leng Jiu to put it on.
The autumn wind blew Leng Jiu’s hair. She looked up at the sky and squinted slightly. “It looks like it’s going to rain!”
“Yes! It’s been so gloomy these days. It should rain soon!”
Leng Jiu looked down and turned around. “Let’s go inside!”
Recently, everything had been calm as if it were a still pond. Leng Jiu entered the room, and Qing Ling came in from behind. “Empress Dowager!”
Leng Jiu stopped. “What is it?”
“Just now, when I came back, I heard that Young Master Hua’s injury has greatly improved. He can now walk on his own!”
Leng Jiu’s eyebrows twitched slightly. “Why are you telling me this?”
“No! I just thought the Empress Dowager should know the result since you provided the medicine!”
“Ah, that’s true!”
Qing Ling looked at Leng Jiu and added, “But I heard that Young Master Hua seems to be a bit strange. Perhaps due to the severe injury, he has been silent and indifferent to others. Even the d.u.c.h.ess of De has cried several times out of worry!”
Leng Jiu lowered her eyes. “Don’t mention such things to me again. By the way, what has Prince Xuan been doing recently?”
“The Emperor arranged for Prince Xuan to welcome the regent of the Snow Country. A few days ago, Prince Xuan slacked off, and only started preparing these past two days.”
“He is considerate. It seems he really wants to matchmake Princess Lanxiang with Prince Xuan!” Leng Jiu smiled slightly and went inside. She wondered what had changed in the person she hadn’t seen for months. She lay on the soft couch, recalling the days when she listened to him play the zither in the abandoned courtyard. She missed those days.
“Lan Ze!”
－－－－－－
Hua Jinzhi is injured! Alright, I admit it. I reflect on my actions, and all the readers can feel free to criticize!