The Prime Minister’s Daughter and the Marquis’s Fool – Chapter 176

There Are Also Two Family Letters from the Qu Marquis Residence

The military physician lifted the hem of his robe and walked to a spot not far from Qu Sheng, startled by what he saw before him. He called out urgently, “General! General!”

Qu Sheng turned at the sound. Seeing Military Physician Han approach, she smiled. “Military Physician Han is here.” As she spoke, she set down the large rock in her hand.

            

The Assistant Commander stood opposite her, arms outstretched, but dared not receive it.

Only when Qu Sheng placed the rockery stone down did the two men let out their breath.

Qu Sheng dusted her hands. “Military Physician Han, you’ve come at the right time. Help me examine my body’s current state.”

            

Military Physician Han studied Qu Sheng’s face, then looked at the blue veins standing out on her pale hand. “What does the General feel at this moment?”

Qu Sheng’s lashes fluttered. She thought for a moment, then raised both hands and spread them, examining left and right. “I feel boundless strength in my body, and my mind is unusually clear.”

Military Physician Han assessed her again, then lowered his head. “Please enter the room, General. Allow this humble subordinate to take your pulse.”

            

“Very well.” Qu Sheng nodded and walked toward the house.

The Assistant Commander watched her leave, glanced back at the rockery stone, then looked down at his own hands. How had she lifted that?

When Qu Sheng entered and sat down, Military Physician Han took her pulse, repeatedly glancing up at her. Qu Sheng noticed and asked, “Have you found anything?”

            

“General, your pulse is extremely strong. How much did you take?”

Qu Sheng recalled. “Perhaps one-tenth.”

Military Physician Han nodded. “The dose the General took should already exceed what the Bei’an soldiers take. You must not take any more.”

            

“What would happen if I took more?” Qu Sheng was quite satisfied with the strength she had gained, and suddenly found this substance remarkable.

“Your internal organs could rupture, leading to sudden death.”

Qu Sheng’s face instantly lost its earlier composure.

            

“General, your pulse is currently too strong. Please avoid any heavy exertion. Allow this humble subordinate to prescribe some remedies to alleviate the symptoms—”

Military Physician Han had risen halfway when Qu Sheng interrupted him.

“No need. Maintaining the current state is sufficient. I want to see what side effects it has.”

            

Qu Sheng felt her condition was quite good at the moment. “You said yourself, it’s only if I take more.”

Qu Sheng was someone who listened to reason. She valued her life greatly. She had tried it earlier only because the Bei’an soldiers used it—if they could use it, so could she.

This sudden surge of power was indeed astonishing.

            

Military Physician Han hesitated, but finally, under Qu Sheng’s firm gaze, he nodded. “This humble subordinate will stay here and watch over you.”

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The capital’s defenses had changed. The city gates were tightly shut.

When city gates remained closed during the day, something important must have happened. Several hours earlier, Feng Qi had been carrying his waist token for entry and exit, but upon reaching the city gate, he noticed something amiss.

            

Though the bloodstains outside the walls had been covered with dirt, traces remained.

This made him realize that the refugee problem Lin Xizhao had asked him to investigate had already yielded results.

The refugees in the various counties had seemed to vanish overnight. Today, trouble had erupted here. Even a fool like Feng Qi understood the situation.

            

Someone had launched a surprise attack on the capital and seized it.

Feng Qi turned his horse, intending to ride to Shoulin and alert the soldiers there. But Lin Xizhao was still in the city. Just as he turned, he spotted Zhu Ming’an galloping toward him on horseback.

Zhu Ming’an had recognized the mounted figures from a distance. As she drew closer and saw it was Feng Qi, delight washed over her face. “Guard Feng, I have, urgent news, to tell your, Second Master.”

            

Feng Qi looked at the dust-covered Zhu Ming’an, then glanced back at the city walls. He cupped his hands. “Miss Zhu, this is not a place for conversation. Let us speak elsewhere.”

Zhu Ming’an looked up at the distant tower and saw that the gates below were closed.

She keenly sensed the problem, and her smile vanished. The two of them rode their horses toward another location.

            

Zhu Ming’an explained her purpose, and Feng Qi recounted what he had learned about the refugees. After a thorough discussion, they roughly pieced together what had happened.

“Jiangnan, there, were no, refugees at all. These refugees, their, route, did it come from, from Lingyi?”

“Yes.” Feng Qi had investigated earlier; the direction was indeed from Lingyi. He had been about to return and report when he discovered the capital was in chaos.

            

The two exchanged glances. Zhu Ming’an continued her analysis: “I have already, sent a letter, to Shoulin, to prepare early. But, I don’t know, how the people in the capital are faring.”

Both had already guessed that Jin Mingjun had launched a rebellion and succeeded. They looked at each other. Zhu Ming’an continued, “Shoulin’s army is to the, southeast, and to the, north, there is General, Qu. Jin Mingjun, won’t act, rashly. Guard, Feng, do you intend to enter the city, or return to, Shoulin with me?”

“I will stay. These men beside me will accompany you to Shoulin—they will escort you.” He could not leave. He had to wait for the gates to open and enter quickly. His duty was to protect Lin Xizhao; he could not allow any harm to come to her. Zhu Ming’an’s arrival had resolved his dilemma.

            

Zhu Ming’an nodded, reined in her restless horse, and said, “In that, case, then I will, return to Shoulin first. Guard Feng, take care.”

Feng Qi held his horse’s reins and cupped his hands. “Miss Zhu, take care.”

Zhu Ming’an pulled her reins and turned away without hesitation. Feng Qi watched her gallop off, then turned his gaze back to the distant city gates.

            

Outside the gates, quite a few commoners who knew nothing of the situation were waiting to enter. But the men above seemed to be driving them away. Soon, the gates cracked open slightly, and someone emerged to post a notice.

Feng Qi went to look. The capital was hunting for rebels; the city would be sealed for five days.

Inside the city, commoners stayed behind closed doors. Soldiers marched in formation through the streets. At the Qu Residence, Lin Xizhao leaned forward, preparing to help Jin Yunfei take her medicine.

            

“Mother, come. Drink your medicine.” Lin Xizhao gently helped the now-awake Jin Yunfei sit up.

Jin Yunfei lowered her head and drank the medicine Lin Xizhao handed her. After swallowing it in one go, she gasped for breath for a long while. Lin Xizhao passed the bowl to a servant nearby, then took a handkerchief to wipe the corner of Jin Yunfei’s lips.

“Has Second Uncle returned?” Jin Yunfei raised her eyes to ask.

            

Lin Xizhao put away the handkerchief and spoke softly, “Second Uncle is still at the palace.”

Jin Yunfei heard this and sighed after a moment. Her voice was weak. “Third Uncle and your maternal uncle…” Jin Yunfei began to cry as she spoke.

“Mother.” Lin Xizhao did not know how to comfort her at this moment; she could only grieve with her.

            

That Qu Sheng was safe was already a mercy. If anything happened to Qu Sheng as well, Jin Yunfei’s body would truly not be able to bear it.

Jin Yunfei suppressed the grief in her heart and raised her red-rimmed eyes. “How is Third Aunt?”

Lin Xizhao lowered her gaze. “Fourth Aunt, Fourth Brother, and Jiayu are with her.”

            

Lin Xizhao had been attending to Jin Yunfei and had not been able to look after Third Aunt. Though Third Aunt of the Qu family had received the devastating news and was heartbroken, her condition was still better than Jin Yunfei’s.

Jin Yunfei had been harboring illness because of Qu Jinian’s situation, unable to recover. When she heard that Third Uncle of the Qu family and her own elder brother had died in battle, and that Qu Sheng was in critical condition, the sudden surge of grief and anger had caused blood to rush upward, and she had fainted.

“Help me up to see Third Aunt.” Jin Yunfei was worried about her. The sisters-in-law had always been close as sisters. Last time it was Fourth Sister-in-law; now it was Third Sister-in-law’s turn.

            

The men of the Qu family—why were their lives so fragile?

Lin Xizhao looked at Jin Yunfei’s swaying body. Though she did not want to take her over, she thought that seeing her might help.

Lin Xizhao helped Jin Yunfei up and went to the Third Household’s courtyard. When those inside heard Jin Yunfei was coming, they hurried out to support her.

            

Zhao Jiayu and Lin Xizhao each supported one side, and Jin Yunfei entered the room with difficulty.

Third Aunt of the Qu family sat inside, wiping tears from her face. When she saw Jin Yunfei approach, she could not help but cry again.

“Eldest Sister-in-law, why have you come?” Third Aunt of the Qu family was worried about Jin Yunfei’s health.

            

Jin Yunfei walked over slowly. Third Aunt of the Qu family tried to rise from the bed, but Jin Yunfei raised her hand to stop her, gesturing for her to lie back down.

“Our Qu family is full of loyal martyrs…” Jin Yunfei began to cry again as she spoke.

At this moment, it was not only Qu Jiqin’s death—there was also her son Qu Ce, the Second Household’s son Qu Ming, Qu Jian who had left no descendants, her husband who remained unconscious, Qu Ting who had lost his arm and was not in his right mind, and Qu Yu whose body was as delicate as a young lady’s, unable to shoulder burdens or lift anything.

            

At the thought of all this, Jin Yunfei’s heart twisted with grief.

The others in the room seemed infected by the sorrow. They lowered their heads, tears welling in their eyes.

After grieving for a while, Jin Yunfei raised her head. “As long as our family stays together, we can overcome any difficulty.”

            

Third Aunt of the Qu family, her eyes swimming with tears, nodded and held back her tears.

The people of the Qu Residence could not leave, so they did not know the specific situation outside. Lin Xizhao was somewhat worried that Jin Mingjun might use this opportunity to take revenge on Lin Xirui, but thinking that Qu Jixian was still in the palace, she felt somewhat reassured.

Earlier, she had used some silver to have the guards outside check on the Zhao Residence’s situation. By now, news should have arrived.

            

The family sat in the room and talked for a long time. The final decision was that if Jin Mingjun tried to use them to threaten Shoulin or Qu Sheng, they would not live on in shame.

Lin Xizhao helped Jin Yunfei return. Soon, a guard came to report that General Zhao had been injured—soldiers from the Jin family had tied him up to vent private grievances. He had now been carried back to the Zhao Residence. However, Jin Mingjun had allowed a physician to treat him, and fortunately his life had been saved.

When Zhao Jiayu learned this, she collapsed against Qu Yu’s shoulder, crying like a person made of tears. But even so, they were powerless.

            

Jin Mingjun had left, but the soldiers he brought still surrounded the Qu Residence.

After Jin Yunfei’s condition stabilized somewhat, Lin Xizhao took Zhimu, who had been crying and looking for her, from the wet nurse and brought her back to her courtyard.

Night fell. Tonight was even colder than the previous nights, as if winter had suddenly arrived.

            

A fire basin was lit in the room. Lin Xizhao sat on the bed playing with Zhimu, but her thoughts drifted elsewhere.

Jin Mingjun controlled the capital. Qu Jixian could not send letters out even if he wanted to. Yesterday she had sent Feng Qi out—she did not know if he had detected this situation.

Lin Xizhao only hoped that Feng Qi would not return, that he would go to Shoulin, or find Qu Sheng.

            

Once Shoulin received the news, they would certainly take action. Qu Jixian had said to prioritize the war in the north, but Shoulin could not remain completely unaware of this matter.

And her Sheng’er…

“Auntie.” Zhimu saw that Lin Xizhao was distracted and called out in her soft voice.

            

Lin Xizhao came back to herself at the sound. She looked down at Zhimu, and a smile appeared on her face. She played with her again.

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The Northern Frontier.

Qu Sheng waited for the effects of the medicine she had taken, but during this time she did not remain idle. She took up brush and ink, recording what she had observed in her several battles with the Bei’an army—their troop deployments and the movements of their military flags.

            

Though the Bei’an army was savage, their troop movements had no flaws. Moreover, their army’s movements seemed to rely entirely on the flag formations in the center.

Qu Sheng recalled how the flags signaled the Bei’an army—it appeared to be through changes in flag colors.

Qu Sheng wrote down everything she had seen on paper and derived patterns from it.

            

When Qu Sheng recalled the carriage crossbows she had seen, the images became clear in her mind.

The undersides of those carriage crossbows—some seemed to have very deep marks.

It had been six hours since Qu Sheng took the medicine. She wrote a draft strategy for countering the Bei’an army. Though it was only a first draft, when she finished reading it herself, she was startled.

            

The lamplight in the room flickered. Qu Sheng looked at the strategy she had written and doubted it for a long time. Military Physician Han entered based on the time. Qu Sheng was sitting in the room, revising the strategy she had written.

“General.”

Military Physician Han entered the room. Qu Sheng raised her head. Before Military Physician Han could say anything, Qu Sheng set down her brush and walked toward a side table.

            

Military Physician Han took her pulse. “What does the General feel at this moment?”

“My heart is somewhat racing, but it’s nothing serious.”

“Do you feel fatigue?” Military Physician Han gestured for Qu Sheng to extend her other hand.

            

Qu Sheng raised her other hand and placed it on the table. Instead of answering, she asked, “Does this medicine sharpen the mind?”

Military Physician Han blinked. “Why does the General ask?”

Qu Sheng recalled the period after taking the medicine—her mind was sharper than at any other moment. “Though I have read many military texts, I cannot achieve complete photographic memory. But during the battle with the Bei’an army, there were parts that were blurry—now I remember everything clearly. And problems that had lingered in my mind were solved after simple reflection. I want to know—is this the effect of the medicine?”

            

Military Physician Han finished taking her pulse and examined Qu Sheng’s eyes, staring at her for a long moment before saying, “This humble subordinate did not prescribe any mind-opening medicine for the General. It must be the effect of this drug.”

Qu Sheng nodded. Military Physician Han continued, “The General’s pulse is beginning to weaken. This humble subordinate will return in two hours to take your pulse again.”

Qu Sheng looked at Military Physician Han and nodded, still reflecting on the earlier sensation.

            

Two hours later, when Military Physician Han returned, Qu Sheng appeared somewhat listless.

Military Physician Han sat there taking her pulse and continued asking the questions from before. “What does the General feel at this moment?”

Qu Sheng replied, “I feel somewhat tired, and my head is a bit heavy.”

            

Military Physician Han heard this, looked up at Qu Sheng, and examined the bloodshot in her eyes. “This humble subordinate will prescribe some remedies to alleviate the symptoms.”

“No need. Record all my symptoms and give them to me tomorrow.”

But by the next day, Qu Sheng’s spirit remained low. When Military Physician Han arrived, he was also anxious.

            

Qu Sheng explained her symptoms one by one, and Military Physician Han recorded them all.

On the third day, Qu Sheng finally recovered her energy, but the vigor she had felt on the first day—the strength that had filled her body and mind—was gone.

Qu Sheng felt something was missing. She held the bottle of medicine she had taken from the Bei’an soldiers and wanted to take it again, but reason held her back.

            

“Go call Military Physician Han.”

Qu Sheng gripped the medicine bottle, her gaze drifting to the papers on the table.

Military Physician Han took her pulse. She had almost fully recovered, but Qu Sheng still felt somewhat lacking. She wanted to regain the state she had been in after taking the medicine. When she told Military Physician Han this, he said in shock, “General, this medicine cannot be used again!”

            

“Military Physician Han, do not worry. I will not use it again.” Qu Sheng paused, then asked, “If a person takes this substance for a long time, would they become dependent on it?”

Military Physician Han considered the question for a moment. “They likely would.”

“And if they become dependent but do not have the medicine—what happens?” Qu Sheng slowly turned the medicine bottle in her hand.

            

Military Physician Han looked at the bottle in Qu Sheng’s hand and thought for a few moments. “In Tiansheng, there is actually a similar medicine called Five-Mineral Powder¹. Historical records state that large doses cause addiction. If not supplied in time, one becomes listless and lethargic—just as the General experienced. Long-term use causes the tongue to retract into the throat, the back to ulcerate, and in severe cases, organ failure and death.”

Qu Sheng heard this and furrowed her brow. She stared at the medicine in her hand for a long time, lost in thought.

Early the next morning, Qu Sheng wrote a letter and had it sent to the capital. She also sent one to Shoulin. She needed a large quantity of weapons that had been abandoned, as well as things the Shoulin army rarely used.

            

Then Qu Sheng ordered the city gates opened and dispatched a squad disguised as commoners to the Mushui River in Heyi Kingdom.

That was the necessary passage for the Bei’an army to enter Tiansheng. She ordered them to observe the Bei’an army’s transport of provisions and other supplies.

Another day later, Qu Sheng received a letter from Lin Xizhao. The letter asked about her condition. Qu Sheng read through the concern between the lines and the mundane details, but keenly noticed the matter of refugees that Lin Xizhao mentioned.

            

Qu Sheng examined the letter repeatedly—it was indeed written by Lin Xizhao. She immediately picked up her brush and wrote a family letter to Qu Jixian.

In her reply to Lin Xizhao, she told her that if she felt unsafe in the capital, she could take the family to Shoulin.

Qu Jinian had shown no movement for so long that anyone with sense could guess the truth. Though Qu Jixian was in the capital, she was not there, and that was cause for concern.

            

After sending the letters, Qu Sheng remained uneasy for a long time. But before she could think further, the Assistant Commander came to report that the Bei’an army had come to the city walls again to shout insults.

Qu Sheng had ignored them for days, and the enemy’s taunts had grown increasingly brazen.

Qu Sheng put on her armor and went to the city tower.

            

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The capital. The palace.

Qu Jixian had been trapped in the palace for days. Though he had prevented Jin Mingjun from massacring the officials, some had been too straightforward and had provoked Jin Mingjun, who killed them outright.

Jin Mingjun’s methods were just like Qu Sheng’s when she had seized the capital. But he could not match Qu Sheng’s decisiveness and ability to judge the situation. If Jin Mingjun had even half of Qu Sheng’s ability, Qu Jixian would not have been able to manage the current situation.

            

The officials lived in terror every day, their families placed under guard by Jin Mingjun. The Emperor had not appeared for days. The imperial family members had been locked in a hall by Jin Mingjun—given water, but no food.

At first, Qu Jixian had continued reviewing memorials. But later, when the city gates were sealed and no memorials could enter the capital, Jin Mingjun began following Qu Jixian everywhere.

“Second Uncle said he would help me ascend the throne. Why is there still no movement?” Jin Mingjun blocked Qu Jixian’s path, questioning him.

            

Qu Jixian lowered his gaze to the sword in Jin Mingjun’s hand. “The time is not yet right. You don’t want to be remembered as a usurper who killed his sovereign, do you?”

Jin Mingjun thought of this and furrowed his brow. After a moment, he said, “The Jiangnan region and the imperial city are already under my control. As long as I kill the Emperor, someone will support me as the new Emperor. Then Second Uncle only needs to write an edict abdicating the throne to me—why all the trouble?”

Qu Jixian heard this and gave a cold laugh. “The Jiangnan region? The Jiangnan region alone cannot sustain all of Tiansheng.”

            

Jin Mingjun was now irritated. He had waited for many days. Qu Jixian kept saying the time was not ripe but never said when he would support him as Emperor. “Then Lord Shangqing, give me a clear answer—when can I ascend the throne?”

Qu Jixian looked at Jin Mingjun’s aggressive manner and furrowed his brow. He was about to explain the consequences if he ascended now, but a Jin family general came in from outside.

“Shizi, an urgent report from the Northern Frontier has arrived. There are also two family letters from the Qu Marquis Residence.”

            

Jin Mingjun’s angry gaze shifted from Qu Jixian to the general. “Hand it over.”

The general presented the letters. Jin Mingjun impatiently snatched them and first opened the battle report. When he saw Qu Sheng’s handwriting, his gaze suddenly tensed.

Qu Sheng was requesting weapons. She had awakened.

            

They said Qu Sheng had been struck by an arrow and was unconscious—how could this be?

Jin Mingjun found it hard to believe. He asked, “Is this letter really from the Northern Frontier?”

“Yes. And there are two family letters.” The general hastily replied.

            

Qu Jixian stood to the side, watching calmly. Jin Mingjun lowered his eyes for a moment, then quickly opened the letter addressed to Qu Jixian. Qu Sheng had instructed Qu Jixian on certain matters, telling him to prepare for the refugee situation and to be careful of those with ulterior motives.

“Hmph.” Jin Mingjun finished reading and gave a cold snort, then opened the other letter.

It was addressed “For Lin Xizhao’s Personal Attention.” But when Jin Mingjun opened the letter, the first line—”My wife, Zhao’er”—made his eyes redden with rage.

            

“Hmph, she wants to leave!” Jin Mingjun was disgusted by the contents of the letter. A woman writing to another woman about longing for each other—it was the greatest absurdity under heaven².

Jin Mingjun did not give the family letter to Qu Jixian. Instead, he left him behind and exited the palace.

Lin Xizhao was currently eating lunch with Zhao Jiayu and the others. Though they could not leave the residence, the supplies stored earlier were complete.

            

They did not know how many more meals the family would be able to eat together, so since then, everyone in the residence gathered for every meal.

Lin Xizhao blew on the porridge to feed Zhimu. Watching the little one eat with narrowed eyes, everyone smiled.

Though the atmosphere was low, with Zhimu’s laughter present, it was not so oppressive.

            

“Xizhao, open up.”

Lin Xizhao turned at the sound. Zhao Jiayu was holding her bowl, picking up a piece of spring roll for her. “You feed our daughter, I’ll feed you.”

Lin Xizhao gave her a look of mock annoyance but smiled and leaned over to take the bite of crisp spring roll with its soft filling.

            

“Muer wants some too.” Zhimu saw Lin Xizhao eat the spring roll her mother had given her, and looked on eagerly, wanting some too.

Zhao Jiayu looked at her and laughed. “Who did you take after? You want to eat whatever anyone else is eating.”

As she spoke, Zhao Jiayu gave Zhimu a piece of spring roll.

            

Lin Xizhao smiled and directly exposed Zhao Jiayu. “I remember there was a little glutton when we were young—whenever she saw someone eating something, she’d clamor for Bingying to buy it for her. If she didn’t get it, she’d throw a tantrum. Look—isn’t Zhimu just like her?”

“Oh, Xizhao, you’re so annoying.” Zhao Jiayu pouted.

The one who would run around for food—wasn’t that Zhao Jiayu?

            

Everyone at the table laughed. Zhao Jiayu’s face reddened. Zhimu asked from the side, “Auntie, who was that person?”

Qu Yu coughed lightly and covered for Zhao Jiayu. “It was Father.”

Everyone at the table smiled without speaking.

            

Lin Xizhao’s lips curved in a smile. She lowered her head to eat. Before she could raise it again, the steward came to report that Qu Jixian had sent someone, asking Lin Xizhao to come to the palace.

Lin Xizhao raised her head. At the table, the smiles on everyone’s faces slowly disappeared.

Qu Jixian was under house arrest in the palace. How could he send someone? And why would he specify only Lin Xizhao—a weak woman?

            

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