The Prime Minister’s Daughter and the Marquis’s Fool – Chapter 100

How to marry?¹

Xiao Yaocai was startled by Qu Ting for a moment, but his wits quickly returned. He glared at Qu Ting, his displeasure obvious as he yelled, “Your sister is sick, so go find a doctor! What are you doing trying to take my people?”

Cheng Xi’s knowledge of medicine and martial arts was not something to be revealed to outsiders. Qu Sheng’s condition was critical, but they couldn’t expose Cheng Xi’s secrets for it. Qu Ting stared at the unyielding Xiao Yaocai, his expression turning several shades colder. “Have you forgotten who gave you His Majesty’s reward?”

Back then, it was the Qu Family who had given the credit for that achievement to Xiao Tong. If not for them, a man of Xiao Tong’s caliber would never have had such a smooth official career.

And all of that was because of the dirty deeds Xiao Tong had committed in the past. Giving him the credit was merely a way to secure his position in Shoulin, leaving the Son of Heaven with no reason to replace him.

At these words, Xiao Yaocai immediately lost his nerve. But just as Qu Ting moved to take the person away, he once again stretched out a hand to block their path.

Qu Ting’s brows furrowed. “Uncle Xiao will be returning to the capital soon. I just don’t know if he’ll ever be able to go back to Shoulin again.”

The moment Qu Ting said this, Xiao Yaocai deflated completely, swallowing the rage in his heart.

Seeing her chance, Xiao Bingying took Cheng Xi by the hand. After bidding farewell to her Paternal Uncle and Paternal Aunt, she followed Qu Ting on horseback to Marquis Qu’s Residence.

By now, an Imperial Physician from the palace had arrived. But after his diagnosis, he could only say that her pulse was peculiar and the blood in her body was flowing much faster than the last time.

The Imperial Physician was sitting in the room writing a prescription when Xiao Bingying and Cheng Xi entered.

The two stood there, watching the palace physician at his work. They exchanged a glance, and then Xiao Bingying asked, “How is Sheng-meimei?”

The Imperial Physician looked up at them, his expression suggesting the situation was dire. Hearing the question, Zhao Jiayu hurriedly replied, “She fainted and hasn’t woken up since.”

Cheng Xi glanced at Xiao Bingying, who met her gaze and led her into the inner chamber.

Qu Ting followed them in and called everyone else out.

When Cheng Xi and Xiao Bingying emerged, Xiao Bingying had brought her silver needles with her. Cheng Xi lowered her eyes to study Qu Sheng for a moment, then simply reached a hand back.

Xiao Bingying saw the gesture and passed the silver needles to her, asking in a low voice, “What’s wrong with her?”

“Her qi and blood² are too vigorous. Shifu³ probably wanted her to recover faster, so he added something to her medicine.”

Cheng Xi pushed up Qu Sheng’s sleeve. After checking her pulse, she turned to Lin Xizhao, who was standing nearby. “I need help. Turn her over.”

Xiao Bingying could have helped turn her over. By asking Lin Xizhao, Cheng Xi sent a clear signal to everyone in the room.

They need to remove her clothes.

“I’ll do it.” Lin Xizhao walked over and untied the sash of Qu Sheng’s robes, exposing her back. She then turned and called to Cheng Xi, “It’s done.”

Cheng Xi looked up. Seeing that Lin Xizhao had already turned Qu Sheng over, she nodded and switched places with her.

One by one, Cheng Xi inserted the silver needles from her pouch into the length of Qu Sheng’s spine. While they waited, the Imperial Physician outside had finished the prescription and sent someone to fetch the herbs.

The Imperial Physician wanted to re-enter the room for another look, but Qu Ting blocked his way. “Imperial Physician Chen, you’ve worked hard for my humble younger sister. Please, go to the side hall for a cup of tea.”

Imperial Physician Chen retracted his gaze from the room and looked at Qu Ting, saying hurriedly, “No, no, your esteemed younger sister’s illness is truly strange. I am powerless to help. It would be best to find some other doctors with more brilliant skills to take a look.”

Qu Ting nodded. As he was about to invite Imperial Physician Chen to the side hall again, the physician waved his hand. “There are still matters in the palace. I’ll be taking my leave now.”

Imperial Physician Chen retrieved his medicine box, slung it over his shoulder, and departed with a cupped-fist salute.

Inside the room, Cheng Xi was still applying acupuncture to Qu Sheng. Qu Ting glanced inside. By the bed, Xiao Bingying was handing needles to Cheng Xi.

Needle after needle went in, but the unconscious Qu Sheng showed no reaction at all.

After finishing, Cheng Xi spoke a few words to Xiao Bingying. Xiao Bingying listened, then left the inner chamber. Seeing the brush and ink on the table, she picked up a sheet of paper and wrote down the prescription Cheng Xi had dictated.

Qu Yu took the prescription and sprinted out of the residence, leaping onto a horse and riding directly to the apothecary.

Cheng Xi stood by the bed, watching Lin Xizhao, who was sitting on the edge of the bed, beside herself with worry. After a moment, she offered some comfort. “She will wake in a quarter of an hour. There is no need to worry so much.”

She just didn’t understand. Qu Sheng had only just returned, her eyes had only just healed. Why on earth had she been beaten?

Hearing her voice, Lin Xizhao looked back at Cheng Xi, her expression full of gratitude. Xiao Bingying blinked a few times, then went outside.

When Zhao Jiayu saw Xiao Bingying emerge, she immediately peppered her with questions. Xiao Bingying answered them one by one. When Zhao Jiayu finally fell silent, Xiao Bingying asked about Qu Sheng being beaten.

She had been beaten for no good reason, and the injuries were not light. While Cheng Xi was applying the needles, she had explained the serious implications to her.

Qu Sheng’s eyes were indeed healed, but there was a side effect: her blood flowed too quickly. When Qu Jinian had struck her, Qu Sheng had circulated her energy to protect her body, which had in turn blocked her blood vessels. This led to her internal organs being unable to withstand the pressure, causing her to spit up blood.

Fortunately, the symptoms had manifested in time. If Qu Jinian had struck her again, she likely would have lost her life.

The internal bleeding had temporarily eased the pressure from the rapid blood flow in Qu Sheng’s body, but it was still flowing too fast, which was why she remained unconscious.

Cheng Xi’s acupuncture was meant to slow her blood flow, allowing Qu Sheng to wake up without sustaining permanent damage.

A quarter of an hour later, Qu Sheng slowly regained consciousness. Lin Xizhao and Xiao Bingying had been watching her every move intently, while Cheng Xi observed from a distance.

As Qu Sheng awoke, the pain returned with a vengeance. Not the pain of the silver needles, but the agony from Qu Jinian’s caning. Qu Sheng let out a muffled groan, and Lin Xizhao became so nervous it was as if she had six spirits without a master.⁴

“Don’t move yet. Rest for a moment,” Cheng Xi said, walking over quickly as she saw Qu Sheng try to sit up.

With so many needles in her body, her movements were restricted.

Hearing this, Qu Sheng lowered the body she had slightly raised and turned her head to look at Lin Xizhao beside her.

“Xizhao,” Qu Sheng called out softly.

Lin Xizhao nodded, holding back tears.

Seeing this, Cheng Xi gave her a Heart-Calming Pill.⁵ “As long as she isn’t beaten again, she will be fine.”

As Cheng Xi spoke, Lin Xizhao was reminded of why Qu Sheng had been beaten in the first place. The elders of the Qu Family now knew about what was between them. Even if they wanted to go back to how things were, it was impossible.

Qu Jinian’s vehement opposition was within her expectations; she just hadn’t thought he would actually strike Qu Sheng.

“Fourth Brother has already gone to get the medicine. He’ll be back soon.”

“Mm,” Qu Sheng responded, her voice weak. After a moment, she asked again, “Father didn’t give you a hard time, did he?”

Lin Xizhao shook her head. After Qu Sheng fainted, the Qu family had been thrown into chaos. Who had time to give her a hard time? Besides, even if they wanted to deal with the matter, they wouldn’t do anything to her.

Qu Jinian would never believe that Lin Xizhao would take the initiative to do such a thing with Qu Sheng. But in truth, Lin Xizhao had not only consented, she had been the one to make the first move long ago.

It was just that back then, she only knew how to simply please Qu Sheng and hadn’t thought any deeper.

When Xiao Bingying had come in earlier, she had quietly told Cheng Xi why Qu Sheng had been beaten. By now, Zhao Jiayu had already informed the Qu family elders of the medical cause.

Although Qu Jinian had been overcome with a fit of anger and fire attacking the heart,⁶ he had never imagined that a single strike from his cane would make Qu Sheng vomit blood. He was now filled with endless regret, waiting anxiously for news from Qu Sheng’s room.

Soon after leaving, Zhao Jiayu learned that Qu Sheng had woken up and returned.

“Xiao Sheng’er is awake, but Ah Jie said that if Xiao Sheng’er is beaten again, she’ll die.” Facing the majestic without being angry⁷ Qu Jinian, Zhao Jiayu lost the confident air she had at the Zhao Residence. She spoke in a low voice, as if muttering to herself, carefully glancing up to gauge Qu Jinian’s reaction.

Hearing this, Qu Jinian’s anger had long since vanished, but a new wave of sorrow washed over him. How could he face Lin Xizhao? And how could he face Lin Jianhai?

They were both girls. To have done such a thing, and with Qu Sheng declaring she would have no one but Lin Xizhao… what was he to do now?

Force them apart? But how could he ever make up for the harm done to Lin Xizhao?

If Qu Sheng were a man, the worst-case scenario would be to marry Lin Xizhao into the family after getting her consent. But they were both girls. How to marry?

Qu Jinian sighed and looked up at Zhao Jiayu, his tone softening slightly. “How are her injuries?”

Hearing the hint of concern in Qu Jinian’s voice, Zhao Jiayu’s mind spun. “The injuries are very serious. It was a lucky hit from Eldest Paternal Uncle. I’m afraid she won’t be well for some time.”

A wave of guilt washed over Qu Jinian. His brows knitted together once more, and he lowered his head.

When Jin Yunfei heard Qu Sheng was awake, she could no longer sit still. “Jiayu, can we go see Sheng’er now?” she asked anxiously.

Zhao Jiayu had just peeked in but had been shooed out because Qu Sheng was undressed. But considering Jin Yunfei was Qu Sheng’s mother, she said, “Eldest Paternal Aunt can probably go.”

She wasn’t sure if Qu Sheng would refuse to let Jin Yunfei in as well.

Hearing this, Jin Yunfei paid no mind to the undertones of Zhao Jiayu’s words. “Then I’ll go have a look,” she said hurriedly.

Jin Yunfei and Zhao Jiayu went from the side room to Qu Sheng’s bedchamber. Once inside, Zhao Jiayu went no further.

Because Cheng Xi and Xiao Bingying were coming out.

Jin Yunfei glanced at them and asked, “How is Sheng’er?”

Xiao Bingying and Cheng Xi bowed. “Aunt need not worry too much,” Xiao Bingying said. “Sheng-meimei is out of danger, but the wounds on her body will need some time to heal.”

Jin Yunfei nodded. Seeing Xiao Bingying step aside, she quickened her pace.

By now, the silver needles had been removed from Qu Sheng’s body, and Lin Xizhao was helping her dress. Qu Sheng was half-sitting, gazing at Lin Xizhao’s worried brow and her impossibly gentle movements. As Lin Xizhao leaned closer, Qu Sheng lightly kissed her lips. “It’s nothing,” she whispered.

Startled by the kiss, Lin Xizhao looked up at Qu Sheng. Seeing that there was truly not much discomfort in her eyes, her movements became a little faster.

The season was no longer cold, but she had been undressed for so long and was injured; she might catch a chill.

“Mother.” As Lin Xizhao was tying the sash of her inner robe, Qu Sheng saw Jin Yunfei, who had entered and was standing there—for how long, she didn’t know.

Hearing Qu Sheng call out to Jin Yunfei, Lin Xizhao froze for a second. When she turned, she saw the somewhat awkward Jin Yunfei standing to the side.

“Adoptive Mother.” Lin Xizhao quickly stood up, wondering if she had seen Qu Sheng kiss her just now.

Jin Yunfei nodded. Seeing Lin Xizhao’s head bowed, the awkward smile on her face faded. “Thank you for taking care of Sheng’er.”

Ever since they had arrived in the capital, Qu Sheng had been under Lin Xizhao’s constant care. This time, when her eyes went blind, Lin Xizhao had not left her for a single step.⁸ She had seen the affection between the two sisters, but she had never imagined it would turn into this kind of affection.

She had seen Qu Sheng kiss Lin Xizhao just now.

Lin Xizhao had neither responded nor pulled away, but seeing the smile on Qu Sheng’s face, she knew Lin Xizhao did not resent her kiss.

At that moment, Jin Yunfei suddenly recalled the time before the new year when Qu Sheng had told her to stop looking for a match for Lin Xizhao, saying she already had someone in mind. Thinking back now, that person must have been herself.

“Sheng’er…” Lin Xizhao wanted to say that Qu Sheng was her sister and it was only right, but after the events of that morning, the word “sister” was hard to say. “Taking care of Sheng’er is what this daughter ought to do.”

Qu Sheng watched as her mother’s gaze remained fixed on Lin Xizhao. She lowered her eyes for a moment, then said in a weak voice, “Mother, about Xizhao and me… I forced Xizhao.” Qu Sheng was worried Jin Yunfei would make things difficult for Lin Xizhao. She was still sick, finding it difficult to even sit up; she was afraid Jin Yunfei might hurt her.

In her heart, Qu Sheng knew that what she and Lin Xizhao had done was not permitted in this country where the rites and laws are strict,⁹ but she just couldn’t control herself.

She felt that if she could develop such feelings for another woman like Lin Xizhao, then it proved that such feelings could exist.

Just like the alternating coexistence of good and evil in this world, there was always a cause and effect for its existence.

Hearing Qu Sheng bring up the morning’s events, Jin Yunfei looked at her. “I want to talk to Zhao’er.” Qu Sheng had just woken up, and this matter should have been postponed. But seeing as Qu Sheng had brought it up, and with Qu Jinian still frowning and unhappy,¹⁰ she needed to understand the situation clearly.

But Qu Sheng’s pale face was now creased in a frown. Before the hesitant Lin Xizhao could decide whether to agree, she replied, “Mother, if you have something to say, say it here. It just so happens that this daughter can listen in.”

Seeing Qu Sheng’s frown, Jin Yunfei’s expression softened. “Your mother isn’t some fierce beast. Zhao’er is my daughter too—”

“Mother.” Qu Sheng’s gaze was firm as she cut off Jin Yunfei’s next words. “Say it here.”

Qu Sheng would not allow Lin Xizhao to suffer the slightest grievance. And if she wasn’t present, she feared Jin Yunfei would use her status as an elder to persuade Lin Xizhao to leave her. That was what she feared most.

Hearing Qu Sheng’s uncompromising attitude, Jin Yunfei glanced at Lin Xizhao, who was biting her lip. She sighed. “When did you two start?”

When did it start?

The first thing that came to Lin Xizhao’s mind was the first time Qu Sheng had kissed her. What Qu Sheng thought of were the nights before the new year, every night she had spent missing Lin Xizhao after they parted.

Jin Yunfei didn’t ask about skin-to-skin intimacy. The two girls had shared a room, even a bed, for many years. The matter of a girl’s innocence was a blur in her mind; she didn’t think two women could do anything that would compromise their maidenhood.

After a moment of silence, Jin Yunfei asked again, “Did it start before the new year?”

Qu Sheng glanced at Lin Xizhao. At that time, Lin Xizhao had been chatting happily with all the elders. To say it had started then would surely tarnish Lin Xizhao’s name with the reputation of deceiving her elders.

“It was in the Haichao Kingdom,” Qu Sheng said, referring to the first time with Lin Xizhao after her sight returned.

That was also the day her possessiveness over Lin Xizhao had been at its strongest.

Her eyes were healed, and her restless heart could finally make the decision to keep Lin Xizhao by her side for a lifetime.

Jin Yunfei looked at Qu Sheng. “To what extent has it gone?” she asked.

Lin Xizhao’s lips couldn’t part, but Qu Sheng felt no shame at all. As calmly as if she were discussing someone else’s affairs, she said softly, “Jiejie’s chastity was given to me.”

Lin Xizhao’s face burned with shame, but after Qu Sheng finished speaking, she added, “It was this daughter who seduced Sheng’er. It is my fault.”

“Xizhao.” Qu Sheng disagreed with her. It was she who had been infatuated and lost her senses;¹¹ it was her long-held, unsatisfied desires for Lin Xizhao that had led to her actions. How could it be said that Lin Xizhao had seduced her?

But Lin Xizhao knew that if she hadn’t wanted it, Qu Sheng wouldn’t have dared. She had come to understand this after Qu Sheng went blind.

“Alright, you two don’t need to argue anymore. Your mother is not here to have one of you take the blame. You are both girls. You should know how important innocence is to an unmarried maiden.¹² If you marry in the future, how will you conduct yourselves? Have you thought about that?”

Jin Yunfei now understood the extent of their relationship, but she did not approve of them being together.

And that Lin Xizhao had lost her chastity to Qu Sheng was the most troubling thing of all. She could still marry, but if she were scorned by her husband’s family, how would she establish herself in the future?

“Mother, this child told you, Xizhao will not marry anyone else. This child will marry her.” Qu Sheng was clearly getting annoyed.

She had said it so many times, but Jin Yunfei still treated her words as the casual remarks of a child.

“How to marry?” Jin Yunfei’s tone grew sharp as she questioned her. “Your mother would love to keep Zhao’er by our side, but have you thought about whether Prime Minister Lin will agree? How will the hundred families of the capital view you?”

Jin Yunfei didn’t want to oppose them being together; two girls supporting each other was fine. But if so, where will the heirs come from?¹³ How would they quell the gossip in the capital? Were they to be pointed at and criticized for the rest of their lives?

Jin Yunfei’s questions made Lin Xizhao lower her head, while Qu Sheng looked away, frustrated. “This child is going to marry Xizhao. I don’t care what they say.”

Hearing Qu Sheng’s angry words, Jin Yunfei knew she was acting on a heart full of passion,¹⁴ without any real consideration for the future. For years, their Qu family had been gossiped about because she was a fool. Every time she attended a banquet, she could only offer an awkward smile when asked.

She could endure that. But how could she let these two children endure it as well?

“Sheng’er, don’t be willful. You may not care, but have you thought about Zhao’er?” Jin Yunfei felt more guilt than anything towards Lin Xizhao.

It was she who had failed to raise her daughter properly, allowing her to do what should not be done to Lin Xizhao, whom she regarded as her own daughter.

She could see now that the two hearts were in mutual delight,¹⁵ but they were both girls. This matter, she could not agree to.

“Your Uncle Lin won’t agree either,” Jin Yunfei said, bringing up Lin Jianhai. She mentioned him deliberately for Lin Xizhao to hear.

If Qu Jinian was so strongly opposed, how much more so would Lin Jianhai be? And if Lin Jianhai found out and wanted to punish Qu Sheng, they would have no grounds to plead for mercy.

After stewing in frustration for a long time, Qu Sheng felt her body growing weaker and her head spinning violently. At that moment, Lin Xizhao stood to the side, head bowed, already calculating the worst-case scenario of being separated from Qu Sheng.

“This daughter knows what to do.”

Lin Xizhao had compromised. She had compromised without any struggle. She had already thought it through on the way back to the capital; once they arrived, they would have to separate sooner or later.

She didn’t care about so-called chastity; she had never regretted giving it to Qu Sheng. But she didn’t want Qu Sheng and the Qu family to bear the infamy of being pointed at and criticized for her sake.

Lin Xizhao bit her lower lip. After saying those words, she didn’t dare to look up at Qu Sheng. Because she knew that Qu Sheng must be looking at her with anger and disappointment.

But when she did raise her eyes to look at Qu Sheng, she saw blood trickling from the corner of her lips. At the same time, Qu Sheng’s gaze began to lose focus. Just as Lin Xizhao realized something was wrong with her again, she collapsed.

“Sheng’er!”

The urgent cry from the inner chamber startled Xiao Bingying and Cheng Xi outside, and they rushed back into the room.

Blood was flowing from Qu Sheng’s mouth, and the light in her eyes was fading. Cheng Xi, who had just determined that her life was no longer in danger, was now in a panic.

They had heard the conversation in the room. They hadn’t thought it was such a big deal, but this very thing had sent Qu Sheng to the gates of hell.¹⁶

Jin Yunfei stood to the side, watching Cheng Xi continuously jab Qu Sheng with silver needles, so nervous she had six spirits without a master. Thinking back on Qu Sheng’s earlier actions, she had been full of spirit when she woke up, despite her weak voice.

It was like… like a final flicker of life before death.¹⁷

“Aunt, please go outside first. We have it under control here.” While handing over a needle, Xiao Bingying turned and saw Jin Yunfei wringing her hands until they were red. She urged her to leave.

Jin Yunfei’s presence would only add to the worry. Seeing Qu Sheng’s condition would only make her panic more. She was getting on in years, and they couldn’t guarantee she wouldn’t have a health problem from the agitation. That would just add chaos to an already busy situation.¹⁸

Hearing this, Zhao Jiayu took Jin Yunfei’s arm. “Eldest Paternal Aunt, don’t worry. With my Ah Jie here, Xiao Sheng’er will be fine.”

Zhao Jiayu said she would be fine, but she had no confidence in her heart. She had always thought it was her Ah Jie treating Qu Sheng, but she had just glanced over and it seemed to be Cheng Xi administering the needles.

She had no idea when Cheng Xi had learned medicine.

Jin Yunfei looked around in a panic. Lin Xizhao had no attention to spare for her at all. She too had six spirits without a master, standing frozen at the head of the bed, her expression tense as she stared at the now-unconscious Qu Sheng.

Cheng Xi finished with the needles, took Qu Sheng’s arm to check her pulse, and her eyes flickered. She straightened up and rolled up her own sleeve. Then, she took a dagger from her waist.

“What are you doing?” Xiao Bingying frowned, looking at the still-bandaged wound on Cheng Xi’s arm, asking in confusion. But even as she asked, she seemed to have already guessed the answer.

Cheng Xi glanced at Xiao Bingying. Without taking the time to unwrap the cloth from her arm, she sliced a new cut on her forearm.

“Pry her mouth open.”

Fresh blood flowed down her arm. Cheng Xi let the dripping blood fall into Qu Sheng’s mouth, which Lin Xizhao had forced open.

Drop by drop, the blood fell into Qu Sheng’s mouth until her throat moved with a swallow. Cheng Xi tore a piece from her own skirt to wrap her wound, then pulled open Qu Sheng’s eyelids to examine them.

Cheng Xi removed the silver needles from Qu Sheng’s body and reinserted them in different places. As a needle twisted in Qu Sheng’s fingertip, Cheng Xi looked up at Lin Xizhao. “Call to her.”

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