The Prime Minister’s Daughter and the Marquis’s Fool – Chapter 82

Sheng’er Won’t Bully Me

Qu Sheng listened, her expression unchanging. All she knew was that the new clue they’d found required them to quickly establish their defenses and formulate a plan.

A mere fifth-rank Hanlin Scholar¹ possessed such grand methods, enough to play their Qu Clan within the palm of his hand².

“We’ll discuss this matter again later. I’d like to speak with my two brothers³,” Qu Sheng said calmly.

Lin Xizhao naturally knew what she wanted to say to her two older brothers from the Qu Clan. She exchanged a look with Third Sister-in-law Qian Shuangying, walked over to Zhao Jiayu’s side, and said, “Let’s go. Let them talk.”

As she spoke, Lin Xizhao reached out to take Zhao Jiayu’s hand. Pulled toward the door, Zhao Jiayu blinked and looked at Qu Yu in confusion.

Qu Yu nodded, so Zhao Jiayu pouted and followed Lin Xizhao and the others out.

Qu Sheng heard the door close, and Qu Ting’s voice sounded in her ear again. “They’ve all gone out. Is there something Sheng-meimei wants to tell us?”

“Yan Fengwu. Have you heard of him?” Qu Sheng stated the Hanlin Scholar’s name directly.

“Is that the Hanlin Scholar, Yan Fengwu?” Qu Ting asked.

“Yes.”

“Is there anything special about this person?” Qu Ting pondered for a moment before asking uncertainly.

Qu Sheng’s face darkened slightly. “That parrot came from a servant in his residence.”

Hearing this, both Qu Ting and Qu Yu’s expressions became as heavy as Qu Sheng’s.

Qu Yu’s fingers clenched lightly. “Sheng-meimei, what do you plan to do next?”

Qu Ting glanced sideways at Qu Yu, seeing the redness in his eyes. He said, “Don’t be anxious yet. As far as I know, this man was personally appointed as a Hanlin Scholar by His Majesty in the first year of the Baoguang era. He has never participated in partisan conflicts. Where did Sheng-meimei get the information that the parrot came from his residence?”

“The source is reliable. I’ve already had Feng Qi verify it. However, whether or not he’s the mastermind still needs to be investigated.” Qu Sheng was certain the man was Yan Fengwu, but she was speaking with her two Gege alone precisely to determine if he was the one pulling the strings.

“Starting with this person, we might find the answers we’re looking for,” Qu Sheng said with conviction.

Qu Ting lowered his eyes and thought for a moment. “Since we have a clue, everything will be easier to handle. But we should still inform Uncle⁴ and the other Uncles.” The last time, they hadn’t just suffered a loss; they had lost Qu Ming’s life. This time, they had to be cautious in speech and prudent in action⁵, and they absolutely could not afford to step amiss and tread wrongly⁶.

“That’s my intention as well.” Qu Sheng had no desire to bypass her elders. Now that Second Uncle was here, he was likely the one who most wanted to find the person responsible.

“Sheng-meimei, do you want to go to the Haichao Kingdom?” Qu Ting asked after a moment’s hesitation.

“I’m not going,” Qu Sheng refused. She raised a hand to feel her way, and Qu Yu quickly stepped forward to support her. “What are you trying to do, Sheng-meimei?”

“I’m a little thirsty.”

“I’ll get it.” Qu Ting glanced over, walked to the round table, and poured Qu Sheng a cup of tea. “Here. Be careful, it’s hot.”

Qu Sheng took the cup. It was a bit hot, but she could tolerate it. Her eyelashes fluttered for a second as she thought of Lin Xizhao. If Lin Xizhao were here, she definitely wouldn’t have let her feel the heat.

“We’ve already invited nearly every famous doctor from within a hundred miles of the capital. I think we should give that traveling doctor⁷ a try,” Qu Ting urged.

Revenge was important right now, but treating Qu Sheng’s eyes was even more so.

“Third Brother, you don’t need to say any more. The Haichao Kingdom is far away, over high mountains and long roads. This body of mine isn’t suited for a long journey. Besides, even the Imperial Physicians in the palace have their hands tied without a strategy⁸. What great skill could a traveling doctor possibly have?” Qu Sheng listed her reasons for not going, finally adding, “My eyes can’t be healed. You don’t need to trouble yourselves over me anymore.” Although she didn’t accept her fate, it wasn’t something she could resist.

“Don’t say that, Sheng-meimei. There’s still hope. I’ll write another letter and have them try to bring him back,” Qu Ting said urgently, refuting her negative words.

Qu Sheng held the tea cup and took a light sip. It still felt a little hot. She changed the subject away from her eyes. “Find a time to tell Father and the Uncles.”

Qu Sheng didn’t want to talk about it anymore. She had brought the news but hadn’t yet planned how to best use this clue. “Help me call Xizhao in.”

Qu Ting and Qu Yu looked at each other, both of their brows furrowed for a moment. Qu Yu said, “Then we won’t disturb Sheng-meimei’s rest for now.”

After the two left, Lin Xizhao came in from outside. Seeing Qu Sheng still holding the tea, she walked over and asked, “The tea should be cool by now, right?”

Hearing her voice, Qu Sheng turned her unseeing gaze toward her with a warm smile.

Lin Xizhao walked over and took the tea cup, noticing it was still slightly warm and completely full. She glanced up at Qu Sheng but said nothing, simply replacing the tea for her.

When Qu Sheng took the tea cup again, the temperature was just right.

In the evening, Lin Xirui came to Marquis Qu’s Residence, telling Lin Xizhao to hurry back to their residence because Lin Xikuan was about to be beaten to death by Lin Jianhai.

Because Xiao Yaocai had revealed the servant’s identity, Qu Sheng and the others had chosen not to report it to the authorities. But not reporting it didn’t mean they would let them off.

Lin Xikuan’s actions were intended to frame Lin Xirui; Qu Sheng was merely used. But by the same token, if today’s plot hadn’t been exposed, she would have become a sacrifice, and could have even become Lin Xikuan’s accomplice.

If Lin Jianhai didn’t handle it, she would have someone use Qu Jinian’s identity to admonish him, making it clear she wouldn’t mind stepping in to help him manage things.

With such an outrageous and dirty affair, the Qu Clan not sending it to the authorities was already giving the Lin Clan a great deal of face. Therefore, Qu Sheng guessed that Lin Jianhai would definitely not let Lin Xikuan off lightly.

Listening to Lin Xirui’s frantic account, Lin Xizhao recalled how Lin Jianhai had previously locked Lin Xikuan in the secret room underground. She figured he certainly wouldn’t be let off easily this time.

“I won’t go. You go to the Yu Residence and ask Maternal Uncle—no, ask Old Master Yu to go over. They’ll help him.”

“It’s no use, Ajie⁹! Maternal Uncle and the others already went, but Father won’t let them see Second Brother. Father listens to you the most. I’m begging you.” Lin Xirui was already so panicked he had six spirits without a master¹⁰. When he left, Lin Xikuan had already been beaten half to death and was currently hanging from a tree in the courtyard.

“Jiejie¹¹, I want to rest,” Qu Sheng said from beside the desk, her voice calm and unhurried.

Lin Xirui and Lin Xizhao both looked toward her. Lin Xirui felt a little guilty. Qu Sheng was also a victim in today’s events. As a brother, he could forgive Lin Xikuan, but Qu Sheng had no real relationship with him.

“Sheng-meimei…” Lin Xirui’s voice was pleading.

“Jiejie,” Qu Sheng called out to Lin Xizhao again, as if she hadn’t heard him.

“I’ll help you to bed,” Lin Xizhao said, then turned to look at Lin Xirui. “You should wait outside for a bit.”

A young lady was about to rest; it was highly improper for a grown man like Lin Xirui to be here. But in his panic, Lin Xirui seemed to have forgotten this. Reminded by Lin Xizhao, he froze for a moment, then nodded quickly, glanced at Qu Sheng, and went out.

Lin Xizhao helped Qu Sheng back to the inner room. As she was untying the sash at her waist, Qu Sheng asked in a soft voice, “Have you made up your mind, Jiejie?”

She knew Lin Xizhao was soft-hearted, but today, she had likely wanted to report the matter to the authorities for her sake. Now that she hadn’t, and had only said to let Lin Jianhai use family law¹², she knew that family law could be light or heavy. Last time, Lin Jianhai had wanted Lin Xikuan dead. This time, after he had caused such a disaster again—harming his own sibling—he probably wouldn’t have a good fruit to eat.

Hearing Qu Sheng’s words, Lin Xizhao looked up at her. After a moment, she untied the sash from Qu Sheng’s waist, moved behind her, and began to undo her clothes. “Xikuan’s death is not worth pitying¹³, but seeing Xirui beg me like this, I cannot bear it in my heart¹⁴.”

Lin Xizhao still had to go back. She wasn’t sure if she could persuade Lin Jianhai, but she had to make this trip, if only for Lin Xirui’s sake.

“Alright. Since Jiejie has decided, then I’ll go with you.” Qu Sheng placed her hand on Lin Xizhao’s, which was unfastening her outer robe.

Hearing Qu Sheng’s words, Lin Xizhao felt a little sorry for her. She looked up at the nape of Qu Sheng’s neck and asked, “Are you blaming me?” Blaming her for wanting to save Lin Xikuan’s life after what he did to Qu Sheng.

“I’m not. Jiejie has her own position. Besides, he didn’t really hurt me,” Qu Sheng said, giving Lin Xizhao a way to ease her conscience.

But hearing Qu Sheng’s words, Lin Xizhao didn’t feel at peace and reason content¹⁵ at all; instead, she felt even more sorry for Qu Sheng.

Qu Sheng dressed and followed Lin Xizhao out of the room.

Lin Xirui had been waiting anxiously in the courtyard. Seeing the door open, he hurried forward, but when he saw Qu Sheng, his mouth moved for a long time before he stopped.

Lin Xizhao’s eyes were gentle as she looked at her younger brother. “Sheng’er is coming back with us.”

Hearing this, Lin Xirui’s previously distressed heart leaped with joy. He looked at Qu Sheng, somewhat in disbelief, and asked tentatively, “Really?”

“Mhm,” Qu Sheng replied faintly.

The three of them left Marquis Qu’s Residence and took a carriage straight to Prime Minister Lin’s Residence. Qu Sheng went to Lin Xizhao’s room, and the message was relayed by Feng Qi on her behalf.

Lin Xizhao took Lin Xirui and Feng Qi to Lin Jianhai’s courtyard.

“Feng Qi is here to deliver a message on behalf of my Marquis. Since the Prime Minister has already punished the Second Young Master Lin with family law, there’s no need to take his life. Let’s not harm the harmony between our two families over the younger generation.” Feng Qi stood slightly in front of Lin Xizhao and said this with a cupped hands salute¹⁶.

Lin Jianhai heard this, lowered his eyes in thought for a moment, then looked at Lin Xirui. His voice was not gentle as he asked, “Did you go and beg the Marquis Qu?”

“Father, Xikuan was indeed wrong, but you’ve already punished him. I hope Father will show mercy and let Xikuan down,” Lin Xizhao said. She had already gone to the back courtyard to see Lin Xikuan when she arrived. He was covered in wounds, with barely a breath left in him.

“He nearly harmed our entire family. If I don’t teach such a rebellious son a lesson, he’s bound to cause more trouble in the future.” Lin Jianhai didn’t relent on sparing Lin Xikuan.

The trouble Lin Xikuan caused last time was enough to make their Lin Clan drink a pot. This time, he had offended the most prestigious family in the dynasty, the Qu Clan, and it was Marquis Qu’s Residence’s most treasured legitimate daughter.

If he didn’t severely punish Lin Xikuan today, and Qu Jinian went to court to impeach him, causing trouble at this critical juncture when the Son of Heaven was about to confer princedoms, he feared a hundred heads wouldn’t be enough to be chopped off.

Hearing Lin Jianhai’s stern tone, Lin Xirui could only kneel and beg him. With tears streaming down his face, he said, “Father, Second Brother already knows he was wrong. Please, Father, show mercy and spare Second Brother.”

Lin Jianhai looked at his son and daughter pleading so desperately for Lin Xikuan, and with someone from Marquis Qu’s Residence also mediating, he lowered his eyelids and frowned in thought for a long while before reining in his anger. “Go and let that rebellious son down.”

“Yes, yes, this child¹⁷ will go right away. Thank you, Father, for your mercy. Thank you, Father, for your mercy.” As he spoke, Lin Xirui gave his father two more kowtows¹⁸.

Lin Xirui hurried out, and Lin Xizhao was about to follow when Lin Jianhai called out from behind her, “Zhao’er.”

Lin Xizhao turned back to face Lin Jianhai and bowed slightly¹⁹. “Does Father have any other instructions?”

Lin Jianhai raised his eyelids and glanced at Feng Qi, who was standing to the side. Lin Xizhao followed his gaze, understood, and said to Feng Qi, “Feng Qi, you can return to the courtyard first.”

“Yes, Eldest Miss.” Feng Qi gave a cupped hands salute, then bowed to Lin Jianhai before leaving.

After Feng Qi left, Lin Jianhai stared at Lin Xizhao for a long time before asking, “How did you see through it?” See through Lin Xikuan and Xiao Yaocai’s scheme.

Lin Jianhai’s question confused Lin Xizhao slightly, but remembering that he had asked her several times before whether Qu Sheng was truly foolish, she replied, “It was a guard by Sheng’er’s side who saw through it.”

“Oh? Was it Feng Qi?”

“No, it was Jiayu’s guard. He used to work in the Xiao Residence and is familiar with Xiao Yaocai’s tricks,” Lin Xizhao said, looking up at her father.

Seeing Lin Jianhai’s thoughtful expression, she added, “Xirui is a good child. He wouldn’t do something like this.”

Lin Jianhai lowered his gaze and looked at Lin Xizhao for a few moments, seemingly not quite believing her words. He took a roundabout approach and said, “I heard from Xirui that Qu Sheng beat the tutor at chess last time. Is that true?”

Hearing this, Lin Xizhao smiled calmly. “It was just the tutor letting Sheng’er win to make her happy. You know she can’t see right now. How could she possibly beat the tutor?”

Lin Jianhai studied his daughter’s expression, which didn’t seem like she was lying. He grunted in acknowledgment and nodded. “Your father is tired today. You should go and rest soon, too.”

Lin Xizhao bowed slightly. “Then Xizhao won’t disturb Father’s rest.”

After speaking, Lin Xizhao glanced at Lin Jianhai again. She always felt that he wasn’t asking her these things for the sake of Lin Xirui’s marriage to Qu Sheng.

The current Crown Prince of the dynasty had not yet begun to select his Crown Princess.

When Lin Xizhao returned to her courtyard, Qu Sheng had already been attended to and was resting. Lin Xizhao didn’t go to check on Lin Xikuan either. What she had done today was the most she could do. Whether Lin Xikuan lived or died depended on his own fortune.

“Is that Jiejie who’s back?” Qu Sheng asked in a soft voice.

Hearing her, a smile bloomed on Lin Xizhao’s face. She said gently, “Yes, Jiejie is back.”

Listening to Lin Xizhao’s soft voice, Qu Sheng slowly sat up and looked in her direction. “Did you manage to save Lin Xikuan?”

Lin Xizhao moved a little closer to Qu Sheng. “Mhm. It’s all thanks to you having Feng Qi deliver the message.”

Qu Sheng nodded, not deflecting the credit. She smiled. “Isn’t Jiejie going to rest?”

Lin Xizhao had been in the room for a while but hadn’t yet undone her clothes. She looked down at her dress and said, “I’ll go bathe and then come over.”

Qu Sheng stared blankly ahead. As Lin Xizhao spoke, she tilted her ear slightly, and when Lin Xizhao finished, she smiled and nodded. “Okay, Sheng’er will wait for Jiejie.”

Looking at the unusually well-behaved Qu Sheng today, Lin Xizhao’s heart softened. She went to the washroom, washed quickly, and came out, not even putting on her outer robe, just draping a cloak over herself.

The moment Lin Xizhao entered the inner room, Qu Sheng smelled a fragrant floral scent mixed with the faint, cool fragrance from Lin Xizhao’s body.

Qu Sheng sat there, listening to the movements in the room. Lin Xizhao looked at Qu Sheng with gentle eyes, slowly walked over, and lifted the quilt covering her.

“Let’s rest,” Lin Xizhao said softly.

Qu Sheng nodded and, with Lin Xizhao’s gentle help, lay down on the bed. Lin Xizhao lay down beside her, but she had only been there for a moment when Qu Sheng took the initiative to hug her.

The familiar embrace made Lin Xizhao’s heart feel at ease.

Lin Xizhao didn’t resist at all, letting Qu Sheng hold her. From the first moment Lin Xizhao had entered the room, Qu Sheng had been struggling to control herself. While Lin Xizhao was bathing, she kept reminding herself that just a hug would be enough, that she absolutely must not do anything that crossed the line. And she had truly managed it.

It was just that she hadn’t clearly defined what “crossing the line” meant.

Qu Sheng nuzzled against Lin Xizhao’s neck. Her slightly heavy breathing and the force with which her arms wrapped around Lin Xizhao, as if wanting to knead her into her own body, made Lin Xizhao feel that Qu Sheng was different today.

“Sheng’er…” Lin Xizhao’s body stiffened slightly again.

“I won’t do anything. Don’t worry.” At this moment, Qu Sheng was greedily and discreetly inhaling the scent from Lin Xizhao’s body. The longing of the past few days, the desire for Lin Xizhao in her heart, was now being suppressed and trampled by her. In the end, she managed to restrain the urge to kiss Lin Xizhao.

They didn’t fall asleep until well into the night, and only after Qu Sheng finally released her.

Early the next morning, before Lin Xizhao could send someone to inquire about Lin Xikuan’s condition, Lin Xirui came to inform her.

“Ajie, I’m afraid Second Brother’s legs can’t be saved,” Lin Xirui said sorrowfully.

Hearing that Lin Xikuan’s legs couldn’t be saved, Lin Xizhao’s heart still jolted. Something had gone wrong after all. “Mhm, I know. Have you had breakfast?” she asked with a faint tone.

Lin Xirui looked over at Qu Sheng, who was sitting at the dining table, and said in a low voice, “Not yet.”

“Eat here,” Lin Xizhao said, then turned to call a servant to add a bowl and chopsticks for Lin Xirui.

Seeing Qu Sheng, Lin Xirui’s mood improved considerably.

“Xirui-gege doesn’t need to get food for me,” Qu Sheng said after taking a bite of the food Lin Xizhao fed her.

She wasn’t a picky eater, but Lin Xizhao would remember her preferences. For some dishes, she would even pick out the tips and ends of the vegetables before giving them to her. Lin Xirui had just scooped a whole pile over.

Hearing this, Lin Xirui’s face showed a flash of embarrassment. “Okay.”

After breakfast, Qu Sheng and Lin Xizhao left for Marquis Qu’s Residence. They hadn’t even entered the courtyard gate when Zhao Jiayu came running over.

“Xizhao!” Zhao Jiayu called out, waving at Lin Xizhao, who was leading Qu Sheng ahead.

Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng stopped at the same time. Lin Xizhao turned and saw Zhao Jiayu running, and quickly said, “Slow down!”

Zhao Jiayu was pregnant. Seeing her run like that made Lin Xizhao extremely worried.

After running over, Zhao Jiayu smiled. “I’m fine.”

She then glanced at Qu Sheng and said, “I went back to the Zhao Residence before dawn today and asked Cheng Xi about that… that Liu something?”

“Liu Wuxiang,” Lin Xizhao reminded her.

“Ah, right, Liu Wuxiang. I asked her how confident she was that he could treat little Sheng’er’s eyes, and she said there’s a fifty percent chance. I think we should still let little Sheng’er go and try.”

“Didn’t Third Brother say he’d have someone invite him again?”

Zhao Jiayu’s face fell. “Don’t wait. He won’t come. The flower he’s waiting for is about to bloom. If we wait for him to come, it’ll probably be another two or three months. Besides, we can’t be sure if he’d be willing to come back with us. After all, we can’t use force in another country, and if we offend him and he’d rather die than treat little Sheng’er’s eyes, wouldn’t that be a huge loss?”

“Heh.” Standing to the side, Qu Sheng let out a laugh.

She no longer had any hope that her eyes would recover. As long as Lin Xizhao was willing to stay by her side, every extra day she stayed was a day gained.

Hearing Qu Sheng’s scoff, Zhao Jiayu made a ‘tsk’ sound and said resentfully, “We’re all so worried about your eyes. How can you not care at all yourself?”

Qu Sheng’s smile vanished. She turned and began to walk away on her own.

Seeing this, Lin Xizhao quickly went to support her and walk with her. Zhao Jiayu watched them turn away and could only follow behind.

The three entered the room. After helping Qu Sheng sit down, Lin Xizhao poured a cup of tea for Zhao Jiayu.

“Why is it plain tea?” Zhao Jiayu was a little dissatisfied.

Lin Xizhao just smiled at her without speaking, and soon Zhao Jiayu looked down, feeling guilty. “Fine, fine, it’s still drinkable.”

Qu Yu and Xiao Bingying had already forbidden her from drinking anything with tea leaves.

“Hey, I’m serious. Don’t you want little Sheng’er’s eyes to get better soon?” Zhao Jiayu said, looking at Qu Sheng, who was sitting to the side with a dazed and vacant expression.

“Of course I hope so. But if Sheng’er isn’t willing to go, then we’ll just wait a little longer.” Lin Xizhao didn’t want to force Qu Sheng either. They had seen so many doctors, and not a single one could identify the problem. Such a long journey might not necessarily bring any hope.

The two discussed the matter for a while before there was a knock on the door.

Lin Xizhao and Zhao Jiayu looked over. Zhao Jiayu stood up excitedly. “It must be Ajie and Cheng Xi!”

Zhao Jiayu got up to open the door. Feng Qi was standing outside and hadn’t even announced them when Zhao Jiayu looked past him and said, “Ajie, Cheng Xi, come in quickly.”

Xiao Bingying smiled at Cheng Xi beside her, took her hand, and walked in after Feng Qi stepped aside.

As the two entered, Lin Xizhao’s gaze inadvertently fell on their joined hands. She smiled. “Come sit and warm up.” The weather outside wasn’t that cold anymore, but since it was early morning, there was still a hint of chill.

Xiao Bingying smiled and asked, “How have Xizhao and little Sheng’er been lately?”

“They’re doing great,” Zhao Jiayu answered for them.

“We’re both well,” Lin Xizhao echoed with a smile.

Xiao Bingying’s gaze shifted to Qu Sheng, noticing how she was constantly tilting her ear to listen. She then looked back at Lin Xizhao and said, “I came today to ask about something.”

“Hm? What do you want to ask?” Lin Xizhao’s smile unconsciously faded, and her heart began to pound, afraid that Zhao Jiayu had blabbed about their affairs.

“Could little Sheng’er see in the dark before?”

Lin Xizhao’s expression froze slightly. This was something she had only learned about later. Since Qu Sheng had never mentioned it, it meant she didn’t want outsiders to know.

“Yes.”

While Lin Xizhao hesitated, Qu Sheng had already answered.

Hearing this, a smile immediately appeared on Xiao Bingying’s face, and she looked at Cheng Xi.

Cheng Xi nodded at her, and Xiao Bingying turned back to Lin Xizhao. “It’s like this. Cheng Xi tried sending a letter to the Haichao Kingdom before, just to try her luck and see if this Liu Wuxiang person was still living in the same place. This morning, a letter addressed to the Zhao Residence landed at the capital’s carrier pigeon tower. The message was brief, only asking if the person had night vision. If so, she could be treated, and with sixty percent certainty.”

Cheng Xi had previously guessed a fifty percent chance, but today Liu Wuxiang had given a precise message: as long as there was night vision, there was a sixty percent chance.

Hearing Xiao Bingying’s words, Zhao Jiayu shot to her feet and asked excitedly, “Really?”

Xiao Bingying nodded. “Yes, it’s a thousand truths and ten thousand certainties²⁰. I gave a detailed account of little Sheng’er’s eye condition at the time. I think we should give it a try.”

Lin Xizhao instinctively looked at Qu Sheng, but Qu Sheng’s expression was faint, showing no great ripples of emotion.

“However, he also said that he can’t come over, and that little Sheng’er’s eyes cannot be delayed any longer.”

Xiao Bingying’s last words made Lin Xizhao suddenly nervous. She quickly asked, “What does ‘cannot be delayed’ mean?”

Xiao Bingying glanced at Cheng Xi, who explained, “It means that her eyes have a chance of recovery in the short term. If it’s dragged out for a year or so, I’m afraid even an immortal would be hard-pressed to save them.”

Lin Xizhao calculated the days since Qu Sheng had gone blind. They had no more time to delay.

“Sheng’er…” Lin Xizhao had tried to get Qu Sheng to go before, but she was unwilling. Today, Xiao Bingying and Cheng Xi had brought news of a sixty percent chance. She hoped Qu Sheng would go and let that traveling doctor take a look.

Qu Sheng didn’t speak or show her stance. She still held to her previous opinion. If even the Imperial Physicians of the Tiansheng Kingdom had their hands tied without a strategy, how could an unknown traveling doctor possibly treat her?

Seeing Qu Sheng remain silent, Zhao Jiayu said, “Little Sheng’er, what are you waiting for? For a divine doctor to descend from the heavens? Don’t hesitate. Let’s pack our bags and go right now.”

“Jiayu.” Lin Xizhao stopped Zhao Jiayu as she got up to help Qu Sheng.

Qu Sheng was a stubborn person. Once she made up her mind, she rarely changed it. She needed to persuade her properly.

Xiao Bingying and the others stayed at Qu Sheng’s place until noon and had lunch there. Aside from her eyes, Qu Sheng’s health was fine, so a few of them drank some wine.

Because she was pregnant, Zhao Jiayu was strictly forbidden by Lin Xizhao and Xiao Bingying, which made her so frustrated that she lost her appetite. She grumbled, “If I’d known having a baby was this miserable, I wouldn’t have had one, no matter what.”

Upon hearing Zhao Jiayu’s words, Qu Sheng and Cheng Xi had the same reaction. They both froze for a moment and then looked at Zhao Jiayu.

Zhao Jiayu realized she had let it slip and gave a perfunctory smile. “My mouth got away from me,” she said in a low voice.

Lin Xizhao and Xiao Bingying smiled helplessly. Xiao Bingying said, “You’re far enough along. There’s no need to hide it anymore.”

“Jiayu,” Qu Sheng murmured Zhao Jiayu’s name upon hearing Xiao Bingying’s words.

Lin Xizhao looked at Qu Sheng and explained, “I only found out when Fourth Brother was unconscious.” Nearly two months had passed since then. Lin Xizhao paused for a moment, then said in a gentle voice, “Jiayu and Fourth Brother are having a baby.”

Qu Sheng went from initial shock to sincere blessing. “Congratulations, Jiayu… and congratulations to Fourth Brother.” Their Marquis Qu’s Residence was finally getting a new addition.

Zhao Jiayu waved her hand, a little embarrassed. “When you all get married, you’ll be just as miserable as me. You can’t eat this, you’re not allowed to eat that, you can’t even drink wine.”

“You can eat, actually. It’s just that your brother-in-law cherishes you and the baby too much. But wine is absolutely off-limits,” Xiao Bingying added with a laugh.

Zhao Jiayu deflated again, sat down, and pouted as she picked at her favorite dishes on the table.

Everyone else just smiled helplessly at the sight.

After Xiao Bingying and Cheng Xi left, Lin Xizhao began to ponder how to convince Qu Sheng to go to the Haichao Kingdom and give it a try.

The two sat in the room. Lin Xizhao clearly had something she wanted to say, but Qu Sheng couldn’t see it. However, not being able to see didn’t mean she couldn’t guess.

“Does Jiejie want Sheng’er to go to the Haichao Kingdom?”

Lin Xizhao was still lost in her own thoughts when she suddenly heard Qu Sheng’s words. She let out a questioning “Hm?” then her lips curled slightly, and she said in a soft voice, “Yes. Jiejie will go with Sheng’er, so you don’t have to worry—”

“Going or not going will lead to the same result. Why bother making a trip for nothing?” Qu Sheng cut off the persuasive words Lin Xizhao was about to say.

“Sheng’er, how can you know if it can be cured if you don’t go?” Lin Xizhao gently retorted. As long as there was a sliver of hope, she would take Qu Sheng to try.

Qu Sheng didn’t want to argue with Lin Xizhao about this, so she simply remained silent.

After noon, Qu Jinian, Jin Yunfei, Qu Ting, and Qu Yu all came over. It didn’t take a genius to guess that the big-mouthed Zhao Jiayu had told them.

They all tried to persuade Qu Sheng to make a trip to the Haichao Kingdom. Regardless of the outcome, they, like Lin Xizhao, wanted Qu Sheng to try.

“But there’s only a sixty percent chance. It would be a futile trip. And no one knows how skilled this person’s medicine truly is,” Qu Sheng argued with rare force. She simply didn’t believe this person could cure her eyes.

Hearing this, Jin Yunfei also grew suspicious. “What Sheng’er says isn’t without reason. If this person is a charlatan and treats Sheng’er recklessly, it might interfere with future treatment.” Jin Yunfei was swayed.

The others also began to worry about such a possibility. After trying to persuade her for a while, they all dispersed, telling Qu Sheng to think it over carefully.

But Lin Xizhao remained firm in her belief. She didn’t believe Cheng Xi would lie to them about something like this, and besides, Shou Lin had already sent people to find this person. Since he existed, they still had hope.

After everyone left, Qu Sheng sat for a while and then said she was tired and wanted to rest. After helping her to bed, Lin Xizhao took the opportunity to take a carriage to the Zhao Residence.

She needed to ask Cheng Xi in detail just how skilled this doctor named Liu Wuxiang really was.

Ever since an indescribable relationship had formed between Xiao Bingying and Cheng Xi, the two had been as inseparable as form and shadow²¹, only returning to their own rooms to rest.

Today, after returning from Marquis Qu’s Residence, both had had some wine and were slightly tipsy, finding it hard to control their feelings.

Although they had been inseparable these days, apart from that one night and a subsequent kiss, nothing that crossed the line had happened again.

Xiao Bingying liked Cheng Xi, but she didn’t want Cheng Xi to think she was like those lecherous men²², coveting her beauty all day long. Therefore, even if she did covet her, she didn’t dare to show it.

With nothing to do after returning, Xiao Bingying and Cheng Xi began to play a piece of music together. It was a southern melody that Cheng Xi was teaching Xiao Bingying. Xiao Bingying learned quickly. After Cheng Xi played it once and gave her a little guidance when they played together, the two had already reached a state of zithers in harmony²³.

As the piece ended, Xiao Bingying looked at Cheng Xi’s admiring gaze and began to have fanciful thoughts. It had been a long time since she had kissed those soft, unforgettable lips.

Xiao Bingying only thought it, but didn’t do it. But Cheng Xi, without thinking, saw right through Xiao Bingying’s thoughts.

“Cheng Xi…” Xiao Bingying murmured softly, having already stood up and moved toward her, pulling the seated Cheng Xi into her lap.

Breath smelling of wine sprayed onto Xiao Bingying’s already flushed cheeks. Cheng Xi’s eyes were like silk, entwining with Xiao Bingying’s as she slowly leaned closer.

Xiao Bingying watched the soft lips before her get closer and closer, until they touched her own, and only then did she realize it wasn’t a dream.

The soft lips gently held and nibbled, a soul-stealing taste.

As the two were getting lost in the moment, their breathing quickening and tangling, a sudden knock on the door startled Xiao Bingying, who immediately stopped and gently pushed away Cheng Xi, who was still holding her neck.

Both were a little flustered, but Cheng Xi was more composed.

After another knock, the maidservant outside said, “Miss Bingying, Miss Lin is here.”

“Miss Lin… Xizhao,” Xiao Bingying said, and Cheng Xi understood and stood up. She first helped Xiao Bingying straighten her clothes, then watched her go to open the door before starting to tidy her own slightly disheveled top.

“Xizhao, what are you doing here?”

Xiao Bingying was a little guilty. Seeing this, Lin Xizhao smiled. “Did my sudden visit interrupt you two?” Lin Xizhao used “you two.” She was certain Cheng Xi was here because she had heard the sound of a zither and a flute playing in harmony just now.

Xiao Bingying glanced back at Cheng Xi, who was not far behind her, and saw her nod slightly. She then turned back to Lin Xizhao. “Not at all. Come in quickly.”

Lin Xizhao nodded and walked in after Xiao Bingying stepped aside. Lin Xizhao and Cheng Xi exchanged smiles and greetings. While pouring tea for Lin Xizhao, Xiao Bingying asked her to sit down. “What brings you here at this hour?”

“There is indeed something I need to ask Cheng Xi.” Lin Xizhao didn’t beat around the bush. She had rushed over while Qu Sheng was asleep. She said directly, “I came to ask about Doctor Liu’s medical skills. Is he really sixty percent certain he can cure Sheng’er’s eyes?”

Xiao Bingying looked at Cheng Xi. Cheng Xi glanced back at her before turning to Lin Xizhao. “His medical skills can be traced even within your Tiansheng Kingdom. It’s just that he doesn’t like the limelight and doesn’t leave his name after treatment, so no one knows of him. I only found out about him because my mother consort fell ill and my older brother sought him out. His skills are such that he alone is worth all the physicians in our Haichao royal palace.”

Having gotten her answer from Cheng Xi, Lin Xizhao didn’t stay long. She was afraid Qu Sheng would wake up and worry when she couldn’t find her.

When Lin Xizhao returned, Qu Sheng had just woken up and was sleepily asking the maidservant where she had gone.

“I’ll do it.” Lin Xizhao walked over quickly, taking the outer robe from the maidservant to dress Qu Sheng.

“Where did Jiejie go?” Qu Sheng asked again.

Lin Xizhao looked up at Qu Sheng, then lowered her gaze again. “I went to Bingying’s place.”

Hearing this, Qu Sheng guessed what Lin Xizhao had been doing. She didn’t ask further, hoping to cut off the conversation.

“Sheng’er—”

“If Jiejie wants to convince me to go to the Haichao Kingdom, then you don’t need to waste your breath. I’m not going,” Qu Sheng refused firmly.

Hearing Qu Sheng’s resolute words, Lin Xizhao didn’t feel discouraged. She patiently asked in a gentle voice, “Then what will it take for Sheng’er to go?”

Qu Sheng almost laughed out of frustration. She never knew Lin Xizhao could be so persistent.

“I’m not going,” Qu Sheng said simply. She had already given her reasons for not going; there was no need to waste more words.

“But I went to ask Cheng Xi today. This person is indeed sixty percent certain he can cure your eyes,” Lin Xizhao persisted.

Once her clothes were on, Qu Sheng walked straight outside. Lin Xizhao quickly followed. “What are you worried about? Can you tell Jiejie?”

She didn’t believe Qu Sheng didn’t want her eyes cured. She guessed Qu Sheng must have some concerns.

Qu Sheng did have concerns. The long journey was one thing, but the safety on the road was a major problem. And there was only a sixty percent chance for her eyes, which wasn’t even a sure thing.

If she went on this trip, carrying Lin Xizhao’s hopes, only to return and make Lin Xizhao even more disappointed, to the point where she felt hopeless and grew tired of caring for a blind person, and abandoned her early…

She couldn’t dare to imagine that day coming sooner. Without Lin Xizhao by her side, how would she spend the rest of her life without light?

Qu Sheng remained silent, and Lin Xizhao didn’t dare to ask again.

For the next few days, whenever Lin Xizhao brought up the matter, Qu Sheng would fall silent for a long time, making Lin Xizhao hesitant to bring it up easily.

On this day, the news of Zhao Jiayu’s pregnancy was announced in the residence, and the whole family gathered to celebrate.

Qu Sheng was also happy today and had a few small drinks. She was sent back to her room by Lin Xizhao to rest.

Not long after returning to her courtyard, Zhao Jiayu came out again. Their room was filled with all sorts of supplements from the elders. She had been taking them under Qu Yu’s supervision and was sick of the sight of them. If she ate them all, both mother and child would surely become fat.

Seeking fresh air, Zhao Jiayu ran straight to Qu Sheng’s courtyard. Lin Xizhao was sitting inside, worrying about how to convince Qu Sheng to go to the Haichao Kingdom for treatment.

Seeing her looking gloomy, Zhao Jiayu pulled her into the courtyard and asked in a low voice, “Did little Sheng’er bully you?” Although she didn’t know how things worked between women, she had heard from Qu Yu that a woman could also ruin another woman’s reputation, so she had to ask.

“What are you thinking? How could Sheng’er possibly bully me?”

“Hasn’t she bullied you enough?” Zhao Jiayu didn’t believe Qu Sheng was as well-behaved as she appeared on the surface.

Lin Xizhao looked at Zhao Jiayu’s concerned face, her eyes curving slightly. “No, she hasn’t. Sheng’er won’t bully me.”

Zhao Jiayu looked at Lin Xizhao with a half-believing expression, then suddenly frowned, feeling that Lin Xizhao hadn’t understood her meaning. “Well, has she done this…” Zhao Jiayu puckered her lips. “Has she?”

Lin Xizhao was at a loss for whether to laugh or cry at Zhao Jiayu’s gesture. She answered truthfully, “No, she hasn’t.”

Since that day, apart from the kiss meant for Lin Xirui to see, Qu Sheng hadn’t kissed her again. She didn’t know what had happened. Although she didn’t mind Qu Sheng’s kisses, she had come to accept that such things no longer happened between them.

Hearing Lin Xizhao’s answer, Zhao Jiayu still didn’t believe it. She had been holding something back that she wanted to ask Lin Xizhao. Seeing her in a bad mood today, she was sure it was because of Qu Sheng.

Zhao Jiayu deliberately cleared her throat, glanced around, and asked, “Xizhao, we’ve been sisters for over ten years. You should be able to trust me, right?”

Lin Xizhao’s eyes curved into a smile. “Of course. I’d trust our Jiayu over anyone.”

Puffed up with pride by Lin Xizhao’s words, Zhao Jiayu said, “Since we’re so close, you have to answer my question truthfully.”

A smile played on Lin Xizhao’s lips. “Of course.”

“Tell me the truth. Do you like little Sheng’er, even a little?” Zhao Jiayu watched the smile slowly fade from Lin Xizhao’s face and quickly added in a small voice, “Hey, it’s okay if you don’t want to say it. It’s fine.”

“It’s not that unusual. It happens often among the palace maids in the palace. They even have a name for it, something like grinding mirrors²⁴. It’s no big deal.” Seeing Lin Xizhao remain silent for a long time, Zhao Jiayu quickly mumbled some words of comfort.

Lin Xizhao froze for a moment. Zhao Jiayu knew far too much. Even she hadn’t known about these things.

“Who did you hear all this from?” Lin Xizhao was clearly more curious about how Zhao Jiayu knew.

“Third Sister-in-law told me,” Zhao Jiayu said truthfully.

“Third Sister-in-law?” Lin Xizhao’s brow furrowed unconsciously. If even Zhao Jiayu had guessed that she liked Qu Sheng, then the others…

Seeing that Lin Xizhao’s mood was even lower than before, and that she was the cause, Zhao Jiayu quickly got up and made her escape, regretting that she had ever asked. “Um, I’ll be going now. Yu will get worried if he doesn’t see me for too long.”

After Zhao Jiayu left, Lin Xizhao returned to the room, but she also began to feel a little suspicious about why Qu Sheng had suddenly stopped kissing her. And that night, Qu Sheng had clearly felt that impulse toward her, yet she hadn’t kissed her.

It seemed like everything started from the day she was suddenly called away by Qu Yu and the others.

When she returned that day, Qu Sheng was kneeling on the floor, with tears on her face…

Lin Xizhao seemed to have suddenly thought of something, and fear rose in her heart.

She hurried back into the room, only to see that Qu Sheng was already sitting up on the bed. Qu Sheng wasn’t moving at all, like an empty shell…

“Sheng’er?” Lin Xizhao called out softly.

Hearing the voice, Qu Sheng snapped back to reality for a moment and listened, but she didn’t hear Lin Xizhao’s voice again.

It must be my imagination again, she thought. Just like during the days when Lin Xizhao was away, she would always hear her voice.

Qu Sheng let out a self-deprecating laugh and turned her unseeing eyes toward the window.

Only there was the light the strongest, making her feel that she was still alive.

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The author has something to say:

Qu Sheng: “My life is so bitter.”

Lin Xizhao: “…”

Time is limited, passion will be postponed, to be served tomorrow.

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