The Prime Minister’s Daughter and the Marquis’s Fool – Chapter 89

Doctor Liu says the medicine to cure my eyes is on him

After the sound of footsteps faded, Qu Sheng remained seated, her expression unchanged. Inside the room, she hadn’t heard a single word pass between Cheng Xi and Liu Wuxiang.

After the time it took to drink half a cup of tea¹, Qu Sheng heard Liu Wuxiang say to Cheng Xi, “Go get the Pure Yang Earth² from outside.”

Cheng Xi nodded and headed out. At the same time, Liu Wuxiang walked toward Qu Sheng.

Qu Sheng tilted her head, listening to his approach. Seeing this, Liu Wuxiang chuckled. “Your ears have gotten quite sharp.”

She didn’t know what he meant, but since losing her sight, her hearing had indeed become more acute. She could pick up the faintest of sounds. Yet just now, she hadn’t heard any interaction between him and Cheng Xi.

Qu Sheng remained silent as Liu Wuxiang stopped in front of her. He raised an arm, flicked back his long sleeve, and placed his hand over her eyes.

“Can everyone in your family see in the dark?” he asked casually while prying at her eyelids.

Just then, Cheng Xi returned.

Qu Sheng rarely spoke in front of strangers. Cheng Xi herself had never heard her say much. When Qu Sheng didn’t answer, Liu Wuxiang glanced down at her again. “If you don’t speak, I can’t help you.”

At his words, Qu Sheng’s brow furrowed slightly. A moment later, she said, “Yes.”

“There, that’s better,” he said. “A diagnosis requires looking, listening, questioning, and feeling the pulse. How are we supposed to proceed if you don’t talk?”

Listening to Liu Wuxiang’s less-than-serious tone, Qu Sheng felt a flicker of doubt.

“Doctor Liu is very easygoing, not like other physicians. Miss Sheng, there’s no need to be so formal,” Cheng Xi said, her cool voice deliberately softened.

Qu Sheng responded with a quiet “mm,” her mind already working to figure out the relationship between Cheng Xi and this traveling doctor³.

After examining her eyes, Liu Wuxiang said, “Place both hands on the table.”

Qu Sheng did as she was told. Liu Wuxiang placed a hand on each of her arms and took her pulse for a while before asking, “I heard people say you’re a fool. Is that true?”

It was a taboo subject, a blatant offense. Had anyone else from the Qu Family been present, they wouldn’t have let Liu Wuxiang off so lightly. But Qu Sheng said nothing. She didn’t even move.

“You don’t seem like one to me,” Liu Wuxiang continued. The words had barely left his mouth when he felt the pulse beneath his fingers quicken. “Don’t worry. I have my own code of conduct. I won’t tell anyone.”

As he finished speaking, Qu Sheng’s heartbeat slowed. Liu Wuxiang was quite satisfied with her reaction. He smiled at her, then glanced at Cheng Xi, who stood nearby.

Their eyes met. Cheng Xi didn’t seem at all surprised that Qu Sheng wasn’t a fool. But Qu Sheng had already figured it out—the relationship between these two was anything but ordinary.

“Your eyes can be cured,” Liu Wuxiang said, withdrawing his hands. “But we’re missing one key ingredient, which might be a bit troublesome.”

Qu Sheng listened intently but didn’t reply. If the medicine is troublesome, he should be telling Qu Ting and the others, not me. This probably isn’t about the medicine at all.

“Are you certain you can heal my eyes?” Qu Sheng asked, her voice clear and bright.

Liu Wuxiang raised an eyebrow, a smile playing on his lips. “In this world, besides myself and my apprentice⁴, I’m afraid there isn’t a third person who can save you.”

Qu Sheng turned her head slightly, the frown on her face slowly smoothing out. “This medicine… does the Haichao Imperial Family have it?”

Hearing this, the smile on Liu Wuxiang’s face bloomed. He looked at Cheng Xi. “This young lady of the marquis’s manor is exceptionally sharp.”

He then turned back to Qu Sheng and stated plainly, “Yes. It’s on Cheng Feng⁵, a prince of the Haichao Kingdom.”

Qu Sheng thought for a few moments, as if weighing whether this transaction was feasible. “I want to see my Third Brother first.”

“Miss Sheng, as long as you agree—”

“My agreement is just a matter of words,” Qu Sheng cut in, unwilling to make empty promises⁶. “Whether or not I can follow through isn’t up to me alone.” If her sight wasn’t restored, she had no power to rescue a prince from the Haichao Kingdom—Cheng Xi’s brother, Cheng Feng.

Now she understood why Cheng Xi had been so insistent on recommending Liu Wuxiang. Perhaps the initial introduction had been a coincidence, but Cheng Xi’s persistence in persuading her to come must have been leading up to this moment.

Cheng Xi stood by, silent, but Qu Sheng knew she was far from the frail woman she appeared to be.

Seeing Qu Sheng’s uncompromising expression, Liu Wuxiang looked to Cheng Xi and gestured for her to go get someone.

Cheng Xi left and returned shortly with Qu Ting. When he entered, Qu Ting had no idea why Liu Wuxiang had summoned him. His gaze darted between the people in the room.

Recognizing Qu Ting’s footsteps, Qu Sheng turned her ear toward him and asked directly, “Third Brother, do you know where the Haichao prince, Cheng Feng, is being held?”

The question immediately put Qu Ting on high alert. He shot a wary look at Liu Wuxiang and Cheng Xi, then moved to Qu Sheng’s side. “Sheng-meimei, why are you asking about this?”

“Doctor Liu says the medicine to cure my eyes is on him.”

Qu Ting’s head snapped up, his gaze locking onto Cheng Xi. His brow furrowed. “Saving someone isn’t difficult,” he said. “I just need to know if my meimei’s eyes can truly be healed.”

He wasn’t angry that Cheng Xi had tricked them. Right now, his only concern was whether this doctor could actually cure Qu Sheng.

If he could, Qu Ting wouldn’t hesitate to save one person—he would even kill for it.

But if Cheng Xi had lured them here with false hope, and Qu Sheng’s eyes couldn’t be healed, then she shouldn’t blame him for what came next.

Cheng Xi met Qu Ting’s gaze. She knew the people of the Qu Family were fiercely protective of their own⁷. She also knew they valued relationships and righteousness⁸; if they made a promise today, they would absolutely honor it.

“We can heal her eyes first, then rescue my gege,” Cheng Xi replied. She hadn’t wanted to use this as a bargaining chip. Her initial desire to help Qu Sheng had been genuine, but the idea of using it to her advantage had formed later.

At first, she hadn’t considered it. But when she learned how the Qu Family was moving heaven and earth for Qu Sheng’s sake, even issuing a proclamation across the entire Tiansheng Kingdom, she knew it was worth a try.

She had already written to Liu Wuxiang and knew he would agree. If the Qu Family refused, she had no other options. She was, after all, living under someone else’s roof. If the Qu Family grew angry enough to kill her, she couldn’t escape.

She could only submit to the will of heaven⁹.

Qu Ting lowered his eyes, hesitating. But Qu Sheng spoke up. “Fine. I agree.”

As long as my eyes are healed, even if Qu Ting can’t do it, I can.

“But let’s be clear,” she added. “If my eyes don’t heal, that Haichao prince will die a very ugly death.” She could save a life, but she could also take one.

The King of Haichao currently relied on the Tiansheng Kingdom. Getting rid of the prince would only take a single word from Qu Jinian. It would even give the new Haichao king a legitimate reason to eliminate a rival for the throne.

Hearing Qu Sheng’s words, Cheng Xi’s lashes trembled. She looked at Liu Wuxiang, who met her gaze and nodded.

“Alright,” Cheng Xi said, placing all her hope in Qu Sheng.

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With the agreement made, Liu Wuxiang had everyone leave, keeping only Qu Sheng with him.

He inserted silver needles into the corners of Qu Sheng’s eyes and several other points on her body. He had prepared the medicine long ago. He had once encountered a tribe during his travels where everyone could see in the dark; he suspected they had some connection to the Qu Family.

He was so certain he could heal Qu Sheng’s eyes not because of his own brilliant medical skills, but because her eyes possessed the ability to heal themselves. However, a full recovery would take a great deal of time—three years, five years, perhaps even more than a decade. But with his needles and medicine, her sight would surely be restored in less than a month.

A shichen¹⁰ later, Liu Wuxiang opened the door. Outside, no one had left. They were all waiting anxiously.

Seeing their worried faces, Liu Wuxiang stretched lazily and smiled. “You can take her back now.”

Everyone peered into the room. Lin Xizhao hesitated for a moment before stepping inside.

Qu Sheng was sitting on the chair, her eyes covered with a cloth bandage under which some herbs had been applied. Lin Xizhao looked her over and asked softly, “Sheng’er, are you uncomfortable?”

Qu Sheng shook her head. “No. Doctor Liu was very gentle.”

She had barely felt the needles, and the poultice on her eyes was cool and soothing. It wasn’t uncomfortable at all; in fact, it was rather pleasant.

Hearing this, Lin Xizhao’s expression softened into a warm smile. “Your Third Brother said your sight can be restored in a month. Is it true?”

For some reason, Qu Sheng hesitated for a second before nodding. “Yes, that’s what Doctor Liu said.”

The smile on Lin Xizhao’s face was impossible to contain. She felt a joy unlike any she had ever known, happier than she had been at any point in the last decade.

“Let me help you up.” Doctor Liu hadn’t said anything about Qu Sheng staying, and they had already booked rooms at a nearby inn.

Lin Xizhao helped Qu Sheng to her feet and led her out by the hand. The moment she emerged, the others crowded around. Xiao Bingying was also overjoyed, but when she glanced at Cheng Xi, Cheng Xi lowered her head.

The group returned to the inn. Cheng Xi didn’t go with them, and Xiao Bingying didn’t insist. It was only natural for old friends¹¹ to stay behind and catch up.

Back at the inn, Xiao Bingying and Lin Xizhao examined Qu Sheng’s face. Xiao Bingying had never seen the herbs on the bandage before and had no idea what they did, but Liu Wuxiang had given her instructions on how to care for Qu Sheng.

Xiao Bingying lit a stick of incense she had brought back. Cupping her hand over Qu Sheng’s nose and mouth, she fanned the fragrant smoke toward Qu Sheng’s bandaged eyes.

Lin Xizhao wasn’t a doctor and had never studied medicine. She wanted to help but was afraid of messing something up and delaying Qu Sheng’s recovery.

By the time the incense burned out, half a shichen had passed.

“Doctor Liu said her eyes must not get wet, and she shouldn’t get overly emotional,” Xiao Bingying instructed.

The Qu Family had brought their own physicians, yet Liu Wuxiang had entrusted all of Qu Sheng’s follow-up care to her. Cheng Xi must have told him I know medicine.

Lin Xizhao committed Xiao Bingying’s instructions to memory. When food was brought in, she invited Xiao Bingying to eat with them, but Xiao Bingying declined.

Cheng Xi was still with Liu Wuxiang, and she had told Xiao Bingying to pick her up later. Seeing the sun slowly sinking below the horizon, she knew she had to go get her.

Lin Xizhao saw Xiao Bingying glancing outside frequently and didn’t press her to stay.

After Xiao Bingying left, Lin Xizhao began to feed Qu Sheng.

But she noticed that today, Qu Sheng seemed distracted while eating. Maybe it’s the medicine.

“Sheng’er,” Lin Xizhao said, holding the food out, but Qu Sheng didn’t open her mouth for a long time.

The sound of her name brought Qu Sheng back to her senses. She seemed dazed for a moment before the scent of food registered, and she slowly parted her lips. After the evening meal, since Qu Sheng couldn’t bathe, Lin Xizhao could only give her a sponge bath, following their usual routine.

Later that evening, Qu Ting and his wife stopped by. Seeing that Qu Sheng had eaten and was lying down, they didn’t linger, just exchanged a few words and returned to their own room.

After bathing, Lin Xizhao, dressed in her sleepwear, walked to the bed. The room was filled with the scent of medicine from Qu Sheng’s treatment, but Lin Xizhao didn’t find it unpleasant. In fact, the fragrance was somewhat reassuring.

This medicine will restore Qu Sheng’s sight. What does it matter if the scent is a little strong?

Lin Xizhao lifted the covers and lay down, turning on her side to face Qu Sheng, who was lying flat on her back, seemingly lost in thought again.

“What are you thinking about?” Lin Xizhao asked softly, propping her head on her bent arm.

Qu Sheng turned her head slightly. “About how I want my eyes to hurry up and see Jiejie.”

Lin Xizhao’s lips curved. She raised a hand to Qu Sheng’s cheek, her thumb stroking the skin gently as she smiled. “You’ll be able to see me very soon.”

For some reason, Lin Xizhao had a profound, inexplicable faith that Liu Wuxiang could truly heal Qu Sheng’s eyes.

Listening to Lin Xizhao’s tender voice, Qu Sheng felt a strange restlessness stir within her. She tried to look in Lin Xizhao’s direction, wishing so badly she could see her right now.

See the Lin Xizhao who was so completely and openly devoted to her.

Back in Shoulin, Qu Sheng had asked Xiao Bingying about her condition. She hadn’t realized at the time how severe her illness would become after accumulating for so long. Now, she finally understood the reason for Lin Xizhao’s sudden change in attitude.

It had happened so fast it had almost caught her off guard, nearly making her believe that Lin Xizhao truly wanted to spend the rest of her life with her.

Lin Xizhao’s upbringing was not so different from her own, but Qu Sheng would never agree with some of the more rigid, pedantic aspects of their teachings, let alone be influenced by them. It was as if a natural barrier shielded her from those doctrines that sought to restrain human nature.

She knew what Lin Xizhao cared about. She was Lin Jianhai’s daughter, and Lin Jianhai valued his reputation as if it were his own life. Naturally, Lin Xizhao would worry about that too.

She didn’t doubt Lin Xizhao’s feelings for her. She believed that Lin Xizhao truly liked her. But to what extent, she didn’t know.

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Xiao Bingying rode to pick up Cheng Xi. When she arrived at Liu Wuxiang’s courtyard, Cheng Xi was already waiting.

Seeing her standing there, Xiao Bingying dismounted and walked over quickly, draping the cloak she’d brought over Cheng Xi’s shoulders.

Xiao Bingying wasn’t one for pretty words, but her actions always proved how much she cared for Cheng Xi.

Cheng Xi glanced down at the cloak, then looked up at Xiao Bingying, the worry in her eyes melting into tenderness.

“What took you so long?”

A faint smile touched Xiao Bingying’s lips. “I was talking with Xizhao and the others for a bit.” In truth, she hadn’t said much to them. She had left a while ago and had been riding around nearby, waiting.

She knew Cheng Xi must have had a lot to say to her old friend. If she had arrived early, Cheng Xi would never have made her wait.

The timing was just right.

Cheng Xi nodded, looking a little drained. “Let’s go.”

Noticing her low spirits, Xiao Bingying didn’t press. Once they were outside the courtyard, she lifted Cheng Xi onto the horse.

Xiao Bingying settled in behind her, wrapping an arm around her waist. Guards followed them. Cheng Xi leaned back slightly, her whole body pressing against Xiao Bingying’s, as if exhausted.

Xiao Bingying looked down at her, resting her chin on Cheng Xi’s cheek and nuzzling her gently. The hand at her waist moved up to her forehead. “Are you not feeling well?” she asked, her voice laced with concern.

Cheng Xi shook her head. She had been with Liu Wuxiang for a long time and had learned some things that had left her emotionally drained, but she wasn’t sick.

“It’s nothing. Let’s just get back quickly.”

Hearing the dejection in her tone, Xiao Bingying pressed a soft kiss on her forehead. “We’re in no rush. Is there anywhere you’d like to go, Xi’er?”

They were close to the Haichao Imperial City. She didn’t know how familiar Cheng Xi was with the area, but after being away from her homeland for so long and unable to move about freely upon her return, she thought Cheng Xi might have a place she wanted to visit.

Cheng Xi turned to look up at Xiao Bingying. Meeting her gentle gaze, she did think of a place, but it was too risky.

Cheng Xi’s cool eyes curved slightly. “It’s too late today. Let’s talk about it later.” They would be here for at least a month. Even if Qu Sheng’s eyes healed early, she couldn’t travel right away; she would still need time to recover.

Xiao Bingying didn’t ask again, but she already knew where Cheng Xi wanted to go.

The Imperial City of the Haichao Kingdom. The place where Cheng Xi was born and raised, about two shichen away. It was indeed too late today.

Seeing the forced smile in Cheng Xi’s eyes, Xiao Bingying pursed her lips, nodded, and rode back to the inn.

Once they returned, Xiao Bingying personally brought hot water for Cheng Xi’s bath.

Behind the screen, Cheng Xi shed her clothes and draped them over the partition. Xiao Bingying sat on the other side, her hands resting on her knees, feeling a little tense. When she glanced up and inadvertently caught a glimpse of the discarded garments.

Throughout their journey, they had shared a room. Cheng Xi always bathed inside, but Xiao Bingying never went in. But ever since they had crossed the thunder pool¹², her mind had become a restless ape and a wild horse¹³.

The past few days had been a rush of travel, and she’d been worried about Cheng Xi getting enough rest, so they hadn’t engaged in any matters of the bed¹⁴. Now that they had arrived, even though today had also been busy, Xiao Bingying found she couldn’t restrain herself.

Every night Cheng Xi had spent lying in her arms had been a battle of wills. Tomorrow, they wouldn’t have to travel. They could sleep in. The desire for Cheng Xi swelled in her chest until it ached.

Steam from behind the screen drifted out as Cheng Xi moved. A pair of jade feet¹⁵, glistening with water, stepped onto the wooden slats.

As Cheng Xi entered the tub, the flower petals within were pushed to the sides. When she submerged her fair, smooth body into the water, the petals rushed back, clinging to her snow-like skin.

A contented sigh escaped Cheng Xi’s lips as she raised her arms and began to gently wash herself.

Outside the screen, Xiao Bingying heard the sound of splashing water, and her throat went dry.

Cheng Xi washed herself absently, her mind replaying what Liu Wuxiang had told her. Her gege was not faring well in the imperial city’s prison. At first, the new king, wary of other imperial family members, hadn’t dared to torture him. But as time passed and fewer and fewer people came to visit, the new king had grown bold enough to torment him.

Though his life wasn’t in immediate danger, the endless rounds of punishment were a life worse than death¹⁶.

The thought of her brother suffering made Cheng Xi’s heart tremble. She had thought her own life was hard, but her brother’s was a thousand times worse.

Cheng Xi closed her eyes and let out a long sigh. When she opened them again, a figure was standing before her.

She instinctively moved to cover herself, but when she saw it was Xiao Bingying, she visibly relaxed. Then she frowned slightly. “When did you get here? I didn’t hear you.”

“I…” Xiao Bingying had called her name several times. “Did I scare you?”

She didn’t argue the point. Whether Cheng Xi had heard her or not, the fact was that she had come in uninvited.

Cheng Xi looked into Xiao Bingying’s gentle eyes and shook her head. “No. Is something wrong?”

Xiao Bingying never came in when she was bathing.

“I want to help you,” Xiao Bingying said, her gaze clear.

Cheng Xi paused for a moment, then curved her lips into a smile. “Alright. Thank you for your trouble.”

Having received permission, Xiao Bingying smiled and nodded eagerly. She looked around, grabbed a nearby towel, wet it, and walked over.

As Xiao Bingying approached, Cheng Xi lowered her gaze and turned around. Xiao Bingying’s throat tightened at the sight of Cheng Xi’s smooth, glistening back. She crouched down and began to scrub her back with earnest care.

Xiao Bingying’s touch was gentle, and Cheng Xi felt no discomfort. She turned her head to smile at Xiao Bingying. “You’re quite skilled. Have you done this for someone before?”

At her question, Xiao Bingying looked up, a hint of embarrassment on her face. She had—for her cousin. But she had never felt anything for Zhao Jiayu beyond sisterly affection.

Even now, knowing she could feel desire for a woman like Cheng Xi, she still felt nothing for Zhao Jiayu.

“What’s wrong? Is it inconvenient to say?” Cheng Xi asked, turning her head back.

Xiao Bingying met her gaze, her hands slowing. “My female cousin,” she answered honestly. They had been close as children; things like this were unavoidable.

Cheng Xi nodded, showing no sign of displeasure. After finishing her back, Xiao Bingying prepared to wash her front. Noticing that Xiao Bingying had stopped moving, Cheng Xi naturally turned to face her.

She had once been a princess, and even at the Xiao estate, she had attendants to wait on her. But on this journey with Xiao Bingying, she hadn’t brought Chi Li, so she had been bathing herself.

As Cheng Xi turned, Xiao Bingying’s gaze fell upon the half-submerged parts of her body. She quickly looked away, meeting Cheng Xi’s eyes instead.

Cheng Xi closed her eyes, not seeming to notice anything amiss with Xiao Bingying. She simply waited for her to continue.

Seeing that Cheng Xi didn’t mind, Xiao Bingying raised the towel and began to wash her from her shoulders and neck down.

Cheng Xi was very cooperative, lifting her body slightly when Xiao Bingying brought the towel near to give her better access.

But as Cheng Xi rose from the water, Xiao Bingying froze, stunned as if struck by lightning. Her hands stopped moving.

“Xi… Xi’er…” Xiao Bingying stammered, her heart pounding violently as she stared at the softness she had longed for.

When Cheng Xi heard her name, she opened her eyes and met Xiao Bingying’s gaze, which was blazing with desire.

They both froze.

Cheng Xi hadn’t thought anything of being seen by another woman, but remembering that night, her own boldness and Xiao Bingying’s surrender, she couldn’t help but press her lips together and lower her gaze.

“Xi’er.” Seeing Cheng Xi’s shy avoidance, the ache in Xiao Bingying’s chest became uncontrollable.

Her intentions in coming here had been anything but pure to begin with, and now her greed had reached its peak. Gazing at Cheng Xi’s bashful expression, she summoned all her courage, reached out, and gently tilted her chin, making her look up.

The light in Xiao Bingying’s eyes told Cheng Xi everything she needed to know: Xiao Bingying needed her desperately right now.

Xiao Bingying’s lips trembled, her eyes darting between Cheng Xi’s brows and lips.

“Xi’er…” The moment their eyes met again, Xiao Bingying could hold back no longer. She leaned in and kissed her.

Cheng Xi’s lips were dewy with moisture from the bath. Xiao Bingying tasted them like a sweet nectar, a taste that sent a thrill through her and left her wanting more.

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The night has a way of stirring infinite desire for the one you love. As Lin Xizhao’s fingers traced her lips, Qu Sheng pulled her on top of her.

She didn’t know how much longer Lin Xizhao would stay by her side so resolutely, but she knew that once her eyes were healed, there would be no escape.

Qu Sheng’s fingertips roamed over the small of Lin Xizhao’s back through the thin fabric of her sleepwear. As their kiss deepened, her touch grew hotter…

With Lin Xizhao’s soft moan, Qu Sheng’s grip tightened. The softness in her hands, the wetness on her tongue, slowly awakened a deeper desire for Lin Xizhao within her.

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The author has something to say:

Qu Sheng: “I love my wifey’s little dot dot¹⁷ most.”

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