The Prime Minister’s Daughter and the Marquis’s Fool – Chapter 97

Medicinal Effect

Qu Sheng carried Lin Xizhao into the residence just like that. The three people left standing outside the gate stared blankly for a moment before looking at each other in dismay. They weren’t worried that Qu Sheng would hurt Lin Xizhao; they all knew Qu Sheng had always cherished Lin Xizhao as if she were her own life.

Lin Xizhao was carried into the courtyard. In the carriage, her lips, swollen and red from being kissed by Qu Sheng the entire way, now felt a little sore.

She knew she had been the one to break her promise first, and she was doing her best to compensate Qu Sheng. But once they reached the Capital, she couldn’t guarantee they would always be together. Sooner or later, they would have to part.

With Qu Sheng’s eyes healed, there was no longer any reason to delay her own marriage. Besides, she had known for a long time that Qu Sheng was no foolish child. Later, during her many visits to her Teacher,¹ she had made indirect inquiries² and learned that he had never treated Qu Sheng like an ordinary child.

Qu Sheng’s intelligence was the most outstanding among the many students³ he had taught, surpassing even Lin Xizhao’s father, Lin Jianhai.

From this, Lin Xizhao had slowly pieced together the reason for Qu Sheng’s behavior that first time in the main hall of the Empress’s Palace: it was to avoid marrying into the royal family and becoming the Crown Princess.

This was something she later confirmed after Qu Sheng confessed her feelings and stopped pretending in front of her.

Qu Sheng carried Lin Xizhao into the courtyard, kicked open the door to a room, and, without even closing it, brought her to the bed in the inner chamber.

Looking at Qu Sheng’s expressionless face, Lin Xizhao felt no fear, only uncertainty about how to bring up the problems between them.

“Sheng—”

“Jiejie,” Qu Sheng cut her off the instant she spoke. “If you’re going to talk about leaving me, then don’t bother.” She wouldn’t allow Lin Xizhao to say she wanted to leave, not even if the thought was in her heart.

Qu Sheng got onto the bed and knelt before Lin Xizhao. Gazing at the sorrow in Lin Xizhao’s eyes, she whispered tenderly, “Jiejie said she would take care of Sheng’er for a lifetime.”

As she finished speaking, her gaze drifted down to Lin Xizhao’s red lips, and before Lin Xizhao could speak again, she kissed her.

Today, there wasn’t much anger in Qu Sheng’s heart, only a lingering fear. For now, she could only rely on Lin Xizhao’s guilt to keep taking from her. But she also held onto a sliver of hope that Lin Xizhao might change her mind.

She knew that once Lin Xizhao’s heart was set, she would be powerless to sway her. Over the years, Lin Xizhao had broken many rules for her out of affection. She hoped this time would be no different.

Qu Sheng’s kiss was much gentler than it had been in the carriage. Noticing the way Lin Xizhao’s brow furrowed with every light brush of her lips, she slowly moved her mouth elsewhere.

It wasn’t until evening that Lin Xizhao finally got some rest. For the past few days, Qu Sheng had clung to her whenever she had a spare moment, and her body was beginning to feel the strain.

After her evening meal, Lin Xizhao went to see Liu Wuxiang. Qu Sheng, naturally, was unwilling to leave her side and could only go with her.

“Is Jiejie not feeling well?” Qu Sheng asked as they walked.

Lin Xizhao turned her head to look at her, her voice a little hoarse and laced with weariness. “I just feel a bit weak.” Not only that, but her back ached as if the very support in her waist had been pulled out, making it tiring just to stand up straight.

Xiao Bingying’s health seemed to have improved considerably, but Cheng Xi said she still needed a long period of recuperation to return to her previous state. With the evening meal finished and the sky now dark, Lin Xizhao felt it was best to see Liu Wuxiang and have him diagnose her.

Qu Sheng stayed by Lin Xizhao’s side, and the two walked in silence until they reached Liu Wuxiang’s quarters.

“Forgive me for coming without notice. I hope I’m not disturbing you,” Lin Xizhao said politely as Liu Wuxiang invited her inside.

Liu Wuxiang smiled. “We’re the ones staying here, eating and drinking every day. We’re the ones who are disturbing you.”

While the two exchanged pleasantries, Qu Sheng stood to the side without a word. Liu Wuxiang glanced at her before asking, “Is there something you needed to discuss, coming at this hour?”

Lin Xizhao didn’t beat around the bush.⁴ “I’ve been feeling a bit fatigued lately,” she said. “I was hoping Doctor Liu could take a look at me.”

Liu Wuxiang had been observing Lin Xizhao’s expression since she entered the room and had likely already guessed the cause of her symptoms. But because she was a young woman, he couldn’t be too direct. He had her sit down and, after checking the pulse in both her wrists, he looked up, his gaze shifting between Qu Sheng and Lin Xizhao. “The affection between you two young ladies is as if you are one person, but you must exercise restraint. Your body is severely depleted. If this continues, I’m afraid you’ll be bedridden.”

To Lin Xizhao, Liu Wuxiang’s tactful words felt like being roasted over a low flame. But this was precisely why she had come to him—she wanted Qu Sheng to hear this, hoping it would make her restrain herself and allow for a slow separation.

“I have some refined medicine pills⁵ here. Take two each day. As long as you practice restraint, you’ll recover quickly,” Liu Wuxiang said, turning to get his medicine box. He took out a small wooden tube and handed it to Lin Xizhao.

Lin Xizhao accepted it with a word of thanks, then turned to Qu Sheng. Seeing that Qu Sheng seemed lost in thought, she said to Liu Wuxiang, “Could I trouble Doctor Liu to take a look at my younger sister as well?”

Since she and Qu Sheng had been together, and based on what Liu Wuxiang had said last time, she figured Qu Sheng’s body must also be suffering.

Liu Wuxiang nodded and rolled up his sleeves. As he sat down, he tilted his head, gesturing for Qu Sheng to sit as well. Qu Sheng glanced at Lin Xizhao.

Lin Xizhao smiled, shifted the tube of pills to her other hand, and took Qu Sheng’s hand, leading her over.

Qu Sheng sat down and reluctantly let Liu Wuxiang check her pulse. The medicine he prescribed was the same as Lin Xizhao’s. After they received the medicine and left, Qu Sheng stared down at the pills in her hand, lost in thought.

That night, Qu Sheng truly heeded Liu Wuxiang’s words and didn’t pester Lin Xizhao. As a result, Lin Xizhao slept soundly and, the next morning, slipped out to see Liu Wuxiang again before Qu Sheng awoke.

Lin Xizhao asked Liu Wuxiang about Qu Sheng’s eyes and her heart sickness. Liu Wuxiang told her that Qu Sheng was perfectly healthy, lively as a dragon and fierce as a tiger,⁶ but that she carried a heavy weight on her mind. He told Lin Xizhao not to worry, but to pay more attention to her own body.

In his past travels, he had seen his fair share of men who became unwell shortly after getting married, most often because frequent intimacy had taken a toll on their bodies.

It wasn’t just something that happened to men; it could happen to women as well.

Having gotten the answer she wanted, Lin Xizhao didn’t linger. But just as she stepped out of Liu Wuxiang’s room, she saw Qu Sheng standing in the courtyard, watching her.

A flash of panic crossed Lin Xizhao’s face, but she quickly composed herself and walked over. “Why are you here, Sheng’er?” she asked softly.

Qu Sheng didn’t answer. She lowered her gaze, taking in the guilt in Lin Xizhao’s eyes. After a moment, she said, “I woke up and didn’t see Jiejie. I was a little worried.” In this marquis’s residence, while not perfectly safe, such worry was unnecessary.

She just wanted to see what Lin Xizhao was up to.

Seeing her come out of Liu Wuxiang’s room, she had already guessed what Lin Xizhao had wanted to ask. She knew her own body very well; there was nothing wrong with it.

“It’s nothing. I was just asking Doctor Liu if your eyes have completely healed.”

“Mm,” Qu Sheng said before turning and walking away without a backward glance.

Seeing this, Lin Xizhao narrowed her eyes. After a moment of thought, she broke into a light jog to catch up.

“We leave for the Capital the day after tomorrow,” Qu Sheng said, sensing Lin Xizhao behind her and glancing back with her peripheral vision.

She had already discussed it with Qu Ting. Xiao Bingying was well enough to travel now, and they couldn’t keep the Haichao prince, Cheng Feng, here indefinitely.

They were subjects of the Tiansheng dynasty, and the Haichao Kingdom was their vassal. If word got out that they were sheltering the leader of the Haichao rebels, it would become a confirmed crime for those at court looking to target Qu Jinian.

“So soon,” Lin Xizhao said, seeming surprised by the decision.

Qu Sheng stopped walking. Lin Xizhao, her mind elsewhere, almost crashed right into her.

Qu Sheng turned to face her. Seeing Lin Xizhao’s guilty and somewhat shy expression, like a little girl who had done something wrong, she sighed helplessly, bent down, and lifted her into her arms.

Being held like this outside was embarrassing, but Lin Xizhao didn’t struggle or refuse. They were going back. She was afraid she’d never be able to come here again, and once they were in the Capital, they couldn’t be like this anymore.

Qu Sheng carried Lin Xizhao back to their room, where breakfast had already been laid out. She didn’t ask Lin Xizhao to feed her. After they ate, she took Lin Xizhao to see Xiao Bingying and inform her of their departure date.

Cheng Xi sat to the side, her eyes downcast, lips pressed together in silence. Qu Sheng glanced at her but said nothing before leading Lin Xizhao out.

There was no need for Qu Sheng to tell Cheng Feng; Qu Ting had already informed him. On the day of their departure, Cheng Feng and Liu Wuxiang would leave as well.

Ever since Qu Sheng and the others left the room, Cheng Xi had been somewhat absent-minded.⁷ Seeing this, Xiao Bingying offered a faint smile. “Don’t worry,” she said gently. “I’ve already spoken to Sheng-meimei about letting you stay. She agreed.”

Xiao Bingying’s relationship with Qu Sheng was no worse than her relationship with Zhao Jiayu. When Xiao Bingying had brought it up, Qu Sheng had objected, but Xiao Bingying insisted, telling Qu Sheng to place all the blame on her.

Xiao Bingying held no hatred for Cheng Xi. Her actions had been for self-preservation; though she had used deception, she had never caused Cheng Xi any real harm. And besides, Cheng Xi had once belonged to her.

Qu Sheng had only tried to persuade her once. It wasn’t that she didn’t understand Xiao Bingying’s feelings for Cheng Xi, but her own way of doing things would be to keep the person by her side.

Hearing that Xiao Bingying had kept her promise, Cheng Xi was overcome with guilt. She had wanted to make it up to Xiao Bingying, but apart from this body, she had nothing to offer, nothing she could do.

The room fell silent for a long time. Xiao Bingying, as if she had come to terms with it, offered a faint smile. “Can you stay with me for these next two days?” she asked.

Cheng Xi had been with her every day, just not sleeping there. Previously, she had cared for Xiao Bingying so diligently that her clothes were not undone nor her belt untied,⁸ but once Xiao Bingying could get out of bed, she had moved to another room to rest.

When Xiao Bingying asked her to stay, she held no extravagant hope for any more skin-to-skin intimacy,⁹ nor did she have any profane intentions. If she wanted to, she knew Cheng Xi would agree the moment she asked, but she couldn’t.

“Alright,” Cheng Xi agreed. She would stay tonight. Gazing at the undisguised reluctance and the bright light in Xiao Bingying’s eyes, Cheng Xi quickly lowered her head. “The medicated congee¹⁰ should be ready soon. I’ll go check on it.”

She felt too guilty to meet Xiao Bingying’s gaze and couldn’t bear to look any longer.

Seeing Cheng Xi’s reluctance to look at her, the smile on Xiao Bingying’s face faded. She let out a soft “mm.” As she watched Cheng Xi walk out the door, the loneliness on her face became apparent.

Not long after leaving the room, Cheng Xi saw Qu Sheng standing at the courtyard entrance. Seeing Qu Sheng watching her, she walked over. “Is something wrong?”

“Yes,” Qu Sheng replied bluntly. She had been waiting for her.

At that moment, Lin Xizhao also went into Xiao Bingying’s room.

“Should we find another place to talk?” Cheng Xi asked, glancing around at the many guards and servants.

“No need. We can talk right here.” Their conversation was safe within the marquis’s residence. Otherwise, Qu Sheng wouldn’t have dared to have Feng Qi bring people here.

Hearing this, Cheng Xi looked up at the placid expression in Qu Sheng’s eyes. After a moment, she lowered her gaze. “Is this about Bingying?”

Two days later.

A crowd stood before the gates of the Marquis Zhengyi’s Residence. The Qu family’s Second Uncle, Qu Jixian, and his wife saw the younger generation into their carriages. After watching the carriages disappear into the distance, they returned to the rear courtyard.

Inside one carriage, Liu Wuxiang watched as Cheng Xi helped Cheng Feng aboard another. “Girl,” he asked, “aren’t you going with them?”

Cheng Feng turned to look at his sister. “Are they gone?”

Cheng Xi nodded, a trace of guilt and remorse in her eyes. Seeing her reaction, Cheng Feng glanced at Qu Jixian standing nearby. It only took him a moment to understand.

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At this time of year, the sunlight outside was beginning to grow harsh. This was the southern region of Tiansheng, and though it wasn’t yet the height of summer, any activity would leave one feeling hot and sticky.

Qu Sheng lay with her eyes closed, resting in Lin Xizhao’s lap. Lin Xizhao, meanwhile, lifted the carriage curtain and looked outside. When they had come this way before, the grass had just been tender sprouts; now, the leaves and branches were lush and full.

After a moment of reflection, Lin Xizhao’s gaze returned to Qu Sheng. She looked so obedient in her sleep. Gazing at her fair, smooth cheeks, Lin Xizhao couldn’t help but smile, her hand rising to gently stroke her face.

Lin Xizhao’s slender fingers had barely caressed her cheek for a moment when Qu Sheng’s eyes fluttered open. Her gaze was bright, but within moments, it was tinged with a tiger’s covetous glare¹¹ fixed on Lin Xizhao.

For the past few days, she and Lin Xizhao had been taking the medicine pills from Liu Wuxiang. The inner heat that had subsided slightly had slowly begun to build again after taking the medicine. If she weren’t concerned for Lin Xizhao’s body, she was afraid she would have lost control long ago.

Now, looking up and seeing that the fatigue had vanished from Lin Xizhao’s eyes, she began to get wicked ideas.

Lin Xizhao looked down at Qu Sheng. The moment she saw Qu Sheng’s eyes open, she tried to pull back her hand.

Sensing this, Qu Sheng reached up and held it fast. She loved when Lin Xizhao did this. The softness of her fingertips, the cool fragrance that drifted from her sleeve as her hand drew near—it was enough to make her imagination run wild.¹²

Qu Sheng closed her eyes, greedily using her own fingers to press Lin Xizhao’s soft hand against her face, stroking it back and forth.

Lin Xizhao, who had frozen for a moment, now let a smile grace her features.

The carriage had been traveling for about half an hour when it suddenly stopped in an open area. As Lin Xizhao wondered what was happening, Qu Sheng had already lifted the curtain. “What’s going on?”

Feng Qi turned back from looking behind them. Reining his horse closer to the carriage, he replied, “It seems Young Lady Cheng Xi has caught up to us.”

Qu Sheng poked her head out for a look. Xiao Bingying was already out of her carriage.

Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng dismounted and walked toward the back. Cheng Xi had also dismounted and was standing there, looking at Xiao Bingying.

When Xiao Bingying heard the guards say Cheng Xi was chasing them, her heart skipped a beat. But when she actually saw her, that initial excitement vanished.

“Are you here to see us off?” Xiao Bingying asked, looking at Cheng Xi, who stood before her in silence.

Cheng Xi’s gaze flickered to Qu Sheng and Lin Xizhao as they approached. “I’ve come to go back with you,” she replied, her eyes returning to Xiao Bingying.

This should have been the thing to make Xiao Bingying happiest, but she couldn’t feel any joy. She stared at Cheng Xi, her eyes filled with confusion.

Hearing Cheng Xi’s words, Lin Xizhao glanced at Qu Sheng. The other day, Qu Sheng had told Cheng Xi the worst-case scenario if she didn’t return with Xiao Bingying, but Cheng Xi hadn’t changed her mind. Why chase after them now, after they had been gone for so long?

The carriages started moving again. Inside, Xiao Bingying sat staring at Cheng Xi, who had so suddenly pursued them. She wanted to ask why she had come back, but Cheng Xi remained silent.

Her reason for returning was simple: Xiao Bingying’s illness, and Cheng Feng’s words.

After scolding her, Cheng Feng had asked her two questions: First, could Xiao Bingying protect her? And second, could Xiao Bingying withstand the punishment handed down by the Tiansheng Emperor?

Qu Sheng had told Cheng Xi what was most likely to happen, but she had also made it clear that the Qu Family could protect Xiao Bingying.

But given Xiao Bingying’s feelings for her, could she truly leave with a clear conscience?¹³

Cheng Xi’s reason for not going had been just as clear: her brother. But her brother had said he didn’t need her. They were fugitives; taking her along meant facing danger at any moment.

Since Xiao Bingying could protect her, why shouldn’t she go back? His own death was not worth pitying,¹⁴ but how could he let his sister face such risks with him? By returning with Xiao Bingying, Cheng Xi could not only take care of her and repay her kindness, but also ensure her own safety.

Of course, Cheng Feng had also promised her that as soon as he was settled, he would go to the Tiansheng capital to find her. If, at that time, she still wanted to leave and Xiao Bingying was willing to let her go, he would risk his life to take her away.

“If you regret it now, you can still go,” Xiao Bingying said, giving Cheng Xi a second choice.

Selfishly, of course, she wanted Cheng Xi to return to her side. But if bringing her back made her unhappy, she would rather lose her.

“I won’t regret it,” Cheng Xi said firmly.

If it weren’t for her brother’s safety, she would never have abandoned Xiao Bingying. Although she had already prepared the necessary medicinal primers for her, they wouldn’t be as effective as the medicine she prepared herself.

“Are you worried about my health?” Xiao Bingying asked, a guess forming in her mind.

In her eyes, Cheng Xi was not a cold-blooded and heartless¹⁵ person. She knew Cheng Xi cared for her brother, which was why she had fought for her to stay. Of course, she had to admit, Cheng Xi cared for her too—it just had nothing to do with feelings of love.

“Look, I brought all the medicine you gave me. What’s there to worry about?” Xiao Bingying said, taking out a pouch from a box in the carriage.

Hearing Xiao Bingying continually trying to persuade her to go back, Cheng Xi glanced at the pouch, then looked at Xiao Bingying. “Do you find me troublesome? Don’t you want me anymore?”

Xiao Bingying was stunned for a moment. “No… I, I’m afraid you’ll regret it,” she said quickly. Of course she wanted Cheng Xi to come back with her, but she was afraid Cheng Xi would resent her for being separated from her brother.

“Whether I regret it or not is for the future. Right now, I don’t regret it.” She didn’t regret chasing after them. And she didn’t want Xiao Bingying to be punished for her sake.

Xiao Bingying’s expression was helpless. Having her back now was a joy, but if Cheng Xi left again later, it would be another kind of torment.

She would rather have never had her at all than have Cheng Xi resent her later. Besides, Cheng Xi didn’t even like her. If she brought her back, how could she possibly control her own feelings for her?

“I’m already your person. You said you’d be responsible for me,” Cheng Xi said, forced to bring up the promise Xiao Bingying had made on their first night together. “If you want to send me away, it means you don’t want to be responsible.”

“Cheng Xi…” Xiao Bingying’s expression was one of helplessness. Her mind was in turmoil,¹⁶ yet a surge of joy welled up in her heart at Cheng Xi’s return.

Even just being able to see her made her happy.

Seeing Xiao Bingying’s helpless state, a hint of gentleness appeared in Cheng Xi’s eyes.

At sunset, Qu Sheng and the others arrived at an inn still within the Shoulin fiefdom. Lin Xizhao asked the waiter for a medicine stove and, together with Cheng Xi, helped brew the medicated congee for Xiao Bingying.

Conversations between Cheng Xi and Lin Xizhao were always easygoing. Cheng Xi was beginning to understand why Xiao Bingying used to mention Lin Xizhao to her so often.

Lin Xizhao appeared gentle on the surface, but she was strong on the inside. There was just one thing Cheng Xi didn’t understand: why her handling of her relationship with Qu Sheng was such a complete mess.

As Lin Xizhao watched Cheng Xi ladle the medicated congee into a bowl, she heard Qu Sheng call her from outside. She exchanged a few words with Cheng Xi and headed out.

After she left, Cheng Xi took out the short blade from her waist.

Once Lin Xizhao was outside, Qu Sheng glanced toward the inn’s small kitchen. Seeing Lin Xizhao emerge with a normal expression, she urged her gently, “The water is getting cold.”

Lin Xizhao had asked someone to bring hot water up to their room earlier. Qu Sheng had watched them adjust the temperature, and when Lin Xizhao still hadn’t returned as the water began to cool, she had come downstairs to remind her to bathe.

“Sheng’er can wash first, I…” Lin Xizhao’s words trailed off as she saw the intent in Qu Sheng’s eyes.

She wants to bathe with me.

In the carriage today, seeing that Lin Xizhao’s body seemed to have recovered, she had started getting ideas about her.

Lin Xizhao looked at Qu Sheng’s gaze, like a predator stalking its prey, and knew she couldn’t escape. She could only follow her upstairs.

Qu Sheng followed close behind Lin Xizhao. As soon as they were in the guest room, she dismissed the maidservant. The moment Lin Xizhao closed the door, Qu Sheng wrapped her arms around Lin Xizhao’s slender waist, which was so narrow one could grasp it with a single hand.¹⁷

Right now, Qu Sheng was like a lecher,¹⁸ with no regard for propriety. She held Lin Xizhao, her hands roaming upward to gently knead her soft flesh, her lips pressing against the skin behind Lin Xizhao’s ear.

“Doesn’t Jiejie miss Sheng’er?” Qu Sheng asked, her breath growing heavy as she kissed the spot behind Lin Xizhao’s ear.

Hearing Qu Sheng’s feverish words again, Lin Xizhao slowly turned in her arms to face her. She looked at the desire flooding Qu Sheng’s eyes, and the words of refusal got stuck in her throat.

What am I going to do with my Sheng’er?

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The author has something to say:

Qu Sheng: “What to do? Who was it that asked that old fellow¹⁹ to give me medicine? A, do it on the spot.²⁰ B, on the bed. C, in the bathtub. Pick one of three. Of course, you can also choose a place we’ve never tried before.”

Lin Xizhao: “……”

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