Jinyi Spring

Chapter 102 Not on the same path
Feng Chuchen walked into the room with cold eyes and an expressionless face, as if a snow lotus had drifted in.

He stood about ten feet away from Ming Shanyue and curtsied to the two of them.

"Having distinguished guests makes this humble abode shine with honor."

Her voice was as cold as ice, and anyone could see the disdain in her expression.

Feng Buji stepped forward and bowed, "Lord Ming, Brother Shangguan."

The two nodded to them.

Ming Shanyue sat on the left side of the octagonal table, Feng Chuchen sat in the first chair on the left, and Feng Buji sat in the first chair on the right.
Ming Shanyue clasped his hands in a fist salute to Feng Chuchen and said in a low voice, "The matter of bribing the Shen family and pricking the mule has been investigated and found out. It was Wanping's brother, Li Tong, who paid someone to do it."

“Li Tong fell to his death a few days ago, and all those involved have been dealt with. Dr. Feng treated my mother, but this misfortune has befallen us. My elders and I are deeply sorry, and these gifts are for Miss Feng to calm her nerves.”

He pointed to the boxes in the room within the room, and Guo Hei then presented Feng Chuchen with a gift list.

Feng Chuchen accepted the gift list and said calmly, "Lord Ming, you're too kind. What I want to know is, will anything else happen if I go to the Ming residence again?"

Ming Shanyue said, "Please rest assured, Miss Feng, I have made arrangements. No one in the Ming family will harm you at present."

Feng Buji finally understood, and his face turned pale with fright. He exclaimed in terror, "Someone wants to harm my sister?"

Feng Chuchen said calmly, "It's nothing serious, it's already been resolved."

Thinking that after everyone left, I should still explain things clearly to the little boy, so that he knows that there are pitfalls everywhere outside.

Ming Shanyue added, "I have another request. It would be best not to let the outside world know the true nature of my mother's illness. Just say that her illness has relapsed after this relapse, and tell my mother the same thing."

Feng Chuchen understood that Ming Shanyue still had someone he suspected and didn't want him to know the truth about Madam Ming's illness.

She nodded and said, "Okay."

Because of the unpleasantness earlier, everyone felt awkward. Shangguan Ruyu said a few polite words and then got up to leave.

Feng Chuchen and her siblings didn't linger and got up to see their guests off.

Feng Chuchen took two steps back.

As she reached the door, Shangguan Ruyu turned back to look at Feng Chuchen, her beautiful face unable to conceal her sorrow.

"Miss Feng is like the wind in the forest and the moon in the sky; she deserves the best. Those stinking dung are not worthy of her."

He knew it would be awkward to say this now, but he couldn't help but say it.

He really wanted to say "I am the best," but he was too embarrassed to say it.

Feng Chuchen blushed. This child is sometimes incredibly clever, and sometimes incredibly silly.

Wouldn't it be better to just pretend you didn't hear anything?

Ming Shanyue also felt that he shouldn't have said that, but since he had already said it, he could only say it tactfully, "Miss Feng is virtuous and talented, and her intelligence is innate. Only the finest jade from the Jade Terrace and the finest jade from Kunshan are worthy of her brilliance."

Since things have come to this point, let's just be frank and open about it.

Feng Chuchen said seriously, "I'm sorry to have made you two laugh. I have a very open-minded view on marriage. I will marry if there is a suitable person, and I will not marry if there is no suitable person."

"I have high standards and a stubborn personality, so I'll never meet the right person. Actually, it's quite nice to be single. There aren't so many constraints, and I can put more time and energy into things I like. That's how my aunt got through it."

Ming Shanyue glanced at Feng Chuchen.

The last two sentences sound like they're talking about herself. Turns out, there are like-minded people among the girls.

Shangguan Ruyu shook her head and said, "Miss Feng is still young, she's quite tall..."

He didn't dare say anything more and walked out dejectedly.

The two boarded the carriage, and Feng Buji escorted them to the courtyard gate.

The carriage rumbled out of the alleyway, and Feng Buji returned to the main room to continue sulking, her little mouth pouting high.

Feng Chuchen was no longer angry. She picked up the gift list, glanced at it, and then opened the box.

A jade "Five Sons Passing the Imperial Examination" ornament, a five-panel Suzhou embroidery screen, two large, half-person-high official kiln polychrome porcelain vases, four sticks of Huizhou ink, and two Chengni inkstones.

It's worth nearly a thousand taels of silver.

She greeted Feng Buji, "We've used all these items. The 'Five Sons Passing the Imperial Examination' decorations are beautiful and auspicious when placed in the main hall. I happen to be missing a screen in my room, and we'll each have a vase."

Feng Buji pouted and said, "Isn't my sister angry? You still have the mind to do this."

Feng Chuchen laughed and said, "What's there to be angry about? They're the ones who're angry, not us, because they didn't do what Scholar Zhao wanted and kicked Matchmaker Li out."

Feng Buji said, "But Brother Shangguan and Lord Ming heard those words, and I feel ashamed."

Feng Chuchen said, "What difference does it make if unrelated people hear this? It's not shameful at all."

Feng Buji thought about it and realized it made sense, which made him feel relieved.

He looked at the box of good things and said, "Don't use these good things. Save them for your sister's dowry."

The little brat is always preparing her dowry.

Feng Chuchen said, "Didn't my sister just say that you don't necessarily have to get married?"

“Who said that? Brother Shangguan said that my sister deserves the best person, and Lord Ming said that my sister is worthy of Yaotai Xue. I think so too.”

Feng Chuchen shook her head and said, "Such a good man is hard to find in this world... Okay, okay, if I'm lucky enough to meet that kind of man, I'll marry him. We'll use the two ornaments now, and keep the vase for later."

When Peony returned and heard about the disastrous marriage arranged by Matchmaker Li, she was also grumbling and unhappy.

"If I were home, I would definitely beat that matchmaker Li to a pulp..."

The carriage bumped along as Shangguan Ruyu and Ming Shanyue each lost in their own thoughts.

After a long silence, Shangguan Ruyu finally said in a low voice, "I'm not saying anything because I'm unhappy. Why aren't you saying anything?"

Ming Shanyue looked at him as if he were an idiot. "Does your bad mood have anything to do with whether I talk to you or not?"

Shangguan Ruyu retorted, "You come to deliver gifts and still put on such a sour face? Didn't you see how afraid Miss Feng is of you and keeps her far away from you?"

Ming Shanyue said expressionlessly, "There are plenty of people who are afraid of me. Many officials avoid me when they see me. I don't need her."

Shangguan Ruyu slapped her thigh hard and said angrily, "Such a good girl, how dare an old geezer like him have designs on her? I will definitely send someone to deal with that old bastard surnamed Zhao."

Ming Shanyue's eyes flickered slightly as she tentatively asked, "Your engagement is off, you don't really want to marry Miss Feng, do you? Will the elders agree?"

Shangguan Ruyu blushed. "I did mention it, but my mother and father both disagreed. They said that Miss Feng and I are not compatible. She is like Dr. Feng, with noble character and lofty aspirations. I wouldn't be happy marrying her, and she wouldn't be happy marrying me..."

He stubbornly raised his head again, "I will let them see that Miss Feng and I are of the same ilk, and I will definitely protect her peace for the rest of her life and grant her a carefree life."

Ming Shanyue shook her head and said calmly, "I also think you two are not compatible. Miss Feng will not marry you."

Shangguan Ruyu was furious. "What makes you say that? I, Shangguan Ruyu, am unparalleled in the world. Born into this mortal realm, my heart is as bright as the moon..."

Before he could finish speaking, Ming Shanyue chuckled.

Shangguan Ruyu was even more furious, her peach blossom eyes widening in anger. "Are you mocking me? You, a cursed lone star, dare to mock the most charming young talent? Do you even understand women?"

These words struck Ming Shanyue's sore spot precisely. His eyes suddenly turned icy, and he said in a sinister tone, "Listen to this, they're looking for a virgin boy, are you?"

These words were like sharp arrows, piercing Shangguan Ruyu's lungs. His face flushed red, and he shouted to the driver outside, "Stop the car! I'm not going to ride in the same car as this idiot!"

This car belongs to Shangguan Ruyu. Ming Shanyue got out of the car with a sullen face, and Guo Hei, who was sitting in the same car, also got out.

Song Xian, who was sitting in front of the car with Duan Yan, jumped down.

Duan Yan whispered to his master, "Second Master, let's talk this out."

Shangguan Ruyu roared, "What I do is none of your business. Let's go."

The carriage clattered away, leaving Ming Shanyue and the other two stranded on the road.

As darkness fell, the streets were no longer bustling with traffic as they had during the day.

Guo Hei looked around and only saw one "mileage cart," which was pulled by an ox.

He waved to the oxcart and said to Ming Shanyue, "Only an oxcart is available. I'm sorry to trouble you, sir."

Ming Shanyue got into the car first, expressionless.

Even though Ming Shanyue wasn't wearing his official robes, his noble and dignified demeanor was still undeniable.

The coachman was both delighted and apprehensive as he served such a guest for the first time.

When Ming Shanyue returned to the Ming residence, she looked at the starry sky and her anger had subsided considerably.

He had argued with Shangguan Ruyu countless times in his life, but this was the first time he had ever been angry with a girl.

He wanted to see his mother, so he went straight to the main courtyard.

The old woman at the gate stopped him and whispered, "The Duke is talking to his wife."

What she couldn't say was that the sound of the lady crying could be heard coming from the small window, and the servants dared not go in.

Seeing her evasive words, Ming Shanyue didn't dare to go in and returned to the outer courtyard.

As soon as he entered the courtyard, he saw Shangguan Ruyu looking at him with a bright smile.

"Ayu is craving your osmanthus wine, let's drink until we're completely drunk."

"Nasty."

A smile appeared on Ming Shanyue's lips as she put her long arm around his shoulder and they went inside together.

The food and drinks were served, and the two of them became slightly tipsy.

Shangguan Ruyu said, "Cousin, does Miss Feng really, really insist on finding a virgin? Actually, ever since I developed those feelings for her, I haven't slept with her again."

Ming Shanyue put down her wine glass and said calmly, "The so-called 'fellow travelers' refers not only to that one thing, but also to cognition, ambition, temperament, and character... To be honest, you are more suited to the gentle embrace of willows, rather than a girl like Miss Feng who would rather break than bend."

Shangguan Ruyu sneered, "How much do you know about Miss Feng? What makes you so sure she isn't a gentle, secluded place?"

Suddenly, a tall, slender figure appeared before Ming Shanyue's eyes. Her beauty was unparalleled, and her eyes were cool and indifferent...

He whispered, "Because her spine was always straight, even in the bloodiest prison. And because, like me, she believed in 'better to have nothing than something bad.'"

"Better to have nothing than something bad?"

Shangguan Ruyu suddenly stood up, her eyes blazing with anger. "You call me 'promiscuous'? Ming Shanyue, you cursed lone wolf, you can't find a wife yourself, why do you have to ruin my marriage? Let me tell you, I'm determined to marry her."

After saying that, he stormed off to the bedroom and slammed the door shut.

Ming Shanyue was so angry that she went over and banged on the door. "Hey, if you want to sleep, go back to your house. That's my bed!"

It was deathly silent inside.

Ming Shanyue then said through the door, "I'm doing this for your own good, because I'm afraid you'll be embarrassed if the girl rejects you."

The door slammed shut with a loud bang, followed by Shangguan Ruyu's furious roar, "Ming Shanyue, I'm severing ties with you. Get out!"

"If you want to break off diplomatic relations, then go home."

Ming Shanyue muttered something under her breath and sat down at the table to drink alone.

After a few drinks, a sense of confusion arose in his mind. Guan Ruyu was a good person, and Miss Feng was a good person. Wouldn't it be wonderful if they could become a couple? Why did he have to say things that would invite criticism and hurt feelings?

A voice in my heart stubbornly said: Shangguan Ruyu and Feng Chuchen are indeed not a good match!
Shangguan Ruyu was really angry and refused to open the door, so Ming Shanyue had no choice but to sleep on the couch all night.

The next day, at the end of the Yin hour, Ming Shanyue went to the yamen, but Shangguan Ruyu had not yet gotten up.

This man only goes to the government office when he feels like it, and doesn't go when he doesn't. Even though Ming Shanyue is his superior, he can't do anything about it.

On the 26th of the eleventh lunar month, Feng Chuchen and Banxia went to the Ming Mansion as scheduled.

Madam Ming looked haggard and depressed, her bright spirits that had gradually returned were gone.

Such a dramatic change in just five days!

There's no need to hide it from Madam Ming anymore; just looking at her complexion, her condition has really regressed quite a bit.

Feng Chuchen felt annoyed that her work was almost finished but had been deliberately sabotaged, yet she couldn't express it.

In ancient times, most devoted women were unfaithful men. Leaving aside the frail Lady Ming, confined to her inner courtyard, even the strong-willed Aunt still carried that old purse with her on her deathbed…

She sighed, "How could things have changed so much in just a few days..."

Madam Ming's tears welled up in her eyes, but she forced them back down.

Holding her hand, he said, "Thank you for working so hard for my illness. I know I shouldn't be angry, but I just couldn't help it."

She was not only angry that Wanping had secretly become pregnant, but also angry that Wanping had actually tried to harm her by harming Doctor Feng.

How does Wanping have such confidence?
Of course, it was given to me by my husband!
Madam Ming felt even more sorry for Feng Chuchen; it was so dangerous, she almost killed the little girl.

These past few days, her husband has come over as soon as he gets off work, saying many sweet words, but she doesn't want to say a word, only unable to stop her tears...

Granny Li knew more about the inside story than Madam Ming. While she hated Wanping even more, she was also more grateful to Feng Chuchen.

She said, "Madam, did you hear that? You absolutely mustn't get angry. If you get angry, you'll only hurt yourself, and those shameless bastards will be happy."

Feng Chuchen took Madam Ming's pulse, his expression growing increasingly serious.

Madam Ming and the servants all noticed something was amiss.

"Doctor Feng, what's wrong?" asked Granny Li.

Feng Chuchen asked, "Madam Ming not only got angry, but also engaged in strenuous activity?"

Madam Ming said, "Yes, I was a little upset and walked around the room a few times. I walked too fast."

Feng Chuchen's expression grew even more serious.

"That's it. The illness has relapsed and has even affected the liver and lungs. Have you been experiencing pain in your breasts and lower abdomen lately? Before, it would take anywhere from six months to two years to cure. Now... I'm not sure."

In her opinion, if she received proper treatment and there were no complications, she could recover in six months, which was two months later than the four months she had previously estimated.

Two and a half months have passed, and there shouldn't be any major problems in another three and a half months.

But since Ming Shanyue gave those instructions, she had to say it that way.

Madam Ming's tears welled up again. "What can we do? Is there no hope for us?"

Feng Chuchen said, "I'm not that pessimistic, but I can't say how well it will get better. Also, I want to reiterate that Madam cannot get angry or engage in strenuous activity. If she doesn't listen, even a miracle worker couldn't cure her."