Jinyi Spring

Chapter 127 The Reeds Are Green
Thus, a chain was formed—the female doctor Cai, Wang Tu, and the old woman Feng, together, saved the little princess born to Xiao on the fifteenth day of the seventh month of the fifth year of Jianzhang.

Feng Chuchen is that little princess.

Unfortunately, of the three key witnesses, two are now dead and one is missing.

Ming Shanyue relaxed her back and leaned back in her chair.

Continue to ponder and search for other corroborating evidence:

Feng Chuchen looks similar to Qingxin, and her demeanor is reminiscent of her grandmother, who came from the royal family.

Wen Kai said that Jiang Huaizhao, also known as Wang Tu, had secretly returned to Beijing twice. Ming Shanyue couldn't understand it before, but now she does.

He wasn't concerned about the possibility of overturning the verdict; Wen Qian could have informed him of that by writing a letter. He wanted to personally confirm whether the "little princess" was alive and well.

Xiao Henian once said that Qingxin had a dream before giving birth, in which she dreamed that she gave birth to a daughter with a cinnabar mole on her forehead.

Dreams cannot be used as evidence, but Feng Chuchen does indeed have a red mole between her eyebrows—that's just how mysterious it is.

Oh, right, and there's also little Ah Xuan. Ming Shanyue thought the little thing's previous actions were coincidences, but now it seems they weren't:
Whenever Ah Xuan saw Feng Chuchen, he would recite the line praising the nun Qingxin: "Even the lotus cannot compare to the beauty of her makeup"...

Ah Xuan was raised by his second uncle. Ming Shanyue had seen his second uncle staring intently at a painting several times, and would hurriedly put it away as soon as he saw someone approaching. As for that poem, it was also something his second uncle had recited a few times, which Ah Xuan had learned.

Looking back now, the person in the picture probably resembles Qingxin when he was young, someone Ah Xuan often saw.

Although Qingxin's appearance had changed drastically, Axuan still recognized her and would often go to Zixia Nunnery to find her. At the same time, he also became close to Feng Chuchen, who looked similar to him.

How could it be a coincidence that even a bird can recognize the similarity?
However, apart from the resemblance in appearance and the missing Wang Tu, the other pieces of evidence are either illusions or private matters, and are difficult to believe.

To definitively confirm that Feng Chuchen is indeed the princess born to Empress Xiao, several more steps of evidence are needed:

Verify the actual time when Feng Chuchen was taken in and the details of Dr. Feng's treatment;
To verify whether Dr. Cai truly possesses the secret technique of faking death;

The most crucial thing is to find Wang Tu, who has been in hiding for many years;
In addition, there is the jade bead that disappeared on the day of production; if it can be found, it will also be irrefutable evidence.

Even so, Ming Shanyue was already 90% certain in her heart that Feng Chuchen was the "little princess" born to Empress Xiao who should have disappeared silently more than ten years ago.

Ming Shanyue's mind was once again filled with that exquisite face: thick, straight eyebrows, bright almond eyes, slightly pursed thin lips, and a clear, slightly square jawline. Even in the coldest, snowiest place, his posture remained composed and graceful...

It blends a unique beauty of elegance, heroism, and aloofness... truly embodying the balance of strength and gentleness of a woman from the Shui family, with a refined and graceful spirit.

Ming Shanyue's lips curved into a smile. She never imagined that the secret hidden deep within the palace walls would be so close to her...

She had actually asked her how midwives could kill newborn babies; she wondered if, as intelligent as the woman was, she had ever suspected her own origins. Her two visits to the Zixia Nunnery—was it a coincidence, or was it intentional?

As for the first "verification," only Aunt Wang knows the truth. Aunt Wang is one of Feng Chuchen's saviors, and the two have a very deep relationship. They can't force her; they can only use their wits to get to her.

The second step, "verification," still requires starting with the Cai family; a change in strategy is necessary.

Most importantly, regardless of whether Feng Chuchen is a princess or not, her safety must be guaranteed.

Because of Madam Wen's slip of the tongue, the Xue family had already sensed something was amiss, but it was unknown how much they had guessed.

Before the truth comes out, the Xue family must not be allowed to discover anything amiss with Feng Chuchen. Just in case, another hidden plan must be devised to lead the Xue family down a different path should they become suspicious…

Having figured everything out, Ming Shanyue was so excited that her blood was boiling.

He walked a few steps to the small window, pushed it open, and called out into the rain and mist, "Song Xian."

Song Xian ran out of the side room and put his head close to the small window.

"uncle."

Ming Shanyue covered her mouth with her hand and whispered a few words.

Song Xian's gaze sharpened, and he quickly replied, "Yes, sir, I'll arrange it right away."

He then turned and ran into the side room, disappearing into the rain with his cloak and raincoat in hand.

Ming Shanyue strolled out of the bedroom with a relaxed air, sat down leisurely at the table, her eyes as calm as a deep pool, revealing no ripples.

Shangguan Ruyu snatched the wine cup from his hand, her peach blossom eyes blazing with anger. "What were you thinking just now?"

Ming Shanyue calmly took the wine cup back and said casually, "I suddenly got a leg cramp."

Shangguan Ruyu shook her head in disbelief, "Are you lying to me?"

Why would I lie to you? Let's drink and drink until we're completely drunk.

The servant went to the kitchen again to ask for more food, and the two drank until late at night before going to bed.

By the end of the next day at dawn, the rain had stopped.

Ming Shanyue left the mansion quietly with Guo Hei without disturbing Shangguan Ruyu, who was still fast asleep.

As dawn broke through, a thin mist floated on the damp cobblestone path, and the air was filled with the crisp scent of earth and vegetation. The morning breeze seeped into my clothes, clearing my slightly groggy mind.

Ming Shanyue suddenly remembered the origin of the name "Feng Chuchen". Was it when Old Doctor Feng held that baby in the reed marshes, it was also at the first light of dawn?
The light of dawn, the beginning of new life, the start of light... This name holds her hopes.

The two rode their horses all the way to the North Shengmen Gate of the capital, and then galloped along the official road. Before long, they saw the turbulent Baicang River.

On this side of the river, the golden roof of Zixia Temple gleamed brilliantly in the morning light. Across the river, Miaoqing Mountain stood majestically, stretching northeastward…

Zixia Temple is less than a mile from the Baicang River, and there is a stone arch bridge not far away. Beyond the bridge lies Miaoqing Mountain, and at its foot is a winding path that leads to Xihe Gate, which in turn leads directly to Baima Village…

Ming Shanyue dismounted at the bridgehead and tossed the reins to Guo Hei.

He walked across the bridge, then turned onto the path shaded by trees at the foot of the mountain and walked briskly forward.

Guo Hei was completely bewildered. "Grandpa, this road has just rained and is very muddy. Why don't you ride a horse?"

Ming Shanyue ignored him and continued walking forward, each step kicking up heavy, wet mud.

Guo Hei had no choice but to lead his horse and follow closely.

The path winds and twists, with dense shade on both sides. If one were to hide among them at night, it would indeed be difficult to be discovered.

A few drops of rain still lingered from the branches overhead, landing coldly on their bodies. In just over fifteen minutes, their boots were soaked with mud and their clothes were half-wet.

The forest was silent, save for the rustling of footsteps in the mud and the occasional chirping of early birds.

After walking briskly for about half an hour, the view suddenly opened up before us, revealing a vast expanse of reeds swaying in the mist and making a soft rustling sound.

A morning breeze rustled through the reeds, their leaves gleaming a deep green, adding an indescribable vitality to this "burial ground." Even though it was Ming Shanyue's first time here, she knew this was the renowned Green Reed Marsh.

What was originally a "disorderly graveyard" had no eerie atmosphere whatsoever. Instead, it exuded a gentle yet resilient vitality, as if what was buried beneath the earth were not the souls of the dead, but seeds waiting to sprout.

The village was faintly visible in the distance, with a tall archway standing at its entrance. Several large, gleaming golden characters were on the archway, though not clearly visible, but it was known that they read "Mother of a Thousand Infants".

Behind the archway is a small courtyard made of blue bricks, where that intelligent and resilient girl lived.

The reeds are green and lush, the white dew has turned to frost, and there is a beautiful woman on the other side of the water...

This poem suddenly came to mind for Ming Shanyue.

Ming Shanyue unconsciously raised the corners of her mouth slightly, and a smile spread from the depths of her eyes, more radiant than the rising sun overhead.

If she really is that little princess...

The smile quickly faded, transforming into a deep respect.

How resolute was Dr. Cai back then, and how patient and tolerant was Wang Tu. One calmly faced death to protect that faint glimmer of hope. The other did not hesitate to disfigure himself, hide his identity, and wander far away, spending half his life buried in the dust.

Dr. Feng and Aunt Wang devoted half their lives to carefully nurturing a life that should have faded away silently, using all their heart and soul to cultivate it into the bright and resilient being it is today.

And that little princess... how difficult her journey has been. She escaped from an abyss of despair, painstakingly carving out her life inch by inch, growing into the graceful and radiant young woman she is today...

At this moment, Ming Shanyue especially wanted to visit Feng Chuchen at the Feng family home.

He ultimately remained where he was.

Meeting her now would be too abrupt. She has a long road ahead and many more challenges to face…

Suddenly, two people appeared in their line of sight, one tall and one short, holding hands and circling the archway, glancing around from time to time.

It was Feng Chuchen and Feng Buji.

Ming Shanyue kept staring at the two figures until they disappeared, then turned to look at Guo Heixiao.

This was the first time Guo Hei had seen his master smile so brightly, especially towards him, and it carried a hint of something strange and inexplicable.

He suddenly felt a chill run down his spine, as if he were about to be sold.

He touched his face. "Grandpa, what's wrong?"

Ming Shanyue patted his shoulder, "Of all the people around me, you are the most charming."

Guo Heihei blushed and said, "Grandpa is joking. It's more like the ugliest."

The two mounted their horses and returned along the same route.

Guo Hei didn't know why his master had taken this trip, but he guessed it must be related to Miss Feng.

Could it be that the master has finally seen the light and is wading through this muddy road just to catch a glimpse from afar?
When they returned to the Duke of Dingguo's mansion, Shangguan Ruyu had already left.

Yinhe quickly brought out clean clothes and shoes and reported, "Young Master is extremely unhappy. He said that the master went out to play without inviting him, and he's not coming again..."

He lowered his voice and said, "Granny Cao came by just now and said that my aunt and cousin hugged each other and cried for a long time last night. I only heard about the marriage, but I couldn't hear anything else."

Ming Shanyue nodded. "Go and invite my father to Zhuyin Tower. I have important matters to discuss with him."

This matter is of great importance, and he must report it to his father. To ensure the safety of that person, he alone cannot do it; the entire clan must be mobilized.

In the main courtyard, seeing the lady, dressed in elaborate makeup, return, the Duke of Ming put down his teacup and asked, "Wasn't the lady accompanying Mother to the palace? Why have you come back?"

A barely perceptible sneer crossed Madam Ming's lips as she slowly sat down and said, "Achan went to have dinner with her parents-in-law early this morning, saying that if they asked the Empress Dowager to judge the matter, it would become a public scandal, and Yan would be even more embarrassed. She actually persuaded Mother to stay put."

She paused, then lowered her voice, "Mother dotes on Achan the most. Master, do you think... Mother might soften her heart and lessen the punishment for Yan?"

She looked up at the Duke of Ming and added, "If Yan girl isn't disciplined more strictly, who knows what trouble she'll cause in the future."

After a moment of contemplation, the Duke of Mingguo said, "Mother knows what she's doing. It's one thing to dote on Achan, and it's another to discipline Yan'er. They won't be confused."

His gaze fell on the lady's face, and his tone softened a bit, "I know you have a lot of resentment towards Achan. She may have her own little schemes, but her filial piety towards her parents doesn't seem fake... As long as she doesn't overstep her bounds and interfere in important matters, let's be patient with her for now."

Just then, a maid from the outer courtyard came to report, "Reporting to the Duke, the eldest master is at Zhuyin Tower, saying he has important matters to discuss."

Duke Mingguo quickly got up and left.

To gain her father's trust, Ming Shanyue first revealed the matter that had been hidden deep in her heart.

"To be honest, after my two close encounters with Miss Feng, not only did my mind go blank and my body go weak, but this mole also became redder each time."

He paused, looking somewhat embarrassed, "I think the cinnabar the master mentioned when he said 'a little cinnabar can balance all yang' refers more to Miss Feng and the cinnabar mole on her forehead. She made me feel so intimidated that I didn't dare to get close to her at all."

The Duke of Dingguo asked in surprise, "You mean, the person suppressing you is Miss Feng? Then isn't she your destined one?"

He laughed again, "This is good news, great news! My son can get married!"

Ming Shanyue shook her head, trying to steer her father's thoughts in another direction.

“Father, that’s not what I was talking about. Rather, Miss Feng must be an extremely yin person, and her birthday is not the sixth day of the eighth month as they say.”

The Duke of Dingguo looked bewildered. "Why would they lie?"

Ming Shanyue solemnly said, "Because Feng Chuchen is very likely the little princess Wen Qian mentioned. She didn't die, but was rescued by Doctor Cai, Wang Tu, and Doctor Feng, and grew up safely in Baima Village..."

After listening to Ming Shanyue's lecture, the Duke of Dingguo was so astonished that he almost dropped his teacup.

"The little princess isn't dead, but rather Miss Feng?"

Ming Shanyue's gaze was firm. "Although I can't be completely sure, there's a 90% chance."

The Duke of Ming, lost in thought about the pieces of evidence his son had given him, was still reeling from the shock.

Ming Shanyue recalled the scene of her second uncle gazing at the portrait alone, with Ah Xuan on the bird stand above his head looking at it with him, and asked, "Father, did Second Uncle and Qingxin Fagu... ever fall in love with each other back then?"

This question was like a key, unlocking a long-sealed door in the heart of the Duke of Ming. Normally, these things shouldn't be discussed with a younger generation, but since Feng Chuchen was the biological daughter of the nun Qingxin, some things had to be said.

He remained silent for a long time before slowly speaking, a rare warmth appearing in his eyes.

“In the early years, the Ming family, the Shangguan family, and the Xiao family were very close. The elders had a life-or-death friendship, and we younger ones often studied, practiced martial arts, and played together. At that time, your grandparents often went out to fight and had little time to take care of us brothers.”

“Once they leave the capital, and there are no elders at home, I will be sent to stay at the Shangguan residence for a while, while your second uncle will go to the Xiao residence. As time goes on, Xuanxuan, Changqing, and Xiaowan will stay together…”