Jinyi Spring

Chapter 146 The Conflict Between Aunt and Nephew
In one day, three generous gifts came from relatives in different parts of the bloodline.

Each item silently speaks of their thoughts and expectations: her brother likened her to a phoenix, deserving her rightful place. Her uncle praised her as a plum blossom, her elegance and pride shining through. Her grandmother and other elders bestowed upon her a gentle breeze and the beautiful wish for reunion.

Feng Chuchen raised her head, her eyes glistening with warm tears. "Please, sir... convey my gratitude to them. I appreciate all their blessings!"

Seeing that the gloom between her brows had completely dissipated, the heavy, suffocating feeling in Ming Shanyue's chest seemed to be pierced by a ray of sunshine, making her feel much lighter and happier.

He paused, his expression turning serious. "The Xue family has already caught wind of this. You must be extra careful when you go out in the future. To avoid them paying too much attention to the fact that you and the Prefect are closely connected, for now... we can only put Shangguan Ruyu in the open."

He paused briefly, "Let Duan Yan and Ban Xia get engaged. Shangguan Ruyu had this idea before, but I stopped him. I brought it up with him again yesterday, and he and Duan Yan... have both agreed."

Upon hearing that the Xue family had already noticed, Feng Chuchen's heart tightened. "I will be careful. As for the marriage... I still need to ask Banxia's opinion first."

Among the maids and servants around her, both the original owner and the current owner have a deeper bond with Aunt Wang and Banxia.

Although Duan Yan was of good quality and had a wealthy family background, he was still a slave, unlike Guo Hei, who was likely to be allowed to leave his slave status and join the army if Guo Hei made meritorious contributions.

Knowing that she was extremely protective of these maids, Ming Shanyue said, "If Banxia is unwilling, you can ask Mujin; if Mujin is also unwilling, then ask Zisu."

The implication was that she could choose any of the maids around her, but Duan Yan had no choice.

This is how the world is perceived.

Feng Chuchen couldn't help but smile. "Such an outstanding young man as Duan Yan, my girl gets to pick and choose him?"

A faint smile flickered in Ming Shanyue's eyes as she teased, "If you regain your status in the future, these girls who have gone through thick and thin with you will at least be granted the rank of a female official. However, Duan Yan is a suitable match—his father is the deputy steward of Princess Yanghe's residence, second only to the Guo family magistrate and General Yu in status."

When the word "future" was mentioned, Feng Chuchen sighed softly.

He said, "If the case is solved, will my mother... still have to return to the palace?"

Ming Shanyue nodded, then shook her head. "Currently... I'm still considering it."

Feng Chuchen said softly, "She won't be happy going back. It's like going from one cage to another. Her days there might be even harder than at Zixia Nunnery."

Ming Shanyue remained silent for a moment before speaking softly, "Both Prince Qin and my grandmother feel extremely sorry for Qingxin Fagu. For both public and private reasons, we do not want her to return to the palace. We will find a way to achieve the best of both worlds by taking it one step at a time."

He knew in his heart that "the best of both worlds" sounded good, but it was extremely difficult to achieve.

It's illogical for Qingxin to continue being a nun after the case has been solved.

The Empress, whose injustice has been redressed, still chooses to remain in a nunnery, devoted to Buddhism and the Buddhist lamp. How will the court and the public view this? And how will the Emperor conduct himself?
She could return to the palace and become empress...

In the short term, those who serve the emperor will benefit, their status as legitimate heirs will be legitimate, and their position as crown prince will be a natural outcome.

and then?
Consort Xue will inevitably be brought down. Framed the Empress, plotted against a member of the royal bloodline—either one of those crimes is enough to get her killed several times over. Prince Zhao and the Xue family will also suffer heavy losses, but they won't fall.

Because there was also Empress Dowager Xue in the palace.

Ming Shanyue suddenly understood why Empress Dowager Xue and Consort Xue, this aunt and niece, always contradicted each other. One charged ahead, committing all sorts of evil deeds. The other sat firmly in Cining Palace, always displaying a virtuous posture of "disapproval," and always keeping in mind the late emperor's last instructions.

If Consort Xue wins, she will help Prince Zhao ascend to the throne—this is what they want most.

Even if they lose, Consort Xue dies, and Minister Xue is replaced, so what? As long as Empress Dowager Xue is still alive, Prince Zhao and the Xue family will still have a glimmer of hope, be able to recover slowly, climb back up, and continue to plan for Prince Zhao.

One charged ahead. The other stayed behind.

One can afford to lose, the other cannot.

This person who can't afford to lose is the Xue family's true trump card.

All the plans were aimed at ensuring that the King of Zhao would ascend to the throne smoothly.

And what about tranquility?

She entered the palace, but her suffering continued; she was still disliked by the Emperor, and the Empress Dowager hated her even more…

Having such a birth mother is not an aid to the loyal king, but a constraint and a source of hatred.

If Empress Dowager Xue and the Xue family use any more tricks in the future, the Emperor will likely turn a blind eye, just like last time, and let the mother and son continue to be persecuted.

Therefore, the best solution is to let Qingxin "fake death".

A mysterious fire, an "accident" of running out of the temple and jumping into the river, a disfigured corpse... From then on, Qingxin completely disappeared from this world.

For her, it was a liberation. Finally, she could step out of the cold, sterile nunnery, out of the emperor's shadow, and be a human being again. She could live the life she had always wanted, under a new identity.

Yu Qinwang was relieved of a burden. With his mother "dead," he no longer needed to take his anger out on the emperor for his dissatisfaction with Qingxin, and he was no longer burdened by the shackles of being the "son of the deposed empress."

He was just a child with a tragic fate. When he needed his mother most as a child, she was unjustly sent to a nunnery. When he grew up and was able to be filial to his mother, she "died." This regret and heartache, ironically, became his softest yet strongest armor.

Yu Mingjia's goal was to protect everyone. All the private plans he made for the loyalist king and Qingxin were reduced to dust with Qingxin's "death."

With Qingxin gone, the Xue family has no way to use her to come up with any new tricks.

Once the truth comes out, let the Emperor see what kind of life Qingxin has been living all these years—a solitary hermitage, a solitary lamp, emaciated, having wasted half her life.

Let him know that his daughter with Xiao, a princess born of the royal family, was nearly killed by the Xue family and ended up living among the common people, suffering all kinds of hardships.

Even if it's just out of a little guilt, and to silence the gossip of the people, the Emperor would posthumously confer upon Qingxin the title of Empress, bestowing upon her posthumous honors. At that time, Qin Wang's entry into the Eastern Palace as the legitimate son and a filial son would be a foregone conclusion.

But this is a risky move.

It was as dangerous as walking a tightrope over a bottomless abyss; one wrong step and you would be smashed to pieces.

With Qingxin and Qinwang finished, the entire Ming Dynasty will be buried with them.

To make this move, you can only succeed; failure is not an option.

We must plan meticulously, ensuring that every step is flawless and that every loophole is plugged in advance, leaving no room for error.

Even if there's the slightest impropriety, Qingxin can only enter the palace and then proceed with her plans gradually...

These two paths were the result of repeated deliberation and consideration by the Ming family, Qin Wang, and Xiao Henian.

Upon returning, he was to explain Empress Dowager Xue's true nature to Prince Qin, letting him know that behind those "grandmother-grandson affections" lay cruel scheming.

Only when he knew the truth could he harden his heart and walk the rest of the road without any reservations...

Feng Chuchen glanced at Ming Shanyue's slightly furrowed brows and knew he was in a dilemma.

It's really difficult!

She looked down at the now-cold tea and sighed softly once more.

Perhaps to ease the tension, Ming Shanyue pondered for a moment before speaking, "My third uncle's illness... Miss Feng must have heard of it?"

Feng Chuchen nodded frankly, "I've heard people mention it." "Then, do you have a way to treat it?"

Feng Chuchen remained calm, his words carrying the certainty of a doctor, "Leg ailments are mainly treated with acupuncture to unblock meridians and promote blood circulation and tissue regeneration; I'm about 80% confident. As for the other symptom,"

She paused slightly, but her voice remained steady. "I have a medicine in my hand called 'Tiger Scorpion,' which is quite effective for this kind of weakness."

"Tiger scorpion?" Ming Shanyue was slightly taken aback. "What kind of medicine is that?"

"It's a good remedy for men's kidney deficiency and lack of virility," Feng Chuchen answered directly, without the embarrassment that most women would have when discussing this matter.

Ming Shanyue hadn't expected her to say "insufficient yang" so frankly, and her ears burned with embarrassment. But upon hearing that she had the right "miracle medicine," an overwhelming joy welled up inside her—there was hope for her third uncle's illness.

He coughed lightly to steady himself and asked, "If Miss Feng thinks it's feasible, could you please treat my third uncle?"

Feng Chuchen remained calm and said, "Treating the sick and saving lives is a doctor's duty. As long as Master Ming is willing, I will do my best."

Guo Hei's coughing came from outside, meaning that those people would be back soon and it was time to leave.

Relieved by this agreement, Ming Shanyue stood up and said, "Then... I won't bother you any longer. Take care, Miss Feng."

Feng Chuchen smiled upon hearing this—it was as if he were about to travel a thousand miles away and it would be a long time since they had seen each other.

She got up to see the guest out.

As they reached the door, Ming Shanyue suddenly stopped. Feng Chuchen couldn't stop in time and took an extra step before stopping, the two of them only half a step apart.

She was so close that she could almost smell the pine scent on his robes.

Ming Shanyue's legs suddenly gave way, and she swayed, almost sitting down. Startled, Feng Chuchen quickly moved a step to the side, instinctively reaching out to help her, but then withdrew her hand halfway.

Ming Shanyue steadied himself by holding onto the door frame, then looked up at her, a hint of childlike joy in his eyes.

"Although my legs were weak this time, I didn't go blank or feel dizzy. That's already a big improvement."

Only after saying it did he realize the meaning behind his words, and his cheeks suddenly turned bright red.

Feng Chuchen found it amusing; what a simpleton, a little white rabbit.

She lowered her eyes, pretending not to understand his implied meaning, and simply hummed in agreement, "That's good."

Ming Shanyue walked out of the east wing, crossed the small courtyard, and came to the gate, but her steps involuntarily stopped.

He turned around.

Just then, through the small window, Feng Chuchen was also quietly gazing at him, the sunlight casting a soft, warm golden glow on her face.

Two pairs of eyes met quietly across the shallow courtyard.

They were all taken aback.

Then, they both smiled sheepishly, as if they had each caught a glimpse of the other's undisguised, subtle lapse in composure.

Ming Shanyue raised her hand and gently beckoned into the window.

Feng Chuchen nodded slightly, watching the tall figure turn and leave.

Ming Shanyue arrived at the Zheng residence with a smile on her face.

Guo Hei leaned forward, covered his mouth, and whispered, suppressing a laugh, "Sir, why do I feel... you've been laughing a lot lately?"

Ming Shanyue coughed softly, the gentle expression that had not yet faded on her face instantly vanished, and she boarded the carriage without looking to the side.

After lunch, Feng Chuchen called Banxia and Aunt Wang to the east wing. "Guo Hei came to tell me that Duanyan is seventeen years old, and Shangguan Ruyu wants Duanyan to marry Banxia. I didn't agree immediately. Marriage is a major event, and it ultimately depends on Banxia's wishes."

Her gaze was gentle, settling quietly on Banxia's face.

Banxia blushed like a peach blossom in March and said shyly, "If the young lady says it's okay... then it's okay."

Feng Chuchen smiled and said, "This is a major event in your life, so naturally it should be something you're willing to do."

Aunt Wang chimed in with a smile, "I think Master Duan is excellent. He's handsome, has a gentle temperament, and his father is a prominent deputy steward in Princess Yanghe's mansion. The other day I overheard Master Guo and a few others chatting, saying that his elder brother has long since been freed from slavery and is now a county magistrate, and his family is very wealthy. Once our Banxia marries in, she'll be the young mistress."

Feng Chuchen smiled and said, "My Banxia is also good. She is beautiful and has good medical skills. She will participate in the Imperial Medical Academy's examination next year and will become a proper female doctor in the future."

Banxia lowered her head, her ears turning bright red. After hesitating for a long time, she finally nodded gently, her voice soft yet clear, "I'm willing."

Duan Yan was tall and slender, with fair and handsome features. He was always polite and refined in his dealings with others, as gentle and gentle as jade. I used to think he was unattainable and never imagined that one day I would marry him.

Feng Chuchen laughed, "Then it's settled. When Guo Hei comes again, I'll have him pass on the message."

Banxia raised her head, and the afternoon sunlight filtered through the latticework, scattering across her face and casting a pale yellow hue on the tears in her eyes.

Her voice choked with emotion, "Thank you, young lady, thank you, aunt, thank you, Uncle Feng and Aunt Feng, and thank you, Aunt Wang. I was an abandoned baby who didn't want me, but I grew up happily in this family, learned a lot of skills, and now they've even thought about my marriage..."

Such a wonderful marriage; I never dared to dream of it before.

As soon as she finished speaking, tears rolled down her cheeks, and she quickly wiped them away.

Aunt Wang smiled and said, "We are lucky to have been born into this family."

On the morning of July 17th, Duan Yan and Granny Li from the Ming family arrived at the Feng residence.

Mu Jin invited Feng Chuchen and Aunt Wang, who were busy at the clinic, to the main room.

Today, Duan Yan wore a brown brocade robe with dark patterns and a black turban, which made his face look even more handsome. He was a little embarrassed, with a faint blush on his cheeks. Standing in the hall, he was truly a refined and handsome young man.

He bowed respectfully to Feng Chuchen and Aunt Wang, saying, "Miss Feng, Aunt Wang."

Feng Chuchen smiled and said, "Master Duan, there's no need for such formalities. Please have a seat."

"Miss Feng, you're too kind. I don't deserve it."

Granny Li was skilled at organizing happy occasions, and she began to speak with a smile before even taking a seat.

"I have been entrusted by my cousin to propose marriage to Miss Banxia on behalf of Duan Yan. Oh my, Duan Yan is a handsome man, and Miss Banxia is bright and lovely. They are truly a perfect match, a match made in heaven!"

Upon hearing this, Duan Yan's ears turned even redder. He solemnly stood up and bowed deeply to Feng Chuchen once more.

"I have long admired Miss Banxia, ​​and today I have come here with great shame to humbly request Miss Feng's blessing. I hereby swear that I will treat you with sincerity in the future and will never let you down."

This made Mu Jin, who was standing to the side, extremely envious; she really knew how to talk.

Feng Chuchen smiled warmly, "This is a great joy, of course I agree."

Granny Li said, "Tomorrow is an auspicious day. We will invite the official matchmaker to formally visit your home tomorrow."