Jinyi Spring

Chapter 74 Unreliable

The lanterns in the courtyard were all extinguished, and Peony stood alone under the dark west wing corridor.

Banxia quietly went over and gave her a sesame seed cake and a bowl of water. "Are you hungry?"

Peony took a few bites and finished eating, then drank the water.

Banxia brought her food on Wang's orders.

Banxia asked softly, "Will you still dare to say or see things recklessly in the future?"

"I don't dare anymore."

Banxia scolded again, "You've got some nerve! How dare you talk about those important people like that? If our master falls on hard times, none of us will escape. We'll be spanked first, then sold to a brokerage firm, and then who knows where we'll end up."

"You have such a good mistress, but you don't know how to serve her properly and just cause her trouble."

She is half a year younger than the peony, but everyone thinks she is older than the peony, including them.

Peony burst into tears, "I know I was wrong, I'll never do it again. Banxia, ​​please plead my case, don't let the young lady send me home..."

Banxia held back for a long time, but couldn't help asking in a low voice, "Did Young Master Shangguan put on jasmine powder?"

Peony glared at her, "You were so amazing just now, but you were just as curious as I was."

Banxia stamped her foot and said, "Shh, keep your voice down. I'm just curious, but I won't stare at him like you. Duh, take a quick look and then look down, and no one will notice."

"Oh, too."

Peony pouted even more, wondering why she hadn't thought of something so simple.

She added, "Let me tell you, Young Master Shangguan didn't wear jasmine powder, but he smelled wonderful. He must have used the same kind of perfume as the girls. His skin was as smooth as a peeled egg. He's so handsome, much more handsome than a woman... except for the girls."

-

The night was cool as water, and the moonlight covered the ground.

A dozen fast horses and a carriage galloped past on the quiet street.

They happened to encounter the night patrol officers, who, upon seeing Ming Shanyue on horseback, all smiled and flattered him, saying, "Lord Ming, you've worked hard, only now getting off the yamen."

After arranging those matters, Duke Dingguo and Ming Shanyue hurriedly returned to Duke Dingguo's mansion.

A servant boy from the outer study was waiting at the corner door.

He bowed and said, "Reporting to the Duke and the Master, the old Duke is waiting for you at Zhuyin Tower."

On the second floor, not only was the late Duke Ming present, but Shangguan Ruyu was also there.

The old Duke disliked Shangguan Ruyu's constant clinging to his eldest grandson and was subtly reminding him of this.

“You’re engaged, and Shanyue is engaged too. You’re both adults, so you should act like adults. It’s not good to stay at someone else’s house in the middle of the night. It doesn’t sound good to others.”

If it were anyone else, he would have kicked them out long ago.

But Shangguan Ruyu is the eldest daughter-in-law's nephew, Empress Dowager Xue's most beloved grandson, and the only son of Princess Yanghe and Prince Consort Shangguan. Most importantly, he is also Rong'er's distant cousin, and Rong'er likes him too.

Even if the old Duke was unhappy, he had to give him some face.

Shangguan Ruyu said, "This is not someone else's house, it is the house of my aunt and maternal great-aunt. Tomorrow morning, I will go and give my maternal great-aunt a back massage."

The old Duke gave him a disdainful look and said, "Yunqi is my most outstanding student. He became famous at a young age and is the bravest in the army. In terms of fighting, only my second son and Shanyue can barely compare."

"How could such a capable person have given birth to such an ignorant and incompetent son like you? You have a bad reputation and now you want to bring trouble to my grandson."

Shangguan Ruyu retorted, "My lord, you've got it backwards. My bad reputation is all because of your eldest grandson. He's cursed with loneliness and can't marry a woman, which is why people call me a woman. I'm the one who should be angry..."

As the two were arguing, the Duke of Dingguo and Ming Shanyue arrived.

The old Duke asked, "Has Xiao Henian come back to life?"

He always felt that Shangguan Ruyu was a hothead and that the person he recommended wouldn't be reliable.

Ming Shanyue said in a low voice, "He's awake, much better, and even said a few words to us. He shouldn't die."

A rare smile appeared on his face, and his thin lips curved slightly.

Shangguan Ruyi leaned closer, pointed at the corner of his mouth and laughed, "Hehe, I see my cousin's dimples again."

Ming Shanyue's eyes narrowed, and Shangguan Ruyu was so frightened that she quickly sat back down next to the old Duke.

The Duke of Dingguo asked with a smile, "Where did Ruyu find such an extraordinary woman? Her surgical skills are even better than the top imperial surgeons specializing in ulcers. She's also incredibly bold, daring to stitch people up and even take out their intestines for examination."

He gets excited whenever Shangguan Ruyu is mentioned.

He laughed and said, "Isn't my judgment of people accurate? The old man said I was unreliable. Miss Feng is the successor of Doctor Feng. She has just opened a Tongji Women and Children's Clinic, which specializes in childbirth and treating women and children. I have also invested in that clinic."

When I recommended Feng Chuchen to the Ming family, I didn't dare to reveal her true identity, for fear they wouldn't agree.

The old Duke Ming asked, "Is it the young Miss Feng who made the Feng family's choking law for you?"

"Exactly."

Ming Shanyue felt cheated. "You said she had performed ulcer surgeries and saved many lives. What kind of surgeries could a clinic like that perform?"

Shangguan Ruyu touched her nose and smiled somewhat guiltily.

"Hehe, it's just that the woman's vagina is too small to give birth to a baby, so she makes a small incision there, delivers the baby, and then sews up the wound, with three layers of stitches. That's the kind of surgery it is."

The mouths of the three generations of men in the Ming family were all agape, their eyes wide and staring at him in utter disbelief.

The old Duke nearly coughed up blood, pointing at him and saying, "Just because she made a small incision there, you dared to let her treat Xiao Henian's stomach wound? I told you you're unreliable, you, you, you, you..."

I don't know how many times I said "you".

Shangguan Ruyu retorted, "Regardless of where Miss Feng removed the surgery, she did indeed save Lord Xiao's life today. My uncle also said that her surgery was both successful and beautiful, even better than the top imperial surgeons."

"Hehe, I saw that she stitched up four layers this time, saying that this way the wound would heal more easily. Everyone has their own way of butchering a pig. Look at the result, not the process. I didn't make a mistake in recommending her."

The Duke of Dingguo laughed and said, "That's true. Miss Feng is a miracle doctor when it comes to surgery." He then asked incredulously, "How can she have such good medical skills at such a young age?"

Shangguan Ruyu laughed smugly a few times, as if he had performed the surgery himself.

"Who is Miss Feng's aunt? She is the Mother of a Thousand Infants! The Mother of a Thousand Infants has long been able to perform this kind of surgery, but she has never had a doctor and dared not do it."

He brought up Doctor Feng, and the Ming family all nodded in approval.

The old Duke recalled how Feng Chuchen had saved Shangguan Ruyu; it seemed inexplicable, but it had truly worked.

He laughed and said, "Most of Dr. Feng's medical skills are unorthodox and unconventional, and she's a bit mystical. It's not surprising that young Miss Feng has different skills."

Ming Shanyue added, "Today His Majesty specifically inquired about Lord Xiao's situation. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Lord Xiao will be released. I don't know if he can keep his position as a senior official in the Ministry of Works, but once he's out, he'll definitely prove his innocence."

"The Xue family didn't want Xiao Henian to be released from prison, so they wanted to kill him in the imperial prison. It was an accident that Xiao Henian survived; he actually encountered a remarkable person like Miss Feng."

"A desperate situation can lead to survival. This turn of events is a good thing for Xiao Henian. The Emperor, already dissatisfied with the Xue family, will be more sympathetic to the First Prince. We also have to thank the Empress Dowager for suppressing the Xue family," Shangguan Ruyu said. "I don't usually like to get involved in politics, but the Xue family went too far, so I told my maternal grandmother about Lord Xiao's situation."

"She gave Consort Xue and her second cousin Xue a severe scolding. Xue Xinyang was also unhappy with me, saying that we are all relatives, so why should I help outsiders?"

“My mother also said that since they are all daughters of the Xue family, how come Consort Xue has not learned any of the kindness and benevolence of her maternal grandmother? Her heart is smaller than the eye of a needle. The eldest prince is pitiful.”

The old Duke looked at Shangguan Ruyu and said, "Xiao Henian was sent to prison by Wen Qian."

Shangguan Ruyu's face showed a hint of displeasure. "My mother and father are very unhappy. I also went to remind Lord Wen, but he seemed to have something he couldn't say. Since it was the Xue family who instigated this, let the Xue family find a way to put out the fire. Lord Wen, may you have good luck."

Although Princess Yanghe's residence did not take sides, they secretly sympathized with the eldest prince and Lady Xiao, and Wen Qian's involvement in this matter greatly angered them.

Seeing that Ming Shanyue still had a gloomy face, the Duke of Dingguo said, "Are you still angry that Miss Feng vomited all over you? Under those circumstances, it was already difficult for Miss Feng to hold it in until after the surgery. She helped a lot, Shanyue, you mustn't be petty."

Miss Feng is the first girl who could make her son suffer.

How can he be so happy?

The old Duke had already heard about this from Shangguan Ruyu, and he was gloating, laughing so hard his beard trembled.

"Don't blame Miss Feng. Who told you to run over there to pick her up? Couldn't you have stayed away a little further away?"

Ming Shanyue remained silent. He was conflicted about that girl.

The first time that girl spat in my face, I even knelt down before her, wishing I could kick her to death. The second time she spat all over me, I wished I could slap her to death.

But that girl cured Xiao Henian, which was indeed a great help to me.

No matter how angry he is, he can't fight back.

That brat is his nemesis; he always seems to have a relapse whenever he's around her. Isn't he supposed to be a cursed loner? How come he hasn't brought her half-dead...?

Knowing that Xiao Henian was still alive, the old Duke Ming returned to his inner courtyard with a sense of relief.

Both gates are locked at 7 PM. However, as long as the old Duke is still in the outer courtyard, the old woman will stand guard at the gate no matter how late it is, and lock it after the old Duke comes in.

The Duke of Dingguo, Ming Shanyue, and Shangguan Ruyu discussed how to prevent Xue Jicheng from killing Xiao Henian and how to ensure that Xiao Henian could recover from his injuries and be released from prison alive.

Afterwards, Ming Shanyue and Shangguan Ruyu went to Ming Shanyue's courtyard in the outer courtyard, while the Duke of Ming walked towards the inner courtyard.

Normally he would go to his study this late, but today he had something to tell his wife.

The moonlight was bright, and two shadows cast on the ground hurried forward.

Shangguan Ruyu called out, "Little Yueyue..."

Ming Shanyue stood down and looked at him sideways. "Can't you speak properly? If not, go stay in the guest room."

Shangguan Ruyu pursed her lips. "Can't even joke around?" Then she smiled maliciously. "Hey, are you really going to marry Miss Zhen? I heard she has a foul odor."

Ming Shanyue paused for a moment, then strode forward with her long legs.

It was precisely because Miss Zhen had this hidden ailment that she had not been able to find a suitable marriage. Furthermore, because her birth chart was entirely Yin and she had a strong destiny, her elders disregarded that defect and arranged for her to marry him.

They even called it a "minor flaw".

The several fiancées his elders found for him, apart from two from extremely poor families, all had their own "minor flaws".

For example, mild body odor, mild foot odor, slight slurred speech, a few inconspicuous small freckles...

Fortunately, those who died or fell ill have all recovered.

He believed that this Miss Zhen would soon fall ill and then break off the engagement.

Even if his fate were to change, and Miss Zhen didn't fall ill, he would still find a way to make her "fall ill."

He'll marry her? No way!

Shangguan Ruyu walked up to Ming Shanyue's level and saw that his expression was normal, but the anger in his eyes could not be hidden, which showed that he was very unhappy.

He had always enjoyed watching his cousin get furious but pretend to be indifferent.

He chuckled, "You want some of my stinky stuff too?"

Ming Shanyue snorted coldly, "I am destined to be a cursed lone star. If she doesn't break off the engagement, she'll be cursed to death."

Shangguan Ruyu said, "My aunt said your fate has changed and you will no longer bring misfortune to your wife. Let me tell you, Miss Feng has extraordinary abilities and we are quite close. How about I put in a good word for her and ask her to treat Miss Zhen's illness?"
"You've ruined my reputation. You'd better get married quickly to clear my name."

Ming Shanyue ignored him and continued walking forward.

Shangguan Ruyu raised her eyebrows and sang in a theatrical voice, "Oh dear, the winds and rains in the nine streets are boiling like soup, saying that our eyebrows, painted too darkly, have offended our beloved. Since that's the case, I'll give up my necklace and ornaments, and become a pair with my beloved!"

When she said the last few words, she even made two delicate gestures with her fingers.

Ming Shanyue, unable to contain herself any longer, stopped and spat out a single word, "Get out!"

The sound was particularly abrupt at night.

Shangguan Ruyu was startled and muttered, "You get so angry over a joke? The older you get, the weirder your temper becomes. With your lack of chivalry, you deserve to be a bachelor for life..."

A black bird flew out of the yard, chirping, "Little Yueyue, Little Yuyu."

Ming Shanyue ignored it, and Shangguan Ruyu reached out his hand, with A Xuan landing on the back of his hand.

"Miss me?"

"Amitabha Buddha, even the lotus cannot compare to the beauty of a woman's makeup..."

"Haha, no matter how beautiful I am, there's no need to call me a beauty just because you see me."

Ming Shanyue looked at Ah Xuan, "You went to the nunnery again?"

Under the starlight, Ah Xuan's little eyes shone brightly, and he murmured with his little pointed mouth open, "Amitabha, even the lotus cannot compare to a beauty's makeup..."

Shangguan Yuru glanced around to make sure no one was watching, then asked softly, "Is that person still as beautiful as ever?"

Ming Shanyue shook her head. "Like you, I only saw her when I was a few years old, but I can't remember what she looked like anymore. I don't know why Ah Xuan especially liked going there, and he even learned to chant Buddhist scriptures."

The little one learned that poem from his second uncle, and then learned to recite "Amitabha" there.

He even suspected that his second uncle gave Ah Xuan to him so that Ah Xuan could keep that person entertained.

It's really strange, how does Ah Xuan know her, and why did he go there...?

Shangguan Ruyu whispered, "Once the eldest prince is enfeoffed as a prince and leaves the palace next year, he will have much more freedom of movement and will be able to visit that person occasionally."

Ming Shanyue nodded. "The Crown Prince's principal wife and concubines have already been chosen. I heard that the Second Prince is still short of a concubine and is thinking of bringing in a girl from the Xue family?"

Shangguan Ruyu said disdainfully, "Consort Xue and the Xue family do want to. My mother said that the Emperor disagreed, and Consort Xue even went to plead with her maternal grandmother twice, but was rejected both times."

I'm so sorry, but due to health reasons, I'll need to take a break after finishing this chapter. I know you'll be disappointed, and I'd be unhappy if a story I've been following kept going on hiatus... This is one of my favorite works, and the fact that it's going to be discontinued so soon after the plot has just begun makes me very sad and reluctant to let it go... Whether amidst the hustle and bustle or in solitude, Qingquan will always remember the journey we've shared, a journey that was indescribably wonderful. I will also always remember those familiar names. Thank you for being there!