Jinyi Spring

Chapter 83 I Wish You Would Forget Me
Feng Chuchen didn't even give her face, keeping a cold expression on her face.

Grandma Wen laughed and said, "Miss Feng is becoming more and more capable; she can even diagnose the Princess."

Feng Chuchen patiently said, "It is said that when Young Master Shangguan learned that I had cured Madam Wen's migraine, he sent his servants to invite me to treat Her Highness the Princess in order to show his filial piety."

Grandma Wen asked in bewilderment, "How did Young Master Shangguan know that Miss Feng treated my mother-in-law's migraines?"

Feng Chuchen retorted, "You all don't know, how would I, a mere commoner, know? I'm extremely timid, and I'm terrified of treating important people. Do you have any good doctors you can recommend to the Princess? If so, I don't need to go."

Grandma Wen chuckled twice. "In our eyes, Miss Feng is the best doctor. I heard you're still treating Madam Ming?"

Feng Chuchen said, "The magistrate heard that I am quite capable in treating gynecological diseases, and asked me to treat Madam Ming's bleeding. As I said before, if you have any suitable doctors, please feel free to recommend me."

The official explanation given to the public was that Madam Ming suffered from a bloody lesion.

Grandma Wen gave Feng Chuchen a few more words of advice, mentioning how much the Princess liked Wen Shu, before taking her leave and returning to her residence.

Feng Chuchen shook her head. Shangguan Ruyu was going to suffer a lot with such a family to marry into. Especially Wen Shu, such a good girl, she wondered if she would be dragged down by her family.

Since we were late, we could only go after lunch, and we still brought peonies and hibiscus.

Shangguan Ruyu and Shangguan Ruyue have not yet returned from praying at the Jokhang Temple. Only Princess Yanghe and a few servants are in Ningxiu Hall.

Princess Yanghe thoroughly enjoyed Feng Chuchen's massage.

With her eyes closed, she said, "Over the years, I have been massaged by dozens of female doctors, including the deceased Dr. Cai, but none of them are as good as you. Doctor Feng was born to practice medicine; you have such skill at such a young age."

Feng Chuchen didn't lessen her grip. "Your Highness is too kind."

After a short while, the princess asked again, "Little girl, tell me, what kind of person is Doctor Feng?"

Feng Chuchen paused, thought for a moment, and said, "A kind and good person. My aunt has all the qualities of a good person. She would rather wrong herself than wrong others. She is good without any flaws."

"He remains an indomitable person, living towards the sun and following the light. No matter what adversity he faces, his backbone remains unbroken and his integrity unchanged."

The princess suddenly opened her eyes and stared blankly at Feng Chuchen.

Feng Chuchen felt uncomfortable continuing the massage, so he stopped and let her watch.

Where did I say something wrong? My aunt is indeed that kind of person.

After a while, the princess closed her eyes again and hummed in agreement.

He asked, "Do you want to be like her?"

Feng Chuchen began massaging again, saying without hesitation, "I don't want to. Only I know how much suffering and hardship my aunt endured when she was alive. Just thinking about her past makes my heart ache."

"I only want to be a law-abiding citizen and a doctor with a kind heart. Not only do I not want to be like that, but I also teach my younger brother to rest when he is tired and not to force himself."

Princess Yanghe opened her eyes again and looked at her for a long time before smiling and saying, "Being a law-abiding citizen and a doctor with a benevolent heart is already very good. Doctor Feng has great love in his heart, and he is so good that there is not a single flaw. Ordinary people cannot do that."

After saying that, he closed his eyes again.

Feng Chuchen looked down at the woman in front of him. She was noble, dignified, magnanimous, and had a fair heart.

Although she thought her aunt was so wonderful, many powerful people wouldn't like to hear her praise her so highly in front of them.

But the princess did not blame her at all.

Everyone says that Princess Yanghe is like Empress Shengde, bold and magnanimous, with the breadth of mind and demeanor of a man...

The two of them did not speak again.

After Feng Chuchen's massage, Princess Yanghe felt much more comfortable than she had a few days ago.

She sat up, got out of bed, and put on the soft satin embroidered shoes by the bedside.

The servants thought she needed to relieve herself and came over to help her.

She waved her hand and walked to a row of eight-drawer chests made of Phoebe zhennan wood inlaid with mother-of-pearl floral and bird patterns. She opened the bottom drawer and took out a flat, round brocade box.

Feng Chuchen didn't know what she meant, and since she didn't want to leave, she just stood there dumbfounded.

Yanghe sat down on the edge of the bed, opened the brocade box, and its splendor was revealed.

It is a pure gold necklace.

The lower half of the necklace is a filigree orchid pattern inlaid with gemstones in red gold, with a jade orchid pendant hanging from the bottom, and three strings of pearl necklaces dangling below. The pure white beads are strung together, each string ending with a round gold bead, its luster flowing like solidified amber.

The entire necklace is dazzling and has an exotic flair, quite different from the necklaces commonly seen in the Great Yan Dynasty.

Especially the three golden beads, which Feng Chuchen had never seen before in her life. She had seen them in her previous life, but they were all farmed.

Several gasps of surprise immediately rang out from inside the room.

Granny Zhou praised, "The gold and pearls are so beautiful."

Eunuch Hu also laughed and said, "This is the first time I've seen this style of necklace. It's beautiful."

Princess Yanghe took out the necklace and said, "This jade and these beads are from Pagan." She then asked Feng Chuchen, "Is it pretty?"

Feng Chuchen said sincerely, "It looks good."

Princess Yanghe placed the necklace into the brocade box and closed the lid.

He handed it to Feng Chuchen, saying, "This is for you."

It is a "gift", not a "reward".

Not only was Feng Chuchen surprised, but everyone present was astonished.

Feng Chuchen dared not accept it, and said, "Thank you, Your Highness. However, this humble woman cannot accept such a precious gift."

Princess Yanghe said, "Both Doctor Feng and you have saved the people I love and cherish the most. I will always remember this kindness in my heart."

"Both the Empress Dowager and the Prince Consort believe that only you two deserve this grand gift. Since Doctor Feng is no longer with us, we will give it to you."

Feng Chuchen believes that the person she loves and cherishes most is Shangguan Ruyu.

She still didn't reach out, insisting, "As a doctor, saving lives is my duty, and you've already paid. I really can't accept such a generous gift."

Princess Yanghe insisted, "Accept it. I believe only you are worthy of it."

Feng Chuchen stood there, completely bewildered.

Granny Zhou reminded him, "Doctor Feng, you cannot refuse Her Highness the Princess's gift."

Princess Yanghe shook her head. "This is not a reward, it is a gift."

The tone was gentle, but the attitude was firm.

Feng Chuchen dared not refuse again and had no choice but to accept it reluctantly.

She curtsied and said, "Thank you, Your Highness."

Princess Yanghe lay down and said, "I'm tired, you may all leave."

Feng Chuchen and the servants quietly slipped out.

There was no one around. Princess Yanghe turned her head to look at the swastika-patterned window lattice. The golden afterglow dappled in and spread out in circles of light on the velvet carpet.

As the light shifted, a young face suddenly appeared, its eyes initially frosty, then softening into warm tones, and finally settling into a gentle warmth like spring water.

The token he was unable to send has now been fulfilled by her on his behalf. Although it was not given to a deceased person, it was given to her descendants.

Princess Yanghe closed her eyes and let out a long sigh, as if an evening breeze carrying the glow of sunset was blowing against her face, taking her back to the twilight of many years ago.

A handsome young general unexpectedly entered her life, and from then on, no one else could enter her heart. She longed for his true love, but his heart could not be forced. So she set aside her high status and waited patiently, day after day…

After an unknown amount of time, a soft call woke her from her reverie.

"Yanghe, are you feeling any better today?"

The Imperial Son-in-Law sat on the edge of the bed, his sleeves wrinkling the dark patterns on the brocade quilt.

Princess Yanghe opened her eyes and looked at him tenderly.

"Miss Feng is not only a skilled doctor, but also quite talented, very genuine, and very endearing. She said that Dr. Feng is a person of utmost kindness and steadfastness, living towards the sun and following the light, so good that he has no flaws."

"I asked her if she would like to be that kind of person, but she said that she would not, and she would not allow her younger brother to follow suit. It was too bitter, too tiring, and too much hardship... That child spoke so succinctly."

"Yunqi, that string of gold beads, you originally intended to give it to her, didn't you? It's been gathering dust for years; perhaps I should pass it on to future generations. Young Miss Feng keeps saying she doesn't want to follow in her footsteps..."

"But her inner tenacity is clearly the same as that of Dr. Feng; only she would not betray that sentiment."

The Imperial Son-in-Law was taken aback at first, but slowly, a tender feeling spread across his eyes, and a smile appeared on his lips.

He reached out and stroked the princess's cheek, saying gently, "Thank you, Qiao'er, for your kindness. You have fulfilled what I could not do."

"You're not angry that I acted on my own?"

The Imperial Son-in-Law shook his head. "It was my willfulness that displeased the late Emperor. Not only was I stripped of my military power, but my grandfather and father also suffered needlessly because of me... What pains me most is that I implicated Yu'er..."

"Even if I could do it all over again, I would still be grateful to the late emperor. He allowed me to marry the best princess in the land. Thank you for shielding me from the hardships of those most difficult years."

The princess's eyes shone even brighter, "You don't regret marrying me?"

"Shangguan, the Imperial Son-in-Law, shook his head. 'Young Miss Feng said that my sister is flawless; how could an ordinary person grasp her? Now, in my heart, she is my sister… You and Yu'er are the greatest fulfillment in my life.'"

That farewell letter came to mind:
You are a cloud beyond the heavens, I am a blade of grass in the mortal world. How can such a disparity be bearable? I wish you would forget me…

She was wrong.

It should be:

You are a celestial being from the Jade Terrace, while I have grown old in the mortal world. We are worlds apart, yet I can only gaze upon your pure radiance…

The Prince Consort Shangguan's eyes were filled with tenderness as his hand slowly lingered on her cheeks and brow bone.

Princess Yanghe suddenly grabbed his wrist, her eyes welling up with tears.

Dusk tinged the window paper red, and the last golden rays of the sunset fell upon his gentle brows.

Twenty years have passed, and she has finally won his heart.

-

Back home, Feng Chuchen took out the necklace and fiddled with it, then put it on and looked at herself in the bronze mirror.

No woman dislikes beautiful jewelry, especially such a rare and luxurious necklace.

But she felt immense pressure accepting this gift.

Feng Chuchen felt that Princess Yanghe's gift was not only because two generations of Feng family women had saved her most beloved and cherished Shangguan Ruyu, but also because it was related to her conversation with her.

She used the phrase "to give to you," meaning to give to herself and her aunt.

It was also specifically emphasized that it was a gift, not a reward.

Because I admire the unique talents of both the older and younger doctors, I gifted them this precious item.

They really do get away with anything because they have money.

When Feng Buji saw the necklace, his eyes widened. "It's so beautiful! There are pearls and gold ones too. It must be very valuable!"

"Of course it's valuable. It's worth at least three or four thousand taels of silver, and possibly five or six thousand taels."

Feng Chuchen couldn't give a specific price, but he felt it was very valuable.

Feng Buji quickly returned the Yingluo bracelet to his sister, afraid that she might drop it and break it.

"So expensive? It's worth ten houses. Keep it safe, my sister can wear it when she gets married."

Feng Chuchen felt that she shouldn't take all this advantage for herself; the little boy was her aunt's biological nephew.

She stroked his little pigtails and said, "When the clinic makes more money, I'll buy you a necklace of the same quality."

Feng Buji jumped in fright. "No, I don't agree. That much silver could buy a lot of good land."

Feng Chuchen painted a rosy picture, saying, "In the future, our family will be able to buy a lot of land, and we can also buy such a beautiful necklace."

Feng Buji said, "We'll buy more land after we live in a big house and have lots and lots of land."

After thinking for a moment, she added, "By then I will have grown up and won't necessarily need to wear a necklace. I'll buy two large boxes of fine writing brushes, inkstones, and wash basins, and also a nice pendant."

Feng Chuchen smiled and said, "Listen to your brother, buy two large boxes of writing brushes, inkstones, and wash basins, and also buy a nice pendant."

Feng Buji puffed out his little chest, thoroughly enjoying the words "Listen to your younger brother".

He's a real man; he can hold the family together and help his sister make decisions.

The next day, Feng Chuchen brought two pairs of embroidered slippers and a basket of large red pomegranates picked from her home to the Princess's residence.

I had never thought of sending gifts to the Princess's residence before, mainly because the two families were of vastly different statuses, and it seemed that my family was not even qualified to send gifts.

The eldest aunt forbade her descendants from attaching themselves to the powerful and wealthy, so she couldn't force them to.

But since the princess had given such a fine gift, it would be impolite not to reciprocate. They felt obligated to reciprocate. Their family had little money, so they could only offer a small token of their appreciation.

One pair of slippers had a grass-green upper with two small yellow velvet flowers sewn on, the flowers protruding, and a border of white rabbit fur around the opening. The other pair had a navy blue upper with a peony flower made of pink silk sewn on, also protruding.

This was drawn by Feng Chuchen and made by Sister Song. It was originally made for herself.

The design is not complicated, but it combines traditional and modern aesthetics, making it quite unique and distinctive.

Giving shoes as a gift is also a way for younger generations to show filial piety to their elders.

Upon arriving at the Princess's residence, Princess Yanghe did not lie on the bed, but instead leaned against the chaise lounge in the side room.

Two girls were sitting to the side; one was Shangguan Ruyue, and the other was someone I didn't recognize.

The girl was graceful and elegant, with fair and delicate features. Even the light pink rouge couldn't cover up the few small freckles on her left cheek.

Although it was very light, it still detracted from her pretty little face.

Shangguan Ruyue smiled and said, "Miss Feng has arrived. This is Third Sister Xue."

Feng Chuchen learned that this was the legendary Xue San Guniang, who had been engaged to Ming Shanyue but then broke off the engagement.

Shangguan Ruyu once said that all the fiancées he found for Ming Shanyue had "minor flaws," and Xue San's minor flaw was these few freckles.

The Xue family was the maternal family of Empress Dowager Xue, which was also the maternal family of Princess Yanghe.

The two families are cousins.

Feng Chuchen smiled and said, "Third Miss Xue."

Miss Xue glanced at her and gave a blank "hmm".

Her gaze then turned to Princess Yanghe, and she smiled sweetly, "My aunt is much better now. Doctor Feng has excellent skills."

She doesn't even want to look at him when he's being praised.