Jinyi Spring

Chapter 99 Tear Mole
It's not convenient to close the door when a man and a woman share a room late at night, as the cold wind can easily seep into the room.

Even though two basins of charcoal were burned, the cold was still bone-chilling.

Banxia poured a bowl of hot tea and placed it on the small table next to Ming Shanyue, then stood behind Feng Chuchen.

The two were so far apart that other people probably thought they were just arguing.

Ming Shanyue didn't speak, but looked at Feng Chuchen inquiringly.

Feng Chuchen wore a silver-gray embroidered diagonal-front jacket and a brown floral long skirt. Her hair was jet black and her skin was as white as snow. The only red spot on her forehead was striking, like cinnabar falling on snow.

She was clearly unhappy; her thin lips were tightly pursed, making her slightly square chin appear even more striking.

Grandmother always said that this girl dressed too old-fashionedly, but Ming Shanyue didn't think she looked old-fashioned at all. On the contrary, she had a cool and unique temperament.

Her heroic spirit is different from her grandmother's. Her grandmother's heroic spirit is characterized by competence and decisiveness, while hers is characterized by tranquility and composure.

No wonder Shangguan Ruyu always said she was exceptionally beautiful...

The room remained silent for a short while, as if both were waiting for the other to speak first.

Finally, Ming Shanyue asked in a low voice, "Is someone in our Ming family trying to harm Doctor Feng?"

Feng Chuchen only noticed today that Ming Shanyue also had a red mole on the lower left corner of his eye. The red was very bright, which softened his stern and rigid face.

It is said that a mole under the corner of the eye is a "tear mole," and people with tear moles are soft-hearted.

Not entirely...

Ming Shanyue's cold voice rang out again, "Miss Feng?"

Feng Chuchen realized that she had been lost in thought. She cleared her throat and said, "I have no grudge against your family. I think that person's intention is not to harm me, but to prevent Madam Ming from recovering."

He turned back to Banxia and said, "Go ahead and say it."

She didn't want to waste her breath.

Banxia walked over to Ming Shanyue and first told her that the Shen family had led more than a dozen people to cause a scene at the clinic, and that someone wanted to kill Feng Chuchen. She then recounted her experience that day and handed the half needle to Ming Shanyue.

The moon over Mingshan Mountain is as still as water.

He also knew that the person's real target wasn't Feng Chuchen, but his own mother.

My mother is gentle and kind, and because she has been almost isolated from the world for more than ten years due to illness, it is impossible for her to offend anyone.

There's no hatred involved, only self-interest. The mother's recovery will only affect the interests of two groups: one bound by a debt of gratitude stemming from her father, and the other related to power within the inner quarters.

If it were that woman, the father would be ashamed, and the mother would also have a falling out with him.

If it were someone else, my grandparents would be sad.

Ming Shanyue still instinctively felt that the first person was the most likely, while the second person, although less likely, was not impossible.

Regardless of which woman it was, it was a scandal for the Ming family, and he was too embarrassed to say it outright.

He took the needle from Banxia's hand and examined it carefully, saying, "I have roughly determined the direction, and I can guarantee that Dr. Feng will not have any more problems in my house."

Feng Chuchen said, "I think Lord Ming knows better than I do whose interests will be affected by Madam Ming's recovery. If we don't find out, not only will I be in danger, but Madam Ming will be in even greater danger."

Ming Shanyue took out a purse from her bosom, put the needle inside, and clasped her hands in a fist salute to Feng Chuchen.

"I am ashamed. It is our negligence in managing the household that has led to Miss Feng's perilous situation. I have been away from home for the past few years, and after returning to the capital, I have been busy with official duties and neglected the affairs of the household."

"I will definitely investigate this matter thoroughly and give Miss Feng an explanation. I also want to thank Miss Feng for not taking this to the authorities, thus preserving the reputation of the magistrate..."

Feng Chuchen said calmly, "If Lord Ming can solve even major cases of the imperial court, solving such minor cases should be a piece of cake for him."

Ming Shanyue shook her head and sighed, "Miss Feng, you flatter me. If you can't even manage a household properly, how can you talk about governing the world? I'm ashamed!"

As the two were talking, they suddenly heard Mu Jin's crisp laughter from outside.

The group looked outside and saw Guo Hei staring at Shaoyao, who was standing at the door of the main room.

Neither of them was convinced of their own superiority, and they dared not argue there, so they glared at each other with murderous intent.

The people outside saw their master looking at them and quickly lowered their heads in fright.

Feng Chuchen added, “I need to rest for five days starting tomorrow. I will go to your residence after five days. For safety reasons, I will not let the driver drive the carriage into your residence, nor will I stay for a meal. This may alert the perpetrators.”

It means that it's best to catch the bad guys within five days.

Ming Shanyue nodded and said, "Don't worry, the suspect has been identified, and we will definitely find her within a few days."

He got up and went outside, and saw Guo Hei still exchanging glares with the big black girl.

He joked, "How dare you wink at a girl like that?"

These words not only made Guo Hei blush, but also made Shaoyao blush.

Guo Hei quickly glared at Shaoyao, then turned and followed his master to the car, no longer looking at her.

Peony received a glare, but didn't have time to retaliate. Or rather, even if she had, no one would have seen it.

She wanted to rush forward and throw it back like last time, but she didn't dare. Feeling she had been wronged, she stomped her feet in anger.

Hibiscus outside the door and Banxia standing by the window laughed so hard they almost fell over, but dared not make a sound, covering their mouths with handkerchiefs.

Before getting into the carriage, Ming Shanyue looked back at the east wing one last time.

Not a single piece of the girl's clothing could be seen.

Thinking of that bright and dazzling cinnabar mole, Ming Shanyue's heart skipped a beat.

Thankfully, I wasn't destined for this person...

A small bird suddenly darted out from the crack in the open door of the main house and perched on Guo Hei's straw hat. It called out to Ming Shanyue, "Little Yueyue."

Ming Shanyue caught it, "You've come here to play again, let's go home."

Ah Xuan was displeased and cursed, "You idiot."

Ming Shanyue increased the pressure on his hand, and A Xuan rolled his eyes and cried out, "Ah~~ Ah~~ Inhale~~ Exhale."

Everyone laughed loudly.

Ming Shanyue grinned; he already knew what those two sentences meant.

After finishing his homework, Feng Buji ran out and felt heartbroken to see Ah Xuan being choked by Ming Shanyue.

Although he had never met these two people before, he knew they were from the Ming family and had come to his house today to discuss important matters.

Ah Xuan belongs to the Ming family; he can't bear to part with him, nor can he.

Feng Buji bowed to Ming Shanyue and said, "Lord Ming, Ah Xuan is rolling his eyes. It's so small, it'll be crushed to death."

Ming Shanyue nodded and loosened her grip a little.

Ah Xuan spread his wings and tried to fly over, but Ming Shanyue forcibly grabbed him and put him in the car.

Feng Buji ran to the car window again and said, "Ah Xuan, come to my house to play another day. I'll save that pear for you."

Ah Xuan remained silent, so Ming Shan Yue answered for him, "Okay."

The carriage slowly walked out of the courtyard, the sound of hooves growing fainter and fainter until it disappeared. Feng Chuchen stepped out of the east wing, and Feng Buji took her hand.

"Sister, both Sister Peony and Sister Pinellia said that adults are scary, but I don't think they're that scary."

Feng Chuchen said, "Lord Ming is indeed more approachable today."

Peony hadn't thought about it yet, and said with her eyelids rolled up, "That big black guy is vengeful and loves to roll his eyes. He's so effeminate, he's nothing like a man."

Banxia joked, "You're allowed to flip over, but others aren't allowed to flip over back?"

Mu Jin laughed and said, "I saw it clearly, it was Sister Peony who rolled her eyes first."

Peony retorted defiantly, "Hmph, when I see him next time, I won't just give him a piece of my mind, I'll beat him to a pulp."

Feng Buji said, "That big black guy is taller and stronger than you. I bet you can't beat him."

"Who said I could beat three men?"

Feng Buji said, "He's been on the battlefield, he might be able to beat ten men. Sister Shaoyao, you should just ignore him and not fight, you'll lose badly."

Everyone laughed again.

Aunt Wang and Du Ruo came over from the clinic. When they heard about Shaoyao and the big black guy flipping their eyelids, they were also amused.

He chuckled, "Silly girl, you're about to get engaged, so you should be careful about some things."

It was already late in the evening when Feng Chuchen watched Feng Buji finish washing up, get into bed to rest, blow out the candle, and come out.

In previous years, when winter came, the Feng family was most worried about Feng Buji's health. They would dress him up like a ball, forbid him from going out, and make him spend most of his time on the warm kang (a heated brick bed).

This year, Feng Buji not only didn't have a relapse, but he also looked radiant and went to school every day.

This was not only because his illness had basically healed, but also because he had eaten that old ginseng root.

Feng Chuchen thanked the two wolf spirits in her heart more than once for giving her such a wonderful treasure.

-

In the Ming residence, Madam Ming leaned against the headboard, staring blankly at the small diamond-shaped window illuminated by red light.

After washing up, she combed her hair and put on light makeup. The dim light from the gauze lamp shone on half of her face, adding a touch of color to her slightly tired complexion.

In her mind, if the Duke knew that Wanru was pregnant, he would definitely come to the main courtyard.

But when the hour of Hai (9-11 PM) came and it still hadn't arrived, he felt even more frustrated.

Granny Li didn't go home today. She whispered to her, "Madam, the Duke hasn't returned to the manor yet. He must have encountered an emergency at the yamen and won't be coming back."

Madam Ming asked, "Is it just that something happened at the yamen?"

She had never suspected her husband of going to brothels or similar places before, but now she was starting to have some doubts.

She forced a bitter smile. It was her own fault for being so useless; why should she blame him?
Granny Li continued, "Talk to the Duke properly. Regardless of whether Madam's illness can be cured, Miss Wan is not allowed to have children. If the Duke sides with that little vixen, Madam should tell the Old Master and the Grand Madam, and they will definitely stand up for Madam."

Madam Ming shook her head. "If Master wants to give Wanru a child, then so be it. Wanping has served him longer than I have, so it's understandable that she wants a child."

Granny Li shook her head in anger. She had tried to persuade the madam all day, but the madam remained the same.

She knew that the lady hoped the Duke would ask Wanping to abort the child. If the Duke sided with Wanping, the lady might seem to accept it, but in reality, her heart would never be open to the Duke again.

The human heart is most vulnerable to tests, especially the test of a man's heart for his wife...

The young maid who guarded the gate came in.

"Has the Duke returned?" asked Granny Li.

The maid said, "No, it was the master. He asked me if the lady had rested yet, and I said she hadn't. He then said he hadn't seen the lady for many days and came to pay his respects."

Madam Ming sat up straight. "It's so late, he must have something urgent. Let him in."

She got up, put on her cotton-padded jacket, and went to the side room.

Ming Shanyue had already entered the side room and came over to help Madam Ming sit on the daybed.

Ming Shanyue only wanted to visit his mother and wouldn't tell her about that matter. Unexpectedly, Granny Li was there, and she was the first person he wanted to find.

He couldn't search openly, for fear there might be spies in his mother's yard.

The mother and son sat hand in hand on the daybed and talked.

“Today I went to the palace to see the Emperor, and my father was there too. He told me that there had been a problem with the grain being transported to the Northwest, and that he would be discussing important matters with Governor Li at the yamen today, so he wouldn’t be returning home.”

After hearing her son's words, Madam Ming felt a little better. "Your father is an important official in the court, and it is common for him to be on night duty."

Ming Shanyue moved closer to Madam Ming, a rare smile appearing on her face. "Mother's complexion is much better. Miss Feng's medical skills are excellent."

Madam Ming forced a smile and said, "Yes, I feel much better too..."

Granny Li couldn't help but interject, "Madam was originally better, but she got upset today and has regressed somewhat."

Ming Shanyue asked, "What is it?"

Madam Ming glared at Granny Li and forced a smile, saying, "It's nothing."

After the two talked for a while, Ming Shanyue got up to take her leave, and then turned her back to give Li Mama a wink.

Granny Li saw Ming Shanyue off at the door.

Ming Shanyue said in a low voice, "Go to Guo Hei's house on the back street tomorrow morning. I'll wait for you there. Don't let anyone know that you're meeting with me alone."

Granny Li sensed that the young master had a secret he wanted to tell her.

I happened to have something I wanted to say to the old man, so I nodded.

The next morning, when Granny Li left the mansion and returned home, she turned into Guo Hei's house when she saw that no one was paying attention.

Granny Li was a respectable servant; her husband was the head of the external affairs department, and her son was a manager in another city. They had already purchased a three-courtyard house outside the city, where her son and his family lived.

Because they had to serve their master, they also had a small house in the back street, where she and the man lived.

Neither Guo Hei nor Song Xian were born into the household; they had fought alongside Ming Shanyue for several years, accumulating some wealth through battles and rewards. Since they were both still unmarried, they hadn't bought their own houses and lived together here.

When Granny Li heard that Feng Chuchen had encountered danger again, with half a needle stuck in the mule's body, she was both shocked and furious.

She gritted her teeth and said, "It must have been Wanping who did it. If something happens to Miss Feng, the Madam's illness will be completely hopeless. If the Duke agrees to give her another child, she can live in the Duke's mansion and enjoy a life of luxury. Shameless slut, how dare she even think about it?"

Ming Shanyue was taken aback. "A child?"

"Yes, Wanping is pregnant. I heard she's over three months along and went home to rest, afraid of being discovered. She wanted to wait until the fetus grew bigger, and the Duke couldn't bear to cut off that piece of flesh, so she kept the child. Shameless bastard, how dare he harm his wife..."

Ming Shanyue's face darkened further. After a moment's thought, she said, "Wanping is the most suspicious, but there might be someone else behind it. Pretend you know nothing, protect my mother, and keep an eye on the servants in the main courtyard."

"Dr. Feng's safety in the main courtyard is also entrusted to you. From now on, whenever she eats in the main courtyard, you must eat with her. If there are any problems that cannot be solved, or if you discover anything, go directly to Uncle Hua. I have already instructed him..."

Minghua is the chief steward of the Duke's mansion. He once followed the old Duke to the battlefield and is an absolute confidant of the old Duke, the Duke of Ming, and Ming Shanyue.

Granny Li replied solemnly, "This old servant understands, sir, please rest assured."

Song Xian walked in quietly.

"Sir, it has been confirmed that yesterday morning, Wu San and Steward He were having tea in the room when three people went in and out of the stables, one of whom was Miss Wan's brother's brother-in-law..."