Warm medicine emits fragrance

After hesitating for a moment, Li Qiuping said in a low voice, "Second Master, the court is currently unstable. The eldest young master's actions suggest he has already taken sides. We should make plans as soon as possible."

Li Chenbi's face was gloomy. "That fool really thought that just because Shen Shu was favored, he could use that to climb up to Prince Rong. The imperial family is the most ruthless; he was used and yet he was still smug about it."

As he spoke, he turned to look at the candlestick on the table. The candlestick was exquisite, but the candle flame flickered and was unstable, just like this Great Yan Dynasty. On the surface, it looked glorious, but in reality, it had long been rotten inside, leaving only an empty shell to maintain the illusion of prosperity.

"Dynastic changes are an unbreakable rule since ancient times. Royal bloodlines hold a supreme position in prosperous times, but are worthless in chaotic times. There are many examples of even the most noble people in the past falling into the mortal world and suffering humiliation."

"The Great Yan Dynasty is beyond saving. Unless a miracle occurs, no miracle will happen."

Li Chenbi could say these things, but Li Qiuping dared not agree. However, he knew in his heart that his master was right.

The current emperor has been obsessed with elixirs for years and has neglected state affairs for many years, leaving the crown prince to handle them.

However, the crown prince was weak and his power had long been usurped by treacherous officials. The remaining princes were either too young or incompetent.

The only slightly better one was Prince Rong, who possessed great martial arts skills but was brainless.

After being praised a few times, they felt they were capable of sitting in that position, and in recent years they have become increasingly restless and eager to take it.

If that were all, the Great Yan Dynasty wouldn't be considered to be in crisis. However, in recent years, it has suffered from natural disasters, refugees have been everywhere in the north, and foreign enemies have invaded. The national treasury is no longer able to support the expenses of defending against the enemy.

Otherwise, Prince Rong would not have accepted Li Chenxin's overtures, as he had previously looked down on the Li family's status as merchants.

Although Li Chenshu has been favored by the emperor over the years, the Li family has not gained any real benefits except for the nominal title of being related to Prince Rong. In fact, they have even lost a lot of money.

Li Chenbi had no interest in the power struggles at court; he did not want to tie his own and his family's fate to a group of good-for-nothing playboys.

"It seems it's time to divide the family property."

Li Qiuping looked troubled. "I'm afraid this matter won't get past the old lady's approval."

Li Chenbi scoffed lightly, "If things get out of hand, they'll naturally be fine."

He beckoned to Li Qiuping, who immediately leaned in to listen.

"You tomorrow..."

The next day, when Fan Liuer woke up, it was already bright outside. It was a rare good day in winter, and the sunlight shone into the room through the window, making the room bright and cheerful.

"Awake?" A familiar voice came from her feet. She sat up and looked over, and saw Li Chenbi sitting on the edge of the bed next to her feet, holding a book in his hand, but looking at her.

"Second Master, what's wrong with you...?"

She wanted to ask why Li Chenbi was sitting there. Usually when she woke up, he would either be upstairs or in her bed, but she had never seen him sit at the foot of the bed like that.

Li Chenbi gave her a disapproving look. "You have the nerve to ask?" he said, reaching under the covers to squeeze her foot. "Are you still complaining about how hot I am?"

Her feet, which had been icy cold, suddenly felt warm. She shook her head and said, "I don't mind."

How could she possibly complain about Li Chenbi being hot? In this weather, she wished he were even hotter.

"You don't mind now, but yesterday I wouldn't even let you touch me." Li Chenbi pulled Fan Liuer's feet into his arms and warmed them for her.

Fan Liuer was slightly startled upon hearing this, and then a few vague fragments surfaced in her mind. It seemed that she had indeed looked down on this man.

Knowing that Li Chenbi was petty and narrow-minded, Fan Liuer was afraid that if she continued to talk about this topic, he would get angry again, so she immediately changed the subject.

"What happened to me last night?"

Li Chenbi saw through her thoughts but didn't bother to expose her. He went along with her words and replied, "The medicine I gave you was replaced with something highly nourishing, which caused you to be too weak to handle it. But luckily you only drank a small amount, and you'll be fine after a few days of rest."

Fan Liuer was not an innocent girl; she had heard many such stories and knew the reason immediately.

It was nothing more than a power struggle within the inner quarters; she occupied an identity that didn't belong to her, and thus became hated.

There was a moment of silence.

A sharp pain shot through the soles of her feet, causing her to gasp, "It hurts!"

Li Chenbi pressed the acupoints on the soles of her feet, "Bear with it, the doctor said that massaging them more will do you good."

Fan Liuer stared at him, suspecting that he was settling a personal score.

Li Chenbi was amused by her expression. "In your heart, do you think I'm that petty?"

Fan Liuer didn't respond, which was an admission of agreement.

Li Chenbi gave a low hum, looked down at the foot in his hand that was completely wrapped in a sock, and slowly spoke.

"Don't worry, I will get revenge for you for the injustice you suffered."

Fan Liuer looked at him. At this moment, Li Chenbi had his head down, and from her perspective, she could only see his drooping eyebrows and the peak of his nose.

She pursed her lips before speaking; "Whether I get it back or not, I don't really care, it's just that Second Master..."

With the soreness in his feet gone, Li Chenbi suddenly stopped what he was doing and looked up.

His eyes held an all-knowing look, which made Fan Liuer suddenly feel a little insecure.

"Just what?" His voice was flat, but Fan Liuer could still hear the suppressed emotions in it.

Fan Liuer suddenly felt a little afraid to look at him and looked away.

"Such things will probably happen more often in the future."

"No, such a thing will not happen again in the future," Li Chenbi said.

Fan Liuer never believed in men's promises. No matter how powerful Li Chenbi was, or how well the North Courtyard was guarded, someone still managed to find a loophole.

"How can you guarantee that, Second Master? You can't guard against people's hearts."

She didn't look at Li Chenbi, so she didn't know what his expression was, but she could hear his movements.

She heard him get up, caught a glimpse of his approaching body, and then felt a weight fall beside her as a warm breath enveloped her.

Her chin was pinched by hot fingers, and her face was turned to meet Li Chenbi's gaze.

To Fan Liuer's surprise, Li Chenbi did not show the anger she expected.

Li Chenbi would usually get angry when he heard her say these things.

Abnormalities are the most frightening thing, because they represent a loss of control.

A sense of unease welled up in Fan Liuer's heart.

Before she could speak, Li Chenbi spoke first.

"If I say I can guarantee it, then I can guarantee it."

"Fan Liuer, the world is about to change. There may be no Second Master or Madam Fan in the future, but there will definitely be Madam Li."

Fan Liuer didn't understand the meaning behind his words for a moment, so he released Fan Liuer and stood up.

"I'll be a bit busy these next few days and might be back a little late. I've arranged for charcoal and other necessities so you won't get cold, and I'll have someone make sure you drink your medicine."

After saying that, he left without giving Fan Liuer a chance to speak.