Chapter 24

Chapter 24: Awakening When Feng Yan saw Madam Wang get shot to death, he realized that the person behind her was no ordinary individual. Taking advantage of Luo Zhen’s departure for the Ling Residence with his men, he quietly slipped into Madam Wang’s room, hoping to find some clues. Feng Yan searched through Madam Wang’s room for a long time but found nothing. Just as he was about to leave, he accidentally kicked one of the walls. It was hollow. Feng Yan knew there had to be something hidden inside. He had never expected a concubine in the General’s Residence to be so extraordinary. After feeling around the wall for quite some time, Feng Yan finally found the mechanism that opened it. It was a decorative vase that usually sat there and would never attract anyone’s attention. Who would have thought it was actually part of a mechanism? Behind the wall was a chest. Afraid there might be a trap, Feng Yan used a rope to drag it out. The chest looked as though it should be very heavy, but it was unexpectedly light. After pulling it out from behind the wall, Feng Yan carefully opened it. Inside were several pieces of children’s clothing. Beneath the clothing, however, lay a jade pendant bearing a distinctive mark. When Feng Yan saw the jade pendant, he felt that his trip had not been in vain. He tucked it into his robes and returned to report to Mu Yuheng. By then, Luo Zhen had already brought the gifts to the gates of the Prime Minister’s Residence. Anxiety burned in his heart like fire, but he had no choice except to wait for the steward of the Prime Minister’s Residence to announce his arrival before he could enter. Inside the reception hall, Luo Zhen waited for Ling Taian to arrive. He paid no attention to the tea and pastries of the Ling Residence, pacing anxiously back and forth, afraid that every extra moment of delay would place his father in greater danger. Only then did Ling Taian slowly arrive. Seeing how anxious Luo Zhen was, he asked with concern, “Worthy nephew, what happened? Why are you so anxious?” “Uncle Ling, to be honest, I have come to trouble you because of my father’s illness.” “Oh? Doctor Lin has already gone to your residence to perform pulse diagnosis on General Luo. If your residence is lacking any medicinal ingredients, just let me know. Whatever Uncle Ling has, I’ll immediately send someone to deliver it to you. There was no need for you to make the trip yourself—sending someone to inform me would have been enough,” Ling Taian said. Luo Zhen replied, “I have come this time to ask your daughter, Miss Ling, to treat my father. May I ask Uncle Ling for permission?” “Yue’er?” “Yes, precisely Miss Ling. I ask Uncle Ling to make an exception,” Luo Zhen said, bowing as he pleaded. Ling Taian was immediately placed in a difficult position. For one thing, he had no confidence that Ling Jiayue could cure General Luo’s illness. If she failed, the two families would inevitably fall out. Moreover, Ling Jiayue’s previous trips outside the residence to treat patients had been quite dangerous, and he was reluctant to let her go. Seeing that Ling Taian remained silent for so long, Luo Zhen could only continue pleading. “Uncle Ling, to be honest, I came here at Doctor Lin’s recommendation. He said that Miss Ling possesses the art of acupuncture and can treat my father. As his son, I naturally must do everything in my power for my father. I hope Uncle Ling will agree.” For a moment, Ling Taian did not know how to respond. On one side was the safety of his beloved daughter; on the other was a man with whom he had served together at court for many years. He was truly caught in a dilemma. “I’m willing to go.” Just as Ling Taian and Luo Zhen fell silent, Ling Jiayue walked into the reception hall and spoke clearly. “Thank you, Miss Ling,” Luo Zhen said. “Yue’er, are you confident about going?” Ling Taian asked, deeply worried for her. “Father, there’s no need to worry. I heard everything from outside just now. Since Doctor Lin dared to recommend me, he must trust me very much. Besides, I have practiced medicine alongside Doctor Lin, so I will certainly be able to save General Luo. Furthermore, Abbot Huiguang said that I must accumulate blessings on a wide scale. Only then can I remain safe and peaceful throughout my life.” Ling Jiayue gently persuaded him. Ling Taian sighed inwardly and could only say, “Very well, go. Don’t force yourself, and be sure to follow Doctor Lin’s lead.” Hearing this, Luo Zhen could only repeatedly thank Ling Taian and Ling Jiayue. Ling Taian then said, “Yue’er, as an unmarried young woman, it is ultimately inconvenient for you to go alone. Have your brother Jiaxuan accompany you.” Ling Jiayue and Ling Jiaxuan then followed Luo Zhen to the General’s Residence. Feng Yan had just returned to the Seventh Prince’s Residence. Mu Yuheng’s tea had already been replaced several times, clearly indicating that he had been waiting for a long while. “Master, your subordinate found this in Concubine Wang’s room.” Feng Yan handed Mu Yuheng the marked jade pendant he had found. The jade pendant was lustrous from end to end, without the slightest impurity. The character “Three” was engraved on it. Mu Yuheng recognized it at a glance as belonging to the Third Prince, Mu Yuyang. “As expected, he’s involved.” Mu Yuheng’s expression grew even more solemn. “Master, should I go to the General’s Residence and watch over Miss Ling, to prevent anything from happening to her?” Feng Yan asked. “Mm. Go.” “Yes, Master.” “Watch over her carefully. Don’t let anything happen to her.” “Your subordinate understands. I will certainly fulfill my mission.” With that, Feng Yan headed for the General’s Residence. Third Brother, since you’re so idle, I’ll find something for you to do. Mu Yuheng thought this to himself. Once Ling Jiayue and the others arrived at the General’s Residence, Luo Zhen led them to General Luo’s room. As soon as they entered, they smelled a strong medicinal scent. Hearing that Ling Jiayue had arrived, Doctor Lin said, “Yue’er, girl, you’ve finally come. Hurry and take a look at General Luo.” Ling Jiayue quickly walked to General Luo’s bedside and performed pulse diagnosis. After a while, she said, “Thanks to Doctor Lin’s dose of medicine, General Luo’s illness has not worsened. However, this treatment is too slow, and it will be difficult for him to wake up and recover. At present, I’m afraid only acupuncture will be effective.” “Exactly, Yue’er, girl. I had Young Master Luo invite you here precisely because of your acupuncture,” Doctor Lin said. “In that case, make the preparations. I’ll administer the acupuncture to General Luo,” Ling Jiayue said. “Yes, I’ll immediately instruct the servants to prepare everything.” Luo Zhen promptly went to give orders to the steward. Seeing that his sister was confident and composed, Ling Jiaxuan did not interrupt her. He simply trusted her. “Lingxue, do you still have that prescription I gave you? Go get another dose of medicine, decoct it, and bring it here,” Ling Jiayue instructed. “Yes, Miss.” Lingxue went to prepare the medicine. “Yue’er, girl, what is this?” Doctor Lin asked, puzzled. “I learned early this morning that General Luo had fallen ill, so I began preparing a prescription. After the acupuncture, he’ll need to strengthen his constitution and replenish his vitality. That way, he’ll recover more quickly,” Ling Jiayue explained. “Yue’er, girl, you truly are thoughtful,” Doctor Lin praised. “Thank you, Miss Ling, for taking such pains over my father,” Luo Zhen said. As Ling Jiaxuan watched his dazzling sister, his heart filled with pride. Before long, everything was ready. Ling Jiayue and Doctor Lin dismissed everyone before administering acupuncture to General Luo. Luo Zhen and Ling Jiaxuan waited outside. Madam Luo, who had hurried over after hearing the news, also waited outside. Half an hour passed before Ling Jiayue and Doctor Lin finally emerged from the room. “How is he?” Madam Luo, Luo Zhen, and Ling Jiaxuan asked in unison. “General Luo is no longer in danger. Have Lingxue bring over the medicine she prepared and serve it to him. He will wake up within two days,” Ling Jiayue explained. “Thank you, Miss Ling. You must be exhausted. Please go rest in the guest room,” Madam Luo said warmly, taking Ling Jiayue’s hand. Ling Jiayue went to rest. Two days later, General Luo indeed awoke. Before the people of the General’s Residence had time to rejoice, however, General Luo spat out a mouthful of black blood and fainted again.