Chapter 5

Chapter 5: A House Call After a month of confinement, Ling Jiayue could finally leave the residence and get some fresh air. Winter had already arrived. Ye Kingdom lay in the south, where it often rained at night, bringing with it a damp chill that seemed to freeze one to the bone and make people shiver. When Madam Liu learned that she was going out, she instructed Lingxue and the others to prepare an extra padded coat for her. She personally watched Ling Jiayue put it on, then helped her secure a veil to ward off the cold before finally allowing her to leave. Looking at the restaurant flags fluttering everywhere among the pavilions and terraces, Ling Jiayue suddenly asked, “Lingxue, which restaurant in the capital has the best food?” Lingxue pointed toward a building not far ahead. “Bright Moon Pavilion. From high-ranking officials and nobles to ordinary commoners, everyone loves its food and wine.” “Good. We’ll go there.” Upon arriving at Bright Moon Pavilion, Ling Jiayue ordered several of Ye Kingdom’s most famous dishes and snacks, then chose one of the finest private rooms. Once she pushed open the window, she could see everything happening in the main hall below. Since this place was rich in bait, she might as well cast out a long line and try to catch a big fish. It had already been two months since her rebirth, but her forces were still pitifully thin. If she wanted revenge, she had to begin making plans—and she could not implicate the Ling family. There was no one else in the private room. Ling Jiayue lifted her veil and watched through the window, a teacup in her hand as wisps of steam curled upward and the fragrance of tea filled the air. Yet directly across from the private room, a sharp, icy gaze had locked onto that graceful figure—onto the familiar face from three years ago… Feng Yan was equally astonished. He had merely opened the window casually, only to see across the way the Empress of Dayi, that legendary woman who had personally led troops into battle! “Seventh Prince, I’m not mistaken, am I? How could the Empress of Dayi have come here?” He still remembered the battle between the Empress of Dayi and Mu Yuheng at Shigu Pass. The Seventh Prince had captured her and brought her back to his camp. The moment she removed her mask, even the air seemed to freeze. Who could have imagined that beneath that rigid armor was the delicate, graceful body of a woman? However, the woman across the window was younger, and her features were even more lovely and gentle. She seemed to be the Empress of Dayi as a young girl, before she had married. Mu Yuheng’s expression turned solemn. His perfectly sculpted chin lifted slightly, and he narrowed his eyes. “She’s been gone for two months already. Have you forgotten?” Feng Yan froze for a moment, then speculated, “Perhaps she faked her death and came to Ye Kingdom to gather intelligence. Otherwise, how could there be someone so similar?” “No. She isn’t that kind of person, and Chu Chaoci would never use such a despicable method—he wouldn’t gamble with the Empress of an entire kingdom.” Mu Yuheng shook his head as he watched the woman across the way move. “Feng Yan, do you remember the chrysanthemum banquet Grandmother hosted last month? I heard that the legitimate daughter of the Prime Minister’s residence, who had just returned to the capital, stole the show and even engineered the dissolution of her engagement to Yuyang. That must be her. She encountered bandits on the way back to the capital, and I rescued her. Unfortunately, she was inside the carriage at the time, so I never saw her face.” He had been occupied with military affairs that day and had not attended the banquet. However, from Eighth Princess Qingyan’s description, he knew that the Prime Minister’s legitimate daughter was breathtakingly beautiful, with a graceful dancing figure—a beauty rarely seen in a century. Mu Qingyan was lively and outspoken, and she seldom praised anyone so seriously. What surprised Mu Yuheng even more was that she had not felt jealous despite the other party being a beautiful young woman. Of course, a large part of the reason was that Ling Jiayue had broken off her engagement with Mu Yuyang, depriving him of the Prime Minister’s Residence’s support. Qingyan was happy for him. Still, he had no interest in competing for the throne. He only wanted to serve his country and fulfill his own duties. After pondering for a moment, Mu Yuheng saw the woman across the way suddenly dismiss the maid beside her and sit alone. She was looking toward an elderly man dining in the hall. A trace of amusement rose at the corner of his lips. “I’d like to see what sort of game she’s playing.” “Feng Yan, have the Wu Guards investigate the precise cause of the former Empress of Dayi’s death, as well as Ling Jiayue’s past—where she lived and whom she associated with.” “Yes, Seventh Prince. I’ll have someone handle it immediately.” In the main hall of Bright Moon Pavilion, cups clinked and wine flowed. Customers came and went without pause, while the shop assistants hurried up and down, calling out loudly to serve them. At one of the square tables sat a portly old man. He drank wine and ate meat, behaving no differently from an ordinary person. However, he was dressed in fine silks, and the two burly men standing behind him attracted attention, making it obvious at a glance that he was no ordinary man. “Elder,” Lingxue said as she slowly approached with a bright smile. When the bodyguards saw her coming closer, they swiftly stepped in front of her, their imposing manner as fierce as wolves. “Who are you?” Lingxue clenched her fists inside her sleeves and summoned her courage. “Does Elder suffer from a chronic illness? My lady is willing to perform pulse diagnosis for you. Would you be willing to do her the honor?” The bodyguards looked ferocious and were just about to rebuke her when Xu Hongjun raised a hand to stop them. Wiping his mouth, he looked up at Lingxue. His eyes, weathered by wind and frost, were cloudy, yet they revealed the shrewdness and ruthlessness of a merchant. “Little girl, accusing someone of being ill for no reason is not a good habit.” Lingxue looked up toward the window on the upper floor. After receiving Ling Jiayue’s signal, she relayed her mistress’s words in detail. “Elder, the moment my lady saw you, she told me that your qi and blood are excessive, you enjoy eating meat and other rich foods, and you often suffer from dizziness and blurred vision around dusk. At night, you must toss and turn restlessly, unable to bear the tightness in your chest. Is she correct?” Xu Hongjun was stunned for a moment before abruptly rising to his feet. “Little girl, where is your lady now?” Lingxue was overjoyed. Her lady truly had not misjudged him. She quickly replied, “My lady is upstairs. Please, Elder.” Upstairs, Mu Yuheng watched as the maid led the old man into the private room. Ling Jiayue performed pulse diagnosis on him, then took out a wooden case and removed silver needles, inserting them into the old man’s arm. During the treatment, she said something to him that Mu Yuheng could not hear. The old man’s expression shifted between worry and delight. When the needles were withdrawn, he actually bowed to Ling Jiayue in thanks before leaving the room with his bodyguards, his face radiant with good cheer. Feng Yan returned just in time to see Xu Hongjun leaving. Completely bewildered, he asked, “Your Highness, what exactly is Ling Jiayue up to? An unmarried young woman meeting a wealthy merchant here in private—could it be that she…” Mu Yuheng gave him a cool glance. “She was treating Xu Hongjun’s illness.” “What?” Feng Yan was greatly shocked. “She knows medical arts too?” This was the first time he had ever seen a woman perform pulse diagnosis, and he found the sight difficult to accept. Mu Yuheng fell into thought. First, she had boldly rejected the imperial marriage decree despite not knowing the immensity of heaven and earth. Now she was appearing in public to treat someone. Just what kind of game was this woman playing? The next morning, the first snow drifted down in a steady flurry, and everywhere one looked was blanketed in white. As soon as the Prime Minister’s Residence opened its gates, a luxurious carriage was seen waiting outside. A well-dressed middle-aged man with graying hair smiled at the servants by the entrance. “Please inform your master that my lord requests Miss Ling Jiayue’s presence for a house call.” “The eldest young lady? For a house call?” The servant was somewhat confused. However, considering the carriage’s lavish decorations and the man’s attire, he did not dare offend the visitor lightly. He asked cautiously, “Who is your lord?” “Xu Hongjun.” The servant’s mouth fell open in astonishment. The legendary merchant whose wealth rivaled that of a kingdom had come calling. This was no small matter. He immediately returned the man’s courtesy. “I’ll report this at once. Please wait!” When Ling Taian learned of the matter, he was surprised, but he still sent for Ling Jiayue. “Jiayue, do you know who Xu Hongjun is?” Ling Jiayue remained calm and composed. “Father, he is my patient.” Ling Taian was somewhat displeased. “He is a famous merchant in Ye Kingdom, with countless businesses in the surrounding kingdoms. Even the Emperor has to show him some respect. When did you learn medicine, and what makes you think you can treat him?” Ling Jiayue showed no fear in the face of her father’s reprimand and answered frankly, “Father, to be honest, when I was recuperating at Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple, I learned some rudimentary skills from a country physician. As it happens, they are enough to treat Elder Xu’s illness.” Even after hearing her explanation, Ling Taian’s brows remained tightly furrowed, as though he did not believe her. Madam Liu could not help saying, “Master, since Elder Xu came to ask for her, Yue’er must have some special ability. Why not let her give it a try?” “Give it a try?” Madam Zhang fanned the flames from the side, her brows dancing with excitement. “Ever since Jiayue returned, she first broke off her engagement, and now she’s entangled herself with a wealthy merchant and given rise to all sorts of rumors. Madam First Wife, you have no idea how terribly outsiders are speaking of Jiayue’s reputation now!” Ling Jiayue cast her a cold glance, her gaze as sharp as a blade. A mocking smile curved her lips. “Madam Third Wife, how is Sister Ziqi’s face recovering? If you don’t mind, I can examine her as well. We’re family, so I won’t charge her.” It would have been better if she had not mentioned it. The moment she did, Madam Zhang began cursing furiously. “It’s all your fault! You caused Ziqi to be tormented by the Third Prince. It’s been a month, and her face still hasn’t completely healed. I haven’t even settled this account with you yet!” Ling Taian was most irritated by such trivial domestic quarrels. He impatiently said, “Enough! Can’t everyone in this family get along peacefully? If Ziqi hadn’t publicly humiliated the Third Prince and made him lose face, would she have ended up like this? You’ve all completely disgraced me!” Madam Zhang immediately fell silent, not daring to say another word. “Treat him properly. Don’t act recklessly, and be careful not to cause trouble.” Ling Taian finally relented and waved toward Jiayue. “Go on. Don’t keep them waiting.” Ling Jiayue immediately agreed. After bidding farewell to Madam Liu, she left with Lingxue. The carriage moved slowly forward, leaving a line of wheel tracks in the snow. After it passed through the streets, a dark figure darted from the corner of a wall and silently followed behind. Upon arriving at the Xu Residence, Ling Jiayue finally understood what it meant to be wealthy beyond compare. Red walls enclosed the estate outside. Within, winding covered walkways stretched in every direction, while pebbles formed paths through the courtyard. Pine and cypress trees stood in orderly rows, and emerald bamboo cast deep shade. Plum blossoms dotted the grounds like vermilion cinnabar against the snow, sending out waves of delicate fragrance. A hot spring had even been built inside the courtyard, steam curling upward as though it had been created to nourish the nearby bed of peonies. The pavilions and terraces bore the marks of time. Though they had stood for many years, they still displayed the wealth and splendor of the estate, leaving one dazzled by the owner’s extravagance. After entering a side hall, Ling Jiayue saw a large rosewood table with a marble inlay standing in the center. Ledgers were piled in the left corner, while ten square treasure inkstones and a brush holder occupied the right. Every kind of antique and precious object could be found on the bookshelves at either end of the room. Calligraphy and paintings by renowned masters of past dynasties hung upon the walls, creating such a dazzling display that one could only marvel at the owner’s immense wealth. Xu Hongjun was checking his accounts. A gold-hooked brazier sat before him, filling the entire room with warmth. Hearing the commotion, Xu Hongjun put down his ledger and looked up. His face split into a broad smile as he rose to welcome her. “Ling Girl, you’ve finally arrived! This Old Man has been waiting ages for you!” Ling Jiayue smiled and stepped forward to salute him. “Elder Xu, there’s no need to be so courteous. Did you sleep well last night?” Xu Hongjun invited her to sit and called for the servants to bring tea. Then he happily said, “After you treated me with acupuncture yesterday, my whole body felt relaxed. I burned the sleep incense you gave me that night, and before long, this Old Man had fallen asleep.” As he spoke, Xu Hongjun straightened his back and swung his arms. “I haven’t slept so soundly in more than thirty years! Little girl, your method really works!” Ling Jiayue smiled with pressed lips. “Elder, you flatter me. Since it has proven effective, you must persevere. Today I’ll give you another treatment, prescribe some medicine, and have your servants prepare it according to the prescription. I guarantee that within a month, you’ll feel completely renewed and be free of the discomfort in your chest.” “Good!” Xu Hongjun was overjoyed. He immediately rolled up his sleeve and extended his arm. “Ling Girl, give me the treatment.”