Chapter 7

Chapter 7: Visiting the Xu Residence Heavy snow had fallen for several days and nights. At first, the goose-feather snowflakes had drifted down in a soft, rustling curtain, blanketing the world in gleaming white. After the snow stopped, all the yamen runners were dispatched to clear the streets. Quite a few mischievous, lively children followed behind them and began having snowball fights beside the snowdrifts. Seeing how enthusiastically the authorities had mobilized, every household also pitched in to clear the snow outside its own door. It became a peculiar sight in the capital. The Prime Minister’s residence was no exception. When Ling Taian left for morning court, he instructed the household servants to clear the snow inside the residence and on the street outside the gates, lest passersby slip. Ling Jiayue had already been confined to the residence for ten full days. Using her recovery as an excuse, Madam Liu refused to let her leave, accompanying her at every meal. At last, the snow stopped that day. As it happened, Madam Liu had returned to her family home to visit her parents. Ling Jiayue could no longer restrain herself. She coaxed Lingzhu into hiding the matter from everyone, then secretly slipped out through the back door with Lingxue. “Miss, your injuries haven’t completely healed yet. If Master and Madam find out, Lingzhu and I will surely be scolded.” Lingxue was far from reassured. Her little face was scrunched up, and her heart hung suspended. Ling Jiayue raised a finger to her lips. “As long as neither of you says anything, and I don’t say anything, who will know? My injuries are almost healed. You don’t need to worry.” When Mu Yuheng had left that night, he had given her a jar of high-quality Golden Wound Salve and a bottle of Circulation and Flesh-Regen Cream. The former stopped bleeding and pain while promoting the healing of wounds; the latter faded scars and marks. It was rather strange. After applying the cream, the scars on her arm and shoulder had indeed faded considerably. It seemed she would have to find a way to ask him for another bottle. Seeing the deep worry between her brows, Lingxue could not help asking, “Miss, what are you thinking about?” “Hm?” Ling Jiayue had been lost in thought. The question distracted her, and for a moment she stood dazed in the middle of the street, watching the crowds come and go without knowing where she should go next. Lingxue was startled by her bewildered expression. She reached out to tuck Ling Jiayue’s cloak more tightly around her and said cautiously, “Miss, if there’s nothing else, I can accompany you for a short walk so you can clear your mind. Then we should return.” Suddenly, inspiration struck. Ling Jiayue came to her senses. That was right—she still had many things to do! “Lingxue, come on. We’re going to pay Elder Xu a visit.” When they arrived at the Xu Residence, the gate servant hurried to invite Ling Jiayue inside upon seeing her arrival, while simultaneously sending someone to inform his master. After waiting so many days, this Ling Girl had finally come. “Ling Girl, you’ve finally come!” When Xu Hongjun heard from the servants that Ling Jiayue had arrived, he hurried out of the study. He was full of vitality, with white hair and a youthful complexion. A sable cloak hung over his shoulders, and his manner was as humorous and comical as ever. With his large belly, he looked nothing like a wily old merchant. Instead, he resembled a retired official who spent his days trading jokes and banter. Ling Jiayue could not resist teasing him. “Elder Xu, you’ve certainly been living comfortably these past few days. Just look at how rosy your complexion is. I’m afraid you’ve completely forgotten this little girl’s instructions.” She had once instructed him to eat more vegetables and fruit and less meat, especially at night, when rich foods were most taboo. Caught out to his face, Xu Hongjun’s old cheeks flushed. He chuckled sheepishly. “I went to your residence to visit you several times afterward, but Ling Taian is such an unfeeling old fellow. He insisted on blaming me for not taking you home that night, and he even returned the gifts I sent. I was angry and racked with guilt, so I couldn’t help eating a few extra pieces of meat to ease my vexation.” Ling Jiayue froze slightly. So Father cared about her this much? He had even been willing to offend an important person like Xu Hongjun… “Your complexion looks rosy now. Have your injuries improved?” Xu Hongjun led her inside and had someone bring in a brazier, making the room somewhat warmer. The incident had happened because of him. If he had not insisted on keeping her so late, or if he had insisted on having his guards escort her back to the residence, she would not have been injured. A mischievous glint flashed through Ling Jiayue’s bright eyes. “If I weren’t better, do you think I’d dare sneak out?” Xu Hongjun loved this mischievous and willful side of her. The smile on his face nearly gathered into wrinkles. “Little girl, you’re quite clever. You’re acting so recklessly because your father dotes on you. If you were my daughter, I’d issue you a ban the moment you got home.” Ling Jiayue pursed her lips. “Luckily, I wasn’t born into your household, so I’ve been spared that suffering. It’s only a minor injury. It’s nothing.” Xu Hongjun pushed a plate of candied fruit and pastries toward her and shook his head. “An injury is no small matter. If you had been careless and lost your life, wouldn’t every man in the capital have been heartbroken?” After saying that, his tone shifted. He let out a long sigh, his expression growing somewhat solemn. “Speaking of which, this old man is to blame. I failed to protect you properly. If anything had happened to you, I would have had no way to answer to your father. I had people investigate these past few days. This is the Son of Heaven’s feet, and there are even patrols at night. Which reckless criminal could have been so audacious as to assassinate you?” At those words, the smile faded from Ling Jiayue’s face, and a trace of gravity appeared between her brows. She had only arrived in the capital a few months ago. How had someone already wanted to take her life? Could it be an enemy of the former Ling Jiayue? “Miss, could it be that the Third Prince bears you a grudge, and so…” Lingxue had been cracking melon seeds at the side, her ears following the conversation between the two of them. Suddenly remembering Mu Yuyang’s frightening expression that day, she could not help speculating. Her fair face was filled with worry. Yet the moment she voiced her guess, Xu Hongjun denied it. “It wouldn’t be him. I watched that boy Yuyang grow up.” He looked at Ling Jiayue. His eyes were clouded with age, but his gaze was filled with certainty and a trace of anxiety. “That day’s events are known to me. Although Yuyang has a bad temper, he must have developed an interest in you. At present, he should be trying every possible way to win you, not harm you.” Ling Jiayue smiled. She understood his meaning perfectly. “Elder Xu, don’t take it to heart. Lingxue is simply too worried about me and spoke without thinking. I also believe the Third Prince is a dragon among men. He would never do something so despicable.” Only then did Xu Hongjun relax. He grinned, benevolence characteristic of the elderly appearing on his face. “Ling Girl, don’t worry. I’ll definitely uncover the real culprit and give you an explanation.” “Oh, right. I’ve invited several friends over for tea today. Since you’re here, why don’t you examine their pulses? Those old fellows’ health is hardly any better than mine.” “What a coincidence!” Ling Jiayue was both surprised and delighted. She sprang to her feet. “Where are those Elder gentlemen?” She had come to the Xu Residence precisely for this matter. Now that her health had recovered considerably, she had to seize the opportunity to establish her reputation as a divine physician and build up connections and wealth through her renown, laying the foundation for the road of revenge ahead. In the dead of night, whenever she woke from her dreams, all she saw in her mind were the scenes of her father and brothers dying horribly. The three thousand soldiers of the Liuhuo Army had lived and died alongside her, only to perish in the hands of the emperor they served. Chu Chaoci’s destruction of her was something she would never forget for all eternity. When one’s achievements overshadowed the ruler, no one ever met a good end. Xu Hongjun had spent many years navigating the world and possessed a meticulous mind. At a glance, he could tell that this young woman was hiding something in her heart, and it was clearly not some matter of romance. However, the two of them were currently physician and patient, and their acquaintance was not deep. He had no intention of prying. “They won’t arrive for a while yet. If you’re in such a hurry, I can send someone to invite them right now. Are you satisfied now, Ling Girl?” Ling Jiayue rubbed the tip of her nose, a hint of bashfulness on her cheeks. “Elder, I’m helping your friends resolve their troubles. Why do you make it sound as though I’m the one getting some great advantage? I haven’t taken a single coin for anything you’ve given me.” “Hahaha, Ling Girl, you certainly have a silver tongue! You’re even a little more shrewd than my adopted son!” Though it sounded like flattering modesty, Xu Hongjun was secretly delighted by her words. His steward, Deng Xu, had served Xu Hongjun for many years. Rarely seeing him laugh so heartily, Deng Xu joined in with a joke. “My young master is young, accomplished, and handsome enough to rival Pan An, with an excellent character as well. Why not introduce him to Ling Girl? In the future, our families could become as close as one.” The few joking remarks made Ling Jiayue blush. She repeatedly insisted that it would never do. Seeing her reaction, Xu Hongjun laughed even harder. After they had chatted and laughed for less than half a shichen, a servant came to report that the invited guests had arrived. Xu Hongjun stood up and patted Ling Jiayue on the shoulder, smiling broadly. “Come on, girl. Let’s see what you can do. If you cure the illnesses of those old sly foxes, you won’t be short of gold, silver, and jewels.” The corners of Ling Jiayue’s lips lifted into a perfectly measured curve, pure as winter plum blossoms. “Jiayue seeks no wealth. I seek only to remain true to the heart of a physician.” Xu Hongjun had lived for more than fifty years. The fortune he had amassed over most of his life had not fallen from the sky—how could he not understand her thoughts? Still, her earnest expression was so convincing that he did not expose her. “Deng Xu, take Boss Huang and the others to the main hall and have them sit for a while. Ling Girl and I will be there shortly.” “Yes.” The main hall was extraordinarily spacious. The marble floor was spotless, and every table and chair was made from fine carved rosewood. On the table at the center of the hall stood an elegant, imposing porcelain vase, filled with several peacock feathers of superb color. The side tables held precious blue-and-white porcelain and various objects carved from ancient jade. The famous landscape paintings covering the walls were more than the eye could take in. It was truly a dazzling display of treasures. It was Ling Jiayue’s first time entering the main hall, and she was so stunned by the collection of precious objects that she could not speak. The Plum Blossoms in Winter Snow by Zhao Dekun, visible at a glance, had profound meaning and an expansive artistic conception. In her previous life, she had searched for it for a long time, but possessed only a copy. She had never seen the original. She had not expected to encounter it here, and it fulfilled one of her long-held wishes. “I say, Xu Hongjun, no wonder you haven’t gone out drinking with us these past few days. So you’ve been keeping a beauty hidden away in your home!” Six men were seated in the hall. All were in the early stages of old age, with prosperous builds—clearly wealthy household masters at a glance. The speaker wore a fox-fur cloak, but his face was shifty and ratlike, carrying the habitual slyness of a merchant. Just looking at him made one inexplicably uncomfortable. His words obviously carried another meaning. Xu Hongjun became angry the moment he heard them and scolded him, “What nonsense are you spouting? I’m an old man. How could I have such filthy thoughts as you do?” He pulled Ling Jiayue over and respectfully introduced her to everyone. “This is the legitimate daughter of the Prime Minister’s residence, Miss Ling Jiayue. Thanks to her superb medical arts, my health has improved considerably. I invited you all here today because you old sly foxes and I have been friends for many years. I asked Miss Ling to examine you so you won’t go to the western heavens ahead of me. If that happens, this old man will be terribly lonely.” His words were heartfelt, but they also clearly revealed Ling Jiayue’s identity. “The Prime Minister’s legitimate daughter?!” Boss Huang was utterly astonished. His back turned cold, and sweat poured from his forehead. He was only a salt merchant—unlike Xu Hongjun, who had influence in both commerce and officialdom. He absolutely could not afford to offend the legitimate daughter of the Prime Minister.