Spring Rises in the Phoenix Pool Chapter 54

Madam Wang and Qi Yuan parted on a sour note.

By the time she returned to her room, she was still fuming.

It just so happened that Han Yue’e had come to see her and had been waiting in the courtyard. When she saw Madam Wang, she quickly stepped forward and bowed.

Seeing Han Yue’e helped dissipate a bit of her anger, and she forced a smile. “Ah, Yue’e, what brings you here?”

In the military, camaraderie between comrades-in-arms was highly valued. Han Yue’e’s father had once saved Qi Zhen’s life. So after Qi Zhen took her under his protection, he held Han Yue’e in high regard.

Madam Wang, who always followed her husband’s lead, naturally treated the girl with the same importance.

Besides, Han Yue’e was indeed obedient and well-mannered. She never caused trouble and got along well with the other children in the household. Madam Wang had grown fond of her over time.

At this moment, Han Yue’e looked at Madam Wang and said softly, “Auntie, you look like you’ve lost quite a bit of weight lately.”

Even a girl who came to live halfway through could see her unhappiness, but that Qi Yuan—so unpleasant—hadn’t noticed anything at all.

Madam Wang felt even more suffocated inside but still forced a small smile. “It’s nothing, just too much going on lately. I’ll be better after a few days of rest.”

She asked Han Yue’e gently, “Did you come because something’s wrong?”

Han Yue’e smiled a bit awkwardly. “I just haven’t seen Ah Jin in a while. I went to her courtyard and heard she was sick. I got worried, so I came to ask.”

At the mention of Qi Jin, Madam Wang’s heart twinged with pain.

At this point, she didn’t even know whether Qi Jin was dead or alive.

But still, death extinguishes all. After raising her for so many years, she did have genuine feelings.

If Qi Jin were still alive, she might still harbor some resentment and unease. But thinking that she might be dead stirred all of Madam Wang’s maternal affection.

She closed her eyes, her voice pained. “You’re thoughtful, but Ah Jin fell gravely ill and has already been sent to the villa.”

“What?” Han Yue’e’s eyes widened in disbelief. “How could that be? Auntie, I was just with Ah Jin not long ago and she seemed perfectly fine! What happened? What illness is it?”

Qi Jin would never return again.

Qi Zhen and Madam Wang had already discussed the explanation they’d give.

Now that Han Yue’e asked, Madam Wang choked up and replied, “It came on suddenly. She had a high fever all over her body. We called several doctors, and they all said it was an epidemic. We didn’t tell outsiders because we were afraid it would spread—there are too many children in the household.”

Han Yue’e frowned deeply. “Then… then is Ah Jin getting better? I’d like to go see her.”

Madam Wang shook her head bitterly. “No need. The epidemic is severe; no one should get close. Even I can’t go. The doctors at the villa are still figuring out what to do.”

Han Yue’e now understood.

Madam Wang continued, praising Han Yue’e, “I know you were close with her. You’re such a loyal, kind girl.”

Then she instructed her servants to gift Han Yue’e a few bolts of new fabric.

Han Yue’e hurriedly expressed her thanks and had Lian’er carry the cloth as she took her leave.

Madam Wang, visibly tired, rubbed her brow. “How is Yunting? Has his condition improved?”

Just thinking of how badly her son had been beaten made her feel miserable.

Stewardess Gao had just come in. Hearing the question, she immediately patted her chest to reassure her: “Don’t worry, Madam. Our people check on him three times a day. Young Master is recovering well.”

Madam Wang sighed.

She turned to Stewardess Gao. “Why the sigh?”

Stewardess Gao looked at her expression. “Madam, you really should think of a way to calm the young master. He’s still obsessing over Second Miss…”

Every time someone came to apply his medicine, Qi Yun­ting cursed and asked where Qi Jin had gone.

He’d even say things like he wouldn’t let Qi Yuan off the hook.

Stewardess Gao could now see the situation clearly—Qi Yuan’s position in the household was solid now.

And she wasn’t just relying on others—Qi Yuan had real ability and could hold her own.

Qi Yun­ting had never been a match for her, especially when Qi Jin was around. Now that Qi Jin was gone, if he still tried to stir up trouble with Qi Yuan, the one to suffer would be him.

Madam Wang was so angry she picked up the teacup next to her and smashed it to pieces.

What a cursed child!

This scourge was even more of a headache!

Why couldn’t he understand priorities?

If he kept this up, the old marquis and madam certainly wouldn’t put up with him!

Madam Wang stormed to her feet, so furious her steps were unsteady. “I’m going to see him!”

From behind a fake mountain beside the cobblestone path, Han Yue’e watched Madam Wang leave, then coolly said to Lian’er, “Let’s go back.”

Lian’er immediately obeyed.

Back in their own courtyard, Lian’er couldn’t hold back her curiosity. “Miss, what do you think is going on with them?”

Han Yue’e stood still for a moment, dazed, then returned to herself at Lian’er’s question and shook her head. “I’m a little confused too. A lot of things don’t match up with what Wangye said…”

She tapped her finger lightly on the table, squinting. “Bring me writing tools. I’ll write another letter to His Highness.”

After Lian’er helped her finish writing, Han Yue’e said seriously, “Even Wangye is making me doubt now…”

She didn’t finish her sentence, just sealed the letter and handed it to Lian’er. “Be careful. Make sure no one sees it.”

When Qi Wang received the letter, it was already deep into the night. He read it once, then threw it along with the previous letters straight into the fireplace.

The flames roared up, and the emerald ring on his finger gleamed brightly under the firelight.

He stared at the fire as it slowly died, reducing the paper to ashes, before finally turning and sitting at his desk.

Eunuch Xu quietly approached and said, “Your Highness, Xu Tongzhou has returned.”

Qi Wang grunted. “Let him in.”

Xu Tongzhou was Qi Wang’s most trusted aide, rarely returning from his assignments.

Now he knelt before the prince, face pale. “Your Highness, I’ve failed in my mission! By the time I arrived, the roster had already been moved!”

Qi Wang slammed the table with a bang, the impact making the whole desk tremble.

He shouted, “Useless! Absolutely useless!”

Eunuch Xu stood silently to the side, not daring to say a word.

The current Qi Wang was completely different from before. Eunuch Xu couldn’t read his mood at all anymore—let alone treat him with the ease he once did.

Xu Tongzhou kowtowed again and again, pleading for forgiveness.

Qi Wang was so enraged he laughed. “What’s the use of apologizing now?! What matters is where the roster went! Don’t tell me that’s still a mystery too?!”

Xu Tongzhou slammed his head to the floor. “Your Highness! When they moved the roster, we managed to capture one of the assassins. He revealed that they were fleeing to the capital—and trying to seek refuge with the Xiang family!”

Qi Wang gave a long “Oh?” and his face turned coldly amused. “The Xiang family, huh?”