Feng Lezhen had originally planned to go watch Chen Jinan’s lessons, but once Shen Suifeng returned, that idea completely slipped her mind. She sat leisurely in the hall instead.
After bathing, Shen Suifeng was brought a new set of clothes. Though still white, the material and style were clearly different from what he’d worn before.
“Forgive us, Mister Shen. Your visit was sudden, and we didn’t have anything suitable in the residence. I had to purchase this from a ready-made clothing shop outside,” the servant said respectfully.
Shen Suifeng examined the clothes and saw they were indeed freshly bought. He accepted them after a pause. “Thank you.”
Clean and changed, Shen Suifeng returned to the hall, his earlier anger gone.
“Since Qing Wangfei has already found you, I’m afraid Imperial Physician Cui’s place is no longer safe. Do you have another destination in mind?” Feng Lezhen asked, breaking the silence.
After a pause, Shen Suifeng replied, “To be honest, I have nowhere else to go in the capital besides Imperial Physician Cui’s.”
“Then why not leave the capital altogether?” Feng Lezhen suggested.
Shen Suifeng frowned. “I still have unfinished matters here. I can’t leave yet.”
“Is that so…” Feng Lezhen fell into thought. “If there’s really no other way, then Mr. Shen might as well stay at the Eldest Princess’s residence. No matter how outrageous Qing Wangfei is, she wouldn’t dare come here to demand someone from me. It just so happens I have another patient in need of your care. It would be more convenient if you stayed.”
Shen Suifeng frowned slightly, seeming reluctant to remain.
Feng Lezhen wasn’t in a rush and simply sipped her tea with composure.
After a long pause, Shen Suifeng let out a sigh. “Then I’ll trouble Your Highness.”
Feng Lezhen smiled, gesturing that there was no need for thanks.
That afternoon, she sent someone to the residence of Imperial Physician Cui to fetch Shen Suifeng’s belongings, officially settling him into the Eldest Princess’s estate.
By evening, Feng Lezhen specially had a few more dishes prepared and intended to invite him to dine together, but was refused.
“M-Mr. Shen said that even though he now lives at the Eldest Princess’s residence, his consultation fee must not be reduced by a single coin. Your Highness… y-you need not try to curry favor with him,” stammered the servant who came to deliver the message, nearly in tears from fright.
Feng Lezhen remained calm. “Then I shall not bother him in the future.”
And true to her word, she did not seek out Shen Suifeng again. Shen Suifeng enjoyed several quiet days in the guest room—so quiet, in fact, that he began to feel uncomfortable and eventually sought her out to ask about the patient, only to be dismissed with a few perfunctory words.
“Your Highness,” Qin Wan said in a hushed voice after dismissing the others, “ever since the rumors about spirits began circulating, His Majesty has stopped attending court. It seems he really is ill this time.”
“He’s been mediocre for so many years, and just when he tries to do something ambitious, everyone stands against him. How could he not be sick from anger?” Feng Lezhen lowered her eyes to sip her tea.
Qin Wan paused. “Though everyone opposed him, His Majesty will likely hold only one person responsible—Your Highness.”
Feng Lezhen gave a silent smile.
In the previous life, Feng Ji had fallen ill just the same, and when he recovered, he announced the cancellation of the canal project. After that came the confrontation at the Mid-Autumn palace banquet. If her guess was right, it was after recovering that Feng Ji developed murderous intent toward her.
“Let him be,” Feng Lezhen said softly.
Qin Wan frowned and still tried to caution her to avoid direct conflict, since after all, Feng Ji still sat on the throne.
Whether Feng Lezhen listened or not was unclear; after a few half-hearted replies, she suddenly asked, “Where’s Shen Suifeng?”
“The back garden,” Qin Wan answered.
Feng Lezhen immediately rose and walked out.
“Your Highness, where are you going?” Qin Wan asked hastily.
“To find him. Don’t follow me,” Feng Lezhen said without looking back.
“…Yes, Your Highness.”
Unknowingly, it was already mid-July. The weather was stiflingly hot, but the Eldest Princess’s rear garden, with its thick trees and flowing streams, was as cool as a summer retreat. The idle servants often snuck over to enjoy the shade and slack off.
Unfortunately for them, what they found enjoyable, Feng Lezhen disliked. The moment she felt a hint of coolness, she wanted to go back and put on another layer. Just as she was about to turn around, her eyes caught a glimpse of Shen Suifeng—along with a stern-faced teacher and a very focused Chen Jinan.
The teacher stared at Chen Jinan for a while before finally speaking up: “Don’t press so hard. You’re practicing calligraphy, not loading cargo at the docks. Why are you using so much force?”
“Your writing is so bad, I might as well scatter rice on the paper—chickens would peck a better script,” Shen Suifeng added casually, arms folded.
“At this rate, you might as well not practice. Knowing a few characters is enough. At your age, it’s too late to start learning anything,” sighed the teacher.
“I agree,” Shen Suifeng nodded.
Chen Jinan acted as if he didn’t hear, but he gripped his brush as though preparing for battle. Feng Lezhen, watching from a distance, couldn’t stand it anymore and spoke up, “Mr. Shen, instead of studying your herbs, what are you doing here?”
“What’s there to study in herbs? This is far more entertaining.” Shen Suifeng remained relaxed as Chen Jinan and the teacher stood up and saluted Feng Lezhen. “Your Highness’s betrothed is the foremost scholar in the capital, but her companion here doesn’t even know his letters. It seems Your Highness truly has diverse tastes.”
Feng Lezhen pretended not to hear the jab and deliberately twisted his words: “Oh? Do you think you stand a chance now?”
Chen Jinan glanced at Shen Suifeng silently, then lowered his gaze.
Shen Suifeng gave a half-smile. “Forget it. I’m not blessed enough for that.”
Feng Lezhen smiled, then turned to the teacher. “Jinan never studied before. Starting from scratch is naturally hard. Please be patient with him.”
“Yes, Your Highness,” the teacher bowed.
Feng Lezhen smiled again and looked down at Chen Jinan’s writing. “Actually, I think Jinan’s calligraphy is —”
She went silent upon seeing the chicken-scratch on the paper.
“Is what?” Shen Suifeng asked with glee. Chen Jinan also looked at her, a rare glimmer of hope in his usually placid eyes.
Because of that hope, Feng Lezhen forced herself to say, “Is… acceptable. At least seeing it makes me feel very happy.”
Shen Suifeng snorted in disbelief.
“You should study hard,” Feng Lezhen said to Chen Jinan, her tone softening unconsciously.
Chen Jinan nodded seriously and picked up his brush with determined focus.
Feng Lezhen gave a small, quiet smile and raised her eyes, signaling Shen Suifeng to follow. He arched a brow but fell into step behind her.
“What does Your Highness need from me?” he asked as soon as they left the garden.
“To see a patient,” she replied without turning her head.
Shen Suifeng’s expression turned more serious.
They passed through gardens and courtyards, gradually arriving at the heavily guarded entrance to the secret dungeon. As Feng Lezhen stepped inside, Shen Suifeng’s gaze flickered, but he followed without hesitation.
Deep within the dungeon, Fan Gonggong was curled in a corner, his eyes vacant. He would let out a sudden shriek now and then, only to fall silent again. Ever since Feng Lezhen gave her orders, the bedding and sheets in the cell were changed frequently, but despite the care, the stench of urine still clung to him.
As the chains on the cell door were unlocked, Fan Gonggong looked up at the sound. When he saw Feng Lezhen, a smile began to creep across his face—only to freeze the moment he spotted the unfamiliar man beside her.
“It’s him,” Feng Lezhen said.
Shen Suifeng walked straight up to Fan Gonggong, knelt down on one knee, and said in a gentle voice, “Give me your hand.”
Hearing the gentleness in his tone, Feng Lezhen couldn’t help but glance at him a few more times.
His voice seemed to hold some sort of mysterious power. Fan Gonggong hesitated for a long while but eventually stretched out his hand. Shen Suifeng lowered his gaze to take his pulse and checked the old wounds on his body.
After a while, Shen Suifeng let out a light breath, patted the eunuch’s hand soothingly, then got up and walked out. Fan Gonggong stared at his back for a moment, then suddenly shouted, “Li Tong! I’ll kill you!”
“Watch out!” Feng Lezhen’s expression changed, and she grabbed Shen Suifeng’s sleeve, pulling him back hard.
It all happened so fast that neither of them had time to prepare. As they staggered backward, they lost their balance and crashed into the wall. Feng Lezhen instinctively closed her eyes, bracing for pain, but at the moment of impact, Shen Suifeng raised a hand just in time to shield the back of her head.
Bang!
The guards swiftly shut the cell door. Fan Gonggong was blocked inside, his eyes red as he reached his hands through the bars, screaming, “Li Tong! Li Tong!”
“Your Highness, are you all right?”
“Your Highness…”
Feng Lezhen’s face was still buried in Shen Suifeng’s chest. The faint scent of medicinal herbs seemed to wrap around her entirely. Everyone else’s voices felt distant, as though muffled. All she could hear was her own ragged breathing—and someone else’s heartbeat.
“How long does Your Highness plan to stay like this?”
A teasing voice came from above. Feng Lezhen finally came back to herself and raised a hand to signal that she was fine.
Seeing that she had recovered, Shen Suifeng took out a small porcelain bottle from his robe and handed it to the guard. “Unstopper this and let him smell it.”
The guard quickly obeyed, holding the bottle under Fan Gonggong’s nose. After a moment, the eunuch’s fierce expression faded into confusion, and he silently curled back into a corner as if nothing had happened.
With the shouting finally stopped, Shen Suifeng let out a breath of relief and stepped back. But Feng Lezhen’s hair ornament had gotten caught on his lapel—his movement tugged it, and she gave a soft cry of pain.
“Unhook it,” she frowned.
“Me?” Shen Suifeng paused.
“Who else?” Feng Lezhen said impatiently. “Do you expect me to do it myself?”
Shen Suifeng had no choice but to lean in and carefully untangle the ornament. His long fingers brushed against her silky hair, and for a fleeting moment, he felt a strange itch at his fingertips.
Feng Lezhen asked, “Are you done yet?”
“Yes,” Shen Suifeng answered, snapping out of it.
Feng Lezhen stepped back, tucking the loose strands of hair behind her ear.
“Who would’ve thought—Her Highness, so calm and composed, has such a timid side,” he said with a smirk.
Feng Lezhen gave him a sidelong glance. “If you’d died once in a prison, you’d probably be even more timid than me.”
“Sounds like Her Highness is implying she’s actually died in one before,” Shen Suifeng said, leaning in slightly, arms crossed.
Feng Lezhen shot him a look and turned to leave. “Can he be treated?”
“Yes.”
“How long will it take?”
“Ten days.”
Feng Lezhen paused. “Only ten? Let me remind you—he’s been insane for years.”
“He’s mad because the residual toxins haven’t cleared. Once they’re gone, he won’t be mad anymore,” Shen Suifeng replied with certainty.
A trace of amusement flickered in Feng Lezhen’s eyes. “Then I shall await good news from you.”
“Five thousand taels,” Shen Suifeng said, holding out his hand.
Feng Lezhen’s smile froze. “…How much?”
“Five thousand,” he repeated.
Feng Lezhen gave a disbelieving laugh. “I thought you charged based on status. He’s just a decrepit old eunuch from the countryside—why is his fee four thousand more than Lord Yu’s?”
“This case is a bit different,” Shen Suifeng replied.
The two of them had already reached the dungeon’s entrance. Feng Lezhen stopped to question him directly, “What’s different?”
“Lord Yu’s illness was cured, and he’ll live for decades more. But this one—once he’s cured, he might die. Since the outcome differs, naturally the fee can’t be the same,” Shen Suifeng said with a faint smile.
“Who told you I plan to kill him?” Feng Lezhen asked.
“Isn’t that the case?” Shen Suifeng replied. “Your Highness insists on curing him and has him under heavy guard. Clearly he holds some important secret. Once you know what it is, will you really let him live?”
Feng Lezhen lifted her gaze and met his eyes, calm and unflinching.
Born into the imperial family, the most noble Eldest Princess of Great Qian, she didn’t even need full court dress to radiate dignity. And yet, Shen Suifeng was like a free wind—no matter how overwhelming her presence, he had his own domain untouched by it.
After a long moment, Feng Lezhen curved her lips. “You think too highly of yourself.”
Shen Suifeng chuckled and said no more.
“Five thousand it is. If he’s not cured in ten days, I’ll take your head as payment.” She turned and left.
Watching her retreating figure, Shen Suifeng waved cheerfully. “It’s hot out. Your Highness’s pulse is strong, not like someone with a cold constitution. You’d best switch to lighter clothes. Otherwise, if you get heatstroke, that’ll be another two thousand taels.”
Feng Lezhen gave a cold snort and ignored him entirely.
Now that she had handed Fan Gonggong over to Shen Suifeng, Feng Lezhen left the matter alone, waiting only to see the results. What occupied her mind more now was something else—
Feng Ji was still ill.
In her past life, he had recovered after two or three days. But this time, it had already been many days, and even the retired Cui Gonggong had been summoned back to the palace. Yet Feng Ji’s fever refused to subside.
For someone who had lived this life a second time, even small changes could disrupt her plans. After much thought, Feng Lezhen decided to go to the palace and check on him.
In Longhua Hall, the doors and windows were shut tight, the air thick with the stench of medicine.
As soon as she entered, Feng Lezhen saw Yu Shou, now gray at the temples.
The moment their eyes met, she hesitated over whether to step forward and greet him—but Yu Shou had already looked away. She gave a self-deprecating smile and lowered her eyes, waiting quietly outside.
Imperial Physician Cui soon emerged from the inner chamber and saw Feng Lezhen kneel in greeting.
“Rise, how is His Majesty?” Feng Lezhen asked.
Imperial Physician Cui wiped the sweat from his brow. “His fever broke this morning. If he doesn’t relapse within the next twelve hours, he should be out of danger.”
“Wasn’t it just a cold? Why did it get so serious?” Feng Lezhen frowned.
Imperial Physician Cui shook his head. “His Majesty is under too much strain. Even a minor illness can turn serious… If only Young Friend Shen were still around—his medical skill could’ve cured His Majesty in no time.”
“…Mr. Shen?” Feng Lezhen was momentarily stunned.
Standing to the side, Yu Shou also paused when he heard the familiarity in her tone.
Imperial Physician Cui nodded. “It seems Your Highness hasn’t heard. Qing Wangfei had surrounded this commoner’s home not long ago. Mr. Shen likely noticed and slipped away. We don’t know where he is now—perhaps he’s already left the capital.”
…So the reason why Feng Ji hadn’t recovered this lifetime was because she had hidden Shen Suifeng away. Feng Lezhen didn’t quite know what to say and could only give a faint, forced smile in response.
After the report, Feng Lezhen went inside to visit Feng Ji. In just a few short days, he had visibly lost weight, and his already unattractive face looked even more sallow and worn.
Seeing his graceful and poised elder sister approach, Feng Ji tugged his lips into a weak smile. “Royal Sister.”
“Your Majesty.” Feng Lezhen’s gaze swept past a finely carved horse figurine by his pillow. She paused briefly, then smiled.
Feng Ji closed his eyes. After a long moment, he slowly said, “I’ve decided to abandon the canal project. Royal Sister, you’ve won again.”
“His Majesty’s willingness to listen is a blessing for Great Qian. There’s no need to speak of winning or losing between siblings,” Feng Lezhen’s expression didn’t change.
“But Royal Sister,” Feng Ji looked straight at her, “you won’t always win.”
The bedchamber fell silent. Even the attendants nearby didn’t dare to breathe too loudly. Only Feng Ji and Feng Lezhen remained composed.
After a while, Feng Lezhen smiled helplessly. “Of course. No one can win forever. Even your royal sister has lost before.”
Feng Ji gave a mocking smile, clearly thinking she was trying to provoke him. “I’m tired. You may leave now, Royal Sister.”
“Yes.”
Feng Lezhen turned and walked out. Once outside the Longhua Hall, the smile completely vanished from her face.
“This way, Your Highness.” A palace maid led her respectfully.
Feng Lezhen stepped forward wordlessly, not speaking a single sentence along the way. The maid was on edge, afraid of making the slightest mistake that might draw her ire.
They passed the Imperial Garden in silence until a burst of girlish laughter broke the stillness. Feng Lezhen casually glanced over and saw Feizhan blindfolded, playing and laughing with several palace maids.
Seeing her linger, the maid quickly explained, “Those palace maids were bestowed upon Prince Feizhan by His Majesty.”
“Then he must be quite pleased these days,” Feng Lezhen’s lips curved into a smile—it was hard to say whether it was amusement or schadenfreude.
The maid chimed in, “His Highness has always been charming. Naturally he’s delighted to be surrounded by so many beauties.”
Feng Lezhen’s smile deepened, and without another look, she walked away from the frivolity.
Once out of the palace and into her returning carriage, she leaned against the soft cushion to rest. The gentle swaying soon lulled her toward sleep, but before she could doze off fully, the carriage came to a sudden stop.
“Your Highness…” the coachman called hesitantly from outside.
Feng Lezhen slowly opened her eyes. After a moment of silence, she lifted the curtain.
Outside the carriage, Yu Shou stood with a cold face, hands clasped behind his back.
So it’s come to this after all… Feng Lezhen sighed and stepped down slowly.
“You were the one who brought in Mr. Shen?” Yu Shou asked.
Feng Lezhen’s expression was calm. “Yes.”
Yu Shou’s face instantly darkened. “How kind of Your Highness—to send a doctor when I’m ill. Pity your methods are so sneaky. It’s disgraceful.”
The attendants on both sides held their breath at his audacity in speaking to the Eldest Princess like that. No one dared intervene—they simply tried to shrink from sight.
Faced with his aggressive questioning, Feng Lezhen asked, “Are you finished?”
Yu Shou: “…”
She turned back into the carriage. But before she could sit down, Yu Shou roared from outside: “Don’t go playing clever again! Even if I die of this illness, even if there’s nothing left of me, it’s none of your business!”
Feng Lezhen lifted the curtain again and looked down at him. “That’s quite enough.”
“…What?” Yu Shou didn’t quite follow.
“For the sake of Qing Wang—an outsider—you’ve been sulking at me for five years. Isn’t that stupid?” Feng Lezhen’s gaze was icy, as if looking at something filthy.
Yu Shou inhaled sharply and was about to lash back, but Feng Lezhen had already lowered the curtain. The coachman snapped the reins, and the carriage rolled away, leaving Yu Shou in a cloud of dust.
Upon returning home, the first thing Feng Lezhen did was order everyone in the residence not to breathe a word about Shen Suifeng staying there. After that, she shut herself in once again.
Feng Ji made a full recovery after going twelve hours without a relapse. His first act upon recovering was to officially cancel the canal project. The months-long dispute was finally put to rest, and peace returned to the court.
Meanwhile, Shen Suifeng’s ten-day deadline had also arrived.
Ah Ye personally went to the secret prison to check on Fan Gonggong, and once it was confirmed he had truly recovered, she returned immediately to report.
After hearing the news, Feng Lezhen looked at Shen Suifeng with approval. “You really do have some skill.”
Shen Suifeng smiled casually and held out his hand. “Your Highness, the consultation fee.”
“You’ll get what you’re owed,” Feng Lezhen rose gracefully and went to the accounting office herself.
A quarter of an hour later, Qin Wan’s astonished voice rang out from within: “…How much?!”
“Five thousand gold.” Every time she came to ask for money, Feng Lezhen acted exceptionally obedient.
Qin Wan stared at her, making sure she wasn’t joking, then stiffly said, “Does Your Highness know how much rent our hundred-plus shops brought in this year?”
“How much?” Feng Lezhen asked modestly.
Qin Wan: “Seven thousand taels of gold.”
Feng Lezhen: “…”
After a long silence, Feng Lezhen gave a light cough. “Don’t we also have a thousand mu of good farmland?”
“Have you forgotten, Your Highness? Last year’s southern floods brought in many refugees. You gave it to them rent-free.” Qin Wan’s expression was blank.
…She really did forget. Feng Lezhen blinked: “Is there no other source of income?”
“There could have been. As the saying goes, a clean magistrate in three years could earn a hundred thousand taels of silver under the table. Someone of your status—forget a hundred thousand, even a million would be easy to get,” Qin Wan was so angry that she actually became calm, “But you thought all those tributes came from the blood and sweat of your own people. Not only did you refuse them, you even punished several who tried. Now, who would dare send gold or silver to the Eldest Princess’s residence?”
“Oh, I see.” Feng Lezhen seemed to understand, then calmly stretched out her hand again. “I’ve already promised Shen Suifeng. I can’t just go back on my word, can I?”
Qin Wan’s face was expressionless: “A dignified Eldest Princess can’t break her promises, naturally. But there really isn’t that much money in our accounts. The residence has plenty of treasures of immense value, but which one doesn’t carry the royal seal? They can’t be sold, can’t be pawned, you can only keep them for your own use. If it really comes to it…”
Feng Lezhen looked at her.
“Kill him,” Qin Wan narrowed her eyes, “a dead man’s debts die with him.”
Feng Lezhen: “…”
Still waiting in the main hall, Shen Suifeng suddenly sneezed. He casually took his own pulse but found nothing unusual.
It had been so long, and Feng Lezhen still hadn’t returned. Ah Ye was starting to lose patience and was about to go look for her in the accounting room when she saw Feng Lezhen walking back gracefully.
“Your Highness,” Ah Ye quickly stepped forward to greet her.
Feng Lezhen appeared completely at ease as she stood in front of Shen Suifeng. “Hold out your hand.”
Shen Suifeng obediently extended his hand.
Slap!
A piece of paper landed in his palm.
Shen Suifeng: “…What’s this?”
“An IOU.” The Eldest Princess proudly lifted her chin, saying those two words as if they carried the weight of an army.
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