After venting at Qi Jingqing, Shen Suifeng felt light and refreshed. But just as he stepped into the main courtyard, he ran into Feng Lezhen face-to-face. The smile on his lips instantly faded.
“You’re here?” Feng Lezhen took the initiative to speak.
Shen Suifeng smiled faintly. “Mm, I’m here.”
“How is Jingqing?” Feng Lezhen was about to head toward the side wing but stopped when she saw him.
“He wouldn’t let me check his pulse, so I don’t know,” Shen Suifeng said evenly.
Feng Lezhen frowned. “That Jingqing… don’t leave, I’ll go talk to him.”
As she spoke, Feng Lezhen walked straight toward the side courtyard. Shen Suifeng lowered his eyes, but just as she brushed past him, he suddenly reached out and grabbed her arm.
Feng Lezhen paused slightly, startled into stopping.
“I’ve been in Yingguan for a few days now, but still haven’t asked how Your Highness has been. Are you well?” he asked in a calm tone, as if making polite conversation with someone not particularly close—only the faint tremble in his hand gripping her arm betrayed the unrest in his heart.
Feng Lezhen’s gaze shifted slightly. “All is well.”
“That’s good,” Shen Suifeng released her at the right moment, but made no move to step aside. “It’s been a long time since we talked. If Your Highness is free, how about having dinner together?”
Feng Lezhen turned to look at him. Shen Suifeng smiled, openly letting her look all she wanted.
After a long pause, she let out a laugh. “All right.”
Shen Suifeng said no more, simply gestured for her to go ahead. Feng Lezhen gave a faint smile and followed him.
In the side courtyard, the page hesitated for a while but finally knocked on the bedroom door: “Shizi, H-Her Highness had something come up. She likely won’t be coming tonight…”
“She left with Shen Suifeng, didn’t she?” Qi Jingqing said calmly.
The page froze. “How did you…?”
Then realizing he’d said too much, he quickly clamped a hand over his mouth.
“M-Maybe it was an urgent matter that came up, so she had to leave quickly…” he tried to cover up nervously.
“No need to try comforting me,” Qi Jingqing lowered his gaze. After a long silence, he added, “She always comes back.”
The page stood there awkwardly, not daring to speak again.
Shen Suifeng brought Feng Lezhen directly to the inn he was staying at. While he called a guard to order food, Feng Lezhen had already walked a circle around the room.
After the guard left, Shen Suifeng closed the door, then casually looked toward her. “It’s the same room I stayed in before I left.”
“No wonder it looks familiar,” Feng Lezhen glanced at him. “Is there no other inn in Yingguan? You had to pick this one?”
“Well, I’m just that much of a glutton for punishment,” Shen Suifeng said seriously as he poured her a cup of tea and handed it over.
Feng Lezhen shot him a glance. “That much is clear.”
Shen Suifeng chuckled, eyes crinkling with amusement.
Feng Lezhen’s expression relaxed a little. “What dishes did you order?”
Shen Suifeng listed a few, then paused. “It’s been a while since we last met, so I wasn’t sure if Your Highness’s tastes have changed.”
“They haven’t. Everything you picked is still to my liking,” Feng Lezhen said as she walked over and sat down first.
Shen Suifeng’s lips curved faintly. “That’s good.”
The two of them suddenly had nothing more to say.
After a long moment, Feng Lezhen broke the silence. “Where have you been these past two years? Learned anything worthwhile?”
“I’ve been to a lot of places. And yes, I’ve picked up a few things,” Shen Suifeng smiled, and once he started, the words came naturally. “About a year ago, I went to southern Tibet and came across a medical manuscript by chance. It recorded a number of techniques related to medical gu arts. Supposedly, they could restore health to the frail and make bedridden people walk again. I tried two prescriptions—both were surprisingly effective.”
Feng Lezhen’s gaze sharpened as she looked at him.
Seeing this, Shen Suifeng added, “The prescriptions work, but the side effects are severe. The two I treated—one lost their sight, the other their voice. Though they survived, they were left permanently disabled.”
“…Then it’s no good,” Feng Lezhen frowned.
Shen Suifeng looked at her for a long moment, then smiled. “Exactly. The toxicity is too great. Unless one is at death’s door, it’s better not to try. But perhaps in time, if I can find a way to lessen the side effects, it might be worth a shot.”
“Then I’ll leave it to you,” Feng Lezhen said seriously, her gaze on him growing more intent.
Shen Suifeng’s smile didn’t fade, but his eyes darkened slightly. “That’s the kind of thing the Qi family used to say.”
Feng Lezhen laughed. “It’s just a polite phrase. Does it matter who says it?”
“Of course it matters,” Shen Suifeng replied immediately.
The smile on Feng Lezhen’s lips froze for a second—just then, there was a knock at the door.
Shen Suifeng pressed his lips together and turned to open it. Feng Lezhen, watching his lean back, lowered her eyes and downed the tea in her cup.
The door opened and closed again. A few dishes were placed on the table. Shen Suifeng smiled as he tested them for poison, then handed a pair of chopsticks to her. “It’s not as refined as the food at the Eldest Princess’s residence, but the taste is decent. Your Highness should like it.”
Feng Lezhen accepted the chopsticks and tried two dishes he recommended. “It’s quite good.”
Shen Suifeng chuckled and poured her a cup of wine. “I knew you’d like it.”
“You eat some too,” Feng Lezhen said.
Shen Suifeng gave a soft response, raised his cup, and clinked it against hers. Feng Lezhen gave him an amused look, then downed her drink in one go.
With the first round of wine, the atmosphere loosened. Shen Suifeng leaned back lazily in his chair and asked what she’d been up to over the years, whether she was any closer to her grand ambitions. Feng Lezhen answered candidly, withholding nothing, and when the conversation got lively, she had the guard fetch a few more jugs of wine.
Three rounds later, the mood began to fade. Feng Lezhen glanced at the sky outside, then at the man slumped over the table as if drunk. “It’s getting late. I should go. You should rest early too.”
Just as she stood to leave, the man who had seemed sound asleep suddenly grabbed the hem of her robe.
Night had deepened. At some point, heavy snow had started to fall again.
Ah Ye waited idly at the door of the guest room at the inn, watching snowflakes fall into the courtyard and melt into water, making the ground slushy and muddy.
She was watching intently when the door suddenly opened.
“Ah! Your Highness! Why are you coming out without a cloak?” Ah Ye rushed forward and quickly draped her thick coat over Feng Lezhen.
Feng Lezhen gave a wry laugh. “It’s too warm inside. I wanted to cool off a little.”
“Your Highness is fibbing. The heated floor in this inn isn’t warm at all,” Ah Ye replied as she fastened the outer coat tightly around her.
Feng Lezhen had no choice but to let her do as she pleased.
Once Ah Ye was sure she was wrapped up securely, she supported her as they walked outside. As they reached the staircase, Feng Lezhen glanced back at the tightly closed door behind her but did not look again.
The carriage forged ahead through the snow and soon stopped in front of her residence. Just as Feng Lezhen was about to step down, the driver suddenly exclaimed, “Why is the Shizi sitting outside?”
Feng Lezhen paused, immediately alighting from the carriage. Sure enough, she saw Qi Jingqing wrapped in a cloak, sitting under the eaves of the front courtyard.
“In this freezing weather, what are you doing out here?” Feng Lezhen frowned and hurried toward him.
Qi Jingqing smiled faintly. “I figured Your Highness would be returning soon, so I came out to wait.”
“Such nonsense,” Feng Lezhen said, displeased, handing him her hand-warmer. Then she turned to scold the page beside him. “And you—don’t you know your master’s health condition? How could you let him do something so reckless?”
The page looked utterly wronged. “The Shizi insisted on coming to greet Your Highness. No matter how I tried, he wouldn’t listen!”
Feng Lezhen turned to Qi Jingqing again.
“I just wanted to come meet you, that’s all,” Qi Jingqing said, extending his hand from beneath the cloak to gently hold hers.
Though she was the one coming back from outside, his hand was even colder. Feng Lezhen sighed, grasped his hand, and rubbed it a few times before pushing him toward the courtyard.
“You’re always this willful. If Zhenbian Marquis finds out, he’ll surely blame me for not taking proper care of you,” she said while walking.
Qi Jingqing’s gaze was mild. “Then don’t let him find out.”
“Easier said than done,” Feng Lezhen chuckled. “He sends people eight times a day—sending this or that. What little movement could possibly escape his notice?”
“If Your Highness dislikes it, I’ll tell him not to come again,” Qi Jingqing said earnestly.
“There’s no need for that. With them helping keep watch, I can rest a bit easier,” Feng Lezhen smiled.
As they chatted, they entered the main courtyard. The main bedchamber came into view, along with the adjacent side room, which was locked. Qi Jingqing’s eyes shifted slightly, just as he was about to speak, but Feng Lezhen made a sudden turn and led him through a newly opened door, directly into the side courtyard.
Qi Jingqing tightened his grip on the hand-warmer but said nothing.
When they reached the door, Feng Lezhen stopped pushing the wheelchair and took a step back. “Rest early.”
She turned and walked away. As she stepped into the falling snow, Qi Jingqing suddenly called out, “Your Highness.”
Feng Lezhen turned, and their eyes met unexpectedly.
After a long moment, she returned, leaned down, and kissed him lightly at the corner of his lips.
A faint scent of wine brushed past—but it wasn’t unpleasant. Qi Jingqing quietly tilted his head up, letting her do as she pleased, without thinking about who she had been drinking with.
“It’s late. Sleep now,” Feng Lezhen said gently.
“All right.” Qi Jingqing smiled faintly.
Feng Lezhen gave him a soft smile, then walked away for good.
The snow fell heavier and heavier. In the white haze, the smile on Qi Jingqing’s lips completely faded.
This year’s weather seemed particularly cold, and the snow was heavier than usual. After three days of continual snowfall, Feng Lezhen began to feel something was wrong. She immediately went to the government office and summoned civil and military officials to discuss preparations for the coming snow emergency.
“This is how it is in Yingguan. Every few years there’s a particularly heavy snowfall. No need for Your Highness to worry,” Hu Wensheng said dismissively.
Qi Jingren also felt she was overreacting. “It snows heavily every winter in Yingguan. The people are used to it—no need to plan anything special.”
“The people are used to it?” Feng Lezhen raised her brows. “And how exactly do they get used to it? By clutching their meager rations and charcoal and barely scraping by each day? Or by risking their lives going out to work just to feed their families?”
Hu Wensheng and Qi Jingren immediately fell silent.
“The people may be able to endure hardship and suffering, but that doesn’t mean we officials can just sit and do nothing,” Feng Lezhen cast a glance at the two of them. “Do you know how many people freeze to death or starve each winter? How many fall ill and can’t get treatment because the snow has blocked the roads, turning a minor illness into a serious one? Have you ever considered that?”
“How Yingguan dealt with snow disasters in the past—I don’t care. But now that I’m here, I won’t let the people suffer like that anymore.”
Just as she finished speaking, a voice came from outside the room: “Your Highness is truly noble-hearted. You are a model for us all. This humble commoner will do everything in his power to assist.”
Everyone inside turned to look toward the door. Shen Suinian stepped in with a cheerful smile, accompanied by Shen Suifeng.
Feng Lezhen exchanged a glance with Shen Suifeng. He smiled slightly and gave a small nod. “Your Highness.”
“No bow when meeting someone? Truly rude,” Shen Suinian frowned.
“P-please, don’t,” Hu Wensheng quickly waved his hands. He thought to himself, How could I dare let Her Highness’s ex pay me respects—especially when that ex is also the younger brother of Shen Suinian, one of our wealthiest backers?
Qi Jingren also had a complicated expression. She simply said, “Doctor Shen once saved my life. I don’t even ask him to salute me—how could I let him bow to me?”
“You hear that? They all say no need for formalities,” Shen Suifeng said with the air of someone wielding borrowed authority.
“You…” Shen Suinian was about to scold him again, but Feng Lezhen interrupted:
“I wonder how Shen Dalang plans to assist?”
The topic had shifted, so further scolding his brother didn’t seem appropriate. Shen Suinian coughed lightly and got to the point: “What would Your Highness like from this humble one?”
That was throwing the question right back. Feng Lezhen gave a faint, not-quite-smiling look. “Snow and ice are unlike other disasters—they don’t strike all at once. As long as we prepare early, there won’t be a problem. The preparation is nothing more than: first, grain; second, coal; third, medicine. What do you think, Dalang?”
“We’re not short on grain in Yingguan. As for medicinal herbs, this humble one doesn’t have any. But I do have a batch of gray charcoal that was meant for sale—now I can donate it to Your Highness instead.” The charcoal that could be sold in Yingguan was bound to be of excellent quality and in large quantities, so Shen Suinian was showing real sincerity.
Shen Suifeng suddenly spoke up: “Most of the herbs we can stockpile are just salves for frostbite. Even if we distribute other types to the common people, they wouldn’t know how to use them. It’d be better to keep the roads clear. That way, if people do fall ill, they can at least reach a doctor quickly.”
He paused for a moment, then added, “I’ve got nothing better to do anyway. Why not set up a free clinic here in the government office? Consider it lending a hand.”
“Then we of the Qi family army will take charge of clearing the roads,” Qi Jingren offered proactively.
Feng Lezhen turned to look at Hu Wensheng.
“They’ve already taken on what they can. As for me, all I can do is go through the household records, pick out families without laborers, and help them clear snow from their roofs or deliver supplies,” Hu Wensheng said helplessly.
Feng Lezhen smiled and turned back to Shen Suinian: “I won’t take your charcoal for free, but you won’t be making a profit either. Just sell it to the government at cost.”
“It’s a small matter,” Shen Suinian said with a laugh.
With a few words, the arrangements were set—but actually carrying them out proved much harder.
The snow kept falling, seemingly intent on swallowing all of Yingguan. The Qi army split into over a hundred squads to keep people constantly clearing the roads. Hu Wensheng led the civil officials in checking household records, determined to ensure no family was overlooked.
Feng Lezhen didn’t need to go out in the snow herself, but she did have to rise early and stay up late, presiding over the government office and handling all sorts of urgent matters. Sometimes she stayed so late she slept there.
“Her Highness still isn’t returning tonight?” Qi Jingqing asked.
The page looked embarrassed and didn’t dare answer.
Qi Jingqing lifted his eyes to gaze out at the snow. “Shen Suifeng is living at the office now too, isn’t he?”
“That’s because he’s running the clinic. He had no choice but to stay at the office,” the page quickly explained, then hesitated. “If Your Grace is really uneasy… why don’t we go check on Her Highness?”
Qi Jingqing pinched the bridge of his nose. “No need. How are things progressing in Lingnan?”
“Your Grace, we’re currently distributing silver to the affected people. So many innocents suffered this time, we can only prioritize those who can’t even eat. The rest will have to be settled gradually,” the page answered quietly.
Qi Jingqing thought for a moment. “When the silver was handed out, were they told who it came from?”
“Yes, and they were told to keep it confidential. Now everyone says Her Highness is a living Bodhisattva,” the page replied, then frowned. “But didn’t Her Highness say she wanted to keep everything low-profile? Why does Your Grace insist on telling the people the truth?”
“They must know who harmed them, and who saved them from disaster,” Qi Jingqing’s gaze was calm. “If Her Highness wants to accomplish great things as a woman, the power struggles in court matter less than the hearts of the people. Only by winning hearts can she win the world.”
The page half-understood, but he could tell his lord was thinking far ahead. Seeing the faint bluish shadows under Qi Jingqing’s eyes, he sighed, “Your Grace, you think too much for Her Highness.”
“Only then will she know who’s truly fit to stand beside her,” Qi Jingqing said, opening the window and scooping up a handful of snow despite the cold wind.
Inside the government office, Feng Lezhen sneezed. A hand warmer was immediately passed to her.
Half-asleep, she took it and asked casually, “What time is it?”
“Almost the hour of the Rat,” came a clear voice.
Startled, Feng Lezhen looked up—and met Shen Suifeng’s unrestrained gaze.
“Why are you still up?” She stretched and stood.
“Still got work to do. I came to ask for Your Highness’s help,” Shen Suifeng said, then called for someone to bring in herbs. “You watched me make strengthening pills before, so you must know a bit about medicine mixing.”
Feng Lezhen raised a brow. “What are you planning?”
“I’d like Your Highness to help me sort and pack the herbs,” Shen Suifeng smiled.
Feng Lezhen gave a cold laugh. “The nerve—you dare order me around?”
“My nerves have never been small, Your Highness. Better to save your breath.” He handed her a piece of string.
Feng Lezhen took it helplessly and began sorting herbs as she asked, “Why not ask someone else?”
“Everyone’s busy to death. How could I trouble them?” Shen Suifeng said.
“So I’m the only one with nothing to do, is that it?” Feng Lezhen laughed.
Shen Suifeng’s smile deepened, but he didn’t answer. One still, one moving—it was just like back in Lijia Village.
When Qi Jingren arrived, he saw Feng Lezhen squatting and working diligently, while Shen Suifeng leaned lazily against a pillar, watching.
She was speechless for a moment, then cleared her throat.
Shen Suifeng saw who had arrived, and his smile faded slightly. “Looks like Your Highness has help now. I won’t disturb you further. Once you’re done tying the bundles, have someone deliver them to the eastern warehouse.”
With that, he turned and left.
“Your Highness,” Qi Jingren greeted her once he had gone.
Feng Lezhen responded, “Finished clearing the snow?”
“It hasn’t stopped, so there’s no ‘finished.’ I’ve told the men to rest—we’ll continue tomorrow,” Qi Jingren explained.
Feng Lezhen nodded. “It’s important to balance work and rest.”
Qi Jingren answered faintly.
Feng Lezhen sensed something was off. She looked up at her. “What is it?”
Qi Jingren moved her lips for a long while before blurting out, “Your Highness, now that Dr. Shen is back… you’re not going to abandon my brother, are you?”
Feng Lezhen: “…”
“Even though I often resented him for our parents favoring him, he’s still my real brother. These years, he’s always treated me well, never fought me for anything… and…” Qi Jingren trailed off. “Please, just give me a straight answer today—will you abandon him?”
Feng Lezhen was silent for a long time, then said, “Get out.”
Qi Jingren stared at her for a while in silence, then suddenly let out a breath. “Alright, I’m going, I’m going…”
She turned and ran out, but after reaching the doorway, she suddenly poked her head back in. “If you’ve got nothing better to do, stop flirting with Dr. Shen all the time and go see my brother. People have feelings too, you know—being treated so coldly by you, how hurt must he be…”
Before she could finish, Feng Lezhen threw a herb at her, and Qi Jingren fled quickly.
Once everyone had left, the vast government office was left with only Feng Lezhen. She stared at the medicinal herbs for a long time, then eventually began categorizing and bundling them anyway.
The night deepened, and the heavy snow continued to fall—its quietness laced with an irritating restlessness.
Qi Jingqing tossed and turned in bed, unable to fall asleep.
The dull ache in his chest came and went. He felt like a tightly stretched string, about to snap at any moment. Just as the pressure reached its peak, the door creaked open, letting in wind and snow.
“Why aren’t you asleep at this hour?” Qi Jingqing frowned, thinking it was Qi An.
The visitor paused briefly, then chuckled: “I was about to ask you the same—why aren’t you asleep at this hour?”
Qi Jingqing sat up abruptly. “Your Highness?”
“Are you feeling unwell?” Feng Lezhen approached and took his hand in the darkness. “You can’t keep being like this. Tomorrow we’d better have Suifeng take a look at you.”
“I’m fine.” Qi Jingqing stared at her, trying to make out her face in the dark. “But why did Your Highness return at this hour?”
“Someone said I’ve been neglecting you lately, so I made a special trip back to check on you,” Feng Lezhen said with a smile.
Qi Jingqing’s heart was warmed, but slightly dulled. After a pause, he smiled again. “It must have been Jingren. She always worries too much.”
“It wasn’t just Jingren. Your parents are worried too. They think now that Suifeng is back, I’ll send you back to the Qi family.” Feng Lezhen said frankly. “I thought it over and figured I should come back to ease your heart.”
Qi Jingqing asked, “Then how does Your Highness plan to ease my heart?”
“Swear an oath to heaven, perhaps?” Feng Lezhen teased.
Qi Jingqing laughed. “Better not.”
Feng Lezhen said nothing more, simply holding his hand quietly.
Qi Jingqing smiled again after a long while. “I understand, Your Highness.”
“Sleep now.” In the darkness, Feng Lezhen reached up to caress his face.
Qi Jingqing gave a soft reply, but just as she turned to leave, he suddenly held her hand. “Your Highness won’t stay?”
Feng Lezhen was quiet for a moment, then answered, “It’s getting late. I shouldn’t disturb your rest.”
Qi Jingqing paused, then finally let go.
Even long after she’d left, he remained sitting at the edge of the bed in a daze. When the page entered quietly, he saw him sitting there alone.
“Her Highness… left again?” the page asked nervously.
Qi Jingqing’s face was calm. “She came back in the middle of the night through the snow—that alone shows she still cares. As for everything else… I won’t force it.”
The page opened his mouth to speak but held back.
The night passed in silence. The next morning, he awoke to find his favorite Yingguan snacks already laid out on the table. Some were still steaming.
“Your Grace, you’re finally up,” the page said, beaming. “Her Highness specifically sent someone to buy these early this morning—they’re still hot, please try them.”
“Later, go to the military camp and tell Jingren not to speak nonsense in front of Her Highness anymore. It’s making things awkward between us,” Qi Jingqing said, though his lips curved into a faint smile.
The page didn’t bother exposing him—he just waited for Qi Jingqing to finish washing and eating, then said pointedly, “Food Her Highness bought—tastes especially good, doesn’t it?”
Qi Jingqing gave him a sideways glance… then finally couldn’t help but laugh.
Thanks to his meddling family, he was actually in a decent mood this morning. After breakfast, he asked the page to push him out to the courtyard for some fresh air.
The snow had been falling for several days, but today it had finally let up. Looking at the thick snow piled on the roof, he suddenly thought of snowflake crisps—and silently glanced at the page.
“…You already ate a lot this morning. If you have more sweets, you’ll get indigestion,” the page said helplessly.
“Just one piece,” Qi Jingqing said.
With his fine features and soft tone, it was hard for anyone to refuse him—including the page who had grown up with him.
The page sighed and went off toward the main courtyard. “There definitely won’t be any in the back kitchen. I’ll go check the main kitchen and see if they prepared some for Her Highness.”
As he spoke, he passed through the small gate in the wall.
Qi Jingqing sat idly, waiting, but the page didn’t return for a long time. Just as he was about to give up and go back inside, the page finally returned—his face a little pale.
“There weren’t any?” Qi Jingqing asked.
The page seemed dazed. “…No. I’ll ask the kitchen to make some.”
“No need to go to the trouble.” Qi Jingqing spoke calmly, but noticed something was off. His brow furrowed. “What’s wrong?”
“N-Nothing…” The page avoided his gaze.
Qi Jingqing stared at him for a while. When he spoke again, his voice had turned cold. “If you won’t tell me, I’ll go see for myself.”
“No, don’t!” The page jumped, and after meeting his eyes, shrank back. “The… the side room in the main courtyard—the door was open. A few servants were making the bed. I suppose… someone is moving in.”
Qi Jingqing froze. When he came back to his senses, he felt cold all over.
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