Chapter Thirty-Eight: Destiny

Upon entering the Fuye Villa, Rong Yanzong showed little curiosity or interest. Those who could own an estate in such a place were typically wealthy or powerful, and there were quite a few whose true masters remained unknown. If fate allowed, perhaps he would even recognize some of them.

Worried about her mistress’s health, Linglong set aside all propriety, leading the two straight toward the rear courtyard. As soon as Rong Yanzong stepped into the backyard, he caught sight of Ye Feng standing guard outside the door. His pupils contracted—at that moment, he found himself believing in fate.

Ye Feng’s gaze swept sharply over Rong Yanzong. From him, Ye Feng sensed an aura of lethal danger. He could tell this man was no stranger to bloodshed—perhaps he had taken many lives. Instinctively, Ye Feng stepped forward to block their path.

Linglong hurriedly explained, “Guard Ye, the man with this lord is a military physician. He can take my mistress’s pulse. I truly couldn’t find another doctor.” At her words, some of the hostility faded from Ye Feng’s eyes, but he insisted, “This is the inner courtyard. Only the doctor may enter. The others, please follow me outside.”

Ye Feng was not a reckless man. Anyone who kept a military physician by his side was likely of significant status. Regardless, this was his mistress’s private residence—he would permit no violation of its sanctity.

Rong Yanzong took no offense. He had witnessed the prowess of those serving the Lady, and besides, impatience often spoiled important matters. His greatest virtue was his inexhaustible patience.

Seeing him turn and leave without hesitation, Ye Feng finally shifted his attention. Linglong wanted to say something but held her tongue. Instead, she spoke to Xiao Zhan, who appeared to be enjoying the scene, “Doctor Xiao, please wait a moment. I’ll go in and check on my mistress first.”

After all, as women, there were always certain inconveniences. Xiao Zhan understood, putting away his smile and standing aside to wait. He was no fool; the vigilant guards here were clearly not ordinary men. The owner of this estate was surely not to be underestimated.

At this moment, Wei Baofu had regained consciousness. Pearl was feeding her water. Linglong entered, delighted to see her awake. “Mistress, you’re finally awake. Are you feeling any better?”

Wei Baofu was still very weak, wearing only her inner garments, her black hair loose about her shoulders, which made her appear even more delicate.

Pearl quickly reported, “Mistress’s throat is uncomfortable, and it hurts to speak. The spirits used to reduce her fever worked wonders—I wiped her down twice, and she woke up. She’s already showing signs of recovery. Now you may fetch the doctor.”

Linglong nodded, then explained to Wei Baofu, “Mistress, I ran into Doctor Xiao, a military physician, on the road. He’s waiting outside. There were no other doctors to be found, so we must make do.”

Wei Baofu shook her head unconcernedly. In a hoarse voice, she said, “It doesn’t matter. Any physician will do. Don’t worry, I feel much lighter now.” With her reassurance, the two maids breathed a sigh of relief.

Linglong picked up the cloak hanging on the screen and said softly, “Mistress, let’s put on the cloak before the doctor comes in to check your pulse.” Wei Baofu nodded; her undergarments were so light and thin that even the pockets beneath were faintly visible—she certainly couldn’t be seen like this.

Once everything was in order, Linglong brought the physician inside. Traditional medicine emphasized observation and inquiry. The moment Xiao Zhan entered, he instinctively looked at Wei Baofu’s face, and was taken aback—a living portrait of beauty in repose. Though her complexion was pale, it did nothing to diminish her allure; in fact, it lent her a unique charm.

Xiao Zhan had practiced medicine since childhood and was used to a free and easy life. Had he not lost a bet to Rong Yanzong, he would never have become a military physician. He approached with a cheerful expression. “Miss, please extend your arm so I may take your pulse.”

Wei Baofu nodded, leaning against the bed. Though she was somewhat disheveled, seeing such a young man did not make her shy. Xiao Zhan took her pulse, thinking to himself that this noble-born lady was indeed different—not even a flicker of emotion at the sight of a handsome man like himself.

He couldn’t help but doubt his own attractiveness. After all, he was a celebrated beauty in the region. Before he became a military physician, young ladies and married women alike would swoon at his looks when he treated them.

Seeing him frown and shake his head by turns, Pearl grew anxious and pale. “Doctor, what is wrong with my mistress? Is it serious? She’s already awake, after all.”

Xiao Zhan coughed, regaining composure. “Don’t worry. Your mistress is not in danger. I do smell spirits in the room. How did you reduce her fever?”

Linglong replied, “It’s a remedy my mistress found in a book—using spirits to wipe the body for physical cooling.”

Xiao Zhan frowned. “Physical cooling? I may not be the most learned, but I’ve read widely and never heard this term.”

Wei Baofu, though weak, explained, “Doctor Xiao, there is much knowledge in the world you may not have seen, but that does not mean it does not exist or is ineffective. Spirits can reduce fever and also clean wounds, serving as a disinfectant. If you’re interested, you should try it.”

Xiao Zhan’s interest was piqued. If this was true, it could reduce casualties among soldiers. Though he had not joined the army by choice, he admired those who fought to defend their homeland.

“Is there anything wrong with my health?” Wei Baofu, nearly spent, saw that the doctor wished to continue the conversation and had to interrupt him.

He replied, “Miss, your body is fine. You’ve suffered a shock and caught a chill, but you’ll recover after the fever breaks. I have medicine ready—take two doses and you’ll be well.”

Confident in his skill, Xiao Zhan smiled. Wei Baofu nodded weakly. “Thank you, Doctor Xiao. I’m afraid I can’t entertain you further; Linglong, please see to the doctor’s needs.”

Xiao Zhan stood up indifferently. “No need for courtesy. We’ll leave soon—just rest well.” After all, there were proprieties between men and women. Though he had many questions, it was not proper to linger, so he left with Linglong.

As soon as they were gone, Wei Baofu slumped over. Pearl hurried to settle her, remove the cloak, and tuck her in. “Mistress, I’ll make you something light and easy to digest. After you eat, you can take the medicine and sleep.”

Wei Baofu dreaded the bitterness of herbal medicine, but she had no choice. Her stomach was empty and burned with hunger; taking medicine without food would only make her vomit. Helplessly, she agreed.

Rong Yanzong made himself at home in the main hall, sipping tea with perfect patience and not the least bit bored. No one came to disturb him. After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Linglong returned with Xiao Zhan.

Linglong gave a proper bow to Rong Yanzong, expressing sincere gratitude. “Thank you, my lord, for your rescue. My mistress has instructed the kitchen to prepare food and wine for you both. Would you care to partake?”

Rong Yanzong waved her off. “No need for such courtesy. Your mistress has not yet recovered; don’t trouble her on my account. Once she is well, it will not be too late for thanks.”

Linglong hesitated. “Might I ask your name and where you reside, so my mistress can properly express her gratitude?”

Rong Yanzong had no desire to do a good deed anonymously, especially as he wished for more opportunities to interact with them. He replied truthfully, “Tell your mistress I am Rong, the third master of the Marquis of the North. I will be staying these next few days at the estate next door. If you need me, you can come directly there.”

Linglong quickly bowed, relieved she had not been discourteous. After all, her mistress was not yet married. If the servants behaved improperly, it could affect her reputation.

At some point, Ye Feng entered. He asked bluntly, “May I ask how the Marquis knew my mistress’s identity?” Ye Feng was suspicious of the man’s intentions toward his mistress.

Ordinarily, Rong Yanzong would not have bothered to explain, but in his good mood, he did not mind saying a few more words. “Someone jostled the Lady on the street before. I happened to witness it and saw you there as well. That’s how I know.”

There was nothing amiss in this explanation, so Ye Feng could say no more. Linglong quickly interjected, “Since you’re staying next door, it will be convenient if anything arises. It’s getting late—I’ll see you out.”

Rong Yanzong did not linger, pulling Xiao Zhan along as they left. Xiao Zhan, still pondering the medical uses of spirits, nearly stumbled as he was dragged out. Being in someone else’s household, he thought better of protesting and followed, cheeks puffed in silent annoyance.

Though the neighboring estate was close, Fuye Villa was vast, so it took a quarter of an hour to reach the gate. Linglong saw them out, and once the doors closed, Rong Yanzong asked, “How is the Lady’s health?”

Without much thought, Xiao Zhan replied, “Nothing serious—she’ll be fine after two doses of my medicine. You can’t imagine it—she’s truly beautiful. I’ve never seen a girl so lovely in my life. I wonder who will be lucky enough to win her favor.”

Hearing this, Rong Yanzong felt a vague displeasure. He had not yet seen the Lady’s face himself, but this fellow had.

He said sternly, “Lady Kangping is a noblewoman of the imperial clan, with a stipend and a rank. She’s not like the girls you’ve met in the countryside. You must not speak of her lightly. If word gets out, it will harm her reputation—and you may find yourself in trouble.”

Xiao Zhan rolled his eyes. “Do you think I have no sense of propriety? I was only telling you. I wouldn’t mention it to others. Besides, a girl as beautiful as the Lady must be kind at heart—she would hardly punish me.”