Chapter Forty: First Encounter

Thanks to Yu Shun’s arrival, Wei Baofu, who had been feeling somewhat unwell, was now completely immersed in excitement. That exhilaration made her feel much better, and at noon the four of them—mistress and servants—were busy in the kitchen.

Wei Baofu, of course, was the type to talk without lifting a finger, but with Pearl present, she could sit back and watch. Yu Shun, rarely able to join the group, washed up and, without a hint of concern for cleanliness, ran to the kitchen to take part in the lively bustle. Ye Feng dutifully stood guard at the door, making the kitchen a lively scene.

In the past, to maintain her figure, Wei Baofu had never dared eat much starch. Even with potatoes, she would limit herself to one egg-sized serving at each meal as her main staple, adding barely any seasoning and simply steaming them.

Today, seeing these potatoes, she nearly salivated. She instructed Pearl to wash them thoroughly and cut them into cubes, shreds, and slices—every form she could think of, and with ingredients plentiful, she wanted to try them all.

The humble potatoes, after this treatment, looked utterly appetizing. Wei Baofu couldn’t wait and picked up her chopsticks for a taste, deeply satisfied. Nothing could replace the sense of fulfillment that food brought her.

“You should all try some. However you cook them, they taste wonderful,” Wei Baofu called to the others, inviting them to sample the dishes. She was never one to hoard good food; whatever she enjoyed, she would share, and those around her were used to this, never feeling uneasy.

Yu Shun placed a slice of potato in his mouth, chewed a few times, and his eyes brightened. “Mistress, this is truly a marvelous thing—filling and easily absorbs flavor, good in any preparation.”

Wei Baofu nodded in agreement, smiling. “There’s more to it than that. The key is its resilience; it’s easy to grow and yields abundantly. When we start planting them ourselves, you’ll see.”

A sharp gleam flashed in Yu Shun’s eyes. He glanced around to confirm there were no outsiders, then lowered his voice: “Mistress, if the Emperor learns of this, he may not let you claim the gratitude of the people for yourself. Do you have any plans?”

Normally, Yu Shun would never broach matters Wei Baofu didn’t mention. But now, having returned to the capital, he needed to know more, so he could act with greater purpose. Wei Baofu was pleased—she wasn’t afraid of clever people beside her, only those who fancied themselves smart and acted without asking.

Pearl hurriedly put down her chopsticks and whispered, “I will wait at the door with Guard Ye.” The kitchen had only one entrance, and those originally on duty had already been sent away; now, with important matters to discuss, caution was needed.

Wei Baofu spoke softly, “Just go about your business as usual. The enterprises I own are my true foundation. As for what the Emperor wishes, that depends on my agreement. You are all close to me, and I trust you deeply. Let me say it plainly: in the future, I intend to fully support the Fourth Prince. He is the only one I can trust and rely on. Do you understand?”

Yu Shun nodded, thoughtful. Matters involving the royal family, in the end, were always about succession. Their mistress and the Fourth Prince shared a dual blood relationship and were naturally closer; he could understand.

Wei Baofu had no intention of concealing her true connection with the Fourth Prince, but she also didn’t want too many people to know this secret; it was enough for them to grasp her intentions vaguely.

While the mistress and her servants enjoyed harmonious conversation, elsewhere, Shanzhu was stunned by the news brought by Xiao Zhan. He couldn’t help but grumble inwardly, wondering if their mistress was favored by fate. He asked uncertainly, “Physician Xiao, is it true that the owner of the estate is Princess Kangping?”

Xiao Zhan lounged idly, picking his teeth and speaking indistinctly, “Yes, your marquis said so. He seems to know the family’s guards.” Xiao Zhan was somewhat closer to Rong Yanzong than most.

Though their statuses differed, Rong Yanzong admired Xiao Zhan’s medical skills and treated him with great respect; Shanzhu and the others dared not slight him. Xiao Zhan, being easygoing and unconcerned with ranks, never looked down on servants, and the two often got together to complain about Rong Yanzong.

Rong Yanzong, dressed in a dark blue robe and with his hair tidier than usual, adjusted his sleeves as he walked over, asking, “What are you talking about?”

Xiao Zhan, still unsure of the situation, replied carelessly, “Your Shanzhu seems interested in the matter of Fuyue Manor, so we chatted about it.” That was just his way; he had admired Wei Baofu’s beauty earlier, but soon lost interest, focusing instead on the effects of high-purity alcohol.

Shanzhu tried to stop Xiao Zhan from speaking, but he was too quick. Rong Yanzong glanced at Shanzhu, warning, “Mind your own affairs and don’t meddle in what you shouldn’t. Don’t repeat things you shouldn’t say. If you gossip outside, you’ll pay for it.”

Xiao Zhan, oblivious, asked, “What are you talking about?” Rong Yanzong gave Shanzhu a warning look and said quietly, “I’m telling you, as a physician, you must see things through to the end. You examined her pulse yesterday; today you should follow up and check her condition. After all, she taught you a recipe worth its weight in gold, didn’t she?”

Rong Yanzong’s words were full of persuasion, as if failing to follow up would make Xiao Zhan unworthy. Xiao Zhan frowned, hesitating, “My medicine is absolutely fine; she’ll be well. I still want to test the alcohol’s effects in the estate and make medicine for you. I’m quite busy.”

Shanzhu watched from the side, not daring to speak. He knew that, compared to their mistress, Xiao Zhan was no match.

As expected, Rong Yanzong said, “Go follow up on her treatment. If there’s anything unclear, you can ask her directly—it’s better than working alone. Besides, she’s a noble princess; your prescription might not suit her. It’s hard to find a doctor here, and as a healer, you must have compassion.”

Xiao Zhan felt that if he refused, he would be branded a quack. He waved his hand helplessly, “Fine, it’s not far. I’ll go check on her now.” He got up to fetch his medicine chest.

Rong Yanzong straightened his clothes and said, “No rush. The princess is of high status; if you barge in, it’s easy to make mistakes. I’ve prepared some gifts and will accompany you so you won’t be disrespectful.”

Xiao Zhan sensed something odd in this, but couldn’t pinpoint it, so he let it go. “Let’s go together, then. Shanzhu, carry my medicine chest. The sooner we go, the sooner we return.” Shanzhu was unsurprised; his master was calculating, and Xiao Zhan was far from being his equal.

When she heard Physician Xiao was coming to follow up, Wei Baofu was a bit bewildered. After all, helpful people were rare, and she had assumed that if she didn’t pay a visit herself, he wouldn’t return.

The four were just settling down to enjoy their meal when this news arrived, slightly dampening their spirits, but Linglong smiled and said, “Physician Xiao is compassionate and surely concerned for Mistress’s health. It’s good for him to check; we’ll feel at ease.”

Wei Baofu wasn’t opposed—after all, it was a kind gesture. She felt it unnecessary, but wouldn’t be ungrateful. “Did Physician Xiao come alone, or is the Marquis of Zhenbei with him?”

The young maid reported respectfully, “The Marquis is accompanying him. They’re at the main gate now, awaiting Mistress’s instructions.” Wei Baofu quickly said, “Please invite them to the front hall. I’ll be along soon.”

After all, with such a distinguished guest, it would be improper to act aloof. Though etiquette was strict these days, it wasn’t so severe that she couldn’t meet with men; as long as it wasn’t a private meeting, a brief encounter was permissible.

Wei Baofu dressed simply, but still tidied herself before heading out. Yu Shun went ahead to receive the guests. He was, in effect, her chief steward and carried much weight in front of outsiders. He was respectful toward the Marquis, though he would occasionally observe him discreetly, never overstepping bounds.

Rong Yanzong, perceptive as ever, noticed these glances and was not offended—on the contrary, he appreciated Yu Shun’s attentiveness. If Shanzhu knew his thoughts, he would surely complain again.

Wei Baofu didn’t keep the two waiting long. She entered wearing a pale blue, narrow-sleeved dress, her dark hair casually arranged in a slanted bun, stepping gracefully and leisurely, followed by Pearl and Linglong.

There was nothing heart-stoppingly dramatic about the scene, yet in Rong Yanzong’s eyes, his heart raced as if a deer were bounding inside, an ineffable thrill. He maintained a composed demeanor, showing nothing unusual.

As she approached, he respectfully cupped his hands in greeting, “Peace to the Princess!” Others might not know, but Shanzhu was well aware: his master, except before the Emperor, rarely showed such courtesy to other royals, usually offering only perfunctory greetings, never so solemn.

Wei Baofu hurried to respond, “You’re too courteous, Marquis. I should have come to your residence to thank you personally, but I’ve troubled you to come again.” She looked up at him, her gaze curious yet otherwise unremarkable.

To Rong Yanzong, that glance held a charm greater than a thousand armies—a force that could utterly overwhelm him. For the first time, he realized he could be captivated by beauty.

Clearing his throat, he spoke earnestly, “Princess, you are too polite. Alone and away from home, it is only right that I look after you. Are you feeling any discomfort?”

Rong Yanzong’s manner was refined, calm, and wise. Even if his heart stirred, he never lost composure; moreover, he was not a crude man swayed by appearance—such affection would only be fleeting.

The more he was moved, the more keenly Rong Yanzong wished to understand her, to know if she was truly worthy of his devotion. He was a proud man, and even in matters of the heart, he would never let himself be ruled by mere beauty.