ADWMCES Chapter86

Spring had arrived, and the whole world seemed to be changing for the better after that night.

 

Chu Fengqing’s health was gradually getting better. His prescription had been a huge success, and the epidemic was slowly disappearing.

 

Half a month later, the weather gradually warmed up and wild flowers bloomed brilliantly.

 

The epidemic has basically disappeared in the city, with only patients still recovering. Life is gradually returning to normal; local vendors are setting up stalls on the streets, and shops that had been closed are reopening one by one. However, merchants from other places have not dared to set foot on this land for the time being, and the damaged houses have basically been repaired.

 

Ji Yujin also built a monument for those who lost their bodies due to floods and epidemics so that their relatives could mourn them.

 

Imperial Physician Li also has to return to the court first. Chu Fengqing was going to leave as well, but he was not fully recovered yet. The journey was long, and Ji Yujin was afraid that he could not bear it, so he reported it to the emperor and kept him, thinking that they would set off together when the weather got warmer.

 

After Ji Yujin became free, Zhao Li and Li Yu started to get busy, helping Ji Yujin deal with official business, so Zhao Li returned to the capital first, which could also be regarded as giving Ji Yujin a short vacation.

 

That day, Ji Yujin looked up at the sky. It was cloudless, and the sun was shining brightly.

 

In the room, Chu Fengqing wore a green robe, his black hair tied high with a jade crown. His face was rosier than before, no longer pale, as he sat at the table reading ancient books. He wanted to write down the epidemic and bind it into a book so that it could give some inspiration or entertainment to future generations.

 

As Ji Yujin approached the front of the room, he saw Chu Fengqing’s straight back, his black hair gently swaying in the breeze, with sunlight partially illuminating him, creating a scene like a painting.

 

He leaned against the door and watched for a long time, until his red clothes were heated by the sun, and then he said, “Ai, I wonder if the busy Physician Chu has time to pay attention to an idle person like me.”

 

Hearing his voice, Chu Fengqing’s eyes slightly curled, and he put down the brush in his hand, then turned to look at him, “Is there anything?”

 

Ji Yujin: “So, does that mean I have to have something before I can look for you?”

 

He walked forward and touched his hand. The next moment, his brows furrowed again, “Why are your hands so cold?”

 

Chu Fengqing: “I just opened the window and let in some breeze.”

 

Ji Yujin: “Although it is spring, the weather is not yet warm, so you can’t stay in the wind.”

 

Chu Fengqing nodded, and to prevent Ji Yujin from continuing to chatter, he immediately closed the window.

 

Ji Yujin pulled him outside and said, “The weather is great today. Let’s not stay in the house. Let’s go buy some spring clothes.”

 

He took Chu Fengqing out with great effort to buy spring clothes. In fact, he could also ask a tailor to come to the mansion to measure the clothes and make them for him, but he just wanted Chu Fengqing to go out for a walk.

 

There were not many ready-made clothing stores in the city. Because of the flood and the plague, spring clothes had not been made in time. They walked for about half an hour before they finally found a store that sold men’s spring clothes. These clothes were made before the flood and were lucky enough not to be soaked by the water.

 

“My Lords, what do you need?” When the shop owner saw that it was these two people, he stopped the staff and came forward himself, his face full of smiles.

 

Ji Yujin: “Do you have spring clothes?”

 

Shopkeeper: “Yes, yes. We made a batch before the flood and just put it out today. I guarantee it hasn’t touched a drop of water.”

 

“That’s it then.”

 

The shop owner led them around the store, but they weren’t really interested in buying clothes. They were just using it as an excuse for a walk, and if nothing caught their eye, they wouldn’t force themselves to buy it.

 

Ji Yujin raised his eyes and looked upwards, and suddenly his eyes stopped in front of a red robe. The robe was a very elegant red, the color was very beautiful.

 

He turned around and asked Chu Fengqing, “Does it look good?”

 

Chu Fengqing followed his gaze and nodded. It quite suits Ji Yujin, so he said, “Not bad.”

 

Ji Yujin raised his eyebrows, took off the clothes, and handed them to Chu Fengqing, “How about trying it?”

 

Chu Fengqing: “……”

 

“I wear it?”

 

This bright red color… Chu Fengqing subconsciously rejected it.

 

Ji Yujin didn’t listen to him this time. “You have to try everything in life. You rarely wear red.”

 

The last time Chu Fengqing wore red was when he replaced Chu Yinyin and married into the Ji Mansion. It was just that he was young and ignorant at that time and did not know how to cherish him.

 

Chu Fengqing took the clothes: “Alright.”

 

He walked to the dressing room. It was just an outer robe, so he only needed to take it off. When he was getting dressed, he accidentally lifted up his sleeves, and there were some red rashes scattered on his thin arms, just like the ones on his back when the epidemic broke out, but his epidemic had long since healed, and these rashes were now more widespread.

 

When Chu Fengqing saw it, he simply pulled down his sleeves to cover it up, apparently he had already discovered it long ago.

 

After a while.

 

Chu Fengqing stood in the clothing store, drawing every eye inside and out, and everything about him seemed extraordinary.

 

With jet-black hair, pale skin, and a red robe, he seemed as if all the world’s beauty had been concentrated in a single person.

 

The embroidery on the clothes was very delicate and complicated, and most people would find it difficult to hold it up, or it would feel bulky when worn. But when these embroidery patterns were worn on Chu Fengqing, they made him look more elegant. He raised his eyes slightly, he looked so luxurious and unattainable.

 

Ji Yujin rubbed his fingers. So cold and aloof, yet in the red robe, he appeared even more stunning, drawing everyone’s gaze.

 

Chu Fengqing glanced at Ji Yujin and asked, “How is it?”

 

Before Ji Yujin could say anything, the store owner spoke first, his eyes full of amazement, “This old merchant has been doing business for many years, and I have seen thousands of young men, but I have never seen anyone as handsome as this. This robe would be a disaster for anyone else. I originally thought that this robe was a waste of fabric and embroidery, but I didn’t expect that its owner would be here.”

 

Chu Fengqing had heard these words so many times since he was little that his ears were almost callused. Now he could even remain calm in the face of praise or criticism. However, he sometimes felt that these were just polite remarks or the slander of businessmen. In short, they were a bit exaggerated.

 

He slightly nodded at him. “Thank you for your compliment.”

 

Ji Yujin walked closer to him, blocking out the disturbing sight. His possessiveness made him want to hide him at this moment. He had originally wanted to ask Chu Fengqing to wear more colorful clothes, but this was a bit like shooting himself in the foot.

 

Chu Fengqing raised his eyes and looked at Ji Yujin with a questioning look in his eyes.

 

Ji Yujin’s red lips curled slightly, looked up with his fox-like eyes, and he pretended to recite, “There is a beauty, I will never forget her after seeing her. If I don’t see her for a day, I will miss her like crazy¹This is from the ancient song Feng Qiu Huang..”

 

“Truly beautiful, yet you make things difficult for me. With my limited knowledge, I can’t find the words to describe you.”

 

Chu Feng gave Ji Yujin a blaming look and said, “You are so unserious.”

 

This made Ji Yujin laugh twice.

 

However, Chu Fengqing, who had acted calm and composed just now, gradually began to turn pale on the back of his neck.

 

Of course, they bought the robe. When they bought it, the store owner said he would not charge them anything. “You two are the living Bodhisattvas of our city. Without you two, there would be no day of sunshine. This humble one also wishes to set up a longevity tablet for your lords and pay respects to both of you. If I accept this silver, then I will be struck by lightning.”

 

Chu Fengqing and Ji Yujin looked at each other and both smiled, not for any other reason but just because they felt they had done a good thing.

 

They didn’t force it, even though the silver couldn’t fit in the box. When leaving, Ji Yujin moved his fingers slightly, and a finger-sized coin popped out and fell directly into the cash box in the store.

 

But to be honest, Chu Fengqing felt that he would never wear such a spring robe in his life, but someone was already thinking about how to coax him to wear that robe at night, and his mind was full of “dirty” things.

 

After coming out of the clothing store, the two went to sit in a teahouse. The arrangement of the shops here was a bit peculiar. There was a brothel opposite the teahouse, and they were not afraid of their business hustle at all.

 

When Chu Fengqing first entered the teahouse, he glanced at the brothel. He had only been to the Red Mansion and had never been to a brothel.

 

Ji Yujin noticed that he was looking at the opposite side, his face suddenly darkened, and he gently twisted his head. “Chu Fengqing, I didn’t know you had such a restless heart, what? Can’t I compare to those brothel girls?”

 

Amused by him, Chu Fengqing didn’t actually want to go, but feeling playful, he nodded and said, “I haven’t been there, let’s go take a look.”

 

Then Ji Yujin’s face became even darker. He booked a private room and closed the windows and doors tightly so that he could only look at him.

 

After a while, he went downstairs to buy some pastries, remembering that a rather good pastry shop was nearby.

 

Chu Fengqing sat by the window and opened it after Ji Yujin left, not expecting that a brothel was right across from him. The girls in the brothel had not received customers for a long time, and there was not much business at the moment, so they all leaned on the railings. When they suddenly saw such a stunning figure as Chu Fengqing, they crowded around his window, calling out, “Little husband!”

 

Because they didn’t keep their voices down, pedestrians on the street and customers in the teahouse were all attracted to them, and soon everyone’s attention was focused on them.

 

But closing the window now seemed a bit deliberate.

 

Chu Fengqing’s expression remained calm and cold, but he actually felt a bit embarrassed, his fingers clutching the tea so tightly they turned white.

 

When Ji Yujin returned, he saw this scene. He had only gone to buy some pastries, how had it turned into this in the blink of an eye?

 

He leaned against the stairs and looked down, seeing Chu Fengqing frowning slightly. He curled his lips and smiled, he would see if he dared to set his sights on the brothel again.

 

But he also felt sorry for his own family’s member, so after just one look, he walked in front of Chu Fengqing and glanced coldly at the girls who were posing coquettishly opposite him. Who was Ji Yujin? He was a man who had fought on the battlefield with real weapons. After just one look, everyone fell silent.

 

No one dared meet his gaze as he stood there, and soon the crowd dispersed. He then slowly closed the window.

 

Chu Fengqing heaved a sigh of relief. Seeing him like this, Ji Yujin smiled and said, “Do you still want to go to the brothel?”

 

Hearing him ask this, Chu Fengqing felt as if something was stuck in his throat. His face darkened slightly, and then he shook his head solemnly.

 

Ji Yujin leaned on him, smiling so much that his fox-like eyes narrowed.

 

……

 

It was not until the sun set that the two returned to the mansion. As soon as they reached the door, the servants came to greet them, “Master, there is an old man inside who claims to be Lord Chu’s master. I welcomed him to the living room.”

 

Ji Yujin looked at Chu Fengqing and asked, “You even have a master?”

 

Chu Fengqing’s eyes flashed with surprise. “Yes, but he travels all over the world, it’s hard to see him.”

 

The two of them didn’t waste any words and followed the servants to the living room.

 

There was an old man standing in the living room. He wasn’t very tall, with white hair and a beard, a youthful face, and eyes so strikingly bright that it seemed nothing could be concealed from them.

 

Chu Fengqing walked into the room and bowed very solemnly, “Master.”

 

The old man had a kind face and smiled as he helped Chu Fengqing up. He spoke in a full and vigorous voice, “Qing’er, long time no see. Come in, is everything alright?”

 

Chu Fengqing nodded, his lips slightly curled, and it can be seen that he is really happy. “Thank you, Master, for the concern. Everything is fine with this disciple.”

 

Divine Physician Shan De stroked his snow-white beard and took out a prescription from his sleeve. “When I saw this prescription, I immediately thought of you. After asking around, I found out that it was really you, so I came to find you.”

 

When he was traveling, he heard about the plague and thought of coming over to take a look. However, he was old and was inevitably slow on the road. When he arrived, he heard that the plague had already been cured, so he asked for the prescription.

 

“Not bad, this prescription is meticulous, and the use of medicine is bold but not reckless. You are really worthy of being Qing’er.”

 

Chu Fengqing smiled and said, “Thank you, Master, for the compliment.”

 

The two exchanged a few pleasantries, and the old man looked at Ji Yujin, who was behind Chu Fengqing, and said, “I think this should be Governor Ji.”

 

Ji Yujin: “Greeting, Senior.”

 

“Dare not, dare not, this humble one pay my respects to the Governor.” As he said this, he was about to salute.

 

Ji Yujin hurriedly helped the man up, not daring to accept the slightest courtesy. He was Chu Fengqing’s master, so it was inappropriate for him to be polite to him. However, he did not expose the relationship between him and Chu Fengqing but just said, “You don’t have to be so polite.”

 

The three of them sat in the living room and drank tea, and Divine Physician Shan De also stayed for a meal.

 

During the meal, Chu Fengqing picked up a cold dish with chopsticks. There were chopped peanuts in the dish. Perhaps the servants didn’t notice it. Fortunately, Ji Yujin was sharp-eyed and took the cold dish with chopsticks without making a sound. Then he said to Chu Fengqing, “There are chopped peanuts in the dish. Don’t eat it.”

 

Only then did Chu Fengqing notice the tiny peanut crumbs on it, which would have been invisible if he hadn’t looked carefully.

 

The master saw what the two did. He frowned slightly but soon relaxed. He stood up and offered Ji Yujin a glass of wine with a smile. “I heard that Governor can drink a thousand cups without getting drunk. Today, this old man will offer the Governor a glass of wine. First, this old man wants to thank the Governor for not despising and inviting this old man to dinner. Second, this stupid disciple of mine has been bothering the Governor every day, which is very disrespectful.”

 

Ji Yujin’s eyes flickered, he stood up and took the glass of wine and said with a smile, “You are too polite, Qing’er’s master is also my master, there is no such thing as disturbing or disrespecting.”

 

The master’s hand, which was holding the wine, paused, he laughed twice, and then drank the wine.

 

After dinner, he stayed in the mansion for the night, and Chu Fengqing came to visit him.

 

His master waved at him, “Qing’er, come here.”

 

“Yes, Master.”

 

Chu Fengqing was very respectful to him, and there was even a hint of admiration hidden in his respect. Although he appeared cold and indifferent, few people in the world earned his admiration, Divine Physician Shan De was one of them.

 

“Stretch out your hand. Master will feel your pulse.”

 

Chu Fengqing hesitated for a moment, but looking at his energetic eyes, he still stretched out his hand. His master felt his pulse with his hand and slowly closed his eyes.

 

He only saw that his brows were slowly frowning, and then he re-opened his eyes. “Ten years ago, I told you that you would need to change the prescription when you reach twenty years old. This change of prescription would mean a life-threatening situation. I told you to take good care of yourself. Do you still remember?”

 

Chu Fengqing nodded.

 

“Then do you know your current physical condition?”

 

His master pulled up his sleeves, revealing the rash on his arm. His skin was white, so the rash was particularly noticeable. The rash made his expression look even uglier. “How long has it been?”

 

Chu Fengqing: “More than half a month.”

 

“You ah, you.” His master was somewhat helpless. “You always not taking your body seriously.”

 

As he spoke, he took out a jade bottle from his bosom and handed it to Chu Fengqing: “Fortunately, I got some good things a few days ago.”

 

“Take it daily until you finish it.” He sighed as he rubbed Chu Fengqing’s hair, his eyes full of kindness. “Maybe it can give you a glimmer of hope when you change your medicine prescription.”

 

A glimpse of hope…

 

Chu Fengqing pursed his lips. His master never lied; he had even said something that sparked a glimmer of hope…

 

“Master, can you keep this a secret for me for now?”

 

His master glanced at him and asked, “From who? Governor Ji?”

 

Chu Fengqing’s body shook.

 

“What is your relationship with him?”

 

Chu Fengqing lowered his eyes in shocked. He didn’t expect that his master could see the clues between the two of them so quickly, but he didn’t want to lie to his master either. He hesitated for a while and softly said, “Master, do you remember when I was young, I asked you why you didn’t find me a madam²Pardon me if I’m wrong, I want to refer to his master’s wife, but I’m not too sure if this term is correct or not, so feel free to correct me.?”

 

“You said you met someone when you were young, but back then you couldn’t protect her. She died before you, and from that moment, you devoted yourself to practicing medicine. Since then, everyone else in the world has been just a shadow to you.”

 

“You look across the mountains and seas, through the crowds of people, and wherever you look, you see that person’s beautiful figure, and he is like that to me.”

 

His master was stunned for a moment, he opened his lips but, in the end, didn’t say a word. Maybe he remembered something, he raised the corners of his lips and smiled bitterly.

 

Then he looked at Chu Fengqing with pity and stroked his forehead with his hand, “My child, then you must be stronger. The separation of life and death is unbearable, and the road ahead is difficult.”

 

“People sometimes live not only for themselves but also for the people around them.”

 

Chu Fengqing pursed his lips, feeling a slight pain in his heart.

 

His master had originally planned to leave the next day, but because of Chu Fengqing’s health, he stayed for another half a month to help him recover bit by bit. However, he had an appointment with an old friend and could not stay any longer. He only said that he would return to the capital when he changed his medicine prescription.

 

After seeing his master off, Chu Fengqing and Ji Yujin began to prepare to return to the capital.

 

Li Yu could hardly bear it anymore, and he bombarded Ji Yujin with three letters every day, urging him to return to the capital as soon as possible to take over his mess.

 

Just when he was about to return to the capital, another person came to the mansion again.

 

The man wasn’t handsome, but his attire had a frontier style, and the guards outside seemed to recognize him. They looked at each other and let him in. Someone took him to the outside of Ji Yujin’s study.

 

When that man saw Ji Yujin, he immediately kneeled down and bowed, saying, “Master.”

 

Ji Yujin put down the memorial and asked calmly, “Any information about his whereabouts?”

 

That man shook his head. “Someone saw him half a month ago, but the Eldest Young Master of the Chu family was very alert. We were left behind just as we caught up. He often goes in and out of the medical halls. I sent someone to inquire about him. I heard that he was seriously injured and has not recovered yet. He is relying on medicine to stay alive.”

 

He paused and said, “Half a month has passed, and our brothers haven’t seen him again. They all guess that the Eldest Young Master may…”

 

Ji Yujin frowned, “Not really.”

 

He had dealt with the Eldest Young Master of the Chu family before, he was a capable man. Had he not died in that battle, nothing would have been difficult for him afterward.

 

But… his serious injury has not yet healed.

 

Ji Yujin waved his hand, and the person below retreated.

 

He put down the memorial and pressed his nose. What was said in the memorial happened to be closely related to the outside of the Great Wall.

 

It seems that he cannot return to the capital for the time being, he has to go to the frontier in person.

• 1
  This is from the ancient song Feng Qiu Huang.
• 2
  Pardon me if I’m wrong, I want to refer to his master’s wife, but I’m not too sure if this term is correct or not, so feel free to correct me.