After finishing their trip to the latrine, Zhang Hanyan and Feng Shu walked back toward the lakeside together.
Neither of them realized that they had already become prey, being watched by others.
Zhang Hanyan looked around and muttered, “Where did Lin sister go? I can’t see her anywhere.”
She didn’t know that Lin Qianqian had been following nearby the whole time. However, she couldn’t reveal herself because she had to avoid being discovered by Wang Yuyan’s group.
Just then, a maid from Princess Jiasan approached Zhang Hanyan.
“Miss, the Princess is calling you over.”
So Zhang Hanyan followed the maid away, even turning back to say to Feng Shu, “Sister Shu, when you find Lin sister later, bring her to me.”
Lin Baozhu hid behind a thick Chinese juniper tree, carefully observing. She realized Feng Shu had been left alone, and this area was remote—no one would notice anything happening here.
It was a perfect opportunity.
She quickly reminded Wang Qing, “Cousin Qing, the chance has come knocking. Whether you seize it or not is up to you.”
Wang Qing was very confident. “Don’t worry. When I act, I always succeed. I never fail.”
Lin Baozhu, however, never thought before speaking. “Never fail? Who was the one who got beaten into a pig’s head last time? I suggest you be more careful.”
Feng Shu walked along the lakeside with a maid, glancing around as she tried to find Lin Qianqian.
Suddenly, a strong old servant woman rushed out from the side and crashed into Feng Shu.
If she were hit, she would definitely fall into the lake. If a man “rescued” her afterward, her life would be ruined—her marriage would no longer be in her control.
At this critical moment, Lin Qianqian suddenly appeared and pulled Feng Shu away just in time.
Because of the missed collision, the old woman lost her balance and instead knocked Sima Xuan into the lake.
Wang Qing, hiding behind a tree, had originally planned to rush out and “rescue” Feng Shu once she fell. But now everything had gone wrong.
That old woman had actually pushed Sima Xuan into the water instead—useless!
Panicking, Wang Qing feared being implicated and quickly ran away.
Sima Xuan was a fool, yes—but he was not someone to offend. Otherwise neither the Duke of Xingguo’s residence nor the Empress Dowager could be explained to.
Wang Yuyan and Lin Baozhu also panicked and fled immediately.
The lakeside area was remote, and Sima Xuan had fallen in an even more secluded spot. No one nearby noticed.
Even shouting would be too late.
The servant woman who fell into the water actually knew how to swim—but instead of saving anyone, she quickly swam away and disappeared, clearly terrified.
Seeing that Sima Xuan was about to drown, Lin Qianqian had no choice but to jump into the water herself.
Sima Xuan had originally fallen because she saved Feng Shu—this was indirectly her responsibility.
The autumn lake water was freezing, especially in the capital of the Northern region of the Great Yan Empire. It was cold beyond measure.
The moment she jumped in, Lin Qianqian shivered uncontrollably, her limbs going numb.
She used all her strength to drag him out of the water.
Now the question was—where should she place him?
After glancing around, she dragged Sima Xuan behind a rockery. In that position, no one would be able to see them.
In Great Yan, women were bound by strict rules. If a soaked woman was seen by a man, it would cause serious trouble.
“Achoo—”
Feng Shu heard her sneeze and quickly removed her light purple cloak, draping it over Lin Qianqian.
The cloak was trimmed with white rabbit fur and looked quite beautiful.
“Sister Lin, I’ll have someone prepare ginger soup.”
“No need. I’m strong and won’t catch a cold.” Lin Qianqian shook her head. “Sister Feng, keep watch for me. If anyone comes, warn me immediately. Sima Xuan is almost gone—I need to treat him.”
Treat him?
Feng Shu recalled how Lin Qianqian had mentioned before that her adoptive mother knew medicine. Perhaps Lin Qianqian had learned some medical skills too.
Sima Xuan lay motionless on the grass. It was unclear if he still had breath.
Feng Shu silently prayed that Lin Qianqian could save him.
Lin Qianqian placed him properly and immediately began treatment, no longer concerned with propriety between men and women.
First, she performed CPR.
His lips were warm and soft…
Wait—what was she thinking? Beauty is distracting! Focus on saving lives!
Then she took out silver needles and inserted them one by one. Sweat gathered on her forehead as she concentrated.
After half an incense stick of time, she withdrew the needles.
He had been saved.
However, although he was breathing, he remained unconscious.
“Sister Feng, I’ll return to the Lin residence first. Please have the Duke of Xingguo’s people come to take him back and care for him properly. I’ll return your cloak another day.”
“Understood. Go back safely,” Feng Shu replied.
After Sima Xuan was carried back to the Duke of Xingguo’s residence, he remained unconscious.
The Empress Dowager sent all the imperial physicians, but none could do anything.
The Duke and Duchess were filled with worry.
This was the only male heir of the Sima family for three generations!
Three days later, Sima Xuan suddenly woke up—and astonishingly, his foolishness was gone.
The Duke of Xingguo had been in the palace discussing matters with the Emperor when he received the news and immediately rushed home.
The moment he saw his son, he heard him call out, “Father.”
It had been three years since he last heard that word.
The Duke was so shocked he doubted his ears.
He grabbed Zhao Xiaoliu’s arm hard. “Xiaoliu, does it hurt? Am I dreaming?”
Zhao Xiaoliu grimaced in pain. “It hurts! It really hurts! You’re not dreaming!”
The Duke stroked his beard, almost jumping with joy.
“My son can speak again! My son can speak again!”
Sima Xuan looked confused. “Father, are you alright? Should we call an imperial physician for you?”
Hearing this, and seeing his son’s clear, intelligent gaze, the Duke finally understood—the foolishness was truly gone.
A fall into the lake had cured him.
If he had known, he should have kicked his son into the Prime Minister’s pond earlier and let Miss Lin save him!
“My son,” the Duke said excitedly, “it was Miss Lin who saved you. After that, your foolishness suddenly disappeared. She is truly your lucky star. You must remember gratitude.”
However, looking at his son’s cold expression, the Duke suspected that once he returned to normal, he would go back to being indifferent toward women.
What a pity—such a good girl. It would be wonderful if she could be married into the family sooner.
Sima Xuan was not foolish. He did not believe a lake accident alone could cure his condition. Something was off.
And strangely, whenever he heard the words “Miss Lin,” an image appeared in his mind: a girl with two cute hair buns, feeding him candy pills.
He even felt an urge to go see her immediately.
This feeling was… extremely strange.
The Duke said, “Rest well. I will send gifts to Miss Lin on your behalf.”
After he left, Sima Xuan asked Zhao Xiaoliu, “What exactly is going on with Miss Lin? Do I know her well?”
Zhao Xiaoliu replied, “Of course you do! Before your illness was cured, you were always sticking to her. You even gave her all the treasures sent by the Empress Dowager, peeled lychees for her, cracked nuts for her, and even helped her beat people up.”
Sima Xuan: “???”
Was the person Zhao Xiaoliu described… really me?