The Regent’s Prince Manor, in the rear courtyard’s flower hall, was brightly lit by candlelight.
Seated in the central main position was a woman of extraordinary presence, dignified and elegant—she was none other than Lady Qi, the birth mother of the Empress Dowager and the Regent Prince.
“Your son pays respects to Mother.”
“It is good that you have returned safely. Sit and speak.” Lady Qi spoke calmly, then continued, “The Empress Dowager had you accompany that young lady of the Feng family back to the capital. This being your first interaction, how did you find it?”
In Qi Bei Han’s mind, Feng Jin Yue’s voice and appearance instantly surfaced. Her eyes, in particular, were etched in his memory, confirming that she was the one who had saved his life in the Tianshan Mountains. The ways of fate in this world were truly wondrous. In the past, his heart had been as still as water, never giving much thought to matters of marriage. But now, having met her, ripples had begun to stir.
Seeing that Qi Bei Han had not responded, Lady Qi slowly added, “Although this marriage is intended as a political alliance, I also know that this young lady of the Feng family possesses peerless beauty, surpassing even her mother in her youth. Moreover, the Empress Dowager says her weak constitution has fully recovered. Setting aside court politics, the two of you marrying would be a perfect match in terms of family background, character, and appearance.”
Suddenly realizing he had been lost in thought, Qi Bei Han snapped back to attention and said, “Yes, Mother is right.”
“?” Lady Qi looked at Qi Bei Han and said, “I thought your silence meant you would let it slide again, as you did before.”
“How could that be? The Empress Dowager’s decree has been issued, and this matter will not change. She will eventually become my princess consort. I will handle the marriage between her and me properly.” After saying this, Qi Bei Han stood up and said, “Mother, rest early. Your son still has matters to attend to and will take his leave now.”
“Very well, you may go. Remember, no matter how busy you are, you must take care to rest.”
Afterward, Qi Bei Han left his mother’s quarters and went straight to the study in his own courtyard.
…
In the General’s Manor, within the small courtyard where Feng Jin Yue resided.
Qian Zhu walked in and said to the maids attending inside the room, “I will serve the young lady here. All of you may leave.”
The maids replied, “Yes.”
Once they had all withdrawn, Qian Zhu entered the room and called out “Young Lady” to the person lazily reclining on the chaise lounge. She then continued, “Young Lady, Uncle Fu has learned that you have returned to the capital and wishes to pay his respects, as well as report to you on the events of this past year.”
“Tell him to meet me at the usual place tomorrow at the hour of Si.”
“Yes.”
The next morning, after rising.
Feng Jin Yue went to her father and mother’s quarters, had breakfast, and then, using the excuse of still feeling somewhat tired, returned directly to her room. After giving Qian Zhu a few instructions, she changed her clothes and quietly left the manor.
The imperial capital was bustling with people coming and going, lively and vibrant. However, the place Feng Jin Yue entered was filled with the fragrance of tea and the soft melodies of stringed instruments, a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle outside—it was exceptionally elegant and refined.
As soon as she stepped inside, a handsome young waiter came forward to greet her.
Although the person before him wore a veil covering her face, the aura she exuded was unmistakable. He warmly approached to welcome her, “Please come in, young lady. Are you alone, or will you be joined by friends later?”
Feng Jin Yue did not speak but instead took out a token from her sleeve and showed it to the waiter.
The shop attendant was startled at the sight of the token—it was the highest-level Gold Guest Token of their ‘Elegant Pavilion’. He never expected that the esteemed guest in the ‘Heaven Number One’ Private Room was waiting for this young lady before him. Recovering swiftly, he wasted no words and immediately escorted her to the private room.
Inside the room, Xu Fu, who had been sitting upright before the tea table, sprang to his feet the moment the door opened. He bowed respectfully and said, “Your subordinate pays respects to the master.”
Feng Jin Yue walked over and took a seat, her tone calm. “Rise. Sit and speak.”
“Yes.” Xu Fu stood up, poured a cup of freshly brewed tea, offered it to her, and then seated himself.
“It’s been a year since we last met. It seems your cultivation has progressed quite well,” Feng Jin Yue remarked, taking a slow sip of tea as she assessed Xu Fu. Though he was over forty, he showed no signs of middle age; instead, his vitality was robust, clearly indicating significant advancement in his skills.
“Compared to the master, your subordinate is utterly insignificant. If not for the master’s aid back then, I would never have achieved such progress, avenged my enemies, or reached this point today. Everything I have is by the master’s grace.”
“It is also the result of your own efforts. Enough of that, let’s get to the main matter. You may handle affairs of the All Heavens Commerce Guild as you see fit. For now, focus on the most urgent issues.”
Without delay, Xu Fu carefully arranged and opened three brocade boxes he had prepared earlier. “As per the master’s usual requirements, these are the three medicinal herbs obtained over the past year. Please inspect them, master.”
Feng Jin Yue nodded. “Good. Continue collecting them.” With a sweep of her sleeve, the three herbs vanished into her Spirit Ring space. They were well-preserved and held potential for cultivation; she wondered how they would transform after being nurtured in the Spirit Field and Spirit Spring.
Casually, she retrieved twenty-four bottles of elixirs. “By the way, these are the Wound-healing Pills and Disease-expelling Pills for the next year. Sell one bottle of each per month as usual. Also, here are three jars of Misty Rain Spirit Tea. Deliver them to the manager of the Elegant Pavilion later.”
The Wound-healing Pill could calm any internal injury, no matter how severe; the Disease-expelling Pill could cure all illnesses, even those at a critical stage, ensuring recovery upon ingestion. As for the Misty Rain Spirit Tea, it had established the ‘Elegant Pavilion’s’ reputation in Dongling City and beyond, renowned throughout the land.
Xu Fu’s gaze remained fixed on the elixirs and Spirit Tea—each was a treasure beyond price.
Snapping out of his reverie, he composed himself and spoke again, “Master, the head of the Qian family, one of the four great merchants in the capital, has fallen ill with a strange disease. There are no specific symptoms, only gradual weakness and emaciation. He is now bedridden, and no physician has been able to diagnose it. His family even sought help from the imperial physicians, to no avail. They have offered a substantial reward for a cure and approached me half a month ago, hoping the master would intervene.”
“If they want me to intervene, it’s simple—it depends on whether the ‘price’ is worth it. A reward? Do you think mere gold and silver hold any appeal for me?”
Xu Fu immediately said, “Those naturally wouldn’t catch Master’s eye, but the Qian family mentioned that in their ancestral land, there is a family-heirloom Medicine King. As long as Master can cure Master Qian’s illness, that Medicine King will belong to Master. However, even those with profound internal strength cannot approach to harvest it, otherwise they would have long used it to treat their family head. As for whether it can be harvested, that will depend entirely on Master.”
“Unable to harvest? That sounds rather interesting. Make the arrangements.”
“Does Master mean to go now?”
“Is there a problem?”
“No problem.” Xu Fu shook his head. “This subordinate will handle it immediately.” He called in those waiting outside to collect the Elixirs and Spirit Tea, sent someone ahead to notify the Qian family, then ordered a carriage to be prepared before requesting Feng Jin Yue to set off.