Ji Mingzhu remained ill for a full three days.
During this time, she fell unconscious multiple times, to the point where even Xi Yu found the situation peculiar.
Later, it was concluded that she was suffering from pent-up melancholy.
Her emotional fluctuations were too intense, and her body could not withstand them, leading to repeated bouts of unconsciousness.
After prescribing a remedy for Ji Mingzhu and instructing her to take it consistently, Xi Yu mentioned that if needed, she could seek him out again through Xie Yunzheng.
Having personally assessed Ji Mingzhu’s condition, Xi Yu no longer doubted her motives.
A fever could be feigned, but a heartfelt ailment was not something that could be developed overnight.
Xi Yu inwardly chastised himself—he should never have speculated maliciously about a young lady before the situation was clear.
Out of guilt, in addition to the prescription, Xi Yu offered several methods to alleviate her sorrow.
Going out for a stroll was a good option.
The walls of noble households were too high, trapping one within a confined space—wasn’t it easy to fall ill under such circumstances?
After seeing Xi Yu off, Madam Guan blamed herself deeply.
The girl had been right under her watch, yet she had failed to notice Mingzhu’s pent-up melancholy.
This ailment might seem trivial, but when it flared up, it could be fatal.
Otherwise, why would there be so many madwomen in the deep courtyards of noble households?
And why would there be those who chose to end their own lives just to find release?
Not daring to speak of matters related to the illness, Madam Guan pretended to be lighthearted. “The New Year is just around the corner, and it’s not the time for long journeys. After the New Year, let your second brother take you to Yangzhou for a trip.”
Xie Yunxuan, the second son, was Madam Guan’s eldest child.
He had been traveling abroad for the past few years, free-spirited and unrestrained.
If Xie Yunzheng was ice, then Xie Yunxuan was fire.
The temperaments of the two brothers were completely different.
Ji Mingzhu was well aware of her own situation—she had not developed this heartfelt ailment under her aunt’s care.
It was something she carried over from her previous life.
She was a living, breathing person, with flesh and blood. She felt hurt when wronged, and suffered when ignored by her husband…
These were problems that had accumulated day by day.
In Jingcheng, she would inevitably cross paths with Xie Yunzheng, so it was better to go out for a change of scenery.
The journey to Yangzhou was long, and by the time she returned, Xie Yunzheng would likely already be married.
Ji Mingzhu no longer wanted to be ignored.
She did not want to die alone in the delivery room.
Men and women marrying separately, each going their own way—this was the best outcome for them.
Ji Mingzhu smiled and said, “Then I’ll be a burden to Second Brother for once. I hope he won’t mind me holding him back.”
Madam Guan gently tapped her forehead and chided, “Traveling to see the sights is only enjoyable with a companion. Your second brother will be delighted.”
After saying this, Madam Guan sighed. “I wonder when he’ll finally settle down, pass the imperial exams, and bring some honor to me.”
“A Zheng excels in both literary and martial arts—I’m almost envious to death.”
Mentioning Xie Yunzheng made Ji Mingzhu’s heart ache with discomfort.
Learning about his unattainable white moonlight and the difficult childbirth were events that felt like they had just happened to her.
She was merely an ordinary woman who needed time to process her emotions.
If she continued to stay in Guogongfu and interacted with Xie Yunzheng, she might never be able to let go.
Holding onto Madam Guan’s arm, she cooed, “Reading ten thousand books and traveling ten thousand miles—Second Brother is bound for great achievements in the future, no less than anyone else.”
Madam Guan was delighted by her words.
She pinched Ji Mingzhu’s nose and said, “You’re just trying to make me happy.”
“I mean it. I don’t know what others think, but I believe Second Brother is well-traveled and knowledgeable—exactly how I imagine a young nobleman should be.”
It’s a pity she died early in her previous life and never learned of Second Brother’s fate.
Did he marry?
Did he live a peaceful and smooth life?
Madam Guan patted Ji Mingzhu’s hand. “Such words should only be spoken before your aunt. They must never spread, or Junzhu Niangniang will be displeased.”
Every parent thinks their own child is the best—Ji Mingzhu understood this well.
“I won’t mention him again.”
Though Ji Mingzhu didn’t explicitly say it, Madam Guan knew she was referring to Xie Yunzheng.
“That won’t do. The miracle doctor is A Zheng’s friend. He treated you out of respect for A Zheng. Once you recover, you must personally go and thank A Zheng.”
Ji Mingzhu instinctively resisted the idea of meeting Xie Yunzheng.
The person she could never get enough of in her previous life was now someone she didn’t even want to glance at in this one.
“Aunt, I don’t think Shi-zi-ye is one to care about formalities. Besides, he has just returned victorious, and I imagine there is much official business awaiting him. How about I send someone to deliver a set of scholar’s treasures to Shi-zi-ye? That way, I won’t disturb him in person.”
Madam Guan found it strange. “You’re usually so thoughtful in everything you do. Why are you unwilling to go thank A Zheng now?”
“It’s not that I’m unwilling—I’m just afraid of delaying Shi-zi-ye’s important matters.”
Madam Guan pondered briefly. “Could it be that you’re still frightened from bumping into him that day?”
As soon as she said this, Madam Guan’s heart skipped a beat.
Could it be that Mingzhu fell ill from fright?
A Zheng was cold to everyone. Even she, as his aunt, felt immense pressure when facing him.
Mingzhu was just a young girl who had recently undergone Ji-ji. It was understandable if she felt uneasy after unintentionally offending A Zheng.
Since Ji Mingzhu had been diagnosed with a heart condition, Madam Guan couldn’t bear to force her.
“Then we’ll do as you say. Send A Zheng a set of scholar’s treasures.”
Ji Mingzhu breathed a sigh of relief.
If her aunt had insisted she go thank him in person, she wouldn’t have been able to refuse.
Fortunately, her aunt was on her side.
Having experienced Xie Yunzheng’s coldness, she now knew how precious it felt to be loved.
She clung to Madam Guan and refused to let go.
Only after her energy was completely spent and she had taken her medicine did she drift into a heavy, drowsy sleep.
Xie Yunzheng had won a great victory, driving the nomadic tribes that had harassed Bianguan for years back deep into the grasslands.
For now, it seemed Bianguan would remain peaceful for the next few years.
For his great merit, he was exceptionally promoted to Vice Minister of the Ministry of War. A steady stream of rewards flowed into Guogongfu—not only gold, silver, and treasures but also stunning beauties.
Xie Yunzheng had no interest in women and promptly dismissed them all.
The emperor understood his temperament. After all, he was a meritorious subject. As long as he harbored no disloyal thoughts, the emperor let him have his way.
Knowing Xie Yunzheng had been injured on the battlefield, the emperor, with his golden words, granted him a long leave, allowing him to assume his post at the Ministry of War after the New Year.
Suddenly, Xie Yunzheng found himself with ample free time.
He was now twenty-three. Others his age had long since married and started families.
Taking advantage of his rare leisure, Junzhu Niangniang ordered portraits of suitable young women to be sent to him.
When choosing a wife, virtue mattered most. Though the women in the portraits were not stunning beauties, each was exceptionally talented.
They were skilled in managing households and well-versed in poetry and literature.
Some came from families less prestigious than Guogongfu, but their clans were on the rise, and a marriage alliance would bring mutual benefits.
In previous years, Junzhu Niangniang had wanted Xie Yunzheng to marry a princess.
But her son had refused, and the matter was dropped.
Now that he was no longer young, the matter of settling down could no longer be delayed—it had to be decided quickly.
Xie Yunzheng hadn’t looked at any of the portraits.
They were now piled beside the brazier.
His attendant, Tianshui, burned them one by one, praying silently for himself as he did so.
Must not let Junzhu Niangniang find out, or else his little life would be in danger.
Xie Yunzheng leisurely held a military book to read, not at all focusing his mind on the matter of taking a wife.
“Shi-zi-ye, the young lady from the maternal side has sent someone to deliver gifts to you.”