Chapter 74: Destroyed

 Chapter 74: Destroyed

Outside Rongfu Hall, the rain poured heavily, and thunder rumbled, filling the air with a gloomy, oppressive atmosphere.

After Shen Shi left the courtyard, several lamps in the house behind her flickered and went out.

Shen Shi didn’t pay attention and continued on her way back to the main courtyard.

As soon as she entered the room, Hu Po, acting on Chu Qianchen's orders, arrived to deliver the medicinal tea.

“Madam, this is the tea our young miss personally brewed. She said it will help calm the mind and soothe the spirit.”

Hu Po handed over the tea and then quietly left.

Shen Shi picked up the tea cup, first inhaling the fragrance. The medicinal scent was neither too strong nor too faint, just perfect. It was refreshing, instantly lifting her spirits.

Shen Shi took a few sips, and the warm liquid flowed down her throat and into her stomach. She immediately felt a warm sensation spreading through her body, and the dull ache in her chest started to ease. Her brows gradually relaxed.

This child, Chen Jie'er, really had an exceptional talent for medicine.

Chen Mama, who had been paying close attention to Shen Shi’s changing expressions, felt a mix of emotions and couldn't help but glance toward the small Buddha hall.

She also felt sorry for Chu Qianhuang. She had once tried to intercede on her behalf with Shen Shi, and even the Old Madam had asked for leniency, but the Madam's mind was made up. There was little anyone could do to change it.

The Madam had always been stubborn. The late Marquis of Mu’s wife had often said that while the Madam was excellent in many ways, her stubbornness was her downfall.

"Madam," Chen Mama hesitated, gripping her handkerchief and lowering her gaze to the tea cup in Shen Shi's hands. After a pause, she spoke cautiously, "Do you think today's events have anything to do with the second young miss?"

Shen Shi took another small sip of tea, pursing her lips slightly.

The orange-yellow tea shimmered in the light, reflecting in Shen Shi’s phoenix eyes.

Shen Shi was the legitimate daughter of a noble family, raised personally by the wife of the Marquis of Mu. She was no fool.

The events of the day had come suddenly. At first, Shen Shi hadn't noticed anything unusual, but upon reflection, she realized that this was a scheme set up by Chu Qianchen.

It was originally aimed at Chu Qianling.

It was Chu Qianchen’s retaliation against Chu Qianling for destroying Jishi Hall and repeatedly provoking her.

However, Chu Qianchen probably hadn’t anticipated that Chu Qianling’s actions would involve Chu Qianhuang.

How could Chu Qianchen have known? Even she hadn’t expected her daughter, Chu Qianhuang, to act in this way...

As she thought about it, Shen Shi closed her eyes briefly and set the tea cup aside.

Chen Mama could tell that Shen Shi was grieving for Chu Qianhuang again. She sighed inwardly but gently urged Shen Shi to rest.

Shen Shi was lost in thought. She had initially thought she wouldn't be able to sleep that night, but as soon as she closed her eyes, she fell into a deep sleep, not waking until morning.

The next morning, she felt much better. She couldn't help but think of the medicinal tea Chu Qianchen had sent her the night before.

This child was always so thoughtful.

Shen Shi felt a pang of emotion and asked, "Chen Mama, how is Huang Jie'er?"

Chen Mama paused, then sighed deeply. "Madam, you didn't see it, but the eldest young miss stayed up all night last night, kneeling in front of the Guanyin statue, reflecting on her actions."

"Just now, when I went to change the bandages on her hand, I saw how exhausted she looked. Her eyes were dark with bruises, and I felt so sorry for her."

Chen Mama intentionally made Chu Qianhuang’s condition sound worse than it was. In reality, she had rested in the small Buddha hall after midnight.

However, Shen Shi merely nodded and didn't ask further.

Chen Mama knew that pushing too hard might be counterproductive, so she decided to wait for a more suitable moment to speak more favorably of Chu Qianhuang.

At the usual time, Shen Shi left the main courtyard and headed toward Rongfu Hall.

On the way, she encountered Chu Qianchen in the corridor.

"Mother." Chu Qianchen elegantly bowed to Shen Shi and offered her arm to help her walk toward Rongfu Hall.

Shen Shi immediately understood that Chu Qianchen had been waiting for her and felt a warmth in her heart.

The two of them didn’t speak as they silently walked to Rongfu Hall.

However, they didn’t make it inside. They were stopped in the corridor by Wang Mama.

"Madam, Second Young Madam," Wang Mama greeted them politely. "The Old Madam is feeling unwell today and has asked that no one come to pay their respects. Please return."

Shen Shi smiled lightly, responding gracefully, "Wang Mama, please ensure the Old Madam rests well."

She was neither angry nor mentioned seeing a physician, fully aware that the Old Madam was deliberately trying to embarrass her.

Shen Shi simply took Chu Qianchen back with her, and later that day, she sent a message to the palace to request an audience with the Empress, to ask for Chu Qianhuang's resignation as the princess's companion.

The news quickly spread to Rongfu Hall, where the Old Madam became even angrier, throwing everything on the tea table to the ground in a fit of rage.

She was furious at Shen Shi and even more upset with Chu Qianchen, whom she saw as cold-hearted and ruthless, a person who, despite her own mother's illness, only knew how to flatter her legitimate mother-in-law.

The Old Madam muttered angrily as she cursed Shen Shi and Chu Qianchen.

No matter how chaotic things got in Rongfu Hall, it had no impact on Chu Qianchen, who was blissfully unaware, her thoughts consumed with other matters. Tomorrow was April 22nd, the day she would be revisiting the prince for a diagnosis, so she had no time to dwell on anything else.

The day passed quickly yet slowly.

Chu Qianchen slept soundly again that night, waking up at dawn to check the red lacquered and carved wooden box she used as a medicine chest, ensuring everything was in order.

At dawn, she arrived once again at Yuanqing Temple, where she stood in the peach grove. This time, Hu Po was held outside the grove by Mo Chen.

A new person was present in the pavilion today—Yun Zhan.

However, Chu Qianchen's eyes were solely focused on Gu Jue, carefully observing his condition.

Gu Jue's features were deep and distinct, his noble and cold demeanor giving him an air of otherworldly detachment. Simply sitting there, he exuded a presence that kept others at a distance—his elegance and grace were unparalleled.

When Chu Qianchen noticed the dark circles under his eyes had faded, she knew he had been resting well recently. She cheerfully remarked, “Your health has improved greatly, Your Highness!” Her voice was as sweet and melodious as a yellow warbler.

Gu Jue raised a hand in a gesture inviting her to sit.

Yun Zhan, eager to speak on Gu Jue's behalf, said, “Miss Chu, His Highness has been sleeping much better lately.” It was clear Yun Zhan now understood Chu Qianchen's identity.

Chu Qianchen was momentarily startled and only then noticed Yun Zhan was also present.

There was no longer any bandage on Yun Zhan's neck, and the red scar stood out against his pale skin, but his spirits seemed high.

Since she had already encountered him, Chu Qianchen decided to check his pulse as well, nodding in satisfaction.

From his pulse, she could tell Yun Zhan had been following her instructions and had been taking his medicine as prescribed. His earlier condition, the blockage in his veins, had now been healed.

“You can stop taking the medicine now,” she said indifferently.

She added, almost as if scolding a child, “Don’t avoid seeing a physician in the future.”

In fact, Yun Zhan's problem had been avoidable—he had noticed the issue with his body long before, but he had delayed seeking treatment, which had given Yun Hao an opportunity to cause trouble!

Despite being several years younger than him, Chu Qianchen had no difficulty asserting herself in front of Yun Zhan, who obediently accepted her reprimands. He quietly nodded in agreement, then served tea to both Gu Jue and Chu Qianchen, entirely different from the imposing Yun Zhan who commanded respect in public.

From a distance outside the grove, Hu Po watched with admiration as her mistress calmly drank the tea Yun Zhan had served. She was filled with awe at Chu Qianchen's composure.

Chu Qianchen took a small sip, raising an eyebrow. She noticed that Yun Zhan’s tea brewing skills were still lacking; he hadn’t quite mastered the right temperature for the boiling water. The prince was very particular about his tea...

As she thought this, Gu Jue suddenly asked, "Miss Chu, are things not going well for you?"

In recent days, Xue Feng had reported more about Chu Qianchen, which made Gu Jue more aware of her situation.

Gu Jue fixed his gaze on the young woman in front of him, whose demeanor was calm and detached, like the purity of chrysanthemums.

Given Chu Qianchen’s circumstances, had she been a man, she could have forged her own path like Yun Zhan and changed her fate. But as a woman, raised in seclusion, her poise and bearing were still remarkable, drawing admiration.

Chu Qianchen widened her eyes slightly, meeting Gu Jue’s gaze, her eyes flickering with starlight.

Though she knew that Gu Jue was likely just asking casually, she was still delighted, interpreting his question as a sign that he cared about her!

So—

Should she act pitiful, or assure him that everything was fine and put his mind at ease?

For a moment, Chu Qianchen felt conflicted, her brow furrowing slightly.

Chu Qianchen’s face was still covered with a veil, but the subtle changes in her expression were caught by Gu Jue’s sharp eyes. He raised an eyebrow, and a trace of interest appeared on his face.

Gu Jue did not wait for Chu Qianchen to respond and shifted to another topic. "Most of the herbs needed for the Great Zao Pill have been located, but we're still missing the final ingredient—Seven Spirits Grass."

Chu Qianchen: "…"

Inwardly, Chu Qianchen's heart was filled with regret. It was rare for the prince to show concern for her, and she should have said something in response, but how did she miss the chance?

She let out a quiet, frustrated "oh" and pointed at Gu Jue’s left hand. "Give me your hand."

Gu Jue placed his left wrist on the stone table.

Chu Qianchen focused intently as she checked Gu Jue’s pulse.

Yun Zhan held his breath, waiting.

The pavilion was silent, with only a few peach blossoms drifting in through the wind, carrying a faint fragrance.

After a few moments, Chu Qianchen withdrew her hand and said, "I need to adjust the prescription."

Yun Zhan, sensing from her tone that this was good news, let out a sigh of relief.

Just as he was about to ask if he should prepare ink and brushes, Chu Qianchen opened the small wooden box she carried with her. She quickly retrieved a piece of silk paper and a charcoal pencil and began writing a prescription with swift, flowing strokes.

Then, she took out ten small celadon jars, each about the size of a baby’s fist. These contained the medicine she had spent a month preparing.

"Follow this prescription. Take it once a day, with two doses, one in the morning and one in the evening. After brewing the herbal medicine, add half a bottle of this medicine to the broth and drink it together. This is enough for ten days." Chu Qianchen carefully instructed.

Gu Jue looked at the silk paper in his hands. The prescription for the Great Zao Pill she had written last time was in delicate, small characters, but this time it was in running script.

The former was elegant and graceful, while the latter…

"You're copying from Xie Wenjing's calligraphy, aren't you?" Gu Jue raised an eyebrow, asking.

Xie Wenjing was a renowned calligrapher in the current dynasty. He had once served as the governor and the Minister of Personnel, and also as the Grand Tutor to the emperor.

Gu Jue had studied under Xie Wenjing when he was young, and his own running script was based on Xie Wenjing’s calligraphy.

Chu Qianchen’s eyes lit up as she nodded eagerly. "Yes, it’s Xie Wenjing’s calligraphy!"

Her earlier mood of frustration vanished instantly. She knew the prince would recognize it.

In her past life, the prince had once said her writing was too soft and weak, and had given her Xie Wenjing’s calligraphy for practice!

Her eyes turned into crescent moons, her smile warm and charming, as if receiving a compliment from the prince.

Yun Zhan looked at Chu Qianchen, then at Gu Jue, feeling oddly out of place.

Seeing how much Chu Qianchen seemed to like Xie Wenjing’s calligraphy, Gu Jue casually remarked, "I have a piece of Xie Wenjing’s calligraphy. How about I give it to you as a fee for your diagnosis?"

Chu Qianchen’s eyes brightened, and she quickly nodded. "Yes, please!"

Her mood lifted even more. The prince was giving her a gift!

She would definitely cherish it.

Chu Qianchen felt that today had already been perfect, but then she suddenly remembered something and her expression turned serious. After a brief hesitation, she spoke, "Your Highness, I heard that the emperor has learned about your injury…"

Yun Zhan's expression also turned serious upon hearing this, his handsome face showing a sharp, decisive aura.

This matter had caused quite a stir in the capital recently.

At first, when they heard the rumors in the capital, Xue Fengyan was the first to suspect Chu Qianchen.

After all, she was from the Chu family, and in the capital, besides their group, only Chu Qianchen knew about the prince's injury. But the prince had said it wasn’t her.

Since the prince said it wasn’t her, then it wasn’t.

Both Yun Zhan and Mo Chen fully trusted Gu Jue, and so did Xue Fengyan.

A gust of wind blew through the pavilion, lifting the few strands of Gu Jue’s hair and the edges of his robes, causing them to flutter in the air.

"It should be fine," Gu Jue said calmly, looking at Chu Qianchen with a steady gaze, as if this matter had no effect on him whatsoever.

Chu Qianchen: "…"

She couldn’t help but feel, as expected, the prince was still the same. No matter what happened, he remained unshaken.

In her past life, the prince had taught her that when faced with challenges, one should deal with them calmly and not panic.

Although she knew the prince could handle it, Chu Qianchen still reached into her sleeve and pulled out a small black porcelain bottle she had prepared earlier, pushing it toward Gu Jue.

"Your Highness, this bottle contains a pill that will relieve any pain for the next three days, restoring you to your best condition. But…" She looked deeply into his eyes, "Only use it in case of absolute necessity. Do you understand?"

Gu Jue also looked at her, his narrow eyes resembling a clear lake, reflecting her image. A slight ripple flickered in his pupils, vanishing in an instant.

"Thank you, Miss," he said, taking the small black porcelain bottle and tucking it into his sleeve.

Every action comes at a price. Since Chu Qianchen had cautioned him so carefully, it was clear that although this pill would relieve his immediate pain, it would harm his body in the long run.

Chu Qianchen smiled again, her bright eyes curving like a crescent moon, as pure as spring water.

With the flutter of her gaze, she carried the unique elegance and youthful vitality of a budding maiden.

As long as the prince agreed, he would certainly follow through!

Chu Qianchen gazed at Gu Jue with reluctant eyes, unwilling to leave.

Originally, she had planned to bring him some of his favorite pastries today, but she hadn’t informed her birth mother before leaving, so she couldn’t be away for too long.

Moreover, she couldn’t stay here for long.

Until she cured the prince, she couldn’t let anyone see her together with him. She couldn’t become his vulnerability.

Soon, she reminded herself menseal, dragging her feet as she stood up. "Your Highness, I must take my leave now."

"Take care," Gu Jue said softly.

Chu Qianchen picked up her wooden box and left with Hu Po, walking lightly, her heart already bubbling with excitement. Not only had the prince complimented her calligraphy, but he had also agreed to give her a piece of Xie Wenjing's work!

As she walked away, Chu Qianchen began looking forward to their next meeting and the prince’s gift.

The sun shone brightly, casting golden rays on the earth. The peach blossoms danced in the wind, their fragrance drifting through the air, petals scattering on the ground.

Watching Chu Qianchen’s retreating figure, Gu Jue raised his hand, making a subtle gesture. "Go."

Gu Jue’s words were simple, but Yun Zhan understood his meaning immediately.

"Your Highness, don’t worry. I’ll handle this matter flawlessly," Yun Zhan said with a smile, his face filled with youthful vigor and arrogance.

He strode off with purpose, his energy evident. It had been a long time since he returned to the capital, and he was eager to get moving.

Yun Zhan gestured to Mo Chen, who was near the entrance of the peach orchard. Together, they left Yuanqing Temple, mounted their horses, and made their way swiftly to Songhe Street.

"Whoa!"

The horses halted in front of the gates of the Yongding Marquis' residence.

Yun Zhan pointed to the gate and grinned at Mo Chen. "Mo Chen, should you do it or shall I?"

Mo Chen responded without a word. He drew his longbow from the side of his horse, took an arrow, nocked it, and pulled the string taut… the bow was drawn like a full moon.

"Whoosh—"

The arrow flew, cutting through the air like a shooting star, carrying a thunderous force as it struck the red-painted plaque above the gates of the Yongding Marquis' residence.

The plaque wobbled and then fell from its perch.

"Boom!"

The plaque hit the ground with a heavy thud, splitting in two where the arrow had struck.

The loud noise startled those inside the residence. The side gate creaked open, and the doorman along with several servants walked out from the Marquis' residence.

Seeing the plaque lying on the ground, the servants were stunned.

Soon, chaos ensued.

Some ran inside to report to their master, while others stared at Mo Chen, who was holding the longbow. A crowd of onlookers had gathered, whispering among themselves, discussing the unexpected spectacle.

The doorman, emboldened, took a few steps forward and shouted at Mo Chen and Yun Zhan, "Who are you? How dare you cause trouble at the Marquis' residence in broad daylight?!"

Mo Chen paid no attention to the doorman, leaving the talking to Yun Zhan. "Oh, now I understand what it means to be allowed to set fires by the local officials but not let the common folk light a lantern!"

"Why? Are you allowed to break the medical hall’s doors by your Yongding Marquis' residence, but not allow others to strike at your plaque?!"

The doorman froze for a moment, immediately recalling the incident with Third Miss who had vandalized Jishi Hall the day before. Did these two come to retaliate on behalf of the medical hall?

The doorman, having seen many influential figures, immediately realized that these two young men were not simply acting out of youthful arrogance but must have some significant background. His head began to spin from the pressure.

Luckily, at that moment, the Yongding Marquis, Chu Lingxiao, hurriedly arrived.

He immediately saw the broken plaque on the ground, split into two halves, his fury rising. His handsome face darkened like still water.

This plaque had hung on the Marquis' residence for over a hundred years, and now it had been smashed in his generation. It wasn’t just an insult to the Marquis' reputation; it was a blow to his own face!

Chu Lingxiao’s gaze burned as it landed on Mo Chen and Yun Zhan, focusing on the wound on Yun Zhan’s neck.

Like a thunderclap, it struck him—the person standing before him was someone he knew.

Who else but those supporting Jishi Hall would dare to act like this?

"You are Yun Zhan?" Chu Lingxiao’s voice was forced through clenched teeth, his cold gaze fixed on Yun Zhan.

"Ah, so the Marquis knows me. That makes things easier," Yun Zhan casually cupped his hands in greeting. His horse shook its head and snorted.

Mo Chen didn’t speak, but he casually plucked the string of his bow. The string vibrated with a hum, filling the air.

Yun Zhan continued, "Marquis, I’ll make it brief."

"Our Prince has made it clear that Jishi Hall is under the protection of the Prince of Chen’s Manor. You, the Yongding Marquis' residence, destroyed Jishi Hall—are you looking down on our Prince?"

Chu Lingxiao: "..."

Even though Chu Lingxiao despised Gu Jue in his heart, he didn’t dare to say it out loud.

Yun Zhan had come specifically to bully the Marquis, and he wasn’t holding back. He arrogantly declared, "Jishi Hall saved my life. Anyone who dares to harm Jishi Hall, I will dare to smash this Marquis’ residence!"

"Today’s just a small warning!"

Chu Lingxiao was on the verge of exploding. In that moment, he was itching to rush to the palace and report Gu Jue.

But if this matter escalated, it would inevitably bring up the incident with Chu Qianling smashing Jishi Hall. Then, the Yongding Marquis' residence would become a laughingstock in the court and the entire capital!

The thought left Chu Lingxiao feeling suffocated, nearly spitting blood. Not only did he resent Gu Jue, but he also despised the second branch for failing to educate their daughter, bringing unnecessary trouble to the Marquis' residence!

Chu Lingxiao was so furious that he didn’t notice that Chu Qianchen had arrived among the onlookers.

Chu Qianchen had arrived just recently. She had purposely stood at the back of the crowd, watching the scene unfold in front of the Marquis’ residence, which was even more chaotic than a marketplace.

How interesting.

Chu Qianchen raised an eyebrow.

She had first gone to Jishi Hall and then returned to the Marquis’ residence, so she arrived a little late and missed the most exciting part. By the time she got there, the plaque had already fallen to the ground.

Though she hadn’t seen it firsthand, the onlookers were gossiping among themselves, recounting the events. They were praising Mo Chen’s archery, comparing him to the legendary General Li Guang.

Hu Po, too, heard the rumors and was stunned. She couldn’t help but tug at Chu Qianchen’s sleeve, her expression asking, What’s going on here?

Chu Qianchen’s mood lightened, and she exchanged a knowing glance with Hu Po, signaling her to follow as they quietly slipped through the side gate into the Marquis’ residence, leaving the chaos behind.

Once inside, Chu Qianchen removed her veil. Hu Po could now see the delighted smile on her face, which seemed to puzzle her even more.

Of course, Chu Qianchen was happy. She felt a lightness in her heart, like a bird joyfully fluttering its wings. The smile on her lips wouldn’t fade.

She knew that the reason the prince had sent Yun Zhan and Mo Chen to do this was to protect her!

Not many people knew about her connection to the miraculous physician of Jishi Hall, but there were certainly some who had their suspicions—such as Chu Qianhuang, or the Liu family mother and daughter…

With Yun Zhan’s bold actions today, smashing the Marquis’ plaque in such a public way, those suspicions would be quelled for now, and people would stop suspecting her.

The prince always did things in an unexpected yet effective way.

As she thought about it, the dimple in her smile deepened.

After all, who would have thought that Yun Zhan would come to make a scene at the home of the person who saved his life?

Who would have guessed that she didn’t care one bit about the honor or disgrace of the Yongding Marquis' residence?

In the past, the only person she had cared about in the Chu family was Chu Yunmu. Now, she had added her birth mother, Madam Shen, to the list.

But...

Chu Qianchen’s smile faltered as she remembered everything from the past, thinking about Chu Qianhuang…

Though she hadn’t used Madam Shen, she had, in a way, set up a trap and kept certain things hidden from her, deceiving her to some extent.

Her heart grew heavy.

Hu Po noticed her mistress’s changing moods, becoming even more confused and unable to understand her.

The two quickly returned to Wanyan Courtyard.

Seeing that Chu Qianchen seemed down, Hu Po personally brewed tea for her and cautiously asked, "Miss, would you like me to find out how the fourth young master’s act of smashing the plaque went?"

(End of Chapter)