886: Master Told Me to Keep an Eye on Your Highness
Yao shi's unexpected death was not part of Xuan Tian Ming's original plan, but he still stared at the casket with his brow furrowed for a long time. This scared the soldiers nearby so much that they did not dare breathe loudly. Feng Jin Yuan was able to understand and was not too horrified, but Ji Ling Tian and the officer that had killed Yao shi had wet themselves in fear. They were afraid that the ninth prince would immediately kill them in a fit of anger.
However, Xuan Tian Ming did not choose to kill those two at this time. He ordered someone to open Yao shi's casket. After personally going forward to verify her identity, he immediately ordered a new and more valuable casket be prepared. She was to be buried three days later. He then turned around and returned to the residence in Sha Ping City that he had been staying in.
But everyone could see that the ninth prince's expression was not good. They were worried that he would no longer be kind. Feng Jin Yuan saw everyone watch the ninth prince depart. After this, nobody knew what to do, thus he took the initiative to speak up and say to the soldiers: "Someone should be sent to the coffin shop. Do as His Highness the ninth prince ordered and buy the best coffin possible. At the same time..." He looked toward Ji Ling Tian and said with hatred in his eyes, "Lock up those two and keep an eye on them. No mistakes must be made. Do you understand what I'm saying? That means they cannot be treated well, but they also must not die. Just letting them die so easily would be letting them off easy." He paused for a moment then continued: "As for me... in the end, Yao shi was my first wife. Just let me help out with this mourning! Don't worry, I won't run away. Also, this place is Sha Ping City. It's His Highness the ninth prince's territory. Even if I want to run, I have no place to escape to."
The soldiers felt that what he had said was rather reasonable, and along the way, Feng Jin Yuan had been pretty obedient. Either way, they did not dare go and ask the ninth prince anything further. It would be better to just do as he said. At worst, they could go and ask General He Gan later on.
The people immediately went to work. The ones that had to buy a casket went to buy a casket. The ones that needed to choose a burial spot went to choose a burial spot. The ones that needed to lock up Ji Ling Tian went to lock up Ji Ling Tian. In truth, all of these were easy to do, but choosing a burial spot was truly a bit difficult.
This place was a desert, and there was sand everywhere. How did this resemble a place to bury people? As for inside the city, the ground was suited for digging, but that was near a river that the people of Sha Ping City depended on. Burying someone nearby would not be good. In addition to this, Song Kang had said that once a corpse was buried, nobody could guarantee what sorts of changes would occur. If the rotting contaminated the source of water, that would be life-threatening.
There was nothing the soldiers could do. Even after asking He Gan, they did not have any ideas. In the end, they could only place their hopes in Feng Jin Yuan. Ever since Feng Jin Yuan had fallen from the position of left prime minister, he had not done any actual work. Even when he, Yao shi and Fu Ya were acting as the fake imperial daughter's family, and even with Ji Ling Tian repeatedly calling him lord left prime minister, in truth, he never recovered that feeling from the past. As for now, performing the funeral for Yao shi, he seemed to have gone back in time to a few years ago. He had returned to a time when the Feng family was still glorious, and everything was decided by him. When the people below him did not know how to do something, they would seek him for help.
Feng Jin Yuan took the initiative to take on the work of finding a burial location. He asked a few of Sha Ping City's citizens and earnestly asked them how the people of Sha Ping City buried their dead. In truth, Yao shi's corpse should have been transported back to the capital. After all, that was where the Yao family's foundation was. But the conditions did not allow it. The South was too hot. In just a couple of days, she had already begun to decompose. If they moved it too much, perhaps the casket would be completely ruined before they could even exit Luo Province. Burying her would be the most reliable thing to do. After a few years, if the Yao family wished, people could be sent to fetch her.
The citizens of Sha Ping City told him that there was a small oasis ten li to the East of the city. There were no people living there, and it was used specifically for burying the dead. But Yao shi was an outsider. Normally speaking, she should not be buried there. The prefect of Sha Ping City also would not agree to it. After all, the place was too small. If people were recklessly buried there, it was very likely that there would not be enough space. When that time came, it would not be good if Sha Ping City's own citizens could not be buried there. That was why whenever the people in the city performed a funeral, they would need to report to the government office. Only with a note from the prefect were they granted permission to bury their dead in that oasis.
But the citizens also said: "Right now, Sha Ping belongs to Da Shun. Gu Shu's regulations no longer matter. As long as Da Shun's ninth prince permits it, there is no problem."
Feng Jin Yuan knew that Xuan Tian Ming would definitely permit it and simply did not even bother asking. He just arranged for the soldiers to bring him to the oasis to take a look. Picking a nice place, a grave was dug, and a tombstone was engraved. When the tombstone was being engraved, Feng Jin Yuan personally went to ask Xuan Tian Ming for his opinion on what should be written on the tombstone and whose names would be used to set up the tombstone.
Xuan Tian Ming was not vague about it, immediately expressing his view: "Naturally, it would be this prince and Heng Heng's names." After some more though, he added: "Add in Zi Rui too."
Feng Jin Yuan saluted to him and did not say anything else before leaving. As for Xuan Tian Ming, at this moment, he was seated in the main hall of his temporary residence in Sha Ping City. At his side, Song Kang was also present and was messing around with some medicine. Xuan Tian Ming very helplessly said: "Can you go and do that in some other place? Don't you have your own room?"
Song Kang replied very naturally: "Right before leaving, master told me to keep a close eye on Your Highness."
Xuan Tian Ming was speechless. Keep an eye on? Like this? Feng Yu Heng meant for Song Kang to keep an eye on his health, alright? Why was it that this guy was keeping an eye on him as though he was a criminal? But he could not be bothered to argue with him. As a whole, Song Kang was not irritating. This person was addicted to medicine, and he was completely immersed in medicine. Even if the two were in the same place, the two might not speak for an entire day. They would work on their own work and would not get in the other's way. In addition to this, nearly half of the 100 thousand troops from Qian Zhou were struggling to endure the heat. The symptoms would suddenly appear, and Xuan Tian Ming would need to frequently enquire about the condition of the soldiers.
But this time, after Feng Jin Yuan left, Song Kang had some things to say. He stared at Feng Jin Yuan's parting figure for a while then said: "Did this person eat some medicine to become good? He's become normal."
Xuan Tian Ming snorted coldly: "Some people just will not look back until they reach the land of the dead. He needed to see death before he was willing to change. If he treated Yao shi and A-Heng like this in the past, how could the Feng family have fallen to this situation?"
Song Kang sniffled and agreed, saying: "That's right! He had a daughter like my master, yet he did not want her and insisted on some uncultivated one. Who knows what his mind is made of. How about giving it to me to be cut open to take a good look?"
Xuan Tian Ming did not continue the discussion with him. Song Kang's mind was only filled with cutting this and cutting that. He even said that he had learned how to cut open someone's head from his wife. He really... was a weirdo!
Naturally, Song Kang did not know of Xuan Tian Ming's evaluation of him. Turning his head, he continued to study his medicine.
Very quickly, the date of Yao shi's burial was about to arrive. On that morning, everyone got up early, including Xuan Tian Ming. For the first time, he changed out of his purple robes and put on a set of white clothes.
Nearly nobody had ever seen the ninth prince wear white clothes. In everyone's mind, white clothes seemed to be representative of His Highness the seventh prince, but seeing His Highness the ninth prince wear them, they felt that it was very beautiful. Amidst the wicked beauty, there was a bit of misery. It was a very unique sight.
Yao shi's funeral could be said to have been carried out by Feng Jin Yuan alone. Even if Xuan Tian Ming felt that Yao shi was still Feng Yu Heng's mother, the relationship of mother and daughter was there for all to see. All of Yao shi's actions were also out in the open. For him to order a burial was already a grace. There was no need to expend any additional energy.
Fortunately, Feng Jin Yuan was very serious about this matter. There were also some feelings of regret toward Yao shi. The funeral was performed in a very grand manner. During these few days, a mourning hall had been built, and he would kneel in front of Yao shi's coffin each night to stand guard and burn joss paper. It was such that Feng Jin Yuan's eyes had dark shadows under them on the day of the burial. His entire person was lacking in spirit.
The coffin was transported from Lan Zhou in the West by Xi Fang. It was a high-quality nanmu. He Gan and Xi Fang had believed themselves to be Feng Yu Heng's disciples, thus they took the initiative to undertake the mission of carrying the coffin. They took the front, while the back was left to Song Kang and Bai Ze, who had been following Xuan Tian Ming.
Feng Jin Yuan held the funeral banner and walked at the front. He also held a basket and would occasionally grab some joss paper from the basket to be thrown into the air; however, he did not speak.
Xuan Tian Ming followed along at the side of the coffin, silently walking. Seeing the confused expressions on the faces of Sha Ping City's citizens, he wondered to himself. When Feng Yu Heng arrived in this place, would she blame him? Although he was not the one that killed Yao shi, it was because of his order that she had died. When it came to this matter, he needed to shoulder a certain degree of responsibility.
Ji Ling Tian and the officer were locked up, and even Ji Ling Tian's madam, Jiang shi had been brought to Sha Ping City. From time to time, she asked the people around her: "Is the ninth prince going to kill us?"
The soldiers at her side snorted coldly and said without any politeness: "What? You two had the ability to work with the eighth prince to produce a fake imperial daughter. Did you never think that a day would come when you would need to pay the price? You dare to do things that would exterminate your entire family, but when it comes time for the family to be exterminated, why do you no longer have any integrity?"
When Jiang shi heard these words, she collapsed. If it was not for there being someone holding her from behind, she would have collapsed to the ground. Even in his present difficult condition, Ji Ling Tian felt saddened to see his madam like this, but there was nothing that he could do. It was as the soldier had said. Back when he had pretended that Fu Ya was Imperial Daughter Ji An, he should have expected that he would need to pay the price. It was just that he had been too optimistic in the past, and he had not thought that the ninth prince's army would be so valiant. Without help from the 300 thousand of the Southern Army, they actually took Gu Shu's first city. This point was something that the eighth prince, who was away in the capital, could not have imagined!
He sighed bitterly and apologized countless times to his madam internally. He then recalled the words "exterminate the family," and he began to mourn for his family.
The oasis to the East of Sha Ping City was reached very quickly. The location that Feng Jin Yuan had chosen for the grave was very good. It was near a large tree, and the water was immediately next to it. When people stood there, the heat of the desert had been dissipated by quite a bit.
Xuan Tian Ming did not know that Feng Jin Yuan had such an ability, and he nodded his head in satisfaction; however, he did not say anything. As he saw it, no matter how much Feng Jin Yuan did to make amends, it would not be enough to make up for all that he had done, nor would it make up for the years of unfair treatment that his wife had endured at the hands of the Feng family. Just thinking about it made him gnash his teeth.
Do as the locals do. For Yao shi's funeral, Feng Jin Yuan had invited a master of fengshui from Sha Ping City to help organize it. The ceremony was very proper and solemn.
Before the corpse was placed in the coffin, Xuan Tian Ming spoke up: "Prefect of Lan Zhou, Ji Ling Tian, and the guilty officer will be executed together to accompany the soul of the newly deceased Madam Yao!"
887: A Different Method of Living
Once these words came out, Ji Ling Tian's madam, Jiang shi, fainted in fear on the spot. A soldier stepped forward and checked her breathing then said: "She's dead!"
Ji Ling Tian just felt a fishy-sweet taste surge up from his chest. Unable to hold it back, he opened his mouth, and a mouthful of blood spewed out.
Jiang shi's corpse was carried away and thrown to the side. Ji Ling Tian kneeled on the ground and kowtowed repeatedly toward Xuan Tian Ming: "I beg Your Highness to spare my life. I beg Your Highness the ninth prince to spare this life!"
Xuan Tian Ming shook his head: "To be a traitor for old eighth by aiding a fake Imperial Daughter Ji An, Ji Ling Tian, this is a crime worthy of exterminating the entire family. Do not rush. Take your time on this path through the realm of the dead. This prince will quickly send along the young and old of your families."
Ji Ling Tian coughed up another mouthful of blood! At this time, he really wanted to be like his wife and just die from the fear, but for some reason, he was particularly resilient today. He had coughed up two mouthfuls of blood in a row, but he still did not die. He did not even faint. He suddenly wondered if this might be the heavens punishing him. It was to have him clearly face his own death. He would need to face the grand mistakes that he had made.
In the end, he felt unreconciled. Even if he was to die, he needed to find someone to drag down to cushion his fall, right? This sort of thing could not be left for only his family to bear. was there not someone else that had also participated? He opened his eyes and pointed at Feng Jin Yuan: "Him! There's also him! He is also guilty. Your Highness the ninth prince, why is he not also being killed?"
Xuan Tian Ming did not speak, but Feng Jin Yuan met Ji Ling Tian's gaze and said: "There's no need to compete with me. Although I am Imperial Daughter Ji An's father, that daughter of mine has never spoken up for me. Based on my understanding of her, when it comes to this matter, she definitely has her own plans. Lord Ji, you go on ahead. I will definitely go down and accompany you. It's just a matter of sooner or later. You won't be suffering a loss."
Ji Ling Tian had nothing to say. Feng Jin Yuan was Feng Yu Heng's father. Speaking of, he was also the ninth prince's father-in-law. Since he had already said such a thing, what more could he do? His Ji family could not compete with the Feng family, thus he lowered his head and accepted it.
Xuan Tian Ming did not delay. Raising his hand, a soldier immediately stepped forward to move Ji Ling Tian and the officer that had been scared witless to the side of Yao shi's coffin. The backs of their knees were then kicked to drop them to their knees. Following this, two people stepped forward with their blades raised. Without saying a word, they cut at the backs of their necks.
Feng Jin Yuan watched as Ji Ling Tian's head fell to the ground. The officer's head even rolled a couple times, reaching his feet. He kicked it around a bit as though he was kicking his own future. Thinking about it, it would not be long. His end would also be like this, right? The ninth prince had never been lenient when it came to something like killing.
He pulled back his thoughts and did not continue to think about what was and was not. That was how people were. Once they were afraid of death, they would do all that they could to find bargaining chips to try and continue living. Once death had been taken lightly, whether or not you lived or not, that would not be too much significance. He had carried out Yao shi's funeral with the thought that he would definitely die. Watching Yao shi get lowered into the grave, watching the soldiers fill the grave and watching the tombstone get placed, he then stepped forward and scattered the rest of the joss paper next to the grave. He then kneeled and kowtowed three times, marking the end of this matter.
Xuan Tian Ming also bowed three times in front of the grave. Staring at the tombstone for a while, he did not say anything else. Turning around, he took his soldiers and left. He did not pay any mind to Feng Jin Yuan.
It was only after everyone had left the grave area, with even the feng shui master from Sha Ping City following Xuan Tian Ming's group, that Feng Jin Yuan regained his composure in a fluster. It was only now that he realized that he was the only one remaining in front of Yao shi's grave.
This was an excellent escape opportunity, but Feng Jin Yuan knew that he definitely could not escape. The reason that someone as cautious as Xuan Tian Ming could leave him alone in this area meant that he had already considered every possibility, including his escape. At present, this area belonged to Xuan Tian Ming, and Feng Jin Yuan knew that regardless of where he ran, he would quickly be captured. He also did not have any intention of fleeing. In the past, he had been someone who had only thought of preserving his own life. Now, he no longer clung to hopes of continuing to "live."
He was very thankful that Xuan Tian Ming had given him this sort of opportunity and would leave him alone with Yao shi for a while. He did not know what he should say to Yao shi. He had already done everything that should and should not be done. Even saying ten thousand apologies would not be enough to make up for what he had done to the mother and her two children. Feng Jin Yuan just remembered Zi Rui with a bit of longing. That child had been so adorable and looked so good. He was also Imperial Tutor Ye Rong's disciple. He should have carefully held him up and supported him; however, he instead tried to hurt him again and again. It even resulted in him losing a finger.
Feng Jin Yuan raised a hand and slapped himself across the face. Staying in front of Yao shi's grave, he began to cry.
He sat in front of Yao shi's grave for a full three days and three nights. During this time, he had gone to the oasis to drink some water, but he did not eat anything, nor did he sleep. It was as though he was a ghost. His eyes were sunken, and he looked a bit frightening.
On the fourth day, Feng Jin Yuan finally got up. After swaying a couple times, he was finally able to stabilize himself. He then began to walk away from Yao shi's grave and headed in the direction of Sha Ping City.
When Xuan Tian Ming saw Feng Jin Yuan once more, it was inside the general's tent to the South of Sha Ping City. Although he had prepared himself mentally, he never thought that this person would destroy himself to such a degree.
He wanted to laugh and ask Feng Jin Yuan why he did not flee. To make himself like this, was it to arouse feelings of sympathy? But in the end, he was no longer the ninth prince from his youth. The "recklessness" was still there, but the unruliness had died down a bit. In this sort of political climate during the past two or three years, he had thought about some more things. The whip in his hand was no longer used as casually. But this was not a result of his heart softening, nor was he becoming weak. Instead, he had learned how to be more thorough in considering the pros and cons of things. He had learned to think about a matter from multiple angles, and once His Highness Prince Yu took action, he would definitely be taking a life.
Just like now, when he faced Feng Jin Yuan. He was no longer only thinking about getting revenge for Feng Yu Heng. He just felt that the matters of the world were constantly changing. He could actually see the passage of time from this person.
He asked Feng Jin Yuan: "Won't you say something to preserve your own life?"
Feng Jin Yuan thought for a bit then really thought of something, thus he said: "Back when Qian Zhou's eldest princess, Kang Yi, married me, I had been completely dazed and did not think about too much. But later on, when I lost my position as the prime minister, I analyzed the situation from beginning to end. After some investigation, I finally understood that you were all looking for a portion of a map from Qian Zhou. You all believed that it had fallen into my hands, and even Qian Zhou's imperial family believed that it was in my hands. That was why Kang Yi was sent over to get close to me. In truth, they had come to my Feng manor to search from one of Qian Zhou's items... is this correct?*
He had taken the initiative to bring up this matter, and Xuan Tian Ming did not hide it, nodding and saying: "That's right." But he then sneered and continued: "But the 'you all' did not include this prince. This prince knows that you don't have that item."
Feng Jin Yuan was stunned: "How can Your Highness be so certain?"
Xuan Tian Ming curled his lips into a wicked smile: "Because this prince understands you too well. Based on who you are, if you really had such an important thing, you would have used it as a bargaining chip long ago. No matter what, you would not have fallen to such a degree."
Feng Jin Yuan smiled bitterly and thought to himself that out of everyone, it was the most unruly ninth prince that had seen the situation clearly. Indeed, if he really had that thing, the Feng family would not have fallen to this point. At the very least, he would have taken it out to provide the Feng family with a lease on life.
"That's right! I indeed do not have it. Your Highness did not kill me at the grave on that day. Would you please say something now!" Feng Jin Yuan kneeled, and an aura of death began to spread. He did not have any vitality left.
Xuan Tian Ming looked at him, and the purple lotus flower on his brow became even more beautiful. Feng Jin Yuan remained kneeling on the ground for a long time, and the words that came were: "This prince will not kill you. As for whether you live or die, it will be left to Heng Heng to decide!" After saying this, he stood and left, leaving Feng Jin Yuan to remain kneeling inside the tent, where he did not recover for a long time.
Feng Jin Yuan had survived; however, he was living completely differently from before. He also had no clue what strange nerve had been struck, as he began to change. While he lived in the military camp, he did not stay there for free. Each day, he would go inside Sha Ping City to help the soldiers fetch water then bring it back. He had never done this sort of work. In the beginning, for each bucket of water that he carried, half of it would be spilled, but this person's ability to learn was quite good. After a few times, he had grasped the trick to using the carrying pole. There was no longer as much water being lost when he brought it back.
Aside from this, he also took the initiative to speak with the soldiers, teaching the young soldiers how to read and write. A large number of soldiers learned how to write their own names under his guidance.
The people that joined the army were rough and strong. Relying on their strength, they wanted to earn a military salary to help their families. For the most part, they had never gone to school, much less knew how to read. In the beginning, there were people that snorted at Feng Jin Yuan in contempt and were very prejudiced. But gradually, when they saw that the younger soldiers were all able to write their own names, they also felt an itch. They no longer rejected Feng Jin Yuan and took the initiative to seek him out to teach them how to write their names.
Feng Jin Yuan did not refuse any that came, and he happily taught. He even helped some of the soldiers that needed help with writing their last words. These soldiers understood that every time they stepped onto the battlefield, there was a possibility that it would be their last time. In that sort of battle, there would be death and injury. Fearing that their next battle would be their last, there happened to be Feng Jin Yuan, who could help them write their final words.
The soldiers decided amongst themselves that these letters would be kept on their person. Regardless of who died, as long as there was a comrade nearby that was capable, they would take out the letter and put it away. In the future, they would find a chance to send it to their families. It would be better than not leaving anything behind.
It was during this period of time when writing these final words that he became even more familiar with life. He had also become more optimistic about living. He felt that if there was a chance, he should also write his final words, but after thinking long and hard, he did not know who the letter could be left to. There were not many left in the Feng family. It could be said that everyone that was a bit closer with him had already died. If the letter was sent to Fen Dai, based on that child's personality, would it not just be crumpled into a ball then thrown out?
Feng Jin Yuan smiled bitterly and repeatedly warned the strong soldiers: "Regardless of when, you must treat your family well. Do not be biased. You must be fair to all of your children." He even told everyone about his experiences and told everyone that they must not be like him.
He Gan recounted what Feng Jin Yuan had been doing in recent days for Xuan Tian Ming. In the beginning, Xuan Tian Ming felt that this was quite fresh, but as he listened, he also let out a boundless sigh...
888: Just Based on Your Memory, You Really Are Top Scholar Material
In truth, before the people had been captured, Xuan Tian Ming had wanted to leave Yao shi to Feng Yu Heng. As for Feng Jin Yuan, he would just take care of him directly; however, who knew that the one to die would be Yao shi. He was unable to take action against the remaining Feng Jin Yuan. Between a biological father and a biological mother, he had to leave one for that girl.
Originally, it had been arranged for Feng Jin Yuan to go and live in Sha Ping City, but Feng Jin Yuan did not want to live there and continued to persevere with living in the military camp. He also took the initiative in picking up a number of tasks in the camp. There would be times when the soldiers went to train, thus he went to Sha Ping City to help the citizens of Sha Ping City with some things. He had even done things like aid in the writing of menus for restaurants.
There were some soldiers that began a discussion. If this Mister Feng had not been so absolute with his decisions in the past and had been like this the entire time, Imperial Daughter would not dislike him. Unfortunate! He had placed himself in a dead end. Even if he turned around, he was too far from shore and could not get out.
Feng Jin Yuan's good deeds did not continue for too long. The heat of the desert combined with the sunlight quickly caused him to suffer from heatstroke. During the day, it was practically impossible to go out, as he was vomiting. It also happened that Song Kang really despised him, persisting in refusing to treat him. Naturally, the other military doctors would listen to Song Kang, thus nobody paid any attention to Feng Jin Yuan. At most, they would only give him some tea to ease the heatstroke, but they did not provide him with any medicine.
Feng Jin Yuan also knew that he had been quite unlikeable, and he no longer had any intentions of continuing to survive. There was no need to argue about whether or not medicine would be used. He even repeatedly expressed his thanks to the soldiers that took care of him. There were times when he felt a bit better and would get up to dispose of the unclean elements to avoid troubling anyone else.
During the day, the heatstroke was difficult to endure, and when night rolled around, he would feel a little better. Feng Jin Yuan simply chose to sleep during the day and stay awake at night; however, he could not do anything. He could only sit on the bed in the camp while thinking about the past. He thought about the times when the people of the Feng manor were still alive. He even recalled the time before his marriage to Yao shi. At that time, the empress dowager, who was still alive at the time, had sent a present. Just how glorious had that been.
During that evening, Xuan Tian Ming made an unprecedented visit to Feng Jin Yuan's tent. He was even holding two wine pots filled with wine. Feng Jin Yuan did not understand why he had come. Seeing Xuan Tian Ming hand one of the wine pots to him, he thought that it would be a poisoned drink to send him off. He could not help but smile bitterly and say: "Your Highness the ninth prince, even if you are about to kill someone, this is not the way to do it. Poisoned wine is too veiled. It's not the method that Your Highness the ninth prince is most adept at."
Xuan Tian Ming laughed and pulled a chair over to sit across from him, asking: "Then do tell, how should this prince kill people?"
Feng Jin Yuan said: "Grandly and magnificently, like with the death of Ji Ling Tian. It gives everyone a shock, unlike quietly sending a pot of wine. Speaking truthfully, when it comes to what I have done, poisoned wine is letting me off too easily. Thinking about it, Your Highness is doing it to allow A-Heng to save some face, right? As a father, I have never done anything that has favored her. Even right as I am about to die, it is that daughter that is helping me save face. I truly am too ashamed to meet the Feng family's ancestors."
After saying this, he very frankly brought the spout to his lips and downed a large amount of wine. He then placed the wine on a small table to the side and looked at Xuan Tian Ming with a bitter smile: "How long after drinking it will it begin to take effect?" After tasting it a bit more, "It seems to not be immediately. Thinking about it, Your Highness the ninth prince must have something to say to me."
Xuan Tian Ming listened to him speak but did not say anything. He raised the pot in his hand and took a couple sips before saying: "There isn't anything in particular. I just could not sleep at night and wanted to find someone to drink with. After thinking about it, I have never drank with my future father-in-law before, thus I came over."
Feng Jin Yuan was stunned, "Drink with me?" After looking at the wine pot that he had just drank from, he seemed to have understood something: "Could it be that I misunderstood? This isn't poisoned wine?"
Xuan Tian Ming nodded: "You do indeed understand this prince. If this prince wished to kill you, it definitely would not be done with a pot of poisoned wine. Moreover, I've said that I will keep you for A-Heng, thus this prince will not personally take action."
Feng Jin Yuan blinked but did not feel as though he had survived a disaster. Instead, he shook his head with a bit of disappointment, "It was I that had thought of it too simply. In the past, I tried my hardest to survive, but it's only now that I found out that dying is not that easy." He picked up the pot of wine and threw his head back, downing some more. He was originally a scholar and did not have much tolerance for alcohol built up. Downing the strong wine in a few gulps, he felt a bit dizzy. He felt his eyes and nose burn. When he opened his mouth once more, he ended up crying for some reason.
Xuan Tian Ming did not stop him, nor did he find it annoying. He just drank while watching Feng Jin Yuan cry. It was only when he had nearly finished crying that he finally said: "If you knew that it would be like this now, why do what you did in the past?"
Feng Jin Yuan sniffled and bitterly sighed: "It's because I did not think that it would be like this today. That was why I made so many mistakes. Now, I regret it, but it's too late. So many people have already died. What am I living on for? Your Highness the ninth prince, say, what am I still living for?"
"But the you of the past wholeheartedly hoped that the person to die would be A-Heng." Xuan Tian Ming snorted coldly, prodding at Feng Jin Yuan's sore spot, "If it was not for this prince's wife having her abilities, I fear that she would have died countless times."
Feng Jin Yuan nodded and admitted to the mistakes that he had made in the past without avoiding it: "On their way back to the capital, I had sent people to kill them. Later on, the Chen family tried time and time again to do something, and I did not stop them. Even when we went back to our old home, Zi Hao and Chen Yu had worked together to harm A-Heng, and I had truly hoped that she had burned to death..." As he spoke, he waved his hand, "It had happened too many times. I can't even count how many times I had acted in secret, but it is as Your Highness said. A-Heng has the ability. When has she ever let me succeed?" While he spoke, he slapped himself across the face, and tears began to drip down. He then asked Xuan Tian Ming: "Your Highness the ninth prince, say, do I just not have a brain? Thinking about it now, I don't even know how I lucked out and became the top scholar. Just based on my mind, I could actually become the top scholar? Even if I was a smart one, after so many experiences, I should have understood. A-Heng can't be touched, right? How could I not see it at that time? And I even wanted to fully protect Chen Yu?"
Xuan Tian Ming was in total agreement with what he said: "It's possible that Father Emperor's eyes were blurry that year and misread the test; otherwise, just based on your mind, you really aren't top scholar material."
Feng Jin Yuan was quite interesting. Who knew if his personality really had changed after all of these experiences or if the wine had left him drunk, as he actually had the courage to grab Xuan Tian Ming's hand and begin to chat with him about matters of the past. Starting from the imperial exam, he spoke of the moment that it was announced that he was the top scholar and married Yao shi, chasing A-Heng away then bringing her back and of how everyone in the Feng family had died one by one. He had personally seen the collapse of the Feng family. Not a single step or detail was omitted. His memory was so good that even Xuan Tian Ming had no choice but to admire it. He even said: "Just based on your memory, it's possible to become the top scholar."
Feng Jin Yuan did not react to those words, as he continued. He even recalled the time when Feng Yu Heng had just returned to the capital. Xuan Tian Ming and Xuan Tian Hua had visited the Feng manor a few times for the sake of supporting Feng Yu Heng, and he even recalled what had been said.
This confession was a memoir of his, Feng Jin Yuan's, and the Feng family's life. Xuan Tian Ming was also quite taken in by the story. After all, his wife had a part, and she was a face-slapping existence. It was very entertaining to listen to.
Finally, when Feng Jin Yuan spoke of Yao shi's burial, he stopped and turned his head. The sky was starting to brighten, and he had almost completely sobered up from the wine. Upon seeing that he was kneeling on the ground without any concern for appearances and had his hands on Xuan Tian Ming's knees, he felt a bit embarrassed. He wanted to apologize to Xuan Tian Ming and say that he had drank too much, which caused him to lose control, but he also felt that apologizing would be too flat and not serve any actual purpose. When he opened his mouth once more, he said: "I am a condemned person. Right now, all that I can ask is for Your Highness the ninth prince to treat A-Heng well in the future. The Feng family did not spare any feelings for her, but I hope that this can be made up for when she marries into the Yu Palace. It's not easy for that daughter of mine. For her to have survived up to this point, it was all a result of her own efforts. Thinking about it, she will be able to live even more freely after my death."
He stood up from the ground. He had been kneeling for too long and was a bit weak, nearly giving out. Xuan Tian Ming provided him with some support and said: "This prince's wife will naturally be taken good care of. Do you have... anything else to entrust?" He had originally wanted to ask if he had any final words, but he felt that it was a little too unreasonable, thus he changed the words on the spot.
Feng Jin Yuan did not hold back. After thinking for a bit, he said: "I still have a concubine and a third daughter. The concubine is not in the family register, so there is no talk of any divorce. With my death, she will naturally be free. That third daughter has always gotten along well with A-Heng. Thinking about it, there's no need for me to worry about her with her second sister present. Xiang Rong definitely will not suffer. As for my fourth daughter..." Feng Jin Yuan paused for a moment and pulled out the letter that he had written a few days earlier, handing it to Xuan Tian Ming and saying: "This is a letter that I wrote to Fen Dai. She is in the capital. Although she is engaged to His Highness the fifth prince, and His Highness the fifth prince treats her quite well, I am still unable to feel at ease. Your Highness should still remember that girl. Her personality is the same as Chen Yu's mother, Chen shi. She does not have any intelligence in the slightest and starts all sorts of trouble. From a young age, she has been filled with resentment. I don't know how to raise such a child, and she does not listen to what I have to say. I hope that Your Highness can hand this letter to her after returning to the capital. It can be considered a father's final warning to her before my death!"
After Feng Jin Yuan finished speaking about this, he saw Xuan Tian Ming receive the letter. Only then did he feel at ease. The effects of the wine had completely worn off; however, the symptoms of heatstroke returned once more. He collapsed back toward the bed in a daze and quickly passed out.
Xuan Tian Ming called some soldiers in from the outside to help Feng Jin Yuan remove his shoes, socks and outer robe then placed him under some blankets before leaving the tent. Under the hot sun of the desert and enduring the onslaught of heat, he opened the letter that Feng Jin Yuan had not even placed in an envelope. He saw that it was a final warning to his daughter before dying. It was all about having Fen Dai no longer oppose Feng Yu Heng. He warned Fen Dai that the only way of living a peaceful life was by getting along with Feng Yu Heng. At present, there was nothing more fortunate than continuing to live.
Xuan Tian Ming let out a quiet sigh and placed the letter in his pocket. He wanted to help with passing along Feng Jin Yuan's intentions. It just remained to see whether or not Feng Fen Dai would change! After all, the Feng family was Feng Yu Heng's foundation. He did not hope that the Feng family would collapse to the point of not having anyone remaining. Fortunately, there was still Feng Xiang Rong, thus his wife would not feel too lonely.
After a long night of chatting, Feng Jin Yuan's illness became more severe...
889: This Is More Like an Imperial Daughter
Xuan Tian Ming gave the order that Song Kang had to treat Feng Jin Yuan's illness, saying: "No matter what, that is your master's father. Whether he lives or dies, it is not up to you."
There was nothing that Song Kang could say to this. Carrying his medicine kit, he entered Feng Jin Yuan's tent; however, what he saw was someone with sunken eyes that had become much thinner. He was laying in bed while staring at the ceiling. There was no light left in his eyes, and he was surrounded by an aura of death. If it was not for the fact that his breathing was still noticeable, he would have looked exactly like a dead person.
He stepped forward while in not much of a good mood. Placing the medicine kit on the table with a "thunk," he loudly said to Feng Jin Yuan: "I came to treat your illness!" While speaking, he rolled his eyes and muttered: "While living, you don't know how to act properly, and when you're about to die, you're still causing trouble."
Feng Jin Yuan glanced at Song Kang and thought to himself that the master would take a disciple with a similar personality! Song Kang's personality really was the exact same as Feng Yu Heng's, saying anything that was on his mind. He would not allow himself to hold anything back. He smiled bitterly and said to Song Kang: "There's no need to treat me. I've lived long enough. To continue living would be a sin. Thank you for your kind intentions. You can go back!"
Song Kang let out a "tsk" sound, "What do you mean continuing to live would be a sin? You are already a sin! If you don't want to get treated, forget about it. Do you think I want to treat you? The one my master hates the most is you." After he finished speaking, he picked up his medicine kit and turned around to leave the tent.
Feng Jin Yuan smiled bitterly; however, he was thinking about the lines that Song Kang had said, "The one my master hates the most is you." This left him with a bad taste in his mouth.
Xuan Tian Ming stood outside the tent and could clearly hear the movements inside the tent. When Song Kang came out, he took a look at him and waved his hand, not making any further requests. He just gave the order to the soldiers outside: "Do not treat him poorly." This would be considered a final consideration for Feng Jin Yuan.
Feng Jin Yuan, however, could not eat anything, nor would he take his medicine. His condition was steadily deteriorating, and he was about to reach the precipice. The soldiers reported to Xuan Tian Ming time and time again about the situation, and Xuan Tian Ming eventually grew irritated, simply ordering: "Stop reporting. Since he doesn't want to live, we won't stop him."
But there were still those that had learned to write their names from Feng Jin Yuan and those who had received help in writing their final words. While delivering food, they said to Feng Jin Yuan: "You repeatedly saying that you're sorry to Imperial Daughter is pointless if you say it to us. If you really want to admit your mistakes, why not recover a bit and wait for Imperial Daughter to reach the South to personally tell her? In any case, dying after saying will leave you with no regrets."
Feng Jin Yuan sighed bitterly: "I can't endure until that moment. I am clear on my own situation. I have no more than three days."
"But I heard that Imperial Daughter will be able to arrive in the South within ten days!" The soldier said: "The doctors have all said that if the illness is treated, you can still get better." Reaching this point, he thought for a bit. Although he was a bit troubled, he still said it: "Alright! That's just if the treatment begins early on. If you had been cooperative at that time, you could have been treated. But now, it's already spread to your entire body. Ghost Doctor has already said that even if Imperial Daughter came, you could not recover fully. But if you were willing to take the medicine and endure a few more days until Imperial Daughter arrives in the military camp, it won't be a problem. Do you really not want to see Imperial Daughter once more?"
These words had finally managed to move Feng Jin Yuan. He had no concern about whether he lived or died. Even hearing that the illness could not be treated fully, he did not react much. But was Feng Yu Heng really going to be coming? If she could arrive within ten days, he wished to wait a little longer. This soldier was correct. There were some things that needed to be said in person, and there was some guilt that needed to be expressed in person. He really wanted to apologize to that second daughter. Even if Feng Yu Heng did not accept it, he would feel a little less miserable.
Feng Jin Yuan gained a bit of motivation and began to cooperate by eating and taking medicine. Although he would vomit a third of what he ate, it was better than not eating anything. Feng Yu Heng was about to reach the South. This had become the thought that prolonged his life...
At this time, Feng Yu Heng's group had already entered Luo Province's borders. It was currently the middle of Spring, and the food that they purchased was all leftover from the previous year. But the grain stores that were in Luo Province were very plentiful. She had plenty of money and after buying a full ten carriages of grains, she continued buying.
But the grain merchants in Luo Province were unhappy. Although they had plenty of grains saved up, this sort of purchasing method did not seem like a good thing. What exactly was a girl buying this much grain for?
The grain merchants had this thought, and a number of people gathered together to discuss this. After this meeting, they decided that they would no longer sell any more grains to Feng Yu Heng. There was nothing that Feng Yu Heng could do. Even after revealing her identity, she found out that the existence of the so-called Imperial Daughter Ji An was a joke existence. One of the grain merchants said: "How could another person impersonating Imperial Daughter Ji An have appeared? Do you all think we're idiots?"
Another person chimed in: "That's right! The fake imperial daughter in Lan Zhou opened a Hundred Herb Hall for the sake of wantonly accumulating wealth. Now, it's already been exposed. Even Lan Zhou's prefect was executed by His Highness the ninth prince. Now, another girl has come impersonating her. Are you not afraid of being executed?"
Feng Yu Heng heard this and laughed, "Fu Ya was exposed? So quickly?" She asked one of the people: "You said that Ji Ling Tian was executed. Is this true or false?"
The grain merchant replied: "He brought people and killed the madam with the surname Yao. That was Imperial Daughter Ji An's mother. It would be strange if His Highness the ninth prince didn't execute him. I heard that he was executed in front of Yao shi's grave along with the officer that actually committed the murder. The blood spewed quite far."
For a while, the people began to discuss the matter of Yao shi, and there were even some that said: "I heard that Yao shi was stabbed through the chest and died pretty horribly."
When Feng Yu Heng heard this, her chest began to ache. It was not as sudden as it had been before, but it was a bit of an aching pain. There was a process that was very slow and painful.
Ban Zou supported her and saw that beads of sweat were appearing on his master's brow. He quickly called Huang Quan and Wang Chuan to help bring her back inside the carriage. He set the carriage in motion and brought along the ten carriages of grains. Without mentioning the matter of buying more grains, they headed straight for Lan Zhou.
Although Feng Yu Heng had been prepared for something bad to have happened to Yao shi, when she personally heard that Yao shi had died, her body's natural reaction was a bit difficult for her to endure. She leaned against Wang Chuan, as tears streamed down her face. Even with Yao shi being the way that she was later on, doing so many evil things to her, she could still remember that appearance that was so similar. In the end, that was still a face that perfectly resembled her mother's face from her previous life! In her previous and current life, the relationship with her mother had been lacking. Who knew if this was a deliberate arrangement by the heavens or if this was just how her life should be.
Although the people at her side could not fully understand her emotions, they could understand the feelings of a girl losing her mother. Huang Quan and Wang Chuan were both orphans. When their family members died, they were still young, so young that they could not even remember them, but nobody wished to be an orphan and live alone. It had occurred more than once that they had imagined their family members still being around. What would their lives be like?
Wang Chuan held Feng Yu Heng. The master that was a few years younger than her caused her to feel some distress. She repeatedly said to Feng Yu Heng: "Young Miss, don't worry. Madam has gone to enjoy a better life."
Feng Yu Heng nodded, but the tears continued to flow.
There were ten carriages filled with grains. Although Feng Yu Heng had wanted to obtain a bit more, after she found out about what had happened to Yao shi, she had no choice but to temporarily give up on the idea of continuing to buy grains. Instead, she quickly headed in the direction of Lan Zhou. But even in this case, ten carriages of grains was not a small amount. The carriages were so full that they were too heavy and required two horses to pull them.
The soldiers guarding Lan Zhou City were Xuan Tian Ming's people. They immediately recognized Feng Yu Heng, and they knew that this could not be a fake because Wang Chuan and Huang Quan were both present! The soldiers quickly gathered around and began to exchange greetings. But Feng Yu Heng's expression was clearly not too great, and Wang Chuan secretly told the soldiers: "Imperial Daughter heard the news about madam Yao." The soldiers heard this and also began to feel pained.
But no matter how listless Feng Yu Heng was, the things that needed to be done would need to be done. She told the soldiers: "The carriages in the back are filled with grains that were bought for Prince Yu's army. Have people unload the grains. I fear that transporting them to Sha Ping City will require camels."
When the soldiers heard that it had been obtained for them, they were all exceptionally happy. They quickly called people to bring the grains out of the carriages and move them into other carriages. Huang Quan paid the drivers of the carriages then sent them back. Only then did she follow Feng Yu Heng and the group transporting grains toward Sha Ping City.
The real Imperial Daughter Ji An had arrived in Lan Zhou. To the citizens of Lan Zhou, this was a big deal, especially since she had brought ten large carriages full of grains to support the army. This was in line with what they had originally thought of the imperial daughter. In addition to this, compared to the earlier Fu Ya, they all felt that this was how the real imperial daughter should be.
Thus the citizens of Lan Zhou sent off Feng Yu Heng, closely following the carriages toward the southern gate. There were even some that had heard that Feng Yu Heng was very heartbroken because of the matter with Yao shi, and they all began to curse that fake imperial daughter. They also loudly promised: "Imperial Daughter, don't worry! This time, our eyes have been opened. As long as that fake imperial daughter is still in Lan Zhou City, we will definitely find her!"
Right before leaving the city, Feng Yu Heng exited the carriage and expressed her thanks to the people of Lan Zhou. She also promised them that she would definitely return to Lan Zhou after the army's matters were concluded. She would personally open a real Hundred Herb Hall. At the same time, she ordered Wang Chuan to remember to write a letter to Ji An Prefecture after they arrived in Sha Ping City. They would tell Wang Lin to send four doctors to this area in preparations for opening a new Hundred Herb Hall.
Leaving Lan Zhou and passing through the South, carriages could no longer be used. They switched to riding camels. Ban Zou had originally wanted to bring Feng Yu Heng ahead, as he knew that Feng Yu Heng was very anxious to reach Sha Ping City. Regardless of whether it was to see His Highness or to bow before Yao shi's grave, they should both be pressing matters.
But Feng Yu Heng did not want to arrive that quickly. There were still some things that she had not had time to think about. Once she really did see Yao shi's grave, she was a little afraid to think about how she should face it.
"Let's just go like this!" She refused Ban Zou's suggestion and lowered her head. While riding the camel, she did not make a single sound. There was nothing that Ban Zou could do. Along with Huang Quan, they remained at her two sides, closely protecting Feng Yu Heng for fear that she might fall from the camel in her current condition.
Finally, as they approached Sha Ping, she stopped her camel and said to Wang Chuan and Huang Quan: "You guys bring the grains into the city first. I will go to her grave to take a look." On the way over, she had asked the soldiers about where Yao shi had been buried. At this time, she just gave the order then had the camel quickly run off in the direction of the oasis to the East of Sha Ping City...
Feng Jin Yuan Having a Great Awakening, Do You Believe It?
The grave that Xuan Tian Ming had prepared for Yao shi could not be considered magnificent, but it was still quite nice. The location had been chosen by Feng Jin Yuan, and it was near a body of water, with a row of trees nearby. In the desert, to be able to choose this sort of location was extremely difficult.
Ban Zou rode on a camel at her side to protect her. While riding through the desert at a frantic pace, he advised her: "If you truly feel uncomfortable, just cry it out. Or just think about how she treated you in the past and why she ended up dying. The very root of this trouble was something that she chose for herself. If she obediently stayed in the capital, and if she did not wildly recognize her daughter, and did not bring Fu Ya to the South to impersonate you, she would not have met with this end. Master, you don't owe her. There's no need to feel guilty."
While he spoke, the two had already reached the oasis. Feng Yu Heng also believed that she would cry, but she found that when she truly faced the very conspicuous grave, her heart was completely calm. Not even the pain from when that situation had occurred with Yao shi came back.
She descended from her camel and walked forward until she reached Yao shi's grave. Only then did she reply to Ban Zou's earlier words. She said: "I have never felt guilty about her. As her daughter, I believe that I have already done everything possible, but Ban Zou, you need to know that she is my mother. There is an unseverable blood bond between that person and this body. Even if we severed ties emotionally, we are still connected by blood. She gave life to this body. To this body, it must always be grateful."
Ban Zou was completely dazed and confused by this. What was this about the body. The way she was speaking, it was as though Feng Yu Heng had not always owned this body. They were two separate entities, but how could that be possible.
He did not continue on this topic and took the initiative to take a few steps forward then kneeled in front of Yao shi's grave to kowtow three times. After all, she was his master's mother. Regardless of what was said, this kowtowing needed to be done.
Feng Yu Heng saw this and thought of something, thus she stepped forward and kneeled, kowtowing three times to the grave. When she raised her head, she saw that the grave had her and Feng Zi Rui's names written on it. In her heart, she was thankful for Xuan Tian Ming's thoughtfulness. Even if she was not the original daughter, Zi Rui was still Yao shi's son. This was something that could not change. For a spot to be left for Zi Rui, it could be considered some kind intentions.
She murmured to herself, and the words that came out of her mouth caused Ban Zou to feel even more confused, as he heard Feng Yu Heng say: "That year in the mountains of the Northwest, I woke up and recognized this world and met Xuan Tian Ming. I also got to know mother and Zi Rui. I once promised her that I would get revenge for her. I would take care of everyone that caused her to suffer. I have always believed that I was in the right. Allowing you to return to the position of head wife of the Feng family and allowing you to take the initiative to divorce Feng Jin Yuan from that position. I gave you a first-rank noble position, and I provided Zi Rui with a great future. I had originally thought that you were happy with it because if you wanted, you could have lived a peaceful life with me in the imperial daughter's manor; however, who knew... that you would no longer recognize me as your daughter."
She spoke with a bit of a depressed tone; however, not a single tear fell. It was as though she had already run out of tears along the way. Now, all that remained was a feeling of calmness. It was as though Yao shi had already passed away many years ago, like her mom from her previous life.
"It was my mistake." She faintly sighed, "It turned out that a mother would have that much of an understanding of her own daughter, and her senses would be so sharp. I had thought that you had accepted Feng Yu Heng's change; however, who knew that I had just thought myself clever and deceived myself. Your mind was clear mirror, and you saw me as a contemptible little character that was acting in a play. Thinking about it now, it really was laughable. But no matter how laughable it is, this play has already been performed to this point. From the capital to the South, it has already reached Gu Shu's territory. I no longer have any room to retreat, nor have I ever thought of looking back. Xuan Tian Ming is still waiting for me up ahead. Since I have already come, I need to accompany him on this path until the end. Rest in peace, as long as I am still in the South, I will frequently come to see you. Even if I return to the capital, I will frequently come to pay respects. Things have always been difficult, and this might just be our fate. This is also the shallow fate between you and me."
After she finished speaking, she stood up and took one last glance at the grave. She then turned around with a resolute expression.
However, she found that there was a man in purple robes standing a short distance behind her. The sand in the desert was kicked up, and the wind caused his inky-black hair to move with the wind, hiding a dreary appearance.
Feng Yu Heng choked up. She did not even cry in front of Yao shi's grave; however, when she saw this person once more, she felt that she was unable to control her emotions. Her lips parted in a grimace, as a miserable look appeared on her face.
Xuan Tian Ming quickly stepped forward and pulled the person into his embrace. He saw Ban Zou's figure sway then disappear, leaving the two alone in the oasis. The sobs grew louder, and eventually became wails.
She did not remember how she ended up crying herself to sleep in Xuan Tian Ming's embrace. She just knew that she was having a very long dream. In this dream, she had returned to her previous world, to a time when her mother was standing before her with a smile. Her belly was extremely round, as she said to her with a joyful expression: "A-Heng, take a guess. Is there a younger brother or a younger sister in mom's belly?"
She replied with a bright smile: "Grandfather already told me. It's a younger brother!"
Her mother smiled sweetly: "That's right! It's a cute younger brother. A-Heng, you must take care of your younger brother in the future."
She really doted on her younger brother; however, who knew that her mom would not live to see her younger brother be born.
This dream passed in a trance and was immediately followed by a face that was exactly the same as her own. Wearing ancient clothes that were coarse and grey in color, she looked to be 12-years-old, and her expression was stubborn and unyielding.
She subconsciously called: "You're Feng Yu Heng!"
That person nodded with a faint expression. She did not appear gloomy nor happy. Even when she told her about Yao shi passing away, that Feng Yu heng just coldly nodded her head without any change in demeanor. But she still said: "I don't blame you. If a person is unable to adjust their own mindset, the end result would be elimination. You already did very well, thank you."
She woke up with this word of thanks, and she had been soaked in a cold sweat.
The place where she had been staying was the residence in Sha Ping City that Xuan Tian Ming lived in. When she sat up, Wang Chuan heard her movements from the outer room and quickly entered. Seeing that she had woken up, she was very happy and quickly asked: "Is Young Miss hungry? You slept for too long. It has been two days since you were last awake."
"Two days? It's been that long?" Feng Yu Heng was a bit flustered then asked: "Where's Xuan Tian Ming?"
"His Highness has gone to the military camp. It's just outside the Southern Gate of the city. It's not far." Wang Chuan went forward to help her and let her lean against the bed. Only then did she hastily go outside to have the servants prepare some congee for her.
Feng Yu Heng did not have much of an appetite, but she was still a bit hungry. She got up and ate a couple bowls before having Wang Chuan help her get cleaned up. When she finished taking care of these things and left the courtyard, she heard a number of the soldiers stationed nearby talking about Feng Jin Yuan.
She felt that this was fresh and sat for a while to listen. These were all soldiers that had come from the military camp outside the capital. They were all very familiar with her, and they recounted what Feng Jin Yuan had done recently in great detail. This caused Feng Yu Heng to furrow her brow upon hearing this.
She asked Wang Chuan: "Feng Jin Yuan has changed. Do you believe it?"
Wang Chuan said: "In truth, just hearing it like this, I do not believe it. But during the two days that Young Miss was asleep, this servant went to the yard where he was staying and personally saw that person severely ill in bed, and we also spoke a bit. There did indeed seem to be a bit of a great awakening, but unfortunately..." Wang Chuan paused for a moment, "I fear that no matter what sort of awakening, it is pointless. He is very severely ill. As for whether or not he can recover, this servant is not too optimistic. How about Young Miss go and take a look?"
Feng Yu Heng nodded, "Then let's go take a look!"
When she arrived, Feng Jin Yuan had just finished taking some medicine. The soldier that had brought the medicine was saying to him: "This medicine was some of what had been leftover by our comrades for you. It was prepared by Imperial Daughter when we left the capital. Each of us brought some along in the event that we might need it. General said that Imperial Daughter will be arriving soon. Those of us without heatstroke symptoms or those comrades who have already begun to recover from heatstroke have given you some of their medicine. When Imperial Daughter arrives, she can replenish the medicine."
These past two days, Feng Jin Yuan had been having some trouble breathing. After taking the medicine, he struggled to breathe for a while before urgently asking: "Did His Highness say when A-Heng will arrive? Can she arrive within two days? Can we ask His Highness to write A-Heng a letter to tell her to come quickly. I fear that if she comes late, I won't be able to see her. Two days, at most two days. I know my body. After two more days, I won't be able to hold on any longer."
The soldier snorted and said with a bit of feeling: "Just look at yourself. You're a grown man, so how can you not even understand this bit of reasoning? Our imperial daughter is a very skilled person. No matter how stupid you are, you should understand that your second daughter is the most reliable! Yet you were able to do so many excessive things in the past?" While he spoke, he shook his head, "Really, a perfectly good family, even we feel that it's a pity. Hah! Forget it, forget it, not to hide it from you, Imperial Daughter actually arrived two days earlier. She first went to Madam Yao's grave and fainted from crying, and she was carried back by the general. If you really want to see Imperial Daughter, just wait a bit longer."
"She... she's already here?" Feng Jin Yuan was a bit hesitant to believe it, but then he reacted and became emotional. But hearing that she had fainted from crying, he felt anxious on the inside. Grabbing the soldier, he asked: "Did she just faint from crying? Is it urgent? Why has she not woken up for two days? Has a doctor been called to take a look at her? That disciple of hers, Song Kang, is quite skilled in medicine. Have him go and take a look at A-Heng!" As he spoke, he still felt uneasy and simply got out of bed to take a look for himself.
Unfortunately, he was too weak, and the illness had spread to his entire body. In addition to this, he had refused to take medicine at the start and missed the most critical time for treatment. At present, he was like a balloon that had been deflated. With each passing day, he was visibly getting thinner.
With this movement, his feet did reach the ground; however, who knew that his legs would not be able to keep him standing, as he directly fell to the ground. The soldier grabbed hold of him and supported him. At this time, he heard a voice speak up from behind him: "Many thanks, young comrade, I'll take over from here!"