Chapter 67: Enemies Meet and Feel Extra Happy!

  The seventh day of summer is somewhat laughable and tearful.

  She didn't expect that the person brought out by the rumors of "divine doctor" would actually be Zhao Mianze.

  This man is no ordinary person, his weight is too heavy.

  Damn it, how can't I lift it up no matter how hard I try?

  To Xia Chu, this man was her everything in life.

  To this man, Xia Chu was just a memory he despised.

  To her, this man was nothing but a piece of crap on the seventh day of summer vacation.

  Even if he's worthless, she still has to accompany him patiently.

  Her heart had turned nine bends, and when she saw her enemy, her eyes should have been especially red with anger, but her face was exceptionally calm, only habitually curling up the corners of her lips, raising an eyebrow, a flirtatious young woman's demeanor, and she gave a courteous bow to the handsome man in the carriage.

  "What advice does this young man have?"

  "Come forward."

  Zhao Mianze's gaze always had a warm intent, like the sun reflected in the ice and snow, although it was warm, but to Xia Chuqi, it was much sharper than the icy snowflakes that pierced her heart.

  Why should I go?

  She smiled and looked over with a hint of playfulness.

  "Little brother, what's wrong with you? Are you ill? Have you gotten into trouble? Is someone in your family dying?"

  Her tone was polite, her face humble, but beneath the surface she was arrogant. Every word that came out of her mouth was laced with venom, yet she showed no intention of backing down. Her insinuations were so over-the-top that they left the person opposite her and the onlookers "ah"-ing in shock, some laughing, others choking back their laughter, but not a single one of them was not taken aback.

  "How bold!"

  A tender cry suddenly burst forth.

  Since ancient times, it has been the case that "the emperor is not anxious, and the eunuchs are anxious to death." Zhao Mianze's calm and gentle face only slightly hesitated, and the little maid standing beside the black lacquer carriage couldn't help but get angry, her small face flushing red with rage.

  "You are so rude! Our master is speaking to you politely, don't you know what manners are?"

  "This is strange, how did I start talking? Could it be that you all can't understand the words of a humble person like me? I'm a doctor, and I was just asking you questions in good faith. Was I wrong?"

  Xia Chuqi furrowed her brow, solemnly clasped her hands together and bowed, not taking the little maid's anger to heart. She was well aware that since Zhao Mianze had not revealed his true identity as the Emperor's eldest grandson, her current response, no matter how improper, would be considered watertight and she wouldn't lose any face.

  Dress up as a pig to eat a tiger, she is the ancestor.

  "You, you're killing me! Do you know who this is? How dare you be so bold!"

  That little girl was so choked that her face turned bright red, and she kept apologizing to the master. Even the guards who were protecting the carriage changed their expressions. Hitting the master's face is like hitting a slave's face; who can feel comfortable about it?

  Unfortunately, Xia Zhiqiu didn't have a single thread of tension.

  She ignored the servant girl's impertinent inquiry, only smiling slightly at the corner of her mouth as she looked towards Zhao Mianze.

  "This young man, as a good doctor, encounters someone injured on the road and provides assistance. Everyone has seen that, which is 'benevolence'. I don't know you all, but when I heard your inquiry, I also asked with courtesy and humility whether there was any illness, which is 'righteousness'. Now, may I ask, how can a humble person like me, who possesses both benevolence and righteousness, be scolded by this 'big-mouthed' person in your household?"

  In an era when Cheng-Zhu's rationalism was defined as orthodoxy, her words were quite sharp.

  Of course, she also dared to speak so calmly because she had grasped Zhao Mianze's thoughts.

  He thought he had obtained a "good person card" from his grandfather, the emperor, and was being gentle and kind everywhere, humble to superiors and generous to inferiors. Everyone said that this son is benevolent, filial, and upright, and will be useful in the future. So, such a person... how could he ruin his good image for her, someone whose background is not even clear?

  Indeed.

  Zhao Mianze's eyelid twitched slightly, and he smiled silently.

  "Take your zither and leave."

  He gently scolded Yatou and turned his gaze to Xia Chuqi, a faint smile on his face, as he suddenly changed the subject.

  "Don't you recognize me?"

  "Have we met before?" Xia Qi asked with a raised eyebrow and a smile.

  "I've seen it before, more than once."

  Zhao Mianze's voice was always gentle, if not for being too familiar with this person's "cruelty" that was carved into his bones, Xia Chuyi could really take him as a sunny and handsome man back then, because he indeed had a warm and pleasant face like white jade.

  What a pity...

  She narrowed her eyes slightly, pretending to be curious, and sized Zhao Mianze up and down. With great difficulty, she suppressed the sarcastic emotions that were galloping through her mind like a thousand wild horses. She casually brushed off her blood-stained clothes and flashed him a faint, enigmatic smile.

  "You look so good, a humble and refined gentleman, elegant and dignified, like an immortal. I'm just a mediocre person, I really can't recognize you. Hehe, anyone who has seen you will remember it vividly. So, sorry, if you have anything to ask me, please speak directly. Look at my sloppy appearance, I was thinking of going back to wash up."

  "Shall we find a nearby teahouse to talk?" Zhao Mianze looked at her.

  "What's the tea house?!" Xia Chuqi raised an eyebrow, still smiling at the corner of his mouth. "I'm afraid it's not quite right? Don't be modest, little brother, I'm in a hurry to go to the market to buy radishes. You all know that as winter approaches, vegetables are scarce, and if you're late, all the good radishes will be taken away, leaving only a pile of black-hearted ones. How can we eat them?"

  Zhao Mianze's face changed slightly.

  "Master Xiao, is this going to thwart my plans?"

  At the beginning of summer, she looked at his beautiful eyebrows and eyes, and some blurry scenes flashed in her mind, but were quickly suppressed by her strong resistance. She just stared quietly at the man who wanted to take a last look before Xia Chulin died, lightly hooking her lips, putting on a mocking face that Xia Chulin would never have had before, for an instant, with a faint smile.

  "If you say so, little brother... then it's settled... bye..."

  Combining ancient and modern, she made a "goodbye" gesture, and casually pulled Li Mo, who was still pursing his lips without speaking. When her hand touched his, Xia Chuyi only then discovered that the palm of Li Mo's hand had become wet at some unknown time.

  It was clear that her cousin was even more nervous than she was.

  Fortunately, Li Mian was sent to the temple to practice Buddhism when he was not yet 14 years old. Moreover, in the past at the Korean government office, she had a cold personality and rarely went out, so there were originally very few people who saw her. What's more, a little girl changes a lot over four years, even if someone has seen her before, they would hardly recognize her now.

  "Halt!"

  A loud shout came from behind them.

  Not Zhao Mianze's man, but from the direction of Ying Tianfu government office.

  It was during the summer of 7th month, when Zhao Mianze's two ink marks were still wet, that the bailiffs from the Yingtian Prefecture government office heard about the murder case. Under the emperor's rule, such matters are still under official jurisdiction. This place is not far from the Yingtian Prefecture government office, and these diligent bailiffs arrived at a relatively fast speed.

  "What's with the blood on the ground? Where is he?"

  A man who looked like a prison guard from the Heavenly Prefecture's government office, with his hand on the hilt of his waist knife, walked over and asked a question. His beady little eyes immediately fell onto Zhao Mianze's carriage, before slowly shifting to Zhao Mianze's face.

  The officials under heaven have such convenience.

  He was taken aback for a moment, his face suddenly changed, and with a "thud" he knelt down in the middle of the street.

  "I didn't know Your Imperial Highness was here, please forgive me."

  With a loud crash, the common people were stunned, and soon they followed the example of the Ying Tian Fu catchers and knelt down to ask for peace. Having no choice, Xia Chuyi and Li Mo also knelt down, but the hatred in their hearts soared.

  "Get up, everyone."

  Zhao Mianze was not as cold and harsh as Zhao Zun, he had always been a gentle person, with a faint smile at the corner of his mouth, after greeting those ordinary people and captors, he said a few words about the case, and then his eyes turned to Xia Chuqi again.

  "Can we go to the tea house and have a chat now?"

  Now he is the Emperor's grandson, can she still say no?

  Of course, Xia Zhi originally didn't think of saying "no".

  She threw out a bunch of bait, just waiting for the fish to bite. Although the caught fish was a bit too fat, she still got the fun of fishing.

  As for her previous refusal, it can be summed up in four words - luring by pretending to yield.

  Men are born inferior, especially Zhao Mianze, who is the most inferior of all. How can an ordinary doctor compare to him?

  And for someone like him, he can't be treated too well like Xia Chu.

  She can even imagine that for a man like him, if a woman likes to go and lick his feet, he will only kick her away; if a woman kicks him away, it's possible that he will turn around and want to lick her feet instead.

  Such trash is just asking for abuse.

  Of course, in her opinion, the cruelest way to deal with a scumbag man is not only to abuse his body but also to abuse his heart.

  One day, she will make him taste the same heart-wrenching pain that Xia Chu had experienced...

  Her eyebrows curved in a smile, her eyes cunning as a fox.

  "It is an honor for me to have a conversation with Your Highness, Long Sun."

  ……

  ……

  A tea house with a green pavilion and red railings was built on the banks of the Qinhuai River. A small arched bridge led to flowing water, and all that could be heard were the melodious sounds of flutes being played. The place was lovely, and the atmosphere was very relaxing. Zhao Mianze dismissed his attendants and ordered them to stand guard at the entrance, then led Xia Chuyi and Li Mo to the second floor of the tea house.

  The wooden ladder is not long, with only about twenty steps.

  Zhao Mianze was in front, Xia Chuyu and Li Mo were behind.

  Looking at his ethereal and otherworldly figure, her heart was very calm.

  It's very strange, always calm.

  It was as if the long-awaited curtain had been lifted, or like a sharp knife that had been whetted for a long time and finally found a place to slash. She was calmly waiting for Zhao Mianze to ask her to go to the East Palace to treat his father, the Crown Prince, and she would certainly "do her best" to get to the bottom of the shocking blood case that had shaken the capital more than two years ago.

  Zhao Mianze walked extremely slowly, and Xia Chuyi's footsteps were also very slow.

  A gentle breeze blew by, and she stroked her icy face, which had become cold at some point. She thought to herself, "Xia Chu, don't rush."

  "Qiuer, look who I've brought for you?" Three people hadn't even entered the tea house's elegant room when Zhao Mianze softly called out.

  At the beginning of summer, on the seventh day, Xia was slightly stunned, and saw a woman sitting quietly in the elegant room.

  About seventeen or eighteen years old, with a light makeup, a head full of jade hairpins, slender figure, wearing a luxurious purple high-collared small chrysanthemum dress, setting off her skin as white as snow.

  A very familiar figure.

  She is Xia Chu's elder sister and also the concubine of Emperor Zhao Mianze, Xia Wenqiu.

  As soon as this beauty appeared, a faint scent of fragrance wafted over.

  She watched as Xia Chuqi slowly approached, her expression slightly startled.

  "Seventh sister?"

  Before the Duke of Wei, Xia Tinggan only had one younger brother, Xia Tingde. The order of the children in the Xia family was arranged together. So, although Xia Chu is called the seventh young lady of the Xia family by everyone, she is actually the only daughter of her father, Xia Tinggan, apart from his sons. However, Xia Tingde was more fertile than his older brother and had many concubines and children in the house, giving birth to six daughters and five sons one after another.

  In the past, old friends were in front of me, and on July 7th, my heart was surging with waves.

  Past events were like a black-and-white film, fragmented and replaying in her mind.

  Ever since the last time in Ba County, Li Miao and she told each other in front of the mirror, there has been a vague part of her memory about Xia Chu. But she knew that was just the tip of the iceberg. In front of her, it was like covering a crimson curtain, some were transparent, some were blurred, and some were mysterious, like an ancient tomb sealed in memory, waiting for her to dig out and find the truth.

  And at this time, there is a suspected truth in front of me.

  The women of the royal family were generally not allowed to show their faces easily, and it was clear that Zhao Mianze had arranged for Xia Wenqiu to wait here first, so she didn't have to go out on the street and be surrounded by people. However, this "coincidence" made her a bit suspicious - the murder of Yuan Xing on Danfeng Street was not just a case of enemies seeking revenge, but rather an intentional arrangement by the Crown Prince's son. As for the reason, it was very likely that he wanted to test Xia Wenqiu, the good doctor of the Jinwang Fu, to see if she had the qualifications to go to the East Palace and treat the crown prince?

  "Seventh sister? Is it you?"

  Nà xià wèn qiū yòu shì tàn xìng de hǎn le yī jù, xià chū qī què zhǐ jiǎ zuò bù zhī.

  Translation:

  That summer asked autumn and shouted another sentence in a probing tone, but Xia Chuyi pretended not to know.

  "Is this...the wife of the eldest grandson?"

  As if completely immersed in extreme excitement and joy, Xia Wenqiu carefully looked her up and down from head to toe, a pair of beautiful eyes quickly turned red, slender wrists stretched out to hold her hand.

  "You really are my seventh sister, you've changed, and even Third Sister can hardly recognize you."

  "Please, madam, don't be mistaken." Xia Chuqi awkwardly withdrew his hand and explained, "You must have mistaken me for someone else. Do I look like your seventh sister? Ha ha, this humble one has traveled far and wide, some say I'm handsome, some say I'm pretty, and some even say I'm as elegant as a jade tree in the wind, rivaling the beauty of a noble lady. Of course, there are also those who say I was born with a face that's begging to be slapped, just looking at it makes you want to hit me. But no one has ever said... that I look like a woman?"

  She seemed to smile but didn't quite say it, and Xia Wenqiu was stunned.

  "Seventh sister you..."

  Xia Qi's face was originally made up, and now it only differs from Xia Chu's by a few points. A person's appearance is often determined by their spirit and eyes. At this moment, under her superficial courtesy and disdainful tone, the cunning between her eyebrows and the bottom of her eyes, like a fox, the emotions in the ripples of her eyes, calm yet playful, smiling yet slightly sarcastic, each word not sharp but with an extra hint of coldness.

  And these are things that would never be seen on Xia Chu's body, which was previously weak and fragile.

  Xia Wenqiu looked stunned and choked several times.

  "Seventh sister, have you gone mad? Ever since you got lost two years ago in the middle of the night, our family has been searching for you frantically. Now that we've finally met again, why are you pretending not to recognize your third sister?"

  Home? Third sister?

  A pair of eyes slightly narrowed, Xia Zhi's smile in early summer.

  "Madam, you're really good at joking, this tone, is truly... laughable."

  "Seventh sister? Why...?" Xia asked Qiu, who seemed to be unable to withstand the blow, her slender figure swaying slightly. Zhao Mianze stretched out his hand and supported her with concern, saying in a low voice, "Qiu'er, let's go inside first. Your body was originally not good, and you're standing in the wind, be careful not to catch a cold."

  Xia asked autumn warmth nodded slightly and looked over, "Seventh sister, let's talk again inside our house."

  What a pitiful third sister!

  Losing to a woman like this, Xia Chu, you're really pitiful.

  For the long-departed Xia Chumu, Xia Chuyi mourned for a moment before curling up the corners of her lips and entering the exquisitely decorated room with a calm gaze, slowly breaking into a smile.

  "Endure the hospitality of the imperial grandson, what's that, bring a pot of Da Hong Pao from the rocky caves on Wuyi Mountain. Right, brother-in-law, what tea are you drinking? Don't be polite with the hospitality of the imperial grandson. You don't know, huh? Alright, let's have the same."

  She pulled Li Mi and entered the Ya Shi room, talking to herself.

  Four people sat cross-legged facing each other, two by two, each with their own thoughts, only Xia Chuqi was laughing heartily.

  "Alright, now it's your turn, Your Highness Longsun. Please tell me what brings you here today?"

  The charcoal fire in the room was warm and cozy. However, it couldn't compare to Zhao Mianze's gentle smile between his eyebrows.

  "Miss Qi, honest people don't speak in riddles. Today, I and Qiu'er have found you, indeed there is something. Two years ago, you left so suddenly, we looked for you with great difficulty. Now that you've returned, our matter should also come to an end, why are you pretending not to recognize old acquaintances?"

  So calm!

  You branded someone with the character "cheap" on their forehead, and now you want to ruin their marriage by taking in their cousin. Now you're talking about "ending it" as if it's as easy as eating and drinking.

  If it wasn't for the fact that it's not yet time to reveal her identity, she really wanted to grab his neck and ask him how he could be so heartless when facing Xia Chu, who loved him with all her heart.

  Thinking of those things, Xia Chui's fists clenched involuntarily.

  "Your Imperial Highness, I don't understand what you are saying."

  "I understand." Zhao Mianze still spoke in a light and gentle tone.

  As they spoke, the tea arrived, and the rising steam was filled with a fragrant aroma. Zhao Mianze personally poured a cup for Xia Wenqiu, gently blowing on the water to cool it down before handing it over, his eyes filled with genuine concern and affection, but no matter how he looked at Xia Qiuyue, she seemed distant and unresponsive.

  Not for her, but for Xia Chu it's not worth it.

  In her heart, she had been raising ten thousand horses made of grass, yet she still wore a smile.

  "What's that? Oh, I see. I forgot to say, the Crown Prince and his wife are really a perfect match, born for each other - dog man and woman."

  She swallowed the three words alive, and smiled with narrowed eyes. However, she heard Zhao Mianze say again, "Seventh Miss, today I and Qiuer came to find you, not to make things difficult for you. The past is already over. Whether it's hatred or resentment, we both have our own faults, and there's no need to blame anyone. Now that I and Qiuer are married, the matter has come to this, Seventh Miss should also be able to see that two years ago I had no intention of being with you, and now even more so, you don't have any reason to force it."

  Whoa!

  On the seventh day of summer, it feels like a beehive has been stirred up in my brain.

  Things from back then...

  He said it's over, can you get over it?

  Furthermore, her arrogant and self-loving attitude is more hateful than any of the arrogant men she met in her past life.

  It's a pity she returned his anger, but what he said also made her very angry.

  Earlier when she entered the tea house, she had thought he asked her over because of his father's illness.

  It doesn't seem so now? Or rather, it's not entirely true.

  What's the point of saying these things to her now that she's already with Xia Wenxi?

  She saw the confusion written all over her face, and Zhao Mianze paused for a moment before saying, "Seventh Miss, my emperor is getting old and nostalgic. The older he gets, the more he remembers his old ministers. Although your father was executed for treason, the emperor still remembers your father's past merits and thinks about how your family has no children to inherit their legacy. He can't bear the thought of it, so he ordered me to find you and force me to marry you."

  Is there such a thing?

  Was the old emperor really so sentimental and righteous?

  Bullshit! Really have feelings and righteousness? Would kill his whole family including his old man?

  At the beginning of summer, her eyes rolled slightly, and a few more puzzled colors appeared in her expression.

  "Your Imperial Highness, the more you say, the more confused I become. I really don't understand."

  "Miss Qi, you understand."

  Zhao Mianze's tone became even more gentle after confirming again.

  "The Emperor said that unless you are willing to divorce voluntarily, our engagement will be valid forever and I will never be able to take another wife. However, Seventh Miss, as you have seen the current situation, everyone was young at that time, even if Mian Ze owes you an apology, it is enough to make up for it now."

  Tired of trying?

  It's really funny.

  Xia Zhi Qi couldn't help but laugh, "The Crown Prince is really good at telling stories."

  No matter how she reacted, Zhao Mianze continued to say, "You have grievances in your heart, but I and Qiuer also have regrets. For the past two years, Qiuer has been crying every day, saying that she owes you an apology. This depression has caused us to lose three children, all of whom were miscarried within a few months. Are two lives not enough? Seventh Miss, you and Qiuer have always had a good relationship, how can you bear to let Qiuer suffer like this?"

  Damn it!

  On the seventh day of summer vacation, I felt what it's like to be truly shameless for the first time.

  That Xia Chu actually met a pair of lunatics, and they would even jump off a cliff for such an unfeeling and unscrupulous man? It's said that heaven arranges people's fate fairly, but Xia Chu's fate is too bitter, isn't it?

  Of course, Xia Qi Qi would not believe that the old emperor was really thinking of her father's merits.

  Almost subconsciously, she felt there must be other reasons for this.

  There is a reason why the old emperor did not want Zhao Mianze to marry Xia Wenqiu as his legitimate wife. Or, there is a reason why the old emperor insisted that Zhao Mianze marry Xia Chu as his legitimate wife.

  But then, upon hearing this "human tragedy" of three miscarriages for the first time, she really wanted to say...

  Heaven is just!

  All things in the world have their cycles of cause and effect.

  Otherwise, ask Xia Qiu why she can't give birth to a child and why she always has miscarriages.

  It serves them right! Who let them be so cheap? A fox spirit who robbed her sister's man, and day and night worries about her safety, is afraid of thinking about how to persuade her to divorce when she comes back. In her limited memory, Xia Chuyu was chased and escaped from Ying Tianfu, where did he leave to escape from them?

  Two completely different things.

  The most infuriating thing is that she snatched someone else's man, and then came to pretend to be pitiful, as if it was all Xia Chu's fault that she couldn't become the legitimate wife now, and even had a miscarriage.

  The little three became the host of suffering, the cheap man came to find the real master to discuss the matter, she was still seeing him for the first time with a true heart.

  Following the usual plot, she should have been angry and splashed a cup of tea on her.

  "This cheap guy is of no use, give him a coffin board."

  But that's too stupid.

  Why bother doing something that makes your enemy feel comfortable?

  She had to let Xia Chu's name occupy that position, engrave it in their hearts, consume them, and suffocate them.

  She thought about it and her heart fell back into place, she curled up her lips and smiled slowly.

  "His Highness Longsun and his wife's relationship is as strong as gold, making me, a humble person, feel truly envious. If I were really the seventh sister of Concubine Mei, I would have followed you to meet the Emperor and fulfilled your hundred-year love affair, after all, a gentleman does not take away what others love. But I apologize, I, Chu Qi, am indeed not the person you are looking for, what a great pity."

  "Seventh sister..."

  Summer asks autumn, and the eyelashes are already covered with tears. The tone is even softer than his mother's cotton ball.

  "Third sister, I know you suffered injustice in the past, but between me and the prince, it was a mutual affection that led to what happened... As a fellow woman, you naturally understand my bitterness and also understand your resentment towards me... But Seventh Sister, why are you so stubborn and refuse to acknowledge our relationship? Although your appearance has changed, how can I not recognize you? Others may not be able to tell it's you, but how could Third Sister not know? Seventh Sister, the past is all my fault. Now that you're back, the prince and I have already become a reality... I've thought about it, and I'm willing to take a step back. The two of us sisters can serve our husband together. What do you think?"

  She said a lot, but Xia Chuqi only heard one sentence.

  What happened was beyond control.

  What's the matter?

  A woman half-covered in a quilt, her whole body weak and limp, was pinned under the man on top of her newly changed sheets. The man panted heavily, while the woman hummed softly, seemingly both pleased and pained. Her pale face was filled with turbulent waves of passion and desire. For a moment, the red waves surged, the thin quilt was soaked with water, and the series of moans shocked Xia Chu deeply at the door.

  She widened her eyes and didn't dare to look directly at him.

  This is her own room, and that is her bed.

  The man is her husband, and the woman is her third sister.

  She was wearing a brand new red wedding dress that she had just tried on...

  In just one more day, she will be marrying that man as his legitimate wife, the husband she has been betrothed to since childhood, and the husband she has always longed to grow old with...

  A faint humming noise, a gasping sound, as if it's right in my ear.

  Xia Qi's reminder suddenly brought up a scene in Xia Chuqi's mind.

  Her body trembled slightly, and her eyes involuntarily took on a hint of coldness.

  To conceal the surge of disgust that was bursting out, she smiled and dug into her ears, tilting her head, putting on a playful and irreverent look.

  "Your Imperial Highness, Concubine, you noble people's thoughts are really beyond my comprehension. But the story I did understand. Your seventh sister is gone, isn't that a good thing? From now on, you two truly loving people can be together, right? What's wrong with being a pair of star-crossed lovers? Since it's true love, what does having or not having a title have to do with anything? And whether or not you have children, what's there to worry about?"

  She asked as if she was being serious, but every sentence pierced one's heart.

  Those two people looked at her, pursed their lips and didn't make a sound.

  She suddenly seemed to have a burst of eloquence, and intentionally sighed as she said, "When I was at home in my hometown, I used to hear the women in the village say that generally, people who are anxious about these superficial names either don't love or don't have confidence in their emotions. They also said that what women fear most is men's belts not being secure, today bringing one back and tomorrow bringing another back, who can bear it? Is that right? Lady, honestly speaking, women need to be careful because their husbands might change their minds, otherwise, one day they'll be kicked out of the house and won't be able to go back to their parents' home, and they won't have any children either. That's truly pitiful. Sorry about this, I talk too much, I'm not talking about you and Lord Longsun, I was just saying it casually, just casually. Let's drink tea, let's drink tea."

  She was calm, but when Xia asked Qiu, her face turned white.

  Zhao Mianze glanced at her, and that gentle and elegant person also furrowed his brow.

  "Miss Qi, you really won't admit it?"

  Xia Qi snorted and looked at her as if she was a monster.

  "Your Imperial Highness, why must you be so polite to someone as insignificant and untalented as I?"

  Xia asked Qi with tears in her eyes and a faint smile, "Seventh sister, don't misunderstand. Third sister doesn't ask for anything else from you now, but just asks you to come back... I'm willing to be a junior, I've said it before, as long as you come back, I'll be a junior all my life, serving you and your husband, taking care of the children, it's all fine."

  Who is Huang Nüying?

  Xia Qi's heart was coldly laughing, and she couldn't help but think that this woman deserved an Oscar. But Zhao Mianze seemed to be in a bit of pain, gently stroking Xia Wenqiu's back, helping her catch her breath, and looking at her with a hint of blame, his tone already slightly impatient.

  "Seventh Miss, I know you resent me deeply. Since that's the case, let bygones be bygones and consider past matters as a debt owed to you by Meng Ze. Now, I have only one request: I hope you can accompany me to see the Emperor and personally tell him that you are unwilling to continue being my wife, asking His Majesty to revoke his decree, so from now on, we two will go our separate ways and no longer be related."

  The predecessor is really funny.

  This is the most disgusting version of a broken engagement I've ever heard on July 7th.

  "Get married separately and have nothing to do with each other?"

  Xia Chuqi smiled as she held the teacup, blew off the water on top, and continued to sip slowly. As her gaze fell on Xia Wenqiu's increasingly pale face, she let out another sigh, looking utterly helpless.

  "Look at the meaning of Long Sun, do you have to admit it? If I were a woman, I could admit it, just for your true love sacrifice. The ridiculous thing is that I am not talented and I am a man! Do you understand men? With a handle! Ha, when I first entered the capital, I heard that Long Sun was a warm and polite gentleman, but I didn't expect to mistake a man for a woman? It's really ridiculous."

  "Miss Qi, you really won't help me with this small favor?" Zhao Mianze looked at her and asked slowly.

  "Your Imperial Highness, I'm afraid Chu is unable to help." Xia Chuyi responded with a faint smile.

  Zhao Mianze's patience seemed to have completely disappeared, and he waved his large sleeve with a single gesture.

  "Someone's here!" Soon, several servant girls rushed in. He pointed to one of them and said softly, "Take her away for a check, see if she's male or female."

  "Yes, master."

  That girl came over at the sound of her name being called.

  "What's going on? Get out of here!"

  With Li Mo present, how could he possibly stand by and watch as Xia Chuyi was taken away? With a "whoosh" she drew her sword, her eyes coldly fixed on Zhao Mianze as she spoke in an icy tone, "Your Highness the Crown Prince, when we left the manor today, the King of Jin entrusted me with a task: to ensure the safety of Imperial Physician Chu. If Your Highness insists on making things difficult for him, it would be equivalent to not taking my lord's words seriously. If there is any mishap after drawing swords, I hope you won't blame me."

  That's a bold statement.

  Xia Chuqi gave her a glance and a "you're really something" look.

  In the capital, reporting to anyone's name is not as effective as reporting to Zhao Zun's name. Unexpectedly, this cousin of hers also knows how to use the tiger's might to intimidate others. Even if Zhao Cengze is arrogant, he dare not easily move against someone favored by Zhao Zun, let alone someone who is known to be deeply cherished by her.

  But...

  She was well-prepared for the inspection.

  Even if it's not investigated today, as long as that face with a few similarities exists, there will be a day when it is investigated.

  In any case, it is necessary to give Zhao Mianze a reassurance.

  "Older brother, don't be in such a rush——"

  Slowly pressing down Li Mo's sword, Xia Chuqi smiled and said, "Since the Crown Prince has an interest, I'll play along. What's a big man like me afraid of? A beauty touching my body? Go ahead and investigate, it's nothing important."

  With a wave of her hand, she casually pulled Li Mei along and was about to follow those two girls.

  In this world, whenever there is a mantis in front, there will always be an oriole behind.

  It was still early on the seventh day of summer vacation, and only a few steps had been taken when a soft, gentle, yet extremely seductive voice entered the room.

  "The Deep Well Tea House is quite lively today."

  The footsteps of Xia Zhong Qi came to a halt.

  She never thought that Dongfang Qingxuan would appear here.

  She had been targeted since early morning, was it just a coincidence again?

  It is clearly more unlikely than a comet hitting Earth.

  Xia Chuqi almost choked on her own saliva.

  With Dongfang Qingxuan around, things became even more difficult.

  "Your Highness, the Crown Prince's son, and your concubine, you're in high spirits today." A stunningly handsome man slowly entered the elegant chamber, his slanted phoenix eyes gleaming like stars, his waist adorned with an embroidered spring knife that accentuated his owner's heroic air beyond his enchanting beauty. On a crimson robe, flying fish patterns were embroidered, and the "Brocade Guard" waist plate on his jade belt was particularly eye-catching.

  No matter where he goes, Dongfang Qingyun is always a stunning figure.

  "Is Commander-in-Chief handling official business or is there something else?" Zhao Mianze smiled faintly.

  "Half public, half private." Dongfang Qingxuan replied cleverly.

  Finally, he slowly turned his head, as if he had just seen Xia Chuyi, and his phoenix eyes narrowed slightly.

  "Chu Xiao Lang, long time no see?"

  In front of Dongfang Qingyun, he pretended not to recognize him, obviously not clever enough. Xia Chuyi closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and sat back down with a crash, lazily drinking a mouthful of tea before letting out a comfortable sigh.

  "Good tea. Governor, how have you been?"

  "I'm fine myself, but I've heard that Chu Xiaolong is unwell?"

  With a dry laugh, Xia Chuqi touched his nose and said, "Thanks to the great commander's concern, I think it's not easy to be unharmed. However, after not seeing you for many days, Commander, you look even more beautiful?"

  "Kiss up!"

  The Eastern Blue Ribbon was wearing a fiery red dress, and she walked towards her with a gentle smile. Her beauty was both charming and elegant, with a radiant complexion and a subtle flush on her cheeks. She seemed to be surrounded by an aura of refinement, like the warm breeze that rustles the petals of peach blossoms in spring. As she drew closer, her demeanor became even more affectionate.

  "These days, I often think of you."

  "Really?" Xia Chun's heart was racing as she guessed how he would expose her identity, while calmly joking with him, "To be remembered by the great commander is truly a blessing for me, I will burn three incense sticks to my ancestors and ask them to continue to bless me, so that I can continue to receive your favor."

  "Chu Xiaolang's glib tongue is still so quick and clever."

  "How dare I? How dare I! This young man's words are all true."

  "Really? Then tell me, how much silver is left unpaid to the Duke of Jin?" asked Dongfang Qingxuan with a smile.

  "Haha, does the Grand Commander even know about this kind of thing?" Xia Chuyi's voice was almost squeezed out from between her teeth.

  "How pitiful! The taste of paying off debts with one's own body must be unbearable, huh?" He laughed again.

  "It's all right, it's all right, the fun of two people in their boudoir is not enough to be told to outsiders." She said with a casual laugh.

  "Do you need my help?"

  "Marshal, you're being too kind, I'm a bit unaccustomed to it?"

  "I'm also not quite used to it."

  "Shall I give you one more chance to be a good person?"

  "What did you say?"

  "Can you introduce me to a place where I can sell blood?"

  Dongfang Qingxuan was taken aback, Xia Chuqi burst out laughing with a big smile on his face. The two of them chatted as if no one else existed, exchanging words in a lively and playful manner, like the ducks from the East family and the chickens from the West family, completely lacking in substance but full of warmth, just like old friends reuniting and playfully teasing each other.

  Zhao Mianze was taken aback for a moment, narrowed his eyes, and finally couldn't help but interrupt.

  "Does the Grand Commander recognize her?"

  Eastern Blue Mystic smiled slightly, "That's natural, she is after all——"

  He raised his charming voice, and his phoenix eyes scanned Zhao Mianze's face again to Xia Chuqi. He stared at her until her heart beat faster, then he slightly raised an eyebrow, gave her a smile that was as elegant as the wind, and said in his unique soft tone.

  "The good doctor of the King of Jin's palace."

  His answer made Zhao Mianze somewhat unexpected, "Is the Grand Commander certain?"

  Eastern Qingxuan smiled lightly, "Your Highness the Crown Prince, I met Chu Yiguan in Jin Chengfu back then and naturally wouldn't mistake him. At that time, he was still a village doctor, it was also by chance that he saved and treated King Jin, which caught your eye, allowing him to enter the palace, this matter, Qingxuan is well aware of."

  Zhao Mianze's warm eyes flashed a cool light, "Is he really surnamed Chu?"

  The Eastern Blue Mystic smiled calmly and quietly, "Indeed."

  Zhao Mianze's scrutinizing gaze fell on Xia Chuyi's face once again, and after a long while, he let out a sigh.

  "That was rude of me, please don't mind it, Doctor Chu."

  "It's nothing, it's nothing, Your Imperial Highness has been too polite."

  Smiling and responding on the seventh day of summer, but in her heart she was beating a big drum.

  What is Dongfang Qingxuan doing?

  Why help her in such a roundabout way?

  She can be sure that the Eastern Demon People have learned her true identity, and the last time they wanted to capture her in the capital was also because of this matter. So, she is even more puzzled, since Dongfang Qingxuan is a member of the Three-Legged Cauldron and a supporter of Zhao Mianze, why doesn't his heart lean towards Zhao Mianze entirely? Why does he deliberately hide from him?

  A few people chatted for a while and the atmosphere seemed to ease up.

  Dongfang Qingxuan leaned against his forehead as if he was tired, smiled lightly and bid farewell to Zhao Mianze, then turned his head to look at Xia Chuqi.

  "Officer of Chu, Qing Xuan sees you off on your journey, how is it?"

  A man as radiant as a demon, with phoenix eyes as beautiful as fire. He looked at her, his tone gentle, but Xia Chuyi's heart was tightening in wave after wave, and it wasn't until after a while that she replied faintly.

  "Thank you, Governor."

  What's destined to happen will always come true.

  If Dongfang Qingxuan wanted to deal with her, he wouldn't have deliberately helped her out just now.

  "That's best. When old friends meet, they should always have a chat."

  A gentle voice like a warm breeze entered her ears, and she was enveloped by a large red figure. The Eastern demon, relying on his "familiarity" and male identity, pulled her wrist without courtesy, slowly turned back to gesture to Zhao Mianze, and stepped towards the door.

  "Seventh sister, wait a moment——"

  Xia Wenqiu suddenly shouted, and saw Xia Chuyi stop in his tracks, only then did he change his tone.

  "Wait, Dr. Chu."

  A cold smile in her heart, Xia Chuqi turned around and said, "I don't know what orders Madam Xi has?"

  Xia asked in autumn with a puzzled face, "You really aren't Seventh Sister?"

  Here is the translation:

  "Here we go again! Xia Chuqi hooked her lips and asked in return, "Can Seventh Sister heal?"

  "Summer asked autumn, slightly stunned, 'No.'"

  "Isn't that over? Lady, you and your sister grew up together since childhood, she would know what's going on, so I'm not her. " Looking at her disappointed face, Xia Chuqi curled up his lips, and suddenly had some bad thoughts in his heart. He walked over with a warm attitude, asking Xia Qiuyue to borrow a step to talk. It wasn't until the two of them left the house and turned around the corner that she told her in a relaxed tone.

  "Madam, since Chu Xiang is so similar to your younger sister in appearance, it's also fate. I'll have to remind you a few more things. This child of yours has been having miscarriages one after another, which is an illness that needs treatment. Do you understand? If you think my humble self is worthy, just send someone to the Jin Wang Fu to find me and I'll prescribe a few doses of medicine for her to take, and she's sure to give birth to a boy."

  Xia asked Qiu and sighed, still like a big sister.

  "Don't be surprised, Doctor Chu. You look so much like my seventh sister. As soon as I saw your face, I thought of my poor seventh sister, but now, who knows where she has drifted to and what kind of suffering she has endured. Thinking back to those days, my two sisters were together every day, cutting flowers under the window, and admiring plum blossoms in the snow. What a carefree and joyful life that was!"

  Xia Chuiqi suddenly furrowed her brow in puzzlement.

  "Madam said so, but I am a bit puzzled. Since you and your sister are so close, why did you snatch her husband?"

  She asked bluntly, but Xia Wenqiu seemed to be completely unaware of her sarcasm and said sadly.

  "It's me who wronged San Jie, even if it means death..."

  "Hey, hey, I was just kidding." Xia Chuqi smiled and comforted, "However, Madam, I may not have any other skills, but when it comes to women's diseases, I do have some tricks up my sleeve. And as for the price, heh heh, you get what you pay for, right?"

  "Really want to cure?"

  "Of course, habitual miscarriage is called habitual abortion, you know? To be honest, I was also moved by the true love of you and His Highness today. If I treat you, I'll give you a 20% discount, that is, I'll only charge you 80% of the silver. Others would charge 100 taels, but you only need to pay 80 taels. Others would charge 1,000 taels, but you only need to pay 800 taels."

  "So expensive!"

  "Oh, big sister, are you the lord's wife? How can you be short of this little bit of money? Besides, look at you two, married for two years and still no child to dote on. You should really take some medicine. Otherwise, if another concubine gets pregnant first, you won't even have the position of legitimate wife, what status will you have in the manor then?"

  She was stared at by her seemingly smiling but not quite smiling eyes, and Xia Wenqiu took out a handkerchief to wipe her red eyes.

  "I have a good relationship with Mian Ze, he won't... take any more concubines again."

  "It's not necessarily..."

  With a lazy raise of her eyelids, Xia Qi Qi slowly and languidly teased her, "Your Highness now has the demeanor of an immortal, what kind of person will you be in the future? There's no need for me to say more, right? At that time, in the Eastern Palace or the Imperial City, there will be many women waiting in line... won't there?"

  Xia asked autumn, and her complexion was somewhat pale.

  It seems that you've seen through it, Xia Qiuli smiled again, "Sister, as a woman, no matter what, you should have a legitimate son by your side. If this root of the disease is not removed, you will not have children for the rest of your life. Even if the emperor favors you for two or three years, can you guarantee that you will still be favored in ten or eight years?"

  After a few words, Xia's face had turned from pale to ashen.

  Xia Qiqi was originally a smooth talker, and if modern women heard this, they would be terrified. Not to mention the feudal era's women who regarded their husbands as heaven. What's more, Xia asked Autumn to marry a royal grandson, someone who might inherit the throne in the future. Without a son, could she bear it?

  "Madam, think carefully about it. Chu is waiting for your good news in the Jin Wang's mansion."

  Digression

  Dong dong dong... Is the dish ready?

  Why does Da Dudu want to help Chu Qi?

  Why did the old emperor insist on Zhao Mianze marrying Xia Chu?

  What was the purpose of the tattoo punishment back then? What kind of entanglement did these people have?

  And on the seventh day of the first month, how will Xia Zhe ask about "fetal protection"? Is Zhao Mianze not a person who can be easily fooled?

  To be continued tomorrow...