Yesterday's moonlight made Ruoruo nervous. Today's monthly votes also make me nervous. There is clearly so much more. I should thank everyone, but thinking of tomorrow, I'm afraid everyone won't have any votes. Alas … starting at noon tomorrow, the monthly votes will double. Please support me. Also, Fan Xian's career as a matchmaker ends today. Although I like it, my days of leisure come to an end because I am about to die of exhaustion. These few days have not been relaxing at all.)
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After King Jing's rebellion in Jingdou, he became more and more silent. Other than weeping at the empress dowager's national funeral, he never entered the Palace again. His part-time gardener also never appeared in front of the officials again. The manor became the quietest place in Jingdou. This door was only open to a few people, including Fan Xian.
Fan Xian tilted his head and placed his finger on King Jing's wrist. His brows furrowed slightly. A moment later, he released his finger. After thinking for a while, he said, "I caught a cold two years ago and have long recovered. However, there is something wrong with this pulse. I can't tell what it is."
King Jing glared at him and said, "Bullsh * t. What can you learn from that old fellow Fei Jie? Get out of the way, get out of the way. I don't need the ready-made famous doctor of Qing Shan, so what are you blocking my way for? "
The famous doctor of Qing Shan referred to Fan Ruoruo. After Ruoruo entered the manor, she had been particularly quiet because she didn't know how to face King Jing. Hearing these words and being glanced at with a smile by Wan 'er, she knew she couldn't avoid it. She went forward and curtsied. Then, she carefully took his pulse.
Fan Xian suppressed a smile and went to the side. King Jing's body was under the care of him and the Imperial Academy of Medicine. Of course, there was nothing wrong. Earlier, he had just put on a show with the King to let Ruoruo relax.
However, King Jing looked at Fan Ruoruo's comforting appearance. It was as if he had seen Li Hongcheng and the woman in front of him getting married. His smile was very strange. It made it impossible for Ruoruo to relax. Fortunately, once Fan Ruoruo saw the King as a patient, her expression became natural. A moment later, she furrowed her brows and said, "What's wrong? The King's body is very good. "
"I look old, but I'm in good health. Hongcheng takes after me."
King Jing squinted at the girl in front of him and said, "Ruoruo, you're not young anymore. If you were in another family, you would have been married long ago. It was your brother who caused trouble in the past and sent you away."
Speaking of this, King Jing glared at Fan Xian. Shortly after, he warmly said to Ruoruo, "I have to think about it."
Fan Ruoruo's face suddenly turned white. She turned her head to look at her brother, but she didn't know where the shameless Fan Xian had run off to, leaving her alone in this room.
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In another part of the manor, Lin Wan 'er sat by Fan Xian's side and said in a small voice, "Be careful. After we return to the manor, I will tear off your skin."
Fan Xian shrugged nonchalantly. "My sister has never dared to yell at me, unlike you."
Lin Wan 'er had already given birth to a son. Her greatest wish had been fulfilled. Additionally, she was busy every day dealing with the matters of the Fan clan and the Hangzhou Conference. She was extremely busy, but she had gradually developed a dignified and wealthy appearance. Her body was even more well-rounded.
However, this princess could never be dignified by Fan Xian's side. Hearing these words, she gritted her teeth angrily and pinched him. "You only know how to use words to stab me."
"It's good to be more active. You're still a little girl. Why pretend to be the mistress of the household?" Fan Xian laughed loudly. "It's just that the way you cut your throat with a knife in the past is pretty good."
This was an old matter of when a son had climbed over the wall and entered the room. Hearing him bring it up, Lin Wan 'er couldn't help but feel embarrassed. She also forgot what she had wanted to say earlier. Fan Xian thought for a moment and then quietly said by her ear, "I went to Dingzhou to see Hongcheng. These two years, I've also sent people to keep an eye on him. Although he used to play among the flowers, he is no longer like that now. Do you think there is a possibility between him and Ruoruo?"
Lin Wan 'er glanced at him and thought, In this world, only someone like her husband would have so many strange thoughts. His sister was already so old, yet he was starting to worry. What had he been doing in the past?
"Didn't you say that if my sister was not willing, you would rather she not marry?" She opened her eyes wide and asked curiously. "Why did you change your mind? No wonder you left her with the Prince. "
Fan Xian felt a headache coming on. "If I don't like him, of course I won't marry. The problem is, where in this world can I find a better man than Hongcheng?"
Hearing these words, Lin Wan 'er also felt anxious for her sister-in-law. She began to furrow her brows and think hard to see if there were any good families in Jingdou. No matter how she thought about it, she couldn't find a single family based on her sister-in-law's standards.
This couple's statuses were noble beyond words. When they handled matters, they were also incomparably intelligent. In some areas, they were somewhat simple-minded. No wonder when they first met in the Qing Temple, they looked at each other like tortoises looking at mung beans. After thinking for a while, she still couldn't think of anything. Lin Wan 'er was the first to give up and said, "If she doesn't want to marry, then she doesn't. Is the manor afraid of not being able to raise a girl?"
Hearing these words, Fan Xian was very happy. He thought that Wan 'er was indeed gradually changing under his influence and was about to break away from the evil feudal thinking.
He and his wife huddled together in a corner of the hall, smiling and chatting. In the other room, Sisi and a few old nannies were holding a child and talking with Princess Rou Jia. Rou Jia curiously held the baby and held it carefully. Looking at the baby's cute appearance, she couldn't help but laugh. Her bell-like laughter rang through the hall. The scene was joyful, natural, and intimate.
Disturbed by the laughter, Fan Xian raised his head from Wan 'er's ear and glanced at Rou Jia, who was wearing a red pomegranate dress. His eyes narrowed. It was clearly a somewhat gaudy dress, but on the Princess's body, it contrasted with her obedient personality and instead added a few points of brightness and beauty.
The Princess was no longer young. The 12-year-old Rou Jia who had once shyly and quietly called out "Brother Xian" had already become a big girl. Her personality was as obedient and pleasant as ever. She had a noble status, but she served the Prince, respected his concubines, and treated servants well. Her reputation in Jingdou was very good. Who knew how many noble families stared anxiously at the Prince's manor, waiting for it to speak.
Rou Jia had turned 17 this year. Logically speaking, she should have been married a long time ago. However, the Emperor in the Palace pitied King Jing for being alone in his manor, so he had delayed the matter for two years. But, it couldn't be delayed forever. King Jing had a son and a daughter. Hongcheng was nearly 30, but he still refused to marry and hid in Dingzhou. This daughter had to marry someone.
According to the rumors Fan Xian had heard, the Palace would appoint a marriage for Rou Jia at the end of the year. According to Lao Dai, there were already many Duke's manors and officials secretly wrestling in the Palace. They all had their eyes on this marriage.
Although taking a princess home would bring many inconveniences and affect one's future, Rou Jia's reputation in the capital was too good. No one cared about this. As for his future, Sir Fan junior had also married a princess. Was he not also unparalleled in power?
Everyone thought this way and did their best to approach the concubines in the Palace. Some sharp-eyed and cunning people thought of Fan Xian's relationship with King Jing's manor, as well as the weight of his words in front of the concubines. They thickened their skin and went to beg Fan Xian.
Thinking of this, Fan Xian couldn't help but smile bitterly. He gazed at Rou Jia holding the child in a daze. In the blink of an eye, Rou Jia was about to marry. He had been in the capital for five years. This change always unconsciously made people at a loss. Who knew which family's son would benefit such a gentle and beautiful princess?
Rou Jia carefully held the young master and moved closer to Sisi. She wanted to see the difference between Fan Xiaohua and Fan Liang's little faces.
Perhaps it was because holding a baby made her think of her own marriage, but the expression in her eyes was uneasy and perplexed. Although Sisi had already been a mother for two years and followed Wan 'er to manage the affairs of the manor, the impudence she had been influenced by Fan Xian had not changed at all. She moved closer to Rou Jia's ear and said something.
Sisi's voice was very low, but Princess Rou Jia's eyes grew brighter and brighter as she nodded repeatedly.
"I don't know what this girl is up to again." Lin Wan 'er's eyes were sharp. She saw this scene and reminded Fan Xian.
Fan Xian's heart was also beating like a drum. He watched as Princess Rou Jia handed the child to the old nanny, tidied her dress, and slowly walked over.
Rou Jia bowed deeply to him and half crouched on the ground. In a quiet voice, she said, "Brother Xian."
It had been five years. Each time the blushing, shy, and incomparably gentle Princess said "Brother Xian," Fan Xian would feel numb all over and want to run away. He quickly helped her up with a serious expression and said, "Sister Rou Jia, how can I do this?"
The Princess refused to get up. With a rare stubbornness, she said, "Brother Xian, you have to promise me one thing. Otherwise, I won't get up."
"You have to say it first and then see if I can do it." Fan Xian looked at Sisi, who pretended not to have done anything. His heart thumped. He felt that this matter would certainly be troublesome.
Rou Jia was slightly embarrassed. Her face reddened. Using a mosquito-like voice, she said, "After the New Year, the Palace is going to appoint a marriage. I hope you can make the decision."
Fan Xian was startled. How could he make the decision on such a matter? Seeming to guess what he was thinking, Princess Rou Jia said, "You are an official of Taichang Temple. How can you not make the decision?"
Fan Xian tasted bitterness in his mouth. He thought that it was truly not easy to be an official of Taichang Temple. Regardless of whether it was the Great Prince taking a Secondary fei or the Princess getting married, he had to waste his brains no matter what.
Thinking of this, he felt a great anger toward Ren Shao 'an. Originally, Ren Shao' an was his good friend and the most capable support of the three temples in court. However, the Great Grandmaster battle at Dong Mountain two years ago had scared Sir Ren out of his wits. Within half a year, he had found another place to work and run away. In the end, the position of official of Taichang Temple was handed over to Fan Xian's hands.
Fan Xian was silent for a moment and then said awkwardly, "You are a proper Princess. Naturally, the Palace decides your marriage. How can I interrupt?"
Rou Jia raised her face. The rims of her eyes were red as she said, "Ruoruo's marriage, you have a way. Why can't Rou Jia? Does Brother Xian really have the heart to watch your sister marry poorly? "
Another "Brother Xian" and the endless hidden bitterness in her eyes. How could Fan Xian not know what this Princess was thinking in her head? He silently groaned.
The two of them were cousins. It was only after Rou Jia grew up that she gradually gave up on this idea. However, how could the man of a young girl's first awakening of love be easily erased? Even though Rou Jia didn't have any feelings for Fan Xian, she still saw him as the brother she could rely on the most. She was even closer to him than Hongcheng.
Fan Xian was helpless. He looked at the tears that seemed to be about to fall from Rou Jia's eyes. The cute expression of the little girl under the grape trellis seemed to rise again in front of his eyes. His heart softened. He truly couldn't bear for the Palace to randomly appoint a marriage. Immediately, his heroic spirit rose. "Fine, fine, leave this matter to me. I'll pick out all the young people of suitable age in the capital. Separated by a curtain, I'll let you choose yourself!"
"If the Palace can choose a wife, I can also choose a good son-in-law for you."
Hearing these words, everyone in the room was shocked. They thought this was too improper. Rou Jia's sorrow turned to joy. She smiled happily and bowed again and again to Fan Xian. Then, she carefully stood by his side and pulled on the corner of his sleeve. It was as if she was afraid that he wouldn't keep his word and would run away at any moment. Happily, she said, "Thank you, Brother Xian."
Lin Wan 'er covered her mouth and smiled. She thought to herself that Sisi's idea was indeed not bad. Her husband indeed couldn't bear it. Perhaps only a scoundrel like him would think of such a shocking idea as choosing a son-in-law through a curtain.
At this moment, Lin Da Bao, who had followed a servant to clean up King Jing's vegetable garden, walked in from outside the hall. His body was covered in mud, and his hands were black. Seeing this, Lin Wan 'er quickly went to greet him. Her heart ached as she called for someone to fetch water to wash his hands.
Unexpectedly, Da Bao only stared in a daze at Fan Xian and Rou Jia, who was holding his sleeve. He wondered why this little girl wanted to steal his place. His mood was not good. Pulling Wan 'er's hand, he walked to Fan Xian's side and grabbed Fan Xian's other sleeve. Glaring at Rou Jia, he mumbled, "Little Xianxian, I'm hungry. I want to eat buns."
Everyone laughed. Only Fan Xian's expression was extremely helpless.
… …
Princess Rou Jia and Fan Ruoruo had grown up together, so their friendship was very good. It was the first time Ruoruo had returned to Jingdou. The two girls had a lot to talk about. By the time night fell, they still hadn't finished. King Jing waved his hand and had the princess leave with the Fan manor's carriage. It wouldn't be too late to return to the manor after staying at Fan manor for five or six or seven days.
Two days later, Fan Xian took his sister out of the city again. This time, they were going to Chen Garden on the outskirts. The road was long and difficult to walk. Additionally, the newly built Chen Garden had more beautiful concubines with bare chests and stomachs. Each time Wan 'er and Sisi went, they got a headache. Thus, they were determined not to go. Princess Rou Jia was also determined not to go because she was afraid of the old Director.
Fan Xian and his sister could only go by themselves. Chen Pingping was an elder. Additionally, he was once Fan Jian's comrade-in-arms. After Fan Ruoruo returned to the capital, it would be inexcusable if she didn't go to see him.
Entering Chen Garden, the scenery was the same, perhaps even better than before. The fire during the old Qin family's rebellion, other than giving Chen Pingping more reasons to ask the palace treasury for silver, did not have any effect. The green rock garden was still the same mountain. The ambushes in the surrounding forest were still as tight as ever. The beautiful women in the garden were still as beautiful as ever. Even the one singing was still Sang Wen's sister.
After entering the garden, they exchanged a few words. Fan Xian had wanted to tell Chen Pingping in detail about the Emperor's arrangements in Xiliang and the problems in the Council. Unexpectedly, the old cripple in the wheelchair waved his hand and stopped him from opening his mouth.
It had been two years. Ever since Fan Jian retired and returned to Danzhou, Chen Pingping had completely relinquished the power of the Overwatch Council. He didn't even want to listen. Perhaps Fan Xian could understand some of the hidden meaning, but he was still not used to it.
When he opened his eyes in this life, the first people he saw were Uncle Wu Zhu and the old man in the wheelchair. From Danzhou until he entered the capital, he had grown up under this old man's careful care and cruel training. Chen Pingping's will ran through his life. It was like the tree in Danzhou's back garden, shielding him from the wind and rain.
He was used to Chen Pingping standing behind him and helping him solve his greatest problems. Once Chen Pingping sank into silence, he sank into a slight unease.
Chen Pingping grew older with each passing day. The wrinkles at the corners of his eyes grew deeper. Fortunately, he didn't have to deal with Council affairs in these two years. He could only relax in Chen Garden, so his spirit was not bad. He didn't mind Fan Xian's dim unease. With a slight smile, he chatted idly with Fan Ruoruo. When they brought up Qing Mountain in Northern Qi and Ku He's death, he sighed slightly.
The old cripple was becoming more and more like a common old man at the entrance of a village and not the dark monarch who once controlled the world. Even Fan Ruoruo was not used to this kind of change.
After leaving Chen Garden, Fan Xian was silent for a long time in the carriage. He then quietly asked, "How much longer can he live?"
He had brought Ruoruo here today to visit. He also wanted to use his sister's excellent medical skills from Qing Mountain to confirm the end of Chen Pingping's life. Fan Xian hoped that the old cripple could have a long and happy old age.
"The Director suffered a few serious injuries a dozen years ago. Both of his legs were broken a long time ago, and his meridians are blocked. Two years ago, he was poisoned. Logically speaking, his body is weak and his qi is exhausted. He could be in danger at any moment." Fan Ruoruo's brows furrowed slightly. She didn't understand. "However, the Imperial Academy of Medicine has treated him well these two years. He should be able to hold out for a few more years."
Fan Xian didn't make a sound. He took out a few pieces of paper from his clothes and handed them over. "The Imperial Academy of Medicine doesn't seem to have such good methods to write out this prescription and take such good care of the old Director's body. They are even better than Sir Fei."
Fan Ruoruo accepted the prescription and examined it closely. Her heart jumped. She couldn't resist glancing at her brother and said, "This is a prescription from Chen Garden?"
"Doesn't it look familiar?"
"His skill in using medicine to diagnose illnesses is above mine. It is very accurate, without a trace of excess. Furthermore, the technique is very familiar."
Fan Ruoruo gently bit her lower lip. She knew why her brother wanted her to look at this prescription. Practicing medicine and using medicine was actually like martial cultivation. Each had its own schools of thought. How long each medicine should be used, what illness it was targeted at, and what technique to use, as long as one had immersed themselves in medicine for a long time, they would be able to smell something. Furthermore, the person who wrote these prescriptions had a close relationship with Fan Ruoruo.
Fan Xian closed his eyes and said, "Has it been two years since Mu Peng, who taught you medicine on Qing Mountain, returned to Northern Qi?"
Fan Ruoruo looked at her brother and nodded. She wanted to say something but stopped. Fan Xian knew what his sister was worried about. From a certain perspective, Ku He's disciple, Mu Peng, was his sister's teacher in medicine. She did not want her brother to act against him.
"I don't even have time to thank him. Why would I act against him? I just don't understand why, as a disciple of Tianyi Dao, he would come to the Qing Kingdom to do these things," Fan Xian said coldly with his eyes closed.
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To investigate a matter, the easiest way was to confront it in court and question it face to face, particularly if it involved a secret that could not be revealed.
On a cloudy afternoon, a black-clothed man wearing a straw hat walked directly up to a two-story building in the Lotus Pond Square in the west of Jingdou, a place where all sorts of people mingled. Quietly, he entered. With a flip of his hand, a black dagger faintly stretched out and gently placed it across a person's neck.
The layout of the room was simple. The person was packing a bag by the bed as if preparing to go on a long journey. He was dressed as a doctor. He felt a chill on his neck, prickling until all the hairs on his neck stood up.
He was Mu Peng, Ku He's second disciple. He was the most skilled doctor in all of Northern Qi. Two years ago, under the Great Master's last orders, he had entered deep into the Qing Kingdom and thought of every way possible to get close to Chen Pingping. He used his marvelous medical skills to gain Chen Pingping's trust and found an excuse to hide his identity.
Although he was a doctor, Ku He's disciple was no ordinary person. For someone to be able to use the noise of the Lotus Pond Square to sneak in and place a knife across his neck without a sound, he knew that the assassin behind him had to be one of the most powerful people in the world.
Mu Peng didn't turn his head. No one saw him move, but a ball of powder hit the black-clothed man's face with a puff. This move was incomparably cold and showed great skill. A disciple of Tianyi Dao was indeed not simple.
The powder rustled down his straw hat. Fan Xian closed his eyes. He didn't make a muffled sound. He didn't even breathe because he knew that this medicinal powder contained a terrifying poison. In a miscalculation, he didn't swipe the black dagger. Instead, he gently flicked his finger and stabbed a poisonous needle into the back of Mu Peng's neck.
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