Chapter 35 Two in One
On the night Wei Jing Mo returned, he developed a high fever. The entire night he was in a delirious state, causing the entire Northern Marquis mansion to be brightly lit all night.
Shen Ke slowly stood up from the chair after watching the court physician withdraw his hand from taking the pulse.
He hurriedly stepped forward and anxiously asked, “How is he? Is Mo’er in any serious condition? When will he regain consciousness?”
The court physician gave him a reassuring look and comforted, “There’s no need to worry, Zheng Jun. The young master has caught a chill. Let me write two prescriptions, and have the medicine prepared according to them for the young master. After taking it and resting for another night, he should be fine by tomorrow morning.”
Seeing Shen Ke relax, she added, “However, remember he must not catch another chill tonight! Otherwise, if the illness recurs, it may damage his constitution.”
Shen Ke immediately nodded in agreement, then turned to the people behind him and instructed, “Tao Yun, go with Dr. Ding to prepare the medicine. Qing He, go and have people bring in more braziers, don’t let the young master get cold!”
“Yes!”
After the two left, Shen Ke looked once more at Wei Jing Mo lying on the bed. Only then did he turn and leave the room, coming to the side chamber.
At this time, Dong Qing and Dong Gua were kneeling on the ground.
Shen Ke’s expression darkened when he saw the two, and he asked coldly, “What exactly happened to the young master? Why did he suddenly develop a high fever when he was fine before? How exactly were you two taking care of him!”
Dong Gua knelt on the ground, sobbing quietly.
Dong Qing was relatively more composed. With reddened eyes, he replied to Shen Ke, “Today at Phoenix Lake, the young master accidentally fell into the water.”
“Fell into the water?”
Shen Ke immediately frowned, “What exactly happened?”
Dong Qing then told Shen Ke everything that had happened that day, including how Feng Bai Su had saved Wei Jing Mo.
Shen Ke hadn’t expected such a thing to happen. After hearing Dong Qing’s words, his expression became even more unpleasant.
“You’re saying that after the young master fell into the water, he was rescued by the Seventh Princess, and she even carried him away in front of everyone?”
Dong Qing nodded.
Hearing this, Shen Ke fell silent for a moment.
He stood still for three seconds, then suddenly stood up. Not bothering to punish the two for their negligence, he hurriedly walked towards the front courtyard.
As soon as Wei Yun returned to the mansion, she learned about Wei Jing Mo’s high fever from the servants.
She didn’t even have time to change her clothes before heading towards Wanyue Pavilion. However, she hadn’t gone far when she ran into Shen Ke.
Seeing his hurried manner, she immediately asked in a deep voice, “What’s wrong? Has something happened to Mo’er?”
After seeing her, Shen Ke’s expression became somewhat serious. After dismissing the servants on both sides, he told Wei Yun what he had heard from Dong Qing.
Towards the end, he looked somewhat troubled, “My Lord, what should we do about this?”
After hearing the course of events, Wei Yun couldn’t help but press her lips together. After pondering for a moment, she suddenly turned and walked out.
Seeing this, Shen Ke quickly called out, “My Lord! Where are you going?”
“To the palace, to request a marriage decree!”
Wei Yun said without looking back, then strode out.
Leaving Shen Ke standing alone, muttering softly, “So we’re really going to let Mo’er marry that Seventh Princess…”
He pressed his forehead with a bit of a headache, feeling that this was all such a mess!
Afterwards, he turned back towards Wanyue Pavilion, wanting to ask about what had happened when Wei Jing Mo woke up.
——
By the time Wei Yun entered the palace, it was already dark, and palace lamps had been lit inside the imperial palace.
The Emperor was about to leave the imperial study when she suddenly heard an announcement from outside: “Your Majesty, the Northern Marquis seeks an audience!”
Hearing this, the Emperor paused and sat back down, calling out, “Summon her!”
The Emperor naturally knew why Wei Yun had come, but was somewhat surprised that she was so anxious that she couldn’t even wait until tomorrow.
It seems Wei Yun values this son of hers very much!
The Emperor couldn’t help but ponder in her heart.
After the palace servant opened the door, Wei Yun walked in, still carrying the cold chill from outside.
She immediately knelt on one knee and spoke, “I believe Your Majesty already knows why I have come. My son unfortunately fell into the water today, and although he was fortunately rescued by the Seventh Princess, his reputation has been compromised in front of many witnesses. I only ask that Your Majesty grant them marriage!”
The Emperor hadn’t expected her to be so decisive, and the thought of trying to brush it off was suppressed.
She actually preferred Feng Bai Jiang to marry Wei Jing Mo, as this daughter had been in poor health since childhood. If Wei Jing Mo were betrothed to her, even if the Northern Marquis’s mansion had other intentions, they would be powerless.
Unfortunately, such an incident suddenly occurred, and before she could issue the decree, it was too late!
Thinking of this, the Emperor became even more displeased with Feng Bai Wei.
If it weren’t for this good daughter of hers, she wouldn’t be in such a dilemma!
Wei Yun knelt on the ground for a long time, and repeated once more, “I implore Your Majesty to grant marriage for my son!”
Seeing this, the Emperor knew there was no room for maneuver in this matter.
Even though she was extremely unwilling, she could only say, “Northern Marquis, please rise! I have already learned of this matter from that unfilial daughter. Rest assured. I have already prepared the imperial edict and will grant their marriage tomorrow! I will absolutely make that unfilial daughter take responsibility!”
Hearing this, Wei Yun slowly stood up, “Thank you for Your Majesty’s grace!”
——
Early the next morning, the imperial edict granting marriage was delivered to the Northern Marquis’s mansion.
In Wanyue Pavilion, Wei Jing Mo’s eyelashes trembled slightly, and he slowly opened his eyes.
Looking at the familiar bed canopy above, he felt somewhat dazed for a moment.
He propped himself up slowly to sit up, and couldn’t help but shake his head, feeling a bit muddled in his mind.
When Dong Qing entered carrying the medicinal soup, he saw that Wei Jing Mo had sat up.
After putting down what he was carrying, he immediately walked quickly to the bedside, “Young Master, you’re awake!”
Wei Jing Mo slowly turned his head to look at him, his voice still a bit hoarse, “What happened to me? Why does my head feel so heavy?”
“Don’t you remember? You developed a high fever after returning yesterday. You really scared us all! Zheng Jun even stayed up all night watching over you, only returning to Jinhua Pavilion at dawn when your fever broke.”
He picked up the medicinal soup from the table again and fed it to Wei Jing Mo spoonful by spoonful.
Remembering something, he added, “Oh right! Your cousin has sent people over several times!”
Wei Jing Mo found this method of feeding medicine too torturous, so he directly took the medicine bowl and drank it all in one go.
Seeing this, Dong Qing quickly handed him a preserved fruit to counter the taste in his mouth.
After putting the preserved fruit in his mouth, Wei Jing Mo finally spoke, “Then have someone go to the Tutor’s mansion and say that I’ll go see my cousin after I’ve recovered.”
Hearing this, Dong Qing immediately nodded.
At this moment, Dong Gua suddenly ran in from outside. Seeing that Wei Jing Mo was awake, his eyes lit up, “Young Master, you’re awake!”
Then remembering what he had to say, “Oh right, Young Master, His Majesty has granted you marriage! To you and the Seventh Princess!”
When Wei Jing Mo heard his words, the preserved fruit in his mouth stopped, and he suddenly raised his head.
His expression was somewhat bewildered, “Granted marriage?”
Dong Gua nodded his head heavily, “The palace messenger who announced the edict just left, I heard it very clearly.”
Wei Jing Mo: “…”
He opened his eyes wide, half a beat late.
Although he had heard Feng Bai Su tell him to wait for her news yesterday, he hadn’t expected it to be so fast! The imperial edict granting marriage had been sent over early in the morning.
Wei Jing Mo’s cool ink-black eyes brightened, suppressing the smile that wanted to spread at the corners of his mouth, trying hard to purse his lips.
Suddenly he felt that falling into the water wasn’t so bad after all!
Dong Qing and Dong Gua stood quietly to the side, watching Wei Jing Mo who had obviously become excited. The two exchanged glances, with hints of smiles hidden in their eyes.
The two of them had always been by Wei Jing Mo’s side taking care of him, and naturally knew that their young master had special feelings for that Seventh Highness.
Now that the two had been granted marriage, becoming betrothed husband and wife set in stone.
The young master could be said to have turned misfortune into blessing, getting his wish!
——
The news that the Northern Marquis’s eldest son Wei Jing Mo had fallen into the water and been rescued by the Seventh Princess quickly spread throughout the entire Fenglin City.
Before people had time to sigh, they suddenly heard about the two being granted marriage by His Majesty.
At this, everyone began to sympathize with Wei Jing Mo!
Who could have imagined that such a renowned young master would end up marrying the frivolous and unrestrained Seventh Princess?
Thinking of the life he would face after marrying her, people couldn’t help but feel sorry for him!
They heard that this Young Master Wei had developed a high fever the night he returned, and it was likely because he couldn’t accept this fact and was angered by it!
For a time, the news of their granted marriage spread like wildfire, with everyone discussing this matter.
Most people expressed sympathy for Wei Jing Mo, feeling that the latter half of his life was ruined!
In Qingfeng Palace in the imperial palace, Cong Bai was furious when she heard these rumors!
Even the joy of Feng Bai Su being granted marriage was somewhat dampened.
She looked at Feng Bai Su lying on the soft couch, and said with some frustration: “Your Highness, these people’s mouths are too loose! How did it become like you would abuse that Wei gentleman! You don’t know that in those people’s mouths, that Wei gentleman has already been described as that pitiful little white flower, while you are…”
She opened her mouth, unable to say it.
But Feng Bai Su calmly finished her sentence: “Cow dung?”
Cong Bai nodded with a flushed face, seeing that Feng Bai Su showed no sign of anger.
She felt somewhat depressed: “Doesn’t Your Highness feel angry at all?”
“Angry about what?”
Feng Bai Su raised an eyebrow slightly, joking: “Am I angry that they’re spreading rumors? Or that they’re calling me cow dung?”
“Your Highness!”
Seeing that she was still in the mood to joke, Cong Bai couldn’t help but stomp her feet twice on the spot: “How can you still be in the mood to joke! This servant is about to die of anger!”
She couldn’t help but worry: “What if that Wei gentleman believes the rumors and misunderstands Your Highness?”
Her Highness had finally gotten a husband. And based on her understanding of her Highness, there might only be this one in the future.
Cong Bai felt she had the responsibility to protect the future lord, and couldn’t let Her Highness’s husband-to-be run away!
Feng Bai Su didn’t know about these twists and turns in her mind, only finding her anxious appearance quite amusing.
She got up and tapped her forehead, giving her a meaningful look: “Don’t worry! He won’t misunderstand me…”
Cong Bai covered her forehead and took two steps back, just wanting to laugh at her.
She felt that her Highness was being a bit too confident!
__
Northern Marquis Mansion
Wanyue Pavilion
Wei Jing Mo, who had been portrayed by everyone as a pitiful little white flower, was indeed furious!
Dong Qing and Dong Gua surrounded him, looking at his violently heaving chest, and comforted: “Young Master doesn’t need to bother with those people! They’re just following the crowd! In the end, you’re only angering yourself.”
“Do you think she will believe those rumors and misunderstand me?”
Wei Jing Mo wasn’t angry because of these rumors, he was just worried that after these rumors reached the palace, would Feng Bai Su think that he wasn’t truly willing to marry her.
Hearing this, Dong Qing and Dong Gua couldn’t help but exchange glances.
They felt that their young master had changed a lot since being granted marriage.
He had more of the worries of a young man about to be married, becoming anxious, and even somewhat eager to marry!
Dong Qing looked at him, unable to help frowning, and comforted: “Young Master, you’re overthinking! The Seventh Princess doesn’t seem like someone who would pay attention to these things. Besides, it’s almost time for the regional feudal kings to enter Fenglin City for pilgrimage. There will be a banquet in the imperial palace at that time, you can clarify things with the Seventh Princess in person.”
After hearing his words, Wei Jing Mo relaxed his brows.
He also started to look forward to it in his heart.
——
In mid-November, the regional feudal kings from various places left their territories and headed to Fenglin City for pilgrimage.
Every year at this time, the regional feudal kings would bring their families to Fenglin City to pay respects to the Emperor, and they would generally stay in Fenglin City for a period of time, not leaving until before the Spring Festival.
This was also a means for the Emperor to rope in the various feudal kings, strengthening the connection between them.
It’s worth noting that except for the border areas near North Rong and South Yi where the court sent troops to garrison, other places were self-governed by the feudal kings.
In recent years, the power of the various feudal kings had strengthened, and the Emperor was getting older, fearing that these feudal kings might suddenly rebel.
When the Emperor was younger, the various feudal kings only came to Fenglin City once every three years upon imperial edict. In recent years, it had changed to once every year, showing how distrustful the Emperor was of these feudal kings.
Moreover, it was said that this time, the Emperor intended to arrange marriages with the feudal kings, but it was unclear whether this was true or false.
Within five days, the regional feudal kings had almost all arrived in Fenglin City.
Wei Jing Mo got up early in the morning to dress and wash up. After getting ready, he brought Dong Qing and Dong Gua to Jinhua Pavilion.
At noon, he followed Shen Ke into the Northern Marquis Mansion’s carriage, and they set off for the imperial palace together.
When the two of them arrived at the banquet location following the palace servants, the main attendees present were the noble husbands of various official families.
As soon as Wei Jing Mo walked in, Shen Ruo came running over: “Cousin!”
“Cousin, you’ve arrived too.”
Wei Jing Mo smiled at him, then after greeting Shen Ke, he followed Shen Ruo to where the young gentlemen were.
As they walked, Shen Ruo said: “You haven’t been out since that day of the snow-viewing banquet. But there have been quite a few rumors about you in Fenglin City!”
He suddenly stopped walking and turned his head to look at him: “How did you end up falling into the lake that day when everything was fine?”
“Tell your cousin the truth.”
He leaned close to Wei Jing Mo’s ear and lowered his voice: “Was your fall into the water really an accident?”
Shen Ruo felt that his little cousin was truly disaster-prone, always encountering some unexpected situation every time he went out. It made him afraid to invite him out to play anymore!
Hearing this, Wei Jing Mo’s ink-black eyes flickered slightly. There were some ripples in the depths of his eyes.
He thought of the pushing force he felt from behind when he fell into the water that day, and the conversations he heard between her and the Fifth Princess Feng Bai Wei when he was curled up in Feng Bai Su’s arms.
Wei Jing Mo actually had some vague guesses in his heart, but without any evidence, he couldn’t be sure.
Moreover, Shen Ruo’s marriage to Feng Bai Wei was already arranged, and telling him these uncertain guesses would be of no help, only making him feel bad.
After thinking for a while, he ultimately didn’t say it: “I don’t know what happened either, by the time I realized, I had already fallen into the water.”
Hearing this, Shen Ruo nodded and sighed. Looking at Wei Jing Mo, he sincerely suggested: “Cousin, I think you should go pray to the Buddha when you have time! To get rid of your bad luck!”
Wei Jing Mo choked, “…Thank you for your concern, cousin.”
After the two sat down, Shen Ruo suddenly spoke up again: “These days, Fenglin City is full of rumors sympathizing with you for marrying the Seventh Princess. What do you really think? Is it really as they say?”
He asked somewhat cautiously, as if afraid of touching Wei Jing Mo’s sore spot.
When Wei Jing Mo heard him mention those rumors, he couldn’t help but frown.
He spoke somewhat solemnly: “Cousin, don’t believe those rumors, I don’t have those thoughts in my heart.”
“You’re sincere? You really want to marry the Seventh Princess?”
Shen Ruo was greatly shocked, somewhat incredulous.
After all, his understanding of Feng Bai Su was still based on those rumors of her being frivolous and unrestrained.
Subconsciously, he felt that marrying her would be like jumping into a fire pit.
“She’s very good.”
Wei Jing Mo said with lowered eyes, without saying much more.
Those good things about Feng Bai Su, it was enough for him to know! His cousin didn’t need to know too.
As the two were talking, the Male Empress led several noble gentlemen into the room.
They had just taken their seats when the Emperor led several princesses in as well.
Wei Jing Mo immediately saw the red figure standing behind everyone, and he couldn’t help but glance over.
Unexpectedly, just as his gaze fell on her, Feng Bai Su happened to look over as well. When their gazes collided, she secretly winked at Wei Jing Mo. Her red lips curled into a smile that was neither a smile nor not a smile.
Seeing this, Wei Jing Mo immediately withdrew his gaze. However, his somewhat reddened ear tips betrayed his current unsettled heart.
He couldn’t help but grumble in his heart: This person is too improper!
Although he said this, his heart couldn’t help but beat a little faster.
All those worries from when he hadn’t seen Feng Bai Su completely disappeared!
After everyone was seated, the various feudal kings entered with their tribute gifts.
Among the regional feudal kings, the Gongyang King of Shu and the Taikang Guangji King were at the forefront. The Gongyang King resided in Shu, which was vast and resource-rich. The territory was extensive. Its geographical location was very advantageous. It was the feudal king with the largest occupied area.
The Taikang Guangji King, on the other hand, had good relations with other small feudal kings, often having economic exchanges. He had deep friendships with the various regional feudal kings.
The Emperor’s intention for arranging marriages this time was mainly to rope in these two feudal kings.
And coincidentally, both feudal kings had young men of marriageable age in their families.
When Feng Bai Su saw one of the young men in bright red clothes, she smiled with some interest.
Wasn’t this the young man who had expressed interest in Feng Bai Jiang? At that time, she hadn’t realized he was actually the son of the Gongyang King.
Seeing him standing at the back, his eyes couldn’t stop turning left and right, as if looking for something.
Feng Bai Su couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow slightly.
“This Seventh Princess, actually flirting with other men! That’s too much!”
Shen Ruo suddenly said angrily in Wei Jing Mo’s ear.
Hearing this, Wei Jing Mo looked over with a slightly stunned expression, and saw that Feng Bai Su’s gaze kept falling vaguely on the young man in bright red clothes in front.
His eyes instantly dimmed, and he couldn’t help feeling a bit bitter in his heart.
“Cousin…”
Seeing his seemingly downcast expression, Shen Ruo called out with some concern.
In his heart, however, he was cursing Feng Bai Su to high heaven!
“I’m fine.”
Wei Jing Mo shook his head somewhat gloomily.
But in his heart, he couldn’t help feeling bitter: This flirtatious and fickle woman! Just now she was winking at him, and now she’s taken a liking to another man!
At this moment, Feng Bai Su was unaware that her looking at other men a few more times had caused the young Master Wei to become jealous.
She lightly swirled the clear liquor in her hand, drinking it somewhat absent-mindedly.
Just then, a clear voice suddenly came from the front: “Mother, I want to marry her!”
In an instant, the banquet fell silent.
Feng Bai Su, sensing something unusual, raised her head in confusion.
She saw a young man in green clothes with a woman’s hairstyle looking at her with bright eyes, speaking to the Guangji King beside him.
This was He Fan’s first time seeing such a beautiful woman. Just one look made his heart start to pound wildly.
On the other side, Wei Jing Mo hadn’t yet recovered from his earlier bitterness when he heard these words.
Looking at Feng Bai Su who was being stared at by everyone, he felt like his lungs were about to burst with anger!
He cursed viciously in his heart: Vixen!
Thinking that if she dared to agree to this man’s words, he… he would definitely curse her to her face!
At this moment, Feng Bai Su also felt extremely unlucky, seeing the Emperor’s indifferent expression and the Northern Marquis’s gloomy gaze directed at her.
She cursed inwardly, but on the surface, she stood up calmly and nonchalantly.
She smiled and said: “I’m afraid I’ll have to disappoint you, young master. This princess is already betrothed, so I fear I cannot marry you.”
“Who is it?”
He Fan immediately frowned and demanded.
“Enough! Fan’er! Don’t be disrespectful in front of the Emperor!”
Beside him, the Guangji King scolded.
Hearing this, the Emperor laughed lightly and finally spoke: “It’s alright! A young man with a lively temperament is more likeable.”
This finally put an end to the topic.
After the Emperor spoke, the atmosphere of the banquet became lively again. The various feudal kings also took their seats.
Shen Ruo clicked his tongue lightly in Wei Jing Mo’s ear, feeling somewhat emotional: “The Seventh Princess’s face really attracts people! Just one meeting, and she’s captured a young man’s heart.”
“Cousin, you’ll have to be more attentive after you marry her! You can’t let others have any opportunity!”
Wei Jing Mo tugged at the ribbon at his waist, his thin lips pressed tightly together.
Suddenly, a questioning voice sounded beside his ear: “Hey, do you know which family’s young master is betrothed to the Seventh Princess? Or is she lying to me?”
Wei Jing Mo raised his head at this somewhat familiar voice, and sure enough, he met He Fan’s face.
He narrowed his eyes slightly, looking at his face somewhat critically.
His skin wasn’t as fair as his, his eyes weren’t as beautiful as his, and his lips were too pale!
He snorted in his heart, this person wasn’t as good-looking as him! If she took a liking to this person, it would only mean she was blind!
He Fan looked at the fairy-like young master before him, feeling that his current gaze was somewhat strange and complex.
He couldn’t help but blink his eyes, asking again in confusion: “You don’t know either?”
Beside him, Shen Ruo couldn’t help but burst out laughing.
Looking at him, he introduced while trying to hold back his laughter: “Well, you’ve asked the right person! What a coincidence! This is the Seventh Princess’s fiancé.”
As he spoke, he pointed to Wei Jing Mo beside him.
Hearing this, He Fan was stunned!
His face instantly turned red.
He hadn’t expected to ask the person in question directly, wasn’t this clearly telling the other person that he coveted his future wife-master?
He Fan opened his mouth with a dull expression, seeing Wei Jing Mo looking at him coldly.
He said somewhat awkwardly: “…I’m sorry, I, I thought she was just refusing me, I really didn’t mean to!”
After speaking, he didn’t dare to look at Wei Jing Mo’s expression anymore, and turned to run away.
This made Shen Ruo, sitting beside him, laugh uncontrollably for a long time!
