"Thank you, Miss Cheng, for saving His Highness!" Chiyong bowed gratefully.
Cheng Fengyi was straightforward, continuing without pause, "A doctor's heart is like a parent's. Life is paramount, no need to thank me. Here, take these prescriptions and fetch all the medicines from the major pharmacies in the capital. Send them to the western camp quickly. Also, remind them to ensure proper ventilation and use boiling water to wash clothes."
Several maids promptly set off to carry out the tasks.
Truly a remarkable and efficient woman, Chiyong thought.
The medicine was soon prepared and delivered. Although Cui Yi could barely swallow, Chiyong forced him to drink a large bowl of black liquid. He vomited violently afterward but surprisingly, his fever subsided, and his complexion improved. Everyone in the palace breathed a sigh of relief.
Xie Yuchan insisted on staying by Cui Yi's bedside, refusing to rest. Exhausted herself, Chiyong decided to let her be and went to rest in the side room.
After bringing Cheng Fengyi back to the capital, Cao Qian returned home to change into casual clothes before coming to the palace to inquire about the situation. Learning that Cui Yi had taken the medicine and was stable, he finally relaxed.
Having just returned from the imperial tombs, Cao Qian hadn't rested and had rushed to Gong County to fetch Cheng Fengyi. Hungry and tired, he was pale. Chiyong quickly ordered food for him and personally served him to express gratitude.
"This time, His Highness and the soldiers in the western camp can be saved, thanks not only to Miss Cheng but also another person," Cao Qian began, still unaccustomed to being served but too hungry to stop eating. After finishing two bowls, he finally spoke.
Chiyong filled his cup and curiously asked, "Who?"
Cao Qian replied, "Is there someone named Baili Zan in the palace?"
"Yes, he's His Highness's advisor. Why?"
"On my way to Gong County, I encountered a carriage driven by a palace servant. I stopped him and learned that on the first day of His Highness's illness, Mr. Baili sent him to Gong County to find Miss Cheng."
Cao Qian marveled, "Miss Cheng is indeed a heroine. When she heard I was riding Jinwu to fetch her, she wanted to ride ahead, but her fiancé persuaded her otherwise. Otherwise, who knows what might have happened."
Chiyong finally understood why Cao Qian had returned so quickly. Thanks to Baili Zan's foresight, they saved valuable time. Without his preemptive action, Cao Qian wouldn't have returned until tonight, potentially jeopardizing Cui Yi's life.
"Indeed, we owe much to Mr. Baili's foresight," Chiyong sighed in relief.
Baili Zan, however, didn't consider it a significant achievement. When Chiyong thanked him, he waved it off, smiling, "I am paid to serve. This is my duty. If I could ride, I would have gone myself to bring Zai Cheng and Miss Cheng. Every moment counts."
Though humble, Chiyong insisted, "Mr. Baili, please don't be modest. Your foresight saved His Highness's life. Once he recovers, I will inform him. Given this incident, His Highness might change his opinion about scholars and value your advice more."
Baili Zan chuckled, "If His Highness listens, I will speak freely."
In the side yard, purple hydrangeas bloomed softly. Xiao Taosu napped under the flowers, a butterfly landing on its nose.
"Ladyship, are you troubled?" Baili Zan noticed her distracted gaze and asked.
Chiyong smoothed her hair and sighed, "His Highness's sudden illness makes me feel..."
Baili Zan interjected, "Do you suspect the plague was deliberately caused?"
Chiyong shook her head, feeling heavy-hearted, "A few days ago, His Highness and I had a misunderstanding. He asked what I wanted besides the empress's position. After thinking overnight, I answered 'a natural death.'"
Baili Zan was surprised, "A natural death?"
"Yes, a natural death," Chiyong called to Xiao Taosu, who jumped onto her lap. "My wish has always been for my parents and sister to live safely. But Prince's temperament worries me. He will eliminate anyone who hinders his path. His Highness's military achievements make him a threat. As a daughter of the Changsun family, I won't be trusted either."
Baili Zan calmly interrupted, "These are just speculations."
Chiyong smiled weakly, unable to refute.
"But I agree with your concerns. Despite His Highness's lack of interest in power, standing out invites trouble. We cannot remain passive."
Chiyong nodded lightly, continuing, "After our conversation, His Highness fell ill. Before Miss Cheng arrived, he summoned me to give his final instructions."
Baili Zan realized her meaning, "You think his illness is suspicious, possibly intentional?"
Chiyong remained silent, burying her face in Xiao Taosu's fur.
"Well, it's hard to say," even Baili Zan wasn't sure. "If it were someone else, perhaps they might choose death to protect their loved ones. But His Highness, being the former crown prince, skilled in martial arts, wouldn't likely choose such a passive solution. If I were him, I'd storm the Eastern Palace and eliminate the threat."
Chiyong laughed, feeling lighter, "You're right. His Highness wouldn't choose such a noble way. Maybe I'm overthinking."
Baili Zan nodded, looking at the sky where a gray pigeon flew past. "By the way, Ladyship, the young master next door writes letters every day. Do you know to whom?"
Chiyong hadn't paid attention, "Maybe family letters."
Baili Zan looked skeptical but had no evidence, so he dropped the matter.
Recovering, Cui Yi was still weak but could eat independently. Xie Yuchan, however, refused to leave, insisting on caring for him.
Upon returning from the side yard, Chiyong heard Cui Yi's frustrated shout: "Out!" Alarmed, she quickened her pace and entered the room.
Cui Yi, dressed in a single layer, struggled to push away Xie Yuchan, who held a chamber pot, repeatedly saying, "It's okay, let me take care of you... I'll serve you forever."
"Get her out!" Several maids dragged Xie Yuchan away, who screamed, "How dare you, let me go!"
"What's happening?" Chiyong entered, witnessing the chaos.
Seeing her, Cui Yi sighed in relief, "Take Miss Xie back to her room. Chiyong, come and help me."
Chiyong chuckled, "Alright."
Xie Yuchan protested, "Why can she serve you but not me? I'm prettier, gentler, more understanding, and better at taking care of you! I've been by your side during your illness!"
Cui Yi grew impatient, "Enough nonsense! Drag her out!"
Xie Yuchan was reluctantly dragged away, passing through the courtyard where Xie Yong was walking. Seeing his sister being carried out, he assumed she had done something wrong and learned the truth, shaking his head, "As an unmarried lady, how can you serve a man?"
Xie Yuchan blushed, "I'll take care of you later, bathing, dressing... everything."
Xie Yong sighed, unsure what to say.
In the main room, Cui Yi washed his hands and dried them with the towel Chiyong handed him. About to lie back down, Chiyong stopped him, "Rest in the chair for a bit. The bedding needs changing." She replaced the sweaty sheets with fresh ones.
"These past few days have been tough on you," Cui Yi settled into the clean bed, sipping plum tea Chiyong brought, feeling refreshed.
Chiyong teased, "Didn't Miss Xie say she took care of you?"
Cui Yi hummed ambiguously, eyeing her sideways, "Should I marry this virtuous wife?"
Chiyong replied cheerfully, "Good idea."
Cui Yi was speechless.
Chiyong smiled, seeing his displeasure, "Do you really want to marry her?"
Cui Yi absentmindedly answered, "I don't know, maybe later."
The change from "maybe later" instead of a firm "no" didn't escape Chiyong's notice. Over the past few days, Xie Yuchan's attentive care softened Cui Yi's attitude towards her, though he remained irritable.
Their relationship had improved, leaving Chiyong uncertain whether to be happy or sad.