"Father, did you meet with Her Highness to arrange my marriage with Prince Cheng?" Li Min asked after the eunuch had left.
"I know you have always fancied Prince Cheng. You have come of age. I think this is the right time for your marriage", Li Changsheng replied with a smile.
Li Min lowered her head with the edict pressed on her chest with a shy smile.
Li Changsheng caressed her hair for a second before going inside the house.
As soon as he entered, Li Min's smile disappeared and she looked at the edict in her hand, "what exactly is going on?"
[Wei Prefecture]
"Official Lu, it seems you do not understand the consequences of your actions", Shen Cheng'an who was tied to a cross pole said.
Lv Chi smiled, "you don't need to worry about the consequences on our behalf. Lord Shen, the last time you met, you were quite eloquent. We hope you will respond with the same ease today"
"I have already told you everything I know. Arresting people for no particular reason is not a good idea, Official Lv", Shen Cheng'an said.
"I would like to tell a story to Lord Shen. Since Lord Shen suffers from memory lapses, it might help in his answers", Lu Qian said.
Shen Cheng'an lifted up his eyes to meet his gaze.
"What interesting story does Official Lu have for me?" he asked.
"On the 27th day of sixth lunar month, Lord Shen purchased some medicine from the Hall of Everlasting Harmony. On the last day of that same month, Prime Minister Wei's family was mysteriously massacred. It turned out that Lord Shen had poisoned the water source with the medicine. Lin Yaotang only then realized the use of the medicine Lord Shen had purchased. He confronted Lord Shen. Lord Shen, not wanting any trouble, offered a quick solution. He had Lin Yaotang send over the remaining medicines to him then on the guise of investigating illegal business in the West market, he had his butler send the medicine to Lord Gu ordering him to send the medicines to three smaller pharmacies in his hometown: Green Willow Pharmacy, Lotus Heart Pharmacy and Spring Herb Pavilion", Lu Qian said his story clearly before looking up at Shen Cheng'an, "I wonder if Lord Shen finds this story familiar"
There was a long pause before the sound of laughter was heard, "Lord Lu, you are truly efficient. I truly underestimated you", he heaved a deep sigh, "I am guilty"
He paused just enough for Lv Chi and Lu Qian to exchange glances in surprise of how he admitted his guilt so quickly.
Then his next words came out, "and what can you do about it?"
And for the first time in forever, Lu Qian's lips curved upwards in a short smile.
[Fengyin Hall]
He Yan walked into Fengyin Hall. It was clear that its mood was not bright despite his efforts to remain composed. He performed a perfunctory bow to Shen Ruihua before speaking.
"Mother, what exactly is going on? How could you arrange a marriage for me without letting me know?" he spoke with his voice full of displeasure.
"Sit", Shen Ruihua ordered calmly. Shen Ruihua's calm attitude only irritated him more but despite his displeasure he sat down.
"Everyone knows about the alliance between us and the Li family. Besides, you have feelings for Li Min or is it that your affection has changed?" she asked.
He Yan took a deep breath to try and maintain a respectful tone, "my feelings for Li Min are true but this engagement is rather abrupt. I have only just stepped into the Wei army and yet to gain a foothold. How can I get engaged in such a time?"
"You are being flustered over an engagement? I have decided to have your wedding done in the next two days", Shen Ruihua dropped a bombshell.
He Yan stood up, "what do you mean in two days? Mother, even if you have no respect for my opinions, You should at least consider the fact that I will be leaving for the frontier soon. Are you expecting me to bring her along?"
"The Li family was the one who helped you secure the Wei army. You should show some gratitude", Shen Ruihua said looking up at him.
He Yan scoffed, "gratitude? Mother, this is the first time I heard you say that word. Since when have you ever shown gratitude?"
"He Yan, all I do is for your sake. Are you questioning my decision for you?" Shen Ruihua asked but He Yan was no longer comfortable saying in the same space with her.
"Mother, I will not disturb you any further", he bowed and without waiting for permission, turned and left.
[Channing Palace]
The writing was proceeding smoothly. Xin Xie and Xin Lan were helping to count the rules written on each paper.
"...296, 297, 298, 299, 300", Xin Lan finished counting the written paper.
It had been six hours since they started writing. Lingxi placed her hairpin back into her hair.
The sun was already setting and there were still 100 copies to go.
"Physician Xu should be heading back now", Lingxi said.
"There are still a hundred more to go", Xu Yicheng was expecting to finish his punishment before leaving"
Just then, He Yu walked in accompanied by Jun Jie. Xu Yicheng stood up to greet him.
He Yu walked up to Xu Yicheng and moved his eyes sideways signaling him to step aside. Xu Yicheng understood and immediately stepped aside. He Yu sat in Xu Yicheng's position, right next to Lingxi.
Xu Yicheng could not help but realize how protective He Yu was while Jun Jie rolled his eyes. Qin Yan at the corner noticed but said nothing.
"Physician Xu, I wonder how you made my wife help you do your punishment", He Yu said looking at him.
"Actually, Physician Xu is not yet done with his punishment. You could do him a favor by helping him. He has to go back to his little sister", Lingxi suggested looking at He Yu.
"My wife is truly the most considerate", He Yu smiled, "but why do I feel like you are also punishing me?" he asked leaning towards her.
Lingxi smiled, leaning closer and asked almost in a whisper, "isn't covering someone's crime a crime?"
He Yu was stunned for a moment before sitting up back.
"Zhizhi is right", he said.
He turned to Xu Yicheng, "you've had a long day. You may leave"
"Thank you, your highness"
Jun Jie could not believe his ears. Was the grand prince being punished to copy rules right in front of his eyes?
Xu Yicheng turned to go and stopped just outside the pavilion.
He turned back, "I forgot to ask - the ointment your highness used - is?" "Just homemade oil. I chose the name, Plum Jade", Lingxi answered.
"Plum Jade?" Xu Yicheng thought for a while and smiled, "It has an extraordinary effect and a refreshing scent of plum blossom, good name", he agreed and turned to leave.
He Yu watched him leave and was a bit jealous of how he had gotten close to Lingxi in such a short time.
His jealousy was so obvious on his face that even Qin Yan closed his eyes for a second.
Lingxi rested her arm on the table and faced him.
"Your highness, what are you thinking about?" she asked with a smile.
He smiled back, "you are the only one I can think about"
Lingxi was startled by his words and blinked, "I think you should start writing", she said sitting up to adjust her hair.
He Yu smiled as he picked up his brush to write. He had just discovered something new - Lingxi was fond of adjusting her hair whenever she felt embarrassed or shy.
******
The night fast approached and Lingxi was already ready for bed. She had showered and changed her clothes into a much lighter one and prepared to go to sleep. She was waiting for He Yu so she could turn off the candles and go to sleep.
He Yu, on the other hand, soon appeared and walked towards her.
Lingxi naturally wanted to lie down but He Yu sat opposite her and faced her. He leaned so close to her that Lingxi instinctively leaned backwards but He Yu caught her by the waist.
"Zhizhi, you've punished me so badly that my hands are worn", he said leaning so close to her face that they were barely separated, "don't I deserve a reward?"