HomeSheng Shi Di FeiChapter 69: Grave Illness

Chapter 69: Grave Illness

With Ye Li’s permission, Dark Three and Four told their partners Dark One and Two about the events at Black Cloud Peak. Ye Li hadn’t specified whether this information could be shared with Mo Xiu Yao. However, after considering the professional ethics issues the Wang Fei had mentioned, Dark Guards One, Two, Three, and Four decided to be guards who upheld their professional ethics. They knew that being abandoned by one’s master was the greatest shame for a Dark Guard. From the moment they became the State Wang Fei’s Dark Guards, their first and only loyalty was to the Wang Fei, not the Wang Ye.

Ye Li was quite satisfied with these Dark Guards who possessed such professional ethics. After all, people who were both martially skilled and trustworthy weren’t easy to find. She didn’t want to waste time finding new guards herself.

Satisfied, Ye Li maintained a frequency of visiting Black Cloud Peak about twice per month, always in disguise of course. The people at the estate below Black Cloud Peak and those on the mountain all called her Young Master Chu, Chu Jun Wei. Sometimes she would bring Dark One and Two, and other times Dark Three and Four. All four guards had an extremely high interest in that strange training ground under construction, occasionally even fighting among themselves for the chance to accompany Ye Li. Mo Xiu Yao naturally knew about Ye Li’s frequent outings, but he never questioned where she went. Ye Li was grateful for his tolerance, occasionally remembering to bring back some nice pastries when she went shopping with Hua Tian Xiang and others. However, their relationship seemed to have imperceptibly grown distant amid Ye Li’s busy schedule. Sometimes when she saw the disapproving looks from Matron Wei and Matron Lin, Ye Li would feel a strange, slight guilt, but such feelings were quickly set aside. Because she was busy, truly very busy.

Not only did she have to manage the affairs of Wang Fu, but she also had to manage her dowry. The dowry shops continued their lukewarm business as they appeared on the surface, but secretly Ye Li had withdrawn almost all the dowry silver, including the silver sent by Han Ming Yue, to purchase some other properties. These included two residences and three shops bought under the name Chu Jun Wei in other locations, as well as two shops in the capital. All of these were arranged through Xu Qing Ze personally. Although Xu Qing Ze didn’t understand what she was planning to do, he carried out her instructions without question. In less than half a month, the property deeds for both the residences and shops were delivered to her hands. To outsiders, Ye Li seemed truly to be a perfect State Wang Fei, methodically handling the Wang Fu’s affairs each day, occasionally attending various gatherings among the capital’s nobility. What they didn’t know was that secretly, Ye Li also had to compile and organize various pieces of intelligence, searching for usable clues among them. So, Ye Li coldly observed as the scheming between the Emperor and Empress Dowager, the power struggles among court officials, and the hidden gossip among the nobility all slowly flowed past her eyes. She also gained a deeper understanding of the personal entanglements in the capital and the situation at court.

“Wang Fei! Wang Fei! The Wang Ye has collapsed…”

Ye Li was sitting in the accounting room lost in thought over the ledgers when Qing Xia burst in crying out.

Ye Li’s heart jumped, and she immediately stood up asking: “What happened?” The usually composed Qing Xia was quite frightened as well, her voice carrying traces of tears as she said: “Just now when the Wang Ye returned to his chambers… he asked where the Wang Fei was. When we servants said the Wang Fei was in the accounting room before the Wang Ye could say anything more, he suddenly vomited a lot of blood… and then, he fainted.” Ye Li’s heart trembled as she threw down her brush and hurried out, asking as she walked: “Has a doctor been called?” Qing Xia replied: “A Jin… A Jin and Qing Luan both went. Qing Yu knows some medicine and is staying in the room with Qing Shuang to look after Wang Ye…” Before Qing Xia could finish speaking, Ye Li’s figure had already quickly disappeared around the corridor corner.

Back in the courtyard, all the maids were frightened out of their wits, forgetting even to come forward and curtsy when they saw Ye Li. Ye Li entered the room and turned past the screen to see Mo Xiu Yao lying on the bed, his face as white as paper, his lips still stained with dark red blood.

“Wang Fei.” Qing Yu, who had been taking Mo Xiu Yao’s pulse, stood up and said softly.

“How is he?”

Qing Yu said worriedly: “The Wang Ye once suffered an extremely serious injury, and it seems he didn’t properly recuperate so his body is very weak. The sudden blood vomiting was also caused by overexertion, but… he vomited so much blood that I fear it’s very dangerous for the Wang Ye…” Following Qing Yu’s gaze, the large patch of not yet completely dried blood near the bedside was unbearably eye-catching, the massive amount of blood almost making Ye Li panic. “Now… is he alright?”

Qing Yu shook her head and said: “This servant specializes in medicine and poisons, but I’m really at a loss regarding Wang Ye’s condition. However, there shouldn’t be any immediate danger.”

Ye Li took a deep breath, nodded, and said: “I understand. Go see if the doctor has arrived, and also please ask Steward Mo to come.”

Qing Yu and Qing Shuang responded and left. Ye Li sat by the bed silently watching the person lying there. She had always heard others say the State Wang was disabled and chronically ill. But from the first time Ye Li saw Mo Xiu Yao, he had always appeared very healthy – even when autumn came and she caught a cold for two days, she hadn’t heard him cough once. So Ye Li had long dismissed that talk of chronic illness as merely rumors spread by people outside. Over these past months, though they seemed to see each other every day, only now did Ye Li notice that Mo Xiu Yao had become much thinner and more haggard compared to earlier days. The faint dark shadows under his tightly closed eyelids were visible now.

As Ye Li was lost in thought, she felt the unconscious person on the bed move slightly and quickly looked up. She caught sight of Mo Xiu Yao slowly opening his eyes. Their gazes met, and Ye Li found herself momentarily speechless.

Mo Xiu Yao smiled faintly, “A Li, what’s wrong?”

After a good while, Ye Li looked at him and said: “You were vomiting blood earlier.”

Mo Xiu Yao started slightly, then smiled and said: “I’ve been a bit tired these past two days, it’s nothing serious.”

“Nothing serious?!” Ye Li felt anger surge up from her heart straight to her mind. “You vomited blood and that’s nothing serious? How much blood do you think you have to waste like this?” Mo Xiu Yao seemed to find joy in seeing Ye Li angry, the light in his eyes growing brighter and gentler as he said, “Really, it’s nothing serious, I’m used to it. It’s always like this as winter approaches. As long as I rest properly nothing will happen. A Li, trust me.”

“Trust you and I’m a pig!” Ye Li gave him an annoyed glance, while also being shocked by his words. Used to it – how could anyone get used to vomiting such quantities of blood? “You rest first, we’ll wait for the doctor to arrive before saying more.”

Shortly after, A Jin and Qing Luan rushed in with a doctor between them – it was still the same old doctor from Moonless Temple last time. Seeing Mo Xiu Yao awake on the bed, the old doctor lazily waved off Qing Luan and A Jin’s hands saying: “I told you nothing would happen, you young people are just too impetuous.” Ye Li stood up to make way for the old doctor so he could take the pulse. The old doctor came forward to check the pulse, frowning as he stroked his beard. Ye Li asked: “Doctor, how is he?”

The old doctor shook his head and said: “It’s nothing, but the Wang Ye really must be more careful. Being fine this time doesn’t mean he’ll be fine next time.”

Ye Li frowned and said: “If I remember correctly, last time the doctor said Wang Ye’s health was very good.” The old doctor raised his grey-white eyebrows and said: “I wasn’t wrong – at that time Wang Ye’s health was indeed quite good, but now it’s very poor.” Ye Li looked at him speechlessly – could someone be healthy half the year and weak the other half? The old doctor continued: “The Wang Ye’s body cannot tolerate cold, so extra care is needed as soon as winter arrives. However… it shouldn’t be this serious yet at this time. This time… how long has it been since the Wang Ye took his medicine? How long since he’s rested?”

Under Ye Li’s glare, Mo Xiu Yao smiled helplessly and said, “Your medicine… seems to have lost its effectiveness.” He reached into his sleeve and took out a delicate medicine bottle, speaking faintly.

The old doctor’s brows furrowed tightly as he took the medicine bottle from Mo Xiu Yao’s hand and opened it to examine, saying: “That’s impossible, it hasn’t even been two months since this was prepared, how could it have been lost effectiveness?” Ye Li said: “Doctor, I think what Wang Ye means is that your medicine no longer has any effect on his body.”

The old doctor’s expression darkened as he again took Mo Xiu Yao’s hand to check his pulse, though this time he took longer. After a good while, the old doctor finally let go and frowned, saying: “I’ll write a prescription for the Wang Ye to use for now, there shouldn’t be any immediate problems. I need to go back and study the prescription further before saying more.” Ye Li also knew such matters couldn’t be rushed, so she could only nod and say: “Then we trouble the doctor.” The old doctor nodded, looking at Ye Li as he said: “I’ll say once more, Wang Ye’s condition absolutely cannot tolerate overexertion. Extra care is needed as winter approaches. If he had managed nothing and focused on recuperating these past few years, things wouldn’t have become this serious now.” Ye Li nodded solemnly and said: “I understand, doctor please rest assured.”

After having someone accompany the old doctor to get the medicine, Ye Li settled with Mo Xiu Yao and was about to get up when she was pulled back from behind. Ye Li turned her head to look at the man on the bed who was calmly watching her, letting her gaze fall on his somewhat pale and thin hand. Her heart involuntarily clenched, “What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell somewhere?”

Mo Xiu Yao shook his head and smiled faintly, “Is A Li very busy?”

“Not… not really.” There were indeed some matters to handle in the study, but nothing urgent. She had simply grown accustomed to completing tasks at hand.

“Then… could A Li stay and keep me company for a while?” Mo Xiu Yao said softly, his eyes still looking at Ye Li with a gentle warmth that held not a trace of pressure, but Ye Li just couldn’t bring herself to refuse. Silently sitting back down by the bed, she saw the smile in the eyes of the man lying there grow deeper. Ye Li glanced at the dark red stains on the floor that hadn’t yet been cleaned up and asked worriedly: “Don’t you want to sleep for a while?” Mo Xiu Yao shook his head and said faintly: “It’s a bit cold, I can’t sleep.” Ye Li remembered that people who lose large amounts of blood often feel extremely cold – presumably, people who vomit blood would feel the same way. Unconsciously reaching out to pull his blanket up, she asked: “Do you need charcoal braziers?”

Although winter was just beginning and it wasn’t too cold yet, many households had indeed already started using charcoal fires, with many noble families stockpiling silver charcoal in large quantities. Because Ye Li herself was very healthy and hadn’t used charcoal fires in winter since Madam Xu passed away, she hadn’t paid attention to this issue since their rooms had never burned charcoal. After all, Mo Xiu Yao was a martial arts master with an internal energy far deeper than hers. Mo Xiu Yao shook his head helplessly, “I cannot smell charcoal smoke. Although specially made silver charcoal is said to be smokeless and odorless, but… A Li, do you understand now? Once winter comes, I truly become useless.” As he said this, Mo Xiu Yao’s eyes held traces of bitterness and sorrow.

Ye Li got up and took another brocade blanket from the cabinet to cover Mo Xiu Yao, then frowned and asked: “What kind of injury did you suffer back then? How could it be so strange? Usually, when legs are crippled, even with amputation there might just be occasional phantom pain, but your condition of not being able to tolerate cold and becoming weak in winter has nothing to do with your legs. And not being able to inhale smoke and dust must be related to respiratory or lung problems.” Mo Xiu Yao said: “I don’t even know myself what injuries I suffered. By the time I woke up, it was already more than a month later. My body was already like this.” Mo Xiu Yao’s expression was faint as if he were merely stating facts. But Ye Li had seen this kind of expression many times before. It was the same calm expression that appeared on those former comrades who had been seriously wounded and disabled on the battlefield after they calmed down from extreme madness. Yet it made people feel even more heartache than when they were screaming in fury. Ye Li didn’t know what expression Mo Xiu Yao had when he first woke up and discovered he had become like this, but his current calmness still made her feel extremely uncomfortable.

“Alright then, following the doctor’s orders. Would the Wang Ye please rest more recently? I hear the Wang Ye has been spending an average of over seven hours daily in the study?” Ye Li raised her eyebrows and said.

Mo Xiu Yao started slightly, then sighed softly: “A Li… I will be careful, but… now is not the time to rest. The court situation has grown increasingly strange these past six months. Although the State Wang Fu appears to stand outside court matters now, one misstep could plunge us into the abyss.” And as the State Wang, he inevitably had certain responsibilities he must bear.

Ye Li gave him something of a dangerous glance and said flatly: “What can you do that I cannot? Even so, let’s wait until we truly cannot handle things before discussing it. Pardon my interference, Your Highness the State Wang. No matter how much effort you expend, if you walk ninety-nine steps but die on the final step, that’s still a failure. So, before you walk those ninety-nine steps, you’d better first consider whether you’ll live to take the hundredth step.” Mo Xiu Yao was silent for a long while before looking at Ye Li with a smile and saying: “A Li is right. Then… I’ll have to trouble A Li from now on.”

“I thought I was the State Wang Fei,” Ye Li said calmly.

Mo Xiu Yao said softly: “Of course, you will always be my Wang Fei.”

And so Ye Li became even busier, having to handle not only internal affairs but external matters of the Wang Fu as well. With Mo Xiu Yao’s guidance beside her, Ye Li picked things up very quickly. And Ye Li’s practically thunderous efficiency gradually won over the estate’s internal and external managers. The looks that old-timers like Steward Mo and Matron Sun gave Ye Li also gained more approval and respect. To prevent Mo Xiu Yao from feeling bored while confined to bed, aside from meeting with some managers, Ye Li moved all other business handlings from the study to their chambers. She could chat with Mo Xiu Yao while handling affairs, and could also ask questions at any time.

Mo Xiu Yao discovered with some amazement that his Wang Fei was like an endless book – he could never guess how much more she knew, or where the limits of her abilities lay. If it had been someone else like this appearing by his side, Mo Xiu Yao would absolutely have felt threatened and would have employed various methods to test or even eliminate them. But facing this woman before him who could write rapidly with a brush in hand while still having attention to spare for smiling and chatting with him, he only felt as if a small flame had been added to his ice-cold heart. Though tiny, it gave an inexplicable warmth and comfort to one who felt as if trapped in ice and snow as soon as winter arrived. He only wanted to indulge her in doing what she wished to do, quietly watching her occasional faint smiles. He knew that one day she would bloom into a splendor that would astonish the world. A precious pearl cannot remain forever buried in the dust – one day she would surely soar through the nine heavens. And by that time… he might already be gone.

“Wang Ye, Wang Fei. Steward Mo says Doctor He has brought medicine,” Qing Yu came in to report.

Ye Li glanced at Mo Xiu Yao who had fallen into deep sleep on the bed, nodded to Qing Yu, and said softly: “Please ask Doctor He to wait briefly in the flower hall.” Although it had only been a few days, Ye Li could also feel that the colder weather was increasingly unfavorable for Mo Xiu Yao’s health. Perhaps because the medicine could no longer control Mo Xiu Yao’s condition, even after two days of rest Mo Xiu Yao’s spirit had not improved compared to before.

Entering the flower hall, Doctor He and Steward Mo hurried forward to greet her. Ye Li waved her hand and said: “Doctor, Steward Mo, no need for such a ceremony. Let’s sit and talk.”

Only after Ye Li was seated did the two thank her and take their seats to the side. Doctor He took out a prescription and handed it to Ye Li saying: “This is the prescription this old one has readjusted these past days. Please review it, Wang Fei.” Ye Li took the prescription and glanced at it, discovering that most of the medicines were not for treating illness or injury, but rather for detoxification. “Doctor He, what is this about? If this one remembers correctly, using this medicine too much can be addictive.” Ye Li put down the prescription and asked in a heavy voice. The last item on the prescription was written as “opium” – Ye Li, of course, knew what that was, and what consequences using it would have.

“I hadn’t expected the Wang Fei to also be well-versed in medicine. Wang Fei speaks correctly – opium is an excellent painkiller, but prolonged use indeed becomes addictive. Therefore, this old one has been hesitating whether to add it or not.” Doctor He said gravely. Ye Li nodded to accept his explanation, “Does the Wang Ye need such strong painkillers?”

“Very much so. The reason the previous medicine became ineffective is because those drugs can no longer suppress the pain produced by the toxins in Wang Ye’s body. Without prescribing some painkillers, Wang Ye’s spirit will worsen and his body will become weaker. He might not even last until the poison can be eliminated… Moreover, Wang Ye’s body currently cannot bear intense pain, as this would cause his original old injuries to flare up again.” Doctor He said heavily, his somewhat aged face full of exhaustion. These past few days had not been easy for him either. Hearing about Mo Xiu Yao’s physical condition, Steward Mo’s expression also grew ugly, “Wang Fei, this…”

Ye Li shook her head and said: “Opium cannot be used, your dosage is too high. He would become addicted in less than a month. After addiction, it would do more harm than good to his body.”

Doctor He smiled bitterly and helplessly, saying he also didn’t want to prescribe so much, but prescribing too little would have no effect at all. Without personally experiencing it, ordinary people simply cannot comprehend the suffering when the poison in Wang Ye’s body acts up.

“Why was he fine in summer?” Ye Li asked.

Doctor He shook his head and said: “It wasn’t that he was fine in summer, but rather it was relatively much easier. Because the poison in Wang Ye’s body is precisely a kind of cold poison – in summer when the weather is warm, coupled with this old one’s prepared medicines to counter the cold poison, as long as he takes them regularly there is no difference from ordinary people. But as soon as the weather turns cold, the cold poison runs rampant with doubled force. Wang Ye’s blood vessels throughout his body seem to almost congeal. In the first two years when it was most severe, he would even fall into extended periods of unconsciousness. These past few years it has been controlled fairly well, but this year I’m afraid…”

“A weather issue…” Ye Li pondered for a moment then nodded and said: “I understand. Please reconsider the prescription further, Doctor. Also, regarding an antidote for the cold poison?”

Doctor He shook his head and said: “Currently there is no cure. The Wang Ye’s cold poison was from being ambushed by the Northern Rong people when he was at the border. At that time we invited the divine physician of our age, Master Shen Yang, to treat Wang Ye. That cold poison originates from a snow-capped mountain peak at the border between Northern Rong and Xiling, from what could be called the most yin and cold place under heaven – a kind of cold essence. It’s said to grow in a cold pool at the mountain’s peak. That cold pool is bone-chillingly cold, with neither man nor beast surviving if they fall in. But in that cold pool grows a flower called the Fierce Fire Lotus, and only its seeds can counter the cold poison in Wang Ye’s body.”

Before Doctor He finished speaking, Steward Mo continued: “But that Fierce Fire Lotus blooms once every ten years and bears fruit once every fifteen years. From six years ago, the Black Cloud Cavalry has had people constantly hidden at the base of the mountain waiting, but unfortunately… we must wait at least two more years for the lotus seeds to mature.” Steward Mo didn’t say that even when that time came and they obtained the seeds, whether the Black Cloud Cavalry wanted to pass through Northern Rong or Xiling to return to Great Chu, they would have to pay an extremely bloody price. But no matter what price had to be paid, the Black Cloud Cavalry would obtain the Fierce Fire Lotus and successfully deliver it back to Great Chu, even if it cost the lives of the entire Black Cloud Cavalry.

“Does Divine Physician Shen have no other methods?” Ye Li frowned and said. The reputation of Divine Physician Shen Yang was such that even she had heard of him while still in the inner chambers – he was truly an imperial physician that even the Emperor might not be able to summon. Doctor He said: “Divine Physician Shen heard a year ago that there is a medicinal herb called Phoenix Tail in the island nations of the Eastern Sea that has remarkable effectiveness against cold poison. He led people out to sea at the beginning of this year. I’m afraid he won’t return until the end of the twelfth month at the earliest.”

Ye Li nodded and said: “I understand. Then I’ll trouble Doctor He.”

Doctor He rose to take his leave, while Steward Mo remained in the hall, watching Ye Li’s tightly knitted brows that clearly showed her heavy mood. “Wang Fei…”

Ye Li raised her head to see Steward Mo’s serious face that couldn’t hide his worry, and sighed: “Steward Mo, these years have been hard on you.” Steward Mo shook his head somewhat anxiously and said: “How can the Wang Fei say such things? This old servant only wishes he could take Wang Ye’s place in suffering this pain.” Looking at how their once-spirited young master had become like this, how could Steward Mo feel any better? But now he was more worried about this young Wang Fei. This past half year, Wang Fei’s performance had already exceeded everyone’s expectations. The people of the State Wang Fu had genuinely come to admire this new mistress. The State Wang Fu’s Wang Fei didn’t need to be devastatingly beautiful, didn’t need to be talented and accomplished, didn’t even need to be politically astute – she only needed to be strong enough. But even the strongest woman would probably be unable to bear the current situation. This was also why Wang Ye had always concealed his physical condition, and why they as servants never mentioned it in front of Wang Fei.

Ye Li stood up with a slight smile and said: “Steward Mo need not worry too much. As long as one is still alive, there will always be a way. Later, could Steward Mo find me some people who are construction experts? I need them.”

Steward Mo watched Ye Li’s figure slowly departing, his dim eyes brightening slightly. This Wang Fei… perhaps she truly was different.

“This old servant understands.”

When Ye Li returned to the room, Mo Xiu Yao was already awake. As soon as she entered, Ye Li saw Mo Xiu Yao’s left hand exposed outside the blanket trembling and spasming. But upon seeing Ye Li enter, it immediately relaxed and was casually withdrawn under the blanket. Ye Li knew he was enduring pain. Her heart couldn’t help but waver slightly regarding her earlier decision to have Doctor He removes the painkillers. But seeing Mo Xiu Yao’s gentle yet firm gaze, Ye Li suppressed the hesitation in her heart. Mo Xiu Yao would not like to become someone who had to rely on some medicine to stay alive.

“A Li, you’ve returned.”

Ye Li sat by the bed, “If it hurts, you can cry out.”

Mo Xiu Yao smiled slightly, “Will crying out make it not hurt? Don’t worry, it’s just a bit of pain. It’s just frustrating having to lie in bed all day unable to get up.”

“I won’t laugh at you,” Ye Li said.

Mo Xiu Yao quietly looked at her, and after a long while asked in a deep voice: “A Li, can I hold you?” Ye Li started slightly, then bent down to embrace Mo Xiu Yao along with his blankets and smiled: “You can’t catch a cold now, so make do with this.” Mo Xiu Yao laughed softly, and after a good while stopped and said quietly: “Actually… the pain is truly still bearable. But that feeling of deep cold… it’s like falling into a pool of ice water and being destined to never be able to climb out. One gets used to the pain after long enough, but that feeling of ice-coldness can never be gotten used to. Sometimes… I even feel it’s alright to be in pain. I’m just afraid that one day I won’t even be able to feel pain anymore, only that ice-cold feeling remaining. If it becomes like that… A Li, I truly don’t know if I can hold on anymore.”

“That won’t happen,” Ye Li embraced him and said softly. “Hasn’t Divine Physician Shen gone to the Eastern Sea to find Phoenix Tail grass? And in two more years, the Fierce Fire Lotus will bear seeds. By then the cold poison will be cured, and everything will get better. You’ve already held on until now, what’s two more years?” Mo Xiu Yao nodded and said: “Of course, I will wait. A Li, if I don’t die you can never leave me. Aren’t you afraid?”

“When I married you, I wasn’t thinking about hoping for your early death to inherit your estate,” Ye Li said flatly.

“I absolutely won’t die, A Li.” Mo Xiu Yao reached out one hand to embrace Ye Li’s slender waist. Ye Li started slightly, then expressionlessly pulled down his hand and tucked it back under the blanket, “If you can’t catch a cold then stop messing around.” She seemed to have just made some kind of promise. But she seemed to have said nothing… Ye Li silently pondered in her heart.

As soon as winter arrived, the State Wang Fu declined all invitations and gatherings, including palace banquets. The reason was the same as usual – the State Wang was gravely ill. The hearts of people who had been somewhat stirred by seeing the State Wang’s figure in summer gradually settled down again. After the imperial physicians came back and forth several times without being able to help, apart from various tonics and medicinal materials flowing continuously into the State Wang Fu from the palace, no one came to disturb them anymore. The State Wang Fu seemed to return to the same quiet silence as in the previous two years.

Of course, there weren’t any visitors. Feng Zhi Yao was one of them.

“Third Young Master Feng, Wang Fei, and Wang Ye invite you to the side hall.” Feng Zhi Yao, who had been waiting in the study, raised his eyebrows in confusion and asked: “Is A Yao ill again? But isn’t he living together with the Wang Fei? How come they’ve moved to the side hall?”

A slight smile appeared on Steward Mo’s serious face as he said: “Thank you for your concern, Young Master Feng. The Wang Ye has been fairly well these days. A few days ago Wang Ye and Wang Fei moved to live in the side hall.”

Feng Zhi Yao’s face showed envy, jealousy, and hatred, “Having a large mansion is nice, eh? Want to live in the main hall, live in the main hall; want to live in the side hall, live in the side hall. When tired of one, can rotate between several courtyards.” Steward Mo was long familiar with Feng Zhi Yao’s personality and didn’t take offense, saying with a faint smile: “If Young Master Feng finds his residence too small, you can mention it to the Wang Ye. The Wang Fu has two other residences in the capital that Young Master Feng could live in.”

Feng Zhi Yao rolled his eyes, “Never mind. A large residence means more people and more affairs, how annoying.”

“Young Master Feng should start a family,” Steward Mo said, following behind Feng Zhi Yao.

“I know, your Wang Ye married a good Wang Fei. This young master hasn’t had enough fun yet.” Feng Zhi Yao waved his hand indicating marriage matters could be discussed later. His father hadn’t shown concern about such things, yet these elderly people in Wang Fu were quite enthusiastic about it. Unfortunately, he couldn’t accept their kindness.

The side hall where Ye Li and Mo Xiu Yao were staying was an independent building on the south wing of their main courtyard residence. Located in the inner garden of the main courtyard, it had only two fewer ear rooms than the main hall but appeared more serene and elegant. As soon as Feng Zhi Yao stepped into the main room, he couldn’t help but let out a surprised “Oh?” A wave of warm air hit his face – the entire hall was as comfortably warm as in the third or fourth month. Feng Zhi Yao knew about Mo Xiu Yao’s physical condition and also knew that in winter the Wang Fu would not burn charcoal anywhere Mo Xiu Yao might appear. But this place…

Steward Mo followed behind and said: “Young Master Feng, Wang Ye, and Wang Fei await you in the small study.”

Feng Zhi Yao couldn’t help but turn back to ask: “Just how many studies does your Wang Fu have?”

Steward Mo replied seriously: “The outer and inner courts each have a library and study. In the main courtyard, the Wang Ye and Wang Fei each have their study. This study in the side hall was just temporarily set up.”

“This young master hates studies, and hates discussing matters in studies even more,” Feng Zhi Yao said.

“Then… shall this servant go ask Wang Fei and Wang Ye to come out?”

“…Never mind. I dare not have them come out personally to see me.” Feng Zhi Yao waved his hand and swaggered off while fanning himself.

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