Feng Jiu’er’s hands paused for only a moment. She wriggled free of her own grip and went back to massaging him.

“Learning has no end, and what I know is only superficial. Am I supposed to retreat just because I’ve run into someone formidable?”

“Jiu’er.” Feng Jiang’s breathing had grown noticeably heavier. “Now that I’m here, the rest of you don’t need to stay.”

“I know. You all came to this place to find Fourth Imperial Uncle, didn’t you?”

“I promise you, the moment we find Fourth Imperial Uncle, I’ll have someone notify you immediately. You don’t need to remain here.”

Feng Jiu’er shot Feng Jiang a sidelong glance and shook her head.

“If I can’t even handle someone like Lei Shenbao, how am I supposed to protect Father, how am I supposed to guard this empire?”

“But—” Feng Jiang’s brow furrowed.

“No buts.” Feng Jiu’er squeezed out a bit more ointment. “Father is important. So are you.”

“If all of us together can’t match Lei Shenbao, you staying behind alone would be nothing but a dead end.”

“I’ll stay here under the guise of being your physician. During this time, you need to properly recuperate.”

“Once your body has recovered, I can finally determine what’s really going on with that true energy inside you.”

“It’s settled. Rest for now—whatever else there is to discuss can wait.”

Feng Jiu’er’s massage technique was genuinely soothing. Feng Jiang hadn’t had a proper rest in a long while, and before long, his eyes closed and his breathing evened out.

The steward woke up and waited outside the room with Qiao Mu. He had no idea what had happened—one moment he’d been listening to some advice from the physician’s apprentice, and the next he’d simply fallen asleep.

Feng Jiang slept for a full four hours before waking.

When he and Feng Jiu’er emerged, his complexion had improved considerably.

“My lord.” The steward saw the door open and hurried over. “My lord, how are you feeling?”

“It’s nothing.” Feng Jiang, having put his human-skin mask back on, gave a casual wave of his hand.

“Go prepare wine and food. Doctor Long and the others have been here so long and haven’t even been given a cup of tea—what kind of hospitality is that?”

“Yes, my lord. This humble one is useless—I was simply too exhausted earlier and dozed off. Please forgive this transgression!” The steward wore an apologetic expression.

“Go on. Have someone ready the east-wing rooms—Doctor Long will be staying these next few days to treat my injuries.”

“Yes, my lord.” The steward bowed and accepted the order.

“Wait.” Feng Jiang turned back to glance at the steward. “Have the wives remain in the west wing for the time being.”

“Doctor Long says I’m not in a state to receive anyone properly these days, and besides, there’s no telling whether someone from Lang Yu’s side might come looking for trouble.”

“Tell the wives that without my order, none of them are to leave the west wing.”

“Have Yang Sheng bring his men to guard the wives properly—there must be no mistakes!”

“But my lord, Yang Sheng has always been guarding you personally, this—” The steward looked somewhat conflicted.

“If I can’t even protect myself, then I don’t deserve to be called the foremost of the Thunder Kings.” Feng Jiang waved a hand and strode off.

“Do as I’ve instructed. There are still matches over the next two days—the wives’ safety is in your hands.”

The steward watched the man leave and bowed deeply.

“Yes, my lord. This humble one will see to it right away.”

With Feng Jiang’s instructions given, the front hall grew much quieter, leaving only the steward bustling back and forth.

That night, Feng Jiu’er and the others settled into the east wing—even Feng Jiang stayed in the largest chamber there.

The steward had witnessed Feng Jiu’er’s needlework and was thoroughly impressed by her medical skill. Of course, Doctor Long’s fees were not cheap either, and since all the accounts passed through the steward’s hands, there was no way he could be unaware of it.

Whether it was Steward Yang, or Yang Sheng the steward’s son, or the ten guards under Yang Sheng’s command, or even the three wives kept at Bao Lei’s estate—all of them belonged to Lei Shenbao.

Feng Jiang’s life in this place could truly be described as treading on thin ice at every step.

Feng Jiu’er ached for her imperial brother, who had aged visibly in such a short time—but, she told herself, none of this would go unrewarded.

The news the steward sent out soon reached Lei Shenbao’s ears.

That same night, Lei Shenbao came once more to Feng Jiang’s estate.

When he entered, Feng Jiu’er was giving Feng Jiang his third round of acupuncture for the day, just about to withdraw the needles.

“Lord Lei.” The steward, feigning ignorance, turned at the sound of footsteps and saw Lei Shenbao entering.

“No need for formalities.” Lei Shenbao waved a hand. “I heard the people from Dragon Shadow Pharmacy have been at the estate for some time now. How are things going?”

Bao Lei lay on the bed, with Feng Jiu’er seated beside him, withdrawing the needles.

Qiao Mu, disguised as a man, saw the visitor approaching and raised the sword in her hand, blocking Lei Shenbao’s path.

“Qiao, this is—” The steward hurried over at the sight.

Though the sword hadn’t been drawn, the gesture itself was a disrespect to Lord Lei.

“I know.” Qiao Mu lowered the sword. “My apologies! Lord Lei, my mistress cannot be disturbed while treating a patient.”

“Please wait a moment—just a moment!” Qiao Mu cupped her fist in apology, still gripping the sword.

“It’s nothing.” Lei Shenbao withdrew his gaze with a faint smile, looking at Qiao Mu. “Are you all from Dragon Shadow?”

“Yes.” Qiao Mu cupped her fist again before finally lowering her arm.

“I don’t believe I’ve seen you before?” Lei Shenbao studied her.

“Everyone in Li City knows Lord Lei. Could Lord Lei possibly know everyone in Li City in turn?” Qiao Mu replied, neither warm nor cold.

“Our Dragon Shadow has only recently started up, mostly dealing in medicinal herbs—just trying to make a living.”

“We’re grateful Lord Lei has been willing to accept us. Many thanks!”

As soon as she finished speaking, Qiao Mu cupped her hands once more.

“It’s just a small organization—I haven’t noticed you doing anything to harm others,” Lei Shenbao said, brow lightly furrowed, the smile still lingering at the corner of his mouth.

“And besides, with you here, the people of Li City benefit too. There’s nothing wrong with that.”

Qiao Mu gave one final bow, then let her arms fall naturally to her sides.

“Alright.” Feng Jiu’er put away her silver needles and turned to face Lei Shenbao.

“Lord Lei, coming so late—it really is just as the rumors say, that you value capable people a great deal.”

“What a pity.” Feng Jiu’er gave a light sigh. “His opponent’s skill was so impressive—Mr. Bao tomorrow…”

“I’m fine.” Feng Jiang got down from the bed.

“Lord Lei, what brings you here so late?” he asked softly, looking at Lei Shenbao.

“Nothing in particular.” Lei Shenbao studied Feng Jiang for a moment, then shook his head.

“I simply wanted to see whether the physician from Dragon Shadow Pharmacy was truly capable. Now that I’ve seen it, she’s quite good indeed.”

Lei Shenbao nodded with some satisfaction, his gaze settling on Feng Jiu’er.

“This lady—may I ask where you trained? After your treatment, Lei’s complexion has clearly improved.”

Lei Shenbao’s real reason for coming was suspicion in his heart.

Bao Lei never allowed physicians to examine him; today had been an exception, and his curiosity had brought him here.

“I came from Qiandao Province. I’ve only recently arrived in the Feng Clan territory, traveling about in search of knowledge—I have no particular master.”

Feng Jiu’er packed away her needle case and took up a handkerchief nearby, wiping her hands.

She appeared entirely composed, calm as drifting clouds and a gentle breeze.