He knew that Brother Xiao was not simple, even the county magistrate of Donglin was his subordinate.
But he never imagined that the identity of Madam Xiao was even more astonishing.
So, a remote village that hadn't produced even a minor official for generations, Bozi Village, once housed two towering figures?
He truly found it absurd.
No one would believe him if he said it, right?
Also, his mother and his father once...
"How are you preparing? Do you have confidence in making the list? There are many vacancies in the court, you must bring glory to Bozi Village!"
She sat down again, eating leisurely, speaking as casually as an old friend, which made Liu Donghuai somewhat flustered.
The entire room was elegant and luxurious, and she, dressed in white, was so pure that one dared not look directly at her. Everything about her proclaimed her supreme status, yet her crisp words remained as sincere as ever, without any pretense.
"Your mother's death grants you one more day to grieve. After that, you must live for yourself. You have studied diligently for over a decade, all for the purpose of bringing honor to your ancestors one day, haven't you? Your mother would have also wished for you to succeed in the imperial examinations, wouldn't she?"
Yes, Liu Donghuai suddenly felt re-energized and no longer so empty.
"Your Highness, the Divine Maiden, will you not resent my mother?" he finally asked.
After all, his mother had almost strangled her and cursed her so terribly.
"Stop calling me Divine Maiden, Divine Maiden. Call me Princess, or Madam Xiao, as you always have." Ling Yao elegantly dabbed her lips. Looking at the well-behaved Liu Donghuai, she admitted that she didn't have strong feelings for the people of Bozi Village. She ignored those she disliked and spoke more to those she liked. Only a few could stir her emotions.
She liked that small village because the life there was simple enough.
If it were any other village, it would be the same.
As for Liu Donghuai's mother, she had already forgotten about it.
"I, a dignified princess of Great Jing, why would I bother with a woman who has lost her senses from being hurt by a man? Liu Donghuai, you truly underestimate me. I have more important matters to consider, like the future of Great Jing, rather than dwelling on an insignificant person who poses no threat to me."
Liu Donghuai was shaken.
Yes, he was too superficial, and too narrow-minded.
How could the Divine Maiden of Great Jing, like a village woman, fuss over such trivial matters? She was not a hunter's wife in a mountain village, but a Divine Maiden admired by all.
That was why the saber above his head had broken; she had saved him.
She and General Shenwu had long ago practiced repaying kindness with grievances, otherwise, he wouldn't have had the chance to come to the capital.
To ask such a question again was simply an insult to her.
Liu Donghuai was filled with shame.
"Alright, alright. I wanted to have a good chat with you, but you're always so reserved. Sit down, let's talk about the imperial examinations."
Liu Donghuai finally sat down cautiously.
...
Imperial Hospital
A maidservant from Princess Lingxi came to invite Imperial Physician Qu. Linglong, after hearing the situation, prepared her things and followed her to Fengque Tower.
After she left, a middle-aged imperial physician came over and knocked over the medicinal decoction she had just prepared, muttering, "A woman, who has already had a child, still runs out to be an imperial physician. I really don't know how she has the nerve. Prince Jiangbei is also truly unlucky to have married such a restless woman."
"Heh, her father is an old stubborn fool, and his daughter turned out like this," another chimed in.
"I heard she has a good relationship with the Divine Maiden. You'd better not be so blatant."
"The Divine Maiden wouldn't bother with these trivial matters."
A young man squeezed forward, joining the group of old imperial physicians. "Esteemed seniors, do you know why Prince Jiangbei doesn't care about her? Because, she made a cuckold of the Prince with a bright green hat!"
What? There was such a thing?
The eyes of a group of old men gleamed, "Little Du, tell us quickly."
Little Du instantly felt important, clearing his throat with slight excitement. "Esteemed seniors all know, I, this humble one, entered Xichuan with Imperial Physician Qu..."
The medical practitioners who returned from Xichuan were all meritorious officials, not only earning great fame but also receiving many rewards from the court.
However, only he and Qu Linglong were selected to enter the Imperial Hospital.
Originally, they thought they would soar to great heights, but upon arriving here, they discovered they could only be errand boys.
Qu Linglong, on the other hand, being a woman, was often invited by princesses and county princesses. He didn't have such good fortune, being bullied by a bunch of old men in the Imperial Hospital all day.
Now, having finally found an opportunity to blend in with these old men, he no longer cared about the friendship he had in Xichuan, nor about his conscience.
Besides, he wasn't lying; Qu Linglong truly...
"When Prince Jiangbei found them, they weren't even properly dressed... Tsk tsk, esteemed seniors, please just listen and don't spread it. I heard that Commander Du was a favored person before General Shenwu..."
The middle-aged imperial physician narrowed his eyes and patted Little Du's shoulder, "You're a good lad. Stick with me from now on, and I'll teach you some practical things."
"Thank you for your guidance, esteemed senior, thank you for your guidance..."
Qu Linglong arrived at Lingxi's place and saw that both her elbows were injured, and she also complained of pain in her buttocks, likely from falling on her tailbone.
In what posture did she fall?
She ran through it in her mind but couldn't figure it out.
"Princess, you must be careful when walking from now on. Falling on your tailbone can be serious. In severe cases, it can lead to paralysis."
She wasn't scaring her; she had handled such cases before.
Lingxi nodded sheepishly. Ling'er spoke from the side, "Princess, you must not sneakily read storybooks when you sleep at night. You should read them on the table during the day. It's too dangerous."
Lingxi was dejected.
Qu Linglong asked in confusion, "What does this have to do with storybooks?"
"Imperial Physician Qu, you don't know, but last night the Princess was so engrossed in reading this storybook that she rolled off the bed laughing."
"Ling'er, if you don't speak, no one will think you're mute!" How embarrassing! Falling while walking would be better than this.
Qu Linglong applied the medicine for her and chuckled, "Then the author of this storybook is quite something."
Princess Lingxi's personality was becoming more lively, which was good.
"Indeed, quite something."
Speaking of which, Lingxi couldn't help but want to laugh again. "Imperial Physician Qu, you have a good relationship with my elder sister, and you're also familiar with my brother-in-law. Who do you think is more dominant between my elder sister and my brother-in-law?"
How did this involve Princess Lingyao and General Shenwu?
"This humble subject dares not speak carelessly, but the Princess and the General have deep affection for each other. This humble subject believes it's not about who is more dominant."
Just like how powerful Brother Xiao is, when he encounters the Princess, isn't he still a timid fellow? As soft as noodles.
The Princess is also like this, missing the General every moment they are apart, like duckweed clinging to a rock. They are tightly entwined, afraid the rock might run away.
Who do you think is more dominant?