Madam Bai's repeated assurances were of little comfort to Feng Jinyao on the other side.
Her conversations with Bai Siruo lacked energy. The past few days had been tense, waiting for the execution of the Wen family father and son. Now that they were dead, the strength that had sustained her dissipated, leaving her feeling physically weak.
Bai Siruo noticed her lack of spirit and asked with concern, "What's wrong? Did the sun get to you?"
Feng Jinyao smiled faintly. "It's nothing. I probably caught a chill a couple of days ago, and my body is a bit weak now. I'll be fine after taking some medicine."
Speaking of medicine, Bai Siruo exclaimed, "What a coincidence! The second young master of the Lin family, whom your paternal aunt is arranging a marriage for, is a physician. He's said to have exceptional medical skills, even praised by His Majesty. Why don't you let him examine you? And perhaps you two can see if you're compatible?"
As soon as she finished speaking, a gust of wind, like a spring breeze, swept through the outside. The large tree rustled, and Bai Siruo glanced at it, finding it quite peculiar.
It hadn't been long since spring began, so why were leaves falling?
Feng Jinyao coughed a couple of times, drawing Bai Siruo's attention back to her.
Their idle chat was interrupted by the sudden appearance of Feng Er.
He walked over with a smile, his steps practically carrying him on the wind, a clear sign of good news.
"Second Brother, what is it?"
"Canwen has taken the top spot. It's finally been announced to the world."
Feng Er was happy for his friend's well-deserved recognition. With his abilities, he could likely be appointed as a Grand Academician directly. His future was incredibly bright.
Hearing this, Feng Jinyao was also genuinely happy for Yin Canwen.
Although personal grudges had complicated matters, nearly costing him the top position, everything had returned to normal. This eased some of her guilt.
So she suggested, "Then, Second Brother, you should prepare a congratulatory gift and send it to him soon. After all, he is a benefactor to our Feng family."
"Don't worry. Canwen's gift has already been prepared. As for you, didn't you say you were preparing something special for me? Where is it? I don't see it."
Feng Jinlin wasn't particularly attached to the gift, but he wanted to tease Feng Jinyao today.
Feng Jinyao smiled mysteriously. "Don't worry. When it's ready, I'll give you a surprise."
Her words made even Bai Siruo curious, but Feng Jinyao was tight-lipped, and neither of them could pry the information out of her.
After sitting for a short while, once everyone had left, Feng Jinyao felt completely unwell.
She had Yunxu dissolve one of the pills left by Uncle Shou in water and took it before lying down to rest.
She slept so soundly that she missed dinner.
Perhaps it was the calming effect of the pill, but Feng Jinyao only stirred awake in the dead of night when everyone else was asleep.
Glancing at the sky outside, she couldn't help but remark, "I slept so well."
As she got up to get a cup of warm water, she accidentally disturbed Yunxu, who was on guard outside. Yunxu hadn't slept soundly due to her worry for Feng Jinyao's health, so she immediately got up upon hearing the slightest sound.
"What does Miss need?"
"You're awake? I'd like a cup of warm water."
"Please sit still, Miss. Be careful not to stub your toe. Let me get it for you."
With that, she briskly stepped forward, lit the lamp, and then turned to fetch the hot water that had been prepared.
"I kept it warm for you, letting it cool down a bit. It should be just right now."
Feng Jinyao took the cup and drank it down in one go, feeling much more comfortable.
Uncle Shou's medicine was indeed effective. After this sleep, her previously tired body felt seventy to eighty percent recovered.
"Thank you for your trouble. Tomorrow, let Xiùqiú come to serve in the room. You should go and get some rest."
Seeing the dark circles under Yunxu's eyes, Feng Jinyao felt great sympathy for the maid who had followed her for so many years.
Yunxu smiled. "I'm tough, Miss. It's nothing. Would you like to sleep a little longer? Or would you like something to eat?"
"I'll eat something. I didn't have dinner, so I'm a bit hungry now."
"Alright, I'll go prepare it. Please sit here for a moment."
With that, she turned and hurried towards the small kitchen.
Suddenly, she heard a movement outside the window. Feng Jinyao asked warily, "Who's there?"
Unfortunately, there was no answer from outside. In the moonlight, she saw the shadow of a porcelain vase by the window. She slowly walked to the window and gently opened it. No one was outside. Instead, a bottle of medicine was placed there, with a note beneath it.
The handwriting was strong and the prose flowed smoothly. It read: Take Uncle Shou's medicine on time.
There was no signature, and no one was seen. However, Feng Jinyao knew that anyone who referred to Uncle Shou in such a manner could only be Prince Ding, Xiao Tingyi.
Recalling her conversation with Bai Siruo that afternoon, she realized that the hidden sentinels he had placed around her had reported her every situation to the Prince without omission.
She felt a slight discomfort, as if her private life were being monitored.
When Yunxu returned with the food, she saw Feng Jinyao frowning as she looked out the window.
"Miss, what's wrong?"
Yunxu's voice broke Feng Jinyao's train of thought. She replied softly, "Nothing, I'm just a little tired."
"Then you should rest early after you finish eating, Miss. You've been through a lot of worry and strain these past few days. You need more rest."
"Mm."
Feng Jinyao ate a little less than half a bowl of the fish fillet congee Yunxu handed her. The thought of someone constantly watching her outside diminished her appetite.
"Alright, you should go rest too. Nothing is wrong here. I'll sit for a bit and then sleep."
"Yes."
Seeing that she didn't wish to talk much, Yunxu respectfully took the bowls and plates and left.
The moonlight outside was bright. Feng Jinyao gazed at the crescent moon hanging high in the sky, her heart exceptionally calm.
Reflecting on her journey so far, it hadn't been filled with hardship, but it had been exhausting.
Yet, this was something she had to do!
Now that her family members were all safe and by her side, this was the best outcome.
At this moment, Feng Jinyao was unaware that while she was admiring the moon, she was also being observed as a beautiful scene.
The bright moonlight shone upon her, especially on her serene face, which lacked its usual aloofness and appeared very gentle.
Seeing this, Xiao Tingyi's lips curved into a smile.
On the treetop, Yang Zhao, who was keeping watch with Prince Ding, never imagined he would one day be doing the work of a hidden guard.
He also never imagined that the dignified Prince Ding would be hiding in a tree, guarding a young lady.
Love truly could make people lose their minds.
Terrible, truly terrible!
"Your Highness, how long are we going to stay here?"
It was past midnight, and sleeping was better than anything. Even if it meant reviewing documents and military reports in the manor, why endure the cold wind out here?
It was April, and though the wind wasn't biting, being on a treetop in the middle of the night was indeed uncomfortable.
"I remember you didn't talk much before."