Chapter 7: Banquet at the Pavilion in the Lake

Three evenings later, after everyone had finished dinner, the Jiansu Medical Clinic welcomed two unusual visitors: Liu Changqing, the old steward of the Wu Royal Residence, and Lü Chenfei, Wu Rui’an’s lieutenant.

“General Lü, this is the Jiansu Medical Clinic!” Liu Changqing pointed to the signboard at the entrance and announced loudly.

Lü Chenfei frowned, staring at the sign for a long time. “How strange... I’ve walked this street seven or eight times, but it seems like it just appeared out of nowhere!”

“The clinic’s main entrance is on the side. It’s understandable if you didn’t notice. I searched for half a day the first time I came,” the steward said with a casual smile, leading Lü Chenfei into the clinic.

At that moment, Di Jiang was teaching Wen Yao how to read. Upon seeing the visitors, she was momentarily stunned, then her expression darkened. “Has something happened to Lord Wu?”

“Doctor Di! You must save His Highness!” The old steward looked distraught, tears streaming down his face. “His Highness might not be doing well!”

“What?!” Both Di Jiang and Wen Yao were startled.

“What happened?”

“His wounds are festering, and he has a high fever. It seems... it seems...” The old steward sobbed uncontrollably, heartbroken.

Di Jiang turned to look at Lü Chenfei beside her. He quickly nodded along. “Yes, yes... His Highness is gravely ill and cannot recover. He keeps calling your name while running a fever. Please hurry and see him!” His tone was hesitant, and his expression evasive.

Seeing this, Di Jiang’s eyes flickered. She quickly did some calculations and understood the situation. Turning to Wen Yao, she said, “Bring the medical kit, and follow me to the Wu Royal Residence.”

“I’ll prepare right away!” Wen Yao nodded.

While Wen Yao went to fetch the medical kit from the counter, Di Jiang went to the backyard. From a pile of precious seasonings, she selected a bottle of chili powder and tucked it into her sleeve. By the time she returned to the main hall, Wen Yao was ready. Without further ado, the four of them quickly set off for the Wu Royal Residence.

Inside the Wu Royal Residence, Wu Rui’an lay bored on his bed, popping a grape into his mouth.

In truth, by the second day after Di Jiang’s departure, Wu Rui’an’s wounds had already healed about seventy to eighty percent. However, he hadn’t seen Di Jiang in a while and wanted to see her again—to relive their “tender moments.” So, gritting his teeth, he had Lü Chenfei beat him again. This time, the new wounds combined with the old ones nearly cost him half his life.

However, by now, he was mostly recovered. His current appearance was merely an act to elicit more sympathy from Di Jiang. When Di Jiang and the others arrived at his bedroom, he hastily threw away the grape and pretended to have been unconscious for a long time, feigning a weak breath.

“Your Highness... Your Highness!” Seeing this, Liu Changqing’s eyes involuntarily began to glisten with tears.

Lü Chenfei’s lips twitched as if trying hard to squeeze out some tears.

Di Jiang naturally noticed the discrepancies between the two. Taking out the wound-healing ointment, she began applying it to Wu Rui’an’s buttocks while instructing Wen Yao, “His Highness’s condition results from evil qi invading his body and cold entering his system. Therefore, we need to add an extra ingredient to the ointment called ‘Red Sea,’ which can warm and dispel cold, activate blood circulation, and reduce swelling.”

As she spoke, Di Jiang sprinkled the chili powder on his wounds.

“Sss—” Wu Rui’an, who had been feigning weakness, sharply sucked in a breath.

He felt a burning sensation on his buttocks, searing his nerves. He wanted to cry out loud but had to endure it, sweating profusely and feeling unbearably hot.

Wen Yao carefully noted this method of treatment and asked, “Master, what is this ‘Red Sea’? I’ve never heard of it before.”

“The Red Sea... commonly known as ‘chili,’ has a pungent and hot nature. When used medicinally, it needs to be balanced with salt, so I added several spoonfuls of fine salt.”

“How much should we generally add?”

“The more, the better.”

“Master is truly remarkable! I’ll remember that!” To ensure she wouldn’t forget, Wen Yao quickly took out a small notebook from the medical kit and meticulously recorded it.

Di Jiang smiled enigmatically, dipped another hand in the ointment, and applied it to the wounds on Wu Rui’an’s thighs.

“Ugh ah—!” Unable to hold back, Wu Rui’an let out a muffled cry. His hands clenched the bedsheet tightly, veins bulging on the backs of his hands.

“Your Highness! You’ve finally awakened!” Seeing Wu Rui’an react, Liu Changqing was overjoyed, while Lü Chenfei covered his forehead and turned away, unable to bear looking. His forehead seemed to spell out “Can’t bear to watch” in big letters.

By now, Wu Rui’an’s wounds were gradually beginning to scab over, but the surrounding skin was red and swollen.

Wu Rui’an buried his head in the blanket, gritting his teeth tightly.

This kind of torment was indescribable to outsiders. He felt as if he’d been placed on a barbecue grill, sprinkled with cumin and chili oil, and was slowly being roasted alive...

“It’s too easy to heal lightly, and people don’t cherish it. Hence, there’s a saying: Once the scars heal, the pain is forgotten.” Di Jiang spoke and smiled faintly, appearing confident and composed.

“There is indeed such a phrase in books.” Wen Yao nodded in agreement.

“So to treat this condition, we need to use strong medicine to make him remember this pain for life, ensuring he won’t repeat it.” With that, Di Jiang slapped Wu Rui’an’s back.

At this point, Wu Rui’an could no longer endure. He immediately curled up and jumped like a shrimp.

“So spicy—!” Wu Rui’an didn’t feel pain, only spiciness. A mountain-shaking, sea-sweeping spiciness seemed to spread from his back, instantly enveloping his entire body.

The spiciness made him grimace, but he didn’t know where to find relief.

The next moment, he suddenly turned around, perhaps confused by the spiciness, and lunged toward Di Jiang, pinning her down. His lips pressed against Di Jiang’s.

“Your Highness!”

“Master!”

Everyone in the room couldn’t help but shout, staring dumbfounded as the two clung together.

“So... so spicy!”

After a long while, Wu Rui’an, half-dead, managed to utter three words.

The uninformed onlookers focused and realized that Di Jiang’s hand, coated with ointment, was covering Wu Rui’an’s face, keeping their faces apart.

He hadn’t kissed her.

At this point, Wu Rui’an felt as if chili powder had been sprinkled on his face.

What’s it like to scream to the heavens because of spiciness?

All Wu Rui’an knew was that he spent the entire day in the bath, soaking until his skin swelled, yet still couldn’t relieve the spiciness.

For the next three days, he lived in anguish because a vivid handprint remained on his face, the palm positioned over his lips, fingers encompassing his eyes and eyebrows.

As he thought he might go blind from the spiciness, he lamented even more bitterly: If only he went blind, he wouldn’t have to see his once calamitously handsome face ruined...

Two more days passed, and the redness and swelling on Wu Rui’an’s face gradually subsided, restoring him to his previous peak appearance. In high spirits, he immediately arranged a banquet at the pavilion in the lake and sent Lü Chenfei to invite Di Jiang. He wanted to thank her in person and apologize.

Before Lü Chenfei left to invite Di Jiang, Wu Rui’an specifically instructed him, “Make sure to tell Master Di that my injuries were caused by her. If it weren’t for helping her eliminate the bloodstained bird’s threat, I wouldn’t have been targeted by the Longsun family, nor would I have received the imperial decree to marry Miss Yuming. Moreover, Miss Yuming is virtuous, gentle, respectful, and one of the most intelligent and graceful women in the world, a great asset to securing the throne. I gave up this excellent opportunity for her, so she must take responsibility.”

“Yes! I understand!” Lü Chenfei nodded.

“And make sure your words are both earnest and tactful, making her feel deeply guilty and prompting her to shower me with gratitude.”

“Yes! I will not fail!” Lü Chenfei vowed solemnly and left without looking back.

After Lü Chenfei departed, Wu Rui’an began to dress and groom himself.

He wore a white jade crown and a purple-red robe. At first glance, he appeared elegant and refined, and upon closer inspection, even more dashing and charismatic. Every glance at him was pleasing, making hearts flutter.

Even the maids in the residence, accustomed to his beauty, couldn’t help but blush. Wu Rui’an himself was quite satisfied.

After Lü Chenfei invited Di Jiang, he directly led her to the pavilion in the lake.

This was Di Jiang’s second visit to the pavilion for a banquet.

The last time was during the investigation of Lady Wu Yuan’s case, more than three years ago.

She couldn’t help but think of the days she spent with Zhong Xu in Zhuangyuan Xiang.

“Alas...” Di Jiang sighed.

As she reminisced, she heard Lü Chenfei say seriously, “It seems Master Di is somewhat unhappy?”

“Hmm?” Di Jiang snapped out of her thoughts and smiled. “No, I was thinking of something else.”

“If you’re not unhappy, that’s good. His Highness eagerly anticipates Master Di’s arrival. I’ve never seen His Highness like someone so much!”

“Pfft—” Di Jiang couldn’t hold back and sprayed water everywhere.

Seeing this, Lü Chenfei became even more anxious, exclaiming, “His Highness told me to tell you that he rejected the marriage proposal for your sake! For you, he even refused the Emperor’s decree to marry Miss Yuming! Miss Yuming is virtuous, gentle, respectful, and one of the rare intelligent and graceful women in the world. You must take responsibility for him!”

“Wu Rui’an told you this?” Di Jiang was slightly stunned.

Lü Chenfei nodded, wide-eyed. “His Highness also told me to tell you that for you, he abandoned countless waters and endless forests. If you don’t forgive him, he’ll have no choice but to hang himself from a tree!”

Di Jiang couldn’t help but burst out laughing, doubling over.

“Cough cough—!” A robust cough interrupted, and Wu Rui’an emerged from behind the rockery, looking utterly miserable.

“Your Highness! What’s wrong? Did your old wounds flare up?” Lü Chenfei immediately rushed over.

Wu Rui’an waved him off, his face green, refusing to look at him. Through gritted teeth, he managed to utter three words: “You, leave.”

“Your Highness...”

“Leave!”

“Yes...” Lü Chenfei’s eyes filled with grievance and worry, concerned that Di Jiang had bullied his lord again. He reluctantly walked out of the pavilion, turning back repeatedly.

Now, only Wu Rui’an and Di Jiang remained in the pavilion.

Wu Rui’an was very awkward. Those sweet words that flowed easily when addressing others were stuck in his throat. After forcing a laugh for a long time, he finally said, “The weather today isn’t bad.”

“Yes.” Di Jiang nodded, raising her eyes to look at the sky.

It was evening, and the sky was covered with colorful clouds. The Wu Royal Residence was filled with misty scenery, complemented by the large artificial rocks and swaying willows by the wind. The view was top-notch, but the two in the pavilion clearly weren’t on the same wavelength.

Wu Rui’an pondered how to apologize to Di Jiang, while Di Jiang was thinking of Zhong Xu.

Zhong Xu had been gone for three years without news. How was he doing?

Would he return?

Just as Di Jiang was lost in thought, Wu Rui’an subtly moved closer, sitting beside her naturally placing his right hand on her shoulder.

At this moment, Di Jiang suddenly turned her head and glared at him.

Wu Rui’an’s heart tightened, and his right hand landed on her stool.

Although they were very close, he ultimately didn’t dare to be as presumptuous as before.

Their eyes met, so close that they could feel each other’s breath.

Wu Rui’an’s heart raced, but Di Jiang’s mind remained calm, seemingly indifferent to whatever Wu Rui’an did.

“You… don’t think I’m handsome?”

“Very handsome.”

“Don’t you think I’m wealthy, powerful, tall, mighty, and highly skilled in martial arts?”

“Yes.”

“Then why do you show no reaction when I gaze at you affectionately?” Wu Rui’an’s eyes widened suddenly.

Di Jiang blinked and smiled. “Because... although you’re wealthy, powerful, tall, mighty, and highly skilled in martial arts, it has nothing to do with me—not even a single copper coin.” Her eyes conveyed sincerity and certainty, showing that she truly thought this way.

Wu Rui’an felt like crying but held back, tilting his head up and deciding not to look at her anymore.

A gentle breeze blew by the lakeside, carrying the scent of grass. The two were immersed in the beautiful scenery, basking in the serene ambiance.

From time to time, the breeze lifted strands of her hair, gently brushing against Wu Rui’an’s face like tickling with a feather, making his heart itch uncontrollably.

But Di Jiang remained oblivious, calmly focused on eating.

Wu Rui’an couldn’t help but feel disheartened.

Could this table full of dishes be more attractive than him, the handsome and free-spirited prince?

What about the saying “beauty is as nourishing as food”?

Wu Rui’an thought that she had seen him completely naked, yet she could remain calm and collected in front of him.

Honestly, he felt somewhat defeated.

At this moment, he felt like crying.