Chapter Three: Princess Zhaohe (2)

Wu Jingyi’s face was filled with suspicion, and she remained silent. The atmosphere in the air grew tense.

At this moment, Di Jiang leisurely turned her head to gaze at the winter plum blossoms outside the window. She remarked casually, “This is the season when plum blossoms bloom. The plums in the eastern wing of your residence have blossomed, as have those in the pear garden—they’re truly beautiful.”

When Di Jiang mentioned the “pear garden,” Wu Jingyi’s expression shifted noticeably.

“Who exactly are you?” Wu Jingyi pointed at Di Jiang, her face filled with fear.

“Young lady, let me give you some advice. Life is full of disappointments and regrets—most of which are the result of your own choices. You can choose to live a life of peace, or you can let nightmares consume you. But no matter the outcome, it’s not something others impose on you—it’s your own choice.”

Wu Jingyi frowned deeply, her eyes filled with hostility. Though she didn’t refute Di Jiang’s words, it was clear she wasn’t taking them to heart.

Di Jiang hadn’t expected her brief words to change Wu Jingyi’s mind, so she simply smiled and said, “No matter what grudge you have with Princess Zhaohe, if you want to remain in this body, you must learn to be Wu Jingyi. Otherwise, Lord Rui’an will do whatever it takes to bring his sister back—and when that happens, you’ll lose everything.”

“What do I have left to lose?” Wu Jingyi laughed bitterly, her eyes filled with desolation. “I’m merely clinging to life by a thread. What do I have to fear?”

Wu Jingyi no longer referred to herself as “this palace” and became almost transparent before Di Jiang, shedding her royal demeanor.

Di Jiang saw through her thoughts and said, “I don’t care what you plan to do, but I’ll give you seven days. Seven days from now, I’ll come to take you away.”

“On what grounds!” Wu Jingyi slammed the table, rushing toward Di Jiang and glaring into her eyes.

Di Jiang didn’t flinch, meeting her gaze with a faint smile. “You’ll know when the time comes.”

With that, Di Jiang turned and walked out without another word.

Seeing this, Wen Yao added, “See you in seven days,” before following Di Jiang out.

After they left, Wu Jingyi seemed like a changed person. She was no longer violent or noisy; instead, she sat quietly, staring blankly into space.

A short while later, as if waking from a dream, she called out to those below, “Someone come! I wish to dress my hair!”

________________________________________

After leaving the room, Di Jiang and Wen Yao found that the guard was gone, and the entire courtyard was deserted. The atmosphere was heavy, a stark contrast to the usual scene of guards stationed every five steps in the front palace.

“Why is there no one here?” Wen Yao shivered.

“I imagine Wu Jingyi has killed them all… With such a fiery temper, who would dare stay in her courtyard?” Di Jiang shook her head. “We’ll find our way out ourselves.”

“This mansion is just too strange!” Wen Yao muttered, walking ahead. Di Jiang followed behind, lost in thought. After walking for quite some time, they still hadn’t found the exit to the small courtyard and hadn’t encountered a single soul along the way.

“Boss, could we be caught in a ghost wall?”

“Nonsense.”

“We’ve been here before.”

“That’s impossible.”

“It’s true…” Wen Yao whispered, but seeing Di Jiang’s calm demeanor, she stopped talking. In truth, Di Jiang had noticed something was amiss, but she knew it wasn’t a ghost wall. There wasn’t a wall in this world capable of trapping her.

“The only possibility is this,” Di Jiang said calmly: “We’re lost.”

Yes, the mansion was vast, and she had a poor sense of direction.

“Boss, you’re really calm.”

“It’s only natural. How else could I run a shop?” Di Jiang proudly lifted her chin, knowing she couldn’t show any hesitation in front of her subordinates.

“Boss, weren’t you worried about getting your head bashed in like that doctor earlier?”

“Before entering, I checked. Everything breakable in that room had already been smashed. What was there to fear?”

Wen Yao nodded, impressed despite herself.

As Di Jiang strolled through the mansion, chatting idly, she suddenly realized they were thoroughly lost—they had unknowingly wandered into the rear garden.

The rear garden was mostly inhabited by women, a place outsiders weren’t allowed to enter. However, since Lord Rui’an had yet to marry and no rumors of any young ladies staying overnight had surfaced, the vast garden was eerily silent. This puzzled Di Jiang even more.

“This doesn’t match the stories I’ve heard…”

“Lord Rui’an may be known for his romantic exploits, but he wouldn’t bring just anyone into his mansion!” Wen Yao danced around excitedly and asked curiously, “Boss, shall I go check out Lord Rui’an’s room?”

Before Wen Yao could dash off, Di Jiang quickly pulled her back. “Let’s leave quickly. We can’t afford to be accused of trespassing.”

“Where to? We’re already lost anyway. Why not treat this as a day tour of the mansion? On normal days, we’d never have the chance to come here—it’s a great opportunity, isn’t it?”

Di Jiang narrowed her eyes, finding Wen Yao’s reasoning quite sound. However, she disliked unnecessary trouble and feared lingering here might lead to complications. Unsure whether to stay or leave, she suddenly heard the sound of a flute coming from a nearby pavilion.

The melody was soft and soothing, like a spring breeze brushing against their faces.

“So beautiful.”

“Mm.” Di Jiang nodded solemnly.

Di Jiang appreciated talent and was curious about all things beautiful in the world. Moreover, anyone capable of playing such a flawless flute tune likely possessed an equally remarkable appearance.

“The flutist’s skill is extraordinary. Let’s go see.” Leading Wen Yao, Di Jiang followed the sound of the flute.

As they walked, Di Jiang imagined encountering a peerless beauty. To her surprise, when they reached the end of the path, the flutist revealed to be none other than Princess Zhaohe, Wu Jingyi, whom they had parted ways with not long ago.

Di Jiang realized with a start that they had circled around from the eastern wing’s front courtyard and ended up in the rear garden. Meanwhile, Wu Jingyi, having tidied her hair, had transformed completely.

Her jet-black hair cascaded down her shoulders like ink, and her simple white gown gave her an ethereal grace. This understated attire turned her from her earlier frenzied state into an image of serene tranquility. Now, calling her a “peerless beauty” wouldn’t be an exaggeration.

“A princess is a princess. No matter who resides within that body, as long as the face is there, she’ll always look good.” Wen Yao couldn’t stop praising her, and even Di Jiang was momentarily captivated.

At this moment, the flute music abruptly stopped. Wu Jingyi noticed Di Jiang and Wen Yao hiding in the corner.

“Why have you returned?” Wu Jingyi’s expression instantly turned icy. “What more do you want?”

“Princess, please don’t misunderstand. I promised you seven days, and I meant it,” Di Jiang quickly explained with a smile. “Your Highness, we’re lost. Could you kindly send someone to guide us out of the mansion?”

Wu Jingyi pointed to a small path at the edge of the garden. “All the servants here have been killed by me. Just head east, and turn left at the fork.”

“Thank you, Your Highness. We’ll take our leave.” Di Jiang bowed respectfully, and Wen Yao mimicked her actions. After finishing their bows, they hurriedly exited the mansion through the back gate.

“Boss, if she were to be destroyed, it’d truly be a pity.” Wen Yao gazed at the two-story building not far inside the walls, her face filled with sympathy.

Di Jiang nodded in agreement.

She had always admired beauties but found that throughout history, they often met tragic ends. If she were to disappear like this, it would indeed be a great loss.

Back at Jian Su Medical Clinic, Shu Xiang had already prepared dinner and was waiting for Di Jiang and Wen Yao to return.

To everyone’s surprise, as soon as they entered the shop, both of them said in unison, “We’re not hungry today. We won’t eat.”

Shu Xiang nodded without asking why, took the dinner back to the kitchen, ate alone, and then came out. By then, Di Jiang and Wen Yao had already retired to their respective rooms and fallen asleep.

________________________________________

The next morning, Di Jiang unusually rose early. As she descended the stairs, she saw Shu Xiang and Wen Yao eating breakfast and greeted them cheerfully: “Good morning.”

Both Shu Xiang and Wen Yao looked at Di Jiang in astonishment.

“Boss, has the sun risen from the west today?”

“The sun is right where it should be in the east. What nonsense are you spouting?” Di Jiang glanced at her and said, “Finish eating quickly and open the shop. We have a distinguished guest arriving today.”

“A distinguished guest? Who?” Wen Yao asked curiously.

“You’ll know when they arrive,” Di Jiang paused, then added, “It’s someone you’re interested in.”

“Really?”

“When have I ever lied to you?”

“All the time…”

“A monk doesn’t tell lies,” Di Jiang chuckled sweetly.

Wen Yao stared at her, lips slightly parted, and after a long pause, she suddenly put down her chopsticks. “I’m full! Please continue without me.” Without another word, she hurriedly ran to the clinic’s main hall, while Shu Xiang remained calm, continuing to eat his porridge without lifting an eyelid.

“Bamboo Chai’s cooking skills have improved greatly. Even the steamed buns are soft and delicious.” Di Jiang picked up a golden bun, bit into it, and couldn’t help but praise it endlessly.

“Mm, it’s his passion—he’s devoted himself to it,” Shu Xiang nodded thoughtfully, recalling the dark times when they first arrived in Taiping Prefecture.

Back then, neither Shu Xiang nor Wen Yao knew how to cook, and Di Jiang refused to touch anything related to housework. They endured several days of hunger.

They discovered Bamboo Chai in the backyard, barely sentient and unable to speak coherently. If he hadn’t been trembling in a pile of firewood, Shu Xiang might have mistaken him for kindling.

Later, Shu Xiang taught him to speak and read. Over time, they learned that he had been forgotten in a corner for years, watching generations of shop owners come and go. Surrounded by food, cooking became his greatest passion.

Di Jiang naturally appointed him as the chef, and their quality of life improved significantly. By now, their happiness was overflowing.

“Bo-boss!”

Just then, Wen Yao rushed in, panic-stricken, pulling Di Jiang from her thoughts.

“What’s wrong? Are you seeing ghosts?”

“No!” Wen Yao quickly shook her head. “It’s Lord Rui’an! He’s here!”

“Oh? That’s good news.”

“But our shop only allows non-humans or those connected to them!”

“More accurately, those associated with non-humans. Wu Jingyi carries ghostly energy and is Lord Rui’an’s younger sister. Since they’re living together, it’s not surprising they can enter our clinic.” Di Jiang corrected Wen Yao, then stood up and walked toward the shop.

As she lifted the curtain, she saw Lord Rui’an seated at the consultation desk.

“Citizen greets Lord Rui’an. May His Highness be blessed with prosperity.” Di Jiang greeted him warmly with a deep bow.

Rui’an raised his eyes, a flicker of surprise crossing them. “You are Doctor Di?”

“Citizen Di Jiang, proprietor of Jian Su Medical Clinic.”

“Doctor Di, please rise,” Rui’an helped her up and continued, “Doctor Di is so young—truly, heroes emerge in youth. No, in your case, it’s more accurate to say beauties emerge as heroes.”

“Do I not look like a doctor?” Di Jiang chuckled. “In Your Highness’s mind, what should I look like?”

“Mature, composed, gentle, and refined.”

“Other than ‘mature,’ I suppose I fit the rest.” Di Jiang nodded earnestly.

“Yes, yes, Boss Di is absolutely right,” Rui’an burst into laughter, then added, “Doctor Di knew I would come?”

“I did, and I didn’t.”

“What do you mean?”

“Has your sister’s condition improved?”

“Mostly, but…” Rui’an hesitated. “She’s still somewhat different from before.”

“It seems she hasn’t fully recovered. She’ll need a few more doses of medicine.” Di Jiang remained calm, her eyes carrying a warm smile, which made Rui’an feel both comforted and reassured.

He nodded. “That’s what I thought. Ever since her engagement was broken off, her mental state has been unstable. Other doctors, even imperial physicians, couldn’t get close to her. These past days, she hasn’t shown any aversion to Doctor Di. Today, I’ve come specifically to ask Doctor Di to help nurture her health.”

“Healing the world is what I, Di Jiang, am meant to do. Even if Your Highness hadn’t come today, I would have visited the mansion again. I’ll prepare seven days’ worth of medicine for the princess and deliver it shortly. If all goes well, the illness should be cured in seven days.”

“Then I leave everything in Doctor Di’s hands.” Rui’an’s face lit up with joy, expressing his gratitude repeatedly.

Seeing there wasn’t even a cup of tea on the table, Di Jiang called out to Wen Yao, “Wen Yao, bring tea.”

“No need,” Rui’an raised his hand, signaling Wen Yao not to bother. “I still have matters to attend to. I’ll take my leave now. I’ll send someone to collect the medicine later.”

Di Jiang nodded, bowing deeply as she bid him farewell. “Your Highness’s instructions will not be taken lightly. Please walk safely.”

“Everything is entrusted to Doctor Di.” With that, Rui’an stood up and walked toward the door.