The Splendid Brocade of the Painting Physician – Chapter 91

Chapter 91: Retreating and Advancing Together with Her

Since she had already declared in front of everyone that she had come from the Northern Lands with Prince of Lanling, and Prince of Lanling had explained to everyone that she was an advisor under his command, then going along with him seemed to be the simplest and best solution.

Moreover, she might be able to get some information from Prince of Lanling about the original owner’s mother, Xiao Luan, serving as an official under Emperor Wenxuan of Northern Qi.

It’s just that the original owner’s emotions too easily made her feel tolerant, grateful, and have different feelings toward Gao Changgong.

As they walked down the mountain, Xiao Jinyu didn’t speak. Instead, Fenghuang, who was disguised as a guard, was inexplicably angry and kicked the stones along the way.

When the three of them reached the foot of the mountain, they saw a group of guards led by Lu Yu coming to greet them.

“Your Highness!”

Several guards dressed as sons of aristocratic families saluted with their fists clasped, their eyes curiously looking at Xiao Jinyu and Fenghuang.

“Let’s talk about it when we get back!”

Prince of Lanling said, and then walked quickly towards the carriage not far away. Lu Yu curiously followed him and asked:

“Your Highness, you have gained a lot from this trip to the mountains. How did you even get two…”

Before he could finish the word “people,” Gao Changgong’s eyes turned cold and he glared at him fiercely.

“If you say one more word, I’ll sell you!” he said.

Lu Yu quickly covered his mouth.

Several guards in the entourage couldn’t help but chuckle. At this time, the envoys of the Zhou State also came down from Mount Fahua one after another, led by Yuwen Xun, to greet and chat with Prince of Lanling.

“Prince of Lanling is indeed worthy of his name. Even his advisors have the ability to debate with a crowd and possess both wisdom and courage. It can be seen that this advisor must have contributed a lot to his success on the battlefield. We are deeply impressed. If he ever comes to our Zhou State, I will definitely welcome him with open arms and a clean guest room!”

It was Yuwen Hui who spoke, and while Yuwen Hui was being sarcastic, Yuwen Zhi’s gaze never left Xiao Jinyu’s face, as if trying to find some flaw in her.

Prince of Lanling suddenly waved his sleeve and pulled Xiao Jinyu, dressed in men’s clothing, into his arms. He didn’t bother to say another word to them and entered the carriage with Xiao Jinyu in his arms. Fenghuang followed angrily, but didn’t dare to say a word.

Yuwen Hui was dumbfounded.

“Could it be that Gao Changgong really has a fondness for men?”

“I heard that he has been staying in the military camp in Qi for many years and never attends any banquets held in the Yecheng Imperial Palace. And the Emperor of Qi once bestowed beautiful women on him, but he didn’t want any of them!”

“Oh, that’s the ‘unveiled banquet’ that their Qi Emperor loves to play. Gao Changgong is not yet twenty years old this year, still a young and inexperienced man. How could he like that kind of occasion?” Yuwen Zhi said.

“What is an ‘unveiled banquet’?” Dugu Shan, who had been silent, interjected inappropriately.

Yuwen Zhi and Yuwen Hui looked at him strangely.

After a long while, Yuwen Zhi said, “You are also a young and inexperienced man. Think about it yourself!”

“Stop talking. We didn’t gain nothing from this Pure Conversation Gathering today. At least this Young Master Xie Zhen sharply pointed out the current problems of the times. I think we can transcribe his debate and present it to our father. Maybe it will also be beneficial to our Zhou State!”

Yuwen Xun’s words immediately silenced the three of them.

“This person is indeed talented, but it’s a pity that Gao Changgong has already gotten him. However, Xie Zhen of the Chenjun Xie Clan, I seem to have heard this name before, but I can’t remember it now.”

Yuwen Zhi said, pondering for a while, but couldn’t recall anything and could only shake his head.

Suddenly, he changed the subject and said, “Should we send someone to check out who this Xie Zhen really is?”

✿✿✿

Gao Changgong’s lodging was in a palace on the north bank of the Qianhe River. This could be considered an embassy residence arranged by the Emperor of the Chen State with the utmost courtesy. Everything inside was complete, and in accordance with Gao Changgong’s request, there were no palace attendants or maids to serve him.

In other words, the only people who could get close to Gao Changgong were the people from the Qi State he brought with him, and it was Lu Yu who took care of his daily life.

After the carriage stopped, Gao Changgong slowly let go of his hand. He was thinking about how to apologize for his rude behavior just now, but he found that Xiao Jinyu had fallen asleep leaning against him.

“Xie Zhen!”

“Xiao Jinyu!”

Thinking of how she had sucked the poisoned blood out for him, Gao Changgong panicked for a moment, thinking that she had fainted. He couldn’t help but call out softly in a panic.

At his call, Xiao Jinyu slowly woke up and looked at him. She asked, “Have we arrived at your embassy?”

Gao Changgong nodded.

“Is it because you sucked the poisoned blood, so…”

✿✿✿

Xiao Jinyu shook her head.

“No——” she interrupted, “I’ve been a little tired lately, so I slept for a bit. I’m very sorry. I used Your Highness as a pillow just now!”

Gao Changgong breathed a sigh of relief and smiled happily.

“It’s okay. If you want, you can lean on me and sleep for the whole night.”

“Your Highness is truly kind. I’m also very grateful for Your Highness’ help today…”

Before Xiao Jinyu could finish her sentence, she saw him make a gesture to silence her.

“It seems someone is following us, but don’t worry. Since you’re tied to me, we’ll advance and retreat together from now on. I’ll find a way to conceal your identity,”

he whispered in her ear. His warm breath went straight into her ear, making her feel a strange sensation in her heart.

“Let’s get out of the carriage,” he said again.

She agreed.

The two of them got out of the carriage. Fenghuang also got down from the carriage behind and followed with Lu Yu.

“Don’t talk. Let’s talk inside!” Gao Changgong ordered in a low voice.

Lu Yu nodded, not daring to speak nonsense again.

They entered the embassy one after another and closed the door.

As soon as they entered the hall, Fenghuang said to Gao Changgong unhappily, “Let go of my Qing Gege!”

“Fenghuang, don’t be rude!” Xiao Jinyu interrupted. “He did this today to help me!”

“But you also helped him. Qing Gege, you can’t just remember the good things others have done for you. You also have to think about the good things you have done for others. You will suffer losses sooner or later if you are like this!” Fenghuang said somewhat unconvinced.

Xiao Jinyu shook her head and said with a smile, “There are too many things that happen in one’s life. If I remember everything, I might not be able to remember that much. So…Fenghuang, I will only remember the things I care about, the things that are worthwhile!”

“Okay, no matter what, as long as you think it’s right, Qing Gege, then it’s right! I, I won’t disturb you two anymore!”

After saying this stubbornly, Fenghuang ran away alone.

“Fenghuang——”

Looking at the boy’s running figure, Lu Yu opened his mouth for a long time before suddenly realizing and asking,

“Fenghuang? Could it be that you are…that Divine Physician Lady in disguise?”

He tried his best to lower his voice and then asked excitedly,

“Why is the Lady with our Highness today? Did something earth-shattering happen on the mountain?”

He was ordered by His Highness to keep the letter sent by an unknown person in his hand and wait for Xiao Jinyu’s arrival. As His Highness expected, Xiao Jinyu arrived at Qiyun Peak, where the Pure Conversation Gathering was being held.

Therefore, he waited at the intersection that she had to pass and gave the letter to Xiao Jinyu. After that, the following events happened.

However, Lu Yu was ordered to stay at the foot of the mountain and did not go to Qiyun Peak to see what happened there.

“This matter must not be spread. Lu Yu, remember, if you let it slip, I really won’t spare you!”

“Yes, Your Highness. I am a bit talkative, but I also know my limits. I know what to say and what not to say. I promise I won’t say a word about this Lady!”

“Alright, go to Apricot Blossom and Misty Rain Tower now and invite Lady Wei over!”

“Ah? What are we inviting Lady Wei over for?”

“I have my own arrangements!” he said, pausing for a moment. “By the way, ask her to bring a young servant boy whose figure is similar to that boy Fenghuang.”