Chapter 55

Life was at stake, and there was no room for hesitation. Xu Yunqi asked him, “What medicine did you give him?”

Imperial Physician Fan described his prescription, and Xu Yunqi immediately understood. “May I ask, with this method, how many more days can you extend the prince’s life?”

Fan Ruji turned his head and sneered at her, “And you? How long can you keep him alive?”

Xu Yunqi fell silent.

Given Prince Qi’s condition, even if he was saved, he wouldn’t have much time left to live.

The emperor saw their expressions and knew that there was no more strength left to fight. He staggered a few steps, unable to bear looking at his younger brother, and waved his hand painfully, “Send him back to the residence.”

He added, “Imperial Physicians Fan and He, accompany him. Each additional day is precious.”

Imperial Physician He quickly acknowledged the decree.

Prince Qi vomited some clotted blood, and his complexion had already improved. Several palace attendants carefully carried him out, and Imperial Physician He led the others out quickly. Only Fan Ruji remained behind, not leaving.

The emperor, in a terrible mood, had already dismissed the courtiers and royal relatives. Seeing Fan Ruji standing still by the screen, his face turned very displeased, “Minister Fan, what are you doing?”

At that moment, Xu Yunqi had not yet left, and Xun Yunhe was also accompanying her. There were some guards and attendants in the hall, and everyone was looking at Fan Ruji.

Fan Ruji glanced at Xu Yunqi and knelt directly before the emperor, “Your Majesty!”

He first wept bitterly and then said, “Your Majesty, as the head of the Imperial Medical Office, I cannot tolerate the disorder in the institute. Please retract your decree and not allow Miss Xu to remain in the Imperial Medical Office any longer.”

Xun Yunhe’s face turned ashen upon hearing this, and he shouted, “Fan Ruji, how dare you! Not only did you break Yunqi’s needles, but you also intended to defy the imperial will. Do you think the Imperial Medical Office belongs to you alone!”

Fan Ruji ignored Xun Yunhe and only looked at the emperor, “Your Majesty, how can a woman be allowed to show her face every day, walking through the palace? Over time, who knows what rumors might spread!”

Xun Yunhe was livid, “You!”

If it were anyone else, Xun Yunhe would have taken this opportunity to attack him and have him arrested for defiance. But Fan Ruji was different. This head of the Imperial Medical Office was highly skilled in gynecology and acupuncture and had enjoyed favor for thirty years. His position in the emperor’s heart was likely more secure than Xun Yunhe’s as the prime minister. The emperor would never dismiss him.

Fan Ruji’s stubborn nature was well-known far and wide. The emperor was not too surprised by his reaction. However, at this moment, the emperor was extremely fatigued and did not want to deal with this issue, “Minister Fan, I know that you endured great pressure to save Prince Qi today, so I will not hold you accountable for your defiance. Go back now and apologize to Miss Xu another day.”

Fan Ruji still wanted to say something, but Xun Yunhe signaled to two guards, who stepped forward and dragged him away.

The emperor comforted Xu Yunqi with a few words and instructed, “Minister Xun, it’s late. You should escort Henger’s wife back.”

Even without the emperor’s orders, Xun Yunhe had the same intention. They performed the ritual bow, and father and daughter walked out of Fengtian Hall one after the other.

The night ahead was like an abyss, and a chilling wind swept by, seeping into her collar. Xu Yunqi clutched her collar tightly and slowly descended the steps. Xun Yunhe stood on the terrace, watching her back as if seeing the delicate figure sinking step by step into the abyss. His heart ached, and he quickly followed.

The carriages arrived at Prince Xi’s mansion one after the other. Prince Xi seemed to have heard the commotion and came out to greet them.

Xun Yunhe got down from the carriage first, and they exchanged bows across the steps.

Yin Xing helped Xu Yunqi out of the carriage. Her face didn’t look good, but she still smiled at the two elders. “Father, why are you still up?”

Prince Xi shook his head, “Henger is not here; he repeatedly asked me to look after you before he left. You went out in the middle of the night, so I waited for you on his behalf.”

Prince Xi’s words were very reasonable, but Xu Yunqi found them a bit strange. Since she married into Prince Xi’s mansion, Prince Xi had never been so concerned as he was today. Was it really because of Pei Muheng’s instructions?

Xun Yunhe, not wanting his daughter to be chilled by the cold wind, urged, “You should rest at the mansion for a few days. Leave the matters of the Imperial Medical Office to me. I will handle them.”

Xu Yunqi, still unsure of how to deal with Fan Ruji, needed a couple of days to think it over. She nodded slightly and left first.

As soon as she left, Prince Xi came down the steps and asked Xun Yunhe, “Shuzhi, what happened?”

Xun Yunhe briefly explained the situation, and Prince Xi’s heart skipped a beat. His face darkened, “That Fan Ruji is truly detestable!”

Xun Yunhe also felt that Fan Ruji’s behavior was unusual today. Was it just because Yunqi was a woman that he was so wary of her? Or was there some other reason?

The sky was almost bright, and everyone was exhausted after a restless night. The two men exchanged a few words and then returned to their respective mansions.

Xu Yunqi lay in bed, tossing and turning. Nanny Chen had prepared some ginseng soup earlier. Yin Xing had drunk a bowl and brought another bowl for her. After Xu Yunqi finished drinking it, Yin Xing quietly climbed into bed and whispered in her ear, “Miss, what are you going to do?”

Xu Yunqi hugged the little maid and thought for a moment, “Let’s wait for a couple of days and see what Fan Ruji does.”

For the next two days, Xu Yunqi stayed at the mansion and did not go out. On the third day, at the hour of Si, the gatekeeper delivered a brocade box to her.

Nanny Chen brought it in and told her, “It was sent by the Imperial Medical Office. They said you left this pill at the hospital a few days ago.”

Xu Yunqi took it with a smile, “Alright, you go ahead and take care of your tasks.”

After Nanny Chen left, Xu Yunqi immediately opened the box. As expected, it contained a dozen or so pills. However, Xu Yunqi knew there was more to it than just pills. She searched the box thoroughly and finally found a note in the compartment.

“At three-quarters past noon, meet at Yingfu Tower.” It specified only she should come.

After reading it, Xu Yunqi closed her eyes.

Yin Xing looked over and said, “No, you can’t go. What if it’s a trap?”

Xu Yunqi shook her head, got up to retrieve a flint, and burned the note, “If the other party truly wanted to kill me, they would do so secretly. Why go through the trouble of arranging a meeting? One must enter the tiger’s den to catch a tiger cub. I have to go.”

Yin Xing couldn’t dissuade her, glaring angrily at Xu Yunqi, “Then I’ll go next door and find Master Xun to ask him to protect you secretly.”

At this point, Xu Yunqi didn’t want to alienate Xun Yunhe. From a strategic standpoint, “If I’m not mistaken, this person is undoubtedly Fan Ruji. If we make too much of a fuss, he might not show up. Of course, we can’t let our guard down either. I’ll instruct Huang Yan to scout ahead first.”

Only then did Yin Xing feel at ease.

Huang Yan was a guard left behind by Pei Muheng. He was obedient and meticulous, executing his master’s orders without fail. Xu Yunqi felt very assured using him. She went to the corridor and called Huang Yan, telling him she needed to go to Yingfu Tower at three-quarters past noon, and instructed him to scout the area. Huang Yan took two men and left.

Yingfu Tower was located outside the Donghua Gate, in the lantern market, the most prosperous market in the capital. Because it was near the imperial city, its patrons were all high-ranking officials and nobility. The shops were elegantly decorated and high-end, and even the owners behind the scenes were notable figures in the capital. The lantern market occupied nearly a whole block, with streets crisscrossing and shops lined up one after another, flags waving in the air, bustling with life.

Yingfu Tower was not conspicuous in this bustling market; it was a small shop specializing in buns and pastries. Although it was called a small shop, it occupied a considerable area with two floors. It sold buns and pastries in the morning and turned into a teahouse by noon.

After receiving a definite response from Huang Yan, Xu Yunqi arrived near Yingfu Tower at three-quarters past noon.

At this time, Yingfu Tower was not as bustling as the nearby shops and appeared somewhat deserted. Xu Yunqi ordered a few pastries and a pot of Biluochun tea downstairs before heading upstairs.

The second floor was not large, with a big window facing south, allowing the lively atmosphere to rush in. All around were bustling crowds mixed with various vendors’ shouts.

Xu Yunqi had no intention of enjoying the scenery and walked cautiously towards the eastern private room. Suddenly, a hand reached out from the private room and swiftly pulled Xu Yunqi inside. Yin Xing rushed to follow, but the door was bolted from the inside. A cold voice followed, “Don’t make a sound!”

Yin Xing saw Xu Yunqi make a reassuring gesture through the white gauze window and breathed a sigh of relief.

Inside, Xu Yunqi rubbed her wrist, which had been pulled painfully, and looked at the elderly man opposite her.

Fan Ruji was dressed in dark clothes with a hood. His black beard was dyed white, and his appearance had changed slightly. Even those who knew him well might not recognize him. He was hunched over, his chest heaving heavily, his eyes fixed on Xu Yunqi, with a mix of emotions flashing through them—fear, surprise, confusion, and unease.

Time was of the essence, and neither planned to play games.

“Child, where did you learn the Thirteen Needles?”

“My master!”

“Who is your master?”

“His surname is Zhang, known as Old Master Zhang!”

“Zhang?” Fan Ruji’s heart skipped a beat, and numerous figures flashed through his mind. He vaguely remembered someone with the surname Zhang around Imperial Physician Liu back then.

“Where is he now?”

Xu Yunqi paused for a moment, “He’s missing.”

Fan Ruji’s thick eyebrows raised, and a dark glint of shock flashed in his eyes, “When did this happen?”

This time, Xu Yunqi did not answer immediately but looked at him scrutinizingly, “Why are you asking this?”

Fan Ruji realized she did not trust him and let out a deep, bitter laugh.

“The Thirteen Needles were Imperial Physician Liu’s specialty. Since you know how to use them, it’s not the first time you’ve heard of Imperial Physician Liu’s name. Your presence at the Imperial Medical Office is not simple. Child, why are you doing this?”

Xu Yunqi quietly observed the old man opposite her. His eyes were bloodshot, indicating he had not closed them all night. His high cheekbones were covered with thin skin, and his chapped lips kept trembling.

“My master disappeared three years ago. I followed his trail to the capital’s outskirts, but there was no further trace…”

Hearing this, Fan Ruji’s hunched body retreated in panic, the autumn chill seeping into his eyes, transforming into a look of shock.

Seeing him tremble violently, Xu Yunqi quickly stepped forward and questioned, “Imperial Physician Fan, you know, don’t you? Do you know who took him?”

Tears welled up in Fan Ruji’s eyes. He struggled to hold back his sobs, inhaling deeply as he answered in a low voice, “Child, listen to me. Leave the capital, go as far as you can, and stop looking for him…”

A flash of surprise crossed Xu Yunqi’s eyes, and she firmly replied, “Impossible!”

Fan Ruji saw her determined attitude, his pupils dilated in urgency,

“Listen to me!” he said through gritted teeth, almost begging, “It’s been three years. He’s definitely dead by now. If you keep searching, all you’ll find are bones. Have you thought about the consequences of continuing your investigation?”

“The Prince Xi Mansion, Xun Yunhe… even the maid by your side, and my entire Fan family. Have you considered their fate?” At this point, tears streamed down Fan Ruji’s face, filled with despair.

Xu Yunqi was stunned. She slowly stepped back, her face as pale as paper. Only for a moment did she hesitate before regaining her composure and coldly pressing him, “I never back down. If you don’t give me a clear explanation, I can’t stand by idly.”

Fan Ruji closed his eyes angrily.

Before he could speak, she frowned in thought, “If even the Prince Xi Mansion can’t do anything, could it be the Emperor?”

Fan Ruji shuddered violently and immediately shook his head, “No, I don’t know who it is, but I can confirm that this matter is not simple.”

Xu Yunqi quickly pieced together all the clues in her mind, “Fan Ruji, you’re so afraid, which means the Fan family is involved. But why did Imperial Physician Liu die, yet your father lived well for another year? This indicates your father knew the truth and was manipulated by the people behind the scenes, possibly even becoming an accomplice!”

Hearing the word ‘accomplice,’ Fan Ruji jumped up from the ground like a leopard, glaring fiercely at Xu Yunqi, “Don’t slander him! He was not an accomplice!”

Xu Yunqi’s eyes gleamed coldly, and she smiled slowly, luring him, “Then what was he?”

Fan Ruji closed his eyes deeply. At this point, if he didn’t reveal the truth, Xu Yunqi wouldn’t let go. He painfully covered his face, “A year after Imperial Physician Liu’s death, my father died at home. According to tradition, I should have mourned for three years, but soon, an order came from the palace, revoking my mourning, allowing me to inherit my father’s position, and I returned to the Imperial Medical Office.”

“I initially thought my father died of illness, but six months later, I overheard a word from the old servant who attended to him, and I became suspicious. Upon checking his study, I found a bag of Soft Muscle Herb in a secret compartment. This herb is harmless to ordinary people but can cause myocardial damage in those with osteoporosis. My father made himself ‘sick’ without leaving a trace.”

“My father was well-versed in medicine. How could he have taken the wrong medication? There was only one possibility: he used suicide to protect the entire Fan family!”

“My father probably anticipated that I would someday find this bag of Soft Muscle Herb and left a will instructing me to perform my duties and not ask about anything else so the family could stay in the capital and enjoy wealth and honor.”

“Child, think about it. For the head of the Imperial Medical Office to be forced to commit suicide, it must be a huge case. For twenty-nine years, I have served carefully and cautiously by the Emperor and Empress’s side, not daring to make a single mistake, just to ensure the whole family’s safety!”

Xu Yunqi’s gaze became intense as countless thoughts flashed through her mind, “But Imperial Physician Fan, every time the Imperial Medical Office sends someone on a visit, there must be someone accompanying them. This means that on the day Imperial Physician Liu had an accident, the one accompanying him was most likely Imperial Physician Fan. Actually, all we need to do is check the records of the visits from thirty years ago to identify the mastermind!”

“Are you crazy!” Fan Ruji growled and rushed over again, grabbing her arm tightly, “Do you think I don’t know that? The problem is, can I investigate it? I’m afraid that as soon as I take action, people will disappear!”

“The only reason I am alive today is because I don’t know anything. If it weren’t for the Thirteen Needles reappearing in the world, I wouldn’t have had to show my hand today.” At this point, Fan Ruji’s expression turned into one of pleading, his tone softened, “Yunqi, please, think not just for yourself, but for the Prince Xi Mansion, for the hundreds of members of my Fan family. Go to the front of the Fan family mansion and take a look. My grandson is lively and smart; he’s so adorable…”

“Just to find those bones, do you want so many people to be buried with them?”

Fan Ruji was already crying uncontrollably.

Xu Yunqi mumbled, unable to speak.

After a long silence, Xu Yunqi gently asked, “But… won’t your actions the night before last have aroused that person’s suspicion?”

Fan Ruji wiped his tears and replied, “I don’t know, but I have tried my best to cover it up. Everyone knows that Prince Qi had an accident, and I am undoubtedly responsible, so the pressure on me is immense, which is understandable. Besides, I didn’t want to be outdone by a woman, which is also a common sentiment. In short, as long as you stop using the Thirteen Needles, I will not be afraid.”

Xu Yunqi understood that the current situation did not allow her to act rashly.

Recalling her grandfather’s disappearance in Xizhou, she suddenly asked, “Is Imperial Physician Liu’s wife still alive?”

Fan Ruji shook his head, “She passed away more than two years ago.”

Xu Yunqi was stunned, and it all made sense now.

If she guessed correctly, the mastermind behind this must have planted spies in both the Liu and Fan families. Her grandfather must have gone to see Imperial Physician Liu’s wife before her death, which was noticed by the other party, leading to his capture and transportation to the capital. It was probably on the outskirts of the capital that he got a chance to leave a signal for help. But if even Imperial Physician Fan didn’t know the truth, how could her grandfather have known?

Her grandfather’s life was precious, but so were the lives of the Fan family members. Xu Yunqi finally had to stop and reassess the pursuit.

The problem is, when she entered the capital, she was completely unaware of all this. The Thirteen Needles had already left traces. Has the other party not found her, or are they fearful of her current identity, or has something else happened that she doesn’t know about?

“Regardless, I cannot leave the Imperial Hospital immediately. Even if I don’t attend consultations daily, I must go there occasionally. If there are women in critical condition, I cannot stand idly by. Additionally, we cannot abandon our practice due to fear. I became famous through acupuncture; if I suddenly stop using it, it will arouse suspicion. There are more acupuncture techniques in the world than just the Thirteen Needles, so I’ll switch to another method.'”

Seeing that she was convinced, Fan Ruji’s heart slightly eased. “You make sense. In any case, be cautious.”

“I understand…”

After a moment, Imperial Physician Fan turned the black clothes he was wearing inside out, transforming them into a brown silk robe. He put on a human-skin mask and, when he stepped out again, he looked like a wealthy merchant.

Carrying such a heavy secret alone for thirty years, he and her grandfather were the same; it must have been tough.

For the next period, everything remained the same for Xu Yunqi. Forced by the imperial decree, Fan Ruji apologized to Xu Yunqi in front of everyone at the Imperial Medical Office, but secretly, he still looked down on her. Xu Yunqi occasionally retorted, and the two acted in concert, cooperating harmoniously.

In the blink of an eye, more than a month passed, and it was now deep autumn, with a thin layer of frost covering the courtyard.

Xu Yunqi was sitting under the window, writing a medical case. Yin Xing was trimming the branches of the chrysanthemums on the high table. Soon, Pei Mushan came to visit, her voice arriving before she did.

“Sister-in-law, I will be getting married the day after tomorrow. Isn’t Brother coming back?”

Before Xu Yunqi could respond, Nanny Chen lifted the curtain and welcomed her in, answering for her. “Third Master sent a message yesterday, saying he will return tomorrow.”

Pei Mushan lifted the bead curtain and stepped into the east room, smiling. “It’s good that he’s coming back. This time, he must bring me a gift.”

Xu Yunqi, welcoming her, sat by the fire under the kang bed and teased her, “Other girls cry and are reluctant to leave their parents when they get married. Why do you look so eager?”

Pei Mushan laughed, “It’s good to get married. Look, in this prince’s mansion, my mother restrains me, and I have no place to reason with her. Getting married is different. Even if my mother-in-law disciplines me, don’t I still have a husband to support me? Moreover, Yan Shaoling promised to take me out for late-night snacks every night after we got married…”

“More importantly, my mother is preparing a dowry for me, so I don’t have to worry about having no money to spend.”

Pei Mushan rubbed her hands excitedly, “I can’t wait to get married soon.”

The reason was so simple that it was irrefutable.

These days, the Prince Xi’s Mansion was bustling, with visitors coming to add to the dowry. Xu Yunqi also pondered what to prepare for her sister-in-law’s dowry.

“Shanshan, you know I’m not good at sewing and has nothing valuable to give you. Previously, you insisted on giving me 40% of the shares in that rouge shop, so now I will give it to you as part of your dowry.”

Xu Yunqi had already instructed Yin Xing to take out the deed, put it in a box, and hand it over to Pei Mushan. However, Pei Mushan knew that this was the most valuable possession Xu Yunqi had, and she backed away, refusing to accept it. “You saved Shaoling’s life, which is the best gift. Why would I need your money? Sister-in-law, don’t try to use this trick on me. You don’t have much wealth, so keep this shop for your own use.”

Xu Yunqi laughed, “Do you think I lack money? Look, every month the house still gives me a monthly allowance of thirty taels, and together with your brother, it’s sixty taels, and I can’t even spend it all.”

Upon hearing this, Pei Mushan almost cried, “How can you be so thrifty?” She couldn’t even manage with six hundred taels a month.

Xu Yunqi said seriously, “Shanshan, Third Master has only one sister, you. Don’t be fooled by his cold exterior; he cares deeply for you. If we, as his family, don’t provide a decent dowry, it will hurt your brother’s reputation. Didn’t you say that your brother’s storeroom was well-stocked? Those are my savings, aren’t they? Now that I’m using this to add to your dowry, it’s only natural.”

Previously, that rouge shop had used her formula, so Pei Mushan and Xiao Fu had given her 40% of the shares. The remaining 60% was split between Xiao Fu, who provided the capital and effort, and Pei Mushan, who had only 10%. Given Pei Mushan’s spending habits, the dowry would soon be used up, so giving her the rouge shop was a long-term solution.

Xu Yunqi persuaded Pei Mushan with kind words and threats, eventually convincing her to accept the dowry.

After sending Pei Mushan off, Yin Xing muttered sullenly. “The revenue from that shop is quite substantial. Even if you don’t consider your own future, you should consider your children’s future. You may not spend much money now, but once you have kids, the expenses will be beyond your imagination…”

Xu Yunqi stood in the corridor, staring at her. She had never thought about having children, let alone with Pei Muheng. She was used to turning away whenever necessary.

“Isn’t there still Third Master?”

She would give birth to the child, but Pei Muheng would have to take care of it.

Yin Xing clenched her fists and argued, “A woman needs to have money to feel secure. Have you forgotten how Madam Zhang was bullied by her husband and mother-in-law back in Yongzhou?”

Xu Yunqi walked over and rubbed Yin Xing’s cheek, “Don’t worry about it. The Prince Xi Mansion won’t starve my child.”

She wondered what kind of trouble her grandfather had caused. Would she and Pei Muheng ever have children?

She ultimately couldn’t implicate the Prince Xi Mansion. That was also the reason she was determined to give the shop to Pei Mushan.

As noon approached, Nanny Chen asked if they should prepare lunch. At that moment, a woman came from the gate, bowed to her, and said, “Young Madam, Prince Xi requests your presence.”

Xu Yunqi, along with Yin Xing, followed the woman to the main hall. There were side rooms on the left and right of the main hall. In the deep autumn, with strong winds outside, the guests were being entertained in the side rooms. When Xu Yunqi entered, she saw Prince Xi and Xun Yunhe drinking tea across the table. Seeing her enter, Prince Xi stood up, “I’m going to the restroom. You two can talk.”

When Prince Xi left, he even closed the door behind him. Even Yin Xing left after a glance from Prince Xi.

Xu Yunqi stood at the doorway for a moment and took two steps towards his direction, asking, “Do you need something?”

Xun Yunhe put down his teacup, got up, and walked towards her, speaking gently, “Shanshan is getting married. Aren’t you going to add to her dowry?”

Xu Yunqi looked at him, puzzled, “What does that have to do with you…” Seeing his intense gaze, indicating he wanted to take care of this matter for her, she held her forehead and said, “I’ve already added to it.”

He is too meticulous; he even wants to manage such small matters. Xu Yunqi couldn’t imagine what it would be like if she had lived with him since childhood.

Xun Yunhe smiled, “You were quite careless as a child, never paying attention to details. Your father is worried you haven’t thought it through completely.” As he spoke, he pulled out a stack of silver bills from his pocket and stuffed them into her hands.

“Our little girl can’t be without money. This is the dowry your father saved for you. We couldn’t give it to you when you got married, so we’re giving it to you now.”

Xu Yunqi had no other assets besides her skills, and Xun Yunhe was aware of this.

Xu Yunqi’s face turned red from his actions. She frowned and said, “You know I can’t take your money…”

But Xun Yunhe didn’t care and had already left the room.

The door opened, revealing Yin Xing’s small face. It was clear that Xun Yunhe had spoken to her. Yin Xing quickly came over, grabbed the silver bills, and looked at Xu Yunqi. “If you don’t want them, should I give them to that vile woman’s son?”

Yin Xing knew Xu Yunqi’s temperament and that she wouldn’t use Xun Yunhe’s money, so she quickly tucked them into her pocket. “I’ll save them for the future young master.”

Xu Yunqi rolled her eyes at her.

In the afternoon, a message came from the palace: the Empress invited the entire Prince Xi Mansion to a banquet at the palace.

Xu Yunqi was still changing her clothes when Pei Mushan, already neatly dressed, came over. “Sister-in-law, the carriage is waiting at the mansion gate. Are you ready?”

Xu Yunqi adjusted her headgear while walking out and asked, “Is today a special day?”

Pei Mushan smiled, “Today is Tweltfh Uncle’s birthday, his thirtieth year. His Majesty originally wanted to hold a big celebration, but unfortunately, Prince Qi passed away recently, and His Majesty canceled the banquets for a month. So, the Empress, who loves her son dearly, is holding a family banquet at the palace, and we’re going to join the fun.”

So that’s the reason.

At the beginning of the hour of Shen (3-5 PM), Princess Consort Xi and her family arrived at Donghua Gate. At that moment, a fast horse arrived, and a guard reported, “Third Master is at the city gate. He will return to the mansion to change clothes and then come to the palace.”

Upon hearing this, everyone stopped and looked back.

Princess Consort Xi’s face brightened up a bit. “Why did he come back early? It’s just in time for his uncle’s birthday banquet.”

Pei Muxiang laughed heartily, “He must be eager to see his wife.”

Madam Xie glared at her husband for speaking carelessly. Pei Muxiang quickly covered his mouth and stepped aside.

Upon hearing this, Princess Consort Xi couldn’t help but look at Xu Yunqi.

Li Xuanyan, seeing the conversation opening up, boldly pushed Xu Yunqi’s shoulder, “Haven’t seen him for almost two months, you must miss him, right?”

Originally, Xu Yunqi was indifferent, but after hearing this, her fair cheeks flushed a little. Whether to admit it or not was equally awkward, so she smiled without speaking.

Xu Yunqi was beautiful, with a slender and graceful figure, standing gracefully in the autumn wind like a delicate flower waiting to bloom. Her cheeks now had a layer of blush, making her even more radiant and alluring.

Princess Consort Xi was delighted with what she saw.

It was clear that her heart was set on her son.