TSWRLM -Chapter 353 A Scar on Brother’s Face

Xiao Qinghe’s tolerance for alcohol was far below that of Chun Xi and Princess Hengyang. She had only drunk a little over half a jar of plum wine, yet she was completely drunk.

Her drinking manners were very good; even when drunk, she neither cried nor made a scene. She simply sat there reciting texts, and once she finished, her eyes would shine brightly, awaiting praise.

At first, Princess Hengyang found it novel, but after listening to Xiao Qinghe recite a few pieces, her head started to ache. Xiao Qinghe wasn’t satisfied with just reciting—she insisted on explaining the meaning of each phrase in detail, like a pedantic female scholar.

Princess Hengyang hated hearing such things, so she hurriedly instructed Quezhi to help Xiao Qinghe back home to rest.

“Princess, you don’t like listening to me recite? Then I’ll dance for you. I’ve actually been unwell for a while, so Mother specially invited dancers to teach me, to strengthen my body…”

Xiao Qinghe said this as she pushed Quezhi away, but she herself couldn’t stand steadily, staggering backward.

“Miss!”

Quezhi exclaimed, and the next moment, Xiao Yecheng appeared, catching Xiao Qinghe steadily.

Quezhi let out a sigh of relief and quickly moved forward to support Xiao Qinghe.

Although the young lady and Master Chen now addressed each other as siblings, they were not related by blood, and overly intimate behavior was inappropriate.

Sensing Quezhi’s intentions, Xiao Yecheng scooped up Xiao Qinghe first.

“General Xiao…”

Quezhi whispered, trying to remind him that this might not be proper, but before she could finish, Xiao Yecheng’s gaze silenced her: “Lead the way.”

His tone was domineering, leaving no room for doubt, completely different from usual. Instinctively, Quezhi stiffened and obediently led the way.

Xiao Qinghe’s head was already dizzy, and being held like this made it worse.

She tilted her head, looking at Xiao Yecheng’s jaw, and in her daze, mistook him for Wei Lingze: “Wei Lingze? Didn’t you die? How come you’re still lingering here?”

As she spoke, she struggled, kicking her legs and scratching at Xiao Yecheng’s face like a wriggling fish. Worried she might fall, Xiao Yecheng tightened his hold and lowered his head gravely: “I am Xiao Yecheng, not Wei Lingze. He’er, you’ve mistaken me.”

Xiao Qinghe blinked, staring at him seriously for a moment, then suddenly reached out to touch the scar on his face: “Ah, I really did mistake you—Brother has a scar on his face.”

It was spring, she had been drinking, and her jade-like fingers were warm and soft. A fragrant breeze accompanied her touch over the scar, sending a subtle tingling sensation.

Soon, her fingers moved to the corner of his lips.

Xiao Yecheng’s eyes darkened instantly, his muscles tensing.

Hearing Xiao Qinghe’s murmurs, Quezhi couldn’t help but glance back, only to see Xiao Yecheng staring at her young lady with a predatory intensity, like a wolf ready to devour its prey.

So the general’s beloved was the young lady?

Quezhi’s eyelids twitched. She was about to say something when Xiao Yecheng lifted his gaze.

That one look was murderous.

Quezhi felt a chill run down her neck and quickly lowered her head.

Soon, Xiao Yecheng carried Xiao Qinghe past her. As he did, she heard his cold warning: “Nothing happens tonight, understand?”

Quezhi nodded repeatedly: “Yes, general! I will keep my mouth shut—won’t say a word to anyone!”

Ruan Xiuning’s body couldn’t be transported back to Yuzhou, so Feng Yinyin could only bring her ashes out of the capital.

Feng Yinyin was no longer confused; she was far more determined than before.

“Thank you, Madam Shen, for your care during this time. I was previously lost, thinking that upon returning to Yuzhou I would be alone and helpless. But spending time with you, I realized a woman doesn’t have to be confined to the inner quarters, living dependent on others.”

“Back in Yuzhou, I will take charge of the Feng family clinic again. I will also search for the hand-written notes my grandfather and father compiled over years of practice. For the rest of my life, I will focus on studying women’s private ailments, striving to help those suffering, just like Madam Shen does.”

By the end, Feng Yinyin’s eyes shone with renewed light.

Chun Xi was glad to see her transformation and gave her a silver note worth a thousand taels. Feng Yinyin hurriedly declined: “Madam Shen, your kindness to me is already immense. I cannot accept more of your money.”

“Miss Feng, don’t misunderstand. This money isn’t a gift—it’s my investment. Write me a receipt, and once the clinic returns to normal, you can pay me dividends each year. Of course, if the clinic encounters trouble again, you can also write to me.”

Chun Xi spoke strictly in a business tone, yet Feng Yinyin’s eyes welled up.

Madam Shen was reassuring her, showing there was someone backing her.

Feng Yinyin no longer refused and nodded: “Thank you, Madam. Once back, I will devote myself to medicine, run the clinic well, and not betray your trust.”

Chun Xi smiled: “Good girl. Don’t be too harsh on yourself—just do your best.”

The next day, Uncle Hu escorted Feng Yinyin back to Yuzhou.

With the help of the prince consort’s advisors, articles publicizing Ruan Xiuning’s case were written, and Princess Hengyang quickly spread the news seeking justice for women.

Visitors to the princess’s residence surged, and both Chun Xi and Xiao Qinghe faced the same situation.

Chun Xi stationed more guards and trained several maids specifically to receive and record visitors, filtering them before she personally met those needing attention.

Even so, Chun Xi remained busy beyond measure.

That night, after finishing paperwork, Chun Xi got up to stretch and returned to her bedroom, finding Shen Qingyuan still awake.

“I told you not to wait for me. Why aren’t you asleep?”

Shen Qingyuan took out an envelope: “Cao Wen wrote a letter. I think you should see it.”

“Did something happen?”

His expression was serious, and Chun Xi felt a pang of worry as she took the letter.

She quickly read it, eyes widening in disbelief. Reading it again carefully, she asked Shen Qingyuan, still unsure: “Husband, did I read it wrong? A-Wen says in the letter that he passed the imperial examination this year and became a xiucai.”

How long has A-Wen been in Qingzhou? And he already became a xiucai?

Wasn’t becoming a xiucai supposed to be very difficult? Zhou Qin was over twenty when he passed, and A-Wen’s prior talent was quite average.

“You didn’t see wrong. My younger brother-in-law really passed the imperial exam.”

Shen Qingyuan was acquainted with the Qingzhou academy teachers. Even before the exam results were officially released, he received a congratulatory letter.

Cao Wen had been diligent over the past two years; this achievement was well deserved.

With Shen Qingyuan’s confirmation, Chun Xi couldn’t help smiling, pacing while holding the letter: “The Qingzhou academy’s teachers must be excellent to transform A-Wen in just two years. I need to thank them properly. And A-Wen deserves a good reward too.”

After talking for a while, she slapped her forehead in excitement: “This is such a glorious achievement for the family! Tomorrow I’ll visit my father’s grave and burn this letter for him—let him rejoice as well.”

Chun Xi grew more excited and couldn’t sleep.

Finally, Shen Qingyuan forced her onto the bed: “Enough, Madam. It’s late. Tomorrow is my day off—you can accompany me to see your father-in-law. Sleep now.”

Chun Xi nodded in agreement but soon added: “The Qingzhou teachers worked hard for A-Wen, I should give them a raise, and also… hmm!”

Shen Qingyuan simply covered her mouth.