Ji Mingzhu was ill for three whole days.
She fainted several times during this period, even Xi Yu felt the situation was strange.
Later, it was concluded that she was emotionally distressed.
Her emotions fluctuated too much, her body couldn't withstand it, which was why she fainted repeatedly.
They prescribed medicine for Ji Mingzhu, asking her to take it regularly, and if needed, she could visit Xie Yunzhen for help.
Having personally examined Ji Mingzhu's condition, Xi Yu no longer suspected her motives.
Fever can be faked, but a heart illness isn't contracted overnight.
Xi Yu scolded himself internally; he shouldn't have maliciously speculated about a young lady before the situation was clear.
Out of guilt, aside from the prescription, Xi Yu also suggested some ways to alleviate her worries.
Going out for a walk is a good choice.
The high walls of noble families' compounds are too confining; it's easy to suffocate and fall ill when trapped in such a space.
After sending Xi Yu off, Mrs. Guan blamed herself greatly.
Mingzhu was right under her nose, yet she didn't notice her emotional distress.
This illness seems harmless, but it can be deadly when it strikes.
Otherwise, why would there be so many mad people in deep courtyards?
And where would those who seek release to the point of ending their own lives come from?
Without daring to speak of illness-related matters, Mrs. Guan pretended to be relaxed, "The New Year is approaching, it's not suitable to travel far now, wait until it's over, then let your second brother take you to travel in Yangzhou."
Xie Yunxuan is the second child, Mrs. Guan's eldest son.
He has been traveling outside for the past few years, carefree and unrestrained.
If Xie Yunzhen is ice, then Xie Yunxuan is fire.
The temperament of the two brothers is completely different.
Ji Mingzhu understood her situation; she wasn't emotionally distressed due to her aunt's upbringing.
This was brought from her previous life.
She is a living human, with flesh and blood, feeling sad when wronged, and painful when ignored by her husband...
These are issues that have accumulated day by day.
In the capital, it's inevitable to encounter Xie Yunzhen, going out for a walk isn't bad.
The trip to Yangzhou is long, by the time she returns, Xie Yunzhen might be married.
Ji Mingzhu no longer wishes to be ignored.
Nor does she want to die forlornly in childbirth.
If marriage separates men and women, then this is the best outcome between them.
Ji Mingzhu laughed, "Then I'll be a burden to my second brother this time, I hope he doesn't find me a hindrance."
Mrs. Guan gently touched her forehead and chided, "Traveling and sightseeing is more enjoyable with company, your second brother would be delighted."
After speaking, Mrs. Guan sighed, "I don't know when he'll be able to settle down, attain some official status, and let me share some dignity."
"Ah Zhen is talented in both literature and military, every skill is remarkable, I almost envy him to death."
Mentioning Xie Yunzhen, Ji Mingzhu felt a heavy discomfort in her heart.
Learning of his unrequited love for a pure beauty, and his difficult birth, were all happenings not long ago for her.
She's just an ordinary woman, needing time to process emotions.
If she continues staying in the Duke Mansion, having interactions with Xie Yunzhen, she might never be able to let go in this lifetime.
Clinging to Mrs. Guan's arm coquettishly, "Reading thousands of books, traveling thousands of miles, my second brother will certainly have great fortune in the future, not lesser than others."
Mrs. Guan was amused.
She pinched Ji Mingzhu's nose, "Just trying to cheer me up."
"I'm serious, I don't know how others think, but I believe my second brother is well-informed, reflecting the image a young noble should have in my imagination."
Unfortunately, she died early in her previous life, unaware of her second brother's fate.
Did he get married?
Was his life peaceful?
Mrs. Guan patted Ji Mingzhu's hand back, "Such words can be said in front of your aunt, but can't be spread, otherwise Commandery Princess will be unhappy."
Children are always good in their own family, Ji Mingzhu understood this.
"I won't mention him in the future."
Though Ji Mingzhu didn't state it clearly, Mrs. Guan understood, she was referring to Xie Yunzhen.
"That won't do, the miracle doctor is Ah Zhen's friend, he treated your illness on account of Ah Zhen, once you're well, you have to personally thank Ah Zhen."
Ji Mingzhu instinctively rejects the idea of meeting Xie Yunzhen.
In her previous life, she couldn't see him enough, yet in this life, she doesn't want to see him at all.
"Auntie, I think the Young Master isn't one to bother with formalities, and with his victorious return, I suspect he has quite a number of official duties waiting for him. Why don't I send him a set of the Four Treasures of the Study and avoid disturbing him?"
Mrs. Guan thought it odd, "You've always been considerate, so why are you now unwilling to thank Ah Zhen?"
"It's not unwilling, I'm just afraid of delaying the Young Master's business."
Mrs. Guan pondered for a moment, "Could it be that you bumped into him that day and are feeling scared?"
Upon these words, Mrs. Guan's heart jumped.
Ji Mingzhu couldn't have been frightened into illness, could she?
Ah Zhen was indifferent to everyone, even she as an aunt felt pressurized when facing him.
Ji Mingzhu was merely a young girl who had just come of age, feeling uneasy would be understandable.
With Ji Mingzhu diagnosed with heart disease, Mrs. Guan was unwilling to force her.
"So be it, send Ah Zhen a set of the Four Treasures of the Study."
Ji Mingzhu breathed a sigh of relief.
If Aunt had insisted on her thanking in person, she couldn't have refused.
Fortunately, Aunt sided with her.
Being neglected by Xie Yunzhen, she then realized how good it feels to be loved.
She clung to Mrs. Guan without letting go.
Only when her energy was exhausted, after drinking the medicine, did she fall into a deep sleep.
Xie Yunzhen won a great victory, driving the nomadic invaders back into the heartland of the grasslands.
Looking at the current situation, the border won't have major disturbances for the next few years.
He made significant contributions and was exceptionally promoted to Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, with endless rewards pouring into the Duke Mansion; besides gold and silver treasures, there were beauties.
Xie Yunzhen wasn't near women, and sent them away at first chance.
The Emperor understood his temperament; as long as he held no rebellious intentions, he let him be for the sake of his achievements.
Aware that Xie Yunzhen was injured in battle, the Emperor graciously gave him a long holiday, postponing his duties at the Ministry of War until after the New Year.
Suddenly Xie Yunzhen had leisure time.
He was twenty-three this year, others at this age are already married with children.
Taking advantage of his rare free time, Commandery Princess sent over portraits of eligible women.
Marrying a virtuous wife, the women in the portraits may not be stunning beauties, but each is talented.
They could manage a household and are skilled in poetry and music.
Though some family backgrounds don't match the Duke Mansion, their development is promising, forming alliances would be mutually beneficial.
Years ago, the Commandery Princess wanted Xie Yunzhen to marry a Princess.
But her son was unwilling, so the matter was dropped.
Now, he's not young, marriage can't be delayed, it must be settled quickly.
Those portraits, Xie Yunzhen didn't look at them.
At this moment, they were piled next to the brazier.
His attendant, Tianshui, burned them while praying for himself.
Commandery Princess must not discover it, otherwise he'd be doomed.
Xie Yunzhen leisurely read the military books, with no thoughts on marriage.
"Young Master, Miss has sent someone to deliver gifts."