when Yun Jinnian rose from his bed.
Dressed in simple yet refined attire, and forgoing elaborate hair ornaments for a few sandalwood hairpins, he first attended to Chu Yu’s wounds, then joined him for breakfast.
"Will you be treating that odious ghost later?"
Yun Jinnian nodded slightly, "Yes!"
"Is it possible for you not to go?" Chu Yu asked softly.
He grabbed the porridge and took an agitated sip.
Watching him, Yun Jinnian sighed and said, "If I didn’t know about it, it would be another matter, but now that I do, it would be utterly irresponsible not to go, especially given his status. Don’t worry; I will be back soon!"
"You mustn’t exceed two hours!"
Yun Jinnian did not find Chu Yu’s childishness and possessiveness annoying; on the contrary, he found it endearing.
Feeling cared for was heartwarming.
Upon arriving at Zhou Yunshen’s meditation chamber, Teng Fei came out to greet him, "Miss Yun!"
"Hm, is your master awake yet?" Yun Jinnian asked indifferently.
"He is, and Masters Yuan and Bai are here too!"
Though Yun Jinnian did not know who these two were, he still nodded and entered the room. Seeing the two scholarly elders, he respectfully executed a junior’s salute.
Masters Yuan and Bai were revered figures with many disciples throughout Great Zhou. Seeing Yun Jinnian’s young age paired with such exceptional medical skills and his cultured demeanor, they regarded him with heightened admiration.
"Is Young Master Zhou feeling better today?" Yun Jinnian asked, his eyes tranquil, showing only a doctor’s concern for his patient.
There were no other emotions.
"After taking the pills you provided, I am much improved!" Zhou Yunshen said, motioning to a stool nearby, inviting Yun Jinnian to sit.
Yun Jinnian nodded and took a seat before suggesting, "Then, Young Master Zhou, let me take your pulse!"
Zhou Yunshen’s injuries were serious, but they had improved after taking the Snow Lotus Pill.
"Young Master Zhou’s injury is not life-threatening. As long as you rest and recuperate carefully, once the internal and external injuries have healed, I will treat the cold poison in your body!"
"Doing this comes with being a doctor; there is no need for politeness, Young Master Zhou. However, for the time being, it’s best if you remain in bed. The outside is cold and not suitable for aimless wandering, but also don’t keep the doors and windows of your room shut all the time. Breathe in fresh air and maintain a cheerful disposition. Your injuries will heal faster this way!" Yun Jinnian kindly advised.
He hoped Zhou Yunshen would heed his advice and not roam around recklessly,
lest he discover Chu Yu was also at Huguo Temple and subsequently find out Chu Yu was his assailant, causing a scene that would spiral out of control!
"Will Miss Yun come again tomorrow?" Zhou Yunshen asked eagerly,
fearing Yun Jinnian would not return.
"I will, I’ll come daily after reciting the morning scriptures, so there’s no need for Young Master Zhou to send someone for me!"
"Well then, Young Master Zhou, I should be going now!"
Zhou Yunshen wanted to ask Yun Jinnian to stay, but seeing his detached demeanor, he knew he couldn’t force it and reluctantly nodded, "Okay, see you tomorrow!"
Yun Jinnian left at a leisurely pace, neither too fast nor too slow.
Once he was out of sight, Zhou Yunshen said, "Such a woman, so serene and unlike a thirteen-year-old girl!"
Masters Yuan and Bai remained silent.
Teng Fei too was silent.
"I’m quite curious as to what kind of family has raised such an exquisite person," Zhou Yunshen mused, playing with the ring on his finger.
"Send a homing pigeon back. Summon a hundred Elite Guards here!"
Zhou Yunshen gave the carefree command, but Teng Fei was shocked speechless.
The Elite Guard were meticulously trained by the Empress herself, serving as the lord’s final stronghold, never to be revealed unless absolutely necessary.