"Exactly, we are here to treat Old Grand Preceptor’s illness."
Dongfang Qi suddenly realized and hurried forward to speak.
"The Grand Preceptor has taken his medicine and has gone to sleep; please, Princess Feng, come again another day."
The guards still did not allow them to enter the mansion, thinking to themselves that the Grand Preceptor’s illness had stumped all the doctors, even those from the Imperial Hospital had visited and said only rest could help. A mere commandery princess, what could she possibly do?
"Princess Shengping cured the Empress Dowager’s illness with her excellent medical skills; can you afford the consequences of delaying treatment for the Grand Preceptor?"
The chilling male voice made the night feel even colder.
The guards felt their scalps tingle as they saw a man in a wheelchair pushed by Feng Zao approaching.
Dressed in a dark robe, the man’s elegant mannerisms, and the cold heterochromia, emitted a dim light in the night, making anyone feel a heavy, invisible pressure even from a distance.
"This subordinate did not know that this lady is Princess Shengping. Please wait a moment; I will report this immediately."
One guard rushed into the mansion.
Seeing Dugu Wu and Feng Zao, Feng Bailing was secretly relieved, thinking it was Feng Wan who had told Dugu Wu about the situation.
Prince Shun’s Mansion was not too far from the Grandmaster Mansion.
Not long after the guard left, several servant girls surrounded Nalan Yan’er as she came out.
Nalan Yan’er seemed upset, and seeing the group, she was visibly surprised, especially upon seeing Dugu Wu; her hands unconsciously twisted together beneath her sleeves.
"Ah Wu, how come you... Third Prince, Princess Feng, why have you all come together?"
Nalan Yan’er’s exquisitely beautiful face still held a smile.
"Your Majesty the Crown Princess Consort, having heard about the Old Grand Preceptor’s illness, I invited Princess Shengping to come and take a look at him. You know she is highly skilled in medicine."
Dugu Wu nodded slightly, and a flicker of panic crossed Nalan Yan’er’s eyes.
"My grandfather is not in serious trouble; there’s no need for Princess Feng to trouble herself."
"Princess Feng, since we’ve come all the way here, let’s have Princess Feng take a look at the Old Grand Preceptor. Father Emperor has been frequently inquiring about the Grand Preceptor’s illness these past few days."
Dongfang Qi persuaded from the side.
"If that is the case, then we’ll have to trouble Princess Feng."
A servant girl hurried up to Nalan Yan’er’s side, exchanging a glance with her, and Nalan Yan’er let out a sigh of relief.
Inside the Grandmaster Mansion, the paths were winding, and artificial mountains and cool pavilions could be seen everywhere. Approaching the Old Grand Preceptor’s residence, one could hear the sound of a guqin.
The melodious music was so pleasant that it lifted the spirits.
"It’s Wushang playing the guqin; my grandfather loves listening to his music."
Nalan Yan’er arrived at an elegant courtyard, and after the maid announced them, they entered.
A rich smell of herbal medicine filled the air, mixed with the scent of precious Chinese herbs like ginseng and antler.
Hua Wushang was sitting on one side; there was a guqin in front of him. The music stopped when they entered.
"Grandfather, the Third Prince, Prince Wu, and Princess Shengping have come to visit."
After Nalan Yan’er spoke, an old voice came from the head of the room.
"So it’s Dugu ah, you and the Third Prince are thoughtful."
The elder looked up; though he was ill, an eagle is still an eagle. His temples were snow-white, his face deeply lined, and his eyes, full of worldly experience, carried a hint of authority.
Feng Bailing stole a glance at the Old Grand Preceptor, who seemed in good color and not like someone gravely ill, but... Feng Bailing’s gaze shifted downward, noting the Old Grand Preceptor’s swollen lower limbs and his labored breathing.
A commanding gaze fell upon Feng Bailing.
"This is Princess Shengping, right?"
The Old Grand Preceptor’s gaze faintly swept over Dugu Wu and Dongfang Qi, settling on Feng Bailing.
The Old Grand Preceptor, long bedridden, knew more about Princess Feng, who was currently the talk of Chu City, from what Nalan Yan’er had told him.
Princess Feng was the future Princess Consort of Dugu Wu, a position that Nalan Yan’er had ardently aspired to.
Nalan Yan’er had never regarded any of Dugu Wu’s former Princess Consorts, but recently, her usually composed granddaughter had been somewhat out of sorts, all because of this Princess Shengping.
The young woman was dressed in the blue gown of Yuxiu Academy, her hair was unadorned with pearl hairpins. Under the light, a gentle glow seemed to coat her skin. As the Old Grand Preceptor posed his question, she happened to lift her gaze.
Her eyes, clear and moist, stood out in the dark like a bright lantern. Meeting the Old Grand Preceptor’s scrutinizing look, she gave a courteous bow, her actions graceful and direct, without a hint of coyness.
"Bai Ling pays her respects to the Old Grand Preceptor. My mother sends her regards to you."
"People deteriorate with age. You mother and the Emperor were both taught by me in their time. Although she lacked in literary talent, she possessed martial prowess. It’s a pity she was born into the imperial family."
After speaking, the Old Grand Preceptor gasped for breath in haste.
Nalan Yan’er was startled, her eyes flickering in panic as she glanced at Hua Wushang.
"Quick, bring some ginseng soup."
Hua Wushang’s expression grew solemn.
Feng Bailing and the others arrived just in time.
He had been ready to perform the blood-letting ritual to extend the lamp’s life. But they arrived just at this moment.
Especially Dugu Wu, he had also come. Could it be that he had discovered something?
Fortunately, they had already moved the person out.
"Old Grand Preceptor, please place these pills under your tongue."
After saying so, Feng Bailing took out a few black pills.
She was now certain that the Old Grand Preceptor suffered from a heart condition. She did have quick heart-saving pills on hand, but looking at the Old Grand Preceptor’s condition, she feared that due to his advanced age and weakened body, the medication could only provide temporary relief.
"Feng Bailing, how dare you recklessly administer medicine to my grandfather!"
Nalan Yan’er glowered at Feng Bailing. This woman, still so insincere – if it weren’t for her sudden visit, Grandfather’s condition would have been under control long ago.
If the Life Extending Lamp isn’t lit before tonight, Grandfather may...
"The Old Grand Preceptor regularly experiences chest pain right at the sternum, feels palpitations at night during sleep, becomes short of breath with even slight movements, unable to lie down to breathe, and has to sit up. He occasionally suffers from headaches too. At this stage, ginseng is no longer effective."
Feng Bailing spoke with a heavy tone.
A grave look flickered in the Old Grand Preceptor’s weary eyes.
Nalan Yan’er found herself speechless.
Feng Bailing had identified almost all of the Old Grand Preceptor’s symptoms.
The Old Grand Preceptor took the medicine and placed the pills under his tongue. The feeling of chest tightness and shortness of breath lessened. He looked towards Feng Bailing with a new depth in his expression.
"Princess Feng, can you tell this old man if there’s a cure for my ailment?"
Feng Bailing remained silent.
The Old Grand Preceptor’s heart was exhausted, his organs failing, like a lamp running out of oil.
Even modern technologies couldn’t restore him.
"Grandfather, don’t listen to her bewitching lies. Someone, see the guests out!"
Nalan Yan’er spoke and was about to usher them away.
"Here are some medicines, may the Old Grand Preceptor take good care."
Feng Bailing took out a porcelain bottle and set it beside the Old Grand Preceptor’s bed.
"Dugu, I heard you are now overseeing the Ministry of Revenue. There are some words I need to discuss with you alone."
The Old Grand Preceptor called Dugu Wu to remain.
Feng Bailing and Dongfang Qi left the Grandmaster Mansion.
"Ah, Bai Ling, I told you, how could the child possibly be in the Grandmaster Mansion."
Upon leaving the Grandmaster Mansion, Dongfang Qi let out a sigh of relief.
Suddenly, a shadow darted out, Feng Xiaoli poked her little head from behind Hei Dian.
"Her Majesty, just now some people carrying a sack climbed over the wall and left. The leader even fell from the wall; a young man rolled out of the sack!"