Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 191 - 190. Governor of Ruyang

190. The Governor of Ruyang

"Master, how have you been these past few days?" Ye Li asked with a smile, pulling Mo Xiuyao into the small courtyard where Doctor Lin was temporarily staying. She looked at Doctor Lin, who was sitting alone under a large tree in the courtyard, sipping tea. Doctor Lin glanced at her, then his gaze fell upon Mo Xiuyao, who stood beside her with a somewhat hostile expression. Doctor Lin had seen Mo Xiuyao from a distance once before, but at that time, Mo Xiuyao’s hair was black and he appeared far less striking than he did now. After another look at Ye Li, Doctor Lin simply said, "Sit."

Ye Li did not stand on ceremony. After thanking him, she pulled Mo Xiuyao to sit down beside her. She then poured tea for herself and Mo Xiuyao from the teapot on the table, saying with a laugh, "I’ve been very busy these past few days and haven’t had a chance to visit you, Master. Please forgive me." Doctor Lin merely hummed. They had never formally established a master-disciple relationship; he had only offered Ye Li some guidance in medicine. Neither of them had taken the titles of ’Master’ and ’disciple’ very seriously; eventually, it became more a matter of safety. Thus, Doctor Lin naturally held no real grievances against Ye Li. In fact, considering the matter with Tan Jizhi, Ye Li had already more than repaid the debt of him saving her life.

"He was afflicted with a cold poison before?" Doctor Lin asked, frowning as he studied Mo Xiuyao. "Why then does he now have both cold and fire poisons in his body?" Cold and fire poisons are inherently incompatible, so normally, one could use one to counteract the other. However, the two poisons within Mo Xiuyao’s body maintained a precarious balance. This did not alleviate Mo Xiuyao’s suffering; on the contrary, the coexistence of two opposing poisons meant he endured double the agony, or perhaps even more. Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow, seemingly surprised that this old man possessed some genuine skill. Although he harbored no particular fondness for Doctor Lin, he remembered that the man had saved Ah-Li and their unborn child. Thus, he did not conceal anything, stating calmly, "I used spider brake previously." Doctor Lin observed Mo Xiuyao for a long moment before finally remarking, "The Prince of Ding Kingdom is truly extraordinary. His endurance alone is enough to command the respect of the world. I would like to meet the physician who treated you before." It is natural for a highly skilled doctor to wish to exchange knowledge with an equal.

Ye Li looked at Doctor Lin hopefully. "Master, do you have any way to treat the poison in Mo Xiuyao’s body?"

Doctor Lin snorted. "Had it been only the cold poison, I might have devised a solution. But in his current state, forget about any methods. If one poison is neutralized, the other will instantly claim his life. Furthermore, the antidotes for these two poisons are equally incompatible. So far, this old man hasn’t found a way for them to work together without negating their medicinal properties." Ye Li hadn’t harbored much hope, so she wasn’t particularly disappointed. She simply asked, "What if we had Bilo flowers?" 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

"Bilo flowers?" Doctor Lin frowned, setting down his teacup to look at Ye Li. After a moment of thought, he continued, "Bilo flowers... If one could truly find Bilo flowers, that might indeed be a viable solution. I recall reading in an ancient text that an elixir made from Bilo flowers can cure a myriad of poisons and even revive the dead. It’s less about curing all poisons and more about purging them. This is entirely different from the so-called antidotes we research. It relies on the Bilo flower’s immense medicinal power to forcibly expel any toxin from the body. However, the Bilo flower vanished from the world many years ago, so I never thoroughly studied that formula." A flicker of joy ignited in Ye Li’s heart. Although she had not yet obtained the Bilo flower, Shen Yang had been researching that very formula for a long time. But because it was a lost ancient prescription, the research was painstaking. The ailing scholar apparently knew the formula, but Ye Li was always wary of anything obtained from him.

Doctor Lin looked at her. "I don’t recall which specific book mentioned it. You can send someone back to my home to retrieve my medical texts. Just ensure the villagers there are not disturbed."

Ye Li nodded. "Thank you, Master."

Doctor Lin glanced at them coldly and rose to walk into the house. Watching Doctor Lin’s retreating figure, Mo Xiuyao set down his teacup. "Ah-Li, he’s hiding something."

"Oh?" Ye Li raised an eyebrow, a smile playing on her lips. Mo Xiuyao stated coolly, "You said Tan Jizhi is his adopted son, and that he cares deeply for him. Yet, he didn’t ask about Tan Jizhi at all." Ye Li smiled faintly. "He lives in this mansion. Wouldn’t he already know that Tan Jizhi has left?" Mo Xiuyao shook his head. "Even so, he should have shown some reaction." Whether it was concern, disappointment, or something else, the old man acted as if Tan Jizhi were a complete stranger, which seemed intentional. Looking down at Ye Li, Mo Xiuyao murmured, "I don’t believe you failed to notice."

Ye Li gently toyed with a silver strand of Mo Xiuyao’s hair. "Even if he is hiding something, what does it matter?" she said softly. "Everyone has secrets. As long as he can help with your condition, I don’t want to press him too hard. After all, he is also my savior." Ye Li felt genuine gratitude towards Doctor Lin. She knew he undoubtedly had his secrets. Unlike Tan Jizhi, who, consumed by his obsession with some so-called treasure, constantly and arbitrarily doubted the adoptive father who had raised him, thereby overlooking Doctor Lin’s true character. Ye Li, however, observed everyone around her meticulously; none of Doctor Lin’s expressions or glances escaped her notice. Whatever secrets Doctor Lin might have, as long as he meant no harm to those she cared about and could potentially help Xiuyao’s health, what else mattered?

Mo Xiuyao watched Ye Li play with the silver lock of his hair. He knew, of course, how guilty she felt about his condition. Gently disengaging her hand and retrieving the strand, he said tenderly, "Since you feel that way, Ah-Li, we’ll let it be." He would have Doctor Lin investigated, but as long as the man did nothing untoward, he wouldn’t act against him.

When Doctor Lin emerged from the house, he saw the couple sitting under the tree, conversing softly. The atmosphere around them was so warm and serene that it felt intrusive to disturb them. Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao, both powerful individuals, had detected his footsteps long before he even stepped out. Ye Li turned her head to look at him. Doctor Lin tossed her a small, green porcelain bottle. "Nothing can be done about his hair," he said gruffly. "This is for you." He offered no explanation for the medicine’s purpose and, after speaking, turned and went back into his room. Both he and they understood that a person of Mo Xiuyao’s stature would never use medication from a stranger without having it thoroughly examined by a trusted physician. Therefore, explaining its use was unnecessary. Catching the bottle, Ye Li uncorked it and sniffed the contents. She had a fair idea of its purpose, having seen many of the rare medicines Doctor Lin kept during her stay at his home.

Stowing the medicine bottle, Ye Li rose with Mo Xiuyao’s support, planning to visit Shen Yang. Although she trusted Doctor Lin not to tamper with the medicine, a precautionary check was still necessary. Besides, Doctor Lin had also expressed a desire to meet Shen Yang, so she needed to inform Mr. Shen first.

Upon reaching Shen Yang’s courtyard, they found Feng Zhiyao and Zhou Yu already there. Ye Li wasn’t well acquainted with Zhou Yu, having met him only a few times. Although Ye Li had done him a small favor in the past, the Ye Family had been primarily at fault in that incident, so she hadn’t given it much thought. She was thus surprised that Zhou Yu not only remembered her kindness but had also risked his safety to deliver a letter for State Duke Hua. Seeing Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao enter, the three men quickly rose and bowed. "Greetings, Prince, Princess Consort."

Mo Xiuyao waved his hand, gesturing for them to be at ease, and helped Ye Li into a chair before taking a seat himself. "Third Feng," he began, "what are you doing here at this hour? Do you have too little to do? And Zhou Yu, are you unwell?" A single glance told Mo Xiuyao that Zhou Yu’s complexion was ashen, a clear sign of ill health. Feng Zhiyao nearly choked on his own breath at Mo Xiuyao’s words, staring in exasperation at his relaxed and utterly unapologetic Prince. Ever since the Princess Consort’s return, the man who once dedicated himself day and night to official duties had transformed completely. He now spent no more than four hours a day on state affairs and never entered the study after dinner. He was constantly by the Princess Consort’s side, fussing over her. Not only did he shirk his own work, but he also forbade the Princess Consort from doing any, all under the pretext of caring for the future heir of Prince Ding’s Mansion, the future Young Master of the Mo Family Army. What could a subordinate say? Still, for an underling working himself to death, to be questioned by his idle master about having too little work was truly infuriating!

Ye Li shot Mo Xiuyao a resigned look, then turned to Zhou Yu with a gentle smile. "Lord Zhou, are you feeling unwell?" Zhou Yu rose to his feet again, replying respectfully, "I no longer hold a position in court, Your Highness. You may simply call me Zhou Yu. I merely caught a slight cold. Thank you, Prince and Princess Consort, for your concern." Feng Zhiyao scoffed, "A slight cold? This man works like a fiend! He’s been going to bed close to midnight every day. When I went to see him, he had just fainted! I say, Prince, are you in a good mood now? If so, how about arranging the official appointments for the Northwest?" Exposed by Feng Zhiyao, Zhou Yu lowered his head in embarrassment.

Mo Xiuyao leaned back in his chair, drawling lazily, "Official appointments? Haven’t you handled them?" Feng Zhiyao gritted his teeth. "Prince, I am, as you know, merely a Vice General." Mo Xiuyao nodded with feigned understanding. "Ah, are you suggesting I should promote you?"

"Mo Xiuyao! Do you think I don’t dare to thrash you?!" Feng Zhiyao finally erupted, his carefully cultivated image of a refined gentleman shattering. For months, he had been treading on eggshells, toiling away, and this ingrate hadn’t shown a shred of gratitude! His behavior had only worsened since the Princess Consort’s return. If they hadn’t grown up together, this young master would never serve such an infuriatingly difficult master!

"You want to thrash me?" Mo Xiuyao’s phoenix eyes narrowed dangerously. Feng Zhiyao gulped, darting a look at Ye Li. It wasn’t that he didn’t dare to fight Mo Xiuyao; they had brawled fiercely and often in their youth. The problem was... he couldn’t win! Ever since Mo Xiuyao completed his martial training, Feng Zhiyao had been on the losing end of every scuffle.

"Xiuyao," Ye Li interjected softly, unable to watch any longer. Mo Xiuyao sat up straight, his expression turning serious. "I understand. Things have been rather chaotic recently, so I haven’t had time to address these matters. I will look into them properly in the next few days. Zhou Yu, you’ve managed Ruyang City well during this period. You shall serve as the Governor of Ruyang for the time being. I will also select some capable individuals to assist you." The Mo Family Army’s internal affairs had indeed been tumultuous in recent months. With the Northwest effectively changing hands, numerous official posts had become vacant. The Mo Family Army, unlike the imperial court, lacked a ready supply of civil officials for replacements. Consequently, individuals often had to juggle multiple roles, and military officers sometimes temporarily filled civilian positions. Xu Qingze, being both highly capable and deeply trusted by Mo Xiuyao, had been sent directly to Hongzhou to Head Monk the affairs of the three northwestern states. That was why Ye Li had yet to see Xu Qingze since her return.

"Thank you for your trust, Your Highness!" Zhou Yu rose once more to express his gratitude. Everyone understood the significance of Prince Ding personally appointing officials. Ordinarily, such appointments and dismissals were the purview of the imperial court. Mo Xiuyao’s current actions, however, subtly indicated that the Northwest was gradually distancing itself from central imperial control, a development that evoked a mixture of joy and apprehension among many.

"Rest for a couple of days and regain your strength first," Ye Li advised kindly. If your health collapses, all else is lost. The Northwest is currently short of talent, and judging by Feng Zhiyao’s and Mo Xiuyao’s attitudes, Zhou Yu, though young, is clearly competent. Zhou Yu nodded. "Thank you for your counsel, Your Highness."

Shen Yang, who had been observing from the side, finally cast a disgruntled look at them. "Does anyone recall that this is a physician’s room, not a council chamber?" he interjected. Three out of the four people here are unwell, yet they dare to discuss such mundane affairs in my presence! It was only then that Zhou Yu seemed to remember he was in Shen Yang’s courtyard. He quickly suppressed his elation and bowed apologetically. "My apologies for the discourtesy, Mr. Shen. Please forgive me."

Shen Yang waved a prescription slip dismissively. "Go get your medicine. If you don’t want to end up bedridden, then stop overexerting yourself." Ignoring Zhou Yu’s reaction, he turned to Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao. "Are Your Highnesses experiencing any discomfort?" Mo Xiuyao shook his head. "Please check Ah-Li’s pulse first. From now on, Mr. Shen, I’ll trouble you to check her pulse every three days."

Shen Yang knew the Princess Consort’s current condition was paramount. He nodded nonchalantly, mentally postponing his research plans until after the child was born. After taking Ye Li’s pulse, he said, "The Princess Consort is doing well. Although she was somewhat weak these past few months, she has been well-nourished since, and it will not adversely affect her. The heir may be a little frail at birth, but he can be nurtured back to health." After all, during the most critical months of fetal development, the Princess Consort had been mostly unconscious. The fact that the child had survived was a testament to the previous physician’s exceptional skills. Mo Xiuyao nodded. "We will be relying on you from now on, Mr. Shen."

Shen Yang withdrew his hand and raised an eyebrow. "The Princess Consort must have encountered a skilled physician these past few months. Might I see the prescriptions she was given?" Ye Li, unconcerned, recited several of the restorative formulas Doctor Lin had prescribed for her. Shen Yang, forgetting everything else, hastily jotted them down, marveling at their ingenuity. Ye Li smiled. "Doctor Lin is currently staying in the mansion. He also mentioned wanting to meet you, Mr. Shen. If you have the time, perhaps you could visit him. You two could exchange insights." Shen Yang was delighted, clapping his hands. "Excellent! I shall certainly pay him a visit tomorrow."

Ye Li then took out the porcelain bottle from Doctor Lin and handed it to him. "Doctor Lin gave this to me just now. Mr. Shen, perhaps you could see what it’s for?"

Shen Yang took it carefully, uncorked it, and sniffed, pondering for a moment. He then dabbed a little onto his palm, observing it intently before smiling. "This should be a potent salve for removing old scars. It contains a significant amount of fenugreek. Truly a rare find." With that, he glanced at the masked Mo Xiuyao and chuckled. "This isn’t for the Princess Consort, is it? It’s likely for the Prince. Your Highness could try it. Later, I can see if the formula can be modified for even better results."

"Shen... Yang!" Mo Xiuyao ground out through clenched teeth, his face darkening. It was unbecoming for a man to be overly concerned about his appearance, yet he had to admit he truly hoped this salve would work. If he must endure this white hair, then at least his face should be flawless, lest Ah-Li be ridiculed because of him, right? Shen Yang, unfazed by Mo Xiuyao’s anger, cheerfully handed the bottle back to Ye Li. In Shen Yang’s eyes, the current Mo Xiuyao was an improvement. When a man ceases to care about his own face and body, it often means nothing in the world matters to him anymore. That Mo Xiuyao now cared about his appearance indicated he had someone to care for. And as long as one has people to cherish, there is always hope. Before Mo Xiuyao could erupt, Shen Yang waved his hand dismissively, shooing them out.

Outside Shen Yang’s courtyard, Zhou Yu bid them farewell and departed from the Prince Ding’s Mansion. Before leaving, he cast an astonished glance at Mo Xiuyao. He was still young, and it was quite a shock to see the renowned Prince Ding, a figure of immense prestige, turn pale with anger and be unceremoniously ejected by a mere physician, just like anyone else.

After watching Zhou Yu depart, Ye Li asked, "Zhou Yu is still very young. Is he truly suitable to be the Governor of Ruyang?" Compared to the other governors in the Northwest—many of whom had been thoroughly vetted or replaced by Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao—Zhou Yu, barely twenty, seemed exceptionally young. Feng Zhiyao nodded. "He is certainly capable, though his age is a factor. However... in the Prince’s eyes, that’s not an issue, is it?" Mo Xiuyao smirked. "Competence is all that matters. Get rid of those incompetent freeloaders as soon as possible. If anyone dares to complain, send them to me."

Feng Zhiyao beamed, nodding in satisfaction. "With your word, Prince, things will be much easier to handle. However, Zhou Yu is also considered one of the Princess Consort’s people. I’m afraid those old traditionalists will start their usual complaints about the Princess Consort being a woman..." The trouble was, they couldn’t just eliminate all those old men. Pacifying the populace and maintaining stability were crucial. These elders held considerable sway in the Northwest—respected scholars, renowned loyalists, and great philanthropists who had funded public works like bridges and roads. Taking action against them was simply not feasible.

Ye Li had heard such sentiments before. She recalled the grumblings of those stubborn old men back when she first led troops. A faint smile touched her lips. "Since both the Prince and Third Feng deem Zhou Yu capable, then he it is. As for what those venerable elders might have to say, they need not trouble the Prince. They can come directly to me." Feng Zhiyao blinked, looking from one to the other, then pressed his fingers to his forehead. Better to just drop it. If those old men actually came to pester the Princess Consort, the Prince would likely silence them permanently, given his track record with such pedantic scholars. It might not seem like a big deal now, but in the future... Feng Zhiyao foresaw a disaster in the making.