Zhang Lingzheng checked the pulses of Xie Jue and Fang Chuning, knowing who took the antidote. At that moment, he clearly informed Fang Chuning, knowing that as Fang Chuning’s friend, he wished Fang Chuning wouldn’t realize in the future that he missed the opportunity to save Xie Jue’s eyesight when he could have, which would cause inevitable pain and regret. Without the antidote, Xie Jue’s eyes are likely to go blind eventually, but how long he can maintain his eyesight is unpredictable. The remaining poison in Fang Chuning’s body can only be expelled by himself, which is a helpless matter.

He does not have the ability to achieve the best of both worlds and does not need Fang Chuning to give him a hint. Zhang Lingzheng mentions that a small portion of the poison still needs time to be expelled, but overall, it’s no longer a major concern, and there is no life-threatening danger.

Xie Jue breathed a sigh of relief, and Fang Chuning smiled, saying, "You’re just too tense. I’ve been poisoned for so long, it will take time to recuperate."

"It’s better to be cautious."

When Fang Chuning saw Zhang Lingzheng out of the mansion, Zhang Lingzheng remarked, "You won’t be able to hide it for long."

"As long as I can hide it, I will. His eyes are just recovering; I don’t want him to be upset. After all, I won’t die, and I won’t be going to battlefields as a general in the future. Weakness in my body doesn’t matter."

"It’s not that simple. You still have to endure the pain when the poison attacks. Although it doesn’t happen daily, when the poison flares up in your body, you will have to frequently endure it."

Although not deadly, it is quite painful.

"I am aware. You get used to it over time." Fang Chuning was indifferent.

Zhang Lingzheng could only follow his lead. Whatever consequences may arise, Fang Chuning likely has also contemplated. After resigning, Fang Chuning didn’t have much to do. The autumn scenery was beautiful, and Fang Chuning said, "Shall we go and stay at the manor for a few days?"

"What’s wrong?"

"Father and mother are having a legal separation dispute. I don’t want to get involved in their affairs. There are many past issues between them that need to be sorted out. I can’t stay home every day; it’s a good time for a change of scenery."

Xie Jue originally planned to visit, but Fang Chuning stopped him. Xie Jue also thought it best to wait until the general and lady resolved their matters before discussing his and Fang Chuning’s. So the matter was postponed, fearing that Mrs. Fang would feel neglected. When she attended Mingzhu’s birthday banquet, Xie Jue specifically mentioned that he would personally visit to apologize some time later.

"Alright!" Xie Jue rubbed his brow, and Fang Chuning asked nervously, "What’s wrong, are your eyes hurting?"

Xie Jue chuckled softly, "No, Zhang Lingzheng’s medicine is very effective. Recently, my eyes have improved somewhat, and I can see better at night. However, occasionally there’s some soreness."

Fang Chuning said, "He’s been diligently researching the poison affecting you, and he has gained substantial insights. His medical skills are outstanding. Maybe your vision will recover soon."

Xie Jue felt relieved. If it weren’t for the exhausting times in Pingnan County, his eye condition hadn’t relapsed for a while. At night, he experienced slight weak vision, but it didn’t hinder daily life.

Xie Jue planned to stay at the manor temporarily, asking Mingzhu and Ruyi if they wished to come. Mingzhu was busy with studies and couldn’t leave, having only three days off in a ten-day cycle. Ruyi was punished with extra writing exercises during her early education, making it difficult to accompany him to the manor. They could only wait a few days to be free. Xie Jue and Fang Chuning decided to go to the manor first, and then bring Mingzhu and Ruyi over during break.

For Fang Chuning and Xie Jue, the Capital City was home, but due to rumors and criticisms from others, it was not entirely pleasant. Xie Jue had long wanted to stay at the manor with Fang Chuning. He promised Ruyi he wouldn’t leave the capital before year-end and wished not to break his promise. He also had to apologize to the Fang Family, and resolving this would take about half a year.

Xie Jue went to the manor without bringing Shadow Guards, who stayed in the mansion to protect Mingzhu and Ruyi, and train well-selected personal guards for them. His and Fang Chuning’s situation being special made traveling without Shadow Guards safer, which Fang Chuning preferred.

The manor lies east of Yiling Village, with a horse farm managed by specialized personnel. The main estate and the horse farm housing were separate. Upon Xie Jue’s arrival, a few people greeted him before being dismissed. Before his visit, the yard had been properly arranged, as Fang Chuning wasn’t visiting the estate for the first time, knowing it well. He had his own private room in the estate at Xie Jue’s quarters. Over the years, it remained unchanged. During the Marquis Mansion’s downfall, the horse farm was confiscated briefly taken over by the Yuwen Family. Yuwen Jing didn’t fancy the greens and waterways, thus it remained intact, now a private horse farm of the Prince Manor, with Qing Shan and Ruyi inheriting the private belongings, nothing taken by Xie Xun.

Indeed, it was harvest season; the burning scent of calendula lingered in the air, not unpleasant. In the courtyard, pomegranates were abundant, with a basket underneath the tree filled with ripe fruits. Fang Chuning picked two red-hued fruits personally, with Xie Jue leaning against a pillar leisurely watching him, a smile on his lips. He genuinely enjoyed this lively side of Fang Chuning.

Life at the manor felt much freer than in the city.

The autumn air was refreshing, with the beloved standing nearby. Nothing could be more comforting than this moment.

As this thought flashed briefly, Fang Chuning turned, shaking the fruit in his hand, "I think I’ve picked fruit here before."

Xie Jue said, "Before we went to Ningzhou, you came to pick every year."

In the capital, not everywhere could grow these fruits. This mountain had numerous hot springs and fertile soil, perhaps providing ample nutrients to the fruit trees. As a result, pomegranates grown here are large and sweet. Meanwhile, Fengyu grew pomegranates at home, splendid in blooming yet mediocre in sweetness and size. After experiencing those from the mountain, she understood the difference. Thus, Xie Xun harvested pomegranates during the season to send them to the palace.

People from the Marquis Mansion didn’t indulge in pleasures nor had cravings, so they didn’t plant extensively. Besides, these fruits were indeed expensive and scarce, difficult to grow. Marquis clearly wouldn’t let the common people waste time and effort planting them. From his perspective, they weren’t essentials like cotton and grains, which were more practical. Hence, most fruit trees in the mountain were wild and uncultivated. After ascending the throne, Xie Xun appointed people to develop a dedicated orchard on the back mountain. Currently, there are around ten fruit trees in the manor, and the yield is not vast.

Fang Chuning raised an eyebrow, "Besides picking fruit, what else do we do?"

Xie Jue turned to walk back, Fang Chuning jogged up beside him. Xie Jue said, "Fishing, horse racing... hot springs."

"Hot springs... I love it!"

Xie Jue, "..."

Fang Chuning’s tone was filled with excitement, "Where’s the hot spring pool? Shall we take a look?"

The manor had numerous hot spring pools, each courtyard with its dedicated facility. With the owners absent, the staff kept the pools organized, knowing the autumn and winter seasons would bring the owners for a stay, preparing in advance.