Chapter 35

Chapter 35: Can You Do It?

Qi Shu Xian left Evening Tide Courtyard and went straight toward Pinglan Residence.

At that moment, Sheng Zhi Wan lay lazily on the large hammock woven by Ting Lan. Golden afternoon sunlight sifted through the phoenix tree leaves, dappled gently upon her face. Her flowing skirts swayed gracefully alongside her slender calves.

One pale hand dangled from the hammock, lightly stroking Lai Fu, who lay belly-up on a cushioned chair, humming and whining softly in satisfaction.

Sensing someone approaching, Lai Fu instantly stirred, alert. The small creature barked softly toward the entrance.

Sheng Zhi Wan slowly opened her eyes. The sunset’s glow illuminated her pale skin with a gentle golden sheen.

Qi Shu Xian paused without realizing.

Seeing him, Sheng Zhi Wan didn’t even bother to sit up, her expression indifferent. “Has Heir Apparent returned my dowry yet?”

A single sentence was enough to freeze Qi Shu Xian’s expression instantly.

Grinding his teeth, he spoke bitterly, “Don’t pretend you haven’t heard the commotion! Mother spat blood—did you know?”

“Oh,” Sheng Zhi Wan said, casually scooping Lai Fu into her embrace and lightly tugging his ears. Only then did she glance toward him. “Then summon an Imperial Physician. What is Heir Apparent doing here?”

“You truly don’t know why I’m here?” Qi Shu Xian’s face darkened, his lips drawn thin. “Imperial Physician Song refuses to visit the Duke’s residence now—what did you do?”

“Legs belong to Imperial Physician Song. Whether he visits or not—what does it have to do with me?”

“You dare deny it’s because of you?” Qi Shu Xian pressed, barely suppressing his anger.

Sheng Zhi Wan responded with airy calmness, “Perhaps. I once did him a small favor, so he repaid it by frequently visiting the Duke’s residence. Now, maybe he feels my favor shouldn’t extend to Duke Madam.”

“That is my Mother!” Qi Shu Xian’s eyes flared with anger.

Imperial Physician Song’s grandson had once offended a powerful noble. At the time, Sheng Zhi Wan had spoken lightly on his behalf, persuading that noble to forgive the matter. The small favor she mentioned must have been this incident.

“And so?” Sheng Zhi Wan stared directly at him.

Qi Shu Xian restrained his temper and spoke firmly, “The medicine brewed by the servants was incorrect. Father insists that from now on, you must brew Mother’s medicine personally.”

“Oh,” Sheng Zhi Wan let out a cold chuckle. “Decoction brewing—I did it every single day for two whole years without pause.”

“From gathering the water to finishing the decoction, I changed the fire thirteen times and handled thirty-four medicinal herbs. The entire process took two and a half hours, and not a single moment could be neglected.” Sheng Zhi Wan gazed steadily at him, her voice soft yet piercing, “Heir Apparent, do you think you could do it?”

Qi Shu Xian pressed his lips together and remained silent.

A day held merely twelve hours, excluding meals and sleep—two and a half hours were nearly half a day’s useful time.

He knew very well he could never waste his own time and effort on something like this.

“Exactly. If even you can’t do it, why demand that I must continue?” Sheng Zhi Wan spoke clearly. “If anyone wants to accuse me of unfilial conduct over this, let them first personally brew medicine for Duke Madam for two years, and then we can discuss it.”

With that, she closed her eyes again.

Qi Shu Xian stood silently, at a complete loss. When Sheng Zhi Wan opened her eyes again later, he was already gone.

“Princess, Shopkeeper Lin just sent word,” Ting Lan hurried over.

Sheng Zhi Wan lifted an eyebrow curiously.

Ting Lan lowered her voice, “Lady Tao truly did visit Merciful Creek Hall. Shopkeeper Lin informed her the renowned fertility physician will attend tomorrow.”

“Hmm,” Sheng Zhi Wan nodded, glancing thoughtfully toward Joyful Orchid Courtyard. “If I recall correctly, Concubine Lian is quite skilled at orchid cultivation. Has she cultivated anything new recently?”

“This… Maidservant hasn’t paid attention,” Ting Lan replied, surprised.

Sheng Zhi Wan rose from the hammock. “Come, let’s go have a look.”

“Yes, Princess,” Ting Lan obediently replied, unsure why her mistress was suddenly interested in Concubine Lian. But her role was simple—to follow wherever her Princess went.

Joyful Orchid Courtyard was secluded. When the mistress and servant arrived, Concubine Lian was trimming an orchid’s branches. At the maidservant’s announcement, Concubine Lian froze in shock.

She had never expected Sheng Zhi Wan would seek her out.

Sheng Zhi Wan had changed greatly lately. Yet even before, she had hardly exchanged a few words with Concubine Lian.

Concubine Lian had always been quiet, keeping to herself during gatherings, never speaking much.

In her previous life, Sheng Zhi Wan had never imagined this silent woman, who barely spoke to her, would secretly risk everything to deliver medicines to her multiple times.

Though she hadn’t ultimately saved Sheng Zhi Wan’s life, such kindness must be repaid.

And Concubine Lian’s deepest sorrow had always been the lack of a child…

“Heir Consort!” Concubine Lian bowed respectfully.

Sheng Zhi Wan nodded lightly, and Ting Lan quietly led Concubine Lian’s maidservant away.

Only then did Sheng Zhi Wan’s eyes rest upon the thriving orchids. She stretched out slender fingers, her skin luminous amidst the lush green leaves. “Concubine Lian tends these orchids so meticulously. If it were a child, would your care be as thoughtful?”

Concubine Lian was startled, not fully grasping Sheng Zhi Wan’s meaning.

Sheng Zhi Wan turned slightly, her eyes clear and shining. “Does Concubine Lian wish for a child of your own?”