Chapter 112
Song Sanlang, with his goods, left Yun County again and headed to the county seat.
After Fu Wei mentioned his ex-fiancée, Yuming recalled how Huo Min had refused him and instead forced an ugly and malicious woman upon him as a wife.
After careful consideration, Yuming decided to resign from her position as a resident doctor at the medical hall.
Although Ji Guanzhang was only the head of a small medical hall with no real power, and even with the county magistrate's protection, they couldn't withstand the underhanded tactics of the Huo family.
Yuming understood the adage, "Commoners should not contend with officials."
As circumstances changed, she knew she couldn't stay long at Ji's medical hall. She decided to leave early, despite Ji Guanzhang's attempts to retain her. Yuming was determined to rent a shop in Yuxian and open a small medical hall to treat women and children. Ji Xiaoguniang could continue her medical studies with her.
Seeing her resolve, Ji Guanzhang agreed. The two young girls Yuming had taken in would naturally follow her.
As things were not yet settled, Yuming arranged for them to come to the Fu residence daily for lessons.
During the lessons, Fu Ning would sit quietly and listen, sometimes nodding her head as if she understood, following her brother's lead. Yuming, suspecting the girl's extraordinary talent, asked her a question, but she admitted she didn't know and was just mimicking her brother.
……
Well, the girl was only six years old. It was good enough that she could sit quietly during the lessons. She needed time and nurture.
Even Fu Wei's sister-in-law would listen from outside, eager to learn something new.
Yuming thought it harmless to learn more and invited her in to join the lessons.
Since resigning as the resident doctor, Yuming, apart from teaching medicine, also had free time to bring lunch to Fu Wei, saving him the trouble of commuting back and forth in his busy schedule.
Yuming brought lunch in a wooden box and saw a plain green-topped carriage parked outside the government office from a distance.
Although it looked ordinary, the carriage was evidently new and not inexpensive.
Knowing the high cost of carriages and horses, even the county magistrate's carriage had seen better days.
Around the carriage stood several tall men in plain clothes, clearly attendants, indicating the person inside was no ordinary individual.
Yuming's gaze fell on the carriage, but she couldn’t see who was inside through the curtained window.
She shifted her focus, approached the government office, handed over the food box to the duty officer, and was about to leave when he called out, “Madam Yu, please wait.”
The officer said, “The lady of the house knew Madam Yu would bring lunch for Sir Fu, so she specifically instructed that if you come, you should be invited to sit for a while.”
Following the officer into the government office, Yuming didn’t want to disturb them during lunch, so she first visited Fu Wei’s office and planned to visit the magistrate’s wife afterward.
It was already midday, and apart from the on-duty officers, everyone had gone for lunch, except Fu Wei who was still busy with accounts.
The door to the accounting office was open, and from a distance, Yuming saw Fu Wei intently working with an abacus at his desk.
This…
Had the office lost its accountant? Why was Fu Wei handling these duties?
Perhaps noticing her confusion, the officer whispered, “The previous accountant was dismissed for embezzling funds, and we haven't found a suitable replacement. With Luo Dianshi escorting medicinal materials away and the other Dianshi busy, Mr. Qian preoccupied with court hearings, the task fell to Sir Fu.”
Yuming thanked the officer and then headed towards the accounting office.
Although Fu Wei was engrossed in work, he looked up sharply as she approached the door, his indifferent eyes softening at her sight.
Yuming lifted the food box slightly, smiling, “Brought you lunch, have you finished your work?”
A smile spread across Fu Wei's face as he put down his pen, “Even if I haven’t finished, it's time to eat.”
He stood up, walked out of the storeroom, locked it, and then accompanied her to a small pavilion.
Yuming laid out the still-warm meal from the food box, consisting of a vegetarian dish, a meat dish, and soup in a bamboo container.
Fu Wei asked, “Have you eaten?”
Yuming replied, “I ate at home. You go ahead.”
As Fu Wei ate leisurely, Yuming suddenly remembered the carriage outside the government office and asked, “Did a distinguished guest visit the office?”
Fu Wei paused, looking up at her: “What makes you say that?”
Yuming explained, “When I entered, I noticed a carriage outside with eight attendants. It seemed significant.”
Fu Wei pondered for a moment, then said, “I haven’t heard of any distinguished guests. The magistrate went to the back courtyard for his meal after the morning session.”
Yuming added, “The officer also mentioned that the magistrate’s wife wanted me to come and sit with her.”
If there was an intention to introduce her to a distinguished guest, she would have been informed in advance to prepare, not just casually asked to stay.
A realization seemed to dawn on both of them, and they exchanged a knowing glance.
Just then, the officer who had returned to his duties came back and, bowing to Fu Wei, said, “Sir Fu, someone outside is looking for you, a person surnamed Rong.”
Indeed, it was as they had suspected.
They guessed the visitor had been waiting for Fu Wei to come out, not expecting him to stay inside.
Fu Wei, silent for a moment and recalling what Yuming had said a few days ago, instructed the officer, “Please tell the visitor to wait at the teahouse in front. I’ll go there after finishing my meal, and inform them I’ll be accompanied by my wife.”
The officer acknowledged and went to deliver the message.
After the officer left, Yuming asked, “You want to take me with you?”
Fu Wei nodded: “The best way to clarify things is for her to meet you. If I meet her alone, it might give her hope, right?”
Fu Wei's reasoning sounded quite sensible.
By the time Fu Wei finished his lunch, a quarter of an hour had passed.
He had a quarter of an hour to rest and meet someone, which was ample time.
Yuming urged him out of the government office, and they arrived at a nearby teahouse in half a quarter of an hour.
It was midday, and the teahouse was crowded. There were no private rooms available at this time, but a man approached them, bowing: “Are you Sir Fu?”
This man was likely an attendant of Miss Rong.
Fu Wei nodded in acknowledgment.
The attendant said, “My master is waiting in a private room.”
Yuming remembered that Fu Wei's ex-fiancée's father was the wealthiest man in Wuling Prefecture, so securing a private room was naturally no issue.
The attendant led them to the innermost private room of the teahouse and knocked on the door: “Master, your guests have arrived.”
Shortly after, the door to the private room was opened by a maid.
The maid first looked at Fu Wei, seated in his plain carriage, in surprise, then turned her gaze to Yuming.
Her expression was unreadable, but she said, “Fu... Master Fu, the young lady is inside.”
Yuming pushed Fu Wei's chair into the private room, and as she looked up, she saw a young woman in a luxurious brocade dress, beautiful and elegant, looking towards them.
Miss Rong’s face turned pale and her eyes reddened upon seeing Fu Wei in his plain carriage.
In that moment, Yuming realized the girl genuinely harbored deep affection for Fu Wei.
The maid closed the door behind them.
Fu Wei nodded slightly towards Rong Shu, “Miss Rong.”
His greeting was markedly polite yet distant.
Rong Shu, snapping back to reality, shifted her gaze to Yuming.
On her way here, she had heard about his wife, initially described as a malicious woman, but upon arriving in Yuxian, she learned of her deeds, leaving her unsure of what to believe.
She redirected her gaze to Fu Wei, her voice choked with emotion, “It’s been a year, have you been well?”
After asking, her eyes fell on his legs, indicating she knew he had not.
Fu Wei responded indifferently, “Things were difficult, but thanks to Liuniang’s care, I got through that period.”
As he spoke, he slightly turned, pulling his hand resting on the plain carriage into his own.
“This is my wife, Liuniang.”
Rong Shu looked again at the woman, her smile tinged with apology, “I’ve heard about Madam Yu and greatly admire her. My sudden visit is intrusive, please forgive me.”
Her words seemed understanding and reasonable.
Yuming inwardly breathed a sigh of relief, grateful that Miss Rong was not like the arrogant and unreasonable heiresses often depicted in novels.
Unsure of what to say, Yuming smiled lightly: “I’ve heard about Miss Rong from Erlang.”
At these words, Rong Shu seemed momentarily lost in thought.
The fact that they could discuss this matter so openly showed that the couple truly shared a deep bond.
Rong Shu's gaze towards Fu Wei was profound.
“I will be leaving soon, so may I speak with you privately for a moment?”
After saying this, she turned to Yuming: “Madam Yu, would you mind if I speak alone with your husband for a moment?”
Normally, it would be inappropriate for a man and woman to be alone under one roof.
Just as Yuming was about to speak, Fu Wei, seemingly anticipating her concerns, held her hand firmly, reassuring her.
Fu Wei spoke directly, “I know what you want to say. My legs were indeed broken by people sent by Huo Minzhi, but it has nothing to do with Miss Rong. As for my marriage, although it started under compulsion, it serendipitously brought me such a wonderful wife.”
Having said that, Fu Wei looked at Yuming with a smile: “I cherish my wife, love her, respect her, regardless of appearance or status. Marrying her is probably the luckiest thing in my life.”
Yuming, not usually bashful, couldn’t help but feel shy with his sudden public declaration.
She coughed softly, looking away.
Rong Shu's smile was strained, feeling a sourness in her heart for the young man she had once loved.
“It's good that you found a good wife,” she said, her voice slightly hoarse.
Fu Wei turned to her and said earnestly: “Miss Rong, my reason for meeting you today is to let you know that my marriage is a happy one. So, please don’t feel guilty, and there’s no need to visit Yuxian again.”
Rong Shu managed a forced smile, apologizing sincerely, “I apologize for the abrupt visit, causing you amusement.”
She had always known that a relationship between them was impossible.
She loved him, and so she understood his character well. Once married, he would never betray his wife, especially since his wife had done favors for the Fu family.
Before meeting them, she had assumed their marriage was based on responsibility and gratitude, as how could a woman of unremarkable appearance truly be loved?
But upon seeing the couple together, she realized she was wrong. Such love did exist.
She also knew that if she persisted, the eldest son of the Huo family and her father would confront Fu Wei, tormenting him even if he refused her.
Her secret visit to Lingnan was just to see him one last time, to resolve her lingering feelings.
Fu Wei said, “Now that things are clear, my wife and I will take our leave.”
Rong Shu, with tears in her eyes, smiled, “No need to see us out.”
It seemed she had spent half a month traveling just for this brief meeting.
Fu Wei nodded, without further words.
Before leaving with Fu Wei, Yuming said to the girl who had traveled so far, “Miss Rong, take care.”
Rong Shu looked at her and smiled, “Master Fu, Madam Yu, you both take care too.”
After watching them leave, Rong Shu’s maid asked, “Now that you’ve met him, are we setting off for the return journey?”
Rong Shu’s smile faded, her expression turning somber, “Send the medicinal herbs we brought from the county seat to the Fu residence after I leave. They won’t accept it otherwise.”
Though they wouldn't meet again and their fate had ended, she still hoped the herbs would cure his legs.
Chapter 112
Song Sanlang, with his goods, left Yun County again and headed to the county seat.
After Fu Wei mentioned his ex-fiancée, Yuming recalled how Huo Min had refused him and instead forced an ugly and malicious woman upon him as a wife.
After careful consideration, Yuming decided to resign from her position as a resident doctor at the medical hall.
Although Ji Guanzhang was only the head of a small medical hall with no real power, and even with the county magistrate's protection, they couldn't withstand the underhanded tactics of the Huo family.
Yuming understood the adage, "Commoners should not contend with officials."
As circumstances changed, she knew she couldn't stay long at Ji's medical hall. She decided to leave early, despite Ji Guanzhang's attempts to retain her. Yuming was determined to rent a shop in Yuxian and open a small medical hall to treat women and children. Ji Xiaoguniang could continue her medical studies with her.
Seeing her resolve, Ji Guanzhang agreed. The two young girls Yuming had taken in would naturally follow her.
As things were not yet settled, Yuming arranged for them to come to the Fu residence daily for lessons.
During the lessons, Fu Ning would sit quietly and listen, sometimes nodding her head as if she understood, following her brother's lead. Yuming, suspecting the girl's extraordinary talent, asked her a question, but she admitted she didn't know and was just mimicking her brother.
……
Well, the girl was only six years old. It was good enough that she could sit quietly during the lessons. She needed time and nurture.
Even Fu Wei's sister-in-law would listen from outside, eager to learn something new.
Yuming thought it harmless to learn more and invited her in to join the lessons.
Since resigning as the resident doctor, Yuming, apart from teaching medicine, also had free time to bring lunch to Fu Wei, saving him the trouble of commuting back and forth in his busy schedule.
Yuming brought lunch in a wooden box and saw a plain green-topped carriage parked outside the government office from a distance.
Although it looked ordinary, the carriage was evidently new and not inexpensive.
Knowing the high cost of carriages and horses, even the county magistrate's carriage had seen better days.
Around the carriage stood several tall men in plain clothes, clearly attendants, indicating the person inside was no ordinary individual.
Yuming's gaze fell on the carriage, but she couldn’t see who was inside through the curtained window.
She shifted her focus, approached the government office, handed over the food box to the duty officer, and was about to leave when he called out, “Madam Yu, please wait.”
The officer said, “The lady of the house knew Madam Yu would bring lunch for Sir Fu, so she specifically instructed that if you come, you should be invited to sit for a while.”
Following the officer into the government office, Yuming didn’t want to disturb them during lunch, so she first visited Fu Wei’s office and planned to visit the magistrate’s wife afterward.
It was already midday, and apart from the on-duty officers, everyone had gone for lunch, except Fu Wei who was still busy with accounts.
The door to the accounting office was open, and from a distance, Yuming saw Fu Wei intently working with an abacus at his desk.
This…
Had the office lost its accountant? Why was Fu Wei handling these duties?
Perhaps noticing her confusion, the officer whispered, “The previous accountant was dismissed for embezzling funds, and we haven't found a suitable replacement. With Luo Dianshi escorting medicinal materials away and the other Dianshi busy, Mr. Qian preoccupied with court hearings, the task fell to Sir Fu.”
Yuming thanked the officer and then headed towards the accounting office.
Although Fu Wei was engrossed in work, he looked up sharply as she approached the door, his indifferent eyes softening at her sight.
Yuming lifted the food box slightly, smiling, “Brought you lunch, have you finished your work?”
A smile spread across Fu Wei's face as he put down his pen, “Even if I haven’t finished, it's time to eat.”
He stood up, walked out of the storeroom, locked it, and then accompanied her to a small pavilion.
Yuming laid out the still-warm meal from the food box, consisting of a vegetarian dish, a meat dish, and soup in a bamboo container.
Fu Wei asked, “Have you eaten?”
Yuming replied, “I ate at home. You go ahead.”
As Fu Wei ate leisurely, Yuming suddenly remembered the carriage outside the government office and asked, “Did a distinguished guest visit the office?”
Fu Wei paused, looking up at her: “What makes you say that?”
Yuming explained, “When I entered, I noticed a carriage outside with eight attendants. It seemed significant.”
Fu Wei pondered for a moment, then said, “I haven’t heard of any distinguished guests. The magistrate went to the back courtyard for his meal after the morning session.”
Yuming added, “The officer also mentioned that the magistrate’s wife wanted me to come and sit with her.”
If there was an intention to introduce her to a distinguished guest, she would have been informed in advance to prepare, not just casually asked to stay.
A realization seemed to dawn on both of them, and they exchanged a knowing glance.
Just then, the officer who had returned to his duties came back and, bowing to Fu Wei, said, “Sir Fu, someone outside is looking for you, a person surnamed Rong.”
Indeed, it was as they had suspected.
They guessed the visitor had been waiting for Fu Wei to come out, not expecting him to stay inside.
Fu Wei, silent for a moment and recalling what Yuming had said a few days ago, instructed the officer, “Please tell the visitor to wait at the teahouse in front. I’ll go there after finishing my meal, and inform them I’ll be accompanied by my wife.”
The officer acknowledged and went to deliver the message.
After the officer left, Yuming asked, “You want to take me with you?”
Fu Wei nodded: “The best way to clarify things is for her to meet you. If I meet her alone, it might give her hope, right?”
Fu Wei's reasoning sounded quite sensible.
By the time Fu Wei finished his lunch, a quarter of an hour had passed.
He had a quarter of an hour to rest and meet someone, which was ample time.
Yuming urged him out of the government office, and they arrived at a nearby teahouse in half a quarter of an hour.
It was midday, and the teahouse was crowded. There were no private rooms available at this time, but a man approached them, bowing: “Are you Sir Fu?”
This man was likely an attendant of Miss Rong.
Fu Wei nodded in acknowledgment.
The attendant said, “My master is waiting in a private room.”
Yuming remembered that Fu Wei's ex-fiancée's father was the wealthiest man in Wuling Prefecture, so securing a private room was naturally no issue.
The attendant led them to the innermost private room of the teahouse and knocked on the door: “Master, your guests have arrived.”
Shortly after, the door to the private room was opened by a maid.
The maid first looked at Fu Wei, seated in his plain carriage, in surprise, then turned her gaze to Yuming.
Her expression was unreadable, but she said, “Fu... Master Fu, the young lady is inside.”
Yuming pushed Fu Wei's chair into the private room, and as she looked up, she saw a young woman in a luxurious brocade dress, beautiful and elegant, looking towards them.
Miss Rong’s face turned pale and her eyes reddened upon seeing Fu Wei in his plain carriage.
In that moment, Yuming realized the girl genuinely harbored deep affection for Fu Wei.
The maid closed the door behind them.
Fu Wei nodded slightly towards Rong Shu, “Miss Rong.”
His greeting was markedly polite yet distant.
Rong Shu, snapping back to reality, shifted her gaze to Yuming.
On her way here, she had heard about his wife, initially described as a malicious woman, but upon arriving in Yuxian, she learned of her deeds, leaving her unsure of what to believe.
She redirected her gaze to Fu Wei, her voice choked with emotion, “It’s been a year, have you been well?”
After asking, her eyes fell on his legs, indicating she knew he had not.
Fu Wei responded indifferently, “Things were difficult, but thanks to Liuniang’s care, I got through that period.”
As he spoke, he slightly turned, pulling his hand resting on the plain carriage into his own.
“This is my wife, Liuniang.”
Rong Shu looked again at the woman, her smile tinged with apology, “I’ve heard about Madam Yu and greatly admire her. My sudden visit is intrusive, please forgive me.”
Her words seemed understanding and reasonable.
Yuming inwardly breathed a sigh of relief, grateful that Miss Rong was not like the arrogant and unreasonable heiresses often depicted in novels.
Unsure of what to say, Yuming smiled lightly: “I’ve heard about Miss Rong from Erlang.”
At these words, Rong Shu seemed momentarily lost in thought.
The fact that they could discuss this matter so openly showed that the couple truly shared a deep bond.
Rong Shu's gaze towards Fu Wei was profound.
“I will be leaving soon, so may I speak with you privately for a moment?”
After saying this, she turned to Yuming: “Madam Yu, would you mind if I speak alone with your husband for a moment?”
Normally, it would be inappropriate for a man and woman to be alone under one roof.
Just as Yuming was about to speak, Fu Wei, seemingly anticipating her concerns, held her hand firmly, reassuring her.
Fu Wei spoke directly, “I know what you want to say. My legs were indeed broken by people sent by Huo Minzhi, but it has nothing to do with Miss Rong. As for my marriage, although it started under compulsion, it serendipitously brought me such a wonderful wife.”
Having said that, Fu Wei looked at Yuming with a smile: “I cherish my wife, love her, respect her, regardless of appearance or status. Marrying her is probably the luckiest thing in my life.”
Yuming, not usually bashful, couldn’t help but feel shy with his sudden public declaration.
She coughed softly, looking away.
Rong Shu's smile was strained, feeling a sourness in her heart for the young man she had once loved.
“It's good that you found a good wife,” she said, her voice slightly hoarse.
Fu Wei turned to her and said earnestly: “Miss Rong, my reason for meeting you today is to let you know that my marriage is a happy one. So, please don’t feel guilty, and there’s no need to visit Yuxian again.”
Rong Shu managed a forced smile, apologizing sincerely, “I apologize for the abrupt visit, causing you amusement.”
She had always known that a relationship between them was impossible.
She loved him, and so she understood his character well. Once married, he would never betray his wife, especially since his wife had done favors for the Fu family.
Before meeting them, she had assumed their marriage was based on responsibility and gratitude, as how could a woman of unremarkable appearance truly be loved?
But upon seeing the couple together, she realized she was wrong. Such love did exist.
She also knew that if she persisted, the eldest son of the Huo family and her father would confront Fu Wei, tormenting him even if he refused her.
Her secret visit to Lingnan was just to see him one last time, to resolve her lingering feelings.
Fu Wei said, “Now that things are clear, my wife and I will take our leave.”
Rong Shu, with tears in her eyes, smiled, “No need to see us out.”
It seemed she had spent half a month traveling just for this brief meeting.
Fu Wei nodded, without further words.
Before leaving with Fu Wei, Yuming said to the girl who had traveled so far, “Miss Rong, take care.”
Rong Shu looked at her and smiled, “Master Fu, Madam Yu, you both take care too.”
After watching them leave, Rong Shu’s maid asked, “Now that you’ve met him, are we setting off for the return journey?”
Rong Shu’s smile faded, her expression turning somber, “Send the medicinal herbs we brought from the county seat to the Fu residence after I leave. They won’t accept it otherwise.”
Though they wouldn't meet again and their fate had ended, she still hoped the herbs would cure his legs.
