According to their accounts, the news of Xiao Wangye's imminent death was suppressed within Fengdu City, spreading from one to ten and then to a hundred.
In its place, rumors began to circulate about Ye Qingcheng's exceptional medical skills and her ability to bring the dying back to life.
The physicians who had previously attended to Xiao Wangye also heard this news. Each of them marveled, declaring that Ye Qingcheng's skills were divine.
With the added praise from these local physicians, Ye Qingcheng's standing in the hearts of the people rose, making her almost as esteemed as Xiao Wangye.
Although Xiao Wangye had been revived by Ye Qingcheng's Soul Returning Needle Technique and was temporarily out of danger, his body remained extremely weak, forcing him to remain in bed to recuperate.
Fengdu City had just weathered a period of turmoil. Luo Qin Quan had been apprehended, and progress was being made in researching the cure for the strange illness.
Now that Xiao Wangye was in recovery, the heavy responsibility of managing the city naturally fell upon Ye Qingcheng.
Others, believing her to be a trusted confidante of Xiao Wangye, did not question her directives. The guards exclusively assigned to the royal mansion, aware of her true identity and under Xiao Wangye's reprimand, no longer dared to object.
Fortunately, there were no major incidents in the city at this time. Luo Qin Quan remained quietly in prison, allowing Ye Qingcheng to handle affairs with relative ease.
However, the primary focus remained on treating the strange illness.
Ye Qingcheng obtained the Star Flower from Xiao Wangye and personally tested the antidote she had developed, discovering that it was indeed effective.
Within three days, her body completely purged all toxins, leaving no trace behind.
Consequently, she distributed the prescription to all the physicians, instructing them to help her treat the populace.
On another front, Ye Qingcheng also dedicated effort to the assassination attempt on Xiao Wangye.
After learning about the events of that day from the captured assailant, she immediately dispatched guards to gather information, seeking to uncover the origin of the attackers.
With these systematic arrangements, the situation in Fengdu City quickly returned to normal.
The number of patients gradually decreased, the lives of the common people stabilized, and the city was filled with an atmosphere of peace and prosperity.
Ye Qingcheng not only managed the city's affairs but also insisted on personally caring for Xiao Wangye, diligently preparing medicine and feeding him.
One noon, she entered Xiao Wangye's room carrying a bowl of bitter-smelling medicinal soup and gently patted the bed.
"Come, drink your medicine," she said.
Xiao Wangye, who was propped up on the bed, put down the letter he was holding and looked up at her, his eyes brimming with tenderness.
Through the diligent care of the past period, he had gained a new understanding of the person before him.
She was indeed very different from before. Such gentleness and thoughtfulness were things the previous Ye Qingcheng could never have managed.
Xiao Wangye lowered his head, accepting the medicinal soup she offered, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes.
"I recall you once said that if I died, you would die with me?"
He uttered this half-jokingly, his eyes filled with amusement.
Although he had been hovering between life and death at the time, he was still aware of his surroundings. Thus, he had clearly heard every word Ye Qingcheng had spoken in his ear.
And the Ye Qingcheng of that moment, after saving him with the Soul Returning Needle Technique, had been unable to restrain herself from speaking her mind.
She had assumed he was unconscious and completely unable to hear, which was why she had so boldly confessed her feelings.
Now, hearing Xiao Wangye mention her past promise, she couldn't help but blush, feeling a bit shy.
However, Ye Qingcheng did not shy away from the statement, readily and openly admitting it.
"Yes, if I hadn't saved you that day, I would have died with you."
Her eyes shone with unwavering resolve, her tone entirely sincere.
Xiao Wangye's heart stirred. He hadn't expected her to admit it so readily.
But before he could say anything else, Ye Qingcheng changed the subject, continuing with a cold snort:
"Not only that, but if you were to die, I would not wish to live on. After I made those who harmed you pay their price, I would then accompany you."
A cold light flickered in Ye Qingcheng's eyes, and a fierceness, rarely seen on her face, was evident. It was clear she was genuinely angered.
In all the time she had been here, besides her family in the Prime Minister's manor, Xiao Wangye was the only person she truly cared about.
Unbeknownst to her, she had already come to regard him as the anchor of her life, revolving her entire existence around him.
What had begun as a supposed sham marriage had now become genuine.
Upon hearing her words, Ming Shiyin's throat moved, his gaze darkening slightly.
While he was touched by Ye Qingcheng's willingness to die with him, he was even more moved by her subsequent declaration.
Such a resilient and determined woman was precisely what he admired most!
Thinking this, Ming Shiyin felt his heart stir once more for the woman before him.
The two exchanged a knowing glance, their eyes filled with unspoken affection and a visible burning passion.
Ye Qingcheng, having never been in love before, despite her earlier fierce words, couldn't help but lower her head and blush under Ming Shiyin's gaze.
"This medicine is so bitter," Xiao Wangye suddenly remarked, having been intently watching her, which left Ye Qingcheng somewhat bewildered.
"Is it? Then I'll bring some candied fruit next time."
"No need for candied fruit."
Then, the former demonstrated the meaning behind his words.
A passionate and lingering kiss closed the distance between them.
At this moment, an amorous atmosphere filled the room.
For several consecutive days, the two spent their time alone together, with Ye Qingcheng refusing any assistance from others.
Their affection for each other gradually deepened, just a step away from breaking the final barrier.
Ye Qingcheng was too shy to confess her feelings first.
And Xiao Wangye was also a novice in matters of love, possessing little talent in this area, and thus did not know how to proceed.
Days passed, and Xiao Wangye's recovery was swift. With Ye Qingcheng, a miraculous physician, by his side, he was completely restored in just five days.
Once he was capable of resuming his duties managing the city, Ye Qingcheng took the Blood Calendula that Xiao Wangye had obtained, deciding to continue the research she had been unable to complete in her previous life.
Even though this world lacked modern mechanical equipment and a favorable environment for medical research, she could create a suitable research setting for herself.
Knowing that she was undertaking a great task beyond his comprehension, Xiao Wangye did not interfere, allowing her to research freely.
However, he felt a slight regret about the stagnation in their relationship, yet he also felt there was no need to rush.
Now that the strange illness in the city was completely resolved, all the patients had recovered after taking the antidote.
Xiao Wangye's health had also been restored, and he handled all other affairs, relieving Ye Qingcheng of any personal concerns.
Freed from any worries, she, who already enjoyed immersing herself in her research, now delved even more deeply into her new studies.