While in Yangzhou, Situ Yan would take Lu Nianfu out to play when he wasn't fighting. Although they dared not venture too far due to the Japanese pirates, they had visited many places and seen many beautiful sights and customs.
However, since arriving in the capital, she had lived a reclusive life, barely attending any family banquets. The most frequent place she visited was her own shops, and a rare stroll through the streets was considered an outing. The sudden news of a boat trip left Lu Nianfu excited for most of the night.
Seeing that she was still wide awake past the hour of Hai Shi (11:00 PM), Situ Yan said helplessly, "It's just going out to play, why are you so excited like a child?"
"If you were confined to the inner chambers for several years like me, you might not be any better than I am."
"Yes, yes, yes, but my dear wife, the night is deep. If you don't sleep now, how will you have the energy to go out and play tomorrow?" He smiled suggestively, then suddenly flipped over and pressed her down, gently biting her earlobe and saying, "Perhaps, your husband can help you?"
In the past, Lu Nianfu would surely have succumbed to his flirtations. But at this moment, her mind was entirely on playing, and she naturally wouldn't fall for his tricks.
She pushed his face away with a slap: "Go away, don't act like a rogue here. If I get tired, how can I play tomorrow?"
"You'll be just as tired after not sleeping all night, and won't have any energy to play. You can't possibly catch up on sleep on the boat, can you?"
"Don't talk to me, I'll definitely fall asleep in a moment."
Lu Nianfu immediately closed her eyes, shifting into a more comfortable sleeping position.
Situ Yan chuckled, a hint of guilt welling up in his heart. After leaving Yangzhou for the capital, they had spent little time together. Moreover, the capital was a place rife with trouble. With her alone supporting this vast princely estate, she had none of the freedom she enjoyed in Yangzhou.
Hmm, it was time to plan for the future. He should earn more merit now and request a more prosperous fiefdom from his father. Of course, it would be best to foster good relations with the next emperor. The former was easier said than done, but the latter required careful planning. After all, he had thoroughly offended the two most powerful factions in the court, the Crown Prince and Situ Jue.
No matter who ascended the throne, he would not have an easy life.
The next day, Lu Nianfu woke up early. She and Situ Yan, as adults, didn't require much preparation, but Yao'er did.
The infant, barely six months old and still nursing, not only needed a wet nurse and governess but also a change of clothes in case of accidents, not to mention maids and guards. Over twenty people from their household alone were mobilized. Fortunately, the boat Ouyang Wen had rented was large enough, otherwise, it wouldn't have accommodated everyone.
For an outing like a boat trip, Ouyang Wen naturally brought his fiancée, and of course, his elder brother-in-law couldn't be left out.
So Cheng Beizheng also brought Mo Sang.
Only Ji Jin stood alone, gazing into the distance from the bow of the ship, his thoughts unknown to anyone.
Ouyang Wen, under his elder brother-in-law's watchful eye, found it difficult to flirt with his wife. With great loyalty, he said, "Ah Jin has been having a rough time in love lately. I'll go and offer him some guidance."
Unexpectedly, Mo Sang stood up first: "Let me go instead. I happen to have something to discuss with Imperial Physician Ji."
Cheng Beizheng: "I'll accompany you."
"No need. You wouldn't understand the exchange between physicians."
Cheng Beizheng: ...
Lu Nianfu had overheard Situ Yan talking about Ji Jin and Xin Yao. She was optimistic about this pair, but unfortunately, Xin Yao was full of hatred, and this matter would likely take time to resolve. She fed Yao'er half a grape. The little fellow's mouth was full of juice, yet he was incredibly excited about the sea, babbling incoherently.
Situ Yan pinched his little foot: "Tsk tsk, look at this unsophisticated child, such a little country bumpkin."
Lu Nianfu: ...
How could he speak about his own son like that?
Ouyang Wen tugged at Yao'er's little hand and whistled at him, "Ah Yan, we're all here as couples, why did you invite Ah Jin? Knowing he's having trouble in love, isn't that intentionally provoking him!"
"Oh, Mo Sang wanted to discuss the art of witchcraft with him. I thought it would be a good opportunity, so I invited him along."
"Then why didn't you also invite Miss Shengge? You owe her a favor, she wouldn't refuse such a small request, would she?"
"Don't even think about it. What if someone with ulterior motives sees her and traces her identity?"
She had finally found an opportunity to get close to Situ Jue, and she couldn't afford to ruin it so easily. Ji Jin's newly developed blood-sucking蛊 hadn't been placed on him yet.
Ouyang Wen thought about it and could only sigh for Ji Jin.
The stoic ice mountain finally showed some affection, only to encounter an even colder one. Alas, what a predicament this was.
Mo Sang, with her straightforward personality, exchanged a few casual words with Ji Jin before getting straight to the point: "Imperial Physician Ji, I have studied several of your cases and found that your prescriptions seem to originate from our clan's sacred texts. May I ask if you have seen them?"
Ji Jin thought for a moment: "Are you referring to the 'Sacred Texts of Xijiang,' Miss Mo?"
Mo Sang's eyes lit up with excitement: "That's right! Is the Sacred Text in your possession?"
"Yes." He had obtained this item from the Pingning Earl's mansion. He never expected it to have such a significant origin. After all, even the imperial library had very few records concerning Xijiang witchcraft.
"The 'Sacred Texts of Xijiang' is a lost treasure of our clan. May I ask if Imperial Physician Ji would be willing to part with it? Please rest assured, I will not let you suffer any loss. You may name your price."