(At Fengming)
Master Feng Lei gathered his family and general to discuss the spreading darkness. "Rumors are circulating about the widespread evil spirits and our enemy's actions. We need to be cautious and prepare our warriors," he said, his voice filled with concern.
The general nodded in agreement. "We've sent additional warriors to guard each territory, but it's challenging to counter the evil spirits since we lack the power to fight them."
Master Feng Lei smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, with the medicine created by Ms. Ye, we can counter the spirit poison."
He turned to the general. "Prepare the warriors and begin their training. We'll also recruit more men."
As the general left, Feng Yangguang, Master Feng Lei's son, spoke up. "Father, may I join the warriors to help them?"
Master Feng Lei's expression turned stern. "Not yet, the enemy's movements aren't intense enough. Your mother and I will handle it until you finish your studies."
Feng Yangguang's mother intervened, her voice firm but gentle. "Be quiet, Feng Yang. Listen to your father. You'll learn more in school than fighting here. You won't become a good leader if you're reckless."
Feng Yangguang looked down, silenced.
Master Feng Lei continued, "Feng Yang, you'll be better prepared when you learn more... How are your siblings?"
"They're fine," Feng Yangguang replied.
His mother asked about his sister Mei, and Feng Yangguang hesitated, remembering the accident. But he chose not to reveal it, saying instead, "She's fine, she's even learned to balance in the air."
His parents' faces lit up with joy. "That's wonderful news," his mother exclaimed.
Feng Yangguang asked about his parents' health, and his mother replied, "I'm fine, but your father's not doing well." Master Feng Lei added, "It's not serious, thanks to Ms. Ye's medicine. Tell your siblings not to worry."
As Master Feng Lei mentioned Ms. Ye's medicine, Feng Yangguang's thoughts drifted to the gentle healer, his lover. He remembered their last meeting, where Ms. Ye had smiled warmly and handed him a delicate tea cup. "Try this, it's a special blend I've been working on."
Yang had taken a sip, and his eyes widened in surprise. "This is amazing! What's the secret ingredient?"
Ms. Ye chuckled. "Ah, that's for me to know and you to guess." As they sipped tea together, Yang felt a sense of calm wash over him. He realized how much he enjoyed Ms. Ye's company, and how much he valued her wisdom.
Yang's parents noticed his distant gaze and exchanged a neutral glance. "You're thinking of Ms. Ye, aren't you?" his mother asked, her voice neutral.
Yang's face flushed slightly, but he didn't deny it. "I admire her skills as a healer, and I appreciate her help," he said, his voice sincere.
His parents nodded, acknowledging his words without expressing any particular opinion about Ms. Ye.
~~~~~
Yang walked through the serene gardens, the scent of blooming flowers and fresh herbs filling the air. He approached Ms. Ye's pavilion, where she sat amidst a lush arrangement of plants, her hands moving deftly as she worked on a new concoction.
"Dohua!" Yang said, announcing his presence with a gentle smile.
Ms. Ye looked up, her eyes sparkling with warmth. " Yang! Come, join me. I'm working on a new remedy."
Yang sat beside her, "What is it for?" he asked, curiosity getting the better of him.
"Just a little something to help with fatigue," Ms. Ye replied, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Though I think it might need a bit more... Ah, yes! That's it."
As they worked together, Yang leaned in, his face inches from Ms. Ye's. "You smell amazing," he whispered, his breath tickling her ear.
Ms. Ye blushed, her cheeks flushing with pleasure. "Thanks," she said, her voice soft.
As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the garden, Ms. Ye handed Yang a small pouch filled with the finished remedy. "For your father," she said, her eyes gentle. "I hope it helps."
Yang smiled, feeling grateful for her thoughtfulness. "Thank you," he said, his voice sincere. "I'll make sure to give it to him."
As he stood to leave, Ms. Ye stood up with him, and they shared a gentle kiss. "Take care, Yang," she said, her voice soft.
"You too," Yang replied, smiling before turning to leave.
(Baoli Zhong)
As siblings Xiao, Ling, and Yang walked towards the library, they spotted their sister Mei arguing with Yuming.
Yang's eyes narrowed slightly, his voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and concern. "When did they get so close? I always see them together."
Xiao's expression was thoughtful as she replied, "It started after she thanked Mo Yuming."
Yang's face relaxed into a warm smile. "It's good she has a friend now. She's not just talking to animals all the time."
Ling's eyes glinted with mischief as she teased, "Animals? You mean like you? Mei talks to you often, does that make you an animal?" Yang's face darkened, and he pretended to draw his sword.
"Sister Xiao!" Ling darted behind Xiao for protection.
Xiao couldn't help but laugh at her siblings' antics. "You two are like kids."
Yang pouted, his face still flushed with mock indignation. "It's because of sister Ling!"
Xiao's expression turned serious, and she sighed softly. "Enough. Ling, can you please take this to the infirmary and give it to the doctor there?" She handed Ling a pouch containing herbal medicine.
~~~
"What's wrong with you, Feng Mei'yin? Get away from me!" Mo Yuming complained, frustrated with Mei's clinginess.
"Why are you complaining, Yuming? Ever since you helped me and we became friends, people's attitudes towards me have changed," Mei said, her eyes narrowing at Yuming. "They don't smile at me like they used to, especially the girl who sits next to Yang in class."
"It's not our fault you're weak, so we helped you... And who are you talking about?" Yuming retorted.
Mei's face lit up with a smile before she replied, "The incredibly beautiful girl who sits next to my brother in class."
"You're talking about Bai Linyan? Bai Linyan, the sister of Bai Jing and Cheng," Yuming said.
Mei's eyes widened as she turned to Yuming. "Bai Linyan? She's Bai Chengxing's sister?!"
"Yeah."
"Then why is she looking at me so coldly?" Mei wondered.
"Because she has feelings for Yuxi," Yuming said bluntly.
Mei's eyes sparkled. "R-really? Yuxi! Wah! Yuxi— speaking of Yuxi, why hasn't he come back yet? I still haven't thanked him."
"Maybe he'll be back tomorrow, or the day after, or maybe not at all," Yuming said nonchalantly.
"Ten days without him? Won't he get kicked out of class?" Mei asked.
"Someone like Yuxi doesn't need to attend classes," Yuming replied.
"You're right, he's really talented and amazing," Mei praised.
"I'm more amazing," Yuming boasted.
"You're so full of yourself!" Mei teased.
(In the infirmary)
Feng Ling was stopped by two female servants. "What do you want here?" one of the servants asked, causing Ling to raise an eyebrow.
"What I want is none of your business," Ling replied, eyeing the servants. "Aren't you servants of the Bai family? What are you doing here?" Ling's sharp tongue left the servants speechless.
As she tried to open the door, the servants blocked her again. Ling's face scrunched in annoyance. "What now?!" she snapped.
"You can't go in. The doctor isn't here," one of the servants said.
"The doctor isn't here, so you're here instead? Are you making fun with me?" Ling retorted. "Let me in, or you'll answer to your master," she threatened, and the servants stepped aside.
Upon entering, Ling found the room quiet. "It seems the doctor isn't here indeed," she thought. But then she heard a faint moan, a female voice.
"Sorry," a gentle male voice replied. "Please remove this so I can see better," the male voice said.
Ling's eyes widened as she recognized the voice. She tiptoed closer, trying not to be noticed, but the doctor suddenly appeared, and she was caught by the two, Yijun and Wu Ziyi. Yijun's eyes widened in surprise as he saw Ling.
"L-Ling?" Yijun's voice trembled slightly.
"Lady Feng Ling, you've arrived. I just got here. Have you been here long? Do you need anything? " the doctor asked, approaching his desk.
"Ah... um... my sister asked me to give you this. Here," Ling replied, handing over the pouch.
"This must be the herbs I requested. Thank you," the doctor said.
"No problem. I'll leave now," Ling said.
The doctor nodded and called out to Yijun. "Qin Yijun, aren't you done yet?"
"Almost," Yijun replied, glancing at Ling as she turned to leave. "Ah, Lady Feng Lingxi!" he called out, and Ling turned around.
"Whatever you're thinking, you're wrong!" Yijun exclaimed.
" Don't worry, you two never crossed my mind," Ling shot back before leaving.
Yijun smiled and shook his head.
"Qin Yijun, it seems you have a soft spot for the second child of Feng Lei," the doctor teased, and Yijun chuckled.
Wu Ziyi suddenly asked, "Do you like her?" Before Yijun could respond, Wu Ziyi continued, "Someone like her isn't suitable for you. Everything about you two is opposite. You're kind, she's mean. You're polite, she's sharp-tongued. You two don't match."
The doctor warned, "Be careful what you say, Ms. Wu!"
Wu Ziyi retorted, "I'm just stating the truth."
Yijun calmly replied, "That's not the truth, but your judgment. You don't know Ling well, and even if you don't like her, it doesn't mean you can compare her to me."
Wu Ziyi fell silent before deciding to leave.