Chapter 33 - Maintain

  In the book, Divine Doctor Xue only arrived in the capital about a month after Song Chaoxi got married. Calcuting the dates, it seemed about right. Song Chaoxi pondered, “Do you know where they’re meeting?”

  Fang Qian replied in a deep voice, “In a courtyard within the city, one that was part of Shen’s dowry. It’s usually managed by dedicated staff. The divine doctor arrived st night. Also, one of Song Chaoyan’s servants had contact with several martial artists yesterday—none of whom are weak.”

  For a noble dy to suddenly be involved with martial artists, Song Chaoxi wasn’t foolish enough to think she was hiring strong men just to pick grapes. She frowned slightly. “How does their martial skill compare to yours?”

  Fang Qian didn’t like being modest. “Below mine.”

  “Then can you take them all down alone?”

  “Not difficult.”

  That reassured Song Chaoxi. At least Song Chaoyan was now following the original plot more earnestly—not like when she previously went on a hunger strike, which had been exasperating. Though people had the right to choose whether to live or die, as a doctor, Song Chaoxi couldn’t help but look down a bit on those who didn’t cherish life. After a moment’s silence, she suddenly had an idea. She smiled and said, “Brother Fang, please keep watching her for me. If she makes any moves, let me know immediately.”

  Fang Qian took the order and left. At the entrance to the Duke’s mansion, he brushed past Rong Jing. Both of them frowned slightly and turned at the same time to size each other up. Rong Jing had a cold, stern air and an oppressive gaze. He was dressed in a finely made dark robe. Fang Qian cupped his hands in greeting. “Duke.”

  His salute followed martial world etiquette. Rong Jing looked him over without showing emotion. “Which family are you from?”

  “I’m from the Madam’s maternal side.”

  Rong Jing gave him a deep, scrutinizing look, as if assessing something. “Since you’re here to see the Madam, have you seen her?”

  “I have.”

  Rong Jing said nothing more. Once he walked a bit further away, Liang Shiyi emerged from the shadows and asked in a low voice, “Shall I keep an eye on him?”

  “No need. His martial skills surpass yours.” Rong Jing paused, then lowered his gaze. “Does he visit the Madam often?”

  “This is the first time.”

  Rong Jing said no more.

  When Rong Jing returned, Song Chaoxi was digging in the soil with a trowel. She was testing whether the celestial herb could grow in regur soil. Seeing him return, she put the trowel down, and the two walked into the house together. The servants were busy preparing lunch. Qingzhu brought the dishes. The little building was stiflingly hot in the midday sun, so Rong Jing had someone bring ice to cool the air.

  Song Chaoxi was distracted, thinking about the matter of Song Chaoyan drawing blood. Qingzhu pced a bowl of osmanthus lotus-root starch in front of her, hoping she’d try something new. Song Chaoxi came back to her senses and pushed the bowl toward Rong Jing. “You try it, Duke.”

  Rong Jing paused. “You don’t like this?”

  Song Chaoxi thought he was a bit annoying—why say things so pinly?

  A flicker of amusement passed through Rong Jing’s eyes. “You’re a doctor. You should know being picky is bad. Why so willful?”

  “Precisely because I’m a doctor, I have the right to be openly picky.” She looked at the bowl with conflicted expression—her thoughts were written all over her face.

  Rong Jing was momentarily lost in thought. The Duke’s household often dealt with sensitive matters, so they had secret guards stationed year-round. He’d spent years in the military and was naturally suspicious of people. Fang Qian’s high-level martial skills made him wary. He had hesitated about asking her earlier—but now, watching her expression, he thought: if someone like her tried being a spy, she’d probably get herself killed before anyone else.

  He put down his chopsticks. “I met a servant at the gate today—said he’s from your mother’s side.”

  “Yes, that’s Fang Qian, my cousin’s subordinate.” Song Chaoxi didn’t think there was anything to hide. There were plenty of spies like Liang Shiyi around—secrecy was futile. Besides, though their retionship wasn’t close, they were husband and wife in name. As long as Rong Jing hadn’t wronged her, she would uphold her marital duties. Honesty between spouses was essential—beating around the bush with your own partner was just pointless. She smiled. “His martial arts are top-tier. When I was in Yangzhou, I wanted to train with him. He told me to practice horse stance. I sted one incense stick before giving up on my dream of being a hero. Martial arts are too hard—medicine’s easier.”

  Her tone was full of admiration for those with martial prowess. Rong Jing lowered his gaze, a smile flickering in his eyes. “Martial arts may be hard, but not everyone can become a doctor either.”

  Praised by such a powerful man, Song Chaoxi chuckled. “Did you also do horse stance every day as a kid?”

  “Horse stance is foundational. With a solid lower body, the upper body can stay flexible. Even new recruits in the army have to do it daily.”

  Hearing that, Song Chaoxi gave up on the idea completely. She feared that if the conversation went on, he’d actually drag her into training. She quickly changed the subject.

  Better to just eat the starch!

  Her awkward expression was truly amusing. Rong Jing slowly took the bowl of osmanthus lotus-root starch from her hands—thinking it couldn’t possibly taste as bad as she cimed.

  Song Chaoxi was stunned.

  —

  The next day at noon, Song Chaoxi was working on improving the formu of the starch when a servant suddenly came to report that the Yongchun Marquis’ estate had sent word: Shen shi was gravely ill and requested Song Chaoxi to return for a visit.

  Hearing this, Song Chaoxi frowned deeply. Shen shi is gravely ill? How could that be? She’d looked fine just days ago.

  Qingzhu murmured, “Madam has always been healthy. How could she fall so suddenly without warning?”

  Dong’er snorted. “Even if it’s a trick, so what? Does she think our young dy is still afraid of her? She’s not made of dough anymore—does she think Miss is the same pushover as before?”

  Song Chaoxi raised an eyebrow. Most likely this was a pretense. But if her mother was seriously ill—even if it was false—if she didn’t go back to check, she’d be criticized. In noble families like the Duke’s, etiquette was everything. By now, all the other branches probably knew. If she didn’t go, it’d be hard to expin.

  But would it be dangerous? Probably not. The Duke was awake now. Even if Shen shi wanted to stir trouble, Song Fengmao wouldn’t allow it. Besides, she was no longer the old Song Chaoxi. As the honored Duchess, why should she fear Shen? If Shen shi tried to harm her, she wouldn’t just sit back and take it.

  Song Chaoxi changed clothes and got into the Duke’s carriage. The distance between the Duke’s residence and Yongchun Marquis’ estate wasn’t long, but the midday sun made the interior of the carriage unbearably hot. Sweat beaded on her forehead, but thanks to her own cosmetic powder, her makeup stayed perfectly intact. After a while, the carriage stopped, and Qingzhu helped her down.

  Shen was pacing nervously in her room, clutching a handkerchief. “Sun Mama, go check—why isn’t she here yet?”

  Sun Mama’s heart pounded. She had a feeling today would bring another confrontation. From her perspective, the dy didn’t need to go this far—they were both her daughters. The elder one was married to a duke—that was an incredible fortune! If Lady Shen humbled herself and earnestly tried to reconcile with the eldest daughter, the tter would surely soften. With her help, the young master would have solid backing. But if Shen shi chose the second daughter over the elder, not only was it foolish, it could stir up serious trouble.

  Did the Madam still think the eldest daughter was that pliable girl from before? Now Song Chaoxi was the Duchess, the Duke’s official wife. She had both the Duke and his entire household behind her. Word was, even the Emperor regarded her highly. Let alone Shen—even Jiang wouldn’t be able to look down on her now.

  Sun Mama walked out and happened to see Song Chaoyan being carried in her sedan chair. Her face looked even paler than before. Sun Mama shook her head inwardly. With her poor health, why go on a hunger strike? If she didn’t value her own life, why bother seeking Song Chaoxi’s help to prolong it?

  “Sun Mama, has she come back?”

  Sun Mama lowered her gaze to answer when suddenly, soft footsteps approached.

  Song Chaoyan looked up. From the shadows of the corridor, Song Chaoxi emerged wearing a dress of a style she’d never seen before, adorned with jewelry worth a fortune. Her naturally striking appearance was now even more radiant, as if the sunlight itself was shining just for her. For a moment, Song Chaoyan couldn’t even keep her eyes open against her brilliance. It had always been like this—wherever Song Chaoxi went, others faded into the background.

  “Duchess,” Sun Mama bent in a proper formal greeting.

  Song Chaoxi raised her eyebrows slightly. Back when she still lived in the Marquis' residence, Sun Mama had also greeted her, but always half-heartedly, clearly never taking her seriously. And yet now, it hadn’t even been that long, and Sun Mama suddenly knew how to follow the rules? The people in this household were really something—so realistic.

  “Sun Mama, I heard that my mother is gravely ill. As her close attendant, why are you not at her side taking care of her?”

  Sun Mama froze. Indeed, things were different now that she was the Duchess—her words carried real weight, backed by powerful support. That kind of commanding presence couldn’t be faked. But she couldn’t just say that Lady Shen wasn’t actually ill, could she? After a brief hesitation, she replied, “The Madam is waiting inside.”

  Song Chaoxi cast a cool, indifferent gnce over Song Chaoyan, not pausing for even a second, and with a flick of her sleeve, she walked straight in.

  Behind her, Song Chaoyan gripped her handkerchief tightly. That fleeting gnce from Song Chaoxi made her feel like a speck of mud on the toe of a shoe—an eyesore.

  “Greetings, Grandmother. Greetings, Mother.”

  Old Madam Jiang looked up. Song Chaoxi had her hair styled in a dignified married woman’s bun, and her presence was far more commanding than before. Her every movement as she bowed was fwless.

  Indeed, she hadn’t been mistaken—Song Chaoxi was far more capable than Song Chaoyan.

  Ever since learning that the man that illegitimate girl married had become the richest man in Yangzhou, Old Madam Jiang had been so furious she’d taken to bed for quite some time. She had always believed she could manipute Song Chaoxi, that this granddaughter would be easy to control and use for her own ends. Who would’ve thought that in the end, it would be Song Chaoxi who outpyed her?

  Now that she wanted to control her, it was no longer possible. Song Chaoxi was now the honored Duchess. If she were someday granted a noble title by imperial decree, even she, Jiang-shi, would have to bow her head before her. Old Madam Jiang paused, then reluctantly lowered her eyes and said, “There’s no need to be so formal, Duchess. Please rise.”

  Song Chaoxi found a round-backed chair and sat down. A young, unfamiliar maid immediately stepped forward to serve her cautiously, and Dong’er even exaggeratedly pulled out a silver needle to test for poison. Shen-shi’s eyes widened—Song Chaoxi had only been married for less than a month, yet she was already putting on such airs! Did she really think being a duchess made her so great? Even she, the Marchioness, had never been so overbearing!

  Song Chaoyan was helped in and sat across from Song Chaoxi. Seeing her pale face, Shen-shi poured her a cup of tea, her heart aching. “Chaoyan, I told you not to come. Why don’t you ever listen? Your body is so weak—what if you catch a chill?”

  Song Chaoyan forced a smile. How could she stay away? She had come just to see how Song Chaoxi was faring in the Duke’s household. She had hoped to find her elder sister looking miserable—pale, haggard, with dull hair and no smile. She wished the Duke would wake up and find Song Chaoxi unpleasant and reject the marriage. Even if he begrudgingly accepted it, she hoped he wouldn’t truly care for Song Chaoxi. After all, she was just a second wife. How could she, the stepmother of Duke Rong’s son, enjoy such good fortune, rising to become the mistress of the Duke’s household and basking in endless luxury?

  She hoped Song Chaoxi was living a miserable life—but contrary to her hopes, Song Chaoxi looked no different than before, even more radiant. Her complexion was rosier, and her eyes shone with a gentle light—a light only those who lived well could carry.

  Shen-shi got straight to the point. “The doctor says your sister doesn’t have much time left. There is, however, a method to cure her.”

  Song Chaoxi said nothing. She simply took a sip of tea from the cup before her. The tea was fresh, but the people in front of her were not—old and tiresome.

  She didn’t follow the conversation or show any concern. Her demeanor was calm and composed, each gesture exuding grace. For the first time, Shen-shi felt she didn’t quite understand her daughter. Even though Song Chaoxi had plotted and outwitted everyone, Shen-shi had never truly regarded her highly. But at this moment, she suddenly realized something: how composed Song Chaoxi was at her age. Even with the proverbial fire at her brows, she wouldn’t frown. Her calmness only made Shen-shi, the mother, seem petty.

  “You, as the elder sister, don’t want to know what this method is?”

  Song Chaoxi raised an eyebrow and smiled slightly. “Mother, whatever method it is, I’m a married woman now. I can't treat her, nor can I care for her day and night. I obviously can't be of much help, so why should I speak on the matter?”

  Her reasoning was sound, leaving Shen-shi momentarily speechless. After a while, Shen-shi finally said:

  “You can help! We’ve already found the divine physician Xue. He says your heart’s blood can serve as the guiding medicine to cure your sister.”

  Perhaps she had expected something like this, because Song Chaoxi’s expression didn’t waver. She gently rubbed the simple white porcein cup, her gaze flickering. After a moment, she smiled. “Heart’s blood? Mother, do you know how that is extracted?”

  Shen-shi was stunned. The physician’s apprentice had mentioned it, so she’d rushed back to talk to Song Chaoxi. She hadn’t thought through the details—how would she know? She wasn’t a doctor. Still, she could guess: to extract heart’s blood, one might need to stab into the chest with a needle—or worse, cut it open. The bloody image made her shiver.

  Song Chaoxi let out a cold ugh. “Use a needle to take heart’s blood? Mother, are you sure I’d still be alive after treating her?”

  Shen-shi argued, “He’s a divine physician—he’ll have his ways. He’ll cure you too. Then both of you can live—it’s the best outcome!”

  Song Chaoxi looked at her with disbelief. “And if I don’t want to?”

  Shen-shi’s face turned cold. “Don’t want to? You two are sisters! How can you be so cold-blooded? Your sister is dying, and you won’t save her? Just one nod from you, and she’ll live. Are you really going to watch her die?”

  “Have you forgotten why I married the Duke?” Song Chaoxi interrupted before Shen-shi could respond. Her eyes darkened. “If it were just a normal favor, fine. But you want me to hurt myself to save her—knowing full well I might not survive—and you still ask this of me, as if I owe you? Mother, if I were you, I wouldn’t even say such a thing. Doesn’t anyone have a shred of dignity anymore?”

  Shen-shi froze. Only now did she remember forcing Song Chaoxi into the marriage. But hadn’t that marriage brought her all this wealth and status?

  “Chaoyan is your twin. She looks just like you. She’s dying, and you feel nothing? Fine. It’s my fault. Everything in the past was my mistake. As long as you save your sister, I’ll apologize.”

  Shen-shi had never bowed her head before. But now, when force failed, she resorted to pleading.

  Song Chaoxi found it pathetic. She wanted to rip open Shen-shi’s heart and see what kind of selfish rot y inside.

  Her smile was full of cold irony. She gave Shen-shi a deep look, then turned and left without saying another word.

  After she left, Jiang-shi sat silently for a long while. She looked at the moon gate half-blocked by the garden and sighed. “I knew this wouldn’t work. Shen-shi’s blinded by her own greed. But after today, I see it clearly—the only one in this house with a future is that granddaughter. I’m getting old. I suppose the future of this household lies with her now.”

  Guan Mama agreed. “You’re right. Eldest Miss is quite capable. You’ve never had deep grudges with her, and you’re her legitimate grandmother. When she gets pregnant, you can send some supplements and help care for her during her confinement. She’ll surely be moved and see who truly cares about her.”

  Jiang-shi nodded thoughtfully. Song Chaoyan’s health was deteriorating day by day. She had always doted on her, hoping she’d marry into the Duke’s household and bring honor. But in the end, her years of affection were useless—Song Chaoxi, raised in distant Yangzhou, was the one who prevailed.

  Ten years of scheming had come to nothing. Man proposes, heaven disposes. Jiang-shi felt utterly powerless.

  Just as Song Chaoxi walked into the garden, she was stopped by Shen-shi and Song Chaoyan. Shen-shi gritted her teeth and said coldly, “Men! Take the young dy to my quarters!”

  But Song Chaoxi wasn’t flustered at all. She simply looked at her with a faint smile, which made Shen-shi uneasy. Just then, footsteps approached. Shen-shi turned and saw Song Zongming following closely behind a tall man.

  That man, wearing a purple robe embroidered with a qilin and bck boots, had a face like carved jade. Though calm in demeanor, he radiated a natural authority. From a distance, his presence was already intimidating. Shen-shi was shocked. She recognized him—she had glimpsed him once as a young man returning in triumph. Now, years ter, Duke Rong had become a towering figure of awe.

  Why had he come?

  Shen-shi quickly bowed, and everyone else followed. Duke Rong received the bow with a calm gaze, his eyes nding gently on Song Chaoxi. She hadn’t expected him to come either, and was surprised but somehow warmed—as if his presence meant she wasn’t alone anymore.

  She blurted, “Why are you here?”

  Shen-shi and Song Fengmao gasped. Normally, a duchess wouldn't question her husband so boldly. Didn’t he need to report to her where he went?

  But Duke Rong didn’t mind. “I had nothing pressing to do, and you hadn’t returned, so I came to take you back.”

  Song Chaoxi was stunned—they weren’t that close… but since he’d offered her a way out, how could she not take it?

  “Qieshen was just about to return. But Mother suddenly summoned guards, saying there was something important to discuss in her quarters.”

  [I / your concubine / this concubine]

  Your concubine? When had she ever spoken so meekly? Rong Jing raised an eyebrow, a faint, knowing smile fshing in his eyes.

  He turned to Madam Shen and Song Fengmao, his earlier gentleness gone. His voice dropped low and cold:

  “May I ask what business Madam Shen has that requires detaining Chaoxi?”

  His tone was harsh. He gave no courtesy to his mother-in-w, not even in how he addressed her. His bluntness was so striking that even Song Chaoxi felt a little intimidated.

  Song Fengmao had already guessed what this was about. Madam Shen had brought it up to him earlier that morning, and he had scolded her thoroughly.

  Song Chaoxi was now a duchess—how could she be treated as she once was? Drawing her blood? Did they even ask the Duke for permission? Did they think he was easy prey?

  Don’t be fooled by his gentle demeanor. No truly gentle man could reach such heights. A man who sees death daily on the battlefield naturally doesn’t flinch at others’ lives. Does Madam Shen truly believe the Duke fears the Marquis household? Foolish!

  Song Fengmao broke into a cold sweat and cautiously replied:

  “Perhaps my wife has missed our daughter after so long. Since Your Grace wishes to bring the dy back, we dare not stand in your way.”

  Rong Jing was pleased with his tact. He cast Madam Shen a brief gnce—calm on the surface, but with a chill underneath. It was clearly a warning.

  Song Fengmao only held a minor post and usually mingled with simirly ranked officials. Madam Shen, a woman confined to the inner quarters, had never encountered someone like Rong Jing before. One look from him and she broke into a cold sweat, rooted to the spot.

  Both she and Song Fengmao lowered their heads, still maintaining their deep bows. Technically, Rong Jing was their son-in-w. Most people would show some respect to their in-ws, not demand such formality. But not only did he accept the bows—he even had Song Chaoxi stand beside him to receive them together.

  Song Chaoxi felt inexplicably thrilled. A powerful husband truly made life easier. Everywhere they went, others bowed. When had she ever seen Madam Shen this flustered? And now, not only did she witness it—she caused it. The taste of power was incredibly sweet.

  From afar, Song Chaoyan stole gnces at Rong Jing. He didn’t funt his power, yet still made people tremble. Compared to him, the young Rong Heng was nothing. And it wasn’t just his rank—his appearance was also striking. Even without the status and fame of a war hero, he was attractive enough to draw countless admirers.

  Song Chaoyan’s throat felt dry. She had thought Song Chaoxi’s marriage was unfortunate. That she would suffer in the Duke’s household. But now—he personally came to escort her back. What did Song Chaoxi ever do to deserve this man humbling himself for her?

  Yet she could do nothing—only lower her head and bow like a servant.

  Rong Jing didn’t seem to notice how exhausting it was to stay bowed for so long, nor that bodies would stiffen from it. He looked at Chaoxi with a calm expression and asked:

  “Have you eaten lunch?”

  Song Chaoxi replied pitifully, “Qieshen received Mother’s message and came rushing over. How could qieshen have had the heart to think about eating?”

  When Rong Jing wasn’t speaking, his expression was cold and stern, carrying an air of superiority and authority. He idly turned the string of prayer beads in his hand and said in a deep, chilly voice:

  “Lord Song, Chaoxi is the wife of a Duke, and thus represents the dignity and face of our Ducal Household. Could it be that Lord Song is dissatisfied with us?”

  He addressed him as “Lord Song,” clearly no longer acknowledging him as his father-in-w. Song Fengmao broke out in a cold sweat. “I was unaware of the situation. Since Chaoxi rarely returns home, of course our marquisate should treat her with all due hospitality. I will have someone make the arrangements immediately…”

  Song Fengmao shot a fierce gre at Shen shi, resenting her for dragging him down. Now that the Duke had awakened, he had pnned to treat Chaoxi well and have his daughter put in a good word for him at the Duke’s side, perhaps to secure a decent position. But now everything had been ruined by Shen!

  Shen shi also felt wronged. She never expected that Song Chaoxi would py the victim in front of the Duke. If only he knew what kind of person she really was, he would surely reprimand her! She hurried to expin,“Your Grace, things aren’t as Chaoxi cims. Chaoyan has always been spoiled and willful. Today she picked a fight with me after only exchanging a few words. Since ancient times, children have always respected their parents. I was afraid she’d act the same way at the Ducal Manor and offend the Dowager Madam, so I wanted to take her to my courtyard and give her a proper scolding.”

  Song Chaoxi ughed. Shen shi actually dared to throw her under the bus right in front of her? Did she really think Rong Jing was someone like Song Fengmao, easily maniputed by women?

  As she chuckled slyly, her expression showed a hint of cunning pyfulness. Rong Jing’s gaze softened slightly—there was something youthful, even endearing, about her. But when he turned to face Shen shi, his face darkened again.

  “Chaoxi is the rightful Duchess. She has every reason to be proud and assertive. Our Ducal Household hasn’t compined, so there’s no need for Mother-in-w to trouble herself.”

  Shen shi nearly coughed up blood. Unbelievable! Completely unbelievable! The Duke had only just awakened a few days ago, and before their marriage, he had never even met Song Chaoxi. So why was he defending her like this? Did a mother need his permission to discipline her own daughter? But she didn’t dare argue back—he was the Duke, the emperor’s favored subject, a famed god of war. He didn’t care one bit about her, his so-called mother-in-w.

  Song Chaoyan didn’t even dare raise her head, but her heart was in turmoil. The mighty Duke, whom all the civil and military officials held in the highest regard, actually defended Song Chaoxi like this, giving her full respect in both public and private. What had Song Chaoxi done to deserve such good fortune?

  And as if that weren’t enough, the “lucky” Song Chaoxi delivered a final blow to Shen shi, with a heartfelt tone:“Your Grace, just now Mother insisted on giving me a whole chest of jewelry. Me said repeatedly that she wouldn’t take it, but she forced it on me.”

  Shen shi was so furious she nearly vomited blood. Just then, the Duke's cold gaze fell on her, making her scalp go numb.

  And so, Song Chaoxi left the marquisate with a whole chest of jewels, as if she had come to rob the pce.

  Before leaving, she exchanged a subtle gnce with Fang Qian, who was hidden in the shadows.