Physician, Not A Consort

Chapter 121: Zheng Feng’s Crush

Yellowed leaves carpeted the garden. It was only then that Lin Haihai realized it was mid-autumn. She had been too busy for the past month to think about anything else, devoting herself to work to prevent herself from drowning in her painful yearning. Her belly remained flat, but she could feel the life growing in her. Next year, her child would come to her on a warm spring day. She wondered if it would be a boy or a girl. Would the child be more like her, or him? Lin Haihai smiled, her face glowing with an almost holy brilliance.

Bai Muyang wanted to see you! Zheng Feng said once he returned in a hurry. The servant told him that Consort Lin was feeling unwell after eating something she shouldnt, and that she had been resting at home. He had come back as quickly as he could. The servants said that you were ill. Are you alright?

Lin Haihai turned around to face him with a calm expression. Im fine! Do you know why he asked for me?

He wouldnt tell anyone but you! Zheng Feng had learned about Lin Haihais pregnancy from Wangchen. However, he didnt know the child was the emperors. He assumed the sixth prince was the father. Did someone set you up?

The past month, Chen Birou had slowly revealed her true nature. Although she didnt dare do anything serious, she had been making Lin Haihais life difficult. Lin Haihai refused to let Yang Hanlun know, so Zheng Feng had no choice but to swallow down his anger.

Alright, lets go! Lin Haihai circulated her inner energy and made sure that the discomfort in her belly had faded. She had been careless this time. Nevertheless, it might be a blessing in disguise for her to see Chen Birou for who she was. At the end of the day, it was Lin Haihai who had gotten between the couple. Chen Birou and Yang Hanlun had been in love. Chen Birou lost the position of the first consort due to the arranged marriage, and then she lost Yang Hanluns heart. That was enough to break any woman.

Of course, the fact that she understood Chen Birous feelings didnt mean she would let anyone hurt her child. She would let Chen Birou off the hook this time. If something happened a second time, she wouldnt be this forgiving.

Wheres Wangchen? Zheng Feng asked nonchalantly.

I sent her out for an investigation. Why? Do you need her for something? Lin Haihai walked slowly and gestured at the horse carriage to be driven away. She had decided to give herself a day off to enjoy a leisurely life. Strolling through the ancient street, she no longer felt alone like a stranger in a foreign land. She had gotten fully assimilated to this era.

Nothing. Zheng Feng turned away uneasily. Im just worried since I havent seen her for a few days."

If you care about her, you should just tell her. Dont keep up an act to hide it! Lin Haihai admonished. Wangchen had been harboring feelings for Zheng Feng for quite some time. She wasnt that much of a fool that she would fail to notice it.

Zheng Feng paused and said embarrassedly, Thats impossible. Stop talking nonsense!

Why not? Dont you like her? Lin Haiahi came to a halt and looked at Zheng Feng. He and Wangchen had always been with her. She wanted them to be happy.

Theres someone else I have feelings for! Zheng Feng said bitterly.

Lin Haihai arched an eyebrow. Is that so? She grinned at him and put a hand on his shoulder, whispering in a conspiratorial tone, Who is it? Do I know them?

Zheng Feng pushed her hand away bashfully and said with a blush, You dont know her. Its a cousin of mine!

Oh, cousin? Close relatives shouldnt get married! Lin Haihai snickered and walked away. Wangchen still has a chance!

Zheng Feng looked at her back, his gaze turning rueful. He would never be able to confess his feelings for the woman he loved, but he would protect her his entire life.

Yamen

Luo Kuangyuan had been waiting at the door. He cupped his fist at Lin Haihai when he saw her and said, Here you are, Head Imperial Physician!

Lin Haihai rolled her eyes at him. Should this Head Imperial Physician bow to the Court of Judicial Review Head as per the rules of proprietary?

That wont do, that wont do! Luo Kuangyuan laughed. During the past month, they had gotten to know each other very well due to their work.

What does the man want to tell me? Lin Haihai asked as they walked inside.

Im not sure! However, hes ill, and the illness is serious. Weve asked a number of physicians to treat him, but none of them dared enter! Luo Kuangyuan didnt know Lin Haihai had set up a boundary.

I get it now. Have someone stand guard outside. Ill enter with Commander Zheng! After a bemused pause, Lin Haihai asked, Has anyone visited Bai Muyang?

The court advisor said respectfully, In response to Head Imperial Physician, Sir Huang Wensheng visited a few days ago!

Huang Wensheng? Lin Haihai perked up. Thats Piaoxues principal scholar of a husband, and one of the people responsible for her death!

Huang Wensheng is Grand Councilor Yans son-in-law, explained the advisor. The first young mistress of the Yan Family is married to him!

Oh? Hes the grand councillors son-in-law? Lin Haihai huffed. She had promised to give Piaoxue justice. Huang Wensheng wasnt getting away today!

Prepare an invitation letter for me. Im paying Sir Huang a visit! Lin Haihai instructed the advisor, who left to do as she said.

Are you trying to find an opening through Huang Wensheng? speculated Luo Kuangyuan.

No, hes the culprit of a murder. Im simply looking for justice for one of his victims! She remembered how Piaoxue had been wandering the path to the netherworld and how Piaoxues old father had been eagerly waiting for his daughter to return, oblivious to the fact that his daughter had been killed. The thought alone filled her heart with fury.

Murder? What murder? As the head of the Court of Judicial Review, Luo Kuangyuan was sensitive to such issues. His sense of duty prompted him to ask for more information.

Be patient. Ill tell you everything later. Now, Ill see what Bai Muyang is up to! Anger broke the mask of calmness on Lin Haihais face as she remembered what he had done to Piaoxue. This mans crime was unforgivable!

Commander Zheng, please keep a close eye on Physician Lin! Luo Kuangyuan said worriedly.

Dont worry, Official Luo, Zheng Feng promised. Ill make sure shes safe.

As soon as they entered the prison, Lin Haihai was assaulted by an overwhelmingly pungent smell. It made her stomach turn. Bai Muyang had been a respectable official in the capital. Who would have thought this would happen to him one day? However, he deserved the misfortune. Mistakes made because of fate could be forgiven, while punishment brought about by ones crime was wholly deserved. Lin Haihai did pity him for how he ended up, but the pitiful were often the hateful. He would get no sympathy from her.

She looked down at Bai Muyang. His eyes were lifeless, and his cheekbones protruded from his hollowed face. His darkened skin told her that he had been poisoned.

Are you looking for me? Lin Haihai asked coldly.

Light returned to Bai Muyangs lifeless eyes. He struggled to sit up and looked at Lin Haihai with pleading eyes. I want to meet Piaoxue. Can you summon her here now?

She may not want to see you! Lin Haihai said.

Im begging you. Ill tell you everything you want to know if only you let me see her again! Bai Muyang knew what she was capable of. As long as she gave him the approval, he would be able to meet Piaoxue.

Why do you want to see her? Lin Haihais voice softened at the deep regret in his gaze.

There are many things Id like to tell her, he said ruefully. I know Im going to die soon. If I dont tell her now, Ill never have another chance to talk to her!

Lin Haihai found herself considering his request. After some deliberation, she told Zheng Feng, Take him to wash up and get changed. Then follow me to the North Court! She turned to Bai Muyang. Ill take you to Piaoxue, but youll have to tell me everything you know!

Bai Muyangs ashen face lit up with hope. He said eagerly, Ill tell you everything!

After that, youll have to return here to be judged by Official Luo! Lin Haihai waved a hand to disintegrate the boundary before turning to leave. The air in the prison was smothering and tainted. She could taste bile at the back of her throat as she struggled to prevent herself from throwing up.

Luo Kuangyuan looked at her bemusedly as she emerged. He remembered his wife showing similar symptoms when she was pregnant. He was surprised when he saw Zheng Feng walk out with Bai Muyang in tow. Wheres Commander Zheng taking him to?

Lin Haihai kept her discomfort under control and said, Im taking him out for a short while. Dont worry, Ill return him to you in one piece!

She smiled, but the smile was pale, which reminded him of the smile on the emperors face when he saw him staring at the rippling lotus pond in the Imperial Garden after the court meeting. It was a smile that suggested a myriad of concerns that couldnt be voiced.

Luo Kuangyuan knew what had transpired between the two of them, and he couldnt help but lament their plight. They were a match made in heaven if one disregarded the circumstances they were in. It was a shame that they had met at the wrong time!

Its fine, said Luo Kuangyuan. Do what you have to do!

Bai Muyang had said what he had to say. Keeping him in the prison wasnt going to make him spill the secrets he was determined to keep. It would be great if Lin Haihai had a way to make him talk.

Zheng Feng took Bai Muyang to get washed. When they emerged again, Bai Muyang was a different person. Although he had lost the imposing presence about him, his darkened face still showed traces of his handsome features. It was no wonder that Piaoxue would fall so deeply for him and travel miles and miles to the capital just because he asked her to.

Im cruel to have turned him down, am I not? Ive hurt him, havent I? Lin Haihai suddenly remembered Yang Shaoluns parting words: From now on, I will have nothing to do with you!

Her heart clenched painfully. Had she made a mistake? However, it really wasn't the right time to leave. Silently, she made an oath to herself: Just wait for me a bit, Brother Yang. Then Ill go with you!