Chapter 40 (2/2)

Feng Luodi got out of her chair reluctantly. “My apologies for intruding.”

That afternoon, Feng Luodi visited a few other hospitals, but had came home with the same result. She was unable to find out if the situation was bad enough that it had afflicted the whole city, of if it was just the result of someone’s malicious intents. She wanted to get to the bottom of it.

The sun was setting on the horizon as she slowly approached the Feng household, her face deep in thought. Li Tengfei had been waiting by the gate of the household, and quickly came to her when he saw her walking down the street.

“Young miss, someone from the Jiang household had sent word regarding Master Jiang’s illness a while ago.”

Feng Luodi’s head shot up. “What did they say?”

Li Tengfei continued as he led the way into the house. “The royal physician had just taken a look at him, and concluded that the poison had only hurt Master Jiang a little. The main reason for his vomiting of blood was because of his weak physique, coupled with the cold that he had never fully recovered from, added to the mental stress he had bore. As long as he stays at home resting for the next month, taking care not to overwork himself, he will recover just fine.”

“Phew, that’s good to hear.” Feng Luodi sighed in relief.

“Master Jiang has already woken up, and tells you not to worry for him. He’ll visit again when he feels better.”

Feng Luodi frowned. “I’ll go check on him tomorrow, I guess. He isn’t in any shape to go anywhere for the next few weeks.”

“I’ll go with you tomorrow then, young miss.”

“Alright, then.” Feng Luodi nodded. “Did you manage to find out anything else about this incident?” She looked around the household, and noticed that many handmaidens and attendants could not be seen.

Li Tengfei’s voice quietened. “I’d b.u.mped into the Administrator’s carriage on the way back, and from what I’d overheard of the officers’ conversation, this has reached his Majesty’s ears. He had given the Administrator a month to solve the case of poisoning; the Administrator was just fretting over this.”

“The Administrator?” Feng Luodi recalled their interaction when she’d helped solve the case at Moonglade. What excuse can I come up with this time to join the investigation? I want to do what I can to help Moyin.

Before she could come up with a solution, Fu Bo walked past the two, a worried look on his face. Feng Luodi quickly called out to him. “Fu Bo. Is something the matter? Where are all the other handmaidens and attendants?”

“Young miss.” Fu Bo stopped and looked at her. “The mother of the Second Lady is sick with illness, and the Second Lady wants to return to take care of her. Master has a.s.signed some of the attendants in the household to accompany her on the trip.”

“But…” Feng Luodi was worried. “With the current situation in Chang’an, are you sure it's a  good idea to leave the city now?”

Fu Bo bowed. “That’s why the Master a.s.signed me to put in place the necessary precautions to ensure the Second Lady’s safety. She will have to leave soon; please excuse my absence.”

“Go ahead, then.” Feng Luodi nodded.

Li Tengfei whispered quietly when Fu Bo had walked out of sight. “It seems as if Master has become much more protective and loving to the Second Lady after the news of her pregnancy. It’s as if the entire household exists only to serve her now! I’m sure the First Lady must be sad to see this change.”

Feng Luodi shot a look at him.

Li Tengfei quickly noticed his mistake, and bowed his head. “My apologies, I have spoken out of place.”

Feng Luodi looked at him for a while. “Where does the Second Lady’s mother live?”

“In Chang’an, young miss. Her father holds the position of Ordinary Grand Master, a 6th Rank Official.”

“It’s good that it’s still in Chang’an; it’ll be a quick trip, and everything should go well. The Second Lady is pregnant, and it’s normal for everyone to be focused on her.”

“Young miss,” Li Tengfei asked gingerly, “you look happy with the Second Lady’s pregnancy.”

Feng Luodi’s face darkened. “Father has no sons to his name, and he definitely treats this child seriously. Pa.s.s word around to the rest of the attendants, and warn them not to think of things they are not supposed to.”

“Yes, young miss.” Li Tengfei wiped his brow.

“Also, I’ve heard from the few teachers that you’re a fast learner. Pay them a visit these few days, and they’ll still be willing to teach you in the future. Don’t pick up the bad habits from the other attendants.”

“Yes, young miss. I wouldn’t listen to them anymore.”

After Li Tengfei returned to his quarters, Feng Luodi headed over to her mother’s courtyard. There weren’t many flowers planted in the yard, and the area was instead filled with evergreen trees and green shrubs. The greenery was a welcoming sight, and her mood quickly lifted a little. She walked towards her mother’s room, and heard some light conversation coming from inside. Standing outside the room, she could make out the Chamberlain’s voice.

Their conversation was too m.u.f.fled to be make out, but she heard a trace of laughter in her mother’s voice. The Chamberlain’s voice was gentle and purposefully kept his volume low, to match the First Lady’s usual soft speech.

Feng Luodi stood for a while, and turned to head back to her own room. In the courtyard behind her, the clumps of shrubs and groups of trees painted an enchanting picture of vibrant green.