Chapter 588 (1/2)
Origin of the Bai Family
In her previous life, Feng Yu Heng knew of an illness that was extremely complicated named “progeria.” This sort of disease had its origin in a mutation of the LMNA gene. Under normal circumstances, the gene could produce nuclear lamins, but once the gene was in short supply in the body, the body would begin to age prematurely.
Aging prematurely was very frightening. This sort of aging was not just reflected in terms of appearance. It also affected the internal organs and skeletal structure, and it weakened the heart. With the weakening of the heart, the skeletal structure and joints along with bone density would all weaken. The bones would also change, becoming similar to those of an elderly person. With just a single fall, fractures could occur very easily.
There was already no way of determining the origin of this disease. It was possible in the modern world, but there was no hope in the ancient world. But if Bai Fu Rong had suffered this illness naturally, she would only feel that it was a bit of a pity, and she would not feel so sorrowful and confused; however, a perfectly healthy person had been given some sort of drug that caused these symptoms to suddenly appear. From there, the symptoms of progeria appeared.
Feng Yu Heng was truly amazed by the amount of research put into medicine by the people of the ancient world. She was also astonished over which side Bai Fu Rong belonged to and why she would end up in this situation.
But it was very clear that now was not the time to discuss this. She made a prompt decision to have Bai Ze carry her over to the bed before pulling out a needle and an infusion kit. First, she gave Bai Fu Rong the most basic medicine to maintain Bai Fu Rong’s condition. Only then did she find some time to listen to what Xuan Tian Ming and Bai Ze speak about what Bai Fu Rong had done along the way.
Bai Ze was rather emotional. Xuan Tian Ming had a bit of an understanding of this, but Feng Yu Heng was quite shocked. It could be seen that people are not emotionless. Even if it was a retainer like Bai Ze or a hidden guard like Ban Zou, being expressionless simply meant that they had not met anyone that was capable of arousing any emotions.
Bai Ze said: “This subordinate has followed her for many months and personally heard her lie to the enemy, saying that princess was still in the capital, causing the enemy to go back. Later on, the enemy tried to coerce her a few more times, but she always told them that she did not know where the imperial daughter had gone. Based on our understanding, there is someone in the capital with control of craftsman Bai. Because of this, the Bai family’s young miss was threatened. She had no choice but to make use of the third young miss’ injured leg to enter the military camp; however, she indeed never did anything that would let down princess or Da Shun.”
When Bai Ze spoke, he was feeling a little guilty, looking at Xuan Tian Ming from time to time. In regards to his actions toward Bai Fu Rong, he did not know what sort of definition could be applied. To them, Bai Fu Rong was a spy sent by the enemy to observe the military. But in reality, Bai Fu Rong did not do anything that a spy should do. Instead, she helped them hide Feng Yu Heng’s actions.
Bai Ze did not know when he started having these unusual feelings toward that girl. Either way, his master told him to pay more attention to her, thus he paid more attention to her, but as he paid attention, something happened. Once that girl’s candid and curious personality made its way into his heart, it was very difficult to get it out again. But as Xuan Tian Ming’s retainer, should he have these sorts of feelings?
Xuan Tian Ming stared at Bai Ze but did not say anything. After all, he had also seen everything that Bai Fu Rong had done along the way. She was guilty, but this guilt was not punishable. Bai Ze had been at his side since he was young. As for the brat’s feelings, long before he himself had even noticed, Xuan Tian Ming was already clear.
Bai Fu Rong’s infusion was nearing its conclusion roughly one hour later; however, Feng Yu Heng helplessly told Bai Ze: “I fear that this is not an illness that I can treat.”
“This…” Bai Ze was startled. It was obvious that he did not think Feng Yu Heng would say this. In his eyes, Feng Yu Heng was a divine doctor, and every illness could be treated. With Bai Fu Rong becoming like this, even if he was feeling anxious, he was not feeling too much despair because Feng Yu Heng was present. But now that she told him that this illness could not be treated, Bai Ze found it a little hard to accept, “Princess, how could that be?”
Feng Yu Heng repeated it once more, “I can’t treat it.” While saying this, she went to pull the needle out of Bai Fu Rong. In truth, it was nothing more than a saline solution with some basic antibiotics. It would be able to provide some momentary comfort but could not save her. “Bai Ze, Fu Rong is my good friend. Not to mention that she did not betray me, but even if she did, I would need to hear her speak to me after she woke up. If a person could be saved, I would definitely save them, but this sudden aging disease is something I am truly stuck on.”
Bai Ze wanted to say a little more; however, Xuan Tian Ming suddenly said from the side: “She moved.”
The group moved to look toward Bai Fu Rong and only saw that the elderly person on the bed slightly opened her eyes. With an exhausted look, there was a look of confusion in her face.
Xuan Tian Ming turned around and said to Feng Yu heng: “She must have something that she wants to tell you. Be careful. I will wait for you in the wing room.” After saying this, he dragged Bai Ze, who was unwilling to leave, out of the room.
In the time that Xuan Tian Ming spoke, Bai Fu Rong’s eyes regained clarity. Although she was still exhausted, she finally regained consciousness.