Chapter 459 Extra: Each Finds Joy in Their Own Way 2
Murong Bi helped Old Man Li up from the ground.
Old Man Li still had candy in his mouth, his face full of disbelief. "Over the years, I often faint suddenly. Can eating candy cure it?"
"Not exactly," Murong Bi shook his head. "Eating candy only temporarily relieves the symptoms. The root cause is your weak constitution and deficiency of both qi and blood, which leads to occasional fainting. You need to eat more meat regularly to nourish your body, and you'll naturally recover."
Old Man Li smiled bitterly and sighed. "Can I eat something else instead?"
"Meat will help you recover faster." Murong Bi paused. "Do you not like eating meat?"
The surrounding crowd, who had just been marveling at his medical skills, now began to criticize him.
"What do you mean, not liking meat? Is there anyone in this world who doesn't love eating meat?"
"Old Man Li has a mentally disabled son who relies on medicine to stay alive. Where would he get the money to buy meat? This young physician truly doesn't understand the hardships of common people."
"Someone who asks such a question must not lack money. Why don't you buy meat for Old Man Li to nourish his body?"
The onlookers were deliberately provoking him.
Unexpectedly, Murong Bi agreed directly. "Where does Old Man Li live? I'll arrange for someone to deliver several jin of meat to him every day."
The person who had just spoken was stunned. "Giving away several jin of meat to someone else every day? What kind of family fortune do you have to spend like this? Hey, young man, which family are you from?"
Murong Bi's expression remained unchanged as he replied, "My family is from the Duke of Xingguo's residence."
The entire crowd gasped in astonishment.
"He's actually the son of the Duke of Xingguo! My heavens, no wonder he dares to say such things!"
"Old Man Li's good days have come! Quick, kneel and thank the Young Duke!"
Old Man Li, dazed, was pulled down to kneel. Before he could express his gratitude, Murong Bi helped him up. "There's no need for that, Uncle."
After confirming Old Man Li's address, Murong Bi prepared to leave.
Suddenly, a voice called out from behind him. "You're Murong Bi, the youngest son of the Duke of Xingguo, aren't you?"
He turned around and saw an exceptionally radiant face. He was instantly stunned, unable to regain his composure for a long moment.
"Might I ask who you are, young lady?"
He lowered his head and cupped his hands in a salute, avoiding her dazzling countenance.
Chu Changsheng circled around him. "People in the palace all say the youngest son of the Duke of Xingguo is a fool, but from what I see, you don't seem foolish at all."
Since childhood, she had heard people discuss the Duke of Xingguo—how he had four legitimate sons, with the eldest, second, and third all highly accomplished, while the youngest was a simpleton. Despite having a photographic memory, he particularly enjoyed reading medical texts and would often leave without notice to travel afar, returning to the capital only once every three to five months.
Today, she had finally seen the true face of this so-called fool.
Being called a fool didn't anger Murong Bi in the slightest. He replied unhurriedly, "They say fools have foolish luck. That's not necessarily a bad thing."
Chu Changsheng shook her head and prepared to leave.
Just then, a large group of people suddenly came running toward them.
"Look, over there!"
"Hurry, don't let them get away!"
"If we catch them this time, we'll all get rewards! Charge!"
A crowd surged forward, surrounding them.
Chu Changsheng was so frightened her eyes nearly popped out. Shadows from her childhood instantly resurfaced.
Over the years, her emperor father and empress mother had often traveled far and wide. Not only had the bandits in Great Jin been eliminated, but even petty thieves and robbers had been wiped out. How could anyone still dare to try and capture someone in broad daylight?She thought these people were after her, but then realized they were staring at the person beside her.
"So they're here for you." Seeing his dazed expression, Chu Changsheng couldn't help saying, "It seems you revealed your identity earlier. These people probably want to capture you to extort money from the Duke of Xing. What are you standing around for? Run!"
Murong Bi hurriedly explained, "No, they're..."
"Enough talk. Let's go quickly. I'll escort you back to the Duke of Xing's residence."
Chu Changsheng pulled Murong Bi as they ran toward the eastern part of the city, with a crowd chasing behind them.
Murong Bi initially wanted to say something, parted his lips, but ultimately remained silent, allowing himself to be dragged all the way to his doorstep.
Meanwhile, the group also arrived at the mansion's entrance.
"Young Master Four, why were you running? You made it so hard for us to catch up."
"We thought you were trying to leave the capital! It's good that you're home, it's good you're home."
"I'll go inform the Duke and his wife right away!"
Chu Changsheng was instantly dumbfounded.
So these people were servants from the Duke of Xing's residence.
Then her earlier actions... had been a huge misunderstanding.
She said awkwardly, "You should have told me earlier."
Murong Bi scratched the back of his head. He had originally intended to explain, but for some reason, seeing how she was pulling him along as they ran desperately, he suddenly didn't want to say anything.
He asked seriously, "Might I ask which household you belong to, young lady?"
"You rascal! So you finally decided to come back!" The Duke of Xing's voice echoed out before he even appeared. "We haven't seen hide nor hair of you for a whole year! Finally back in the capital, your mother arranges a marriage proposal for you, and you, little bastard, take off running! Ungrateful wretch, you..."
The Duke continued cursing as he emerged, but the moment he stepped down the stairs, he froze completely. "Pr... Princess!"
Murong Bi was also stunned: "Princess?"
Chu Changsheng had no choice but to adopt her royal demeanor: "There's no need for formalities. I was merely passing by. I shall return to the palace now."
She turned and left immediately.
Even when she was far away, she could still hear the Duke of Xing's booming voice cursing: "You foolish boy! Clearly full of knowledge, but instead of taking the imperial exams properly, you wander around playing doctor! Are there not enough physicians in this world? Is one more really needed?"
"Aren't there enough scholars in this world? Is one more really needed?" Murong Bi responded unhurriedly. "Father, Mother, I only have passion for medicine. Please don't force me."
"Fine! We won't force you to study, but you must get married..."
Chu Changsheng shook her head as she rode her horse.
Thankfully her father and mother were open-minded and not anxious about her marriage prospects, otherwise she'd probably want to run away from home too.
Upon returning to the palace, she first went to Kunning Palace to pay her respects.
There she saw palace servants packing luggage. She quickly asked, "Mother, are we leaving the capital again?"
Yun Chu smiled and said, "Someone submitted a memorial reporting that a local tyrant has appeared in Spring City down south. We plan to go investigate in half a month."Father and Mother just want to travel and enjoy the scenery. How carefree."
"If you'd like to go, you can come with us."
Yun Chu's voice was very gentle.
Time had left few marks on her face, instead nurturing her, making her grow even more gentle and serene with the passing years.
"I could go," Chu Changsheng sighed. "But Father and Mother are always so attached to each other - it's practically torture for me.""
Yun Chu couldn't help laughing: "Now that you mention it, you really have reached marriageable age...""Stop." Chu Changsheng raised her hand. "Just now I was thinking how enlightened Father and Mother are for not making me marry, but it turns out they were waiting here. Mother should first settle my brother's marriage—he's the emperor, yet his harem stands empty."
Chu Hongyu, who was reviewing memorials, sneezed violently.
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