After sorting out her thoughts in her mind, Fu Zhen relaxed. She finished the medicine and fell into a steady sleep.
The next day, Fu Zhen woke up slowly. She moved her hands and feet and found that she was mostly recovered.
After breakfast, Fu Zhen leaned on Cui Huan's arm and walked slowly in the yard. The autumn sun was warm and pleasant.
Cui Huan observed her expression and said cautiously, "Miss, the weather is perfect today. How about going out for a walk? It'll help you get familiar with the Marquis Mansion."
Fu Zhen blinked. "That's a good idea. I was in a hurry when I first arrived yesterday. It's a good time to explore today."
In autumn, the chrysanthemums in the garden were in full bloom. Occasionally, a butterfly would land on a stamen, gently swaying with the petals.
Fu Zhen gently stroked the petals, her face full of contentment.
The flowers in the Marquis Mansion were truly precious. The various chrysanthemums were vying for beauty. In the countryside, she had never seen so many varieties before!
As she was strolling, she suddenly heard whispers from behind the rockery, with occasional mentions of "Second Miss".
Fu Zhen's eyebrows twitched. She exchanged a glance with Cui Huan, and they quietly approached.
A shrill - voiced maid said spitefully, "What Second Miss? Who knows which declining branch of the Marquis Mansion she comes from? You're being so cautious. What's wrong with me gossiping about her?"
The maid beside her said anxiously, "Oh, don't be so loud! Although most of the people in the Marquis Mansion these years are relatives here to take advantage, now that she lives in the mansion and the Marquis has recognized her as the Second Miss, even if she's from a side branch and a concubine - born daughter, she's still more noble than us. Let's just do our jobs properly!"
"Scared of what? She's just a sickly girl. Who knows if she can handle the wealth of the Marquis Mansion! The doctor was called in the middle of the night yesterday. It made the whole mansion in a mess. I didn't even sleep well. People from a small - town background just can't be presentable!"
Cui Huan was immediately so angry that she wanted to rush out, but Fu Zhen stopped her. "Miss!" Cui Huan exclaimed.
Fu Zhen shook her head without saying a word, just using her eyes to calm Cui Huan down.
Before leaving, she took a long look at the back of the rockery. The two maids were wearing green clothes. One of them had a pretty face and a haughty expression, looking very unyielding.
After seeing the face clearly, Fu Zhen's eyes instantly turned cold.
So it's you.
She walked with her head down and didn't notice the vague figure around the corner.
After turning the corner, she felt a blur in front of her eyes. Before she could regain her senses, she bumped right into someone's arms!
A faint pine - and - cypress fragrance lingered around her nose. Fu Zhen thought it was bad. Before she could stand steady, she quickly backed out of his arms, staggering a few steps before being supported by Cui Huan.
When she looked closely, it was none other than Chen Tingfeng.
Chen Tingfeng felt a soft touch on his body, like a willow branch in spring brushing against his chest, carrying a faint floral fragrance.
His eyes darkened. He reached out his hand to support her, but saw that she seemed to see a ghost and avoided him desperately.
His outstretched hand froze.
Fu Zhen saw that he was wearing a white robe today. The jade pendant on his waist swayed slightly as he withdrew his hand. He was looking at her calmly.
Her heart skipped a beat. Why did she run into this pest?
She pretended to be calm and said apologetically, "Greetings, cousin. I was distracted just now, so..."
"It's okay." Chen Tingfeng lowered his eyes and landed on her face. After a moment, he withdrew his gaze and asked indifferently, "Is cousin feeling better?"
"Much better. Thank you for your concern, cousin." Fu Zhen smiled, seemingly happy about his simple concern.
Chen Tingfeng nodded and said no more.
Fu Zhen didn't want to stay with him either, so she said goodbye, "I've been out for a while. It's time for me to take my medicine. Cousin, please do as you like. Zhen Zhen will take her leave first."
After saying that, she bowed and left.
Chen Tingfeng watched her slender back and remembered the soft touch when she bumped into his arms. His dark eyes gradually deepened.
She had been so attentive to him last night, but today she seemed to avoid him...
He lowered his eyebrows and unconsciously rubbed his hand behind his back gently.
Yuan Bao stepped forward cautiously and reminded, "My lord, the Second Prince is still waiting for you in the restaurant."
Chen Tingfeng came back to his senses and responded indifferently. Before leaving, he glanced at the rockery without any emotion.
At noon, Lady Bai sent someone to invite Fu Zhen to the main courtyard for lunch.
Fu Zhen took her maids there. Before she could bow, Lady Bai pulled her to sit beside her.
The maids immediately served the dishes. Lady Bai filled a bowl of soup for her and said gently, "This is medicinal cuisine. I asked Doctor Li. Your body is not suitable for strong tonics. I'm afraid it will hurt you if you take too much. It's best to take some medicinal cuisine for daily nourishment."
Fu Zhen quickly took the bowl. "Thank you, aunt."
Lady Bai watched her finish eating gently, then stroked the hair beside her temple. "If you're scared at night, let the maid sleep on the footstool. Having someone with you will make you feel better."
Fu Zhen nodded with a smile. "I know. Cui Huan has been guarding me."
But she didn't agree to let the maid sleep beside her bed. She was used to being vigilant and didn't like having someone beside her when sleeping.
After lunch, Fu Zhen sat quietly drinking tea.
The voice of a maid outside came in. "Greetings, my lord."
Her hand holding the tea paused. Why did Chen Tingfeng come?
"Sit down. Have you had lunch?" Lady Bai put down her teacup and asked.
"Yes." Chen Tingfeng nodded and sat opposite Fu Zhen without looking up at her. He just took a sip of tea.
Lady Bai was extremely helpless about his taciturn nature. She said straightforwardly, "What do you think about the marriage with the Zhang family that I mentioned to you the other day?"
Marriage? There was no such plot in her dream.
Fu Zhen immediately pricked up her ears.
"I haven't achieved any fame yet. How can I get married?" Chen Tingfeng said indifferently.
He had passed the provincial examination last year and ranked first, becoming the top candidate. He was very popular at that time.
But he had no intention of getting married. Lady Bai didn't force him either. She just said, "The Zhang family is also a well - known family. You weren't at home when they came a few days ago. I had no choice but to delay. Since you're not willing, I'll decline for you. Just focus on your studies."
As Lady Bai said, she looked at Fu Zhen beside her. Thinking of something, she asked with a smile, "Our Zhen Zhen is so beautiful. I wonder if you have a love interest?"
Fu Zhen was listening attentively. Who would have thought that the topic would suddenly turn to her? She looked up in surprise and saw Chen Tingfeng looking at her leisurely. Her face immediately turned red.
"I, I... I don't have a love interest." she said in a mosquito - like voice.
How could someone as cold - hearted and greedy for wealth and honor as her have a sweetheart?
Seeing that she was so shy that she seemed to want to dig a hole in the ground, Lady Bai laughed and patted her hand. "Yes, our Zhen Zhen is still young. She should stay with aunt for a few more years. There's no rush to get married."
Fu Zhen coquettishly said, "Aunt!"
The two laughed and played together.
But Chen Tingfeng beside them seemed to be deep in thought and slowly narrowed his eyes.
No love interest?
Thinking of the family he had investigated, he sneered in his heart.
Little liar.