When Song Yihuan returned to Tinglan Courtyard, Song Yixuan was sitting in the yard, holding Taxue in his arms and whispering something.
The moment Song Yihuan stepped into the courtyard gate, Taxue suddenly jumped out of Song Yixuan's embrace and ran towards Song Yihuan.
Song Yixuan quickly got up and chased after it: "Taxue, be good. That's Fourth Sister. Don't scratch her!"
Seeing her little brother running towards her, Song Yihuan turned pale with fright. She quickly supported him and said, "What are you in such a hurry for? Have you forgotten that you're not supposed to run?"
"But Taxue... Eh!" Song Yixuan looked down and was surprised to find the cat nuzzling affectionately against Song Yihuan, rubbing its head against her leg.
"Why does Taxue suddenly recognize you again? When Fourth Sister came back to the courtyard just now, Taxue's fur stood on end in fright and even hissed at Fourth Sister," Song Yixuan said in confusion.
Hearing the noise, Chunxing and Fuling came out of the house respectively. When they saw her, there was no surprise on their faces. Chunxing even asked, "Fourth Miss, has that Doctor Zhong left?"
Song Yihuan pieced together what had happened in Tinglan Courtyard just now from their reactions.
The person who had returned to Tinglan Courtyard just now was not her but Song Nanxin. However, except for Taxue, no one seemed to be suspicious. It seemed that the disguise technique of that "Baishao" was really remarkable. She could deceive most people even in broad daylight.
Song Yihuan bent down to pick up Taxue and stroked its head. She said calmly, "Maybe it was because Doctor Zhong was in the courtyard just now. Taxue must have been scared of the stranger."
Song Yixuan believed it.
Making an excuse to return to her room, Song Yihuan called Fuling into the room.
Taxue was lying obediently on Song Yihuan's shoulder without making a sound, which really surprised Fuling. However, Song Yihuan's next words made her face turn pale instantly.
"The person who returned to Tinglan Courtyard just now and let Doctor Zhong feel her pulse was not me but Eldest Sister."
"What? It was actually Eldest Miss?!" Fuling couldn't hide the shock and fear on her face.
Song Yihuan put her finger to her lips. Fuling lowered her voice: "But... how is that possible? If it was Eldest Miss in Tinglan Courtyard just now, then where was Fourth Miss in Shulan Courtyard..."
Song Yihuan's eyes were deep. She nodded and said, "That's right. I disguised myself as Eldest Sister and let the doctor feel my pulse in Shulan Courtyard on behalf of Eldest Sister."
Fuling was quite smart. She immediately thought of that somewhat strange maid, "Baishao", and said anxiously:
"Fourth Miss, this slave didn't know that 'Baishao' could disguise herself. If this slave had known earlier, she would have reminded Fourth Miss earlier."
Song Yihuan reached out and pressed her shoulder to comfort her: "I'm not blaming you, but I have something for you to do. Fuling, my good girl, you must handle this matter secretly. Remember, don't let anyone find out. Otherwise, you, me, and Xuan'er will all be in danger of losing our lives."
Fuling calmed down and replied, "Fourth Miss, just tell this slave what you want her to do. As long as it's something this slave can do, she will go through fire and water for Fourth Miss without hesitation!"
Song Yihuan hooked her finger at her and whispered her plan in her ear. After hearing it, Fuling's face also became solemn. She nodded and said, "Fourth Miss, you can rest assured. This slave will definitely do it."
Fuling left the room, leaving Song Yihuan alone in the room.
She sat in front of the dressing table, looking at herself in the bronze mirror. She raised her hand and gently stroked her cheek, frowning in thought.
During the previous times she had served the prince in bed, she had always used the structure and lighting of Yixiang Pavilion to conceal her identity. Every time, she didn't dare to fully expose her face in front of Ji Lingchuan.
It would be fine if she could get pregnant soon. But as the number of times she served in bed gradually increased, with Ji Lingchuan's character, he would surely notice something. Sooner or later, there would be a risk of exposure. I'm afraid Eldest Sister also considered this point, which was why she specifically brought "Baishao", who was good at disguise, with her.
Obviously, the purpose was to let her disguise herself as Eldest Sister when serving in bed. In this way, even if Ji Lingchuan suddenly noticed something strange and had the whole Yixiang Pavilion lit up, her identity wouldn't be exposed.
Eldest Sister really has a good plan. In order to use her belly to give birth to a child and secure her position as the princess of the heir apparent, she will stop at nothing.
Disguise...
Maybe this could also be an opportunity for her to escape from the capital in the future.
...
At the side gate of the Prince Ning's Mansion, Ji Lingchuan stood with his hands behind his back, waiting quietly beside a wall covered with green vines. After a while, there came a sound of footsteps from behind.
He turned around and saw Doctor Zhong carrying a medicine chest walking towards him under the guidance of a servant.
Compared with his relaxed state when he came, Doctor Zhong was now frowning, looking as if he had something on his mind.
Ji Lingchuan was tall, and the imposing manner of a superior on him was hard to ignore. Doctor Zhong seemed to sense something and looked up, then he noticed his presence.
"Why is the heir apparent here? Is there something else that requires the service of this official?" Doctor Zhong quickly stepped forward and asked with a bow.
Ji Lingchuan glanced at the servant beside Doctor Zhong. The servant immediately understood and retreated, leaving this place for Ji Lingchuan and Doctor Zhong.
Sensing that Ji Lingchuan had something to ask, Doctor Zhong also straightened his body.
The next moment, Ji Lingchuan indeed asked, "Does Doctor Zhong have any research on heart diseases?"
Doctor Zhong was stunned for a moment and replied, "It can't be called research. I've just treated a few patients with heart diseases."
An idea flashed through his mind. He said, "Is the heir apparent asking about that Young Master Song the Fifth in Tinglan Courtyard?"
Ji Lingchuan paused for a moment and said, "That's right. My brother - in - law has a heart disease. I heard it was congenital. Seeing that he is young and well - behaved, I thought I'd ask if there's any chance to cure it so that he can run and play like an ordinary person."
Doctor Zhong sighed and said, "Your Highness may not know that heart diseases can be divided into congenital and acquired. In his case, since it's congenital, it can't be completely cured. He can only rely on medicine to maintain his life. If he can live a peaceful life all his life, he may live longer. But if his mood fluctuates greatly and he is often frightened, I'm afraid..."
Doctor Zhong shook his head.
Ji Lingchuan frowned deeply.
So, that kid would have to live with that damaged heart for the rest of his life?
"However..." Doctor Zhong hesitated again.
Ji Lingchuan looked at him: "However what?"
"I've heard that there's a divine doctor in the folk. People call him the 'Carefree Divine Doctor'. He has miraculous medical skills and can bring the dying back to life. Maybe he has a way to treat congenital heart diseases. If Your Highness is willing, you can try to find this Carefree Divine Doctor. But this man is elusive and has a very strange temper. To find him, it all depends on fate," Doctor Zhong said while stroking his beard.
Ji Lingchuan nodded: "I see. Thank you, Doctor Zhong."
After the conversation, Doctor Zhong thought he could leave, but Ji Lingchuan still stood there without showing any sign of moving aside to let him go.
Doctor Zhong had served the noble people in the palace for many years and had developed a sharp eye. He immediately reacted.
"That Miss Song the Fourth in Tinglan Courtyard..." Doctor Zhong took the initiative to bring it up. Sure enough, Ji Lingchuan looked up at him.