Upon hearing Feng Jin's voice, Sheng Xu Bai finally snapped back to reality, realizing his own carelessness. He lowered his gaze, concealing the unnatural flush on his face. A cold gust of wind swept through, and Sheng Xu Bai suddenly felt a chill in his chest.
He looked down to see his robes gaping open, revealing a expanse of fair skin. The blush on Sheng Xu Bai's face spread all the way to his earlobes.
Aware of Feng Jin's presence beside him, Sheng Xu Bai flusteredly adjusted his clothes, quickly stood up, and took two steps back to create some distance.
"I... just now..." Sheng Xu Bai stammered, unable to articulate a coherent sentence.
Feng Jin, however, spoke up to explain, "You were having a heart episode. I didn't know who your attendant was, so I administered acupuncture for you. If I have offended you in any way, please bear with me."
How could a grown man be so easily embarrassed? It was merely unfastening his clothes to treat him, yet he acted as if he had suffered a great loss.
"You are too kind, Madam. I can never repay your life-saving grace. If ever you are in dire need, I will repay your kindness with my life."
"Then consider it a debt owed," Feng Jin accepted without politeness, thinking that perhaps she might indeed need his help one day.
Sheng Xu Bai was momentarily stunned and subtly sized up Feng Jin. This woman was truly peculiar, unlike anyone he had ever met.
"This place is crowded and full of prying eyes. Men and women are seated separately. If you are discovered here and news gets out, it will be another troublesome affair. Since Young Master Sheng is no longer in danger, it would be best for you to leave as soon as possible."
While she didn't fear gossip, she knew such talk would be unpleasant, and moreover, Lin Yu Wei and Ling Wan were with her.
She understood how important a woman's reputation was and didn't want to implicate others.
"I was inconsiderate. I shall leave now."
Sheng Xu Bai hastily retreated and, upon meeting Lin Yu Wei and Ling Wan outside the tent, bowed slightly. "Thank you, Princess Consort Jing, and this young lady."
As he had hidden behind the screen, he had vaguely heard someone address the Princess Consort Jing. Judging by their attire, he immediately recognized who the Princess Consort Jing was.
"Young Master Sheng truly has sharp eyes."
Lin Yu Wei smiled and observed Sheng Xu Bai. He was indeed exquisitely beautiful, no wonder so many women vied to catch a glimpse of him. It was a pity that Sheng Xu Bai was frail.
There were even rumors in the marketplace that Sheng Xu Bai's old ailments were difficult to cure, and he might not live past twenty-five. Such a shame for such a handsome face, truly heaven envying talent.
"Princess Consort Jing is too kind. I should not linger here. I will pay my respects another day and take my leave now."
As this place was full of people and easily observed, any intentional observer would cause further trouble. Sheng Xu Bai left in a hurry.
Lin Yu Wei watched Sheng Xu Bai's retreating figure, still not quite satisfied. She hadn't had her fill of gazing at him. Such a handsome face, just a glance each day could brighten her mood for the entire day.
"Ling Wan, what do you think of Young Master Sheng's appearance?"
"Ah..."
Ling Wan responded with surprise. The blush had not entirely faded from her face as she quickly averted her gaze from Sheng Xu Bai's departing back.
"You little girl, why is your face so red? Could it be you're shy after seeing Young Master Sheng?"
Lin Yu Wei teased, seeing Ling Wan's face turn even redder. She covered her mouth and chuckled. "Alright, I'm just joking. But... you and Young Master Sheng do seem quite a match. How about I play matchmaker for you?"
"How can that be!" Ling Wan exclaimed, quickly protesting. "Sister Consort, please don't tease me. How can such a thing be spoken of? Moreover, Young Master Sheng comes from a prominent family with noble status. How could I possibly be a suitable match? Sister Consort, please stop making fun of me."
She knew her own worth clearly. Even with his poor health, Sheng Xu Bai was a person of nobility, not someone a mere concubine's daughter could be matched with.
If one didn't recognize their place and instead harbored impossible desires, they would only end up heartbroken and distressed.
Over the years, she and her mother had managed to survive the constant malice from the second branch and bullying from the servants of the Ling family precisely because she had long recognized her status and never dared to covet what was not hers. This way, life was easier.
Ling Wan tightly clenched her hands, her gaze lingering on her right hand, as if the brief touch of Sheng Xu Bai's hand had already passed into another lifetime.
"What's unsuitable about it? Matters of the heart require mutual consent. Look at your elder brother and his wife. When they first got together, weren't people in the capital mocking his wife? Yet now, they are deeply in love. So, these matters of emotion are not about suitability."
Just like her relationship with Chu Chen Yi, it was considered a match of equal social standing by outsiders, but they had no emotional foundation and were merely settling. Therefore, matters of love were the most inscrutable.
Lin Yu Wei continuously encouraged Ling Wan, urging her to be brave in pursuing love and not let the world's gaze hinder her lifelong happiness.
"Sister Consort, I've noted everything. I have some matters to attend to with Elder Sister, so I shall take my leave."
Ling Wan scurried away, fearing Lin Yu Wei would continue to pester her with such nonsensical talk.
"What were you doing outside? Why are you back so late?"
It had been quite some time since Sheng Xu Bai had left, and these two were taking their sweet time returning.
"It's all because of Sister Ling Wan. She was so captivated by Young Master Sheng's retreating back."
Lin Yu Wei did not forget to embellish her words, twisting the meaning of the event.
"It's not like that, Elder Sister. Please don't..."
"Really?" Feng Jin asked with surprise, clearly having tuned out Ling Wan's words. She tugged at Lin Yu Wei, eager for a full account.
"Of course. I personally saw our Sister Ling Wan gazing at Sheng Xu Bai's back with such lingering reluctance. Truth be told, although Sheng Xu Bai is not in good health, he possesses such a handsome face. Which young lady wouldn't try their hardest to get close to him?"
Lin Yu Wei's tone held a hint of lament. Heaven envied talent, and it was unfortunate that Young Master Sheng had such a delicate constitution.
Feng Jin rested her chin on her hand, deep in thought. After a moment, she took Ling Wan's hand and said earnestly, "Listen to your Elder Sister's advice. Although Sheng Xu Bai is handsome, his health is poor. His heart condition is congenital, a condition that is generally very difficult to cure completely..."