Feng Jin detested the ancient system that oppressed women. Why should men be able to serve in court, achieve official ranks and become marquises, while women were confined to their inner chambers, never stepping out, doing only menial chores? With the slightest mistake, they might suffer abuse from their husbands, yet dare not utter a word in protest, let alone resist.
“Eldest Sister-in-law, haven’t things always been this way? Men attend to external affairs, women to internal ones. Wouldn’t this be overturning the natural order?”
Ling Wan had been raised by concubine Bai to be a cautious and discreet young lady. Upon growing up and marrying, she was taught to assist her husband and raise her children, living a simple and uneventful life.
Hearing Feng Jin speak of these matters for the first time, she was shocked and found it difficult to accept.
“Your thoughts are like this because everyone around you has taught you so since you were young. Over time, this ideology has become deeply ingrained in your mind. It’s natural that you can’t accept what I’m saying right away. But you must remember that we women are independent individuals, never mere accessories to men, do you understand?”
Ling Wan nodded, as if understanding but not entirely grasping. Although she still couldn't comprehend or accept what her eldest sister-in-law was saying, she knew that her eldest sister-in-law's words and actions were for her own good. She could try her best to understand and accept them.
“I understand, Eldest Sister-in-law.”
As soon as Ling Wan finished speaking, a man barged in, his face a little flustered.
“Ah!” Seeing a man suddenly rush in, Ling Wan couldn’t help but exclaim. As the polo match had previously stipulated that men and women be seated separately, the sudden appearance of a man was naturally startling to Ling Wan.
“Who are you? This is the women’s seating area. Your abrupt intrusion is improper according to etiquette. Tell me, whose young master are you?”
Feng Jin remained calm and questioned him aggressively.
“Madam, please forgive me. This humble student is from the Sheng family…” Before he could finish, he heard a commotion outside. The man’s face paled noticeably in alarm. “Madam, the situation is urgent. I beg your extraordinary grace and allow me to take refuge here for a while.”
“Hide behind the screen for now.”
Feng Jin pointed to the screen behind her, gesturing for him to quickly hide. With so many people outside, driving him out now would only attract more gossip. She could only let him hide for a moment.
“Many thanks, Madam.”
As soon as the man hid, a group of young ladies burst in. Upon seeing who was present, the leader of the group said with slight panic, “Princess Jing, please forgive us. Young Madam Ling, please forgive us. We were merely looking for someone and did not know the Princess and Madam were here. We did not enter intentionally.”
“You are all daughters of princes and high officials. How can you be so flustered in your every move? Who are you looking for that you are in such a panic, forgetting all etiquette?”
Feng Jin questioned them sternly, a hint of anger on her face.
“We are looking for… looking for…”
“Dare you hesitate when answering? Speak quickly!”
Lin Yuwei also adopted the demeanor of Princess Jing and reprimanded them.
“Replying to Your Highness, we are looking for Sheng Sanlang.” After the woman finished speaking, her face suddenly flushed, even the roots of her ears turning red. She hurriedly lowered her head.
They were all unmarried ladies. To be found following a man and losing their composure while searching for him – if this were to spread, it would not only disgrace them but also their entire families.
“This is truly absurd, to be so rude for a man. Today’s incident, the Princess and I will pretend not to have seen it. Hurry up and leave.”
As Feng Jin’s words fell, the group of ladies quickly retreated. After all, being seen following Sheng Sanlang would not sound good.
Once the ladies had all left, Feng Jin said to the man behind the screen, “Young Master Sheng, everyone is gone now. You can come out.”
Then, the man who had been hiding behind the screen emerged gracefully. “This humble student is Sheng Xubai. Many thanks to Madam for saving me.”
Lin Yuwei’s gaze had been fixed on Sheng Xubai, appraising him. Rumor had it in the capital that Sheng Sanlang was breathtakingly handsome. Seeing him now, she knew the rumors were true.
“Young Master Sheng is indeed favored by ladies, to be chased after like this.”
Feng Jin said with a playful tone. Sheng Xubai was indeed well-built. Unlike Ling Mohan’s rugged handsomeness, Sheng Xubai possessed a more delicate beauty. Especially his fair complexion, fairer than hers, made even her, a woman, feel inferior.
“Madam, please do not jest. Thank you for saving me this time. If in the future…”
Before Sheng Xubai could finish his words, his body stiffened. He suddenly clutched his chest, his face pale and weak as he leaned against a nearby table.
“What’s wrong?” Feng Jin noticed something amiss and quickly asked.
“I… I…”
Sheng Xubai spoke intermittently, his voice weak. Sweat beaded on his forehead due to the pain.
Feng Jin immediately sensed that something was wrong. She quickly got up and walked over to him, grabbed his wrist, and felt his pulse. Her expression grew increasingly grim. “You have heart disease?”
“A chronic condition. Please… please call my attendant. He has medicine. If I take some… I will be fine.”
“By the time your attendant arrives, your life may be in danger.”
This heart condition was an emergency. A moment's carelessness could be fatal.
“Yuwei, Ling Wan, help me. Let’s lower him to the ground.”
“Okay.” Lin Yuwei hurried forward to help Feng Jin support him.
Ling Wan, after a moment of stunned silence, also quickly stood up to help.
Feng Jin reached out to unfasten his clothes, but felt it was inappropriate. She glanced at the two women. “You two, quickly go out and stand guard outside. Don’t let anyone else in.”
“Alright, we’re going out now.”
Lin Yuwei was highly obedient to Feng Jin’s words. She pulled Ling Wan and was about to leave.
As Ling Wan stood up, she felt her hand being firmly held. Turning her head, she saw Sheng Xubai’s excessively pale hand gripping hers tightly. Instantly, Ling Wan’s face turned crimson, as if she would bleed.
“Even when unconscious from illness, he’s still not honest.”
Feng Jin pried Sheng Xubai’s hand away. “You two, quickly go out.”
After the two left, Feng Jin unfastened Sheng Xubai’s robes, used silver needles to seal several acupuncture points, and placed a pill from her embrace into his mouth.
A moment later, Feng Jin removed the silver needles. Sheng Xubai slowly opened his eyes. Blurrily, he saw Feng Jin’s figure, like a shimmering light before his eyes. A faint, unknown fragrance wafted into his nostrils, inexplicably calming his wildly beating heart.
“You’re awake, so stop pretending to be dead. Your condition is only temporary. Once it passes, you’ll be like a normal person. Get up now.”
Feng Jin put away the silver needles, her tone as casual as if nothing had happened.