Wei Lin also felt worried, but not because of the cold.
Crossing Stone Mountain and passing through the border, they finally entered the territory of Rong. At that time, white snow was falling in Rong, filling the space with scattered snowflakes, making it impossible to keep one’s eyes open. Thus, people and horses had to stop at a post station. Fortunately, the station’s windows were thick, the fire was blazing, and the fragrant smell of roasted lamb leg warmed them after filling their stomachs.
Wei Lin suddenly thought of Wei Feng Zhi, who had gone to Yan Kingdom, likely just as cold as Rong Dynasty.
After several days of snow, it finally stopped, and the carriage moved northwest towards the capital. At the border, they often saw Yan people in tall hats and wide sleeves due to trade, but now they encountered Rong people wearing turned-up collars, narrow sleeves, and felt or fur hats, making them stand out.
Upon their arrival at the capital, officials announced that the Great Khan had sent the Fourth Prince to welcome them. Wei Lin had heard this but paid no mind. However, when she stepped down from the carriage and saw the Fourth Prince, she was stunned.
Despite changes in clothing and hairstyle and even a slight beard, she recognized him as Yuan Jing Shen, the young master from Yuan’s medicinal shop in Huo City. It turned out Yuan was an alternative name; his actual surname was from the Rong royal family, who sometimes retained their name as Tuoba.
The Fourth Prince showed no sign of recognition, as if he did not remember the doctor who had treated him. Wei Lin was grateful she had worn men’s clothing at the time.
Their accommodation was an old residence of the national father, impressive yet somewhat rough.
“After your long journey, Jing Shen will not disturb you further. I will take my leave now to report to my imperial father. Please rest and prepare, as my father will likely meet you in a few days. If any servants are unsatisfactory, inform Jing Shen, and I will handle it.” The Fourth Prince’s voice carried its usual seductive tone.
After he left, Xi Lin Xuan and Wei Lin were busy. Xi Lin Xuan discussed matters with his officials in the front hall, while Wei Lin arranged personnel in the inner courtyard. Despite being hostages, they could not be careless in a foreign land. Maintaining a certain demeanor was essential for earning respect, as many judge based on appearances.
Once everything was arranged, Wei Lin felt too tired to speak, regretting not bringing Yu Mo with her, who would have managed everything thoughtfully. For now, she had to rely on Feng Shou to run errands.
Sitting down, Wei Lin gently massaged her waist, pondering the Fourth Prince’s purpose in Huo City. Why did he associate with Xi Zhao Ting? Was it intentional? Despite the underhanded methods often involved in diplomatic strategies, why would a prince of his status personally intervene?
Suddenly, a pair of hands appeared on her waist, applying just the right pressure.
“Has the prince returned?” Wei Lin asked.
“Why aren’t you lying down?”
There are servants here,” Xi Lin Xuan said softly as he entered and saw her sitting pensively, massaging her waist. He wondered if she was having second thoughts.
“I know that, Fourth Prince,” Wei Lin replied, explaining the situation.
Xi Lin Xuan frowned in silence.
“What was he doing in Huo Kingdom? It’s hard to believe he had no ulterior motives…” Wei Lin pondered.
“Did you see his leg?” Xi Lin Xuan asked.
“Huh?” Wei Lin was confused. “For acupuncture, I had to see the acupoints through the fabric.”
“Come here!”
Wei Lin understood his tone—he was jealous she had seen another man’s leg. She skillfully dodged his reaching hand: “Dinner will be ready soon. I’ll check if the servants have prepared everything.”
It was already dark when she went outside, wind rushing in. Wei Lin tightened her collar, worried about Xi Lin Xuan’s temper. If only she hadn’t mentioned knowing the Fourth Prince.
“Princess Consort, why are you out in such cold weather? If you need anything, just ask the servants,” Feng Shou said.
Hearing this, Wei Lin whispered instructions to Feng Shou.
Xi Lin Xuan dined with his officials in the front hall, with Feng Shou serving.
Wei Lin had her meal, then soaked in a hot bath until her skin turned red. After changing into dry clothes and warming her half-wet hair by the heated kang, she fell asleep. In a half-dream state, she heard someone say: “Wei Lin, move inside and make room.” She dragged her blanket inward until a strong smell of alcohol forced her to open her eyes.
Looking around, she saw a pair of bright eyes watching her, with a mocking smile.
“Your Highness… How could he come back? Moreover, how does he look so sober?”
“The wine prepared by the Princess Consort is strong and fragrant, truly a fine wine from the frontier,” Xi Linxuan said.
“Why are you still awake? Could Feng Shou have added water to his wine?”
“It’s cold, and I thought strong liquor could dispel the chill,” Wei Lin said, feeling uneasy and hesitant to escape.
“Dispelling the chill, and conveniently getting someone drunk to unconsciousness?” Xi Linxuan’s eyes curved, leaning sideways, propping his chin with one hand, his slightly reddened face looking quite alluring. Wei Lin felt a chill down her spine.
“Your Highness is drunk? Let me prepare a sobering soup for you,” she offered.
“Much obliged,” Xi Linxuan replied with a smile.
Wei Lindong carefully got off the bed, glancing at Xi Linxuan’s happy smile, feeling increasingly cold. As she pushed open the bedroom door, she was startled by two little eunuchs standing quietly at the door; one held a tray with a wine jar sealed with red paper, while the other carried a food box.
“Bring it in,” Xi Linxuan ordered. The eunuchs lowered their heads, placed the items down, then bowed and retreated, closing the door. Wei Lindong turned to see Xi Linxuan had gotten out of bed and was walking towards the table, though his left foot was slightly lame.
He greeted her: “Specially left by Feng Shou for you. Come, let me accompany the Princess Consort in drinking two cups, as a token of gratitude.”
“It’s late, and drinking is not advisable. Moreover, I’ve done nothing; Your Highness is too polite,” Wei Lindong replied.
“When the wine jar was opened, a strong fragrance filled the air. Wei Lindong was not particularly fond of cup-based items, so she did not find it enticing.
“This cup is to thank Miss Wei for treating me.”
He drank it in one gulp, and Wei Lindong felt her throat burn; this northern wine was indeed spicy.
“This cup, to thank Miss Wei for marrying me.”
No ceremony needed; it was an order.
“This cup, to thank the Princess Consort for her deep affection.”
They say marry a chicken, follow a chicken; marry a dog, follow a dog. Wei Lindong’s vision blurred, her mind turning to mush.
“Enough with the thanks, so verbose!” Wei Lindong drank the wine Xi Linxuan poured before he could finish, “Another cup!” Full of heroic spirit.
…
Xi Linxuan looked at Wei Lindong hugging the wine jar, realizing he had married a wine immortal. The wine immortal finished her drink and collapsed on the table.
“You’re quite convenient,” Xi Linxuan resigned. He had intended to “punish” her but ended up allowing her to sleep soundly, punishing himself instead. He carried her to bed and covered her with a blanket, chuckling at her flushed face. She truly had a good drinking temperament.
Later that night, Wei Lindong sat up like an owl, pulling Xi Linxuan to talk.
“Haha, when I become a divine medical expert, I won’t treat those I don’t like…”
“Oh, who don’t you like?”
“Xi Linxuan.”
Xi Linxuan sat up, asking her: “Why?”
“Said I’m ugly, not just ugly, but extremely ugly!”
