Chapter 8, Father and Daughter

Your Highness, I understand your good intentions. After pondering for a moment, Chen Lingcheng came up with an idea, "However, this is not appropriate. You must know that Hongru was injured due to the punishment from Empress Yu. If she were to leave the palace with me at this moment, it would certainly arouse suspicion towards you and your son. As a physician of only the fifth rank, if Empress Yu were to misunderstand my intentions as being against her, it would be a matter of life and death for me. I implore Your Highness to reconsider." After saying this, he also knelt down.

As soon as she spoke, both Feng Wuhen and Chen Lingcheng's hearts skipped a beat; this bold girl truly dared to speak up. Feng Wuhen feigned nonchalance and asked, "Hong Ru, I have rarely left Fenghua Palace over the years, and these matters have little to do with me. However, which of my brothers do you think has the potential to contend for the crown prince's position?"

On the first day that Ming Fang, the true immortal, entered the imperial palace by imperial decree, rumors and gossip never ceased. From the concubines in the inner palace to the palace maids and eunuchs, everyone was quietly discussing this matter. Those with insight understood that the emperor was likely to rely on this life-saving benefactor when it came to establishing a successor. However, all the princes who sought to curry favor found themselves shut out. The emperor, well-prepared, personally welcomed this ethereal figure into his Hall of Diligent Governance and issued a strict order prohibiting any contact between the princes and concubines and Ming Fang. Those in the know realized that the emperor was likely to depend on this life-saving benefactor for the matter of succession, yet all the princes who sought to ingratiate themselves were met with closed doors. The emperor, having made preparations, personally brought this immortal-like figure into his Hall of Diligent Governance and issued a strict decree forbidding any contact between the princes and concubines and Ming Fang. Regarding this, the enlightened Daoist merely smiled faintly, aware that the emperor feared bringing personal emotions into such a significant matter, yet he himself had no intention of getting involved in this affair either

"Why say it in advance? That would mean missing out on a heartfelt performance!" Feng Wuhen joked, but his expression soon turned serious. "In these past few years, if it weren't for Dr. Chen's meticulous care, I might have long since met my end. I feel very gratified that Hongru can be your daughter, as she has found someone she can rely on. I think this way, tomorrow I will go and inform the Ministry of Internal Affairs, so Hongru won't need to serve by my side anymore; you can return with Dr. Chen." Hongru can be your daughter, and I feel very gratified, as she has found someone she can rely on. I think this way, tomorrow I will go and inform the Ministry of Internal Affairs, so Hongru won't need to serve by my side anymore; you can return with Dr. Chen.

As soon as these words were spoken, Chen Lingcheng could not help but scrutinize this usually aloof prince with a doubtful gaze. Ever since his inexplicable recovery from illness, he had undergone a significant transformation; at times, Chen even felt as if another person had taken possession of this body. He himself found this notion absurd, yet now, that thought silently resurfaced.

This is a matter of great importance, and Chen Lingcheng did not dare to speak recklessly. There are many examples of how discussing the affairs of the imperial family can lead to fatal consequences. However, Hong Ru did not care about such things; after all, everyone here was someone she was close to. Moreover, if it came down to it, she was more inclined to support Feng Wuhen. "Your Highness, although I do not dare to draw a conclusion, there is a seventy percent chance that this Ming Fang Zhenren is assisting the Emperor in deciding the heir."

It seems I no longer need to worry about Hongru! Suddenly, a gentle voice came from behind. Chen Lingcheng and Hongru quickly turned around, only to see Feng Wuhen standing in the corner of the wall. His slightly worn purple robe draped over his frail body added a touch of heroism, and the usual furrow in his brow was absent, making him appear particularly joyful

Feng Wuxin pretended to be helpless and nodded, which could be considered an acknowledgment of the two's words. "By the way, do you know what the situation is with the Taoist who recently arrived at the palace?" He was quite curious about this and had eavesdropped on the idle chatter of the palace servants, but ultimately, he had not gleaned any useful information.

Although Doctor Chen appeared weary, he still stroked his few strands of long beard and said with a smile, "Ah, consider it fate that I have met you, girl. If it were someone else, who would dare to treat you two? They would be running away as far as they could! Well, you need not be polite. After treating His Highness for so many years, I have always regarded you as my own daughter. Ah, if she were still alive, she would be about your age now!" At this point, a hint of sadness appeared on Doctor Chen's face. His daughter had contracted smallpox shortly after birth, and due to her frail constitution, despite having saved countless lives, he could only watch helplessly as his daughter gradually succumbed to death, with no power to turn the tide.

"What is so good about the palace? Have you forgotten how you got all these injuries from the pictures and books?" Feng Wuhen was completely hidden in the shadow of the wall, making it impossible to see his expression. "I can't protect you at all. Why are you still following me, a useless master? With Chen Taiyi as your father, you could at least marry into a good family. Why do you still have to suffer in the palace?"

A few words left her as pale as death, and she fell to her knees with a thud, repeatedly bowing her head and saying: "Your Highness, have I done something wrong? Must you really expel me from the palace? If that is the case, please punish me; I will never leave this place!"

"If we are to speak of those most likely to become the crown prince, it is certainly not an exaggeration to say that it will be none other than the Third Prince, the Fifth Prince, or the Eleventh Prince." The light of wisdom sparkled in Hong Ru's eyes; at that moment, she no longer resembled a lowly maidservant, but rather a strategist standing beside the monarch, guiding the affairs of the realm. Feng Wuhen and Chen Lingcheng beside her were left utterly astonished.

Hong Ru finally understood that her master was determined to send her out of the palace. Although there was a hint of warmth in her heart, it was overshadowed by a wave of intense pain. She looked at her newly recognized father with pleading eyes, signaling him to intercede on her behalf. She could not bear to leave her master alone in the chillingly cold Fenghua Palace. For this purpose, she was willing to endure more beatings. Now, she could not abandon the only young man who stirred her heart for the sake of a comfortable life in the future.

Your Highness, you did not even say a word upon your arrival. Hongru felt her ears flush with embarrassment, and subconsciously worried whether her master might suspect that she had acknowledged Doctor Chen as her father out of a desire for wealth and status.

"Lord Chen, I apologize for troubling you with Hongru's injuries." Hongru slightly bowed and respectfully said, "As a lowly servant, a minor injury should not have warranted your esteemed attention, but Your Highness insisted otherwise. Your busy days these past few days have truly exhausted me."

Dr. Chen could not help but feel overjoyed. He had always admired the cleverness of this young girl, but as she was the personal maid of the prince, he had hesitated to approach Feng Wuhen to express his desire to adopt a daughter. Now that Hongru had brought it up herself, how could he possibly refuse? "Enough with the nonsense, why don't you call me 'father' already?" Chen Lingcheng blurted out.

Rumors also infiltrated the once tranquil and serene Fenghua Palace, immediately causing a stir. Hongru's injuries, after careful treatment by Physician Chen, had improved significantly, while Lvyin still needed to remain in bed for another half month. Had it not been for the timely rescue, her life would likely have been lost. Feng Wuhen, who was no longer in critical condition, could not escape Physician Chen's daily pulse examinations, being advised against excessive movement, anger, or labor, and he lamented his unfortunate fate. During this time, while attending to his master, Physician Chen was also busy caring for the servants, tirelessly running around day and night. After half a month, he had lost considerable weight, which pained Hongru to see. In the end, with a face full of regret, Hongru finally made a decision.

"You m.hetushu.com. Remember, Hongru, from this day forth, you are my daughter, Chen Lingcheng. Haha, truly, the heavens have blessed me; in my later years, I have gained a daughter like this. What more could I ask for?" Chen Lingcheng laughed heartily towards the sky, his expression filled not only with joy but also a hint of melancholy. "Sufen, how wonderful it would be if you could see this day!" The last sentence was murmured softly, only audible to himself.

Father! Hong Ruying bowed down, her eyes filled with tears of excitement. After all these years, apart from that noble young man, she has finally found a family member.

Feng Wuhen never truly wished for Hongru to leave his side; this was merely a slight test. After nearly a month of diligently studying historical texts, he finally grasped some of the strategies of emperors. Today, he decided to experiment with his most trusted confidant, and indeed, it proved effective. He has now completely confirmed the reliability of Chen Lingcheng and Hongru, and his mood has calmed somewhat. He understands that as long as he remains in this deep palace, he may have to live in suspicion for the rest of his days. However, he is determined to ensure that the power and authority he wields align with his noble status, and for this, he will spare no effort.

I lost my parents at a young age and have never had the opportunity to enjoy the warmth of their presence. Hongru's face instantly turned crimson. Understanding that Doctor Chen had lost his daughter early on, she had already made up her mind, yet she still feared rejection, thinking she was overstepping her bounds, and felt quite anxious. "If you do not mind, I would be willing to regard you as my father. May I ask how you feel about this?"