Chapter Four.

Two sworn brothers were looking at her with concern, and tears rolled down her cheeks unintentionally, but she smiled with great joy.

Be careful! From beginning to end, Feng Yilang exclaimed, paying attention to her every move.

I am strong and healthy, as strong as an ox. Yilang, I don't need it anymore, you can have it.

At this moment, Qingyi said again:

Although tears were streaming down her face, she couldn't help but laugh at Huaining's unwillingness and reluctance.

She seems very tired, her whole body is sore, and she always wants to sleep.

Harm?... That day, she just... slightly took the initiative to kiss Dongfang Fei. Afterward, both of them were fine, but when she got home, she collapsed on the bed. Dongfang Fei's lips, cough cough, besides being a little warm and tingly, weren't some deadly poison, right?

On that day, the emperor ordered that unless my master voluntarily summoned local officials, they should not disturb him without authorization. Two days ago, he bought officials in the name of the former prime minister, so today, relevant officials from the Lezhi County went to visit him one by one. My master did not need these gifts, so he specially gave them to Miss Ruan.

Feng Yilang was frightened, but immediately surrendered and did not dare to hug her. Huaining beside him did not move either.

These gifts, no matter how precious, cannot make up for the harm your master did that day," Feng Yilang said coldly.

By the way, Ichiro, is this the gift sent by Brother Qingyi?

When she was in her teens, she served as a local official in a neighboring county. At that time, she was full of youthful energy and relied on her elder brother, Yi Lang, to navigate through it all. The people respected her because she held the positions of county magistrate and county governor. She claimed to not accept bribes, and the subordinates dared not accept them in her presence.

These past few months, the two of them have been leaving early and returning late for their tofu shop, and their schedules are different from hers, so it's really not easy to have a meal together.

Yes, Huaining, you have a younger sister who looks like a pig. How strange, now I suddenly feel very hungry. She holds her stomach, really hungry, with an empty stomach.

It's so late? Ichiro, why didn't you go to the shop? She took a step back and let them into the room.

I'm only thirteen, so I'm not considered disobedient. She smiled and buried her little face in his arms, holding them tightly. "It's not in vain that we came here in winter. I have my elder brother Yilang, whom God has given me, and Huaining. Why should I be tired? Ruandonggu has no other wishes in this life."

Huaining is just joking with you. He said with a suppressed laugh.

I haven't told you yet. The tone is a bit reluctant: "These days, Dong Fangfei bought the former official garden in the county and plans to settle here."

Feng Yilang said in a gentle voice, "Don't forget, you are just a girl. The suffering of imprisonment is enough for you. Rest for two days, and when you are full of energy, go to the county office. You will still have time to do whatever you need to do then."

On that day, he had participated in the threatening and tempting buying operation. Later, he found out that Huai Zhen was Miss Ruan, and said that it was false to claim not feeling guilty. The method of buying he used was taught by his master at home. The Eastern non-leaving no room for maneuver, cannot blame all the responsibility on those who were bought. This time, it was an accidental harm to his own people. His master's anger was naturally beyond words.

Well. Huaining still acted as an echo, unwilling to say much.

Because you walked too fast, even if the stone under your feet tripped you, you were busy rushing forward without realizing that you were bleeding. Without taking care of the wound, it grew bigger and bigger. When you couldn't bear it anymore, you collapsed. Donggu, you must understand that officials are also human beings. What officials have, the people will also have. It's just that officials have more power, so there are more misdeeds. The character "人" has a left and right stroke. People will definitely choose the path that is beneficial to themselves, not necessarily the same side as you. He sighed lightly, Donggu, you must understand that officials are also human beings. What officials have, the people will also have. It's just that officials have more power, so there are more misdeeds. The character "人" has a left and right stroke. People will definitely choose the path that is beneficial to themselves, not necessarily the same side as you. He wiped away her tears that were rolling down again with pity.

She didn't hesitate at all, and nodded seriously, saying, "Okay, thank you, Ichiro."

After Qingyi left, she still didn't want to take the initiative to step into the living room. She hung her little face and gazed at her not-so-delicate snowy hands.

Feng Yilang calmly closed the ginseng gift box and put it away.

Since they chose silver, why do you plead for the deceased? If the deceased has any grievances, let them be directed towards his mother and wife. Huaining said coldly, as she served her a bowl of rice.

When she encountered the unexpected, she didn't want to think further.

She dared not think deeply in prison.

Hmm, she is sleeping soundly. That voice seems to be gnashing its teeth in anger.

When she regained consciousness, the sun had already set, and the radiant glow of the sunset streamed into the room, creating a golden brilliance.

Feng Yilang suddenly whispered:

In the Phoenix Residence, only her chamber has a small courtyard in front of it, which is exclusively used to store tofu barrels. Pinching her nose, she deftly dodged it, stepped over the threshold, and entered the living room. Just as she was about to lift the curtain, she heard Qingyi say:

You like it, let's get it tomorrow to eat with rice. Anyway, we don't eat it, and Dongfang Fei doesn't eat it either. He doesn't like these things and it would be a waste to throw them away.

After returning home, she felt exhausted as soon as she got on the bed. She really wanted to have a deep sleep without waking up. She is really a fool, a complete fool. She even needs her brother Ichiro to remind her why she is tired!

"Hmm." Huaining responded reluctantly.

Ichiro, am I really suffering from a cold? How is it that I can't figure it out myself, but you and Huaining can see through it at a glance?

Wait! Wait!She was a bit shy, looking back and forth at the two men in front of her. "Brother Ichiro, can you pretend that I'm thirteen now?"

Especially, after she got engaged to Dong Fangfei, these two sworn brothers strictly maintained a clear boundary between men and women, up to this day.

She tilted her head and looked at Huaining curiously, asking, "Huaining, what are you doing blocking the mirror?" She didn't usually have the habit of looking in the mirror, and just now she hurriedly wiped her face. Is there something wrong with the mirror?

Well. As we grow older, we are all together. When she and Huaining have gray hair, at that time, Ichiro will no longer dislike his own gray hair. If all three of them have gray hair, who would dare to see Ichiro as different?

He nodded in agreement. Rather than saying he took her to bed, it's more accurate to say he stared at her as she climbed onto the bed.

She suddenly realized, "Huaining, although my strength is amazing, I now know how to control it. How could I hurt you and Ichiro? Are you looking down on me like this?"

Since he looks down on it, returning it will only embarrass the local officials, so it's the same if you use it.

After finishing the meal, do you want to continue writing the case of when you were the county magistrate? I happen to have some free time and can help you on the side. After speaking, he secretly assessed her expression.

She smiled, suddenly stepped forward, and hugged her two elder brothers.

She trembled suddenly upon hearing the words. Finally, she understood what they were talking about.

It is precisely because my master has been manipulating things behind the scenes that Miss Ruan does not need to care. If he wants to betray someone, that person will have no second choice. In that case, why should one allow oneself to be hurt? Please convey this to Prince Feng.

If she still hasn't woken up tomorrow morning, then shake her to wake her up.

However, after arriving in Lezhi County, as the lowest-ranking attendant, she didn't want to accept bribes. Would there be any officials forcing her to accept them? Little did she know, this time it was the common people who took the initiative to offer her bribes. Little did she know... She sincerely wanted to help, but in the end, she was bitten back by their sharp teeth.

No matter how stubborn I am, if you really have the luck to hit me, I will be dead, won't I? She protested.

At this thought, he silently left the warm Feng residence and returned to report.

She never thought about being thanked by others. As long as the people are free from injustice and the world is peaceful, she is satisfied with her wish. But now, it is the common people whom she has always thought she should help that are biting her for their own benefit.

I know. How could she not know? "Huaining is shy. Brother Yilang, speaking of it, Huaining is really grown up now. In the future, when he gets married, this kind of personality will definitely not please the future sister-in-law. By then, we will have to rely on her help.

Did I sleep for two days? She stretched her limbs and found that her body was no longer tired.

Feng Yilang was taken aback, and exchanged a glance with Huaining in secret. The latter shook his head, indicating that he didn't know.

Don't they have grievances to be addressed? Aren't they the most vulnerable victims of the bureaucratic system? She sincerely tried to help, but was bitten back not once or twice. Suddenly, she felt so tired, so exhausted.

Ichiro, you guys already knew I was behind the curtain, right? Otherwise, Huaining wouldn't have said such a long string of words.

Oh, Ichiro, there's Chinese sausage in this gift too," she exclaimed in surprise. "This is the famous Chinese sausage from Changle Street. Every time I pass by the shop, the aroma of the sausage makes my mouth water. But it's really too extravagant for us, so I always take a few more sniffs when I pass by."

She moved a stool to the edge of the table and sat down, extending her wrist for Feng Yilang to take her pulse. Huaining moved a full rice bucket onto the table.

Feng Yilang smiled without saying a word. He thought of something and casually asked:

"I want to try, how hard is your skull?" he said expressionlessly.

At that time, she once told me that the thing she was most grateful for in her life was having you and me accompany her. Feng Yilang softened his tone as he reminisced, "I never told her that I was ashamed of my unique appearance when I was young, but it was precisely because of my white hair and blue eyes that I had the opportunity to meet her. If I could live my life again, I would still choose to have this appearance in order to be connected with Donggu. So, I am willing to choose this unique appearance once again."

This is ginseng, right? When she left Beijing, Dongfang Feizeng gave her the thousand-year-old ginseng that was bestowed upon him. This ginseng looks a bit, no, very similar. "How could Lezhixian have such a precious ginseng? Eldest Brother, this gift is too heavy!"

Feng Yilang sighed lightly:

You're awake, that's good.

"If you want to compete, then come on." Huaining intentionally or unintentionally changed the subject.

"There is plenty of food, no need to compare." Feng Yilang reminded, "Don't eat too quickly"

It is truly not quite right. Ever since she turned eighteen, her elder brother and Huaining have made every effort to avoid entering her boudoir. Even when they are sometimes forced to share a room, it is she who sleeps in the bed, while her elder brother draws the bed curtains to ensure her reputation is protected

She quickly regained her composure and smiled gently, saying, "Alright!"

"What is wrong with me?" she asked, somewhat confused. "Did I accidentally fall asleep?"

She sighed and self-deprecatingly said

Hua Ning, do you remember that winter when Gu insisted on leaving Yanmen Pass to face life and death with you?

Feng Yilang nodded without changing his expression. "Please take a seat first."

She has always been careless and did not think deeply, only feeling that her illness was somewhat exaggerated. She smiled and nodded, saying, "Alright, then I will take a nap for a while longer. Brother Yilang, please wake me up at noon."

Feng Yilang maintained a calm demeanor and said with a smile

"That is enough. I will accept these gifts on behalf of Dong Gu, as the Feng residence is truly too small and not suitable for a prolonged stay, so I will not see you off"

Has she grown old? Can she not withstand a trip to the prison cell? Or, did Dongfang Fei do something to her last night?

"I see, no wonder Brother Dongfang looks down on it..." She would be secretly pleased to earn ten taels of salary in a year

She smiled, closed her eyes, and quickly sank into a dream under the gaze of him and Guaining.

The green clothes outside the window also unconsciously sighed.

So?

"Fool." Feng Yilang said softly. Knowing that someone was watching, he thought... it didn't matter. He indulged himself in a small transgression, gently stroking her head. "You haven't finished your life yet, and you speak such grand words. Didn't we agree long ago? The three of us siblings will always be together."

Hearing this, Wen Yilang exclaimed with joy, "It's good that you're hungry. We can eat soon!" Now, she felt much more energetic, no longer burdened by the painful fatigue of that day.

I waited for a while with Huaining, but you didn't come out for dinner, so we simply brought breakfast to share together. You don't mind, do you? Feng Yilang said with a smile, gazing at her weary little face, a hint of annoyance creeping into his blue eyes.

Huaining was too lazy to talk much and went back to the kitchen to get the food

I hate

"Huaining, Huaining, let us have a meal competition."

Huaining scolded her again. She knew she was not particularly smart, but constantly being called a fool by him, did that truly mean he looked down on her? Although she thought this way, she just did not want to speak up

"Although it is human nature to be this way, human nature is hidden deep within the heart. The East does not fail to stir it from within, yet such human nature will certainly not easily manifest in a person's behavior," said Feng Yilang with great displeasure.

Huaining, with keen eyes and quick hands, swiftly grasped her small face that was about to be buried in the bowl.

Huaining remained unfazed, directly laying down the bronze mirror, turning around to sit back at the table, and calmly said

"It's really strange, Ichiro, I'm so tired today. In the past, when I was sick, I've never been this tired." she said, puzzled.

I understand. The character for "person" has both left and right strokes, and choosing left or right is a choice made by oneself... Even if I part ways with them midway, I still wish to choose the path I had previously taken

Upon hearing this, Feng Yilang finally breathed a sigh of relief

She clenched her teeth. One drop, two drops... tears fell into her open palm. Brother Yilang always liked to play this trick! Although he was talented, he always hated his unusual appearance. Now, his words deliberately forced her tears out!

"Is it because of winter?" exclaimed Feng Yilang in surprise

What are you doing on my crown, Huaining?

This house is rented under the name of Brother Yi. The house is small, consisting of two bedrooms and a living room. Huaining shares one of the rooms with Brother Yi, while the living room serves as both a study and a dining area. They should be having their meal there now.

You look exhausted. Don't eat anymore, Donggu, go back to bed and take a nap.

Now, he can go back and report that Miss Ruan is fine.

As she yawned, she opened the door and saw Ichiro about to knock, nearly hitting her head.

You are too old to walk, we, Huaining and I, will carry you and continue walking.

She made a funny face and laughed awkwardly, saying:

Before her menstrual period, she would experience some days of discomfort, but counting the days, it will still be a while before it arrives. She practices boxing every day, even though her skills are far from perfect, there shouldn't be any problem with keeping fit.

She nodded and said, "There is still a difference between officials in the capital and local officials. Even if local officials are corrupt, there is still a certain limit. When it comes to receiving gifts, they are far inferior to the rare treasures of the officials in the capital." She had experience in this matter. There were people who had sent her local products before, which made her unsure whether she should accept them or not. I wonder if Dongfang Fei's face turned green after opening it.

"Huaining!" Feng Yilang lightly scolded, but smiled when facing her: "Cheng Da will take care of this case. Dongfang Fei was never interested in this case to begin with. He acted back then just to lure you out. Now, he has asked the master to review it again."

How long did she sleep? She got up from the bed, stretched lazily, and it seemed that the nap did not improve her fatigue. She still felt sore and achy in her waist and back.

"......There isn't," Feng Yilang answered even more unwillingly.

However, there are still many tasks that have not been completed in the county office

Feng Yilang withdrew his hand from the pulse-taking gesture and said softly

"Winter, you shouldn't do this... it's not very appropriate, is it? You're already a grown woman, and if someone sees you, won't they misunderstand?"

Does Huaining dislike looking in the mirror? How could she not know? Today, Huaining is clearly no different from usual, yet she always feels that Huaining is upset. What is he angry about?

What a fool

Good morning, Ichiro, Huaining She smiled brightly, suppressing her fatigue

It is getting late; the sun is already high in the sky, " Feng Yilang said softly.

Feng Yilang stood up, coughed discreetly, and smiled as he said

Qing Yi seemed to have anticipated this layer of blame long ago, and he responded very quickly

Feng Yilang said something, and Qingyi no longer listened. In any case, Miss Ruan's adoptive brother would have a reason to make her take this thousand-year-old ginseng

You understand this principle, so what do you think about the strength of my and Feng Yilang's ribs

If I do not go to the county office, the case of Cheng Da will be closed... Once it is closed, it will not be reopened

Feng Yilang turned his face away to hide his smile, and caught a glimpse of her looking at him with a sense of grievance. He quickly reverted to the gentle demeanor of Brother Yilang.

After entering the capital to take up an official position, it became commonplace for officials to be corrupt, and one could easily fall victim to schemes by others. In order to protect her own people, she had to learn to compromise her principles and go along with the corrupt practices, which she endured with gritted teeth

Even without the instigation of my master, such matters are commonplace. My master has entrusted Qingyi to convey that Miss Ruan has been in the officialdom and should understand that human nature is thus.

"You are just foolish." Huaining said calmly

She was startled, but her composure returned somewhat.

She scratched her head and walked out of the room, utterly perplexed.

Did Dongfang Xiong not take advantage of others' homes in vain? She was filled with surprise and began to see Dongfang in a new light

Huaining was vigorously rubbing the top of her head

Should she go out and ask for clarification? And should she take the opportunity to clarify for Dongfang Fei?

She called out, quickly swatting away Huaining's hand, stepping back a few paces, and staring at him with a dizzying headache

Since childhood, she has been lively and energetic, opening her eyes at the break of dawn, because there are still many things she wants to do... Unlike now, she wishes to take a temporary rest and continue sleeping to her heart's content

Is that so? She does not understand what is wrong with herself, but Yilang and Huaining do. She is indeed a fool

"Haining, is Donggu still not awake?" Feng Yilang's voice rose again

Something seems off

After returning from the ordeal last night, Brother Ichiro personally escorted her back to her room to sleep. As soon as she closed her eyes, she fell into a deep slumber, and even with the sunlight shining on her eyelids, she had no desire to think about anything, only wanting to return to a deep sleep.

She smiled as she opened another box of thick gifts, momentarily taken aback.

After lingering in bed for a while, she reluctantly got out of bed.

She is not anorexic... It's just that her appetite is not very good today! However, after a good sleep, she should feel refreshed and there is no reason for her not to be hungry!

After thinking seriously for a moment, she broke into a smile and said

After putting on her shoes, washing her face, and combing her hair, she changed into men's clothing. She stretched several times, her mind still blank, her shoulders aching terribly, and she felt as exhausted as a hunchbacked old man.

Her lifelong ideal is to do her utmost to help the disadvantaged people create a peaceful and prosperous homeland

When she is tired, I watch over her as she sleeps; when she needs to work, I watch over her; when she wants to eat, I watch over her; if she dislikes Dongfang Fei, I will kill Dongfang Fei and bury his body for her. Alright, don't ask me to say so much in the future

"Huaining, shall we see who can eat more later?" she said with a smile. Although she wasn't very hungry, it was a rare opportunity for the three of them to be together.

"Of course, it's good. What did you do when you were thirteen? Are you here to confess now?" he said jokingly

Haining, you should be quite familiar with Dong Gu's nature. She has always walked her own path, regardless of the obstacles in front of her, and she has never regretted it. However, she forgets that she is an ordinary person who can also be hurt. In the political arena, officials engage in intrigue to maintain their positions; on the battlefield, they kill each other to protect their lives and homes, which she can understand. Yet, when the common people willingly allow themselves to be bought, disregarding their own grievances, and even betray those who have helped them, she can empathize but cannot comprehend. In fact, this has nothing to do with Dong Fangfei; his meddling can only be seen as the last straw. She has only felt exhausted after managing to hold on until today, and I feel immensely proud of her.

A couple of days ago? Ruan Dong looked utterly astonished. It turned out she had slept for more than two days; her physical condition was so dire. Could it be that she has some hidden illness that Yi Lang does not dare to speak to her about?

She responded with a sound, seeing Huaining start to eat, and she quickly raised her chopsticks to eat heartily. Today, Huaining was indeed a bit strange; usually, when he was eager to eat, he would silently devour his food, while also snatching away her favorite dishes. However, today, Huaining kept glancing at her a few more times before slowly eating his meal, as if he were encouraging her to pick up her chopsticks.

This year I am twenty-five, yet my body is already resembling that of an old woman. I can only imagine that by the time I am seventy or eighty, I might need someone to carry me. Clearly, I endured days without sleep on the battlefield back then, yet now I have become like this. Is it really the case that as one ages, the differences between men and women become even more pronounced?

It is nothing serious. Perhaps you have caught a bit of dampness while in prison. I will have Huaining prepare some medicine for you, and after taking it for a couple of days, you should be fine... It would be better if you take a leave of absence these days and rest at home.

The figure in the green attire outside the door smiled at the corners of their mouth. The master of the house does not concern himself with whether it disturbs the public; he chooses to do this solely to enhance one person's favorability

"No matter which path you choose, the three of us will go together," said Feng Yilang without hesitation. He then added, "Huaining, go get the food, I think Donggu has been starving."

She took a deep breath, then forcefully exhaled all her fatigue, desperately wiped away her tears, and walked into the hall with a smile

It won't be too expensive. In winter, how many ginseng roots have you seen? This was purchased from a medicine shop, and at most it is only a few dozen taels per root

"Of course I don't mind!" she said happily, "I haven't had breakfast with Yilang and Huaining for a long time. It's just that I'm feeling quite tired. Yilang, could you help me check my pulse to see if I've caught a cold?"

Each condition is different, and the body's reactions will also vary. Since you are tired, you should get a good night's sleep. Even if the sky falls, I will bear it together with Huaining

Although she has just woken up and is not very hungry, it would be good to have a chat with Ichirou and the others.

Feng Yilang smiled and said

"Like a pig." Huaining said flatly

Indeed, the East is not lacking in these silver coins; it is best not to disturb the people.

There is no need for the Qingyi to look again; just by listening to that robust voice, one can tell that Miss Ruan's spirit has recovered significantly.

They stated that Cheng's mother-in-law and the colleagues from the county office all testified against her