Underneath The Moonlit Night

Chapter 16 - A Break Amidst Intricacies

The night passed peacefully as Qing Yi cared for little Jin Wei, allowing the young prince to stay with him. The next morning, he escorted the child to his private tutors and began his day. His first summons came from the Crown Princess, Princess Feng Lan, the official wife of Crown Prince Ming Zhe and the mother of Prince Jin Wei.

Princess Feng Lan was a striking figure, her elegance defined by a cascade of rich, dark brown hair that fell gracefully around her shoulders. Her chestnut-colored eyes held an enigmatic depth, complemented by a soft, natural radiance that added to her allure. Normally, she wore her hair in an elaborate updo, adorned with an elegant veil that accentuated her regal presence. However, this morning, the weight of her troubles had prompted her to let her hair flow freely, revealing its full, luxurious beauty.

Her attire, while modest, carried an air of sophistication, befitting her status as a royal. A delicate necklace adorned her neck, its pendant glistening softly against her skin. Despite her inner turmoil, she maintained an aura of dignity and grace that commanded respect.

Princess Feng Lan hailed from Rensha, a powerful kingdom and a staunch ally of Khufu. Her marriage to Prince Ming Zhe had solidified this alliance, but it had not been without its complications.

For years, Princess Feng Lan had strived to conceive a second child with Prince Ming Zhe, but her efforts had met with little success. The prince, who harbored no love for her, preferred spending his free time with Qing Yi. Their frequent companionship had driven a wedge between the royal couple, leaving Feng Lan frustrated and bitter. She couldn't help but blame Qing Yi for the estrangement between her and her husband.

Every time Qing Yi came for her check-up, Feng Lan greeted him with a look of disdain, making their encounters uncomfortable. Qing Yi, sensing her animosity, made his visits brief and to the point. In recent weeks, he had taken measures to improve her chances of conceiving. He ordered the apothecaries to place more Lunar Lilacs around her chamber and replaced the Serenity Sprigs by the bedside. These plants were renowned for their calming and herbaceous scent, believed to promote relaxation and fertility.

The morning brought an unusual summons from Princess Feng Lan, who was not feeling well. Despite her sour disposition, Qing Yi entered her chamber with a calm demeanor, unfazed by her disgusted gaze. He greeted her with a warm smile, his voice gentle, as he navigated the intricacies of her elaborate chamber, adorned with silk drapes and overlooking the tranquil ocean beyond.

"Good morning, Your Highness. I'm here to examine your discomfort this morning. I was told that you weren't feeling well?" Qing Yi's voice carried a soothing tone as he approached her, the morning sun casting a soft, ethereal glow around them.

Seated on a small bed by a balcony that offered a breathtaking view of the distant, serene ocean, Feng Lan reluctantly extended her left arm for Qing Yi to check her pulse. She sighed, her displeasure evident. "Ugh... that's right. I feel sick, like I want to throw up. I don't know if it's due to a queasy stomach or just from seeing your face."

Qing Yi maintained his composure, unfazed by the princess's attitude, and continued to listen to her pulse diligently. The room was scented with the delicate fragrance of Lunar Lilacs placed thoughtfully around, their calming aroma meant to alleviate tension.

After a few contemplative moments, Qing Yi looked up, his gaze penetrating yet considerate. "Have you been under any particular stress of late?" he inquired.

Feng Lan, her other arm draped over her forehead as she reclined, responded with a wry expression, "You could say that. I've been experiencing stress due to my mother-in-law's insistent desire for another child from my estranged husband, who seems to prefer the company of a pretty-boy apothecary over his wife."