Chapter 8: Unbearable

The sudden rain was about to stop, and the sky in the capital finally showed signs of clearing up.

　　Shen Yuan was still in shock and had lingering fears.

　　She didn't know how long she had stood with Lu Zhiyun. She was afraid that the soul would leave her body again, so she held the man's strong and powerful arm tightly until the rain stopped.

　　Fortunately, her height was only up to Lu Zhiyun's shoulders, so she could avoid his sight by simply lowering her eyes slightly.

　　The two were silent to each other when the actor's graceful and melodious singing could be heard outside the window.

　　The double doors were also pushed open at this time, and Shen Yuan finally let go of Lu Zhiyun's arms.

　　Even without looking into his eyes, she could feel that when Lu Zhiyun looked at her, his eyes must be deep and unfathomable.

　　There were still traces of tears on Shen Yuan's face. He apologized softly, "Sir, I'm sorry. I was rude."

　　As soon as Jiang Feng entered the room, he heard Shen Yuan's gentle voice.

　　Her tone was reserved and polite, but every time she said the word "Sir", the atmosphere around her became more soft and ambiguous.

　　Jiang Feng just caught a glimpse of Shen Yuan's crying face.

　　But the beauty had her back to him at the moment, her black hair was half tied up, and her thick, silky black hair fell softly to her waist.

　　The lake blue cross-collared skirt makes her slender waist look even slimmer than the hand. Just looking at her thin and frail back can make people feel a sense of pity for her for no reason.

　　And Lu Zhiyun, who was standing beside her, was in stark contrast to her in both stature and temperament.

　　One is delicate and frail, unable to withstand the ravages of wind and rain, and will break at the slightest touch.

　　One is strong and fierce, with an overwhelming aura that makes people feel afraid.

　　Jiang Feng invited Chen Yuanshi from the Imperial Hospital into the room, but he felt that when these two people stood together, they had an inexplicable sense of being a perfect match.

　　Chen Yuanshi is over 60 years old and looks very kind.

　　After he respectfully greeted Lu Zhiyun, Jiang Feng said, "Please trouble Envoy Chen to take a look at this young lady's body."

　　Just now, when Brother Liao mentioned that Shen Yuan had suffered from heatstroke, Jiang Feng, at the signal of his master, immediately asked his servant to go to Chen's house in person and invite Chen Yuanshi, who happened to be on leave, to come there.

　　Chen Yuanshi replied, "Don't bother me. I am on my day off. If the Duke of Zhenguo wants to see me, I will come as soon as possible."

　　After listening to the conversation between the two, Shen Yuan couldn't help feeling a little surprised.

　　When she saw Chen Yuanshi just now, she had guessed his identity. She thought he should be the doctor Jiang Feng hired from a nearby clinic.

　　But he didn't expect that he was the highest-ranking official in the Imperial Medical Bureau.

　　The Imperial Medical Service of the Qi Dynasty only had one director and two judges.

　　Shen Yuan's stepmother Liu's uncle Kou Lang was the director of the Imperial Medical Bureau, and Kou Lang was also the father of Lu Zhiyun's third sister-in-law.

　　Lu Zhiyun had already sat back in the armchair, and looked at Shen Yuan and Chen Yuanshi with deep eyes.

　　Envoy Chen's expression was very calm.

　　But he was thinking in his heart that he had been an official in Beijing for many years, but he had never heard of Lu Zhiyun being involved in any romantic affairs.

　　He was also quite curious about the identity of the strange beauty in front of him, and secretly guessed her identity.

　　She has a stunning appearance, but her temperament is classical, gentle, delicate and graceful.

　　She looks like a lady from a noble family, not like a mistress kept by a high-ranking official.

　　But no matter who this beauty is, it is a foregone conclusion that the Prime Minister cares about her extremely much.

　　Dean Chen respectfully asked about Shen Yuan's symptoms and took her pulse.

　　Shen Yuan only concealed the fact that his soul had left his body and told Chen Yuanshi all the other symptoms truthfully.

　　Director Chen only said that her pulse was stable, but she had some symptoms of heart disease, so he prescribed some Danshen Baoxin Pills for her.

　　Lu Zhiyun narrowed his eyes slightly and asked Chen Yuanshi in a low voice: "Is she really okay?"

　　Envoy Chen replied respectfully, "Your Excellency, the young lady does have some signs of heart disease, but it's not a serious problem. Since the symptoms only occur when it rains, don't go out casually when there is a thunderstorm in the future."

　　——

　　After Shen Yuan left the restaurant, the seats were still tinged with the faint scent of magnolia.

　　Brother Liao was carried back to the mansion early in the morning.

　　Jiang Feng walked to Lu Zhiyun's side at this time, and whispered a few words to Lu Zhiyun.

　　Lu Zhiyun remained silent, then stood up from the armchair and walked out of the private room.

Jiang Feng and the other attendants followed him. After they walked a few steps in the corridor, a faint smell of blood floated in the air.

　　As the smell of blood became stronger, Lu Zhiyun stopped.

　　At Jiang Feng's signal, the servant opened the door of the private room in front of Lu Zhiyun.

　　After a "squeak".

　　Then, on the floor covered with gorgeous carpet, there were two corpses with hideous looks of death.

　　The pool of blood next to the corpse had long since dried up, dyeing the carpet extremely dark in color.

　　At this moment, Lu Zhiyun's black boots also stepped on a pool of blood.

　　The man's stern eyebrows and eyes were slightly stern. After sneering, he asked Xiang Jiangfeng: "Have you counted? How many times has this happened?"

　　Jiang Feng replied respectfully, "It's probably happened five or six times. Prince Ying is stubborn and stubborn. He knows that even if he brings some bastards to attack you, they won't be able to get close to you, but he still does these provocative actions."

　　Lu Zhiyun lowered his eyes and looked at the two corpses with disdain for a moment.

　　Then he left the room without saying a word.

　　He walked in front, while the other attendants whispered to Jiang Feng: "What should we do with this corpse?"

　　Jiang Feng replied calmly: "The weather has been hot recently, and the hawks that the master keeps are also very irritable, so just throw it to them."

　　Whether it is a human or an animal, Lu Zhiyun likes to tame them himself.

　　Birds of prey and wild beasts that are too difficult to tame will be killed mercilessly.

　　People with mediocre talents will naturally be abandoned.

　　Anyone who can work for Lu Zhiyun will also be a top expert in other fields.

　　Jiang Feng and Jiang Zhuo came from a poor family and were sold to a pawnbroker when they were young. Jiang Feng thought that he and his brother could only do the lowest level of hard labor.

　　But Lu Zhiyun, who was still very young at the time, bought them both and raised them with good food and clothing.

　　Lu Zhiyun also spent nearly ten years training the Jiang brothers into the most outstanding servants.

　　Jiang Feng and Jiang Zhuo also have heartfelt respect and gratitude for Lu Zhiyun.

　　He has countless people under his command, and it is a great honor to be able to serve him closely.

　　Although Lu Zhiyun is only a dozen years older than the Jiang brothers, the brothers have always treated him as their own father.

　　——

　　Yong'an Marquis Mansion.

　　It was not until he saw Shen Yuan's slender and graceful figure entering the vermilion gate that Jiang Zhuo was ready to speak and call the other brothers to return home.

　　Before they had taken a few steps, they saw a man wearing armor and with fierce eyes suddenly standing in front of them.

　　The man had a long sword on his waist, and behind him were several young men who looked like officers and soldiers.

　　When Jiang Zhuo saw him, he bowed respectfully and said, "I greet the commander."

　　The Commander Shi he was talking about was Lu Zhiyun's seventh brother Lu Zhiyang.

　　The commander of the Beijing Guard was responsible for garrisoning and patrolling the security of the capital and the palace. Under Lu Zhiyang, not only did he have officials such as the Beijing Guard Associate Governor and the Beijing Guard Assistant, he also was in charge of the officers and soldiers of the Twelve Guards.

　　Lu Zhiyang had a violent and naughty temperament and he hated studying the most. When the old Duke was alive, he was most worried about his young son.

　　His fifth brother Lu Zhiyun saw that although he liked to be violent and aggressive, he was actually very strong, so he sent the young boy to the captain of the central army, Qiao Pu, to learn martial arts.

　　When Lu Zhiyang grew up, he entered the officialdom and his temperament became more stable.

　　The person Lu Zhiyang respects the most is his fifth brother Lu Zhiyun. His character is more or less arrogant and difficult to tame, and only Lu Zhiyun can calm him down.

　　Lu Zhiyang glanced at the plaque of Yong'an Marquis Mansion, and then asked Xiang Jiangzhuo: "The eldest daughter of the Shen family who just came in, is she the one my fifth brother likes?"

　　Jiang Zhuo smiled as a sign of agreement.

　　Seeing this, Lu Zhiyang raised the corners of his lips slightly, and a bit of unruly ruffianism appeared in his eyes.

　　He was now very curious about what expression Lu Chen would have if he knew about this.

　　In fact, Lu Chen is one year older than Lu Zhiyang.

　　But his seniority is actually older than Lu Chen.

　　Although Lu Chen was not very willing, he had to call Lu Zhiyang "uncle" after seeing him.

　　Lu Zhiyang gripped the hilt of the knife in his hand and said to Jiang Zhuo, "Don't worry, I have already found out where the future Fifth Sister-in-law is in the capital, and I have also explained everything to the officers and soldiers under my command."

　　Jiang Zhuo replied: "Thank you, Commander."

　　Ever since that day when Shen Yuan's handkerchief flew in front of Lu Zhiyun, Jiang Zhuo knew it in his heart whether she did it intentionally or unintentionally.

　　His master has set his sights on her.

　　A few days ago, whenever Shen Yuan left the house, several attendants with great martial arts skills would quietly follow him.

　　Of course, there are also officers and soldiers under Lu Zhiyang who are keeping an eye on everywhere.

　　Otherwise, with her delicate and beautiful appearance, she would have been harassed by lechers if she walked on the street.

　　Shen Yuan is like a fragile yet beautiful butterfly.

　　And Lu Zhiyun has laid a huge yet safe net for her.

　　He waited quietly for her to fall into his trap, but was always ready to protect her safety.

　　——

　　The next day.

　　The four girls from the Shen family were selecting the newly arrived satin in the Marquis' Mansion in the Lotus Hall.

　　These satins come from the famous Ruifuxuan in Beijing.

　　They are made of plain yarn and can be used to make pearl shirts in summer.

　　The texture of the fabric is like the pattern of water and the grain of wood, and is cool and comfortable. (1)

　　Because this batch of satin was so rare, the pieces that the servants brought back were of different colors.

　　The lilac color is most suitable for young girls, making them look delicate and bright.

　　Shen Han and Shen Yu naturally picked two lilac-colored ones first, not paying any attention to the rules of seniority.

　　Liu looked at Shen Yuan but didn't say a word to criticize Shen Yu and Shen Han.

　　Finally, there were only two pieces of apricot-colored satin and one piece of reed-colored satin left on the long table.

The color of reed catkins is white, and although it is elegant, if it is made into an outer garment, it will look like mourning clothes, so it can only be used as an inner garment.

　　Shen Mu, the concubine's daughter born to the Third Concubine, glanced at Shen Yuan timidly. She was just about to take the reed-colored satin first.

　　Shen Yuan asked Bi Wu to pick up the apricot-colored horse, and after handing it to his younger sister, he said softly, "You are young, and apricot color looks good on you."

　　Shen Mu looked a little bit unbelievable, but still excitedly took the apricot-colored satin and said gratefully: "Thank you, elder sister~"

　　——

　　After leaving the Lotus Hall, Shen Han and his mother Liu were walking towards the courtyard.

　　As Shen Han walked, he said in a faint voice: "She is very generous. This makes Mu Jieer Satin appear calm and indifferent in front of Shen Yu, without any resentment. I don't know if she really doesn't care, or is used to acting."

　　After hearing what her daughter said, Mrs. Liu teased, "It rained heavily that day. Didn't you see? Her face was so pale! And today she took the initiative to pick that reed-colored satin. I couldn't point it out. But your eldest sister's face really shows that she is doomed to fail."

　　——

　　Fahua Temple.

　　The sky was a little cloudy that day, but Shen Yuan took Bi Wu to a temple and met an old acquaintance.

　　On the small sandalwood table, there were two cups of refreshing tea.

　　Nian Kong's eyes were naturally clear and bright, and one could tell at first glance that he had a heart full of compassion for the world.

　　He is not very old, but he is already the abbot of Fahua Temple.

　　After Shen Yuan and Nian Kong exchanged a few words in the dormitory where pilgrims rested, Nian Kong handed Shen Yuan a bracelet.

　　After Shen Yuan took it, Nian Kong said in a gentle voice: "I made a bracelet for you. It looks like an ordinary silver bracelet with plain patterns on the surface, but it is engraved with the Diamond Sutra. If you carry this bracelet with you, it will calm your soul. But Miss Shen's uncomfortable symptoms will still exist. Please forgive me for being unable to do anything about it."

　　When Shen Yuan lowered his eyes to look at the silver bracelet, he saw that the inside of the bracelet was indeed engraved with neat small Buddhist scripture characters.

　　Nian Kong's eyes were slightly red, and there were dark circles under his eyes. It was obvious that he had stayed up many nights to make this soul-calming bracelet for her.

　　Shen Yuan was grateful. After putting on the silver bracelet, he said softly, "Thank you, Abbot. Shen Yuan is very grateful."

　　Nian Kong, holding a Buddhist string, shook his head and said, "Back in Yangzhou, Miss Shen also saved my life. This is what I should do for you."

　　"Just remember, Miss Shen, don't take off this bracelet easily. Otherwise, when a thunderstorm comes, your soul will leave your body. Miss Shen knows what will happen without my saying anything more."

　　Shen Yuan nodded solemnly: "I'll remember that."

　　Nian Kong knew everything that happened to Shen Yuan, but Shen Yuan did not tell him the identity of the person who could calm her soul.

　　This person's fate is extremely rare and his luck is extremely strong. Evil and ferocious things can never get close to him.

　　Nian Kong clasped his hands together, and after a slight nod, he guessed his identity in his heart.

　　——

　　Lu Zhiyun stood in front of the hanging window, overlooking the bustling scene of Qianmen Street.

　　When Jiang Feng entered the room, he saw his master stretching out a slender hand with distinct finger bones.

　　Then, a beautiful royal blue butterfly landed obediently on his fingertips.

　　When Lu Zhiyun was thirteen years old, his father, the old Duke, was framed by treacherous officials, and all the male members of the Lu family were exiled.

　　Later, civil strife broke out in the Qi Dynasty, and the emperor in the capital was unable to take care of himself. Lu Zhiyun joined the army with his third brother and made great military achievements for the Qi Dynasty.

　　He came from a military background, and even after entering officialdom, he would often find time to practice martial arts to strengthen his body.

　　Therefore, the man's hand strength is much greater than that of ordinary men.

　　If Lu Zhiyun used a little more strength, the butterfly would immediately shatter in his palm.

　　But Lu Zhiyun lowered his eyelashes slightly, allowing the butterfly to stay on his fingertips. His cold and majestic eyes were also very patient when looking at it.

　　Brother Liao, who was sitting nearby, was supporting his face with his chubby little hands, looking a little listless.

　　The double-intersection, four-bowl mahogany door was gently pushed open with a creaking sound.

　　Liao Ge'er's little face gradually became excited, and he called out, "Sister Shen is here!"

　　The boy's clear voice startled the butterfly.

　　It suddenly flew away from the man's fingertips.

　　When Lu Zhiyun heard this, a faint smile appeared on the corners of his cold lips.