Chapter Forty-One: The Clash

Wei Baofu was still unaccustomed to such direct concern from a stranger of the opposite sex. Though she felt uneasy inside, her expression remained calm and composed as she replied with poise, "Thank you for your concern, Marquis. My health is no longer in danger. Once I finish the last dose of medicine, I should be completely recovered."

After all, he was expressing genuine care for her wellbeing, and Wei Baofu was grateful. She remembered every little kindness shown to her—even if it didn't call for grand displays of gratitude, she always made sure to return the favor when the time was right.

Rong Yanzong nodded with a gentle smile. Though his gaze held a hint of scrutiny, it was not excessive. Wei Baofu could sense it, but took it as normal curiosity—his restraint was impeccable, so she did not find it difficult to bear.

Xiao Zhan, however, seemed oblivious to the subtle undercurrents in the atmosphere. He spoke up cheerfully, "Let me check your pulse. Whatever you two say doesn't count—I'll know for sure after a follow-up examination."

Shanzhu silently mourned for the military physician, for as expected, Rong Yanzong shot Xiao Zhan a somewhat displeased look, a faintly meaningful smile playing at his lips. Xiao Zhan, entirely unaware, walked over to Wei Baofu's side.

Wei Baofu rather liked his forthright nature and cooperated by extending her wrist. When Xiao Zhan placed his fingers on her pulse, Rong Yanzong felt a sharp pang of discomfort. He was fiercely possessive—not to the point of illness, but he disliked anyone touching what he cherished.

Until now, he had never been so invested in any woman. The more he cared, the more cautious he became—that was Rong Yanzong. Pretending not to mind, he stood by and watched in silence.

When Xiao Zhan finally withdrew his hand, he spoke in a relaxed tone, "You're fine now. Take the last dose of medicine later—it'll serve to strengthen your foundation. You'd been troubled in your heart before, but much of that gloom has now lifted. As long as you keep an open mind, there's no obstacle you can't overcome. If you live well, everything else will pass."

Wei Baofu nodded with a gentle smile. Ever since her conversation with Rulan, the knots in her heart had unraveled. She understood that everything had been her mother's choice, that her parents now rested together, and that her aunt had borne every burden for her. She felt guilty toward her aunt, but relief had come nonetheless.

Rong Yanzong spoke at just the right moment, "Your Highness, if you have any worries or need assistance, I will do everything in my power to help." Wei Baofu was taken aback, sensing a touch of unusual warmth from him, but replied sincerely, "Thank you, Marquis. I am well now—there were simply things I couldn't resolve before."

After all, this was their first meeting. She could not yet converse with him as with an old friend. Yushun, seeing his mistress's discomfort, interjected tactfully, "My lady, it's just the right time for lunch. Do you have any arrangements?"

He cast Rong Yanzong a meaningful glance, which Wei Baofu immediately understood. Smiling, she said, "Marquis, Physician Xiao, if you don't mind, would you care to stay for a meal? My residence is not yet fully in order, but I can still offer you hospitality, as long as you don't mind the simplicity of the fare."

Xiao Zhan had slept late that morning and eaten breakfast later than usual, so he wasn't hungry at all. He was about to refuse when Rong Yanzong spoke first, "We are all soldiers; on campaign, we've eaten all manner of things. As long as it fills the belly, that's enough. Thank you, Your Highness, for your hospitality."

Xiao Zhan was so frustrated he nearly scowled. He'd wanted to return sooner to prepare more medicine, but Shanzhu tugged him aside at just the right moment, standing with a forced smile. Their subtle exchange did not escape Yushun's notice.

He lowered his gaze to conceal his thoughts, then asked softly, "Your Highness, the kitchen staff does not yet know your preferences. Is there anything you'd like to instruct them about?" The bond between mistress and servant was clear—Yushun was really asking if she wanted to serve dishes made from potatoes.

Wei Baofu hesitated. The Marquis of the Northern Frontier was not someone to be underestimated. If he tasted potatoes, he might grow curious. But to conceal it seemed unnecessary—after all, no one yet knew the yield of the crop.

She glanced at Rong Yanzong, who happened to catch her look and returned it with a friendly smile. Having made up her mind, Wei Baofu said cheerfully, "Marquis, I recently received some fresh provisions from my servants. They are not rare, but rather a novel variety. If you don't mind, would you like to try them?"

Rong Yanzong knew that, though the Lady had grown up in a palace, she had never lacked good food. If she called something novel, it must truly be unfamiliar. He responded cooperatively, "That's wonderful. I'm quite the gourmand—if it's tasty, I'll give it a try."

Wei Baofu weighed her decision carefully. The Marquis of Courage had always been suppressed; Lady Shu, though talented, was confined to the palace and could accomplish little. Relying on the Fourth Prince to build his own faction would take time. But if the Marquis of the Northern Frontier supported the Fourth Prince, who wouldn't be tempted by such a formidable ally?

Though she had her motives, Wei Baofu would never state them plainly—that would be foolish. She didn't mind building rapport; with friendship, everything else could be negotiated.

Both concealed their intentions, but got along well enough. With Xiao Zhan providing lively conversation, time passed quickly. When Pearl arrived with the maids and servants, bringing the dishes, even Xiao Zhan—who hadn't been hungry—swallowed instinctively.

"Your Highness, what is this called? I've traveled far and wide and tasted all sorts of strange foods, but this is new to me. It looks and smells quite good," Xiao Zhan remarked.

Though she was the hostess, as a lady she did not dine at the same table, but was separated by a screen. Sitting in the inner chamber, she could still converse easily. Smiling, she replied, "Why not try it, Physician Xiao? This is an import from overseas."

Xiao Zhan's interest was immediately piqued. "So it crossed the seas to get here? That deserves a proper tasting." Without ceremony, he popped it into his mouth, chewed, and nodded in satisfaction.

"This has a good texture and is filling," he commented, ever the practical man, always thinking first of satiety. Rong Yanzong, sampling the potatoes, mused, "Your Highness, do you have more of these? I believe they'd be excellent as military provisions."

As expected, Rong Yanzong's reaction did not disappoint Wei Baofu. As the saying goes, to catch a big fish, you must cast a long line. If you wish to win someone's help, you must have something to offer—no one will bargain with you otherwise.

"I'm afraid you'll be disappointed, Marquis. There weren't many potatoes brought over. As you know, it's no mean feat for a ship to cross the sea safely, and the cargo is naturally limited. However, I intend to try cultivating some myself to see what the yield might be. It's only an idea for now, and I must ask you to keep it secret."

A gleam flashed in Rong Yanzong's eyes. He could tell this young lady was clever, but he was not inclined to simply go along—he wanted to secure an advantage for himself. Unabashedly, he replied, "Keeping a secret is not difficult. I could even help, but I would expect some benefit in return. Would Your Highness agree?"

Wei Baofu could not see his expression, but sensed that he would not be easily dealt with. She hesitated for a moment, but thinking of his influence, the Fourth Prince's weakness, and the sacrifices of her mother and aunt, she ultimately yielded.

With a hint of reluctance, she asked, "Then what is it that you want, Marquis?" Her tone was full of grievance—Wei Baofu knew when to show weakness. Men are always more forgiving toward gentle women.

Before Rong Yanzong could reply, Xiao Zhan, satisfied with his meal, interjected, "You're a grown man—having good food should be enough. Why make things difficult for a young lady?" His words made Rong Yanzong seem petty.

Rong Yanzong took no offense, replying calmly, "You don't understand. This isn't bullying—it's mutually beneficial. If Your Highness doesn't mind, I would like to be informed of the progress of your potato cultivation by letter. When the crop is ready, please give me priority in purchasing the harvest. Of course, I will pay a fair price. Would that be agreeable?"

He had no intention of letting Wei Baofu suffer any loss; he simply wished to create more opportunities for the two of them to interact. Even if they couldn't meet in person, exchanging letters would suffice. In time, familiarity would grow.

Wei Baofu was about to respond when Linglong spoke up first, "Your Highness, you mustn't. You have spent long years in the Empress Dowager's company. Leaving aside how the letters would be sent, if anyone were to find out, your reputation would be at risk. The Marquis is a man—he can afford not to care—but you have neither father nor brothers to protect you..."

Her words were full of heartfelt concern. Rong Yanzong was slightly displeased—he knew the maid's intent was to warn her mistress about his reputation. Still, he kept his composure, waiting to hear Wei Baofu's thoughts.

Wei Baofu smiled with satisfaction. Linglong had voiced exactly what she felt. While she wished to befriend him, she would not sacrifice her reputation. She had promised her grandmother to find a suitable husband; if her name was tarnished, what choices would she have left?

"Marquis, my maid may have spoken out of turn, but she has a point. If you wish to know the progress, why not send a maidservant to inquire at my residence? There's no need for letters, which could be used as evidence against us. If word got out, rumors would surely follow."

But Rong Yanzong would not be dismissed so easily. He insisted, "Your Highness worries too much—we would be corresponding about proper matters, nothing more. Besides, I have ways to prevent any evidence from falling into the wrong hands. Sending a maid may be more convenient, but I have no clever or capable girls at my side, not like the two you have with you."