Bai Siruo had never been to Physician Zhang's home before, so she had no idea where it was.
Haitang, who was still receiving acupuncture treatment beside her, suddenly found a flood of fragmented memories rushing into her mind.
Seeing her like this, Xiao Muqian felt more heartache than blame. He had intended to scold her sternly for being so unguarded with strangers and causing such a stir throughout the city. However, upon seeing her innocent expression when she woke up, the words simply wouldn't come out.
Feng Jinyao gave a bitter smile. "This is Uncle Shou's home. Lu Yuanfeng drugged you and almost violated you."
Such a matter could not be kept secret, especially as the scandal of elopement would only intensify tomorrow. She feared she would be the one to break down.
The expressions of the three were grave. Even if Bai Siruo were foolish, she could understand something was amiss.
"So his mother's serious illness was a lie to trick me?"
"Yes."
Feng Jinyao's answer plunged Bai Siruo into silence. Her long eyelashes, like wings, covered her eyes, concealing all emotion. If only this could be a dream.
To think her former savior would frame her in such a way. She had truly been blind to have gotten into this mess.
Everyone's attention was on Bai Siruo. Beside her, Haitang also awoke under Physician Zhang's golden needles. Seeing the scene, she was utterly bewildered.
"Alright, she's awake now, so it's fine. As for you, Feng girl, come with me."
Physician Zhang's words were irrefutable. Could it be that her cousin had some other hidden ailment that she couldn't discuss with them, and thus needed to speak with him alone?
She followed Aunt Zhang and Uncle Shou to the side.
Aunt Zhang draped a large cloak around her and said with concern, "A young lady like you should take better care of yourself. When you reach my age, you'll know the pain of illness. Miss San must have been exposed to the cold wind all night; her complexion is so pale."
Aunt Zhang remained silent, and Feng Jinyao hadn't quite registered her words.
Now that her cousin was awake, she felt a sense of relief, and suddenly her limbs felt weak, her head ached, and her thighs, especially, burned from the prolonged bouncing on horseback. Without even looking, she knew they must be covered in bruises.
Uncle Shou handed over two bottles of medicine and said in a gentle tone, "The white one is for internal use to treat cold and fever, and the black one is for external use to treat bruises. Your constitution isn't particularly robust. In the future, when things happen, let the young men handle them. Don't always be charging into battle and harming yourself; it's not worth it."
Seeing the genuine affection in their eyes, Feng Jinyao almost burst into tears.
In her previous life, her family members had all died one after another because of her, and her relatives had also suffered greatly. Therefore, after being reborn, she didn't want anyone to be burdened by her. Even when things had nothing to do with her, she would proactively take on the responsibility, gradually becoming accustomed to sheltering others from storms.
However, the words of these two elders made her realize that she was still an unmarried young woman who needed to be cherished and loved. Her parents, family, and friends had given her much, but this affection from people unrelated by blood was even more touching.
"Thank you, Uncle Shou and Auntie. A Yao understands."
There were many things that couldn't be spoken aloud, but from this day forward, these two elders would also be in her heart, like family, if not family itself.
Aunt Zhang glanced at her husband with a faint smile, unable to help but sigh inwardly.
If the Prince hadn't sent people to inform them, they might not have noticed these details. Indeed, this was a girl the Prince held dear to his heart. What harm was there in showing her a little extra favoritism?
At this moment, Feng Jinyao was unaware that all of this had been arranged by Xiao Tingyi. Her mind was entirely occupied with how to turn the tide.
The news of her cousin's elopement had indeed spread through the marketplace. Even though they had apprehended Lu Yuanfeng and could prove his guilt, it was still difficult to silence the gossip. If someone with ill intentions were to twist the narrative, they might claim that they had used their power to frame Bai Siruo's lover.
As the group, filled with worry, prepared to leave, they saw a crowd waiting at the entrance, including guards and maids. In the center stood a luxurious carriage, clearly expensive.
"Auntie Fulin?"
Xiao Muqian, being from a princely estate, recognized the carriage. He initially thought he was mistaken, but it was indeed her.
A capable maidservant of Princess Fulin stepped forward, bowed to the group, and then focused her gaze on Feng Jinyao. She spoke slowly, "Today, my Princess was returning from the hot spring manor in the outskirts when she encountered a suspicious man driving a carriage towards the western suburban residences. Hearing a woman crying from inside the carriage, she was concerned that someone was causing trouble within the capital and decided to stop and investigate. To her surprise, it was the granddaughter of Prime Minister Bai. Upon interrogation, it was discovered she had been kidnapped. To dare to abduct the family member of a high-ranking official in broad daylight is a crime punishable by death. However, out of consideration for the laws of the court, she has been apprehended and will be handed over to Ying Tian Prefecture shortly. Miss Bai should also return with the Princess. We will see this through to the end and escort you back to the Bai residence."
After her speech, Feng Jinyao's worries were finally resolved. She looked at the maidservant with immense gratitude. "How did the Grand Princess know about this?"
"This servant does not know. If Miss Feng San has any questions, she may visit another day."
Nodding her head in deep gratitude, she knew that receiving help from Grand Princess Fulin was the most opportune thing. With her prestige in both the imperial court and among the populace, most people would naturally be convinced. Even if there were doubts, they would not dare to spread further rumors.
She bowed deeply towards Grand Princess Fulin's carriage and entourage. All words of gratitude would have to wait for another day.
Taking Bai Siruo's cold hand, she whispered, "Cousin, let's go home first. After such a long day, I'm sure your family is worried. Instead of dwelling on things that are not worth it, it's better to spend time with your loved ones."
Hearing her words, Bai Siruo finally emerged from her silence.
She was not a fool. She understood that all of this was for the sake of her reputation. She had been too shocked earlier. Now that she had regained her senses, she naturally had to return to the Bai family to confess her mistakes.
Looking at the three who had come to her rescue, all of them travel-worn, she felt an inexpressible gratitude.
Xiao Muqian wished to accompany her back to the Bai family, but he was stopped by the maidservant of Grand Princess Fulin.
"Second Young Master should return soon. You must be tired after a day of inspecting and preparing for the army's departure. The Prince and Princess Consort will be worried."
Even Xiao Muqian's hurried departure had been given a plausible reason. Feng Jinyao was truly curious as to who was behind the scenes, cleaning up their mess.