Lin Yanxi realized she had said too much, fell silent, and smiled awkwardly, "Just guessing."
She was always so lively and unpredictable. Although Shen Muzhou found it strange, he didn't doubt her.
Lin Yanxi pondered for a moment and said, "However, the number of refugees pouring into the city each day is increasing. We truly cannot let this continue. I do have a way."
Shen Muzhou asked, "What way?"
Lin Yanxi said, "There's a large vacant area outside the walls of Nanmin City. We can build temporary shelters there specifically for the refugees. This way, people won't crowd into the city, and it can also build a reputation for Prince Mu's Mansion."
This method was indeed good. He looked at the young girl in front of him with great admiration. He found that the longer he spent with Lin Yanxi, the more surprises she brought him.
At first, he only thought of her as a timid girl who feared death. As he got to know her, he realized that everything she did was for the Grand Tutor's Mansion and her family, and that she would risk everything for those she wanted to protect.
Later, when her mother died, he saw her collapse on the ground, crying uncontrollably. For some reason, he wanted to help this young girl.
Now, as they walked together, Lin Yanxi's concerns extended far beyond just the Grand Tutor's Mansion; her vision and perspective had long since encompassed Nanmin.
He said, "Building refugee shelters requires reporting to the imperial court first. But the national treasury is quite depleted these days, and the Emperor may not be willing to spend a large sum of money on disaster relief."
Lin Yanxi understood. In her previous life, it was precisely because of the severe deficit in the national treasury that disaster relief had to be abandoned, leading to discontent among the refugees.
"What about soliciting donations? We could solicit donations from merchants, and their names could be displayed on the shelters as thanks."
"This would be a great opportunity for merchants. So many people pass through the city gates every day. Not only can they expand their customer base and gain fame, but they can also improve their reputation."
Shen Muzhou thought this method was feasible. Seeing her serious expression, he couldn't help but reach out and gently brush a stray strand of hair from her forehead.
"It's a good idea. I will go to the palace immediately to see His Majesty and discuss this matter."
Lin Yanxi waved her hand, "Hurry, hurry."
Before he left, he still felt uneasy and reminded her to rest well.
Seeing her frail condition, he couldn't help but say a few more words. The young girl actually found him nagging, what a heartless child.
After Shen Muzhou left, a while later, the door creaked open, and Lizi quietly entered, holding a food tray with some clear congee and small dishes.
"Miss, it's time to eat. His Highness specifically ordered the servants to buy this from Baoxiu Tower."
The food tray was placed and arranged on the round table, waiting for Lin Yanxi to dine.
She lifted the lid of the bowl and walked to the table, picked up her chopsticks, and took a small bite of the shredded bamboo shoots. It was refreshing and appetizing, tasting quite good.
After Lizi put down the items, she retreated to the side to wait.
Lin Yanxi said with a bitter smile, "This Moon Luo Pavilion is just missing some roasted chestnuts, why is it so quiet?"
Lizi did not reply. After a while, muffled sobs could be heard intermittently.
She beckoned Lizi over, "Are you resenting me for sending away Tang Chao, disregarding our master-servant bond?"
Lizi walked over on small steps, wiping away her tears, "Miss is a kind-hearted person. You must have your reasons for doing this. I just... I just miss when Si Yue was still here in the Grand Tutor's Mansion. The three of us used to serve Miss together, and the courtyard was very lively."
Speaking of Si Yue, he had been gone for several months without even a letter.
She had sent people to the military camp to inquire but got no news. However, based on the outcome of her previous life, he should be fine.
Lin Yanxi said, "Lizi, if one day you find someone you like, or want to see the outside world, or have other plans, you must tell me truthfully, and I will help you arrange it."
Lizi knelt on the ground, buried her face in Lin Yanxi's embrace, and cried even harder, sobbing, "I will never leave Miss in this lifetime."
Lin Yanxi smiled helplessly, "Silly girl, I don't want you to waste your life with me. Don't worry, I'll find you a good family in the future."
Lizi said coquettishly, "A lifetime is a lifetime."
She had already made up her mind to stay by Miss's side forever.
---
It was almost noon when Lin Yanxi finally got out of bed. Lizi helped her wash up.
"Counting the time, Shen Muzhou should be out of court. I'll go find him."
Lin Yanxi's health had improved slightly these past few days, but she still looked somewhat frail, small and thin, her body pitiable.
Lizi chased after her, "Miss, walk slower."
There were two guards standing in front of Shen Muzhou's main courtyard. However, the Prince had given instructions that the Second Miss could enter and exit the courtyard freely, so no one stopped her.
But soon, she walked out of the courtyard disappointed again. Shen Muzhou seemed very busy these days, coming home late and leaving early. He didn't even return to the mansion after court. She was bored to death confined to the mansion every day.
This Shen Muzhou, what was he so busy with every day? He knew she was sick, yet he didn't come to see her.
Her only solace was to go to Jiang Mingsheng to learn more talisman techniques, but Jiang Mingsheng was always evasive, insisting she rest for a while longer.
As night fell, Lin Yanxi's body had not fully recovered, and she always felt tired. She fell asleep early.
A figure walked in from outside the door. He stood by her bedside and looked at her porcelain-white face in the moonlight for a while. She seemed to have gained a little weight.
He smiled with satisfaction and tucked the blanket around her.
"Mmm, Shen Muzhou, when are you coming back?" the young girl mumbled in her sleep, turning over.
Shen Muzhou paused, realizing that he hadn't returned to accompany her for several days. However, no matter how late he returned, he would always stand by her bedside for a moment before leaving, she just didn't know.
He gently stroked her soft cheek with his slightly rough fingertip, feeling content, and left Moon Luo Pavilion.
Xiao Liu was waiting in the courtyard. Shen Muzhou asked, "Bring me the imperial physician's pulse charts from these past few days."
"They are already on your desk."
Every time Shen Muzhou returned, he would review the imperial physician's pulse charts to see the medicine prescribed for Lin Yanxi and her condition. He flipped through a few pages and said, "It seems she still needs to rest in the mansion for a while longer."
"Xiao Liu, go tell Lizi that after court tomorrow, I will return to the mansion and have dinner with her."
The next morning, Lizi immediately informed Lin Yanxi of the news.
The previously listless face instantly broke into a smile. She excitedly asked, "Did he say he'd buy sweet cakes from Baoxiu Tower?"
"His Highness didn't seem to say what food would be prepared."
Lin Yanxi nodded and took a silver ingot from a small drawer, "It doesn't matter, it doesn't matter. Lizi, help me prepare some things. I want sweet cakes, steamed pigeon... oh, and roast chicken. Shen Muzhou's favorite."
Lizi mumbled the dishes Miss wanted and hurried to Baoxiu Tower without delay.
Lin Yanxi waited outside his courtyard. By the time Lizi returned with two food boxes, Shen Muzhou had still not appeared.
Lizi asked, "Has His Highness not returned yet?"
Lin Yanxi shook her head, "Perhaps he was delayed on the way. You can put the food boxes back first."
She went to wait at the mansion gate. After waiting for a while, perhaps tired from standing, she squatted on the doorstep, her round eyes scanning around, looking eagerly in the direction of the imperial palace.
About an hour later, a majestic carriage appeared, with bronze bells hanging from the four corners of its canopy.
Lin Yanxi was getting bored and drowsy, but upon hearing the jingle of the bells mixed with the sound of hooves, her eyes instantly lit up, and she became alert.
A carriage stopped in front of the mansion. The curtain was lifted, and Shen Muzhou stepped out of the carriage.
"Why are you only back now? Didn't you say you'd come after court? I've been waiting for you for so long, I'm so bored." Lin Yanxi complained a little.
Shen Muzhou's expression was not good. His gaze at her was deep and unreadable.
Lin Yanxi sensed something was amiss and looked towards the carriage, only to see two maids accompanying him, dressed in palace attire. They lifted the curtain.
From behind the curtain came a very gentle voice, "Muzhou."
Luo Jingxin sat inside the carriage, wearing a veil, and slowly extended an arm.
Shen Muzhou turned his head coldly and looked at the outstretched arm, remaining motionless for a long time.
The scene remained in a stalemate, becoming somewhat awkward. One of the maids said, "Your Highness, our County Princess is accustomed to being pampered. Please oblige us, Your Highness."
Lin Yanxi didn't quite understand the hidden meaning in their words. Just as Shen Muzhou was about to move, she instinctively clutched his long sleeve tightly.
Shen Muzhou turned his head back, staring at her without a word.
The frostbite had been cured, and he no longer needed to wear a heavy cloak all day, looking so sickly. In the sunlight, he appeared exceptionally radiant and elegant.
Perhaps sensing the hesitation and helplessness in his eyes, she let go of his hand with a daze and watched him walk step by step towards the carriage.
Her heart inexplicably felt heavy and distressed.
He took Luo Jingxin's hand and helped her down from the carriage. People passing by watched this scene, all envious of how good the relationship between Princess Chaoyang and the Prince was.
Luo Jingxin calmly alighted from the carriage. After she steadied herself, Shen Muzhou immediately withdrew his arm, frowning slightly.
She paused for a moment, then seemed completely unfazed and smiled at Lin Yanxi, "Sister, this Prince's mansion is quite boring. From now on, you and I will keep each other company."
Lin Yanxi did not reply and unceremoniously turned back into her courtyard.
She sat somewhat silently on the swing in Moon Luo Pavilion, lost in thought. A commotion sounded from outside.
It was servants carrying boxes of belongings into the mansion, all of Luo Jingxin's dowry.
Luo Jingxin toured the mansion and then appeared in Moon Luo Pavilion, exclaiming joyfully, "I think this courtyard is still the best. It even has a swing. Don't you agree, Sister?"
Shen Muzhou followed behind her, his face showing suppressed anger.
Lin Yanxi stood up from the swing and said directly, "Why do you call me 'Sister' so intimately? I only have one elder sister, who is a concubine's daughter in my family. County Princess should not lower yourself."
Luo Jingxin laughed instead of getting angry. Her words were always gentle and polite, "That's quite a sharp remark. Since you don't like it, I won't call you sister."
"It's just that the Prince's favor allows me to pick any courtyard I like. After much deliberation, I still find this courtyard to be excellent, with trees and a swing, unlike other courtyards that are so dull."
She asked, "Is anyone living in this courtyard?"
Lin Yanxi glared at Luo Jingxin. This question was the one that was truly irritating!
Everything in this courtyard belonged to her, and she was sitting on this swing. Could it be that no one lived here?
Shen Muzhou spoke first, his voice somewhat muffled, "This courtyard won't do. Pick another one."
His tone was cold and unyielding. Luo Jingxin, being shrewd, pulled him outside and said, "Alright, given my status, I should defer to her somewhat."
"However, you must also plant a phoenix tree in my courtyard and hang a swing. Only then will I be satisfied."
Her words were as soft as water, sounding arrogant, but more like she was being coquettish.
Shen Muzhou remained expressionless, only giving a low "Mm" in response.