Chapter 225: Not Marrying

Chapter 225 -217: Not Marrying

‘In ancient times, women held a low status, especially the daughters of poor families. After marrying into their husband’s family, they had virtually no say. It was a stroke of luck if their husband was considerate—at least they’d have someone who cared for their well-being. A little hardship and exhaustion didn’t matter then.’

‘But if she married a man who didn’t know how to cherish a woman, her life was as good as over.’

‘In my current situation, as a young peasant girl with such a reputation, wouldn’t looking for a husband just be asking for trouble? Besides, this body is not even thirteen years old. I’m still just a sapling. It’s far too early to be talking about marriage.’

Hu Feng said no more, and the tense expression on his face finally softened considerably.

After the acupuncture session was over, Hu Feng asked, “We’ve done this several times now. Why isn’t there the slightest sign of my memory returning?”

Bai Zhi collected her needles without looking at him, her tone cool and detached. “Did you think this was some surface wound, easy to heal? If it were that simple, would you have spent the last three years unable to remember a single thing?”

After securing her needle bag, she looked up at Hu Feng. “Three years ago, you suffered a severe head injury. The fact that you survived without becoming a fool is a blessing. The fact that blood stasis has been building in your brain for three years without causing any other damage is an even greater blessing. The treatment I’m giving you is the most conservative approach. It’s slow to show results and the process will be long, but it’s the safest option for you.”

Hu Feng remained silent, his gaze sharp as he stared at her.

Bai Zhi continued, “You don’t understand medicine, so there are some things you wouldn’t grasp even if I explained them. However, I can assure you of one thing: I will cure your amnesia. But it will take time. I can’t say exactly how long; it will depend on your recovery. Even though you may not feel any progress right now, that doesn’t mean there isn’t any.”

The girl before him was not yet thirteen, yet she possessed a confidence that even old doctors with decades of experience lacked. Her young face held a pair of eyes that sparkled with wisdom. Her demeanor was calm and steady, and she never grew flustered by circumstances.

The things she did, the words she said—they never failed to surprise and astound him.

Seeing him remain silent, Bai Zhi grew frustrated. “You don’t trust me? If you don’t trust me, you can just go—”

“I trust you!”

He cut her off, nodding at her firmly.

Their eyes met. An indescribable emotion began to quietly blossom in some forgotten corner, like a seed planted long ago that, upon receiving a sudden shower of sweet dew, had finally begun to sprout and grow.

Bai Zhi quickly averted her gaze and cleared her throat twice. A faint blush crept onto her fair cheeks. “Ahem—I should get going. You should rest.”

Watching her slender back as she hurried away, the corners of Hu Feng’s mouth slowly curved into a faint smile, his eyes shining brightly.

「Early one morning.」

Bai Zhi and Hu Feng set out from the village, driving their horse-drawn carriage to the county government in Qingyuan Town.

Just like last time, Meng Nan and the Jin guard were already waiting at the courtyard gate. Neither of them looked well; in fact, they seemed to have lost some weight.

Spotting Bai Zhi and Hu Feng in the distance, Jin Shi jumped up in delight. “They’re here! They’re finally here!” He rushed forward excitedly. Seeing the food box in Bai Zhi’s hand from afar, he said, “You shouldn’t have! Just coming is enough. You always bring something; it’s so embarrassing.” Though his words were modest, his hand shot out with lightning speed.

Hu Feng shot him a cool glance, his eyes filled with scorn. “If you’re so embarrassed, then don’t eat.”