The Whole Family is Reborn, But I Transmigrated into a Book - Chapter 47

By the time Gu Qingzhuo brought Ren Songyan back from the military camp to the General’s Manor, Liu Qingyue and Gu Qingjia had already finished their meal.

Ren Songyan was not familiar with the Princess Consort of Jing. Being subjected to Liu Qingyue’s intense, curious scrutiny made her feel more than a little uncomfortable. Liu Qingyue, however, felt no such awkwardness; she was naturally lively, especially when faced with someone who piqued her interest.

“Physician Ren, hello! I’ve heard about your situation from the Prince. Everyone in the General’s Manor is a trusted confidant of the General or my husband. Would you like to change into some female attire?”

Liu Qingyue didn’t beat around the bush. After all, they were destined to be family. She could tell that although Gu Qingjia didn’t particularly “like” his second brother, their relationship had softened through this ordeal. Gu Qingzhuo was an upright man who had never tried to sabotage Gu Qingjia during their youth.

Ren Songyan bit her lip and instinctively looked toward Gu Qingzhuo.

“My sister-in-law is right,” Gu Qingzhuo nodded. “There are no outsiders here. If you wish, feel free to change your clothes.” He thought that since Ren Songyan had lived as a man for so many years, she must surely long to wear a woman’s robes again.

“It’s better if I don’t. I don’t want to cause trouble,” Ren Songyan shook her head. Though she wanted to, her rationality won out.

“Don’t worry, this is Yucheng, not the Capital. If there is trouble, someone will handle it for us,” Liu Qingyue said with a playful wink. “If you truly don’t like women’s clothing, I won’t force you. But if you’re only hesitating because of these imaginary fears, I think you should be brave and be yourself.”

These words were a reflection of what Gu Qingjia had told her—he wanted her to be happy, and he would handle the consequences. Ren Songyan looked at Liu Qingyue’s innocent face and felt that the Princess was protected far too well.

“Your Highness, I prefer to remain as I am.” Ren Songyan did not change her mind. Even if her identity was known to these few, the male disguise provided her with a sense of security.

“Very well, I have no objection,” Liu Qingyue said. She was only doing a favor for her brother-in-law; if she couldn’t persuade her, it wasn’t for lack of trying. “I’m going out for a stroll with Shuanghua. Do you want to join us?”

“Go with her,” Gu Qingzhuo interjected before Ren Songyan could decline. “She’s been cooped up in the manor for days without stepping a foot outside. She must be stifled.”

Ren Songyan was speechless. The Prince of Jing is right here; why is it my turn to accompany her?

“Yes,” Gu Qingjia said with a smile, clearly seeing through her thoughts. “Second Brother and I have matters to discuss. I’ll have to trouble Physician Ren to accompany my wife.”

Left with no excuse, Ren Songyan had to agree. She didn’t understand the brothers’ schemes, but since she had nothing left to lose, she didn’t fear their plots.

“This subordinate obeys,” she responded formally. She still placed herself in the position of an inferior. Gu Qingzhuo looked at her helplessly but said nothing. He hadn’t confessed his feelings yet, so it was only natural for her to remain guarded.

Liu Qingyue led Ren Songyan and Shuanghua out of the manor. They wandered aimlessly, going wherever their whims took them. To an observer, Liu Qingyue looked incredibly free—a freedom Ren Songyan had never known, neither in her youth nor now.

“Her Highness is always like this,” Shuanghua noted, seeing Ren Songyan’s contemplative look. “She has the heart of a child, and our Master is willing to indulge her.”

“That’s nice,” Ren Songyan murmured softly, whether to Shuanghua or herself, it was hard to tell. She was always like this, carrying a heart full of secrets she refused to share.

Shuanghua, remembering her master’s instructions, pushed a bit further. “Do you think her Highness is a bit too naive and carefree?”

Shuanghua wasn’t a natural conversationalist—ordinarily, no servant would discuss their master’s flaws with a stranger. But Ren Songyan was no fool. She didn’t answer directly. “She is your mistress, and your Master protects her. It is only right that she is so.”

“That’s true,” Shuanghua nodded. “But Master says the Princess has her own small considerations. Though she isn’t cunning, she worries for those around her and has a soft, kind heart. She doesn’t have grand skills, but she knows her limits and doesn’t cause trouble. As subordinates, we don’t ask for a generous master—just one who doesn’t look for drama.”

Shuanghua looked at Ren Songyan seriously. “I think the General wants you to spend time with her because your mind is too heavy. Sometimes, if you let down your guard and look at the person in front of you, the result might surprise you.”

Ren Songyan smiled faintly. “As expected of the Prince of Jing’s person. When you speak, I almost feel like he’s standing right next to me.”

“My task is finished,” Shuanghua returned to her cold, detached demeanor, as if she had simply checked off a box on a list.

“Shuanghua! Come quickly! Look at this!” Liu Qingyue waved at them from a stall, her face alight with excitement.

Ren Songyan and Shuanghua weren’t the curious types, but their job was to accompany her. Liu Qingyue, who usually just browsed, was on a shopping spree today, likely fueled by her weeks of confinement. Fortunately, Shuanghua carried more than enough silver.

By noon, Ren Songyan’s hands were full of bags. She began to suspect that Gu Qingzhuo had arranged this as a form of revenge. Finally, Liu Qingyue led them into Yucheng’s largest tavern.

“My treat today! Physician Ren, eat your fill,” Liu Qingyue said generously—knowing full well she was spending Gu Qingzhuo’s money.

“Thank you, Your Highness.” Ren Songyan didn’t stand on ceremony and ordered several signature dishes.

“Physician Ren, I actually have a question for you,” Liu Qingyue said, resting her chin on her hand. Her brow furrowed slightly. “The army camp is cold and harsh… how did my husband fare there? He’s back now, but he refuses to tell me anything.”

Ren Songyan instinctively glanced at Shuanghua. She knew life in the camp was grueling, but she wasn’t sure what Gu Qingjia wanted his wife to know. Shuanghua gave a slight shake of her head.

“It was cold, but survivable,” Ren Songyan said carefully. “Besides, the Prince of Jing is no ordinary man. If there was anything good in the camp, it was given to him first.”

Liu Qingyue nodded, though she still felt a bit unsatisfied. She then shifted her curiosity to Ren Songyan herself. “Physician Ren… is it hard to study medicine?”

Her eyes sparkled with genuine interest. In her past life, she had spent half her time in hospitals. She knew how hard doctors worked, but that was modern Western medicine. Traditional Chinese medicine in this era felt mysterious and ancient.

Ren Songyan heard the question and involuntarily drifted into her memories.