CHAPTER 63: CHAPTER 63: WHAT SHOULD HE DO ABOUT THIS YOUNG LADY?

Fu Shinian couldn’t speak the truth, so she had to say, "I’m just worried about you and wanted to come to make sure you’re alright."

Xiao Chengyu felt a tight pain in his chest at her words.

Simply because she was worried about him, the young lady followed the Cheng Family’s convoy transporting supplies, traveling a long distance to come here.

Transporting supplies is not a leisure trip; Cheng Yuanshan would certainly have hurried day and night with little rest to deliver promptly.

Xiao Chengyu couldn’t help but raise his hand; at this moment, only the two of them were in the room.

Xiao Chengyu then untied the cloth on his face, and afterward, also removed the cloth covering Fu Shinian’s face.

Only then did he finally see Fu Shinian’s face clearly.

She was dressed in men’s attire, to disguise herself as a young man, and did not wear any makeup.

Due to lack of rest, the darkness under her eyes was particularly noticeable against her fair skin.

"Did your family know you left?" Xiao Chengyu asked.

"I sneaked into the convoy, but I left a letter at home. Uncle Cheng also occasionally sent letters home to assure them of our safety," Fu Shinian thought, now that she was in Ganning City.

Cheng Yuanshan is likely still sending letters home truthfully.

Her family must be extremely worried about her.

But given the current situation in Ganning City, even if she wanted to send a letter home to assure them, the letter couldn’t be delivered.

Xiao Chengyu didn’t know what to say; he understood the young lady’s feelings.

Step by step, she climbed the path to the mountain to pray for him.

She tirelessly made incense and incense balls for him.

Now, she traveled far alone just to see him.

Such deep affection, yet he couldn’t respond to it.

Xiao Chengyu had never blamed fate, but at this moment, he uncharacteristically resented its unfairness.

Why is his lifespan so short?

And why, with such a short life, did he have to meet someone as good as Fu Shinian, who stirred his emotions?

Knowing he shouldn’t drag her down, yet he couldn’t help but get close time and again.

Just because he couldn’t control that bit of selfishness.

But, it was limited to that bit of selfishness.

He wouldn’t allow himself to ruin Fu Shinian’s life because of that little bit of selfishness.

With countless thoughts, they ultimately condensed into the words: "You must have had a tough journey with the convoy; freshen up and rest well. I’ll go see if Mr. Hu needs anything."

Fu Shinian nodded, and Xiao Chengyu, still concerned, instructed, "The outbreak in Ganning is severe; unless necessary, don’t go out. If you must go out, make sure to cover your mouth and nose. Also, Doctor Xu said alcohol has disinfecting properties; carry some with you when you go out and use it to clean your hands. It’s strong-smelling, but if it can prevent infection, it’s worth it."

Fu Shinian nodded, "Marquis, go ahead with your duties; don’t worry about me. When you’re done, come back and talk to me about what’s been happening recently."

Xiao Chengyu nodded, took another look at Fu Shinian, reluctant to part, then went to find Hu Pingcheng.

He hadn’t asked Fu Shinian how she managed to bring so many medicinal materials.

Fortunately, Hu Pingcheng knew and told Xiao Chengyu it was purchased by Fu Shinian along the way, initially meant for the army. But when the mishap in Ganning occurred, she brought the materials into the city.

He added that Fu Shinian was worried soldiers leaving the city might spread the plague, so she entered the city alone.

"I thought it was a young gentleman and didn’t expect it was a lady," Hu Pingcheng remarked, "This Miss Fu truly has a chivalrous spirit and commendable courage."

Xiao Chengyu wished Fu Shinian would cherish her life more and not be so courageous.

"This time, the medicinal materials brought by Miss Fu have truly solved an urgent problem. It should hold until reinforcements from the imperial court arrive," Hu Pingcheng sighed in relief.

Otherwise, with the dwindling supplies in the city and no sight of help, an entire city might not hold out, leaving Ganning a dead city.

"Has Mr. Hu come for important matters?" Xiao Chengyu asked.

"Yes, yes," Hu Pingcheng replied, "Previously, Doctor Xu suggested setting aside a specific area in the city to gather all infected citizens for unified medication and prevent them from spreading the disease by moving around."

"It’s already arranged," Hu Pingcheng informed, "I cleared out the examination hall, and the original compartments inside will serve as resting places for the sick. For now, it should suffice."

"Then, have all sick citizens moved to the hall today," Xiao Chengyu instructed, "Remind them that after a patient leaves, the home must be filled with vinegar and cleaned with alcohol."

"Some families are still unwilling to use vinegar and alcohol for disinfection; further visits will be necessary," Xiao Chengyu continued, "If anyone is particularly stubborn, impose fines, and for those who defy orders, imprison them as an example."

"Understood." Hu Pingcheng intended to report this, but Xiao Chengyu already understood the situation.

Having Marquis Changping in charge made Hu Pingcheng’s job significantly easier.

"Also, monitor the current prices in the shops," Xiao Chengyu added, "As the epidemic worsens, some shop owners might be tempted to raise prices. If any shop seizures, lower the prices for the public."

"Understood," Hu Pingcheng thought, Marquis Changping’s methods are indeed swift and decisive.

Regardless, with Marquis Changping bearing the burden, Hu Pingcheng wasn’t afraid of offending anyone.

Hu Pingcheng discussed many matters with Xiao Chengyu.

By the time Hu Pingcheng left, it was already dark.

Xiao Chengyu returned to Fu Shinian’s room. A maid whispered, "My lord, the young lady is still asleep."

Xiao Chengyu nodded and walked straight into Fu Shinian’s bedroom.

The maid quickly lowered her head, not daring to look further.

Xiao Chengyu sat by the bed and watched Fu Shinian’s sleeping face.

The little girl was truly exhausted, sleeping all this time.

He watched without blinking, unconsciously reaching out to gently stroke the dark circles under her eyes with his fingertip.

What should he do with this young girl?

Fu Shinian felt an itch below her eyes, and the familiar scent of ink lingered in the air.

She opened her eyes and saw Xiao Chengyu sitting by the bed.

His fingertip was still near her eyes, unable to retract in time.

Xiao Chengyu was stunned, not expecting Fu Shinian to suddenly wake up.

Wasn’t she sleeping soundly?

"Marquis?" Fu Shinian was puzzled, blinking her eyes and feeling groggy, unsure if she was dreaming.

Feeling embarrassed and guilty, Xiao Chengyu quickly withdrew his hand.

But before he moved away from her face, Fu Shinian caught it.

Holding his hand, her voice was slightly hoarse from sleep, soft and gentle as she asked, "Am I dreaming?"

Xiao Chengyu lowered his gaze, looking at Fu Shinian’s small hand, unable to fully enclose his hand, answered in a low voice, "Why do you think you’re dreaming?"

"Because I was worried about the marquis, so I dreamt of you," Fu Shinian obediently replied.