Dingbei Hou's doctor brother

Chapter 179: Shangyuan Jiazhang

Lu Ziqing glanced at Chen Jing from the side and said, "Of course, I am a citizen of the Great Ning Dynasty. I just know a little bit about the ways of survival in the martial arts world. It is really not worth mentioning, so I will not show off in front of Your Highness.

Chen Jing looked back at him and said, "It doesn't matter if you don't say anything. As the saying goes, there are always people who are better than you. I'll just treat it as fate. Your appearance brings hope and fortune."

Ever since Emperor Shengzhi was rescued by Lu Ziqing, his mental state has inexplicably improved, and he even personally received some envoys during this period.

Chen Jing and court officials accompanied the envoys on the tour and enjoyed the lanterns on the 15th day of the first lunar month.

That day, Lu Ziqing was dragged by Chen Jisheng to go for a walk. The night sky was bright with fireworks, the streets were decorated with lights and there were crowds of people.

Xiaowu and Xiaoliu even acted as guides, saying as they walked: "Sir, this is your first Lantern Festival in the capital. What do you think of the lanterns in the capital?"

Just as Lu Ziqing was about to speak, Wu Ji beside him responded cheerfully.

"Of course it's beautiful. There are so many beautiful lanterns of all shapes and sizes. This is the first time I've seen them."

As he spoke, he took a bite of the candied haws. Su Chengyi looked at him and joked.

"This is what that little kid eats. How old are you? Why are you still eating this? Is it delicious?"

Just two steps ahead, the child who was called turned around, put his arm around his shoulders, and introduced the candied haws in his hand while staring at it.

"Let me tell you, the candied haws in the capital are truly exceptional, especially those from that shop we just visited. Look at these hawthorns, they're round, plump, and bright red, especially with the sugar coating on them, they're crystal clear."

He took a bite and said, "It's crispy and crunchy, and tastes sour and sweet. It's simply delicious."

Su Chengyi never ate these snacks. Glancing at him eating with such enthusiasm, he couldn't help swallowing his saliva, half believing and half doubting.

"Is it really...that delicious? Then give me a bite."

Chen Ji let go of his shoulder and held the food farther away like a child guarding his food, keeping him in suspense.

"Want to eat? Go buy it yourself."

Su Chengyi said, "Hey!" "I bought these two skewers of yours, and you won't even let me have a bite?"

“This is food for children.”

Chen Ji said this with a snort of laughter and walked forward. Wu Ji followed in agreement. Su Chengyi looked at the two ungrateful people coldly and said to Lu Ziqing.

"Look at him, second brother. He has learned to criticize me in a roundabout way."

"So, don't keep calling him kid."

As Lu Ziqing spoke, he looked around. The women who usually lived in secluded boudoirs were standing in front of the lantern shop, guessing lantern riddles, and the fire-breathing stunts of the performers were attracting applause from the boys and girls.

There are also box lanterns that explode layer by layer, which are very beautiful. There are so many new things to see that it is hard to keep up.

He sighed, "The Lantern Festival in the capital is truly bustling and extremely prosperous."

"Sir, that's not all." Xiao Liu said with a smile, "There are better things to see over at Chengtian Gate later. Let's go there now."

As expected, the imperial road outside Chengtian Gate was crowded with people, drums and music were playing, and the giant lantern in the center, which was nearly 20 meters high, was especially breathtaking, and the light was as bright as daylight.

A few people squeezed into the crowd, and Xiaoliu looked up at the lights and laughed loudly.

"Sir, this is the Aoshan Lantern. During the Lantern Festival, the Imperial Guards do not prohibit it. Citizens of the entire city can come and go freely at night. They can also watch the Aoshan Lantern for three days. It's beautiful, isn't it?"

In previous years, Lu Ziqing and his friends usually stayed in small places and had never seen such a lively and prosperous festival atmosphere. Today's scene was truly shocking.

"This Aoshan Lantern is indeed worthy of its reputation."

He was watching intently when he felt someone pat his shoulder. He turned around and saw Chen Jing standing beside him with a smile on his face.

"Wei Chen has seen..."

Before Lu Ziqing could finish his words, Chen Jing held his hand and said, "I don't like you being polite in private."

Lu Ziqing smiled awkwardly, "Isn't Your Highness accompanying the envoys on a tour today? Why are you here alone?"

Chen Jing was about to speak when he was suddenly pushed by someone behind him. His body leaned forward by inertia and pressed against Lu Ziqing.

He knew that Lu Ziqing was very repulsive, so he immediately let him go and explained in a low voice in a panic.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to. There are too many people here, please go outside."

Lu Ziqing coughed lightly and followed him out. He heard Chen Jing say, "Those foreign envoys are inside watching the lanterns right now, accompanied by ministers. I came over when I saw you here."

Lu Ziqing nodded silently and said casually: "There are so many people here, how did His Highness know it was me?"

Having said that, Chen Jing did not reply immediately, but turned his head to look at him and smiled.

"You are the only one with a graceful and elegant demeanor that is so unique that I can see you at a glance even from a distance."

Lu Ziqing was speechless for a moment, feeling that he was about to be overwhelmed by Chen Jing's peculiar enthusiasm.

He didn't know how to respond, so he looked around tactically.

Chen Jing couldn't help but smile when he saw how embarrassed he was. In order to prevent him from feeling awkward, he started a conversation.

"After you gave my father medicine and acupuncture some time ago, he has been in much better spirits in the past few days. Today he even praised your superb medical skills."

Lu Ziqing said, "The Emperor's health has been delayed for too long. I have only been able to revive him with medicine and acupuncture. He still needs to slowly recuperate. Later, I will hand over the treatment to Xu Yuanpan."

"As for the Empress Dowager's habitual headaches caused by depression, I will also refer them to Imperial Physician Chi. The Empress Dowager's arthritis has improved significantly, and she should have no problems following the prescriptions going forward. There are other things..."

"What do you mean by that?" Chen Jing heard something else. "Why should we hand it over to them when you're here?"

"Your Majesty..." Lu Ziqing was speechless for a moment, hesitating for a while, then he said, "Your Majesty, I am too busy to handle it alone. It will be much more convenient to hand it over to them in the future."

"Really?" Chen Jing looked at him doubtfully, "Don't lie to me."

Lu Ziqing concealed a smile and said something that sounded a bit disingenuous, "What crime is it to deceive the prince?"

Seeing his smile, Chen Jing smiled too, and then walked side by side with him for a while, then met Xining in the crowd. Lu Ziqing saluted and greeted him.

Xining wore a goose yellow cloak, which made her look even more beautiful and charming, but there was not much of a smile on her face.

Ever since Xiao Yan left, she had lost her appetite, felt depressed, had nightmares at night, and looked much more haggard.

Chen Jing sighed inwardly and said with a smile, "Today is the Lantern Festival, why do you look so worried? If there is anything you want to play or eat, tell the prince and I will buy it for you."

Xining smiled casually and said, "Then I'll have lots of food and fun. I'm afraid the Crown Prince's wallet will be in trouble."

"I'd buy the whole street for you without any problem." Chen Jing said, "You'll thank me with tears later."

Xining chuckled, and the crab lantern in her hand moved along with it. After a while, she asked again.

"Brother Prince, I... want to ask you a question."

"Well, you ask."

"Um..." Xining said shyly and quietly when he saw that there were outsiders present, "Is there still no news about the Marquis returning to the capital?"