Chapter 54: Charging Headlong (Two Chapters in One)

Chapter 54: Not Thrusting, but Bumping (Two Chapters in One)

The onlookers gasped, their mouths hanging wide open.

"Heavens, what is that young lady doing?"

"Could she be flirting with Young Master Shangguan? To do such a thing in front of so many people—she's incredibly bold."

"Stupid. It's obvious Young Master Shangguan is choking and can't breathe; she's treating him."

"If he's choking, you should pat his back. Can she really bump a hard object out like that? She's just taking advantage of him."

"Don't you get it? If she bumps it out, she can claim him. That's Young Master Shangguan—unparalleled in beauty, even the Emperor and the Empress Dowager treasure him."

"That depends on whether Young Master Shangguan wants her. If he doesn't, she can forget about marrying into a good family."

"Marrying? If she can't bump it out, he's a dead man."

...

Feng Chuchen bumped with all her might for nearly fifteen minutes before a large, round jujube finally popped out of Shangguan Ruyu's mouth, flying in an arc over the railing and falling into the main hall below.

The crowd erupted in cheers.

"He spat it out!"

"It was a jujube!"

"Young Master Shangguan won't die!"

"That method actually works!"

...

Shangguan Ruyu coughed loudly.

Feng Chuchen felt a wave of relief and pushed him toward the nearby guards.

"It's done."

The two guards took their young master and supported him toward the private booth behind them.

Only then did Feng Chuchen notice the many onlookers standing around, and even more people below, staring at her with expressions ranging from horror to curiosity.

Those gazes made Feng Chuchen uncomfortable, and she suddenly remembered that this was an ancient era where men and women were not supposed to be intimate.

Her actions just now were more than just improper; they were scandalous.

She felt embarrassed and somewhat regretful.

But since it was already done, what choice did she have? She was saving a life, not committing a crime.

She explained loudly, "A physician makes no distinction between men and women; saving a life is paramount."

Then, as if nothing had happened, she took Feng Buqi's small hand. "Come, let's go downstairs to eat."

Old Duke Ming said, "Everyone, disperse. The young lady is a doctor; she saved a life, and she deserves praise."

The crowd gradually dispersed back to their tables to continue eating.

They occasionally glanced at Feng Chuchen, whispering among themselves.

"Tsk tsk, she's not even old, yet she's quite something. She actually bumped that jujube out."

"The little lady looks like she barely has any meat on her bones, but she's got quite the strength—so fierce. How could she bump a young man like that?"

"Not just strong and fierce, but thick-skinned too. What did that movement look like? How can she not be ashamed?"

Thinking of that movement, several men laughed unconscionably, their gazes toward Feng Chuchen becoming even more lewd and unrestrained.

One man laughed, "What's there to be ashamed of? If she's taken into Young Master Shangguan's manor, she can leap onto the branch and become a phoenix, never worrying about food or drink again."

"Oh, true, true. One look at her and you can tell she comes from an ordinary family. Even as a concubine to Young Master Shangguan, she could live a life of wealth and honor."

...

Some of the louder discussions reached Feng Chuchen's table.

Only then did the group realize that the young master she had saved was Shangguan Ruyu. Furthermore, the words were so foul that they made Feng Buqi cry.

Her sister's reputation had just started to improve, and now it was ruined.

Feng Chuchen rolled her eyes, feeling particularly repulsed by the words "thrust" and "concubine."

She defended herself, "Spouting lies with such brazenness! I clearly used my fists to strike his abdomen. It wasn't 'thrusting,' it was 'bumping'!"

Shaoyao whispered, "Miss, you were holding Young Master Shangguan, moving back and forth so tightly, it looked just like you were thrusting into him from behind."

Auntie Wang's face turned red, and she snapped, "Stop talking nonsense!"

Feng Chuchen clenched both fists and performed the movement against her own stomach. "I was using my fists to strike his stomach. Bumping, bumping!"

Banxia spoke the truth, "We didn't notice your hands, Miss; we only noticed your body against Young Master Shangguan's."

Feng Buqi wailed, "Sister, what are you going to do in the future?"

If word of this got out, what decent young man would be willing to marry her?

If it were someone else, and he wasn't engaged, he might still marry her. But Shangguan Ruyu came from a high-ranking family and was already engaged to the Fourth Miss Wen; it was impossible for her to marry him.

Feng Chuchen consoled him, "The deed is done; it's too late for regrets. You are a man; if you cry every time something happens, how will you protect your sister?"

After learning that the person she saved was Young Master Shangguan, Feng Chuchen's slight regret vanished.

Her eldest aunt had saved him once, and she had saved him a second time.

Perhaps it was a form of fate.

Of course, she didn't mean romantic fate, but rather a coincidence of fate.

Everyone said Shangguan Ruyu was the number one beauty of the Great Yan Dynasty, but she hadn't paid attention to his looks or even what he was wearing.

Feng Buqi wailed even louder, "Sister won't be able to find a good family!"

Feng Chuchen looked calm and composed. "Why must one marry? Like Auntie and Auntie Wang, wouldn't it be fine if we lived together forever?"

Feng Buqi's crying choked up. "I'm alive so I can protect you, but if I die, those clansmen will come to seize our property and drive you out of the Feng family."

"You'll live to be seventy; you can protect me all that time."

Auntie Wang sighed, "Miss, you should tell those men the method you used so they can save people themselves."

Feng Chuchen said, "In an emergency, how could I think of all that? Besides, if they don't perform the movements correctly, they won't be able to save anyone..."

She then comforted Feng Buqi again, "Alright, I understand. I'll try to be more thorough next time. In a few years, when this matter is forgotten, perhaps I can still find a good family."

In the second-floor private booth, Shangguan Ruyu leaned against his chair. Although his eyes were closed and his face was pale, he could breathe and let out faint moans.

A young servant, face covered in tears, knelt beside him and called out softly, "Master, Master, I've already sent someone to fetch a doctor. They'll be here soon."

In the room, besides Yanghe and the servants and guards from the Princess's manor, there were also Old Duke Ming, Xue Changzhang from the Xue manor, Second Master Wen from the Wuyi Count's manor, and the manager of the Yixiangju Restaurant, all watching Shangguan Ruyu anxiously.

The restaurant manager was sweating profusely; if this precious young master died in his restaurant, they wouldn't be able to account for it.

After more than fifteen minutes, Shangguan Ruyu finally regained his strength and opened his eyes.

He sat up straight and complained, "Why the crying? This young master isn't dead yet."

Old Duke Ming laughed, "You're finally back among the living."

Shangguan Ruyu had been eating a candied jujube, and while joking with Xue Changzhang, it had accidentally slipped into his throat.

The pain was unbearable. He thought he was going to choke to death when suddenly, a person with immense strength hugged him from behind and, with a few powerful strikes, knocked the jujube out of his throat.

He felt immense gratitude toward that person and said, "Who was the brother who just saved me? Please bring him here; I want to thank him in person."

His voice was hoarse and his throat was somewhat sore.

Old Duke Ming laughed loudly, "Silly boy, the one who just saved you wasn't a man, but a young lady."

Xue Changzhang laughed exaggeratedly, "Hahaha, a very bold young lady!"

Shangguan Ruyu's mouth formed an "O" shape.

He didn't believe it and blinked his peach-blossom eyes. "That person's strength was immense. Are you sure it was a lady? Could it be that because she was so handsome, you mistook her?"

He felt even more compelled to meet her.

The servant said, "Master, it was indeed a lady. She said she was a doctor and could save you. She held you and thrust and thrust from behind until she finally bumped the jujube out. Her method was excellent; otherwise, you would have been in danger."

Xue Changzhang added with a strange laugh, "She certainly bumped with great vigor."

Even though Shangguan Ruyu's consciousness had been somewhat clouded just now, he knew how the lady had saved him.

He said unhappily, "Bah! What nonsense are you talking? She used her fists to strike my stomach; how could it be 'thrusting'?"

Second Master Wen felt he had to speak up. "I know that lady. Her name is Feng Chuchen, a descendant of the physician Feng. She truly has some real skill; she used the Yin Spirit Needle to save my son, and she is quite adept at treating migraines and asthma."

Old Duke Ming asked, "That little girl is a descendant of Physician Feng?"

Master Tang said, "Yes."

Old Duke Ming remarked with emotion, "Years ago, Physician Feng saved Ruyu, and today her descendant has saved him again."

Thinking of Miss Feng's evaluation of him and the old lady, her heroic and handsome face, and her brisk posture, she looked almost exactly like Rong'er in her youth.

The Old Duke's impression of her grew even better.

No wonder she had such an eye for appreciation; she was the descendant of Physician Feng.

Shangguan Ruyu felt both moved and fortunate. If Miss Feng hadn't been there, he would have been dead.

Two generations saving him from peril—it was fate.

Then he thought of another problem. "If Miss Feng saved me like that and was seen by so many people, will it ruin her marriage prospects? But seeing how handsome and charming I am, it's no wonder a stranger would go to such lengths to save me."

Xue Changzhang, not wanting to hear this, retorted, "You were rolling your eyes from choking just now; where was the charm?"

Second Master Wen's heart sank. Whether it was bumping or thrusting, they had performed that movement in front of everyone. What if Feng Chuchen decided to latch onto Shangguan Ruyu?

She knew so many of his sister's secrets; it would have an impact on her...

He had to hurry back to the manor to discuss this with his mother. If the Princess's manor truly intended to take Miss Feng as a concubine, what should their family do?

He cupped his hands and said, "I am glad Young Master Shangguan has awakened. I have matters to attend to, so I shall take my leave. Please take care, Young Master."

With that, he left in a hurry.

Old Duke Ming, however, laughed loudly. "You are overthinking it. Don't be fooled by Miss Feng's young age; like Physician Feng, she possesses a healer's heart and seeks to help the world.

"She said a physician makes no distinction between men and women; saving a life is paramount. Looking at that girl's manner, she is a heroine, a man among women. She thought only of saving a life and didn't even spare you a second glance."

Such a wonderful girl—he had to defend her reputation.

He detested those tedious formalities about how men and women shouldn't have physical contact. Back when Empress Desheng and Rong'er were fighting on horseback, they had plenty of contact with enemies; could anyone say they were disrespectful because of that?

This was great compassion!

Shangguan Ruyu felt a weight lift from his shoulders. "Then I am relieved. Too many emotional debts can be quite exhausting." He then said to the servant, "Take two hundred taels of silver to Miss Feng as a thank-you gift. No, as a medical fee—her fee for treating me."

A guard supported Shangguan Ruyu as he walked out of the room, standing behind the railing to look down below.

The guard pointed downward and said, "The third table from the right, the one in the green clothing, is Miss Feng."

The direction Feng Chuchen was sitting was exactly diagonal to Shangguan Ruyu.

She was wearing a pea-green *beizi* (outer coat), her hair styled in a *fenxiao* bun, adorned with a few small white flowers.

She was beautiful, with a tall, slender figure.

To think such a small frame possessed that kind of strength.

So, a woman could be that "cool."

She seemed completely unaffected by the previous incident or the strange gazes of others. Her expression was calm, her gaze steady, and she was eating her meal with great relish...

Every movement exuded a briskness and composure that set her apart from ordinary young ladies.

To have both these qualities in one girl was incredibly rare.

Most importantly, he felt as if he understood her deeply.

The Old Duke was right; she was a "man among women," naturally different from ordinary girls.

Shangguan Ruyu smiled, a slight blush appearing on his pale face. His wandering peach-blossom eyes immediately regained their luster, and his heart felt as if it had been gently struck by something.

Four words drifted through his mind

*Love at first sight!*

He was so moved by his own thought that his eyes grew warm.

So, he was a man of deep passion.

So, a woman could indeed stir his heartstrings.

What was wrong with him? He was perfectly normal. The reason he hadn't felt for a woman before was simply because he hadn't met one who could move him.

And now, he had met such a woman...

Shangguan Ruyu's heart felt as if a small deer were leaping within it.

*Thump-thump, thump-thump, thump-thump...*

He had to hurry back to the manor to tell his mother and father his feelings, to make his mother happy so she would agree to his marriage. He wanted to show his father that he wasn't as incompetent as others claimed.

Shangguan Ruyu no longer felt like eating and said, "Return to the manor."

Xue Changzhang asked, "Not continuing with the wine?"

"I'm in this state, why on earth would I drink more?"

As they were speaking, a doctor carrying a medical box was being hurried upstairs by a guard.

"Master, the doctor is here."

Shangguan Ruyu frowned and said, "I am fine. Return to the manor."

Because he was annoyed, his voice was a bit loud, making his throat ache.

He frowned and massaged his throat.

A guard said, "Master, your voice is not as clear as usual. It's better to let the doctor take a look."

What people admired about Shangguan Ruyu was not just his celestial appearance, but also his voice, which was as clear as a bubbling spring. When he occasionally performed a few lines of opera, everyone said he sang better than the number one martial actor in the capital.

He couldn't afford to ruin his voice.

He obediently returned to the private booth.

The doctor checked his pulse and smiled, "The young master is fine; it's just some minor damage to the throat. Two doses of herbal medicine will suffice."

As Feng Chuchen was eating, a young man walked over.

He bowed and smiled, "Miss Feng, thank you for saving my young master. This is the medical fee."

The young man presented a purse.

His voice was quite loud, and the surrounding people heard him and looked toward them.

By giving a medical fee instead of a thank-you gift, Shangguan Ruyu had defined the incident as a doctor treating a patient, rather than anything else.

He was a clever man; he didn't seem like the playboy the legends suggested.

Feng Chuchen took the purse and said, "Young Master Shangguan is too polite. He likely injured his throat; he'll be fine after two doses of medicine."

"Thank you for the reminder, Miss."

The guard cupped his hands and left.

Feng Chuchen was already full. Seeing that Feng Buqi was sulking and hadn't eaten much, she urged, "The sky hasn't fallen; eat a bit more."

Feng Buqi put down his chopsticks and said through a sniffle, "The sky has already fallen; I can't eat."

Left with no choice, Feng Chuchen called the waiter to settle the bill.

The waiter came over, bowed, and smiled, "The manager said that in gratitude for Miss saving Young Master Shangguan, this meal is on the house."

Feng Chuchen expressed her thanks and stood up to leave, only to see several people coming downstairs.

Three guards in military attire, a young man who looked like a servant, and a handsome young master in his early twenties.