Li Ji knew Hua Manman’s heart condition was related to that reclusive master called System.

She must have paid some price to obtain the Life Reviving Pill from System, which had saved his life.

That price was most likely the excruciating pain she had to endure, as if a knife were twisting in her heart.

But he didn’t know if this heart pain would leave any lingering effects, or if it would recur in the future.

Judging by Hua Manman’s behavior, she didn’t seem to want to talk about it.

He feared that even if he asked, she wouldn’t give him a straight answer. She would probably just dodge the question and change the subject like she always did.

That was why Li Ji had asked Feihua Zhenren to examine Hua Manman.

Yet, even Feihua Zhenren couldn’t find anything wrong.

This, in turn, only made Li Ji more worried.

’It seems I’ll have to approach this through Manman herself after all.’

The next day, Feihua Zhenren stayed at the Prince Mansion and had breakfast with Prince Zhao and his wife.

It wasn’t often they had guests, so to properly host Feihua Zhenren, Hua Manman specially arranged for a Cantonese-style dim sum breakfast.

There were rice noodle rolls, shrimp dumplings, salted egg yolk custard buns, steamed pork ribs in black bean sauce, and more. Each plate was small and looked exquisite. With so many dishes, the dazzling variety covered the entire table.

It was the first time Feihua Zhenren had ever seen such an elaborate breakfast.

His chopsticks never stopped moving; they were either picking up food or on their way to pick up more.

As a result, he accidentally ate until he was stuffed.

He slumped onto the couch, rubbing his belly and burping incessantly.

He had completely lost his initial transcendent, sage-like demeanor.

Hua Manman had also overeaten a little.

Unfortunately, Prince Zhao didn’t give her the chance to veg out.

She still had classes to attend.

Feihua Zhenren had only intended to lounge for a little while, but the couch was too soft and comfortable. Besides, it’s easy to get drowsy after a full meal.

Before he knew it, he had fallen asleep.

By the time he woke up, it was almost noon.

Hua Manman and Li Ji had also finished their morning lessons by then.

Hua Manman enthusiastically invited Feihua Zhenren to stay for lunch.

Feihua Zhenren hesitated. He had already freeloaded two meals in a row at the Prince Mansion. To keep doing so seemed a bit shameless.

But then he thought of the lavish meals at the Prince Mansion—delicious delicacies he had never seen before.

He couldn’t help but swallow.

’Just one more meal.’

’Just one!’

’After this one, I’ll go back to the Daoist Temple.’

After two days of observation, Hua Manman had discovered Feihua Zhenren’s hidden gluttonous nature.

So, for lunch that day, Hua Manman had the kitchen prepare several new dishes.

Feihua Zhenren was so moved that he started drooling.

He had originally planned not to eat too much for lunch, lest he end up stuffed and burping incessantly like he did at breakfast.

But as it turned out, he accidentally stuffed himself again.

As he burped incessantly, he wept silently in his heart.

’It’s not that my self-control is too weak. The only thing to blame is the food at the Prince Zhao Mansion being too good.’

Hua Manman suggested, "It’s still early. Zhenren, why don’t you take an afternoon nap before you head back?"

Feihua Zhenren was stuffed and didn’t really feel like moving.

’Anyway, it’s a long time until dark. Resting for a bit should be fine.’

So he nodded, accepting the Princess Consort Zhao’s kind offer.

He was still in the same guest room as the previous night.

The feeling of sleeping after eating and drinking to his heart’s content was simply sublime.

This led him to accidentally oversleep again.

When he got up, Feihua Zhenren stared at the already darkening sky outside the window, completely dumbfounded.

’How did it get dark so fast!’

’I didn’t think I slept that long.’

Just then, Gao Shan came looking for him, saying that the Princess Consort Zhao had already had dinner prepared and invited Feihua Zhenren to join them.

This time, Feihua Zhenren finally clung to his last shred of principle. He resisted the impulse to freeload another meal and firmly declined the invitation.

"There’s no need. It’s getting late, this humble Daoist must be on his way back."

Gao Shan didn’t insist and simply kept smiling.

"The Princess Consort said that if you wished to return, we are to have a carriage from the mansion see you home. This guest room will also be kept for you. You are welcome to visit the Prince Mansion any time."

Feihua Zhenren couldn’t help but marvel internally.

’The Princess Consort Zhao is such a good woman. Not only does she have such delicious food made, but she is also an incredibly thoughtful host.’

’Prince Zhao is truly blessed from a past life to have married her.’

Gao Shan saw Feihua Zhenren out of the Prince Mansion.

When Feihua Zhenren settled into the carriage, he discovered two food containers. Opening them, he found they were filled with all sorts of treats.

Gao Shan explained, "The Princess Consort had these specially prepared for you to take back and enjoy at your leisure. If you have time in the future, please feel free to visit often."

Feihua Zhenren picked a peach crisp from the container. He took a bite; it was fragrant, flaky, and far more delicious than any he had ever bought outside.

He ate with great relish, not forgetting to speak to Gao Shan.

"Please thank the Princess Consort on my behalf."

Gao Shan smiled and agreed.

After seeing Feihua Zhenren off, Gao Shan returned to report to the Princess Consort.

Hua Manman acknowledged his report.

After Gao Shan withdrew, Li Ji casually picked up a nearby wine jug and poured two cups.

He slid one of the cups in front of Hua Manman and asked nonchalantly.

"You seem quite intent on winning over Feihua Zhenren."

Hua Manman didn’t hide it, answering truthfully.

"Yes. Your Highness said that Feihua Zhenren’s medical skills are remarkable."

"A talent like him is someone we must do our best to keep."

"If he can serve Your Highness in the future, you can take him with you when you go to war again."

"With a miracle-working doctor like him by your side, your safety will be much more secure."

Li Ji let out a self-deprecating laugh.

"I’ve already returned my military authority to the Saint. I’m afraid I no longer have the right to set foot on a battlefield."

The reason he was qualified to fight on the battlefield at such a young age was partly due to help from the old subordinates left behind by Duke Zhen.

The other reason was that an enemy nation had invaded, and the Great Zhou Dynasty had lost two generals in quick succession. As a last resort, they decided to let him try.

He became famous in that one battle and was unconventionally granted the title of Guannai Marquis.

Less than two years later, due to his successive military achievements, he was made a Commandery Prince, and later promoted to a high-ranking Prince with the title Zhao.

The more military achievements he accumulated, the greater his prestige grew within the army.

Some soldiers’ reverence for Prince Zhao had even begun to surpass their loyalty to the Emperor.

How could the Emperor rest easy with that?

Even a father and his own son will turn on each other when their personal interests are threatened.

There was nothing strange about that.

After Prince Zhao returned to the capital, severely injured, the Emperor immediately issued a decree to revoke his military authority. The official reason given was to allow him to recuperate in peace and not to worry about army affairs.

But any discerning person could see the truth.

The Emperor was wary of him.

The Emperor had gone to great lengths to reclaim Li Ji’s military authority; how could he possibly return it?

Even if war were to break out again in the Great Zhou Dynasty, the Emperor would likely be unwilling to use him.

His chances of returning to the battlefield were slim to none.