Starting with a Wei Wu soldier

Chapter 233 The Allure of the Phoenix

In stark contrast to Lin Wan'er's reserved and subtle emotions under the quiet lamplight, Lan Fenghuang's emotional expression is like the mountain spring of Yunwu Ridge where she grew up—crystal clear, lively, and full of the most primal and direct vitality of the mountains and fields.

Since being officially appointed as the "Chief Medical Officer of the Army," Lan Fenghuang has been granted a special privilege: during non-emergency military councils, she can directly enter the outer courtyard of the commander-in-chief's headquarters with her waist token to report medical matters to His Majesty the Emperor or present specially made medicines. She uses this privilege quite... actively.

That afternoon, Chen Xing had just finished discussing military affairs with Jia Wen and Chen Wei and was reviewing several confidential reports about the latest developments in Jinling City in his temporary study, his brow slightly furrowed. Although the war in Jiangnan was winning one victory after another, the closer they got to the core, the more complex and unpredictable the enemy's resistance and internal strife became.

"Your Majesty, Physician Lan requests an audience, saying he wants to present a newly prepared 'Southern Summer Heat Relief Powder'," a guard announced from outside the door.

"Let her in." Chen Xing said without looking up.

The curtain rustled softly, releasing a unique fragrance mingled with fresh herbs and a hint of honey. Lan Fenghuang wasn't wearing her usual scarlet official robes today; instead, she wore a Miao ethnic dress she had brought herself, dyed indigo and embroidered with silver stars and vines. Her long, black hair was braided into several loose braids, adorned with a few freshly picked, unnamed purple wildflowers, which made her honey-colored skin appear even more healthy and radiant. She carried a brand-new bamboo box and entered with light steps. Her clear, bright eyes curved into crescents the moment she saw Chen Xing.

"May Your Majesty be blessed." Her curtsy carried a touch of Miao charm, not quite standard, but naturally charming. "Phoenix has recently used 'June Snow' and 'Golden and Silver Dew' from Yunwu Ridge, along with a few herbs to clear heat and relieve irritability, to create this 'Heart-Clearing Powder,' which is most effective in relieving the stuffiness and dizziness caused by the summer heat and humidity in Jiangnan. Your Majesty has been working hard lately, so Phoenix specially sent this to you. Please try it." She placed the small bamboo box on the corner of the desk, her voice as clear and melodious as a nightingale's song.

Chen Xing looked up from his documents, his gaze falling on her. Her exotic yet vibrant attire brightened his eyes, and his tense nerves seemed to relax a little. "Thank you for your trouble, Phoenix. Leave it here; I'll take it later."

"Later?" Lan Fenghuang tilted her head, a hint of disapproval flashing in her eyes. "Your Majesty, this medicine powder needs to be dissolved in warm water and drunk immediately for the best effect. Moreover," she took two steps closer, boldly leaning slightly to carefully examine Chen Xing's complexion, "Your Majesty has a worried look between your brows and slight dark circles under your eyes, you must have stayed up late again reviewing military reports. This powder also has a calming effect, Your Majesty can take it now and rest for a while, which will greatly benefit your health."

As she spoke, without waiting for Chen Xing's instructions, she took a clean teacup and a thermos from the side and deftly poured the pale green powder from the bamboo box into the cup, preparing it. Her demeanor was extremely natural, as if she were just a mountain girl offering a bowl of thirst-quenching wild tea to a weary traveler, completely devoid of the usual trepidation of a courtier meeting the emperor.

Chen Xing watched her fluid movements, slightly taken aback, then a barely perceptible smile appeared on his lips. This unconventional and spontaneous style seemed particularly fresh and... unexpectedly relaxing in the strictly disciplined military camp and the hierarchical imperial court.

"You certainly don't stand on ceremony with me," Chen Xing said calmly, without any hint of reproach.

"Phoenix is ​​simply keeping in mind her duty as a physician." Blue Phoenix presented the prepared medicine to Chen Xing with both hands, her smile bright. "Your Majesty's good health is a blessing for the entire army, and it is also Phoenix's wish. Please drink it while it's still warm."

The medicine was pale green and emitted a refreshing, slightly sweet aroma. Chen Xing took it and drank it all in one gulp. It was slightly bitter at first, but then sweet, and a cool sensation went down his throat. The slight stuffiness in his chest caused by days of worry dissipated considerably, and his spirits were lifted.

"It really works." Chen Xing put down his cup and praised.

Lan Fenghuang immediately beamed with joy, as if she had received the greatest praise: "If Your Majesty thinks it's good, then it's good! I've also prepared some sachets made of sachets, which Your Majesty can wear or hang in the tent. They also have the effect of repelling mosquitoes, warding off evil spirits, and calming the mind." She then took out several exquisitely crafted, five-colored sachets that emitted a light fragrance from her embroidered pouch and, without saying a word, wanted to tie them herself to the armrest of Chen Xing's chair and the lamp stand next to it.

"Phoenix," Chen Xing called out to her, a helpless smile in his eyes, "These small matters can be handled by the palace servants."

"They don't know where the best place to put it is, and they probably don't understand that this sachet needs to be kept away from fire and moisture." Lan Fenghuang's hands didn't stop moving as she deftly tied the sachet, speaking with conviction, "His Majesty's tent is often lit by candles, and there are many documents. Placing it here, here, or by the window will be most effective. Besides..." She looked up, winked at Chen Xing with a hint of slyness, "Made by Phoenix herself, perhaps... it carries the blessing of the mountain god? Does His Majesty find it unsuitable?"

Looking at her lively and spirited eyes and her confident demeanor, Chen Xing suddenly felt that arguing with this Miao holy maiden about rules would be a waste of energy. Oh well, let her be. As long as she doesn't cross any major lines, her liveliness and concern are quite charming in this solemn military camp.

After tying the sachet, Lan Fenghuang, as if by magic, pulled out a small, bamboo-tube-shaped box from her sleeve: "And this is a medicinal ointment that I made with several herbs that promote blood circulation and relieve muscle tension. If Your Majesty feels pain in your shoulders and neck, you can have someone massage you with this; the effect is excellent. I... can also serve Your Majesty." As she spoke, her cheeks flushed slightly, but her eyes sparkled as she looked at Chen Xing, with a hint of expectation and a touch of girlish shyness.

Chen Xing's heart stirred slightly. He had long held a high position, surrounded by respectful and obedient people. Who had ever expressed such meticulous care to him so naturally and boldly? Moreover, in such an undisguised and personal way.

"I've accepted the ointment. As for the massage... there's no need for now." Chen Xing took the bamboo box, his fingertips inadvertently brushing against Lan Fenghuang's warm hand. Both of them paused. Chen Xing calmly placed the bamboo box on the table, while Lan Fenghuang quickly withdrew her hand, her ears turning even redder, but her smile remained radiant.

"Well... Phoenix won't disturb Your Majesty's rest any longer. Your Majesty, please remember to take your medicine on time and don't overwork yourself." She bowed and retreated with light steps. When she reached the door, she turned back and smiled sweetly, "At dinner, Phoenix will bring Your Majesty a cup of specially made calming tea!" After saying that, without waiting for Chen Xing's response, she disappeared gracefully outside the door like a happy blue butterfly.

The study returned to silence. However, the lingering fresh medicinal scent in the air, the colorful sachet swaying slightly on the armrest of the chair, and the bamboo box on the desk all reminded one of the vibrant figure that had just been there.

Chen Xing leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes. The calming scent of the sachet mixed with the calming powder filled his nostrils, but the image of Lan Fenghuang—her bright smile, lively eyes, and genuine concern—flooded his mind. Unlike Lin Wan'er's inner talent, Murong Mingyue's heroic spirit and resilience, or Su Xiaoxiao's shrewdness and competence, Lan Fenghuang brought a completely different feeling—like a mountain breeze, a forest spring, natural, vibrant, direct, carrying an untamed wildness and vigorous vitality.