Marshal becomes pharmacist (7): Wild Imagination

Chu Feng, holding Si Qi, stepped onto the thick, soft lawn, and in front of them stood a gigantic plant that shot up into the clouds like a skyscraper. It looked as if it was made of countless entwined vines, with a rough, slightly brownish surface that felt as hard as steel.

This was also the most famous plant in the empire. Scholars said that the monsters from other worlds feared this plant and would not easily approach it. People only needed to hide near it to gain temporary safety, so it was affectionately called the “Guardian Tree” by the common folk.

Si Qi held a light blade dagger, effortlessly slicing off the bark with its scorching heat, and then gradually collected the roots, stems, and leaves. He sorted and stored them in glass bottles.

Chu Feng saw him working diligently and meticulously, and couldn’t help but wonder if Si Qi really had a way to bring these things back to the empire.

Soon, with Chu Feng’s company, Si Qi had almost traversed the entire foggy Area. Xiu Xiu informed Si Qi that he had already collected all the plants in this area. Si Qi then took out the “dandelion” seed from the small glass bottle and attempted to extract the world power contained within it.

He originally thought this would be a very difficult task, as ridiculous as humans trying to extract hydrogen from the air using only their thoughts. But just like when he previously tried to use the world’s power to transform something, the thought of “extraction” just arose, and as naturally as breathing, the world’s power from the seed flew into Si Qi’s body, leaving Si Qi momentarily stunned.

Xiu Xiu was also stunned, stuttering for a second before saying, [Master, the world power on you has increased by one percent…]

As soon as he finished speaking, the fog around them dissipated at a speed visible to the naked eye. Chu Feng instinctively glanced at the bottles and jars in Si Qi’s arms. To his surprise, the contents of those bottles were indeed perfectly intact, showing no signs of dissipating at all!

“What’s going on?” Chu Feng couldn’t help but voice the thoughts in his mind.

Si Qi wrapped these items in his coat to prevent outsiders from seeing them, and smiled at Chu Feng, “You’ll know soon.” After you regain your memory.

Chu Feng suggested, “Can we hand these things over to the Imperial Research Institute? They will definitely be able to come up with useful results.”

Si Qi thought for a moment, and didn’t refuse. He instructed, “Just don’t say I brought it.”

He picked out a few bottles and jars that he thought were useful and pushed the rest to Chu Feng: “Take them.”

Chu Feng carefully put it away as if it were a treasure, and his solemn and cautious demeanor made Si Qi unable to help but laugh—he remembered when he was little, he was also held so carefully by Chu Feng.

As they spoke, the hazy fog completely dissipated, leaving only the surrounding area in ruins. The lawn beneath their feet had vanished, and the once even bricks were now scattered as if an earthquake had struck. The guardian tree in front of them had disappeared, and the building next to the large tree now had a gaping hole from the bottom up, perfectly matching the shape of the previous guardian tree.

After a while, the soldiers of the Si family, who had been searching everywhere in the fog, finally found their young master. The anxious butler, Uncle Chen, who had been worried all the way, finally breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing his young master safe and sound.

He saw the young man in military uniform standing next to Si Qi, holding Si Qi with one hand. Surprised, he opened his mouth in astonishment, quickly jumped down from the aircraft, bowed deeply, and said to Chu Feng, “Your Highness the Third Prince, thank you for your assistance.”

Chu Feng casually nodded and said to Si Qi, “I…” He glanced at the plant in his arms.

Si Qi nodded, “It’s fine, you go ahead.”

Carrying so many treasures that the empire had coveted for hundreds of years, Chu Feng naturally thought about personally storing them in a safe place and guarding them strictly.

However, hearing such considerate words from Si Qi, Chu Feng didn’t feel relieved at all; instead, he became even more conflicted and hesitant.

Xiu Xiu covered her mouth and snickered: [Master! The Lord God doesn’t want to leave you!!]

Si Qi’s triumphant response: [Of course I know~]

The butler stepped forward, reaching out to try to take Si Qi from Chu Feng’s arms. Chu Feng instinctively took a step back, reflexively glaring at the butler as if to warn him. Then, realizing the butler’s surprised expression, he suddenly felt embarrassed.

He cleared his throat lightly and asked, “Where’s the wheelchair?”

Uncle Chen quickly pushed a wheelchair from behind and placed it in front of Chu Feng.

Chu Feng bent down and carefully placed the young boy in the wheelchair. His movements were exceptionally gentle and considerate, and he even took the time to smooth out the boy’s wrinkled clothes.

Si Qi sat in the wheelchair, smiling at him, without a hint of feeling offended, as if everything was perfectly natural.

The butler couldn’t help but frown as he watched from the side, always feeling that the atmosphere between these two was strange…

Then he noticed that the school uniform jacket on Si Qi was still on Chu Feng’s aircraft, and it seemed to be covering something underneath. He spoke up, “Your Highness the Third Prince, would it be convenient for me to retrieve my young master’s clothes?”

Chu Feng hadn’t had a chance to respond yet when Si Qi said, “His Highness accidentally got my clothes dirty and said he would clean them before returning them.”

Chu Feng was taken aback, then couldn’t help but break into an excited smile—now he had an excuse to visit the young man next time!

The butler didn’t expect Si Qi to say such “inconsiderate” words. After all, if the clothes got dirty, it would be enough to take them back and have the servants clean them. There was no need to make such a big deal out of it. However, compared to the so-called politeness, the butler clearly cared more about Si Qi’s feelings. So, as if it were only natural for a prince to have the clothes cleaned before returning them, he nodded and said, “I see, then I’ll trouble you, Your Highness.”

Chu Feng didn’t feel offended at all, nodded warmly, and acknowledged it. Then, reluctantly, he looked at the young man for a long time, as if trying to deeply imprint the young man’s image in his mind, before boarding the aircraft and leaving.

Uncle Chen waited until the person had flown far away before muttering to Si Qi, “Young Master, why didn’t you give me a location earlier? You don’t know how anxious the Master was when he heard the news; he was planning to fly over directly to find you…”

Si Qi showed an embarrassed expression: “I didn’t think of this matter for a moment.”

Uncle Chen paused his complaints, then a look of sadness appeared on his face—yes, ever since their young master was able to independently kill a monster at the age of six, he hadn’t encountered the fog again and had never asked anyone for help. Instead, he had always played the role of a savior. Suddenly going from a powerful warrior to an impotent mortal must be something he couldn’t get used to right away.

He just had to be so clueless, actually bringing up the young master’s scars right in front of him. It was truly inexcusable.

Seeing his reaction, Si Qi quickly said, “Alright, alright, let’s not talk about this anymore. From now on, I’ll stay at home and won’t go out, so there won’t be any more incidents like today. Have you bought the equipment I asked you to get before? I need it now.”

Uncle Chen’s thoughts were indeed redirected by Si Qi, and following Si Qi’s words, he said, “Don’t worry, everything has been bought. The master even got you a laboratory. You see if you need to find some researchers to help you…”

The original owner had always been a warrior and had never studied anything related to research. However, whether it was Father Si or the butler, as soon as they heard that Si Qi wanted to do research, they went all out and spent a large amount of money to buy equipment, and not a single person opposed it, wholeheartedly supporting the idea.

If it weren’t for Xiu Xiu saying that the Si family was currently besieged on all sides, with the situation extremely precarious, and that every penny was so scarce it might as well be worth eight, Si Qi really wouldn’t have noticed the Si family’s current dire straits.

They indeed loved the original owner very much.

However, precisely because of this, Si Qi became even more determined to help the Si family, so that Father Si could soon overcome the current difficulties.

“The researchers don’t need to bother; I’ll figure it out on my own first.” If those people saw the otherworldly plants from the fog being brought out by him, the Si family would truly become the target of everyone’s criticism.

Si Qi smiled and said, “Uncle Chen, don’t worry. I will soon help the Si family regain its former glory.”

The butler had no reason to argue, nodding repeatedly with a beaming smile and saying, “Of course, young master, you are always impressive. Old Chen isn’t worried at all!”

The conversation split into two parts. On Si Qi’s side, he was talking with the butler and was escorted back to the mansion by the Si family. On Chu Feng’s side, with a cold and stern expression, he went straight to the palace, immediately sought out the emperor of the empire, and, with a cold face, dismissed everyone around him. Only then, under the emperor’s puzzled gaze, did he carefully open the jars and bottles he had placed in the safe.

The emperor sat on the throne and casually glanced at those items. At first, he was puzzled, but then his pupils constricted, and as if propelled by a spring, he suddenly jumped up, taking two steps at a time to quickly reach the safe. Instinctively, he wanted to reach out and touch it, but he immediately restrained himself and trembled as he said to Chu Feng, “What, what is this?!”

Chu Feng nodded seriously, “It’s a plant from another world!”

The emperor immediately began to breathe heavily, his fists clenched tightly, unable to contain his laughter, he chuckled twice, then quickly asked, “How did you get it? Can we get more?”

Chu Feng shook his head, “Can’t say, maybe I can.”

“Can’t say?!” The emperor couldn’t help but raise his voice, staring at Chu Feng in disbelief, as if he might explode with rage at any moment. But when he saw the calm and resolute eyes of Chu Feng, he quickly cooled down, feeling distressed as he said, “How can you not say? Do you still not trust your father?”

Chu Feng said, “Father, I promised the other party to keep the secret. You wouldn’t want me to offend that person, would you?”

The emperor paused for a moment, propped his forehead with one hand, thought for a few seconds, nodded, and said, “Yes, that’s right, you did well.”

These things in front of them were enough for the research institute to study for a while. Why exhaust everything and offend the other party so eagerly? Besides, Chu Feng was not a child who didn’t understand things. When the critical moment comes, he would make a rational decision on his own.

So they quickly moved past this topic.

“Treat that person well, and make sure not to offend them. If you need anything, just let your father know, and he will take care of it for you.”

Chu Feng nodded, indicating he understood. After thinking for a moment, he said, “There’s one more thing.”

The emperor was squatting in front of the safe looking at something, and upon hearing this, he turned his head, “Hmm?”

Chu Feng’s face turned slightly red, and he said somewhat shyly, “I have fallen in love with a young man at first sight… I want to marry him as my royal husband.”

The emperor’s mouth fell open, staring blankly at his son, his reaction seemingly more exaggerated than when he first saw the otherworldly plants. Then he clapped his hands vigorously, laughing with joy, “Great, great! You’ve finally found someone you like! A boy? A boy is wonderful! Which young master is it? When will you bring him to meet your father?”

Chu Feng’s expression slightly flushed, “It’s Si Qi from the Si family…”

“Si Qi?” The emperor paused slightly, muttering, “But isn’t he…?”

Carefully glancing at his son, the emperor didn’t say anything like “But isn’t he disabled / Doesn’t he like someone else?” He patted Chu Feng’s shoulder and said earnestly, “If you like him, go after him. It’s no big deal! Your father supports you!”

Chu Feng immediately smiled, nodded, and said, “Definitely.”

Afterwards, he personally escorted those plants into the heavily guarded research institute, working tirelessly all day until late at night before returning to the prince’s residence.

A person sat quietly in the study, and Chu Feng couldn’t help but recall matters concerning Si Qi.

The polite and distant conversations after meeting the youth, witnessing the passionate and infatuated gaze he directed at another person at a social event a few years ago, hearing from others about his various misfortunes, and today’s unforgettable kiss and embrace.

Chu Feng usually didn’t like drinking, but now he couldn’t help but go to the liquor cabinet to get ice and whiskey, sitting alone at the table, drinking sip by sip.

He couldn’t help but go online to search for information about Si Qi, wanting to see more of him and understand him better.

Since childhood, Si Qi had always been regarded as a child prodigy, even more famous than the current crown prince. Chu Feng casually searched and found a lot of information, but the hottest topic right now was the matter between Si Qi and Sun Ba.

Just seeing the two characters “Sun Ba,” Chu Feng couldn’t help but frown. An unnamed rage surged in his chest, only slightly subdued by taking a sip of cold whiskey.

He watched the post like a masochist. He read every word in the post detailing how deeply Si Qi cared for that person. He watched the video of Si Qi, seeing how he pursued that person with a deeply affectionate gaze in private. He watched Si Qi and the other person embrace and smile, watched Si Qi whispering sweet nothings to them, watched as that person betrayed Si Qi and stood with another woman. And the usually strong and proud Si Qi cried out and pleaded, shedding tears for that man…

Chu Feng’s eyes turned red, his fists clenched tightly to the point of trembling, his breathing heavy and even somewhat terrifying.

Si Qi was such a good person, how dare that bastard, how dare he bully Si Qi like this!!

He didn’t even have time to protect Si Qi, afraid that even a slight touch would upset him. That damn guy hurt Si Qi’s heart so much, even wanting Si Qi’s life!!!

If Sun Ba were in front of him right now, and Chu Feng had a gun in his hand, he would definitely shoot him without hesitation, emptying the entire magazine into the corpse!

A person held a whiskey glass and sulked for a long time. After the anger subsided, Chu Feng couldn’t help but think about Si Qi’s performance today. In the video, Si Qi had never done anything beyond friendship with Sun Ba, at most just hugs and handshakes. There had never been anything like kissing; he was somewhat shy when it came to emotions.

But today, as soon as Si Qi saw him, he took the initiative to kiss him, and his words seemed to hint that he wouldn’t mind being a bit more intimate. He “threw himself at him,” and smiled at him in a particularly charming way. Chu Feng didn’t think for a second that Si Qi suddenly became infatuated with him because he was too handsome. After all, Si Qi was much better looking than him. He belonged to that kind of “beauty” that transcended gender, instantly leaving one in awe at first glance.

As for his personality, there was even less to say. Chu Feng had been in the military for many years, and he was cold and rigid. Who would want to date someone so lacking in charm?

After thinking it over and over…

It seemed that only his current status as a prince mattered now.

Chu Feng clenched his fist, his gaze becoming increasingly profound.

The current situation of the Si family was precarious, and it was only reasonable for Si Qi to seek the royal family as a backing. If this was his goal, then he had already achieved it. Chu Feng would never sit idly by and watch the Si family fall into ruin. He would do anything to help Si Qi, not allowing him to show even a hint of sadness.

Even if Si Qi approached him because of his background, so what? As long as he remained noble and held power for a lifetime, Si Qi would never leave him! He would absolutely never let go, and for that, he could do anything!

Taking a large gulp of the last drink, Chu Feng slammed the glass onto the table with a “clang,” standing up reeking of alcohol. Passing through the living room, he saw Si Qi’s school uniform that he had left on the sofa.

Chu Feng’s footsteps paused slightly, feeling a bit dazed by his sudden and unexpected imagination. After a moment, under the influence of the alcohol, he walked over, picked up the clothes, and carefully cherished them in his arms.

An hour later, with a hint of regained sanity, he, with a flushed face, took the clothes he had accidentally soiled to the bathroom.

The whole person looked completely guilty.

…..

The next morning, Chu Feng arrived at the Si residence with the school uniform he had cleaned thoroughly, leaving no trace.

Seeing Si Qi take the paper bag and hold the clothes that still smelled of fragrant laundry detergent, Chu Feng instinctively averted his gaze, filled with self-reproach.

Si Qi didn’t think too much about it, casually putting the clothes aside, and with a beaming smile said to Chu Feng, “I didn’t expect you to come so quickly.”

Chu Feng cleared his throat lightly, not daring to admit his impatience. He made an excuse, saying, “You are a hero of the empire, so naturally, I will treat you with extra importance.”

“Oh? Is that the reason?” Si Qi said meaningfully, “I thought you wanted to see me sooner…”

Chu Feng almost blushed from being teased by Si Qi, let out a grunt, and instinctively wanted to explain.

But just as the words were about to come out, he paused for a second, then lowered his head and admitted, “I really wanted to see you sooner.”

Si Qi was surprised for a moment, then laughed even more happily: “You’re quite honest.”

Chu Feng raised his head, gazing dreamily at the young man, and said to Si Qi, “I will always be honest with you. I would give you everything if I could.”

This was almost a blatant expression of affection. Si Qi’s smile grew even brighter as he reached out to caress Chu Feng’s cheek. His gaze was as gentle as a spring, exuding signals that were both dangerous and irresistibly seductive.

Chu Feng almost drowned in that gaze. Even though he knew that Si Qi might only value his power and wanted to use him to achieve his goals, he was more than willing.

He raised his hand to grasp Si Qi’s long palm, pressing it tightly against his own face, carefully feeling the boy’s warmth, and said to him word by word, “I want to take care of you, take care of you for a lifetime.”

Si Qi smiled even more beautifully, nodded happily, and said to Chu Feng, “Sure, I also want to be taken care of by you for a lifetime.”

This was what it meant to agree!

Chu Feng was so excited that he almost jumped up, firmly holding Si Qi’s hand, his heart determined—no matter who the boy had liked before, he would make sure that from now on, the boy would only see him.

It was also destined to be oneself.

……

The news that the Third Prince, Chu Feng, frequently visited the Si family quickly spread throughout the upper echelons of the empire.

There were reasons why Chu Feng was not hiding his actions at all, even going so far as to make them quite conspicuous on purpose, and also reasons why Chu Feng was spreading news, hinting that he had a very good impression of Si Qi.

Others didn’t have much of an opinion about Chu Feng’s actions; he was a good prince, not power-hungry, and had a deep bond with his two elder brothers. In the army, he led by example, always being at the forefront of the battlefield, earning the love and respect of both soldiers and the common people.

Although Si Qi was unfortunately paralyzed due to an accident, he had been deeply loved by the public for over a decade. The scandals from the past two years had only made people more sympathetic towards him. Everyone was so fond of him that they didn’t have time to gossip about him, saying he was unworthy of Chu Feng or that he was clinging to the powerful. Instead, when they heard that the Third Prince, Chu Feng, seemed to be pursuing Si Qi, they all applauded and cheered, feeling happy for Si Qi.

The only ones who might be unhappy about this matter were probably the Li family and other clans who were fully besieging the Si family, as well as the nearly furious Sun Ba.

Seeing the harmonious scene on the news where Si Qi and Chu Feng exchanged smiles, Sun Ba kicked the chair beside him away and yelled several times, “Damn it, damn it, damn it!!”

Over the past few years, Sun Ba had long regarded Si Qi as his own possession. Even though he had always thought about wanting Si Qi to die, seeing Si Qi abandon him and turn to someone else with his own eyes still made him so jealous that his eyes turned red, grinding his teeth in hatred.

How could Si Qi like someone else? How could he like someone else!! He should belong to himself!!! Even if he died, he must like himself!!!

Sun Ba, seething with anger, swept everything off the table, picked up various ornaments and smashed them to the ground. After venting his fury, he tore off his annoying tie, dialed the phone, and said to the Li family on the other end, “Uncle, how’s the situation with the Si family?”

“……No, we must destroy the Si family completely before the Third Prince does!!”

“Of course there is an opportunity! In half a month, a large fog area will erupt in the Si family’s military camp. We can use this opportunity to completely cripple the Si family!”

“At that time, Si Qi must be in the barracks; he must die!!”

The author has something to say:

47: Oh, let go of that shirt and let me handle it!