066. The Only Daughter of the Yan Family
Le Qianxue pouted and said, “But that doesn’t really mean anything.”
“True, but there were several coincidences that made me suspicious. This time, I saw your hands covered in powder. I hadn’t paid much attention before, but seeing the crown prince in such a state now, I believe there’s no medicine in the world that even the disciples of the Medicine King Valley could concoct—except, perhaps, the Ghost Doctor herself,” Yu Zhiyang said with a smile.
Le Qianxue sighed. She had always guarded against Zhan Lianjing, but overlooked another person—her own carelessness. Still, only Yu Zhiyang knew of this; as long as he kept her secret, it wasn’t too serious. Besides, Yu Zhiyang and Zhan Lianjing weren’t close, so her plans wouldn’t be affected.
She nodded. “Alright, I suppose I’ve been caught by you. So, tell me, who do you want me to treat?”
Yu Zhiyang pursed his lips and smiled. Once both were in the carriage, he finally said, “Yan Luoyu, the only daughter of the Yan family’s master.”
Le Qianxue was taken aback, looking at Yu Zhiyang. “What? Her?”
The Yan family had flourished for a hundred years, always in business. But in this generation, the master had only a daughter and no heir. Yet Yan Luoyu was a business prodigy, showing her talent from a young age. The family master adored her and wanted her to inherit the Yan legacy, overcoming all obstacles.
Sadly, fate was cruel. No one knew what illness befell Yan Luoyu, but she rarely left her chambers. Le Qianxue had heard Yin Susu mention her—Yin Susu admired her greatly, though Le had never met the girl. She hadn’t expected Yu Zhiyang would ask her to treat Yan Luoyu.
Yu Zhiyang continued, “She and I grew up together. Her illness never improved, even after we sought the elder at Medicine King Valley. Nothing worked. Now, I wish you would examine her.”
Le Qianxue agreed readily, “Alright. Let me see what’s wrong first, but I’ll be honest—I am skilled, but there are some illnesses even I cannot cure. Don’t get your hopes up too high.”
Yu Zhiyang breathed a sigh of relief. As long as Le Qianxue agreed, there was hope. “I’ll fetch you tomorrow. This must remain secret. She’s been recuperating in the western suburbs. If we’re careful, no one will know.”
Le Qianxue had the same thought and readily agreed to his plan.
Back at the General’s Mansion, Le Qianxue began preparing. She didn’t know Yan Luoyu’s condition, so it was best to bring more remedies.
Then she recalled something and summoned Yin Susu.
“You never let anyone into your alchemy chamber. Why call me in now?” Yin Susu asked.
Le Qianxue replied, “I’ve set a trap, just waiting for Yu Guhan and Young Master Yuan to step in. If it works, we can lure Young Master Yuan out. But now, I must teach you a few things.”
Yin Susu was excited; she had waited for this opportunity for a long time.
Le Qianxue smiled, “I’ll teach you how to use some medicinal herbs, so you won’t mess up when the time comes.”
“Ah? Why?” Yin Susu protested, “I can wield a kitchen knife, but you want me to use silver needles? I might cry.”
“Yu Guhan’s already been tricked by me. Who knows if the emperor will strip him of his title? Still, I need a backup plan, so you must learn from me now,” Le Qianxue said. “Yu Guhan wouldn’t guess that only the Ghost Doctor can cure the poison. He previously told my father that the Ghost Doctor was a suspect. I suspect Young Master Yuan wants to get rid of me, so he can become unrivaled.”
Yin Susu nodded, “That makes sense. Who doesn’t want to be free from threats? My target is Young Master Yuan too. You want to use the Ghost Doctor to lure him out—I’ll gladly help.”
She was determined to uncover the truth behind her parents’ murder. This grudge could not go unavenged.
Le Qianxue felt comforted that Yin Susu, knowing her plan, was willing to assist. If Yu Guhan were brought down, it would be ideal. Young Master Yuan would find another position, and he’d be easy to track.
The next morning, Yu Zhiyang arrived early to collect Le Qianxue.
They pretended to go horseback riding, and Le Qianxue brought Yin Susu along—so others would have a witness if they gossiped.
Leaving the city, Le Qianxue recalled Yu Guhan’s situation and asked, “Third Prince, how is the crown prince?”
“Yesterday, Father was furious. Lady Liang, to save herself, laid all blame on the crown prince. Many saw it happen. Lady Liang resisted, and Father didn’t pursue her. Now, the crown prince is confined in the palace, reflecting on his actions,” Yu Zhiyang replied.
“Just reflecting?” Le Qianxue frowned. “I thought the emperor would depose him.”
Yu Zhiyang laughed softly, his voice gentle. “Qianxue, I didn’t stop you yesterday because I knew Father wouldn’t depose the crown prince. He did make a mistake, so it’s good for him to learn a lesson.”
“To be honest, the crown prince is mediocre, nothing special. Is the emperor only sparing him for the sake of the former empress?” Le Qianxue asked.
Yu Zhiyang smiled, giving only a vague answer, “Mother was indeed wonderful, but her life was bitter. Her only concern was the crown prince.”
Le Qianxue fell silent. She hadn’t expected Yu Guhan would survive her scheme, but as long as Young Master Yuan was lured out, that would suffice.
Yu Zhiyang explained that the Yan family’s history stretched back more than a hundred years.
Yin Susu was surprised, “There was a Yan family in the previous dynasty too, a huge business. Is it the same one?”
“Yes, it’s the same,” Yu Zhiyang said. “The Yan family declined after turmoil, but the founding emperor ordered its revival. Now, the Yan family is a quasi-official business, with many privileges.”
Le Qianxue snorted, “No wonder they dominate. It’s a state-owned enterprise.”
“State-owned enterprise?” Yu Zhiyang was puzzled.
Le Qianxue didn’t explain, simply saying, “Anyway, the Yan family is wealthy and powerful, with strong backing. I wonder how much I’ll earn from this consultation?”
Yu Zhiyang smiled, amused by her greed. “It won’t be little. If you cure Yan Luoyu, the master will reward you handsomely.”
Le Qianxue grinned. This was a lucrative job.
They arrived at the western suburban residence—a modest three-courtyard house. Few would expect the Yan family’s only daughter to recuperate here.
Yu Zhiyang had clearly been here before and led Le Qianxue and Yin Susu inside without hindrance.
The household had many servants. Le Qianxue, now skilled in martial arts, sensed several expert guards nearby. The Yan family was rich enough to hire anyone.
At the chamber door, Yu Zhiyang said, “Let me speak to her first. Wait here.”
Le Qianxue nodded.
Not long after Yu Zhiyang entered, the sound of things being thrown came from within, followed by a woman’s angry shouts, “Get out! I don’t want to see anyone! Leave me alone!”
Le Qianxue and Yin Susu exchanged puzzled glances. The Yan family’s young lady had a fiery temper.
The servants seemed accustomed to it, standing motionless, unfazed.
This family was certainly peculiar…
After a while, Yan Luoyu apparently calmed down, and the room grew quiet. When Yu Zhiyang emerged, he said, “Qianxue, Luoyu fears strangers. Let’s go back today.”
“Coming all this way only to leave? Was this trip for nothing?” Le Qianxue frowned. “Did any physician ever diagnose her illness?”
“No,” Yu Zhiyang replied. “The master is worried. Soon, the selection for the next family head begins, so he’s anxious.”
Le Qianxue asked, “There’s a selection?”
“Yes. If there’s no mistake, one may serve as family head for ten years. If all elders agree, five years can be added, and so on—but never more than thirty years. Success breeds arrogance. That’s the Yan family’s centuries-old rule. Now, the master has no son, only a daughter eligible for the position,” Yu Zhiyang explained.
Le Qianxue asked, “Who else is competing?”
“The master’s two brothers. One is incompetent, unqualified; but the other, Yan Chuan, is quite capable,” Yu Zhiyang replied.
Le Qianxue remembered she knew Yan Chuan—what a coincidence.
She nodded, “Alright, since Yan Luoyu won’t see me, there’s nothing I can do.”
Yu Zhiyang looked troubled, but said nothing more.
Le Qianxue teased, “Third Prince, do you like Yan Luoyu?”
Yu Zhiyang was startled.
“You look so worried…” Le Qianxue joked. “Never mind, I have an idea.”
Yu Zhiyang didn’t protest, but asked, “What is it?”
Le Qianxue blinked mischievously, but didn’t answer.
When preparations were complete, Yu Zhiyang handed Le Qianxue a long red string.
Le Qianxue stood at the door—since Yan Luoyu refused to let her in.
Yu Zhiyang asked, “If the imperial physicians saw such a long red thread, they’d shake their heads. Are you confident?”
Le Qianxue replied, “As long as I’m not disturbed. But even so, I might not be able to discern the illness.”
At such a distance, it was hard to feel the pulse clearly.