Chapter 71: An Extraordinary Beauty

His gaze sharpened, lingering briefly on the name Yan Luoyu. Then he turned to look at Le Qianxue, who was sleeping soundly, completely unaware of the presence beside her.

The alchemy room was always deserted, and Le Qianxue never allowed anyone in without reason. She could never have guessed that Zhan Lianjing would come, which was why she had written out the prescription so clearly.

Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Zhan Lianjing calmed his heart. How could he blame her, when she knew nothing of his plans? His expression returned to normal, and, just as gently, he gathered Le Qianxue into his arms and carried her back to her room.

The chamber was dim, but Zhan Lianjing seemed used to such darkness. He moved deftly, avoiding the furniture with practiced ease, and laid her on the bed without disturbance.

Le Qianxue, sensing the movement, murmured softly in her sleep and turned over, sinking back into dreams. Seeing her like this, any anger Zhan Lianjing felt seemed to dissipate. He sat quietly at the edge of her bed.

He still held the prescription he had taken earlier. Glancing at it again, his eyes narrowed. So, Yu Zhiyang knew where Yan Luoyu was being held.

Perhaps the slight commotion had disturbed her, or perhaps it was the intensity of his gaze, but even in sleep, Le Qianxue felt as though someone was watching her.

Suddenly, she woke with a start. Seeing a shadow at the edge of her vision, she immediately sprang up, her hand slicing down in a sharp knife-hand strike!

Zhan Lianjing was caught off guard by her speed, but he shifted slightly, dodging the blow and catching her wrist in one swift motion. "You little spitfire, what are you doing?"

Le Qianxue froze for a moment, but recognized his deep, muffled voice—it was Zhan Lianjing. The glimmer of his silver mask caught the faint light, his usual disguise for outings.

With a sigh of relief, she couldn’t help but scold him, “You nearly scared me to death, Prince Zhan! I thought someone was trying to assassinate me.”

She withdrew her hand and patted her own chest to steady herself. The room was shadowy, and she had no idea when she had returned—could it have been Zhan Lianjing who brought her back?

Zhan Lianjing said, “There are my shadow guards stationed around the General’s Manor. No one could easily make an attempt on your life.”

Her eyes widened, “Really? Since when?”

“That’s not your concern,” Zhan Lianjing replied. “Just know that you are safe.”

Le Qianxue grinned, “That’s good. Following Prince Zhan is certainly the safest place to be.”

He shot her a sidelong glance, saying nothing, his mind preoccupied with how to broach the subject of Yan Luoyu.

Meanwhile, Le Qianxue was thinking about how Zhan Lianjing could now walk again—it was already past the lunar eclipse, no wonder he was acting so willful. But after this seventh month, the next eclipse would come, and the poison rooted in his bones would only worsen, threatening his life.

She hesitated, then asked, “Prince Zhan, have you found the person who poisoned you?”

“Are you worried about me?” he asked, a curious warmth blooming in his heart. Whenever Le Qianxue spoke of anything concerning him, his mood inexplicably improved.

“Of course I am. But is there something you need from me, coming here so late at night?”

With casual purpose, Zhan Lianjing said, “I have a task for you.”

“Really? What is it? Don’t you just want me to quietly be a doctor?” Le Qianxue found it odd.

He replied coolly, “The Yan family asked me to find someone. Hao Yue and Zhui Xing are both busy, so I thought of you.”

She paused. The Yan family? Could it really be such a coincidence?

She laughed lightly, “You’re not looking for Yan Luoyu, are you?”

He looked at her, and nodded.

Her mood sank. On one side, Yu Zhiyang was holding Yan Luoyu captive; on the other, Zhan Lianjing was searching for her. What a mess.

“Why do I always get stuck with these missing person cases?” she muttered.

Zhan Lianjing took note. “What, you can’t do it?”

It wasn’t that she couldn’t, but if she did, she risked exposing her own identity—Yu Zhiyang knew who she truly was. If Zhan Lianjing discovered it, there would be no way out.

What to do? No choice seemed right.

After a moment’s hesitation, she said, “Someone once asked me to treat Yan Luoyu. I know where she is, but that person is very cautious, and may have already moved her.”

Hearing her answer, Zhan Lianjing felt as if a great weight had lifted from his heart. Subconsciously, he could not bear for Le Qianxue to deceive him.

He lowered his eyes in silence, but she continued, “Yan Luoyu does have a chronic illness. I’ve prescribed medication. Prince Zhan, is Yan Luoyu truly being held captive?”

He explained, “Yan Luoyu is a genius in commerce. The Emperor has long wanted her to submit to him, but she refuses. So, two years ago, he forbade her from participating in the Yan family’s business, to keep them under his control.”

Le Qianxue realized this was the Emperor’s doing, though she hadn’t expected Yu Zhiyang, who seemed a carefree wanderer, to be plotting in the Emperor’s service.

The Emperor had already killed her mother, and now his sons were no better.

She snorted, “So the current head of the Yan family obeys the Emperor?”

“Yes, but it’s only an act. In truth, his younger brother Yan Chuan keeps in contact with Yan Luoyu, and her strategies have kept the Yan family strong. But a month ago, she disappeared, and they lost touch.”

“How strange,” Le Qianxue mused. “The Yan family depends on the court—perhaps not the best, but at least it’s like a state enterprise, good for business. Why play such games?”

Zhan Lianjing answered, “For centuries, the Yan family has held one belief: to serve only one clan. And that clan is not the Yu family.”

She didn’t understand such things, but boldly guessed, “Could it be you, Prince Zhan? In their hour of need, they come to you for help—there must be some connection.”

He frowned slightly. The more connections, the clearer Le Qianxue would see.

With a faint laugh, he said, “I just happen to have the ability to help. The Yan family will serve me, but only if I find Yan Luoyu.”

“She is indeed important to them. I’ve heard the Yan family is not only good at business, but also values integrity—otherwise, they couldn’t have lasted so long,” Le Qianxue said. “So, Prince Zhan, are you planning to oppose the Emperor? The Yan family is one he wants to control.”

“I’ve always been at odds with the Emperor. Didn’t you know?” Zhan Lianjing said. “There are things I’d rather not say outright. You’re not foolish.”

Le Qianxue forced a dry laugh. It was true.

For years, Zhan Lianjing had never shown the Emperor any real respect, and after the incident with Consort De, their relationship had soured beyond repair.

If it meant opposing the Emperor, she was more than willing.

She smiled, “I can’t handle this matter personally. That person will be watching me. I can give you Yan Luoyu’s location, and you can send your men. But I can’t promise she’ll still be there.”

Zhan Lianjing reached out and patted her head, as if praising her obedience.

She ducked away, annoyed. “Prince Zhan, don’t just touch my head. That’s not for you to do!”

He raised his eyebrows, his dark eyes bright. “So, Yuan Tianci can touch it, but I can’t?”

Le Qianxue didn’t know why Yuan Tianci was suddenly mentioned. She pouted, “No, he can’t either!”

Zhan Lianjing was satisfied with that answer. Yet, thinking further, he realized that being equated with Yuan Tianci wouldn’t do. He wanted to be different.

So, he patted her head again.

Le Qianxue grew angrier, her hair rumpled. Like many women, she hated having her head touched—she was a prime example.

She was about to protest when Zhan Lianjing quietly said, “I want to be different, for you.”

She was taken aback. Different… how?

He gazed at her confusion, his eyes growing intent. He had already said as much, and yet she was still as clueless as ever.

No matter—actions could speak for him.

He leaned in, holding the silver mask from earlier, its surface catching the faintest light.

Le Qianxue tried to lean back, but there was nowhere left to retreat. Wait—what was Zhan Lianjing planning?

She tried to draw away, but he wouldn’t allow it. He reached out, pulled her toward him, and wrapped his arm around her waist.

His hand was broad, easily encircling her slender waist. His face was striking, his eyes so captivating that she found herself rooted to the spot.

Caught off guard, she froze—just as Zhan Lianjing lowered his head and pressed a gentle kiss to her lips.

She had to admit, Le Qianxue felt as though she might explode! Wait! What was happening?!

She stared at him wide-eyed, at a total loss.

Zhan Lianjing sighed, exasperated. “Close your eyes.”

Almost instinctively, she obeyed. After all, when Prince Zhan spoke, who dared refuse?

His presence enveloped her, his scent lingering at the tip of her nose, as intoxicating as fine wine.

His kiss was masterful, and as he guided her, she felt her breath growing warmer.

His hand drifted across her, pausing at her nape.

Suddenly, she jolted awake, her eyes snapping open. She hastily pushed Zhan Lianjing away.

Clutching her mouth in disbelief, she could hardly believe it—she had just been utterly captivated by his beauty!

She was nearly in tears; never had she lost her composure so completely…

Her voice trembled, “Prince Zhan… you… you can’t just go around dazzling people with your looks… What exactly are you trying to do?”