Chapter 83: Summoned to the Palace!

Zhan Lianjing was somewhat annoyed, for he had shamelessly spoken at length, yet she had uttered but a single sentence to express her disdain! In a huff, he released her and turned his face away, refusing to pay Le Qianxue any further heed.

Le Qianxue sensed his anger, and her heart trembled slightly; it seemed that if he was upset, she could not find peace herself. She lowered her gaze and spoke softly, “Prince Zhan, are you truly certain you like me?”

Though Le Qianxue had lived two lives, her previous existence as the head of the Tang family had been arduous. Her days were spent in ceaseless alchemy, surrounded by a host of subordinates. How could she ever have found time to speak of love with a man? To outsiders, she was a rigid woman, devoted to the study of traditional medicine. Those who understood her were deterred from approaching by her status.

Thus, in her former life, romantic feelings between herself and men had seldom blossomed. She was accustomed to dealing with them as comrades, much as with Yuan Tianci—an unbreakable bond, yet nothing more. Her uncertainty now stemmed from Zhan Lianjing’s noble and aloof demeanor; how could such a man possibly be interested in her? Surely, it was but an illusion!

Zhan Lianjing was driven mad by her words, glaring at her as he replied, “What would you consider proof? Should I go to your General’s Manor this very moment and present a betrothal gift? Hmm?!”

Le Qianxue was startled, hastily grabbing his hand, “No, no! That would be far too reckless!”

If Le Yongcheng learned of this, he would surely accuse them of having colluded in secret for ages. Should Zhan Lianjing truly go so far, it would shock the entire capital; after all, Zhan Lianjing had always kept his distance from women and was regarded by the people as untouchable.

“I merely wish to show you that I am sincere, not frivolous. If I liked you enough to propose today, it would matter not. Do you understand?” Zhan Lianjing’s tone softened, gentle only for Le Qianxue.

Seeing how he had frightened her, he was at a loss for words. Perhaps he had acted too hastily, making it difficult for her to accept. After a moment, he added, “I won’t force you, but I beg you—do not speak so heartlessly to me again. You mentioned a month’s time before; can you promise me that?”

Le Qianxue kept her head bowed, her heart fluttering wildly. She remained silent, but Zhan Lianjing continued to retreat, always moving toward her in these crucial moments to shield her.

At last, Le Qianxue murmured her assent.

Her mind was in chaos, dreading that Zhan Lianjing might discover her identity as the Ghost Doctor—that would surely end any profession of love.

Le Qianxue dared not imagine such a thing. Though she did not wish for too much closeness with him, his gentleness had softened her heart. She closed her eyes, steeled herself, and said, “All right.”

Zhan Lianjing was overjoyed, though he did not show it; his eyes simply grew brighter.

He said, “That’s my good girl.”

Le Qianxue couldn’t help but glare at him. Suddenly remembering something, she asked, “Prince Zhan, who is Yaoyao?”

Hearing this name, Zhan Lianjing’s expression darkened instantly, the light in his eyes vanishing. Now, he seemed frighteningly grim. His hand pressed tightly against his knee.

His voice was cold once more, “Which Yaoyao?”

“The name you uttered in feverish delirium,” Le Qianxue took a deep breath, “Perhaps Prince Zhan already has another beloved.”

Le Qianxue had long wondered about this and could no longer keep it to herself.

Zhan Lianjing’s expression grew even darker, as if another word might provoke lethal rage.

Le Qianxue was undaunted; it was better to clarify such matters, otherwise she could never be at ease.

In the end, Zhan Lianjing forced out a curt reply, “Do not mention that person again.”

Le Qianxue found this odd.

Zhan Lianjing turned away, refusing to engage with her further.

Though Le Qianxue felt a bit aggrieved, she also breathed a sigh of relief—perhaps she had uncovered Zhan Lianjing’s secret and angered him. In that case, it was just as well. If he already had someone he liked, why claim affection for her?

Soon the General’s Manor was approaching. She moved toward the edge of the carriage, preparing to disembark.

Once more, their parting was fraught with discord, but Le Qianxue felt no regret.

When the carriage stopped, as she was about to step down, Zhan Lianjing looked at her and said, “Her name is Yu Yao, my junior apprentice sister—nothing more.”

Le Qianxue was taken aback; she hadn’t expected him to explain.

Junior apprentice sister? Nothing more?

The words felt somewhat awkward.

Le Qianxue pushed her luck, “So she’s childhood friends with you!”

She turned and alighted from the carriage. Haoyue, puzzled by her sudden anger, watched as Le Qianxue entered the General’s Manor without interference.

Haoyue glanced back at Zhan Lianjing inside the carriage, his expression equally grim. “Your Highness, did you mention that person just now?”

Haoyue had vaguely heard Yu Yao’s name.

She thought Zhan Lianjing would never bring it up again.

For Zhan Lianjing, it was an unhealed wound—he had not uttered that name in eight years!

Zhan Lianjing turned, his face pale and dark, and said, “Let’s go.”

This was all the explanation he could offer; anything more was beyond him.

Haoyue understood his mood and quickly instructed the coachman to return to the Prince’s residence.

Upon returning to the General’s Manor, Le Qianxue found the household in disarray.

She frowned, “What’s happened?”

Uncle Zeng explained, “This morning, the Crimson Guards came searching for traitors. They turned the place upside down but found nothing and eventually left.”

Hence the chaos.

Le Qianxue said, “It’s a minor matter. Tell everyone not to panic.”

Uncle Zeng nodded, “The master has already been informed.”

She continued to frown. Though there was no evidence, the General’s Manor had still been implicated, and she feared Le Yongcheng might be affected.

After some thought, she headed to Qingyu Courtyard.

She entered the small storage room where she had once kept miscellaneous items.

Yuan Tianci and Yin Susu were glad to see her return safely, though curious about her urgent search.

“Suer, we’ve handled things on our end,” Yin Susu said. “But what are you looking for as soon as you return?”

Le Qianxue replied, “I recall the Empress Dowager gave me a small item years ago. I paid it little heed and set it aside.”

Yin Susu hadn’t known Le Qianxue before and couldn’t assist.

She suggested, “Let Huatao come in and help you search.”

Le Qianxue remembered Huatao, who had cared for her in the past and must know where the item was kept.

Huatao entered the storage room and, seeing Le Qianxue covered in dust, couldn’t help but say, “Miss, what are you looking for? Let me help you find it.”

Le Qianxue said, “A few years ago, the Empress Dowager bestowed a small box upon me, lacquered and carved with peonies. Do you know where it is?”

Huatao thought for a moment, then remembered at once.

She fetched a stool, reached atop the cabinet, and handed Le Qianxue a small wooden box.

Though covered in dust, its exquisite craftsmanship was evident.

Le Qianxue took a deep breath, wiped off the dust with a cloth, and opened it.

Inside was an unremarkable agate hairpin. Though ordinary at first glance, upon closer inspection its uniqueness became apparent.

Beside the hairpin was a small jade pendant carved with the character “Yu.” She had seen Yu Nanfeng’s jade pendant before and knew this was exclusive to the royal family.

This one was of far superior quality, its jade warm and lustrous, unlike Yu Nanfeng’s.

Yin Susu peered over, “Why would the Empress Dowager give you these?”

“My mind wasn’t quite clear back then, but she told me to use it for protection in times of danger. I didn’t pay it much heed at the time, but now that trouble is brewing, I remembered and dug it out,” Le Qianxue explained.

The original host hadn’t cared, focused only on following Yu Nanfeng.

Now, facing peril, Le Qianxue recalled the Empress Dowager’s words—though she couldn’t guess the true intent.

Still, the Empress Dowager must have had her reasons; she had favored the original host.

When everyone gathered in the main hall, Yin Susu went to shut the door.

Yuan Tianci saw Le Qianxue still fiddling with the hairpin and snatched it away, pinning it into her hair. “Don’t waste time with that. Susu and I have already apprehended Yuan Feng, but the capital is in turmoil, searching for him everywhere.”

Yin Susu frowned, “Who would have thought the emperor would care so much about a mere Yuan Feng.”

Le Qianxue replied calmly, “The Third Prince already knows I was involved. Now I fear the emperor may act against me. Listen: for these next few days, go to that place. If I remain safe, I’ll come find you.”

Yuan Tianci pondered, unable to help himself, “We must have been exposed when we lured Yuan Feng out. That makes things complicated. How will you get out of this?”

Moreover, Le Qianxue was tied to the entire General’s Manor—an even greater challenge.

Le Qianxue truly did not wish to implicate the General’s Manor or let Le Yongcheng come to harm, but it seemed fate would not allow her such peace.

If storms lay ahead, she would face them bravely.

At that moment, Uncle Zeng arrived at Qingyu Courtyard.

“Miss, someone from the palace has come, inviting you and Physician Yuan to attend a cleansing banquet for the Crown Prince of Mu Kingdom,” Uncle Zeng announced.

Le Qianxue and Yuan Tianci exchanged glances, their hearts heavy with apprehension.