Chapter 12: Attempting to Buy Me Off
Yesterday, Le Qianxue had saved Yu Nanfeng, yet Yu Nanfeng had given everything to her as a gift. It seemed she still had the upper hand over Le Qianxue.
She brushed the hair draped over her shoulder and smiled. “Uncle Zeng, my little storeroom is full as well. Have someone move the items to the flower hall; I’ll arrange for them to be put away.”
Uncle Zeng looked confused at first, but quickly understood and chuckled. “Second Miss, you’re mistaken. These are for the eldest young lady.”
In other words, what business is this of yours? How dare you make decisions?
Le Linglong was caught off guard; her face instantly soured. She pointed at the two or three trunks, stammering, “W-What? They’re not for me? Why would they be for her?!”
Le Qianxue—did she deserve it?!
Just then, Le Qianxue returned. Huatao followed behind her, and upon hearing the conversation, was genuinely angered.
She immediately said, “Second Miss, what’s so strange about the Fourth Prince sending gifts to the eldest young lady? She did save his life, after all!”
Le Linglong’s face stiffened, her anger making her tremble. Today, she had undoubtedly lost face.
For some reason, since Le Qianxue recovered from her illness, she was no longer dull-witted, and her beauty had grown even more refined. Any simple silk dress highlighted her graceful figure; even without an elaborate hairstyle or sparkling hairpins, she shone brilliantly.
That sort of beauty radiated from within.
Now, Le Linglong felt she was about to be outshone by Le Qianxue!
Learning that the gifts were from Yu Nanfeng, Le Qianxue wasn’t interested in the hairpins or jade ruyi, but they were worth some money.
She had always valued money greatly, so naturally, she accepted them.
Le Qianxue paid no mind to Le Linglong’s expression and instructed Huatao, “Huatao, tally everything and make a list for me.”
Later, she’d have Yin Susu find a way to sell them off. The thought of adding to her private stash put her in a particularly good mood.
Huatao replied, “Yes, Miss. But tonight, the Prince of War has invited you—do you need to prepare in advance?”
This morning, someone from the Prince of War’s manor had come especially to inform her.
Le Qianxue waved her hand impatiently. “I’m not going.”
She intended to refine medicine tonight and had no time to deal with the enigmatic prince. She had no wish to be entangled with him.
Thus, Zhan Lianxi waited in the Prince of War’s manor for half an hour, but Le Qianxue never appeared.
Night had fallen. Zhan Lianxi sat in his wheelchair, his expression unchanged, but his gaze was sharp as a blade. Only the most observant would notice his current mood.
Indeed, he was angry.
“She’s not coming?” Zhan Lianxi’s voice was haughty, tinged with displeasure.
He had thought she might simply arrive late, but she didn’t come at all.
Haoyue was equally surprised. “Someone from the General’s residence just arrived—they said the eldest young lady wasn’t feeling well, so she won’t be coming.”
“Heh, such an excuse…” Zhan Lianxi was holding a teacup, which now shattered in his hand.
Haoyue was startled.
She said, “Your Highness, shall I personally go and invite her?”
“Invite? Just tie her up and bring her here,” Zhan Lianjing said darkly.
His eyes were as black as ink. This woman was immune to soft tactics; she needed a firmer hand. She must be taught what it meant to obey.
Haoyue took the order and hurried to the General’s residence.
That night, Le Qianxue knew she would be disturbed if she refused the Prince of War’s invitation, so she arranged with Yin Susu to borrow several people to guard Qingyu Courtyard.
After all, she couldn’t afford to be interrupted while refining medicine; a single distraction would ruin her efforts and waste that precious petal.
Haoyue had only just reached the door and was about to step inside when a flash of silver forced her back several steps. Regaining her composure, she realized a guard was blocking her.
Since when did the General’s residence have such skilled guards, especially stationed at Qingyu Courtyard?
Haoyue frowned but still announced, “The Prince of War invites the eldest young lady. Please inform her!”
The guard replied, “The eldest young lady is resting and will not be going. If anyone tries to force their way in, she’s instructed us not to be polite.”
He raised his sword, his gaze cold.
Haoyue had come alone, intending to reason with them.
But Zhan Lianjing had been clever, knowing force would be needed to bring Le Qianxue over.
Haoyue drew her sword. “My lord has given the order; I must carry it out. Forgive me!”
She leapt forward, unleashing a flurry of sword blossoms.
But to her shock, two more guards emerged from either side, and the three of them attacked her together!
Their fighting style was identical—rarely seen.
She could barely hold her own against one, but with all three, there was no way she could capture Le Qianxue.
Gritting her teeth, Haoyue struck out with her palm, taking a cut to her arm, but using the opportunity to break free and rush inside.
The moment she entered the courtyard, she sensed something amiss.
On the roof and all around, there were archers, their crossbows aimed directly at her.
Cold sweat beaded on Haoyue’s forehead.
She gripped her sword, uncertain whether to advance or retreat.
Quickly assessing the situation, she said, “It seems I’ll have to return empty-handed today. Eldest Miss Le, if you don’t come tonight, don’t regret it.”
She turned and left without hesitation.
Back at the Prince of War’s manor, Haoyue reported what had happened.
Zhan Lianjing shattered another teacup.
Haoyue couldn’t help but remind him, “Your Highness, that was a rare purple clay teacup—please be careful…”
But Zhan Lianjing paid no mind, scattering the fragments across the floor.
He turned his head, moonlight casting his face in frosty relief.
“Haoyue, do you think she’s that Ghost Doctor?” Zhan Lianjing asked.
Haoyue thought for a moment, realizing Zhan Lianjing suspected Le Qianxue and wanted to test her.
But since Le Qianxue hadn’t come, there was no way to test anything.
“Your Highness, although the eldest young lady saved the Fourth Prince, there are many skilled in medicine…”
“We’ll know soon enough,” Zhan Lianjing narrowed his eyes.
She stole his medicine and knew his secret—if that person was Le Qianxue, he would not hesitate to kill her.
At the General’s residence, Qingyu Courtyard.
The table was piled high with invitations. Huatao, literate, carefully reviewed each one.
Her eyes were sore; after all, she’d read dozens over the past two days.
“Miss, ever since you saved the Fourth Prince, many have sought your help. The steward says there are even people waiting at the door,” Huatao said.
The invitations she’d just reviewed were from officials and eminent families.
Le Qianxue lounged on the divan with a book. She hadn’t gone out these days; after her previous show of prominence, it was best to keep a low profile.
But the mountain of invitations was truly irritating.
“These people think that just because they have some influence, they can order me to visit and treat them,” Le Qianxue said. “Refuse them all—I won’t see a single one.”
She couldn’t draw too much attention; otherwise, Zhan Lianjing would surely suspect her.
Huatao happened to spot an invitation and was surprised. “Miss, Vice Chancellor Fu Xiao is offering ten thousand taels!”
That was no small sum.
Le Qianxue immediately sat up. “Huatao, where’s my medicine case?! Send a reply at once—go!”
Huatao was startled, taking a while to respond, “Miss, don’t let greed blind you. Vice Chancellor Fu’s reputation isn’t good. He’s the youngest chancellor, but he’s known for being frivolous. I’m afraid he’ll take advantage of you.”
Le Qianxue calmed down, stroking her chin. “True, and Fu Xiao is quite close to Zhan Lianjing.”
She smiled, then said, “Refuse them all. I won’t sell myself for money.”
Huatao’s lips twitched, wondering who had just reacted so strongly at the mention of ten thousand taels.
But less than an hour after refusing, someone arrived at the door.
Fu Xiao had just returned from court, dressed in blue robes, elegant and handsome, but the roguish curve of his lips made Le Qianxue uneasy.
“I sent an invitation a few days ago, Miss Le, and thought you’d come to my residence. I didn’t expect you to refuse,” Fu Xiao said, seating himself. “Was my offer too low?”
Le Qianxue glanced at him. “Vice Chancellor, I don’t have such skill. I wouldn’t dare take your silver. If I failed to cure you, I’d only bring disaster on myself.”
She watched as Fu Xiao casually picked up an apple and took a bite. Her expression remained unchanged, her tone even. “Vice Chancellor, you just ate an apple my dog, Fortune, licked.”
Fortune?
The name alone gave him a bad feeling.
“What is Fortune?” Fu Xiao asked.
Le Qianxue called out, “Fortune!”
A small dog trotted in, wagging its tail, and stopped at Le Qianxue’s feet.
Le Qianxue made a gesture, and the little dog sat obediently.
“Vice Chancellor, this is my Fortune.” She smiled radiantly, her eyes fixed on the apple in his hand.
Fu Xiao felt a wave of disgust and immediately spat out the apple he’d been chewing.
His attendant quickly brought water for him to rinse his mouth, and after some fuss, Fu Xiao still looked nauseated.
He ground out, “Le Qianxue, are you mocking me?!”
Le Qianxue spread her hands helplessly. “Not at all. Vice Chancellor, you came uninvited, sat down as you pleased, and casually ate my Fortune’s apple. You have only yourself to blame, not me.”
Her reasoning was impeccable, making it sound as though he was the one at fault.
Fu Xiao had wanted to argue but remembered his true purpose and held back.
He waved his hand. “Bring her in.”
Le Qianxue was puzzled until she saw someone carry in a stretcher, a woman with a bluish face lying atop it.
“Miss Le, I had no choice but to come to you,” Fu Xiao said. “This woman is dear to me, but her days are numbered. If you can save her, I’ll pay forty thousand taels!”
Le Qianxue stroked Fortune. At the mention of forty thousand taels, her eyes did indeed flash with excitement.