057. Keeping a Pretty Boy Toy
Zhan Lianjing’s gaze flickered slightly at her words, but he said nothing more.
Le Qianxue, having eaten her fill, dared not provoke Zhan Lianjing with idle chatter. Instead, she asked, “Prince Zhan, have you recovered your inner strength?”
Her question softened his expression; he no longer seemed as rigid as before. “The pills you brought last time were excellent. They helped me regain half my strength. Give me another half month, and I’ll be completely recovered.” His internal cultivation techniques were solidly founded, so even with grievous internal injuries, he could recover swiftly.
Le Qianxue nodded. Naturally—after all, she had concocted the medicine herself. Though the credit had gone to Yuan Tianci, it mattered little; she was content to be an unremarkable apprentice.
She fidgeted with her fingers, unsure how to persuade Zhan Lianjing.
He seemed to sense her concerns, noticing her hesitation. “Speak plainly,” he said, disliking anything roundabout.
Le Qianxue hesitated, then spoke, “Your Highness, why not leave sooner? There’s nothing good in this dungeon, and you can’t properly heal here. Moreover, you’re contending with the Emperor—he’s the ruler of the nation; you surely stand to lose. Why not give him some face?”
“Le Qianxue, you never learn, do you? Have you forgotten the Emperor once tried to kill me?” Zhan Lianjing replied.
Truthfully, Le Qianxue simply didn’t wish to remain here. The dungeon made even bathing a challenge. She cherished cleanliness, and the inability to wash left her heart broken.
She said, “But he’s the Emperor, after all.”
You’re merely a prince; surely you should know your limits.
Zhan Lianjing retorted, “I have the right to be arrogant.”
Le Qianxue was momentarily speechless; she’d experienced firsthand the extent of his arrogance! Even the Emperor was beneath his notice—how formidable!
After a while, Le Qianxue sighed softly, “Is Your Highness planning to stay here for a whole month? Does that mean I’ll have to remain as well?”
That was far too much to ask of her!
Zhan Lianjing glanced at her, “Didn’t you say before you’d choose a side?”
Le Qianxue was startled, but quickly nodded, “Yes, I did.”
He lowered his eyes, “I may not win, but I can always give you a strong ally, and protect your General’s Estate.”
“Of course! My prince is extraordinary, isn’t he?” Le Qianxue was already flattering him.
Referring to him as “my prince” didn’t escape Zhan Lianjing’s notice.
He said, “Then go persuade your father; have him align himself with me.”
Le Qianxue was taken aback, then shook her head, “Impossible. My father’s nature is to be loyal only to the Emperor. If it’s just following a prince, he’d never agree.”
Zhan Lianjing knew well Le Yongcheng’s temperament, and was not surprised.
He replied, “Let’s leave that for another time. Le Qianxue, you must realize—the Emperor has long envied your General’s Estate. Who knows how much longer your father will retain his position? The Yang family is intent on seeing him fall. All these years, your father refused to join any factions. If trouble comes, he’ll stand utterly alone.”
Le Qianxue answered solemnly, “That’s why, Prince Zhan, I’m clear about my father’s character. I must choose a side, for his sake. In court, I know he’ll suffer loss one day. Last time, if not for your help in the matter of the Fourth Prince, the General’s Estate might never have recovered.”
When trouble struck, no one dared help, fearing to offend the Yang family or the Right Chancellor.
Though today Le Qianxue wasn’t truly intent on aiding Zhan Lianjing, he undeniably possessed the power to protect the General’s Estate.
Once she finished helping Yin Susu investigate everything, she’d decide what to do next; that could only be figured out step by step.
Zhan Lianjing acknowledged her words with a sound; he was grateful she remembered.
He extended his hand, “Let me tell you this: if you ever betray me, I will kill you.”
Le Qianxue hesitated inwardly, but didn’t delay long. She nodded, “All right. I understand your grand ambition, Your Highness. I hope I can assist you in the future.”
Zhan Lianjing pursed his lips, motioning for her to lower her hand.
Le Qianxue slowly extended her hand and placed it atop his.
He grasped her hand, hooking her pinky with his, “Remember what I’ve said.”
Her lips twitched—how could Zhan Lianjing act like a child wanting a pinky promise?
She could only agree; with his trust, things would be much easier in the future.
She breathed a sigh of relief, feeling that the days ahead might be quite promising.
Le Qianxue remained in the dungeon for two more days. Even the Emperor came to visit, but Zhan Lianjing stubbornly refused to leave.
Finally, on the third day, after Chen Gonggong spoke to him—whatever it was—Zhan Lianjing agreed to depart.
Le Qianxue, still thinking of the medicinal herbs at the Imperial Medical Bureau, went there with Yuan Tianci before leaving.
On their way back, they spotted a finely dressed woman approaching gracefully.
Le Qianxue thought she must be a palace consort, but then heard the palace maids greeting her as the Crown Prince’s concubine.
It struck her—Yu Guhan had taken a concubine a year ago. This concubine was the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Mu’s household, sister to the heir.
Back then, Mu Qingyu was meant to become Crown Princess, but for reasons unknown, the Emperor changed his mind and made her the concubine. The Duke’s household protested, refusing the marriage, but imperial commands could not be defied, and so the wedding proceeded.
Yuan Tianci, sharp as ever, said, “Qianxue, why is she staring at you like that? As if she hates you.”
Le Qianxue glanced back—it was true. She and Mu Qingyu had barely met; she couldn’t think how she might have offended her.
Mu Qingyu carried herself with lofty arrogance, the sole mistress of the Crown Prince’s residence. Naturally, she bore such airs.
Le Qianxue gave a slight bow, intending to step past, but Mu Qingyu pointed at her, “You, stop.”
She paused, “Concubine, what is it?”
Mu Qingyu strode up to Le Qianxue, her gaze sharp. She was attractive, but her pride made her unlikable.
Le Qianxue met her eyes, unflinching.
Mu Qingyu said, “Le Qianxue, let me warn you—don’t covet the Crown Prince, or I’ll teach you a lesson!”
Le Qianxue laughed, “So that’s what Concubine wishes to say. That’s easily settled. Surely you know the Crown Prince is destined to be surrounded by women; no need to threaten me. Besides, there’s nothing between us.”
Mu Qingyu snorted. Despite being the Duke’s legitimate daughter, she showed none of the refinement expected.
Le Qianxue wondered how the Duke’s household produced such a pawn, utterly useless.
“Le Qianxue! I might let other women into the palace, but never you! What qualifications do you have? Your father was a nameless soldier, your mother’s origins are obscure, and you’re nothing but a wild girl!” Mu Qingyu declared.
The Duke’s household was a prestigious family!
Le Qianxue rolled her eyes, unsure what Yu Guhan had done to provoke such hostility from Mu Qingyu.
She didn’t wish to argue, intending to leave.
But Yuan Tianci, unable to hold back, stepped forward, “And who are you to speak to my sister Qianxue like that?!”
“You don’t know who I am? I am the Crown Prince’s concubine, the Duke’s legitimate daughter!”
“How strange—you rely on the Crown Prince and your family’s reputation. What have you accomplished yourself? How did someone like you become the Crown Prince’s concubine? I wonder if His Highness is blind.” Yuan Tianci’s words were sharp.
He and Le Qianxue were close—he couldn’t bear to see her wronged.
Le Qianxue now seemed like a gentle bird, sheltering behind Yuan Tianci.
Truthfully, she was a little exasperated.
Mu Qingyu placed her hands on her hips, “What did you say!? You dare insult me?! Believe it or not, I'll have your head chopped off!”
“Go ahead!” Yuan Tianci glanced at her, utterly unimpressed.
Mu Qingyu sneered, “I see, Le Qianxue—this is the pretty boy you keep? Didn’t expect you to have such tastes! Rumors say your reputation is poor: after seducing Prince Zhan, now you keep a pretty boy. Shameless!”
Le Qianxue was truly angered—such slander!
Before either could respond, suddenly Mu Qingyu cried out in pain and collapsed to her knees.
Her maid rushed to help her up, but Mu Qingyu’s legs had no strength; she couldn’t stand.
She was about to accuse Le Qianxue of foul play, when she saw Haoyue pushing Zhan Lianjing past.
Haoyue stopped, eyes cold, “Concubine, you speak without propriety. Doctor Yuan is the prince’s esteemed guest, yet today suffers such insult.”
Mu Qingyu, seeing Zhan Lianjing, lowered her head, not daring to meet his gaze.
“Prince Zhan… I… I just misspoke,” she stammered.
Zhan Lianjing said, “Let it not happen again.”
He waved his hand, signaling Haoyue to proceed. Having spent so long in the palace, he was eager to return to his own residence.
He turned back, “Are you not coming?”
Le Qianxue nudged Yuan Tianci, and together they followed Zhan Lianjing away.
It seemed that, with Zhan Lianjing present, no one could bully them.
Yuan Tianci marveled, “Prince Zhan is truly formidable.”
Le Qianxue worried—Zhan Lianjing’s power was surely greater than it appeared. Should she ever offend him, she might disappear forever.
Susu, oh Susu, I’m starting to hesitate about helping you investigate further.