I will definitely take you down in one swift move.

Zhan Lianjing’s face darkened at once; this accusation was even more serious—she had actually run off with another man! He turned away, unwilling to give Le Qianxue any attention.

Le Qianxue felt a pang of grievance at his reaction. Originally, she had no guilt, but recalling how Zhan Lianjing had risked his life to come here yesterday, she and Yuan Tianci had been saved only thanks to him. Otherwise, she could not have predicted how the emperor might have treated her.

Despite Zhan Lianjing’s stoic demeanor, his heart was not immune; he was, after all, soft-hearted. His tone was gentle as he spoke slowly to Le Qianxue, “The emperor now sees you as a thorn in his side. As long as you are in the capital, I can protect you.”

Le Qianxue lowered her gaze and whispered, “I never expected the emperor would find me…”

“The royal family’s abilities are vast. Otherwise, why do you think I’ve refrained from acting all these years?” Zhan Lianjing replied.

Le Qianxue was after all too young to understand the true situation in Tianlong Kingdom. But it was only natural—unless one were a high minister or a prince, who could truly know the extent of royal power?

Le Qianxue said, “Since you knew the emperor would target me, you shouldn’t have let me reveal Yan Luoyu’s whereabouts! Now I have to be constantly wary for my life! And don’t you know? The emperor and the third prince were testing you!”

Though she wasn’t sure what they were testing for, she knew it was certainly not in Zhan Lianjing’s favor.

Zhan Lianjing was unconcerned. He glanced at her and said languidly, “That was precisely my intention. Now that you’ve become the emperor’s thorn, he’ll never show you a kind face again. Tell me, besides me, who else can you rely on?”

In that instant, Le Qianxue finally understood the depths of Zhan Lianjing’s intentions!

He was truly cunning! It was as if he wanted to claim her life!

She cursed him inwardly, feeling she should never have crossed Zhan Lianjing! Yet the problem was, she had never offended him, always careful to follow his wishes.

“I’ve never wronged you, Your Highness. Aren’t you being too unscrupulous? Truly despicable!” Le Qianxue’s anger surged, with nowhere to vent it—her heart was full of nothing but fury!

Zhan Lianjing closed his eyes, refusing to argue further.

He only said, “This was merely about letting the emperor know in advance that you belong to me.”

His logic was impeccable, leaving no room for rebuttal.

Le Qianxue sighed, feeling stifled. If she had known, she would never have drawn close to Zhan Lianjing! He truly was a domineering tyrant!

That morning, Le Qianxue’s expression remained sour.

Even Yuan Tianci dared not speak freely, afraid to irritate her.

Yet when Zhan Lianjing gave orders, Le Qianxue obediently complied, tending to his food and drink with utmost care.

Yuan Tianci, on the other hand, felt utterly lacking in charm—Le Qianxue had never treated him with such tenderness.

Zhan Lianjing’s injury prevented them from rushing their journey.

Le Qianxue pondered and asked, “Your Highness, do you have anyone to meet you outside? That would make it easier to escort you back to the capital.”

Zhan Lianjing had been lying down most of the day, feeling uncomfortable all over.

Yet the wound on his abdomen hurt little—he wondered what medicine Le Qianxue used.

At times, he felt Le Qianxue’s medical skill surpassed even her master, Yuan Tianci.

He replied, “No. You will escort me back to the capital.”

“I…” Le Qianxue refused, “No, I’m heading to Medicine King Valley.”

Zhan Lianjing replied, “Then I’ll go as well.”

…

“Wherever you go, I’ll follow,” Zhan Lianjing persisted, as domineering as ever. “I promised a month—I won’t miss a single day.”

Le Qianxue’s heart was heavy. She asked seriously, “Your Highness, have you truly thought it through? Do you really like me?”

“You don’t believe me?” Zhan Lianjing raised an eyebrow at her.

He was always decisive and swift in his actions—now someone doubted him, and that was insulting.

Le Qianxue hesitated and finally said, “Yes…”

But before she finished, Zhan Lianjing pulled her close, pressing her into his arms, and lowered his head for a kiss.

How shy! And so sudden and silent! He caught her off guard!

Le Qianxue froze—who expressed their affection so brazenly, kissing without warning? It opened her eyes!

Outside, Yuan Tianci had struggled back with food, and upon seeing the scene, was utterly shocked.

“Ah—!” Yuan Tianci shrieked, quickly turning away. “I didn’t see anything! Nothing at all!”

Le Qianxue was mortified, her cheeks flushed. Zhan Lianjing, for the first time, noticed she could be embarrassed.

He laughed softly, watching her hurriedly exit the carriage.

She stumbled, nearly falling several times.

Le Qianxue couldn’t compose herself, her face burning.

She washed her face, while Yuan Tianci sang by the stream: “Oh my… the cabbage I grew was rooted up by a pig… rooted up by a pig…”

This immediately enraged Le Qianxue.

She flung a stone at Yuan Tianci, scolding, “You dare sing that?! Am I yours to raise?! And is His Highness a pig?!”

Water splashed around Yuan Tianci, soaking his clothes, but he didn’t mind.

He took a bite of his bun and said, “The idea’s about the same. Today’s drama is explosive—if I told this story under the bridge, I’d earn a few taels of silver for sure.”

Le Qianxue glared at him, sensing his glee at her expense.

Yuan Tianci sang another line, and Le Qianxue nearly rushed over to hit him, so he finally stopped.

Yuan Tianci then whispered to her, “I always thought His Highness treated you differently, maybe out of pity since you’re a woman. But now, it turns out he likes you. Even though he’s never had women around him, I advise you not to get involved with him.”

Le Qianxue understood, but Zhan Lianjing didn’t know the truth and kept pressing her—there was nowhere to escape!

Yuan Tianci continued, “With his temperament, if he learns you’re the Ghost Doctor, he’ll surely finish you off.”

He made a cutting gesture across his throat.

Le Qianxue nodded gravely.

Yuan Tianci went on, “Don’t think a man’s affection means he’ll spare you. That’s unlikely. Women rarely love lightly, but once they do, it’s deep. In the end, you’ll be the one hurt. Most men are cold and indifferent—you’ll be the one to suffer.”

Le Qianxue sneered, “You mean yourself? A cold man?”

Yuan Tianci’s ear was twisted, and he cried out in pain.

“How could that be?! I told you, I’ll always be your backup! If you can’t find a husband, I’ll marry you!” Yuan Tianci said. “Look at me—aren’t I devoted?”

Though he was joking, Le Qianxue felt a warmth in her heart and released his ear. “Forget it. I won’t marry someone I don’t love.”

She knew her own nature well.

Yuan Tianci sighed, “Alright, I’ve said all I need to. Just weigh things carefully—don’t lose your heart and end up in pain.”

After discussing further, realizing they couldn’t shake off Zhan Lianjing, the two decided to return to the capital for safety.

Two days later, when Zhan Lianjing’s wound had healed a bit, they set off.

Upon reaching the outskirts of Zhengzhou, Zhan Lianjing suddenly said, “Go to the Chunxiang Tavern in Zhengzhou and find someone.”

Le Qianxue nodded, “Alright.”

Zhan Lianjing gave her a secret signal, and she went.

Soon, the tavern owner came, and upon seeing Zhan Lianjing, bowed respectfully.

Zhan Lianjing ordered, “Arrange a few men to escort me back to the capital. And get a better carriage.”

The tavern owner went to handle it, and in less than half an hour, everything was ready.

With the new carriage, even squeezing in Yuan Tianci, there was plenty of space.

Le Qianxue’s face was dark throughout the journey. She had thought Zhan Lianjing had no escort back to the capital, but now, with a single word, several men came to protect him. Why drag her and Yuan Tianci along?

Yuan Tianci tried to cheer her up, “Qianxue, I bought some pastries for you outside—try them.”

Le Qianxue loved pastries best, and Yuan Tianci knew how to coax her.

She licked her lips and nodded, “What flavor?”

“Osmanthus. Zhengzhou’s osmanthus pastries are especially good—lots of osmanthus here.” Yuan Tianci and Le Qianxue chatted, completely ignoring Zhan Lianjing.

In the end, Zhan Lianjing watched them with a cold face.

Le Qianxue was bold—she dared eat another man’s food right in front of him.

Now, Le Qianxue smiled, while Zhan Lianjing’s face turned stormy.

Le Qianxue paid him no mind, enjoying her pastries—they were delicious.

The return to the capital would take two more days. Zhan Lianjing, wounded, couldn’t rush, so the journey took longer.

After several days of bumping along, they finally reached Ye City, near the capital.

That night, they rested in Ye City, planning to return to the capital the next day.

Zhan Lianjing didn’t seek out the city lord; after all, he wasn’t in a wheelchair anymore, so he didn’t want to attract attention.

In the end, Zhan Lianjing donned a bamboo hat and had Le Qianxue accompany him for a stroll.

Le Qianxue said nothing, following behind.

Zhan Lianjing turned, “Keep up.”

She reluctantly walked beside him, pouting in clear displeasure.

Zhan Lianjing sighed at her attitude.

Ahead was the Temple of Affinities, and Zhan Lianjing, moved by a thought, asked, “Do you want to pray for love?”

“No,” Le Qianxue replied. “If it’s meant to be, it will be. If not, so be it—there’s no point in forcing it.”

Zhan Lianjing frowned at her, “So you’re saying I shouldn’t persist with you.”

Le Qianxue couldn’t hold back, “Exactly! Why must you be so domineering when I don’t like you? Have you ever considered how I feel?!”