Chapter 92: Who Is the Young Lady to Him?

The young girl’s body was weak; she wanted to go out and retrieve the medicine she had dropped, but a few passersby kicked it, sending it rolling into the middle of the street. She cared for nothing else and rushed forward to pick it up. At that moment, someone shouted loudly, “Miss! Watch out!” A horse-drawn carriage was charging swiftly down the street. All the pedestrians had moved aside, but the girl remained in the center, oblivious to the danger. She managed to retrieve the small bottle of medicine and was about to take it, but upon turning her head, she saw the carriage barreling toward her, and she froze in fear. She hadn’t even had time to take the medicine before fainting. The crowd was terrified, but fortunately, the carriage stopped abruptly, sparing her life.

It was the carriage from the Prince of War’s mansion. The coachman had almost failed to stop in time, but it was Chasing Star who intervened and brought the carriage to a halt. Frowning, he knew the carriage was meant to fetch Zhan Lianjing, but now an accident had nearly occurred. He descended to see what had happened; the young girl had already fainted. Chasing Star quickly lifted her, checking for injuries. Upon seeing her face, he was startled. Hesitating for a moment, he hurriedly carried her back into the carriage. The carriage immediately returned to the Prince of War’s mansion, forsaking its original errand to fetch Zhan Lianjing.

Zhan Lianjing waited outside the city for a long time before the mansion’s carriage finally arrived. He was surprised; Chasing Star and his companion were always punctual, never late. As soon as Chasing Star arrived, he whispered something into Zhan Lianjing’s ear, causing him to frown slightly. Le Qianxue noticed the change in his expression and felt a bit curious. Zhan Lianjing hastily pulled her onto the carriage, seeming anxious. Le Qianxue asked, “What happened?” Zhan Lianjing replied, “Nothing.” She was puzzled—clearly something had happened, but he refused to elaborate. Still, Le Qianxue wasn’t one to press matters relentlessly; she simply stayed quietly by his side.

They had just returned to the capital. Zhan Lianjing first escorted her home, then hurried off again. Le Qianxue was even more perplexed. She entered the Clear Rain Courtyard through the back door, only to hear a commotion outside. “Who’s here?” she asked with a gesture, and Blossoming Peach replied, “It’s the Third Prince, come to visit you. But Master has stopped him, and now they’re arguing outside.” Le Qianxue listened and changed into fresh clothes. Blossoming Peach poured her a cup of hot tea. After a sip, Le Qianxue said, “He’s quite diligent, coming to find me so soon. But with my father holding the fort, I needn’t worry.” She hadn’t slept all night and her body was somewhat weakened, so rest was in order.

Le Qianxue had barely lain down when Yu Zhiyang broke through the defenses and burst in. As soon as he entered, he saw Le Qianxue lying quietly on the bed. Yu Zhiyang’s steps halted, and he stared at her intently, unsure what to say.

Le Yongcheng was furious at this point. He stretched out his hand and declared, “The Third Prince is so lacking in manners—one wonders what sort of training he’s had all these years!” Yu Zhiyang now wore no hint of a smile. Once gentle as jade, his expression was now icy. He knew Le Qianxue had returned in time, but even though he didn’t approach, he spoke: “Le Qianxue, what you all did last night was truly impressive. I’ve lost to you again, and I admit it wholeheartedly. But from now on, you’d best be careful!” With that, he turned and left, his anger evident—why did Le Qianxue always oppose him at every turn?

Le Yongcheng was momentarily stunned, watching Yu Zhiyang’s receding figure, then turned back to look at Le Qianxue. He frowned, still unclear about the situation, though it seemed quite serious. He hurried to her bedside and asked, “Xue’er, what were you doing out last night?” Le Qianxue didn’t answer, which made Le Yongcheng anxious. He lifted the gauze curtain to ask again, but soon heard the calm sound of Le Qianxue’s breathing—she had fallen asleep. Le Yongcheng’s lips twitched, but seeing that she hadn’t slept all night, he chose not to disturb her.

At the Prince of War’s mansion, Zhan Lianjing gently touched the young girl’s forehead, smoothing her stray bangs. “How is she?” he asked. “An old illness has flared up, but it’s under control,” Yuan Tianci replied. “But her condition is difficult to cure.” Yuan Tianci had been brought here to treat the girl. She had serious heart and lung issues. Yuan Tianci didn’t know who she was, but was struck by how tense everyone in the mansion was—especially the usually cold Zhan Lianjing.

Yuan Tianci listened carefully and heard Zhan Lianjing ask, “Wouldn’t the Seven-Colored Spirit Medicine cure her?” “The Seven-Colored Spirit Medicine?” Yuan Tianci was surprised. “So the person you wanted me to treat before was her?” “Exactly,” Zhan Lianjing replied. That had been his plan, but she’d escaped just then; now she had come to the capital of her own accord. Fortunately, nothing bad had happened, or he wouldn’t have let the guards off lightly.

Yuan Tianci’s curiosity was piqued. “Who is she? The Seven-Colored Spirit Medicine is so precious—are you really willing to use it?” Zhan Lianjing glanced coldly at him, his gaze frosty and unyielding. Yuan Tianci shuddered, realizing Zhan Lianjing didn’t wish to explain and fell silent, focusing on his medicine chest.

Considering Yuan Tianci’s relationship with Le Qianxue, Zhan Lianjing added, “She is very important to me. Will the Seven-Colored Spirit Medicine work? Can you cure her?” If Yuan Tianci couldn’t, he’d bring in Yin Susu. Unfortunately, Yin Susu was a fraud. Yuan Tianci recalled Le Qianxue explaining the use of the Seven-Colored Spirit Medicine, particularly the purple petals which could cure her illness.

Yuan Tianci knew of Zhan Lianjing and Le Qianxue’s entanglement and naturally sided with Le Qianxue now. After thinking it over, he said, “It can be cured, but some of my ingredients are at the General’s mansion. I’ll need to fetch them.” In truth, he merely wanted to warn Le Qianxue.

Upon hearing this, Zhan Lianjing immediately frowned. “In that case, move everything here to the Prince of War’s mansion. Don’t go to the General’s mansion after nightfall.” Yuan Tianci’s heart tightened. “Why?” Zhan Lianjing didn’t explain, but his expression was clear: defy him and face death. Feeling a chill, Yuan Tianci could only agree, “Very well…”

He was very puzzled, but Zhan Lianjing sent people to escort him to the General’s mansion to collect his things. It was just midday; it seemed that Le Qianxue’s operation last night had succeeded. Yuan Tianci wished to speak with Le Qianxue, but was blocked halfway by Le Yongcheng, who stood with a grim face, as if Yuan Tianci were a threat.

Yuan Tianci felt a pang of sadness. Upon inquiry, he learned that Le Qianxue was asleep, and Le Yongcheng was guarding her. “General Le, I really have something important to discuss with Qianxue,” Yuan Tianci said. “Wait until she wakes,” Le Yongcheng replied. “Isn’t it lunchtime? Go have a meal and come back.” Yuan Tianci didn’t wish to delay, but Zhan Lianjing’s men were waiting outside—time was short, or he wouldn’t be able to warn Le Qianxue.

Yuan Tianci grew anxious. “My matter is truly important—it concerns Qianxue’s lifelong happiness!” Le Yongcheng became even more anxious, immediately grabbing Yuan Tianci’s hand. “What? Lifelong happiness? Tell me first!” The force of paternal love was overwhelming! Yuan Tianci was startled, but how could he tell Le Yongcheng? He hesitated—few knew of Le Qianxue and Zhan Lianjing’s relationship, and if Le Yongcheng found out, he might confront Zhan Lianjing.

So Yuan Tianci suddenly shouted, “Le Qianxue! I’m here to borrow your precious cauldron!” He knew the medicine cauldron was Le Qianxue’s treasure. Anyone who tried to touch it would be met with fierce resistance. After a moment, the door slammed open. “Yuan Tianci! Say that again if you dare!” Le Qianxue stood at the doorway, and Yuan Tianci rejoiced, immediately slipping past her. Le Yongcheng hurried after them, eager to know what was happening.

Yuan Tianci hid behind Le Qianxue and whispered, “I need to speak with you—about the Prince of War.” Hearing this, Le Qianxue reached out to block her father. “Father, we have important matters to discuss.” Le Yongcheng snorted, “Is there anything you can’t tell me?” Le Qianxue replied obediently, “There’s quite a lot, actually.” She stepped back and quickly shut the door.

Le Yongcheng, frustrated, shouted, “You unfilial girl! Open the door! I want to hear—is someone asking to marry you?!” That was the only conclusion he could reach now.

Le Qianxue ignored his shouting outside. She had just awakened, her eyes still a bit puffy. She hadn’t slept long and yawned. “What happened with Zhan Lianjing?” she asked. “Today, a young girl arrived at his mansion. He intends to use the Seven-Colored Spirit Medicine to save her and said she is very important to him,” Yuan Tianci replied, watching Le Qianxue’s expression before continuing, “So…what do you think?”