094. Le Linglong Defiled

With the bright moon leading the way, Yue Qianxue followed along.

They arrived at a small courtyard—a place of true tranquility, filled with the melodious calls of birds and the heady fragrance of flowers. The entire garden was awash with peach blossoms, so dazzling it was almost blinding.

"Peach blossoms shouldn’t be blooming at this time of year," Yue Qianxue remarked. "How is it that the peach trees here are still flowering?"

"There’s a master gardener in the prince’s residence," Haoyue explained. "He’s the one who cultivated all these. Our young lady loves peach blossoms, so the prince had them especially planted for her."

Yue Qianxue smiled, adding, "Prince Zhan is truly devoted to this young lady."

Haoyue detected a faint trace of jealousy in her own heart, but paid it no mind. Besides, she had no idea that there was anything between Yue Qianxue and Zhan Lianjing; she simply thought Yue Qianxue was, like herself, someone who handled tasks for the prince.

Haoyue nodded. "Yes, the prince dotes on none but our young lady."

Yue Qianxue’s smile stiffened ever so slightly, though she managed not to show it.

When they reached the main house, they saw a little girl in a pale pink gauzy dress playing with a kitten under the corridor.

"Kitty, come here, let me hold you," the child’s laughter rang out like silver bells. As she turned her head, she saw Haoyue approaching with a stranger.

She immediately waved. "Sister Haoyue, the kitten you gave me is such fun. Come and see!"

Haoyue smiled tenderly and went over.

Yue Qianxue cast a glance at the little girl. Though still young, she was already a budding beauty with exceptionally lovely large eyes. Yue Qianxue paused, then averted her gaze.

Haoyue had already picked up the kitten. "Miss, go inside now, the physician is here to examine you."

The little girl pouted. "Again? Didn’t someone already check my pulse this morning?"

"This one is different," Haoyue replied.

The little girl glanced over, her gaze lingering on Yue Qianxue’s face. "She is indeed different—because she’s a girl dressed as a boy."

She sighed, then went inside.

Haoyue invited Yue Qianxue in, with Huatao quickly following, carrying the medicine chest.

The little girl held out her hand, evidently accustomed to such routines, but her attention was fixed on Yue Qianxue. She thought: if this doctor is so delicate even in men’s attire, how stunning she must be in women’s dress.

Propping her chin with her other hand, she asked, "Sister, what’s your name?"

Yue Qianxue was focused on the pulse, but replied, "Doctor."

The little girl was taken aback. Yue Qianxue’s impassive demeanor reminded her of Zhan Lianjing’s coldness.

"Sister, do you dislike me?" the child asked.

"No," Yue Qianxue withdrew her hand.

"Then why do you seem to be rejecting me?" The little girl was seldom wrong—her instincts were always accurate.

"I’m always like this," Yue Qianxue replied.

She took out a small medicine bottle, turning to Haoyue. "There’s only one pill inside. Divide it into four doses; give her one each morning."

Haoyue quickly accepted the instructions. "Understood. When will Master Yuan arrive? The Seven-Colored Elixir is ready; my lady’s illness really can’t be delayed any longer."

Yue Qianxue’s expression became solemn, as always when discussing illness. "Her condition dates back to the womb. Even with the Seven-Colored Elixir, there’s no rushing the cure."

Haoyue was astonished. "Miss Yue, you’re so skilled to know my lady’s illness began before birth? Even Master Yuan didn’t diagnose that yesterday!"

Inwardly, Yue Qianxue cursed Yuan Tianci dozens of times—how could he have missed it? But she reconsidered: Tang Clan’s pulse-taking skills were unrivaled, and she herself had practiced medicine for years—far more experienced than Yuan Tianci.

She replied, "My master Tianci simply chose not to speak of it. Don’t worry, he has his own plan."

Haoyue nodded. "That’s good. Still, you’ve learned much under Master Yuan, Miss Yue. It seems you’ll soon be able to practice independently."

Yue Qianxue did not want to reveal herself too soon; she hadn’t yet explained things to Zhan Lianjing.

At that moment, the little girl tugged at her sleeve. Yue Qianxue looked down, feeling all thoughts vanish—so Zhan Lianjing was hiding a beauty away like a precious jewel! What was there to explain? She felt there was nothing left to say.

"Sister Yue," the child said, "I’ve met many doctors, but you seem the most capable. Why don’t you be the one to treat me from now on?"

Yue Qianxue gently shook off the child’s hand. "I’m not skilled enough. My master, Tianci, will cure you."

The little girl clung to her hand. "But I want you. I like you."

Yue Qianxue told Huatao to pack up, then turned to the child. "Your life shouldn’t be entrusted lightly to anyone. I just don’t have the skill."

The little girl seemed simple and pure, her eyes clear—free from ulterior motives. From the pulse, Yue Qianxue found her frail, plagued by a heart condition since childhood, which explained the bluish tint to her lips.

She couldn’t help but feel sympathy, but reasoned that this was Zhan Lianjing’s issue, not the child’s.

With that, she softened. "When my master comes to treat you, I’ll come along too."

The little girl beamed with joy.

Just then, the kitten in Haoyue’s arms leaped out and dashed from the room. Haoyue cried out and hurried after it.

The little girl turned to Yue Qianxue. "Sister Yue, what’s your name?"

"I... It doesn’t matter. You know my surname is Yue," she replied.

"That won’t do! I must know your name. I’m Yu Yao—now you tell me yours," the girl insisted.

Yue Qianxue froze, her expression stiffened. "Your name is Yu Yao?"

"Yes." The child looked a little guilty but nodded.

"Then you’re... Zhan Lianjing’s little junior sister?" Yue Qianxue asked.

"How did you know?" The girl was surprised. She had only casually mentioned the name Yu Yao.

Yue Qianxue smiled. "Because I once heard Zhan Lianjing murmur your name in his sleep—it’s no wonder he dotes on you so."

The girl was startled, biting her finger and mumbling, "No way... Why would brother still call her name?"

But when she came to her senses, Yue Qianxue and her maid were already leaving.

Still dazed, the girl asked Haoyue when she returned, "Sister Haoyue, has Yu Yao ever come looking for brother?"

Haoyue frowned and said sternly, "Miss, why are you mentioning her name? If the prince hears, he’ll be displeased."

The little girl lowered her head, unhappy. "But why can’t I mention Sister Yao? When I was out traveling, I used her name everywhere."

"What?!" Haoyue was stunned. "Miss, you’re being willful. We told you not to mention her. If the prince finds out, he’ll scold you."

"I just don’t understand. Back then, brother refused to marry her—so why does everyone blame Sister Yao now?" The little girl turned away, convinced she’d done nothing wrong. She liked her Sister Yao—what of it?

Haoyue opened her mouth to reply but couldn’t explain. After all, Zhan Lianjing had already forbidden the subject; they were to act as if nothing had ever happened.

"Miss, that was eight years ago. You were just a child. Don’t take it to heart," Haoyue said. "I have some tasks to attend to. Play with your kitten for a while."

Though the girl was disheartened, she nodded and did not protest further.

Yue Qianxue returned to the General’s Manor, her expression dark.

Sensing something was wrong, Huatao ventured, "Miss, would you like some tea?"

With dark circles under her eyes, Yue Qianxue was clearly exhausted. She shook her head. "No, I just need to rest. Arrange some guards—I don’t want to be disturbed."

Huatao complied, helping her mistress to bed before going out to carry out her orders.

Yet despite her weariness, Yue Qianxue lay awake, unable to sleep.

She thought and thought, finally sighing softly.

Yue Qianxue, you thought you’d found someone worth loving, that his flaws didn’t matter...

But you never imagined he’d turn out to be just another scoundrel.

She closed her eyes and forced herself to stop dwelling on it.

Fortunately, it was still early; it wasn’t too late to cut the ties of affection.

Having made up her mind, she finally slept in peace.

Yue Qianxue had always been used to such a life. After two sleepless nights, she managed to sleep for three days once she closed her eyes.

Only Yue Qianxue could manage such a feat...

Even Huatao was worried something might be wrong, but when Yuan Tianci came to check on her, he said she was merely exhausted and nothing else, so they let her sleep.

During this time, Zhan Lianjing finished his closed-door training, his internal energy restored. He came looking for Yue Qianxue, but seeing her sleeping so soundly, he left a message and did not disturb her.

When Yue Qianxue finally woke, Huatao relayed the message, but Yue Qianxue was indifferent. "Anything else?"

Huatao hadn’t expected such a reaction, but continued, "The Fourth Prince came by. Second Miss even tried to flirt with him, but he ignored her."

Yue Qianxue merely responded, "The Fourth Prince is nothing if not resolute."

It seemed that Le Linglong’s beautiful dreams were really just that—dreams. She deserved it; when Yu Nanfeng liked her, she pretended otherwise and tried to climb her way into becoming Crown Princess.

Now she couldn’t even become a prince’s consort.

Just then, Yuan Tianci strode in, exclaiming, "Qianxue, something amusing has happened! Do you know what’s causing all the commotion outside?"

"Just say it," Yue Qianxue replied.

"Heh, why are you so unmoved by romance? Your dear sister’s reputation was ruined by the Fourth Prince—it’s already reached the emperor!"

Yue Qianxue paused, then burst out laughing.

"What’s going on? I just woke up to such a scandal. What’s the situation now?" She had already washed and dressed; it was noon, the heat at its peak.

Yuan Tianci shrugged. "How should I know? But your father and Aunt Xu went to the palace. Only a few people know the details. Apparently, Dukes Mu and Zhuang were involved, so it’s been brought before the emperor and quickly hushed up."

Yue Qianxue considered this. "Le Linglong really is something, choosing such a moment. I want to see what’s happening at the palace. Perhaps my dear sister will marry before me—then the whole capital will have a good laugh at my expense."