“Girl, are you so eager to cut ties with me?”
Wan Qing remained silent, and Cold Mingye rose to his feet, stepping beside her. Ignoring the suspicious glance from the old man, he leaned in and spoke in a voice only the two of them could hear.
“You’re the one forcing me into this. Why should I show you any sentiment? What do you say, Young Master? Since Wan Qing has spoken so plainly, she naturally takes responsibility for her words. Of course, Your Highness may simply treat it as a jest, in which case Wan Qing will take her leave.”
Wan Qing responded with the same hushed tone, her lips curling faintly. Seeing his expression darken, she turned slightly and addressed Prince Ji with a light smile before rising to leave.
“Wait, hold on—Miss Mu. Though you seem young, I still expect you to stand by your words. My son has already made his stance clear. So, Miss Mu, you may proceed to treat the Princess Consort. But if you fail, I’m afraid I’ll have no choice but to demand your life as compensation. What say you, Miss Mu?”
Prince Ji watched her prepare to leave, skeptical that such a young girl could cure his wife’s ailment. Yet her confidence was unwavering, even staking her life on it. With a faint smile, he raised a hand to stop her. His meaning was clear: if she couldn’t heal the Princess Consort, she’d pay with her life.
“Your Highness, Wan Qing is confident she can cure the Princess Consort. Please lead the way.”
Wan Qing met Prince Ji’s gaze with assurance, ignoring Cold Mingye’s displeasure. She stood and gestured for him to guide her.
“Very well. Attendants, escort Miss Mu.”
Prince Ji nodded and rose, following the maidservant toward the Princess Consort’s chambers.
“If you’re so determined to sever ties with me, then know this—if you fail to heal my mother, you’ll be buried with her.”
Cold Mingye, infuriated by her stubbornness, stepped forward and glared at her before striding ahead.
“Miss…”
Though her mistress spoke with confidence, the hostility from Cold Mingye and Prince Ji unsettled Hong Lian, who looked at her with worry.
“Don’t fret. I’ve yet to encounter an illness so dire it would cost me my life.”
Wan Qing reassured her with a smile and followed the others.
—
In an elegant courtyard, Wan Qing entered a chamber where the dignified yet pale Princess Consort lay in bed.
As Wan Qing took her pulse, Cold Mingye and Prince Ji watched intently. Seeing her brow furrow, Cold Mingye grew anxious.
“Can my mother be saved, Miss Mu? If not, our household does not force the impossible. You may still withdraw.”
Wan Qing glanced at him, puzzled by his sudden concern. Wasn’t he furious with her? Perhaps he merely sought to prolong their entanglement for future vengeance.
Shaking off the thought, she retrieved silver needles from her pouch.
“Wait—acupuncture is no trivial matter. Are you certain you can—”
Prince Ji hesitated as she prepared to insert the long needles into his wife’s body.
“Your Highness, trust me. If anything goes awry, I pledge the lives of everyone in my household as recompense.”
Her bold declaration stunned him.
“Father, let her try.”
Cold Mingye, though seething, spoke up.
“Very well.”
Prince Ji, though uncertain, relented.
—
After a measured session, Wan Qing withdrew the needles.
“The Princess Consort should awaken soon. Follow my prescription, and she’ll recover fully in days.”
Prince Ji remained skeptical. “Just like that? She’ll wake?”
Before Wan Qing could respond, Cold Minghao’s voice rang out—
“Mother! Father, she’s awake! Brother, look!”
The Princess Consort’s eyes fluttered open.
“Your Highness, forgive my earlier doubts. Your skill is undeniable. Here—your payment.”
Prince Ji, overjoyed, ordered a reward brought forth.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage