“Second Young Miss Mu, I know my words might be superfluous, but there are some things I still…”
Qingfeng looked at the composed woman before him. Though she sat quietly in the light, an indescribable pressure radiated from her, as if boundless nobility were gathered in her alone.
If he hadn’t known it was her, he might have thought he’d come to the wrong place.
Pausing briefly, he finally spoke, his gaze shifting hesitantly toward the women standing beside her.
“You may all withdraw.” Without even lifting her eyes from the book in her hands, the young lady seemed to sense his discomfort and spoke softly. The women, whose presence had weighed heavily on Qingfeng, bowed respectfully and withdrew.
“Second Young Miss, when did you acquire such attendants? Their skills are quite impressive.” Only after Chunlan and the others had left did Qingfeng feel the pressure around him ease. He now realized those women were no ordinary figures.
Seeing only the two of them remaining, he forced a smile and said, “Weren’t you looking to speak with me? If not, you may leave.”
The young lady raised an eyebrow slightly at his rare, awkward expression, her tone indifferent.
“Miss Wanqing, don’t be so cold. After all, we share some history, don’t we? Fine, I’ll speak. My master has fallen ill again, and you should be careful these days…”
Qingfeng sighed at her unchanging, detached demeanor. In just a few days, this girl had not only refined her skills to an almost supernatural level but had also become utterly unapproachable. Her temperament and actions reminded him of his own unscrupulous master.
Though he knew he shouldn’t meddle in his master’s private affairs, the thought of his master’s unusual behavior toward her made him speak up. He wasn’t some great romantic, but he understood emotions well enough.
With an ingratiating smile, he looked at Wanqing, only to see her frown slightly in displeasure at his words. He quickly waved his hands and added with genuine concern, “Oh, so your master has sent someone to deal with me?”
Recalling her actions toward that man the previous night, Wanqing smiled faintly and countered.
“…” Qingfeng’s expression darkened as she immediately guessed the truth.
“Aren’t you afraid your master will punish you for betraying him? Disrespect and treachery are grave offenses.”
Wanqing set down her book and regarded him with a faint smile.
“I… I just can’t stand seeing the two of you clearly caring for each other yet torturing yourselves like this. Miss Wanqing, though I don’t fully understand what happened between you and my master, I know he truly cares for you. He—”
Cut off by her question, Qingfeng thought of his master’s delirious words during his poisoning the night before—words he’d never spoken upon waking. Though unsure what his master would do next, Qingfeng met her gaze earnestly.
“Enough. If you’ve only come to warn me that your master is targeting me, I thank you for the reminder. I’ll be careful. As for your master’s mother, I’ll go treat her shortly. After this, whatever happens to him is none of my concern. And pass him a message: if he provokes me again, I won’t hold back.”
Irritated by Qingfeng’s words, Wanqing cut him off and stood, her tone cool as she issued her warning.
“I… very well. Then I’ll take my leave, Miss.”
Seeing he couldn’t sway her, Qingfeng sighed and turned to go.
“Honglian, prepare the medicine chest. We’re leaving now.”
Once Qingfeng was gone, Wanqing stepped outside and instructed the maid waiting at the door.
“There’s no need for the rest of you to follow. I’m just going to treat a patient. Let’s go.”
When Honglian returned with the chest, Chunlan and the others gathered as well. Though touched by their loyalty and protectiveness, Wanqing dismissed them and left with only Honglian.
They headed straight for Prince Ji’s residence.
“You…” Prince Ji studied her skeptically as she arrived. His consort’s illness had stumped even the imperial physicians, yet this young girl claimed she could cure it. Her youth made him doubtful.
“I am the closed-door disciple of Elder Yao of Medicine Valley. If Your Highness doubts me, I won’t treat her. Honglian, let’s go.”
Wanqing met the prince’s imposing gaze with calm indifference, then turned to leave.
“Wait! Father, this girl’s skills are extraordinary, and she is indeed from Medicine Valley. However, Second Young Miss Mu, my mother’s condition is no trifling matter. If you succeed, I will be deeply grateful. But if you fail—or worsen her state—don’t blame me for being discourteous. Of course, I trust you wouldn’t tarnish Medicine Valley’s reputation.”
Just as Wanqing reached the door, a voice stopped her. Leng Mingye, clad in moon-white robes and flanked by Qingfeng and Baiyu, stepped forward. His smile was cool as he blocked her path, his gaze challenging. His meaning was clear: if she took this on, she must succeed—or face the consequences.
“You underestimate me, Young Master. Though I have no great reputation, I’m confident in treating this illness.”
Wanqing saw through his provocation but remained composed. She had vowed to repay her debt to him and wouldn’t back down. His attempt to bind her further only strengthened her resolve.
Having decided to oppose even the emperor and empress if necessary, she saw no reason to linger in his games.
“Very well. But if you fail, how will you atone? Delaying other physicians’ efforts or worsening her condition—what then?”
Leng Mingye’s brows furrowed at her defiance, his smile strained. He demanded accountability.
“Young Master, don’t push too hard—”
Honglian, unable to bear his aggression, stepped forward.
“Honglian, if I say I can treat her, I can. If I fail, I’ll give my life in exchange for the princess consort’s. Does that satisfy you, Young Master?”
Wanqing’s voice was icy as she silenced Honglian and met Leng Mingye’s gaze. Her eyes held a deeper chill. She had intended to sever ties after repaying her debt, yet he still pressed her. Though the princess consort’s illness was daunting, once Mu Wanqing set her mind to something, no one could stop her.
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