“Brother Shizi is truly remarkable. Even Qing’er’s little trick couldn’t escape your notice. Indeed, I coated the needle with something—a medicine I obtained from Brother Mu Chengfeng. It will make her suffer unbearably, unable to live or die. Once she can’t endure it any longer, she’ll come begging me for the antidote.”
Faced with Leng Mingye’s questioning, Wan Qing didn’t hide anything, knowing she’d have to face him sooner or later. Calmly, she explained her intentions.
“It seems Mu Chengfeng’s medical skills have reached an unparalleled level. You mentioned introducing me to him—when can this Shizi meet him?”
Leng Mingye’s admiration for Mu Chengfeng grew as he listened to Wan Qing’s confident words. He turned to her and Prince Ning, repeating his request.
“This…”
Prince Ning hesitated. After all, the persona of Mu Chengfeng had been fabricated to cover for Wan Qing’s medical expertise. If they were to produce an actual person, it would undoubtedly be problematic.
“Brother Mu mentioned recently that once I recover and he treats Prince Ning’s injuries, he’ll leave the capital. Why is Brother Shizi so eager to meet him? Is there an urgent matter?”
Noticing Prince Ning’s unease, Wan Qing gave him a reassuring smile before turning to Leng Mingye with a questioning look.
“To be honest, I have an old friend—General Cui of the Cui family. He suffered battlefield injuries years ago, and now in his old age, the chronic pain torments him daily. I was hoping you could introduce me to Mu Chengfeng so he might help my friend…”
A flicker of hope crossed Leng Mingye’s face before he masked it, speaking with concern.
“I see. Tonight, if Brother Mu appears again, I’ll ask him if he’s willing to help. By the way, Prince Ning, Brother Mu hasn’t moved into your residence yet, has he?”
Wan Qing noticed Leng Mingye’s subtle shift but said nothing, simply agreeing to relay his request. When Leng Mingye gave her a rare grateful smile, she turned to Prince Ning.
“No. I invited him earlier, but he insisted on staying at an inn, saying he prefers independence. Now, I’m not even sure where he’s staying.”
Prince Ning sighed helplessly, playing along under Wan Qing’s prompting.
“Lately, he and I have grown close. I’ve decided—when he visits the Marquis’s residence tonight, I’ll ask him to stay with me. That way, he can teach me more and treat both of you.”
Wan Qing patted her chest confidently, ignoring Prince Ning’s resigned expression.
“Then I’ll trouble Wan Wan for this.”
“Indeed, little fool, this Shizi thanks you in advance. Your courtyard is so large, yet only Hongyan attends to you—it must feel lonely. Let me send a couple of capable maids to assist and protect you…”
Leng Mingye’s expression softened. As Prince Ning thanked Wan Qing, he followed her into her courtyard, frowning at its emptiness.
“No need. I’m used to solitude—too many people would only disturb me. Besides, Father arranges daily cleaning, and Hongyan is enough.”
Wan Qing refused immediately, already feeling restricted with Hongyan around.
“Very well. If you insist, I won’t press further. Have Hongyan report to me when she returns. Rest well, little fool. If you need anything, tell Hongyan—this Shizi will ensure help arrives promptly.”
Leng Mingye relented, concern lingering as he studied her pale face. After a few more instructions, he and Prince Ning took their leave.
“Wan Wan, though I don’t fully understand your conflict with the Shizi, I sense your wariness. Still, your courtyard is too vast. Let me find you some capable attendants.”
Once Leng Mingye was gone, Prince Ning voiced his worries, gesturing at the spacious grounds.
“Prince Ning, I’m truly grateful for your care. But since I refused Brother Shizi, accepting your people would arouse suspicion. When Chunhong was here, we managed everything ourselves. If I could endure hardship then, I certainly won’t suffer now.”
Wan Qing smiled lightly, though an inexplicable loneliness tugged at her heart.
Just then, a maid entered.
“Second Miss, Young Master Sun is here to see you.”
“That man? Why is he here? Tell him to wait in the front hall. Prince Ning, don’t worry—I’ll be fine. Whether Chunhong lives or not, I’ll thrive and ensure her tormentors pay. Oh, and your injury—tonight, send Qingfeng with someone discreetly. I fear Leng Mingye might post guards at the Marquis’s gate.”
At the mention of Sun Fengyu, Wan Qing’s lips curled in disdain, though she was curious about the token’s purpose. Dismissing the maid, she turned back to Prince Ning with a final warning.
“Very well. Meet Young Master Sun, then. I’ll take my leave. Send for me if anything arises.”
Prince Ning nodded gently, though concern lingered. Only after Wan Qing’s reassurance did he depart with Qingfeng.
“Brother Sun, why bring so many people?”
After seeing Prince Ning off, Wan Qing pressed a hand to her healing shoulder and entered the parlor. Sun Fengyu sat elegantly sipping tea, flanked by meek maids.
“Ah, Qing’er, I heard about your troubles. These maids were assigned by your father—with Chunhong gone, your residence feels too empty. Choose whichever you’d like to keep. How is your injury?”
Sun Fengyu smiled, gesturing to the maids. As Wan Qing approached them, he studied her with feigned concern.
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