CHAPTER 039
Back then, Qin Jin was quite talented but only held a lowly position as a Sixth Rank official in the Ministry of Rites. She was often suppressed by her superiors, and any hope of promotion was out of the question.
When the new emperor had just ascended the throne, he was once attacked by remnants of the previous dynasty during a garden party. Qin Jin was injured while protecting him, earning her merit. Later, her literary talent caught the emperor’s eye, and coupled with her ability to disguise herself and read people’s expressions, she gained the emperor’s favor and was promoted to her current position as Minister of Rites.
After that, Qin Jin, who had long endured in silence, devised a cunning plan to imprison all those who had previously humiliated her, condemning them to suffer in prison with no hope of redemption.
Because of her deceitful, suspicious, and ruthless nature, Hu Lanzhen and Du Hongying were pale as paper, their limbs weak, and cold sweat streaming down their foreheads.
Years ago, she dealt with that wretched Yan Luo and planned to kill that beast along with her. Who would have thought it would escape? At the time, she didn’t care since it was just an animal, but now it has become a harbinger of doom for them.
Hu Lanzhen quickly said, "Minister Qin, we didn’t intentionally keep this from you. We only recently discovered that the animal raised by Yan Luo is still alive, but rest assured, we will definitely catch it and skin it alive."
"Hold on."
Qin Jin’s eyes narrowed slightly, a dark glint shining in them, filled with treachery and malice. "Since this animal dared to appear at the Imperial Academy, it seems to have some semblance of humanity, which means it’s not far from what we want. It’s been injured and yet you two failures still couldn’t catch it. Someone must have secretly rescued it, and the one who did so is likely someone from the Imperial Academy. Now, with someone meddling like this, it’s not hard to guess who it is. However..."
As the words trailed off, Hu Lanzhen and Du Hongying exchanged a glance and immediately understood the meaning behind them.
Qin Jin slowly crouched down, grabbing the collars of both Hu Lanzhen and Du Hongying with both hands, her eyes like a venomous snake’s, staring at them. Their faces instantly turned ashen.
She suddenly gave a sinister smile, a trace of ferocity flashing in her eyes. "But remember, only the dead keep their mouths shut. This time, you two better be careful! Otherwise, I can’t guarantee your heads will stay on your shoulders."
After discussing the haunted bamboo grove, Hu Lanzhen and Du Hongying mentioned that because Can Zhi’s sister had only been employed at the Imperial Academy for six months, she was unaware of it.
After discussing other matters, Lu Yun'er returned home.
Before reaching the gate, she saw not only Qiu Yi but also the steward from Prince Yun's residence, Steward Chen, standing outside with a grave expression.
Lu Yun'er frowned slightly and quickened her pace.
Seeing the official return, Qiu Yi immediately stepped forward and gave Lu Yun'er a subtle signal with her eyes. "Master, Steward Chen has been waiting for you for quite some time."
Hearing this, and catching Qiu Yi's hint, Lu Yun'er’s eyes briefly flashed with surprise. Waiting for a long time?
Since the last time she met Prince Yun, she had been trying to avoid too much involvement with him unless necessary.
Knowing that she had important matters to attend to today that would take some time, Qiu Yi, with her usual tact, would have invited Steward Chen inside for tea while he waited. It seemed Qiu Yi’s offer had been politely declined.
Now that he had personally come and had been waiting outside, could it be that he had urgent business?
Lu Yun'er politely asked, "Steward Chen, what brings you here?"
Steward Chen immediately responded, "Prince Yun wishes to ask for your help."
Help?
Although Lu Yun'er was puzzled, she noticed that a carriage was already prepared, suggesting that this was not a request she could refuse. So she followed Steward Chen back to Prince Yun’s residence.
It wasn’t until Steward Chen explained the situation that she realized it was about the young prince, Su Xiao, falling ill.
Lu Yun'er asked in confusion, "Steward Chen, are you sure you're not mistaken? I’m not a physician; I’m really not capable of treating illnesses."
"It’s true that treating illnesses isn’t your specialty, but you're more effective than a physician."
Seeing her slightly furrowed brows and confused expression, Steward Chen spoke meaningfully, "Scholar Lu should understand that although Prince Yun has made promises to you, the young prince is still his only beloved child. Everything that was promised could change depending on what happens with the young prince."
Lu Yun'er understood what Steward Chen meant. As an outsider, she naturally wasn’t as important as Prince Yun’s own son. The reason she was summoned today was for the sake of the young prince.
From what Steward Chen said, not even the counsel and care of his family had any effect. Would the young prince really listen to her?
Even though the young prince liked her, could this affection actually give her any special privileges?
With a complicated expression, Lu Yun'er arrived at Qinghua Courtyard.
Holding a bowl of medicine, Xiao Yuan was waiting outside the room. When she saw Scholar Lu suddenly appear, her eyes widened with surprise, and the furrowed lines on her brow gradually relaxed. Her eyes were filled with obvious delight, as if a savior had arrived.
Lu Yun'er looked at the medicine Xiao Yuan was holding, knowing what she needed to do. She took the medicine from Xiao Yuan and immediately smelled its bitterness, then asked, "Do you have any candied fruit?"
Upon hearing Scholar Lu’s question, Xiao Yuan realized she had forgotten to prepare the candied fruit for the young prince.
Once the candied fruit was prepared, Xiao Yuan couldn't help but remind her, "The young prince hasn't eaten anything all day."
Lu Yun'er’s hand holding the medicine tightened slightly. It seemed she not only had to coax him into taking his medicine but also had to persuade him to eat. Now she really was like a nursemaid.
She lowered her gaze, her expression unreadable. "Go prepare some light porridge. Call me when it's ready."
"Alright." Xiao Yuan couldn’t hide her joy, her smile spreading wide. Now there was no need to worry about the young lord's health.
He opened the door, showing no concern for propriety, and Lu Yun'er stepped inside.
Xiao Yuan wisely closed the door gently behind her.
At that moment, Su Qingwan was lying on the couch, dressed in a simple white inner garment. His ink-black hair cascaded down his back. He was facing the inside, showing only his thin, frail figure.
He didn’t look well at all.
"I said I’m not drinking it. Take it away." Sensing someone entering the room, Su Qingwan’s voice was weak but laced with impatience.
Lu Yun'er placed the medicine on the table without saying a word, standing motionless. The more she thought about it, the more entangled she felt in this situation. Despite trying to distance herself, she always found herself drawn back in, like a puppet on strings.
Perhaps it was time for a change. If things continued like this, she would have no freedom and would always be at the mercy of others.
With this thought, her gaze grew complex and subtle as she looked at the person lying on the couch.
Su Qingwan didn’t turn around, still facing inward.
After a long time without any movement from behind, Su Qingwan frowned and turned around in annoyance. "I said I’m not drinking it. Take it away, or else—"
Before he could finish the word "leave," he froze when he saw who it was. After a moment of shock, he hurriedly got up from the bed.
"You’re sick. Stay in bed and don’t move around." As he turned to face her, his gaunt face was unnaturally pale, looking as if a breeze could topple him. Seeing him trying to get up, Lu Yun'er quickly stopped him, her tone noticeably softer than usual.
Su Qingwan, still excited, didn’t notice the subtle change in her tone. Obediently, he sat back on the couch, his eyes fixed on her, his voice as soft as a cloud, though still somewhat dazed and disbelieving. "Yun'er, what brings you here?"
From the moment Su Qingwan saw her, all his reactions were clear to Lu Yun'er. She could feel the change in his emotions.
No wonder Steward Chen said she was more effective than a doctor. It seemed that in Su Qingwan’s heart, nothing had changed from the beginning.
Should she praise him for his constancy or chide him for his stubbornness?
Lu Yun'er walked to the side of the couch, carrying the medicine. She set it down beside her and met his gaze with her clear, beautiful eyes, choosing her words carefully. "I heard you were sick, so I came to check on you."
"Really?" A brilliant smile spread across Su Qingwan's pale, thin face, but his tone was still uncertain.
Lu Yun'er’s eyelashes fluttered almost imperceptibly. "Yes, but why is the young lord refusing to take his medicine?"
"I..." Su Qingwan didn’t like taking medicine, and on top of that, his heart was heavy with unresolved emotions.
Lu Yun'er continued, "The young lord should know that good medicine is often bitter. If the medicine is too bitter, I’ve brought some candied fruit. After taking the medicine, you can use the candied fruit to ease the bitterness."
Su Qingwan’s dark, ink-black eyes locked onto Lu Yun'er, burning with intensity. "Do you want me to drink it? I’ll do whatever you say."
"This..." Lu Yun'er was clearly taken aback by his words. Health is not something to be trifled with. What did he mean by saying he would listen to her? Did he not care for his own health at all?
She picked up the bowl of medicine and handed it to him, speaking with a hint of helplessness. "Drink the medicine. It’s normal to take medicine when you’re sick. You must take care of your health. Everyone in the household is very concerned about you."
Otherwise, she wouldn’t be here playing nursemaid.
Unexpectedly, Su Qingwan stared at her, his lips moving as if he wanted to say something but feared the answer might disappoint him. In the end, he remained silent.
Lu Yun'er saw right through his thoughts. At this point, she had no other choice. Steward Chen’s words couldn’t have been clearer. If the medicine wasn’t taken, she wouldn’t be leaving today. So, she gently coaxed him, "Concern isn’t just expressed through words; it can be shown through actions as well. What do you think I’m doing here? Can you take the medicine now?"
Meeting Lu Yun'er's gaze, Su Qingwan's round eyes widened slightly. His hands fidgeted with the quilt, and then he lowered his head in embarrassment. But in the next moment, his smile faltered. After composing himself, he feigned casualness, saying, "It's so late, and you haven't returned home yet. Won't that young master at your residence be upset?"
His voice was low, betraying his displeasure even through the probing question.
Such clumsy attempts at concealment, coupled with these words, clearly carried a hint of jealousy. How could she not understand the little thoughts of a young man? Lu Yun'er narrowed her eyes slightly and sighed softly. Who else could she blame for not being home yet? She explained simply, "Mu Yang is my sworn brother, like family."
"Now, can you drink the medicine?" Lu Yun'er's patience was wearing thin.
"Alright." Su Qingwan took the bowl and obediently drank the medicine, his long, thick lashes hiding the smile in his eyes.
After he finished, Lu Yun'er handed him the candied fruit.
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