“I asked you a question—why did you return early?”
“The recent battles haven’t been intense, and His Majesty summoned me back to the capital to report. By the way, the General asked me to deliver a letter.”
As he spoke, he pulled an envelope from his chest and waved it in front of her, then quickly stepped back to avoid Yuan Siyin’s grasp, laughing heartily. “But this subordinate must leave the palace now. Once the young lady has finished crying and bathing, come find me at Yuan Manor.”
With that, he truly turned and strode away casually, still waving the yellowish envelope in his hand.
“Remember to bandage the wound on your hand. If this subordinate sees it uncovered, I can’t guarantee the letter won’t end up in the water.”
Yuan Siyin stamped her foot in frustration.
Although she knew he was joking, she couldn’t help feeling irritated.
He called her “young lady” so sweetly, then turned around and threatened her. Even if she was the villainous female supporting character, did she really have to suffer this miserably in the early stages? Was this reasonable?
Yuan Siyin viciously wiped her nose with his cloak.
Fine, you win this round.
“Master.”
Zhong Heng descended from the eaves, landing respectfully behind him.
Yu Shiyan sat beneath the tree with his head bowed, fingertips gently stroking the red bean hairpin in his hand. He responded with a soft hum.
The vibrant red agate shimmered, making his pale skin appear even whiter, faintly revealing the bluish veins on the back of his hand.
“Those people from earlier today…”
A chilling aura emanated from Zhong Heng, but it abruptly vanished when Yu Shiyan waved his hand.
“Understood. Also, while you were away, Doctor Liu delivered medicine, and that woman…”
“…Yuan Siyin?”
Yu Shiyan slightly furrowed his brows, turning to look at him.
“Yes.”
“What did she come for?”
“It seemed she was looking for you. When she found you absent, she left some ginseng and departed.”
Observing that his expression remained unchanged, Zhong Heng finally spoke quietly after a moment: “Has she caught a chill…” and lost her mind?
Yu Shiyan let out a soft snort, the mocking glint in his eyes dissipating like wind. “More likely a weasel paying New Year’s respects—bearing no good intentions.”
“Should we discard the ginseng?”
“Never mind, let it be.”
Lest she seize another opportunity to make trouble.
Suddenly, urgent knocking sounded at the door—”thump, thump.” Yu Shiyan glanced at him, and Zhong Heng vanished from the spot in understanding.
Rising to his feet, Yu Shiyan walked to the door and opened the peeling paint gate to see the visitor… a breathless visitor.
“Doctor Liu?”
Liu Huai acknowledged with a sound, then hurriedly wiped his sweat. “This subject… begs to enter first for a cup of tea.”
“Please.”
Yu Shiyan didn’t ask further, stepping aside to let him in.
But judging by his appearance, if guesses were correct… he likely came from Jianzhang Palace.
Sure enough, after gulping down two cups of cold tea, Liu Huai began venting his grievances.
“Who knows how the Yuan family’s daughter got injured again? The Empress Dowager was furious and summoned half the imperial physicians, making us wait outside for a full hour. Then, after all that time, she sent someone out saying I should come to Changbai Hall—and I had to run here, or the entire medical institute would be forced to do morning runs.”
Yu Shiyan immediately grew suspicious.
So now she wants the whole medical institute to resent him, leaving him without medical care, ultimately leading to his untimely death?
…It must be so.
Liu Huai stood up and treated the bruise at the corner of his mouth, then checked under his sleeves before finally breathing a sigh of relief.
“Nothing serious. Most of the additional injuries are bruises. Rest for a few days will suffice. As I said at noon, avoid contact with water.”
“Thank you for your trouble, Doctor Liu.”
“Not at all.”
Liu Huai waved his hand respectfully: “This is merely a subject’s duty. Your Highness need not say more. If you truly insist, it would only overwhelm your servant.”