Leng Yue’er only lingered briefly by Pei Qingmin’s bedside. Yet when she turned back, she found herself the only one left keeping watch.
Although she was temporarily staying in Prince Wei’s residence, there was no reason for her to be ordered about and used at will. The fact that she had agreed to save Pei Qingmin today was already because he still had some use for her. If she indulged them and allowed them to push their luck like this, who knew how much trouble would arise in the future.
With that thought, her figure shifted, and she slipped silently out of the room, heading straight back to her own quarters.
Minghai stood guard outside the door, his eyes slightly narrowed as he pondered over Leng Yue’er.
Only after last night did he realize how badly he had misjudged her. This so-called shadow guard had clearly been disguising herself. Earlier, she had calmly resolved the situation before Prince Xun, and just now she had dared to perform acupuncture when even the imperial physicians were at a loss. Her courage and ability were far beyond that of an ordinary shadow guard.
What he could not understand was why Leng Yue’er had suddenly stopped concealing herself and begun acting so openly. What exactly was her intention?
Minghai waited outside for a long time, yet the room remained completely silent.
Unable to suppress the anxiety in his heart, he gently raised his hand and knocked on the door, but there was still no response. Gritting his teeth, he ultimately could not rest easy about the prince.
Inside, the warmth lingered, and the medicinal scent had faded slightly. Minghai’s gaze immediately fell upon the bed. Seeing Pei Qingmin lying there with his eyes closed, his complexion still pale but his breathing steady, his brows relaxed, no longer twisted in pain from the earlier fever, it was clear he had fallen into a peaceful sleep.
The room was empty. Minghai’s heart sank, and he hurried to the bedside, reaching out to lightly touch Pei Qingmin’s forehead. It felt cool, the fever completely gone, his breathing even more stable. Only after confirming that the prince was no longer in danger did he finally let out a sigh of relief before quickly leaving the room.
“Shadow Guard Leng! So you are here!” Minghai rushed all the way over, his breathing uneven, yet his face was full of ingratiating smiles. He stepped forward quickly, his tone urgent. “How could you just leave like that? The prince is still unconscious and needs someone to watch over him. If something were to happen after you left, what would we do?”
Leng Yue’er was chewing on a piece of osmanthus cake. She glanced at him, her eyes filled with impatience, her voice cold and devoid of warmth. “I am a shadow guard, not a maid. Understand?”
Minghai was left speechless by her blunt retort, his face flushing red and white in turns, yet he did not dare show the slightest bit of anger.
Taking a deep breath, he suppressed the awkwardness and urgency in his heart. Dropping his ingratiating expression, he softened his tone and spoke sincerely, “Shadow Guard Leng, I know I was presumptuous. I should not have asked you to do things beyond your duty.
“But the prince has only just recovered from his high fever, and his body is still very weak. The physician just said he needs close care to prevent a relapse. I cannot trust anyone else in the residence. Only you, I can trust.”
Seeing that Leng Yue’er did not rebuke him again, Minghai continued, his words earnest. “I will not hide it from you. As long as you are willing to personally watch over the prince until he recovers and ensure his condition does not worsen, you may name any condition you wish. As long as it is not excessive and does not violate the rules of the residence, I will do everything in my power to fulfill it. Whether it is gold and silver, jewels, or the freedom to act as you please within the residence, I will agree to it all and never go back on my word.”
After finishing the last bite of her osmanthus cake, Leng Yue’er wiped her fingertips with a handkerchief and looked at him, her tone calm but laced with scrutiny. “Are you sure you can speak for Prince Wei? The conditions I ask for may not be ones you can fulfill.”
“Yes, I can! I certainly can!” Minghai’s eyes lit up instantly. He straightened slightly, his tone even more earnest.
Leng Yue’er raised a brow. Though her voice remained cold, she did not refuse this time and instead laid down her terms decisively. “Let me make this clear first. I will only give instructions, not do the work myself. I will tell the servants what to do, but as for serving him tea or attending him closely, do not even think about it.”
“Fine, fine, everything will be as you say!” Minghai nodded repeatedly, his face breaking into a relieved smile, not daring to raise any objections. “As long as you are willing to watch over the prince and ensure his fever does not return, everything else will follow your wishes!”
Leng Yue’er wasted no more words and stepped out.
“Let us go.” Seeing this, Minghai’s lingering worries vanished at once. He hurried forward to lead the way, the smile never leaving his face.
Returning to Pei Qingmin’s warm chamber, he still lay on the bed with his eyes closed. His long lashes rested like butterfly wings, his complexion pale but no longer burning with fever. His breathing was steady and even, his brows relaxed, clearly sleeping soundly.
Leng Yue’er swept him with a glance, her expression unchanged. Turning to Minghai, who followed closely behind her, she spoke in a flat tone, as if stating something trivial. “Advance me one thousand taels of silver.”
Minghai froze, the smile on his face stiffening instantly. A flicker of surprise and unease flashed through his eyes. His lips moved as if to ask why she needed so much, but when he met her cold, unfeeling gaze, the words died in his throat.
Suppressing his hesitation, he quickly forced a flattering smile and bowed. “Yes, yes, I will take care of it immediately.”
Before he could turn to leave, Leng Yue’er lifted her chin slightly, her tone impatient. “Wait. Take me to the residence’s medicinal storehouse first.”
The storehouse was located in a secluded area on the western side of the residence. As the door opened, a faintly bitter medicinal scent wafted out. Shelves were neatly arranged, filled with all kinds of herbs, from common remedies for colds to rare nourishing ingredients, everything one could need. It seemed that because Pei Qingmin had been frail since childhood, the residence had kept ample medicinal supplies all year round after he left the palace.
Leng Yue’er’s gaze swept over the shelves, a trace of satisfaction flashing in her eyes. Her fingertips brushed lightly over several packets of herbs as she nodded inwardly. With these materials, it would be much easier for her to develop new things.
After inspecting the storehouse, the two returned to the warm chamber. Leng Yue’er casually pointed to a corner and said lightly, “Place a couch here. I will stay and keep watch for now.” Minghai immediately agreed and turned to arrange for the servants to handle it.
Leng Yue’er then glanced at the maids waiting outside and gave a crisp order. “Prepare some light liquid food, cook it until soft and tender, and follow my instructions. Once it is ready, he will wake up on his own.”
The maids did not dare delay and quickly bowed before withdrawing.
Naturally, she intended to find some amusement. She had no intention of trapping herself in this stifling chamber, wasting time keeping a sickly, unconscious man company.
Minghai stood where he was, watching her resolute figure as she walked away. He shook his head helplessly but did not dare stop her. All he could do was remain outside the chamber, hoping that the prince would wake soon.