At this moment, Master Song’s heart finally settled.
His admiration for his young mistress deepened even further.
From Zhu Gui’s sudden death, which had thrown the guards into a panic, to the arrival of the Yaowang Pavilion’s Guardian Elder for verification, he had been completely unnerved.
Yet Su Hua had everything under perfect control from the start. Nothing could possibly go wrong.
Now, with Elder Liu Feng giving instructions, Master Song followed his mistress’s guidance and went along with the Pavilion staff to resolve the outstanding matters.
With Zhu Gui no longer scheming behind the scenes, and Zhou Xun no longer causing trouble, the transactions between Jisheng Herbal Shop and the Yaowang Pavilion returned to normal.
For the moment, only Su Hua and Mo Qian remained in the Pavilion.
Su Hua looked at the handsome man seated in the wheelchair.
She had to admit—it didn’t matter whether male or female, he was pleasing to the eye, a true delight to behold.
Mo Qian met her gaze head-on, clearly recalling her words from yesterday about “judging by appearances.”
Yun Shuang, standing beside her mistress, noticed Su Hua staring straight at the Prince and gently tugged at her sleeve, whispering, “Miss.”
Su Hua, aware of Yun Shuang’s gentle intervention, coughed lightly out of embarrassment. She couldn’t help it—the man’s face was simply too stunning.
Truly, she didn’t understand why the world paid so much attention to Mo Qian’s disabled legs when his face was infinitely more captivating.
“Earlier… thank you, Your Highness,” Su Hua said after a moment of thought.
Mo Qian saw her shift her gaze and smiled. She was truly different.
Most people only noticed his disabled legs, but she never did.
“You had already anticipated Elder Liu Feng’s arrival, Miss Su. Even if I hadn’t shown up, you would have resolved the situation. Besides, as your future Prince, there is no need for thanks between us.”
Su Hua smiled. They were betrothed, after all. Today was only their second meeting, yet Mo Qian’s tone made it feel as if they were long-married.
Seeing her remain silent, Mo Qian asked, “Now that this matter is settled, are you leaving, Miss Su?”
“Yes,” Su Hua nodded, then asked, “Your Highness… did you come to the Pavilion for some purpose?”
“Nothing urgent,” Mo Qian replied. “It was just dull staying in the mansion, so I came out for some air. I heard the commotion here and, knowing Miss Su was present, decided to see for myself.”
Liu Ying, standing behind the Prince, was slightly taken aback. He knew that Mo Qian never simply came out for a stroll because the mansion was boring.
Ah… so when the Prince is interested in someone, he disguises a purposeful visit as a casual encounter.
“I see,” Su Hua said, regarding Mo Qian. “Then I’ve disturbed your leisure.”
“Not at all,” Mo Qian replied immediately, then added, “Seeing your grace and skill, Miss Su, it would be impossible for you to disturb me.”
“Skill?” Su Hua smiled. “Your Highness jest. What skill could I possibly have to deserve such praise?”
“Although Elder Liu Feng ranks only eighth among the Pavilion’s eight Guardian Elders, his medical abilities are such that countless physicians and apothecaries across the land revere him. Yet you managed to deceive him—clearly, your talent surpasses even Elder Liu Feng’s.”
“Oh… Your Highness means that I was responsible for Zhu Gui’s death?” Su Hua asked lightly.
Mo Qian replied casually, “I was merely praising your medical skill, nothing else.”
Su Hua met Mo Qian’s deep, captivating gaze and shook her head slightly.
Calm… yet dangerously alluring.
Still, his words were perfectly measured. Su Hua knew that if Mo Qian intended her harm, he would have made it clear amidst the crowd instead of standing by her side.
So there was no need for her to hide anything. “Your Highness overpraises me. I am only skilled in… one small thing.”
Mo Qian smiled and replied, “Hmm.”
Liu Ying, listening carefully, was amazed. According to the Prince, Su Hua’s mastery of medicine and herbs exceeded even the Guardian Elders of the Yaowang Pavilion.
Shocking enough—but seeing the Prince and Su Hua converse so naturally, smiling and at ease, was even more astonishing.
Yun Shuang, standing beside her mistress, felt the same. The two of them together were perfection itself. Even Mo Qian’s disability seemed negligible in this moment.
After their brief exchange, a silence fell between Su Hua and Mo Qian. They exchanged a look, then smiled.
Su Hua stepped toward Mo Qian, gesturing for Liu Ying to step back. “Since I’ve disrupted your leisure, Your Highness, I shall accompany you on a stroll, as a small apology.”
“No matter,” Mo Qian said. “You have not disturbed me.”
“Does Your Highness mind walking with me?” Su Hua asked.
“Not at all,” he replied. “Even if I did, it would be up to you to decide.”
“Your Highness just said the imperial edict betrothed us. We are not yet married, so walking together is only natural. Besides, how could I mind strolling with such a handsome man?” Her gaze lingered on him.
Mo Qian’s lips curved into a smile.
Su Hua looked at Liu Ying. “I’ll take the wheelchair.”
Liu Ying hesitated but did not release it immediately.
Mo Qian raised a hand. “Liu Ying, step back first.”
Having served the Prince for years, Liu Ying knew well the significance of Su Hua to him.
With utmost respect, he handed the wheelchair to her and followed behind with her maid.
Su Hua slowly pushed the wheelchair out of the Yaowang Pavilion.
Mo Qian slightly tilted his head, his eyes soft as he said to her, “If you tire, stop. Liu Ying can handle it. If you prefer him not too close, I can push it myself.”
Su Hua smiled. “Your Highness can tell I am skilled in medicine. Surely you can see I am not a fragile lady.”
The wheelchair was finely crafted and easy to maneuver.
Besides, after these past two days, with the spirit spring water from the jade vial and her own medicated baths, her body had recovered to that of an ordinary person.
To regain the full strength of her past life would take time—it could not be accomplished overnight. She would proceed carefully, step by step.