Volume One, Chapter Four: White Camellia

Lin Wanti paused, her gaze settling on a nearby camellia bush. “Take that camellia, for example—the scorched edges of its petals…” She indicated the flourishing-looking bush with a light touch of her fingertip.

“That flower isn’t simply suffering from lack of water; it’s the result of overly alkaline soil burning the leaves. If this continues for much longer, in less than half a month, the camellia will wither away.”

A crack appeared in Madam Li’s once-scornful expression.

Murong Yunyi’s favorite was that very white camellia.

She looked Lin Wanti up and down, surprise flickering in her eyes. This illegitimate young lady actually knows such things? She cleared her throat to cover her slip. “The Princess seems to know quite a lot.”

“I know just a little, nothing more,” Lin Wanti answered modestly, then turned her attention to a nearby peony in full bloom. “This peony’s color is vivid, but its flowering season is short. That’s because it’s been fertilized too often, causing the branches and leaves to grow at the expense of the blossom’s longevity. If you reduce the fertilization and add some phosphorus and potassium, you can prolong its blooming period.”

Madam Li was utterly stunned. She had managed this rear garden for years, yet had never considered such things. She’d always believed that plenty of water and fertilizer would make any plant thrive. Only now, after hearing Lin Wanti’s words, did she realize how crude her methods had been.

Murong Yunyi cherished these flowers and plants dearly.

Lin Wanti’s advice today would be more than enough to secure her position in the prince’s household.

Lin Wanti continued strolling through the garden, pointing out the various issues with the flowers and plants as if reciting a well-loved catalogue. From soil acidity and alkalinity, to the intensity of sunlight, to pest control and pruning techniques—she spoke knowledgeably and fluently, leaving Madam Li dumbfounded and causing her to reconsider her opinion of Lin Wanti entirely.

Lin Wanti even went so far as to write out, in detail, methods for saving the white camellia and other plants, handing the list to Madam Li.

“A small token of my concern. I hope you won’t mind.”

Just then, Murong Yunyi appeared at the garden’s entrance. Dressed in a dark silk robe, his tall figure seemed a shade too slender. He stood quietly, his gaze fixed on Lin Wanti as she conversed with Madam Li, his eyes still tinged with scrutiny but betraying no other emotion.

Sensing his presence, Lin Wanti curtsied gracefully. “Your Highness.”

Murong Yunyi said nothing, merely nodding lightly before turning to leave. He walked quickly, as though unwilling to linger a moment longer.

Madam Li watched his departing figure, a complex look in her eyes. She turned to Lin Wanti, her tone tinged with guilt. “Princess, His Highness dislikes being disturbed.”

Lin Wanti sneered inwardly, though her expression remained calm. “I understand. I simply noticed some problems with the plants in the garden and wished to do what little I could to care for them.”

She bent down, gently stroking the leaf of an orchid, her voice soft. “Flowers and plants, too, are living beings and need careful attention. Just like people, they require genuine care to thrive.”

Madam Li watched Lin Wanti’s focused expression, and a vague sense of unease arose within her. This illegitimate young lady was clearly not as simple as she had imagined.

Lin Wanti straightened up, tossing a handful of weeds into a bamboo basket and dusting off her hands. She addressed Madam Li, “If you have no other instructions, I’ll continue cleaning the courtyard.”

Madam Li regarded her for a long moment, then said, “No need to sweep.” With that, she turned and left in haste, as if something were chasing her from behind.

She was vexed. How had she let Qiushuang use her as a pawn? Qiushuang was, after all, just a country orphan. Now, both the princess and the secondary consort had entered the household, yet there were no signs Murong Yunyi harbored any romantic feelings for Qiushuang. It seemed unlikely Qiushuang would ever become the mistress of the prince’s residence.

Watching Madam Li’s retreating figure, Lin Wanti’s lips curled into a meaningful smile. This prince’s household was more complicated—and more interesting—than she had imagined.

She looked up at the sky. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, illuminating her face and making her eyes glimmer.

“His Highness’s illness, the secrets of this household—I’ll unravel them all…” she murmured, her voice steady and confident.

Suddenly, a young maid came running over in a fluster. “Princess! Your Highness, he—he…”

“Princess, His Highness has—his old illness has relapsed!”

The little maid was out of breath, her expression filled with worry.

Lin Wanti’s heart tightened, though her expression remained serene. “Lead the way.”

She quickly followed the maid through the corridors to Murong Yunyi’s bedchamber. Even before entering, she could smell the heavy scent of medicine.

Inside, Murong Yunyi was reclining against the bed, his face pale, fine beads of sweat forming on his brow. His eyes were tightly shut and his brows deeply furrowed, as if he were enduring great pain.

Lin Wanti approached and checked his pulse—disordered, his breath weak.

“Everyone, leave us.”

She directed the maids and attendants in the room.

They looked at each other in uncertainty. Madam Li stepped forward, her voice anxious. “Princess, the prince’s illness is serious. This old servant should stay and attend him.”

“That won’t be necessary. His Highness needs rest,” Lin Wanti replied firmly, leaving no room for argument.

Madam Li wanted to protest further, but Lin Wanti silenced her with a glance. She had no choice but to withdraw with the others, casting a deep look at Lin Wanti as she left.

When the room was empty, Lin Wanti retrieved a set of silver needles from her bracelet’s hidden compartment and, with practiced hands, began to administer acupuncture. She observed him closely, adjusting the points and pressure as needed.

Gradually, Murong Yunyi’s breathing steadied, the color returned to his face.

Lin Wanti put away the needles and let out a quiet sigh of relief.

At that moment, Murong Yunyi slowly opened his eyes, his gaze landing on Lin Wanti, filled with curiosity.

“How do you feel, Your Highness?” Lin Wanti asked softly.

“Much better. I never expected you to have such remarkable skills, Princess. You truly surprised me.”

“Your illness isn’t merely a common chill, Your Highness, but the result of a cold toxin built up over many years,” Lin Wanti explained calmly. “It will require long-term care to be fully cured.”

Murong Yunyi only nodded in response.

Lin Wanti rose, preparing to leave.

“Princess,” Murong Yunyi’s voice was low and hoarse, “you seem to know quite a lot about my condition.”

She paused, turning to meet his probing gaze with a gentle smile. “I have some medical knowledge, nothing more.”

“You don’t appear the least bit afraid of me,” he continued, a hint of subtle inquiry in his tone.

“As a healer, one must regard patients as family. My only concern is to heal and save,” Lin Wanti replied evenly, neither humble nor overbearing.

Murong Yunyi gazed at her for a long moment, then closed his eyes.

“Thank you… for today.”

“There’s no need for thanks, Your Highness.”

Lin Wanti left the bedchamber and returned to her own courtyard.