Volume One, Chapter 6: He Truly Is Ill

"Your Grace, I am here to treat you," Lin Wan-ti curtsied respectfully.

Murong Yunyi set aside his book, leaning back against the chair, his tone languid.
"Oh? The Princess has truly come?"

"I promised Your Grace yesterday, so naturally I would come," Lin Wan-ti replied.

"The imperial physicians are powerless against my illness. Are you certain you can cure it?" Murong Yunyi's voice carried a trace of mockery.

"I cannot guarantee a miracle, but I will do my utmost," Lin Wan-ti answered with resolve.

Murong Yunyi regarded Lin Wan-ti, his gaze deep and inscrutable, making it impossible to discern his thoughts.

After a moment, he spoke slowly, "Since you are so confident, let us see what you can do."

Lin Wan-ti stepped forward, ready to begin the examination, but Murong Yunyi abruptly withdrew his hand, his tone tinged with resistance. "No need. I am not feeling well today. Let us postpone this."

Lin Wan-ti looked at him, a little helpless, but unable to insist. "Then I shall return tomorrow."

"That won't be necessary," Murong Yunyi's voice was cold. "My health is not something you need to concern yourself with."

Lin Wan-ti paused, then understood his meaning. He neither trusted her nor wished for her treatment.

Fickle, as if afflicted himself.

Well, he truly is ill.

Lin Wan-ti drew a deep breath and spoke calmly, "Since Your Grace has said so, I shall not trouble you further."

She turned to leave, but as she reached the door, Murong Yunyi's voice called out, "Wait."

Lin Wan-ti stopped and looked back at him.

His gaze was complicated, his tone low. "Princess, why are you so determined to treat me? What is your true purpose?"

Lin Wan-ti's heart tightened. This was a test.

She steadied herself, replying calmly, "Your Grace, I am merely—"

Suddenly, the study door swung open and Lady Su entered, her face anxious. "Your Grace, are you alright? I heard—"

She caught sight of Lin Wan-ti, surprise flickering in her eyes, before she turned to Murong Yunyi, voice concerned. "Your Grace, you mustn't trust this woman. She—" Lady Su hesitated, stopping mid-sentence.

Lady Su's gaze darted between Lin Wan-ti and Murong Yunyi, finally settling on Lin Wan-ti, her tone sharp. "Your Grace, you must not trust this woman. She is up to no good!"

Lin Wan-ti frowned, looking at Lady Su with a hint of displeasure. "What do you mean, Lady Su?"

Lady Su snorted, moving to Murong Yunyi's side, her voice honeyed. "Your Grace, think about it—a daughter of a concubine, how could her medical skills surpass the imperial physicians? She must have ulterior motives for approaching you!"

Murong Yunyi said nothing, only watching Lin Wan-ti in silence.

After some time, he looked at her with a half-smile. "Is that so? Ulterior motives?"

"Lady Su," Lin Wan-ti replied calmly, "I have some knowledge of medicine, and now that I am married into the palace, it is my duty to care for Your Grace's health. Besides, since the imperial physicians are at a loss, I am willing to try. What harm is there?"

"How pretty your words are!" Lady Su interrupted. "Who knows what you're planning? What if you intentionally harm His Grace?"

Lin Wan-ti took a deep breath, suppressing her anger, still speaking calmly. "If you do not trust me, Lady Su, you may observe from the side. I would never do anything to harm His Grace."

Lady Su wanted to protest further, but Murong Yunyi raised his hand to stop her.

"Enough," Murong Yunyi's tone was low and impatient. "Since the Princess wishes to try, let her."

Lady Su's eyes flashed with resentment, but she dared not say more, only glaring fiercely at Lin Wan-ti.

Lin Wan-ti secretly breathed a sigh of relief. She knew that although Murong Yunyi had agreed to let her treat him, he still harbored suspicion.

She approached Murong Yunyi, removing the prepared silver needles and alcohol swabs from her medicine chest, disinfecting them skillfully, then gently inserted them into his acupoints.

Murong Yunyi's body stiffened slightly, but he did not resist.

Lin Wan-ti applied the needles while observing his reactions, silently keeping track of the time.

Lady Su watched from the side, her gaze filled with vigilance and hostility.

Minute by minute, Lin Wan-ti's forehead beaded with sweat, yet she remained focused and calm.

At last, the final needle was placed. Lin Wan-ti exhaled softly.

"It is done," she said to Murong Yunyi. "Your Grace, please wait a moment until the sensation fades, and then I shall remove the needles."

Murong Yunyi nodded slightly, closing his eyes and quietly sensing the changes in his body.

Lady Su could not help but speak, "Your Grace, how do you feel? Is there any discomfort?"

Murong Yunyi ignored her, keeping his eyes shut, as if he had not heard her at all.

Lady Su, rebuffed, grew even angrier and glared at Lin Wan-ti before retreating to the side without another word.

After a while, Murong Yunyi slowly opened his eyes and looked at Lin Wan-ti with a hint of surprise.

"Your medical skills are indeed extraordinary," he said in a low voice, tinged with admiration.

Lin Wan-ti smiled modestly. "Your Grace flatters me. I have merely done what little I can."

"You need not be so humble," Murong Yunyi replied. "I feel much lighter. It seems your skills are truly exceptional."

Lin Wan-ti was delighted, knowing she had begun to earn his trust.

"Your Grace, your illness cannot be cured in a day; it requires long-term treatment." Lin Wan-ti said, "I will devise a detailed plan for you, and I ask you to cooperate."

Murong Yunyi nodded in agreement.

Lin Wan-ti began to pack up her medicine chest, preparing to leave.

"Princess," Murong Yunyi suddenly spoke, "Tomorrow, return to treat me again."

Lin Wan-ti paused, looking at him, surprise flickering in her eyes.

"Yes, Your Grace," she replied respectfully.

She turned to leave, but as she reached the door, Murong Yunyi called out again, "Princess..."

Lin Wan-ti stopped and glanced back.

Murong Yunyi gazed into her steady eyes, a ripple stirring his heart, as if a stone had disturbed a still pond.

But he quickly concealed the change.

"Nothing. Be punctual tomorrow, do not keep me waiting."

"Understood."