Chapter 109: Why Did You Lie to Me?

The angrier Yuan Zaichun became, the tighter he clenched his fists, the fury in his eyes threatening to consume the heavens and earth.
“Return to the residence.”
“Yes.”
Liufu followed closely behind Yuan Zaichun, head bowed, silent. Yet suddenly, a thought struck him — Bu Shenglian’s expression back then was exactly like Zhong Shi’s now...
Could it be that Zhong Shi was trying to warn Yuan Zaichun?
Liufu wanted to speak up but hesitated, holding back for fear of being noticed.
However, Yuan Zaichun’s sharp glance caught the hesitation, and he said coolly, “If you have something to say, say it.”
“This...”
Liufu was deeply conflicted. Though Bu Shenglian’s position in the residence was precarious now, she was still considered a mistress of sorts. Everyone called her “Miss,” acknowledging that she would at least become a concubine in the future.
But Yuan Zaichun’s attitude now seemed different.
After much thought, Liufu exhaled and said, “Master, when I saw Bu Shenglian seize the princess’s courtyard, she used the exact same method.”
Yuan Zaichun stiffened as if recalling something, quickly regaining composure but remaining silent. His reaction left Liufu uncertain, so he lowered his head and said no more.

In the Purple Magnolia Palace, Qiao Qingyun tended to Zhong Shi alone. This matter could not be entrusted to the imperial doctors — who knew whose men they served? What if they tried to silence Zhong Shi?
“Princess, will brother be alright?”
Hong Ying’s eyes were red with worry as she asked anxiously, barely daring to blink, afraid she might miss the last glimpse of Zhong Shi.
“Rest assured, I will save Zhong Shi.”
Qiao Qingyun’s silver needles fell precisely, one after another, protecting the injured meridians. Luckily, her acupuncture skills were exceptional; soon the bleeding slowed, buying them precious time.
“Anesthetic powder.”
Qing Luo hurriedly fetched it and handed it to Qiao Qingyun. Seeing her proficiency, a sense of hope blossomed.
If even Qiao Qingyun were flustered, the situation would be far more grave.
Before the onlookers, Qiao Qingyun removed the candle’s cover, passed the thread and needle through the flame to sterilize them, then began suturing Zhong Shi’s wound. With each stitch, her anger grew.
A gash had been torn in his chest — not deep, but fatal if infected.
Her rage intensified, thoughts of Yuan Zaichun’s face fueling her desire to tear him apart limb by limb.
Indeed, there were few good people in the royal family!

“Miss, be careful not to prick yourself.”
“I’m fine. Don’t worry.”
After two quarters of an hour, Qiao Qingyun finished stitching, applied the anesthetic powder to ease Zhong Shi’s pain upon waking.
“He should be alright now.”
She exhaled deeply. The maid beside her, unable to stay silent, hurriedly reminded, “Princess, your clothes are soiled. Please bathe and change.”
Such strict rules applied: royal family members must change immediately if their clothes were dirty, or it would be seen as a disgrace to the royal house.
“Wait until Zhong Shi wakes. You may leave.”
Qiao Qingyun was irritable, especially toward those who spoke without thinking. Though efficient, not everything could be handled perfectly.
“Yes.”
The maid, knowing she’d been reprimanded, bowed her head and left.

Meanwhile, in the Crown Prince’s residence, Yuan Zaichun had just returned when Bu Shenglian rushed up, smiling brightly, showing no trace of insincerity. Her attire was a style once made by Qiao Qingyun.
Suddenly, Yuan Zaichun felt inexplicably repelled.
“Greetings, Your Highness. You’re back? Did sister like it?”
Bu Shenglian’s ecstatic expression was as if Qiao Qingyun had just enjoyed her pastries.
Though Yuan Zaichun was certain Qiao Qingyun never ate them, he feigned interest.
“I didn’t eat.”
Without another word, he strode into the hall, unaware of Bu Shenglian’s cold, mocking smile behind him.
“Master, are you upset? Did sister anger you? It must be because of me.”
Bu Shenglian lowered her head, feigning grievance. Yet Yuan Zaichun was inexplicably irritable today.
“I haven’t said anything, so how do you know it’s because of her?”
“...”
Bu Shenglian was speechless, instinctively glancing at a subordinate who had been following them. Realizing her slip, she quickly looked down, but sharp-eyed Liufu noticed everything.

Yuan Zaichun didn’t care about such details, so he paid no mind. Liufu, however, knew that many truths were revealed in subtle gestures.
“I am weary today. You should rest as well.”
With that, Yuan Zaichun turned and left without looking back. Bu Shenglian grew angrier with every passing moment, finally stamping her foot and glaring fiercely at the messenger she had bribed.
She had spent a great deal of money to secure him, yet he was utterly useless!
“Speak! Why did you lie to me?”
After everyone else had left, Bu Shenglian scolded the guard, who looked helpless.
“I did not lie. Master and Deputy Liufu both went in together, and I truly heard fighting.”
“Then why is Master still protecting her?”
This was what troubled her most. Despite harsh words and near combat, how could he act as if nothing had happened?
“I... I do not know.”

Entering the study, Liufu watched Yuan Zaichun’s agitated expression silently. The man pinched the bridge of his nose, recalling Qiao Qingyun’s hateful gaze as if she wanted to tear him apart. A sharp pain stabbed his heart.
“Master...”
“Speak.”
Yuan Zaichun trusted Liufu’s words more, knowing that without him, many issues would have gone unnoticed.
Liufu pondered for a moment, then said, “Master, I saw Bu Shenglian exchange a glance with a guard. Also, she seems to know far too much.”
“You suspect she planted a spy within my circle?”
Yuan Zaichun’s eyes snapped open, the cold in them nearly freezing the air. Liufu said nothing, merely watching him, as if silently confirming the suspicion.
“I... don’t know.”
With this, Liufu avoided responsibility, leaving the decision to Yuan Zaichun.
After a moment, the man commanded, “Investigate.”