Chapter 116: A Unique Identity

The man’s eyes were filled with pleading, his once dark and fierce gaze now devoid of anything but entreaty.

Qiao Qingyun silently withdrew her hand, offering a faint smile as if nothing had happened. “Has Qingyun ever said that the Crown Prince isn’t truly my brother? Could it be that the Crown Prince heard it that way?”

Hearing this, Yuan Zhaichun was momentarily stunned, but his hands had already fallen to his sides.

He knew well that Qiao Qingyun would not forgive him easily, nor would she treat him as casually as before with playful teasing.

“If my imperial brother is well, then I shall take my leave. Uncle’s health cannot be neglected.”

“I shall see you off,” Yuan Zhaichun said quickly.

Qiao Qingyun was about to retort but was interrupted, “Isn’t it only natural for a brother to escort his sister back?”

Qiao Qingyun: …

Truly, he had fallen into his own trap. Clearly, this man was scheming against her, but since the words were already spoken, she could not take them back.

Thinking so, she forced a smile and nodded. “Very well.”

They walked side by side, heading straight for the Purple Orchid Palace—a lavish palace within the imperial grounds. Though not the most magnificent, it was enough to make many princes and princesses green with envy.

“Father truly dotes on you.”

“Perhaps it’s because of Mother, so his love extends to her as well,” Qiao Qingyun replied indifferently. Upon reaching the palace gates, she pushed open the door and entered, as if completely forgetting Yuan Zhaichun standing behind her.

She had intended to visit the imperial medical hall but was now stomping her feet in frustration. If not for Yuan Zhaichun, her medicine would have been prepared by now!

“Miss, please don’t be angry. Early tomorrow, Zhong Shi will take people to gather the herbs,” someone said softly.

At these words, Qiao Qingyun finally relaxed and lay down on the bed, soon drifting into a deep sleep.

Watching her profile, Zhong Shi’s eyes were full of tenderness.

Even if Yuan Zhaichun wanted to take her away, who had been by her side the longest if not Zhong Shi?

Outside the Purple Orchid Palace, even Hong Ying had rested, but Zhong Shi could not sleep. Sitting on Qiao Qingyun’s favorite swing, he gently pushed himself back and forth. Soon, a shadow flickered outside.

In an instant, the figure arrived before Zhong Shi and knelt respectfully. “Young Master, His Majesty commands that you return within seven days!”

“Hm?” Zhong Shi was taken aback and stopped swinging, puzzled. “Why the urgency?”

“Because the country wishes to establish diplomatic relations with ours and requires a prince to go. Young Master, you are the only candidate.”

What…

Zhong Shi’s muscles tensed, and his gaze instinctively glanced toward Qiao Qingyun’s chamber.

He had never revealed his true identity to her. If he left now and returned under another guise, wouldn’t that—

“Young Master, you must not delay. Otherwise, those coveting your position will be the first to make a move against Miss Qiao.”

His subordinate’s words were clear, and Zhong Shi’s eyes darkened. “How dare they!”

“Young Master, if you do not return, danger will be everywhere. Even for Miss Qiao’s sake, you must depart soon.”

Hearing this, Zhong Shi’s gaze lingered reluctantly on Qiao Qingyun’s door. He nodded and waved his hand. “Dismissed. In a few days, I will return with Hong Ying.”

“Yes, Young Master. Before you and the princess return, I will arrange everything.”

With that, the figure vanished into the night.

The empty palace left Zhong Shi alone, gently swinging on the swing with a distracted rhythm.

Early the next day, Qiao Qingyun changed the emperor’s medicine, leaving the prepared herbal concoction behind, before returning to her palace to seclude herself.

Outside, everyone greeted her cheerfully, no trace of discord between anyone—truly tiring to behold.

Qing Luo ground herbs for Qiao Qingyun while she wrote to pass the time. Almost simultaneously, Zhong Shi and Hong Ying knelt before her as if by silent agreement.

“Huh? What’s this? Are your legs weak?”

Startled, Qiao Qingyun hurried to help them up, but Zhong Shi refused to rise no matter what, leaving Yuan Bao dumbfounded.

“Please forgive us, Miss, for concealing the truth,” they said humbly.

“Huh?”

Qiao Qingyun was shocked again. Could it be that they ate the missing piece of cake this morning?

Impossible…

Hong Ying glanced at Zhong Shi and whispered, “Miss, we are not from your land but are the prince and princess of a neighboring country. We only learned this recently when their emperor summoned us.”

“Brother’s status is special—he is the heir apparent of the neighboring state. Now the emperor insists he return and take Hong Ying along. About a month later, they will establish diplomatic relations here…”

Hong Ying’s voice trailed off as she noticed Qiao Qingyun’s expression darken. Zhong Shi quickly stepped forward and knelt anew before her, instinctively grasping the hem of her dress like a humble servant.

“If the lady wishes Zhong Shi to go, Zhong Shi will go. If not allowed, Zhong Shi will not leave.”

The title of heir apparent meant little to him compared to Qiao Qingyun’s happiness. If it displeased her, he would avoid it at all costs.

“I never said you can’t go! I just think… my fate is too good! You two are a princess and prince, yet have served me for so long! Won’t it shorten your lives?” Qiao Qingyun’s thoughts raced differently; her eyes sparkled with delight as she looked at them. The two exchanged a glance and forced a wry smile.

Goodness, such unnecessary worry.

“But I must leave with Hong Ying tomorrow, so I cannot always stay by your side. If the lady agrees… you may accompany us.”

Zhong Shi was truly worried. Leaving Qiao Qingyun alone here, constantly anxious, would be unbearable.

“No matter. I’ve been staying inside the palace these days anyway. If Uncle the emperor finds out you two kidnapped me, forget diplomacy—I’d rush over and demand an explanation.”

She spoke with a smile, as if it were a simple matter. Zhong Shi considered this and nodded reluctantly.

“Yes. Tonight, Hong Ying and I will guard you well. Tomorrow, we must depart. Princess, please take care.”

“I will.”

Though she said it lightly, Qiao Qingyun’s heart was troubled. Without a capable martial companion, traveling would be inconvenient—just the thought was frustrating.

Sure enough, early the next morning, when Qiao Qingyun awoke, Zhong Shi and Hong Ying were nowhere to be seen. They must have left during the night.