Chapter 16: Marry Her, and Do Not Regret It

Hearing Qiao Qingyun's words, the palace maid was clearly taken aback. She instinctively glanced at Yuan Rou at her side. Qiao Qingyun, too, when no one was watching her, secretly cast a glance and discovered that Yuan Rou had actually glared at the maid, who immediately lowered her head. "This servant... this servant does not know..."

"It's all right, let me take a look."

The woman extended her slender, jade-like hand and gently lifted Yan'er's chin, scrutinizing her closely. Then, she leaned in, her nose delicately catching a scent, the corners of her lips curling as she turned to look at Yuan Rou, confirming her suspicions.

"Your Highness wishes to test whether I possess this ability, is that it?"

Yuan Rou was startled, but then the surprise in her eyes quickly transformed into delight. She nodded at Qiao Qingyun, "Please don't take offense, Miss Qiao. It was my idea. I didn't expect you to see through it."

Though her scheme had been exposed, every move Yuan Rou made still exuded an effortless elegance befitting a princess.

"She used celery sap on her face. I’m afraid she’s close to ruining her looks. She’ll need a prescription to apply, or else she may not be able to keep that pretty face."

As she spoke, Qiao Qingyun couldn’t help but marvel at Yuan Rou’s ruthlessness. To treat her own maid so harshly, striking as she pleased?

Upon hearing this, Yan’er was terrified and hurriedly knelt on the ground.

Yuan Rou frowned faintly, clearly displeased by this display.

"Get up. Her Highness would never do something without certainty, so your face is not in serious danger. Besides, as her principal maid, you represent her. How could she let you be disfigured?"

With these words, she not only flattered Yuan Rou but also shielded Yan’er, preventing Yuan Rou from, in a fit of anger, dragging the girl out to be killed.

"Miss Qiao, you truly are thoughtful. Someone, take Yan’er away for treatment."

"Yes."

Immediately, two maids came forward and led Yan’er away. Qiao Qingyun could only silently pray that her words might help the poor maid escape this misfortune. Unfortunately...

She had overestimated the status of a personal maid.

"It was my own rashness just now, so I hope Miss Qiao will forgive me. Everyone says my brother found a Crown Princess of exceptional medical skill, so as his sister, I naturally had to look into it."

"Your Highness is right."

Qiao Qingyun merely lowered her head and yielded, for the man beside her was truly unreliable.

Who knew when he might be displeased and leave her stranded here, causing her untold humiliation?

"In fact, I have a private matter for which I need your help, Miss Qiao. Since I have no female medical officer, I must trouble you. Brother, might I borrow Miss Qiao for a while?"

Yuan Rou smiled sweetly at Yuan Zaichun.

"It's fine, go ahead."

"Very well. I promise I’ll return her to you safe and sound."

With that, she took Qiao Qingyun’s hand as if they were long-lost sisters and led her into the bedchamber.

It was indeed a princess’s bedchamber. A single glance at the floor revealed the extravagance: fine Hetian jade that warmed to the touch—one could walk barefoot without fear of chill. Rare fur rugs abounded, and the curtains were strung with vibrant jade beads. Even without looking further, these details spoke volumes.

"Is Your Highness feeling unwell somewhere?"

At Yuan Rou’s gesture, Qiao Qingyun seated herself opposite and reached out to check her pulse. Yet Yuan Rou’s gaze remained fixed on Qiao Qingyun’s face, sharp but not hostile. Tilting her head, she mused, "I can’t tell how you managed to enchant my brother."

At these words, Qiao Qingyun’s wrist clearly stiffened. She looked up, frowning. "What does Your Highness mean by that?"

"Since Bu Sheng Lian left the capital, I haven’t seen another woman by my brother’s side. You are the first. In terms of looks, you’re not as beautiful as Bu Sheng Lian; as for temperament, you possess a remote aloofness like a snow lotus from the Tianshan Mountains."

"From the moment you entered the palace gates to the instant you stepped into my rooms, it was clear you are clever. Your speech and manner are as seasoned as any palace veteran."

As she was taking Yuan Rou’s pulse, Qiao Qingyun did not kneel but bowed her head. "Your Highness overpraises me. I, too, am surprised to have caught His Highness’s favor."

Naturally, Qiao Qingyun would not reveal the real reasons. Besides, the truth about General Qiao’s death was still unknown.

If she let everything slip all at once, it would only spell disaster.

Yuan Rou, accustomed to palace intrigue, watched Qiao Qingyun’s sincere eyes and still found it hard to believe.

"I call you clever because you know when to advance and retreat. You know what kind of man my brother is. He will inherit the throne, so I hope you maintain proper boundaries."

"I never hoped to be the only woman in His Highness’s harem. Even if Your Highness were to send beauties to him today, I would wholeheartedly approve."

Their verbal exchange was a contest of wit, neither yielding an inch.

Yuan Rou turned cold and gazed at Qiao Qingyun, studying her face for a moment. Suddenly, she lifted her handkerchief to her lips and let out a soft laugh.

"Ha, it’s been a long time since anyone has dared speak so boldly. But I like it. Now, tell me, what have you diagnosed?"

Qiao Qingyun inwardly sneered. To be favored by this princess would probably mean an even swifter death.

Judging by her methods just now, Yuan Rou was no less ruthless than Yuan Zaichun. Best not to make her an enemy.

With that in mind, Qiao Qingyun immediately stood up, properly and humbly. "It’s merely a slight deficiency of vital energy and blood. I gather Your Highness’s health is not the best, and your sleep is troubled?"

"Indeed, I have felt dizzy and sleepless of late. Is there a remedy?"

"There is," Qiao Qingyun replied with certainty, her beautiful eyes sweeping over the attendants. Yuan Rou understood at once. "All of you, withdraw."

"Yes."

Once the doors were closed, Qiao Qingyun spoke, "We can use massage and acupuncture: the first to stimulate the body, the second to restore your sleep."

"How long will it take?"

The prospect of a cure filled Yuan Rou with joy. She had waited long for this—imperial physicians only prescribed calming decoctions, which did nothing for her recurring nightmares and restless nights.

Qiao Qingyun considered, then said, "Massage requires privacy, as you will need to be unclothed, and together with acupuncture, it will take about two hours."

"Two hours? Will I see results after one session?" Yuan Rou asked, frowning slightly.

"Yes. In fact, Your Highness may fall asleep midway through the procedure."

"I see." Yuan Rou hesitated briefly. "Then, in seven days, come to the palace to give me a massage. How about that?"

"Yes."

Once all was arranged, Qiao Qingyun was eager to depart. As she turned to leave, Yuan Rou watched her retreating figure with a meaningful smile.

Brother, if you marry her, don’t let it be a decision you regret...