Chapter 5: Stay Out of the Beauty’s Affairs

The guard snorted coldly, his smile nothing more than a sneer. “If you can cure His Highness the Seventh Prince, forget about bowing—I’ll even change my surname to yours.”
“It’s a deal!”
Qiao Qingyun shot him a sidelong glance, waved him aside, and strode swiftly to the Seventh Prince’s side. She knelt, bringing the spray close to his mouth and nose, her voice calm and commanding, compelling trust. “Breathe in. Try to steady yourself.”
A cold glint flashed in the prince’s eyes, but he knew this farce was over—his plans had failed. He cast her a dangerous look, but outwardly cooperated, taking deep breaths as instructed.
Within moments, his breathing eased, and color returned to his face.
“Your Highness, the physician in your household is truly remarkable,” the Fourth Prince exclaimed in admiration, clapping his hands.
But as soon as he finished, he feigned confusion. “But I wonder, what is that device in the healer’s hand?”
Only then did Qiao Qingyun realize that no one in this era had ever seen an inhaled medicine before!
She forced a smile, stumbling over her words. “This is a secret remedy crafted by my master—there is only one of its kind in the world!”
At her words, the Fourth Prince nodded as if half-comprehending.
“It’s merely a trivial trick, not worth mentioning,” Qiao Qingyun said, bowing slightly as she tried to divert the topic.
She lifted her chin triumphantly and glanced at Yuan Zaichun, catching the faint, nonchalant smile on his lips.
“Indeed, had she not been here today, Seventh Brother would have been in grave danger,” he said, his tone unreadable, his gaze dangerous as he regarded her. “Wouldn’t you agree?”
Such a coincidence—too convenient not to invite suspicion.
“Heh.” Qiao Qingyun caught the mockery in his voice, rolled her eyes, and gave a perfunctory smile, inwardly grumbling.
No wonder he’s the crown prince—so calculating.
She turned her gaze to the guard, directing all her ire at him, her voice icy. “Well, brother, is your master feeling better now?”
The guard’s face shifted through shades of blue and purple before settling into a sullen scowl. Through gritted teeth, he spat, “Better.”
“You remember what you just said, don’t you?” Qiao Qingyun smiled sweetly, but her tone was laced with menace. “Even a fish can remember for seven breaths—if you cannot, I don’t mind prescribing you something to help.”
“A man of honor would never bow to a mere woman!” he roared, bloodshot eyes glaring, the scar on his cheek twitching grotesquely. “I’m willing, but can you bear it?”
“So you mean to renege,” Qiao Qingyun retorted, unafraid, her laughter cold. She sighed dramatically. “The Seventh Prince is famed for his humility and virtue, yet those around him are like this—well, I dare not speak ill of the royal family.”
Damn!
A cough from the Seventh Prince made the guard stiffen. He clenched his teeth, shot her a venomous glare, and after a long moment, finally fell to his knees.
Thud, thud.
Two resounding kowtows.
Qiao Qingyun gazed down at him, thinking of the tragic death of General Qiao, her eyes dropping slightly to hide the murderous intent within.
These two kowtows should have been made to the dead.
She spoke slowly, her tone cold, proud, and full of disdain. “My ancestors valued cleanliness and cherished our family’s reputation. As for changing your surname… there’s no need.”
Her words landed like a slap across the guard’s face. His expression grew even darker and more ashamed.
Damn it.
Qiao Qingyun paid him no mind, her thoughts already elsewhere. She drew a bottle of laxative from her hidden stash and gestured for the guard to take it. “Here. The Seventh Prince’s illness is deep-rooted—what I just did was only a temporary fix. Further treatment is needed.”
“Medicine must be tailored to the individual. In the heat of the moment, it couldn’t be helped, but now, this bottle—” The guard eyed the small blue-and-white porcelain bottle in her hand, malice gleaming in his gaze as he deliberately made things difficult. “It won’t harm His Highness, will it?”
If it were harmless, she wouldn’t have given it to him.
Thank heavens her stash at least disguised it in a porcelain bottle!
Qiao Qingyun shot him a look, her lips curving into a meaningful, ambiguous smile. “Who knows?”
After all, would the Seventh Prince really dare take medicine dispensed by someone from the Crown Prince’s household?
She was a physician, not a saint. With her enemy right before her, if not now, when would she take her revenge?
She shook her head, feigning regret. “This medicine, too, was left by my late master, meant for breathing ailments. There’s only this one bottle. But as time has passed, no one can guarantee its potency. Since you’re so loyal, why not test it yourself for the prince? If there’s anything amiss, simply discard it.”
A trial with this would leave him bedridden for days—if not, she’d take his surname herself!
“Just take it.”
No one knew when the Seventh Prince had sat up, his eyes closed, looking sickly. “Your Highness, I fear I am unwell and must beg your pardon for spoiling your gathering.”
Yuan Zaichun was unconcerned. He waved his hand with a smile, his expression showing a touch of considerate worry. “Seventh Brother, you should return to your residence and rest. It’s getting late; this banquet should come to an end anyway.”
The Seventh Prince smiled enigmatically, didn’t even bother with the pretense of courtesy, and left with his entourage. Sensing the unfavorable turn, the Fourth Prince awkwardly excused himself as well.
Only Qiao Qingyun and Yuan Zaichun remained in the pavilion, a sudden hush falling over them, the atmosphere growing tense.
At last, Yuan Zaichun broke the silence. “Three days have passed. It seems those black dogs may feast tonight.”
“Acupuncture clearly worked. By rights, I’ve won the wager,” Qiao Qingyun retorted, unafraid. She found a seat, tossed a grape into her mouth, and grinned. “Haste brings nothing but trouble. Healing takes time, Your Highness—patience will aid your recovery.”
“So confident?” Yuan Zaichun’s gaze sharpened. Suddenly, he smiled, fixing his eyes on her, as if searching for some subtle clue. “All the world seeks gain. If you’re so devoted, what reward do you want?”
Qiao Qingyun paused, her hand still. After a moment, she answered with another question. “Your Highness, do you have someone you love? Are you betrothed?”
“No.” Yuan Zaichun narrowed his eyes, concealing the danger within, tapping his finger lightly on the table.
“Then I want the position of your principal consort.” Qiao Qingyun replied without hesitation, direct and unflinching.
“The Crown Princess? Ambitious, aren’t you?” Yuan Zaichun’s lips curled in a faint, inscrutable smile.
But Qiao Qingyun showed no sign of backing down. She stood and strode over to him, leaning over the table, tilting her head as she gazed into the abyss of his eyes. There was a hint of playfulness in her voice, but her seriousness was unmistakable. “The world is vast and full of beauties, but I am the only one who can cure your poison.”
“Otherwise, you can just wait to die, good brother.”
Yuan Zaichun froze, his fingers clenching into a fist inside his sleeve. After a long moment, his lips twisted into a cold smile. “Crown Princess… heh, I doubt that’s all you want—a mere empty title?”
“I want to stay alive,” Qiao Qingyun stated bluntly, hiding nothing. “I need the power of the Crown Prince’s household as my shield. That position suits my purpose—nothing more.”
The deaths of Princess Yunhe and General Qiao—there was a hand behind them both. She sensed that only by remaining at the center of power could she uncover the truth.
“You must realize, even if I don’t agree, I could still force you to your knees and have you beg me for the chance to treat me,” Yuan Zaichun said coldly, lifting her chin with a finger, cruelty in his eyes. “If you lack the ability, you’ll soon learn what happens to those who defy me.”
“Go home and think it over. Then come back and tell me your terms.”