Chapter 65: Must Be Eliminated

Because Zhong Shi could never deceive himself, and besides, when Yuan Zaichun lied, his favorite thing was to look elsewhere.

Unexpectedly, this Crown Prince was becoming more and more endearing.

If it weren’t for their mutually exploitative relationship, it would truly be worth trying to see whether sparks could fly between them.

“I said no,” the Crown Prince replied, his tone tinged with embarrassment and anger. Hearing this, Qiao Qingyun found herself both amused and helpless. “Yes, if you say no, then it’s no,” she answered, adopting an attitude of complete compliance, which left Yuan Zaichun speechless and prompted him to focus on shoveling food into his mouth as if it were his only purpose.

“These days, I plan to visit the medical clinic,” Qiao Qingyun said as she ate. Yuan Zaichun paused, then replied, “Not now.”

“Why?” The events of last night clearly indicated that someone was trying to harm Qiao Qingyun. Yuan Zaichun had wanted to speak of it, but all the words were swallowed back.

That’s right—he could not say it. The dignity of his position as Crown Prince demanded, again and again, that he remain silent.

“Because I’m not happy about it,” he finally managed to say, offering a reason so capricious that Qiao Qingyun could only smile wryly. Was it really just that arbitrary?

“Very well. Then when may I go?”

“Wait a while.”

“Yes.”

Qiao Qingyun had no wish to provoke him at this moment. Seeing the maids and servants nearby all keeping their heads lowered, she knew it was undoubtedly due to the previous night’s events—Yuan Zaichun had forbidden anyone from telling her.

She wondered if, in the hearts of these servants, there was a sense of being cherished.

“My lady, about last night…” Qingluo, having heard Zhong Shi mention it, was terribly worried. Qiao Qingyun had once said that it was because someone had chased her that General Qiao had died.

Now, her greatest fear was that these people were planning a resurgence and intended to kill Qiao Qingyun.

“Last night’s events are nothing you need to worry about. I have ways to deal with them,” Qiao Qingyun said proudly, assuring them that these matters required no concern from them.

“Yes.” Though Qingluo did not understand, obeying her mistress’s command was their foremost duty.

“Useless!” The sharp sound of porcelain shattering suddenly echoed from the Empress’s palace, so jarring that Lanxi, kneeling on the floor, trembled. She was a seasoned old matron, well aware of what it meant when the Empress was angry.

At this moment, the Empress’s face was taut with veins, her fury unmistakable. “To think that wretched girl escaped! Make sure everyone hears me: whenever there’s a chance, by any means necessary, Qiao Qingyun must be eliminated!”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

No one knew how deeply the Empress hated her, for this hatred was beyond their imagination.

The Emperor had cherished that woman so dearly back then, and the Empress had witnessed it all with open eyes.

There was not a soul who would willingly share her husband’s love with such a woman; even the smallest possibility that Qiao Qingyun might be discovered was unacceptable.

Several days passed, and Qiao Qingyun remained safe. It seemed no one dared to enter the Crown Prince’s residence. After several repeated requests, she was finally allowed, under Zhong Shi’s escort, to visit Taihe Medical Clinic.

Perhaps it had been a long time since Qiao Qingyun visited; the moment she entered, Xu Lu thought she must be dreaming and rubbed her eyes in disbelief. “Teacher!”

“Yes, it’s me. How have things been these days?”

Qiao Qingyun was led by Xu Lu into a room. Xu Lu nodded repeatedly, “Now at Taihe Medical Clinic, people come for all kinds of illnesses, great and small.”

“But since you weren’t here, some surgeries couldn’t be performed. Also, most cases involve internal organs, and we lack experience, so we dared not accept them.”

“That’s normal. Next time, join me during surgery to get used to it. Last time, Qingluo was sick for ages afterward,” Qiao Qingyun said, her gaze falling on Qingluo, who blushed shyly. “Now you only tease your maid, my lady.”

“I’m only stating facts.”

Soon, the clinic grew crowded. Qiao Qingyun sat aside, peeling oranges to eat.

One after another, the cases were all recoverable with rest—no injections were needed, and Qiao Qingyun finally felt at ease.

As long as nothing serious happened, it didn’t matter if the clinic wasn’t profitable.

“Help! Someone, help!” Just as Qiao Qingyun finished her orange and was about to rest, a shrill scream came from the entrance, startling many.

Qiao Qingyun and her group rushed outside and found a crowd encircling someone.

Whoever it was, their condition was unclear, but blood pooled on the ground.

“What’s happened?” Qiao Qingyun hurried closer.

“What do we do? What do we do?” A young man clung desperately to his wife, looking utterly helpless.

“Young man, this is a clinic—bring her inside quickly, maybe there’s a chance.”

“Really?” The man was startled, then swiftly lifted his wife while Qiao Qingyun immediately pulled Chun Cheng, who had been seeing patients, over and took charge.

“Don’t just stand there! Quickly, check what blood type the pregnant woman is, bring anti-inflammatory medicine, anesthetic powder, patient gowns, and anything else needed—move!”

Following Qiao Qingyun’s directions, the staff sprang into action, creating a flurry of activity.

“Sir, I must tell you beforehand: the child cannot be saved. But if we don’t operate now, your wife’s life will be lost as well.”

“What?” The young man was stunned, tears streaming down as he looked at his wife.

No one wishes harm to their child or spouse, but at this point, there was no other way.

Most heartbreaking of all, the child was already six months along!

“There’s no choice. You must make a decision quickly.”

Urged by Qiao Qingyun, the man nodded, “Yes, do it—save my wife.”

“Good, sign here. The surgery fee is ten taels of silver, covering three days of hospitalization. Only after three days can your wife be discharged. She’s at an advanced age and there are risks.”

“That’s fine, whatever it takes.”

All the man wanted now was to save her.

At last, everything upstairs was ready. With Qingluo’s help, Qiao Qingyun pushed the woman up.

They rushed straight to the emergency room, and fortunately, all preparations had been made.