Chapter 88: The Peasant Girl’s Splendid Manor
Chapter 88: Chu Heng
Eighty miles west of the capital, there lies the Jing Shan Manor.
The Jing Shan Manor, a royal estate, was bestowed upon the Crown Prince Chu Heng due to his frail health and aversion to cold since childhood. Every winter, the Crown Prince would recuperate here, as per the Emperor's benevolent decree. For twenty years, not a single mishap occurred, and this year was no exception.
In the side hall, Yan Junyu, adorned in luxurious purple attire, lounged lazily on a cushioned chair, idly playing with a jade fan. However, his eyes occasionally darted towards the entrance, betraying his restlessness and worry.
Across from him, Xiao Ruiyuan, dressed in black robes, sipped on a cup of Junshan Silver Needle tea with an expressionless face. Seemingly dissatisfied with the lukewarm tea, he took a few sips before furrowing his brows and setting it aside. Suddenly, his ears twitched, and he stood up abruptly, fixing his sharp gaze on the doorway.
Yan Junyu was momentarily startled, then folded the jade fan and stood up as well, also gazing towards the entrance.
Soon after, the sound of rumbling wheels filled the air, and a middle-aged man with a white beard pushed a wheelchair into the room. Beside him was an elderly man in a green robe with flowing white hair, exuding an air of elegance and grace.
Sitting in the wheelchair was Crown Prince Chu Heng, whose entire being radiated a gentle aura despite his pale complexion, indicating his weakened state due to prolonged illness. Yet, his innate nobility remained unaffected by his condition.
Meeting the worried gazes of Yan Junyu and Xiao Ruiyuan, Chu Heng smiled gently, instantly resembling a blossoming plum, breathtaking in its beauty.
"Huaixi, Hanzhang, there's no need to worry. I'm fine," he said in a voice as clear as a mountain spring, soothing their concerns. This simple sentence was akin to celestial music in the ears of Yan and Xiao.
Yan Huaixi, also known as Yan Junyu, was the grandnephew of the Empress Dowager of Da Chu and the distant cousin of Chu Heng. Despite being separated by two generations, their bond was deeper than that of blood brothers, having grown up together in the palace.
Xiao Huizhang, or Xiao Ruiyuan, was closely related to Chu Heng through his mother, who was the Empress Dowager's sister and Chu Heng's biological mother. Both having lost their mothers at a young age, their bond was strengthened by shared sorrow.
As the tension dissipated, Yan Huaixi approached with a playful grin, placing his slender hand on the shoulder of the elderly man. "Old Ghost, are you finally convinced?"
The man referred to as Old Ghost snorted disdainfully. "Convinced or not, what does it matter? This medicinal concoction wasn't brewed by you."
Yan Huaixi remained unperturbed. While he may not have concocted the medicine, he had procured it. However, he credited a certain maid for her role, silently planning to give her due credit. As for the cantankerous old man, he couldn't resist taking a jab.
"Ah, I don't understand the art of medicine, so it's only natural I can't produce it. But for someone who claims to be the best physician in the world, you seem quite helpless. Isn't it laughable?"
"You! Get out of my sight!" The irascible ghost physician glared at the impudent youth, forcefully shaking off his hand from his shoulder.
"Fine, I'll leave. But even if I can't produce medicine, neither can you!" Yan Huaixi rolled his eyes, refraining from further provocation. Who knew if the old ghost would retaliate by slipping something into his medicine?
Seeing the two engage in a verbal spar, Chu Heng couldn't help but chuckle, his eyes filled with amusement. Sensing Yan Huaixi's glare, he quickly lifted a cup of hot tea to his lips, masking his amusement. However, the subtle curve of his lips betrayed his true mood.
Xiao Ruiyuan's lips twitched slightly, concealing his amusement with a serious demeanor. Despite his disdain for the flirtatious youth, he refrained from further provocation. Mocking others was not the behavior of a gentleman, after all.
Nevertheless, the fact that this renowned ladies' man still retained his vigor was truly unbelievable!
The ghost physician, single-minded in his desire to exchange medical knowledge, was oblivious to Yan Huaixi's embarrassment. Believing he had struck a chord, he continued with unsolicited advice.
"Young man, don't shy away from medical treatment. It's best to address hidden ailments early to avoid future complications. I only wish the best for you…"
With each word, Yan Huaixi's irritation reached new heights. He glared daggers at the incessantly chattering physician, contemplating throttling the old man then and there.
Chu Heng watched the impending tragedy unfold before intervening. "Huaixi, this medicinal concoction was procured by you. If possible, I'd like to personally thank the skilled individual responsible. Would that be possible?"
Yan Huaixi dared not argue with his cousin, suppressing his simmering frustration and shaking his head. "I promised not to reveal anything about the person who provided this medicine. I'm sorry, I can't disclose any information."
Disappointed, Chu Heng sighed softly, his expression conveying his inability to help.
Equally disappointed, the ghost physician knew further inquiry would be fruitless and immediately dismissed Yan Huaixi from his thoughts.
With a lingering sense of embarrassment, Yan Huaixi glared at the physician, feeling utterly humiliated.
Xiao Ruiyuan's lips curled into a smirk as he became intrigued by the mysterious figure whom Yan Huaixi was protecting. Uncovering their identity wouldn't be difficult...
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