Thinking of their respective mothers, both men’s moods grew somewhat dejected.

Shao Mingyuan’s hands were unlike those of noble young masters who wielded brushes and played the qin – they weren’t slender and pale, but had distinct knuckles with thick calluses covering his fingertips. He gently rubbed the wine cup in his hands and said: “There’s no need. I can still manage.”

Chi Can sneered: “Don’t force yourself. Speak up when you can’t handle it anymore.”

He knew this fellow was foolishly filial and unwilling to do something like requesting stewards from other households, which would embarrass the face of the Marquis Jing’an’s wife.

Shao Mingyuan didn’t mind Chi Can’s attitude. He placed his wine cup on the table and stood up: “I understand. If I really can’t handle it, I’ll tell you all.”

“Tingquan, why must you—” Since it was his friend’s mother after all, Chi Can didn’t continue.

Shao Mingyuan raised his refined eyebrows and asked in return: “And why do you, Shixi—”

Neither finished their sentences, yet both understood each other perfectly.

Chi Can wanted to ask why Shao Mingyuan was so respectfully obedient to a mother who treated him so harshly, while Shao Mingyuan asked in return why Chi Can showed such patience toward the moody Eldest Princess Changrong.

The two childhood friends, who hadn’t had a heart-to-heart conversation in years, looked at each other. Chi Can was the first to speak: “You don’t understand. I will never blame my mother…”

That past was a secret unknown to others. He would feel sad, he would miss those times, but he would never harbor resentment.

Shao Mingyuan reached out and patted his friend’s shoulder, saying helplessly: “We’re in the same boat, I suppose.”

Chi Can had nothing more to say, thinking to himself: This must be what they mean when they say every family has its difficult scriptures to recite. The Marquis Jing’an’s residence looks glamorous on the outside, but who knows what it’s really like inside?

“Let’s leave it at that. Tomorrow I’ll go help you ask around, and you just wait for news. Once your family’s funeral arrangements are finished, we’ll have a proper gathering.”

The two clinked glasses one last time and returned to their respective residences.

Early the next morning, it began to rain.

The early summer rain was fine and dense like needles, falling continuously without stopping. Chi Can held up an azure bamboo umbrella and walked to Prince Rui’s mansion, which was located not far from the Eldest Princess Changrong’s residence.

“Young Master Chi, why have you come?” As soon as the gatekeeper saw Chi Can, he immediately approached with a smile, looking behind him and saying, “Why didn’t you bring a servant to hold your umbrella? Look, half your shoulder is soaked—”

Chi Can glanced at him and said indifferently: “So much chatter!”

The gatekeeper didn’t mind at all and kept smiling: “Please come inside to rest, I’ll go report your arrival.”

“Go ahead.” Chi Can closed his umbrella and handed it to an attendant.

In a quiet, small courtyard, Prince Rui, dressed in everyday clothes, politely consulted Physician Li: “Divine Physician, no acupuncture today?”

Physician Li lifted his eyelids slightly: “No need. Didn’t I prescribe a medicinal formula? Starting tonight, Your Highness should bathe according to the prescription. As long as you persist with the medicinal baths for one year, you’ll be cured, and then you won’t need to worry about having heirs.”

Prince Rui was overjoyed and bowed respectfully to Physician Li: “Thank you for your miraculous healing, Divine Physician. I will forever remember your great kindness—”

Physician Li waved his hand, opened his eyes to look deeply at Prince Rui, and uttered two words: “However—”

Upon hearing this, Prince Rui’s heart trembled.

Things in this world often go wrong because of the word “however.”

Sure enough, he heard Physician Li say leisurely: “However, Your Highness must remember that during this year, you absolutely cannot go near women, otherwise—”

“Otherwise, what?”

“All previous efforts will be wasted, and you’ll regret it too late!”

Prince Rui’s face immediately turned pale.

Not go near women for a year?

He was a normal man in his prime, and previously, to have offspring, the prince’s mansion had kept many beautiful concubines like flowers and jade. If he really couldn’t touch women for a year, it would truly be—

Physician Li observed his expression and sneered: “If Your Highness cannot do it, there’s no need to start these medicinal baths now.”

Prince Rui quickly came to his senses and repeatedly said: “I can do it, I can do it!”

Only then did Physician Li’s mood improve somewhat, and he began to speak: “In that case—”

Before he could finish his words, a servant outside the door said: “Your Highness, Young Master Chi has come.”

Cousin?

Prince Rui bid farewell to Physician Li: “Divine Physician, please rest first. I’ll go receive my guest and come back to consult with you later.”

“Your Highness, please go ahead.” Physician Li thought for a moment – perhaps he should wait until Prince Rui had seen his guest before mentioning his departure.

Prince Rui took leave of Physician Li and returned to the main courtyard. Walking into the guest reception hall, as soon as he saw the tall and graceful Chi Can, he smiled: “Cousin, why did you come on such a rainy day?”

“Your Highness.” Chi Can performed a bow.

Prince Rui quickly walked over and pulled Chi Can to sit down: “Why be so formal between us cousins? Just call me cousin.”

Since Father Emperor had become obsessed with cultivation, he rarely saw Prince Mu, while the Empress Dowager and Aunt Changrong could occasionally see Father Emperor. With the crown prince position still undetermined, Prince Rui indeed didn’t dare to act too presumptuous toward Chi Can, the only son of the Eldest Princess Changrong.

“Proper etiquette cannot be abandoned. Calling you Your Highness feels more natural,” Chi Can said with a light smile.

It wasn’t just more natural – it was safer.

Prince Rui and Prince Mu were similar in age, and it was still hard to say who would claim that position in the future. It wouldn’t be wise to get too close to either one or offend either one.

Although Chi Can had a poor temper, he was clear-headed about this aspect. When dealing with Prince Rui and Prince Mu, he remained impartial, treating them simply as ordinary relatives.

“Your Highness, I’ve come today to borrow someone from you.”

“Borrow someone?” Prince Rui laughed upon hearing this. “Cousin, you’re being too formal. Just tell me who caught your eye, and I’ll have her sent to your residence.”

Chi Can’s face darkened.

So this cousin thought he had taken a fancy to some concubine and had come for entertainment.

If this one ascended the throne in the future, he’d be a foolish ruler indeed. Even if he were a lustful person, would he set his sights on a prince’s concubine?

Bah, bah, he was getting confused from anger – what lustfulness? Every time he looked in the mirror, he couldn’t muster any interest, even when seeing the most beautiful woman.

To prevent hearing any more outrageous words from Prince Rui’s mouth, Chi Can quickly said: “I’ve come to borrow the divine physician.”

Prince Rui’s expression immediately changed upon hearing this, and he exclaimed: “The divine physician?”

“Yes.” Chi Can found it amusing.

The entire capital knew that Physician Li was staying with Prince Rui, yet Prince Rui was still pretending to be confused.

“Your Highness is reluctant?” Seeing Prince Rui remain silent and thinking of his friend’s request, Chi Can pressed him.

“How could that be?” Prince Rui laughed awkwardly. “I wonder, cousin, how long do you need to borrow the divine physician for? Oh no, I mean, how long will you need to invite the divine physician away?”

If Physician Li knew they were using the word “borrow,” that would be troublesome.

Chi Can pondered for a moment and decided to reveal some of the truth to Prince Rui, lowering his voice: “Actually, it’s Marquis Guanjun who wants to see the divine physician.”

Upon hearing it was Marquis Guanjun, Prince Rui’s expression immediately changed.

It was Marquis Guanjun!

He looked deeply at Chi Can, sighing endlessly in his heart.

How could he have forgotten that this cousin was also Marquis Guanjun’s childhood friend!

Didn’t this mean that as long as he maintained a good relationship with this cousin, it would be equivalent to indirectly winning over Marquis Guanjun, without arousing Father Emperor’s suspicion or the officials’ criticism?

Prince Rui thought of all this in an instant, his expression softening as he smiled warmly: “Marquis Guanjun has fought for the country and people for many years and must have suffered many injuries. Of course, I have no objections to him wanting to see the divine physician.”

After Prince Rui finished speaking, he ordered someone to invite Physician Li.

Physician Li, who had already decided to leave and packed his small bundle, heard Prince Rui’s summons and didn’t hesitate. He picked up his small bundle and went.