“Terrible news, Young Master Ling is in trouble!”

Everyone hurriedly went outside and saw someone supporting Luo Ling as he entered. Luo Ling’s right hand was covered in blood, a horrifying sight.

“Brother Ling!” Luo Tan was startled. Luo Ling was being supported by someone, and although he was trying his best to endure the pain, his face was extremely pale. Despite the bitter winter cold, large beads of sweat rolled down his forehead.

“Imperial Physician Gao,” Luo Xueyan quickly said, “please examine Luo Ling.”

Gao Yang’s face showed some reluctance. He had thought that since Luo Tan was now able to move about energetically, his task was complete. He hadn’t expected another difficult case. Was he being treated as a resident doctor? Though he thought this, he didn’t show it on his face. Gao Yang said, “Help him into the room, and I’ll examine him.”

After Luo Ling and Gao Yang entered the bedroom, Shen Xin angrily asked the subordinate who had brought Luo Ling back, “What exactly happened? How did Ling’er get injured so severely when he was perfectly fine?”

The subordinate was almost in tears and said, “We received intelligence that someone might have seen Young Miss Shen’s whereabouts. Young Master Ling took us to search for her. Later, someone delivered a note asking Young Master Ling to go alone. Who knew it was a trap? Those people seemed to have originally planned to target Young Master Qiu, but didn’t expect Young Master Ling to come instead. Young Master Ling fought with them, but those people ambushed him and injured his right hand.” The subordinate paused, looking worried, and continued, “Young Master Ling injured his right hand once before when he was training troops years ago, though it healed afterward. But today’s knife wound overlapped directly with the old injury. Young Master Ling immediately wasn’t doing well, and later when our people arrived, he was already like this.”

Luo Xueyan and Shen Xin didn’t know about Luo Ling’s previous injury to his right hand, so they looked at Luo Tan and asked, “Has Ling’er been injured before?”

Luo Tan nodded and said, “When he was young, he went hunting with Uncle and was chased by wild beasts in the mountains. He fell down the mountain and happened to cut his hand on a sharp rock. The injury was severe, and at that time all the physicians said Brother Ling’s hand probably couldn’t be saved, but unexpectedly, Brother Ling pulled through.”

Everyone realized the seriousness of the situation. If Luo Ling had suffered such a severe injury before, and now was injured again in the same place, the situation could be worse. Shen Qiu asked, “Who was behind this plot? Did you see who those people were?”

The subordinate shook his head and said, “Those people were highly skilled. They didn’t seem like ordinary villains. Their martial arts were superior to Young Master Ling’s.”

“This is suspicious,” Shen Xin said gravely. “First Jiaojiao, then Brother Qiu. It’s targeting our entire Shen family. Damn it! If I don’t find this person and skin him alive, I’m not surnamed Shen!”

Luo Tan said, “The most urgent matter now is to check on Brother Ling’s injury.” She was anxious. “The wound is so severe…”

The atmosphere in the room immediately became tense.

It wasn’t until an incense stick’s time later that Gao Yang came out from the bedroom. He closed the door behind him. Everyone looked at him expectantly, and Luo Tan impatiently stepped forward to ask, “Physician Gao, how is Brother Ling?”

Gao Yang said, “I’ve already applied medicine to his wound. It’s a knife wound, very deep, and it had poison on it. Although it’s not lethal poison, and I’ve already treated it, but…”

“But what?” Shen Qiu asked.

“But Young Master Luo’s hand was injured years ago. This time it has aggravated the old condition, and the new injury is not light. After it heals, I’m afraid he won’t be able to lift heavy things with his right hand.”

Luo Tan stepped back two paces and looked sharply at Gao Yang. “Can’t lift heavy things… what about weapons?”

Gao Yang shook his head.

Luo Xueyan dropped her cup, shattering it. Shen Xin and Shen Qiu simultaneously drew in sharp breaths.

Luo Ling was a child of a military family. This time, Luo Su had him follow Shen Xin back to the capital for training, so that when he returned to Xiao Chun City, he could better take over the Luo family army. Luo Ling had practiced martial arts since childhood. Now, to tell someone who had practiced martial arts since childhood that he could no longer use his right hand was almost like rendering all his martial skills useless. This was an enormous blow to Luo Ling.

“It’s impossible, it’s impossible!” Luo Tan stepped forward, grabbed Gao Yang’s sleeve anxiously, and said, “When Brother Ling was injured before, those physicians also said Brother Ling wouldn’t be able to use his right hand again, but later Brother Ling recovered. Aren’t you the best physician? When you saved me, didn’t those physicians also say I was beyond saving? If you could save me, you must be able to save my Brother Ling’s right hand, right?” Luo Tan and her cousin Luo Ling had a very good relationship, having grown up together, so naturally, she couldn’t accept this.

Gao Yang pulled back his sleeve and patiently said, “Miss Luo, it’s not that I’m unwilling to save him. It’s that your brother’s injury is truly too severe.” He added, “Let me say something that may sadden you: if I say someone cannot be treated, then there is certainly no one under heaven who can save them.”

These words almost severed everyone’s last hope, signifying that Luo Ling would never again be able to hold a sword with his right hand.

“How can this be?” Luo Xueyan nearly fainted. “How am I going to explain this to my elder brother and sister-in-law?”

“Does my cousin already know about his condition?” Shen Qiu asked.

Gao Yang nodded, then said, “Rather than Young Master Luo’s injury, I think in the coming days, it would be better to pay more attention to Young Master Luo’s emotional state. Anyone who suddenly encounters such a misfortune will inevitably be traumatized, especially someone as proud and dignified as Young Master Luo. This matter is nothing short of a catastrophe for him, and if not properly counseled, it might lead to unnecessary troubles and be unfavorable for his recovery.”

Having said this, Gao Yang picked up his medicine box and said, “I need to return to the palace first to prepare some medicinal herbs. I will come back to the residence later to administer acupuncture to Young Master Luo. I won’t stay any longer now. Farewell.”

These days, Gao Yang had been staying at the Shen residence, and it had indeed been a long time since he had returned to the Imperial Medical Bureau. Luo Xueyan nodded and said, “Thank you for your trouble these days, Imperial Physician Gao. Qiu’er, please see Imperial Physician Gao out.”

“I’ll go!” Luo Tan said, and immediately grabbed Gao Yang’s sleeve, pulling him toward the exit.

Gao Yang stared at his sleeve, which had been deformed by Luo Tan’s pulling, until they reached the gate, where Luo Tan finally stopped. Luo Tan looked at him, hesitated for a moment, and then asked, “Physician Gao, is my Brother Ling’s right hand truly beyond saving?”

Gao Yang sighed helplessly, “I never lie.”

Luo Tan’s expression turned somewhat desperate. After a moment, she said, “If that’s the case, thank you for covering up the matter of Prince Rui’s residence today.”

“Covering up?” Gao Yang looked at her in surprise. “When did I say I would cover up for you?”

Luo Tan stared at him, dumbfounded. “Didn’t you lie for me in front of my aunt and uncle…”

“I merely went along with the situation. When I think of terms for this deal, I’ll discuss it with Miss Luo in detail,” Gao Yang said, ignoring Luo Tan’s suddenly changed expression. He looked outside and added, “Tsk, it’s too late. I must leave first. See you another day, Miss Luo.” He bowed and left. After being called “Physician Gao” so many times, Gao Yang was determined to make Luo Tan suffer a bit.

Just as he thought this, he heard an almost teeth-grinding voice from behind: “Safe travels, Physician Gao.”

Gao Yang nearly stumbled and fell.

After Gao Yang’s shadow was no longer visible, Luo Tan sighed and anxiously prepared to return inside. However, she saw a carriage coming from another direction. The carriage looked extremely luxurious. The sky was getting dark, and Luo Tan couldn’t see clearly, but she saw the carriage stop at the gate of the Shen residence, and two people got out.

Luo Tan rubbed her eyes to confirm she wasn’t seeing things, then suddenly exclaimed, “Younger Cousin!”

Shen Miao had been brought back by Princess Rongshin’s maid, Lu Xi. As soon as they reached the gate, they heard Luo Tan’s shout. Earlier, Xie Jingxing had told Shen Miao that Luo Tan was severely injured, and Shen Miao had been very worried. Now, hearing Luo Tan’s strong, resonant shout, she felt reassured.

Luo Tan’s shout immediately alerted Shen Xin and the others inside, who hurriedly came out. When they saw Shen Miao, they could hardly believe their eyes.

Luo Xueyan was stunned for two seconds, then quickly stepped forward, walked up to Shen Miao, and hugged her tightly as hot tears flowed down. “Jiaojiao!”

As if finally reacting, Shen Qiu also hurried over, excitedly shouting, “Sister, you’re finally back!”

Shen Xin also wanted to approach, but Shen Miao glanced around and, since it was evening and getting dark, and because people were frightened by Shen Xin’s citywide search in recent days, most citizens stayed indoors at night, no one had seen anyone arrive at the Shen residence. Shen Miao said, “Let’s go inside first, and don’t spread the news of this yet.”

Although Shen Xin was somewhat puzzled, he exchanged a glance with Shen Qiu, who quickly responded by going out to instruct the servants outside. The group then entered the gate.

Once they were in the hall, Luo Tan asked, “Younger Cousin, what exactly happened, and who is this…” She looked at Lu Xi.

Lu Xi bowed to everyone. Being a lady-in-waiting to Princess Rongshin, her every move followed etiquette, not seeming like an ordinary person. She said, “This servant is a lady-in-waiting to Her Highness the Princess. The day before yesterday, Her Highness’s guards rescued Miss Shen from villains. Her Highness was concerned that Miss Shen might not be able to explain clearly, so she sent this servant to escort Miss Shen. Now that the person has been delivered, this servant should return.”

Two years ago at the Lantern Festival, Shen Miao had been rescued by Princess Rongshin, and two years later, she was saved by Princess Rongshin again. If one were to call it a coincidence, it would inevitably invite speculation. Shen Xin and Luo Xueyan were somewhat confused and were about to say something when they saw Shen Miao stand up and smile at Lu Xi, saying, “Thank you for everything these past few days, Elder Sister Xi. Please convey my thanks to Her Highness for her assistance. Her Highness’s life-saving grace is deeply ingrained in my heart, and I will certainly pay a personal visit to express my gratitude in the future.”

Lu Xi quickly stepped aside to avoid Shen Miao’s bow and smiled, “I wouldn’t dare. Since the young lady is an old acquaintance of Her Highness, there’s no need for formalities. I will return now. Miss Shen, please take good care of yourself. Tomorrow, Her Highness will explain to the Prefecture Governor.”

Shen Miao thanked her again, and after sending Lu Xi off, everyone finally couldn’t hold back. Shen Qiu asked, “Sister, what exactly happened?”

From Shen Miao and Lu Xi’s conversation just now, everyone could see that Shen Miao already had her ideas. Shen Xin and Luo Xueyan now understood Shen Miao’s character best—she was a young lady with strong opinions, and now she probably had other plans.

Shen Miao smiled and said, “It’s nothing much. The people who abducted me involved me in another matter; they took the wrong person. Later, when they were planning to send me out, they happened to encounter people from the Princess’s residence. The guards from the Princess’s residence had seen me before and felt something was wrong, so they rescued me. Afterward, I explained the situation to Princess Rongshin, and Her Highness plans to help me clarify the matter.” She didn’t want to tell Shen Xin the whole truth about this matter for now, because it involved Princess Mingan. The powers of Qin and Ming Qi were now complex and intertwined, and with one misstep, Shen Xin might not be able to extricate himself easily. She had worked hard to gradually distance the current Shen family from those chaotic vortices; how could she repeat the mistakes of her previous life?

Most importantly, this explanation was what she and Xie Jingxing had agreed upon. Although she didn’t know what Xie Jingxing would do in the end, Shen Miao believed that with Xie Jingxing’s methods, Princess Mingan and the Xie brothers would certainly suffer a great loss. Since it was already like this, it would be unwise for Shen Xin to get involved.

Shen Xin frowned, “Jiaojiao, tell your father honestly, does this matter have anything to do with Princess Mingan?”

Shen Miao’s heart skipped a beat.

Shen Xin wasn’t a fool. They had only recently returned to the capital city, and those people had deliberately abducted Shen Miao for personal vendettas. If the Shen family had offended anyone since returning to the capital, it would probably only be that arrogant and domineering princess from Qin. If it were Qin people, such a bold action wouldn’t be beyond them.

Shen Miao said, “Father, what are you thinking? This is Ming Qi’s territory. Even if Princess Mingan wanted to deal with me, the Crown Prince of Qin isn’t a fool. How could he let her cause trouble at such a critical moment?” Seeing that Shen Xin and Luo Xueyan still didn’t believe her, Shen Miao simply raised her arm and said in a coquettish voice, “That day, they threw me out of the carriage, and my arm is in pain. My stomach is also very hungry, Mother. I want to eat something.”

Hearing this, Luo Xueyan immediately forgot about everything else and became extremely concerned. She immediately instructed the kitchen to prepare some food and asked the maids to help Shen Miao return to her courtyard to rest.

Luo Xueyan was very worried about Shen Miao and personally went to the kitchen to prepare soup. Shen Xin frowned and pulled Shen Qiu away to do something. Luo Tan and Shen Miao returned to the room together. Seeing Shen Miao sit on the couch, Luo Tan said, “Younger Cousin, you were lying just now, weren’t you? It was Princess Mingan who did this, right?”

Shen Miao’s heart skipped a beat, wondering when Luo Tan had become so clever, and asked, “Why do you say that?”

Luo Tan rubbed her arm, pretending to be somewhat uncomfortable, and said, “The way you acted coquettish just now gave me goosebumps. It was an act to charm them. You were just placating Uncle and Aunt. They indulge you, so they let it slide.”

Shen Miao laughed, then looked Luo Tan over and said, “I heard you were severely injured. How are you already out of bed? Shouldn’t you rest more?”

Luo Tan waved her hand. “That Imperial Physician Gao from the palace has excellent medical skills, capable of raising the dead and healing the wounded. I have a strong constitution.” She continued, her eyes bright as she looked at Shen Miao, “This afternoon, I went to His Highness Prince Rui to beg him to save you. By evening, you’ve returned. Prince Rui is truly formidable, acting with unexpected speed. I thought I would have to wait several days. So that Lady Lu Xi was also fake, right?” Luo Tan sighed, “This Prince of Da Liang is quite thorough.”

Shen Miao: “…”

Xie Jingxing had rescued Shen Miao before Luo Tan went to Prince Rui’s residence. By the time Luo Tan arrived, Shen Miao was probably already at the Princess’s residence. It was pitiful that Luo Tan truly believed Xie Jingxing had such great abilities. Xie Jingxing wasn’t a deity; how could he rescue someone from peril in an instant? Shen Miao inwardly complained but didn’t correct Luo Tan’s words. Thinking of something else, she asked, “But I haven’t seen Cousin Ling. Has Cousin Ling gone out?”

Luo Tan’s previously cheerful expression immediately darkened. Shen Miao, seeing this, was puzzled and asked, “Why do you look like that?”

“Cousin Ling is in trouble,” Luo Tan’s voice was somewhat mournful. “Gao Yang says he’ll never be able to use his right hand again in this lifetime… You should go see him.”

…

At the Marquis of Lin’an’s residence, Xie Changwu was now also very anxious.

After returning from the banquet with Xie Ding, Xie Changzhao had disappeared. There was no sign of Xie Changzhao in the secret room, nor was there any trace of Shen Miao. Upon closer inspection, there were no signs of struggle in the entire secret room, which puzzled Xie Changwu even more.

Originally, because of Shen Xin, Shen Miao couldn’t be sent away, but now even the captive had vanished. Princess Mingan sent people to ask when Shen Miao would be handed over, and Xie Changwu could only superficially placate them while privately being extremely anxious.

However, no matter how he searched, sending servants out and checking all the places Xie Changzhao usually frequented, both Xie Changzhao and Shen Miao seemed to have evaporated from the world. Not a trace was left behind. For some reason, the more time passed, the more uneasy Xie Changwu felt. He tried to gather news from the side of the Mighty General Shen’s residence, but there was no news of Shen Miao’s whereabouts, which slightly consoled Xie Changwu—at least it wasn’t people coming to rescue Shen Miao who had taken Xie Changwu away.

But as time passed, even Xie Ding became suspicious, asking why Xie Changzhao hadn’t been seen all day. Xie Changwu had to say that Xie Changzhao had gone hunting outside the city with friends, and he told Madam Fang the same when she asked. Princess Mingan had sent people to inquire, and if the Xie brothers didn’t act soon, she would take Shen Miao and deal with her.

Xie Changwu couldn’t express his distress. Now, not only Shen Miao but also Xie Changzhao had disappeared. If Princess Mingan found out, she would blame him for being ineffective. Not only would she not speak well of the two brothers to Fu Xiuyi, but they might also suffer more torment. It was truly a dilemma, and Xie Changwu regretted for the first time accepting such a hot potato.

Regardless, Xie Changwu still had to send people to continue searching for Xie Changzhao’s whereabouts. It was ironic: a few days ago, they had abducted Shen Miao, and the Shen family had been searching throughout the city for her. Now, it was Xie Changwu searching throughout the city for Xie Changzhao’s whereabouts. There was a sense of poetic justice.

Xie Changwu naturally didn’t know that the brother he was desperately seeking was now in Xie Jingxing’s hands.

Tieyi followed behind the youth in purple robes and said, “Xie Changzhao’s body is stored in the tower prison, contained in an ice coffin. When does Master intend to use it?”

“Let it be for now. There’s no rush,” Xie Jingxing said. “Such a good thing shouldn’t be wasted.”

He walked slowly back to his residence. As soon as he entered the courtyard, he saw Ji Yushu wearing a purple robe with a silver mask on his face, chasing the white tiger named “Jiaojiao” around the room, saying as he chased, “You little brat, don’t you know who I am? Open your dog’s eyes and see clearly, come to me obediently!”

Tieyi’s face twitched continuously. Sometimes he had to admit that Ji Yushu was a talented individual who could laugh and joke anywhere, acting like a fool. This act of impersonating Xie Jingxing to tease a tiger was probably something only someone as idle as Ji Yushu would do.

The white tiger dodged Ji Yushu’s “warm” embrace left and right. Suddenly seeing Xie Jingxing and Tieyi arrive, it changed direction mid-course and dashed toward Xie Jingxing, grabbing the hem of his robe in its mouth and happily shaking its head.

Xie Jingxing bent down to pick up the white tiger and looked at the remaining “Xie Jingxing” in the courtyard with a half-smile, saying, “Having fun playing while I’m away?”

“Third Brother!” The fake Xie Jingxing removed his mask, revealing Ji Yushu’s sweat-covered face. Ji Yushu panted and waved his hand, saying, “Third Brother, it wasn’t that I deliberately wanted to impersonate you. Today, a young lady came seeking your help, and Gao Yang insisted that I pretend to be you. But I promise, I did a good job. The young lady, upon seeing me, knelt without a word and kowtowed several times.” Ji Yushu looked dejected and worried. “I wonder if it will shorten my lifespan.”

“A young lady?” Xie Jingxing raised an eyebrow and looked at Tieyi. Tieyi quickly said, “In the afternoon, the Luo family’s Miss Tan and Young Master Gao came. At that time, Young Master Ji pretended to be you and agreed to Miss Luo’s request… then the two of them left.”

Ji Yushu emphasized, “It was Gao Yang who insisted I do this!”

Just as he spoke, they heard Tieyi say, “Young Master Gao has arrived.”

From outside came an elegant figure in white—who else but Gao Yang? But whether it was their imagination or not, Gao Yang’s white clothes didn’t look as neat and new as before, and his face appeared somewhat haggard. Ji Yushu had been busy being shocked by Luo Tan’s kowtows in the afternoon and hadn’t looked carefully at Gao Yang’s appearance. Seeing him now, he exclaimed, “Gao Yang, why do you look like you’ve aged ten years?”

Originally, when Gao Yang and Xie Jingxing stood together, although he couldn’t match Xie Jingxing’s striking handsomeness, he still qualified as a refined young gentleman. Now, standing next to Xie Jingxing, he looked somewhat disheveled.

“Don’t mention it,” Gao Yang said. “These days, I’ve been at the Shen residence treating that Luo family young lady. Do they think I’m just a doctor? I’m not a doctor, I’m an Imperial Physician!”

“It’s all about treating patients.” Ji Yushu ignored him and looked at Xie Jingxing. “Did you find Miss Shen Five?”

Xie Jingxing nodded.

Ji Yushu heaved a sigh of relief and said, “That scared me. If such a good person as Miss Shen Five had fallen into someone else’s trap, I probably couldn’t sleep well either.”

Xie Jingxing coldly looked at him. “Oh? Are you very familiar with Shen Miao?”

Ji Yushu instinctively sensed danger and unconsciously shook his head, feeling that Xie Jingxing’s gaze held deep meaning. He quickly said, “Third Brother, don’t you have a connection with her? I’m not concerned about her; I’m concerned about you. Now that I see you’ve rescued her, I feel very relieved. Miss Shen Five must be very grateful to you.”

“Bootlicker!” Gao Yang said disdainfully.

“None of your business,” Ji Yushu retorted.

Gao Yang took a deep breath and, changing to a serious expression, asked Xie Jingxing, “Was it Princess Mingan who did it?”

Actually, in the capital city, besides Princess Mingan, there wasn’t anyone else with the audacity to harm Shen Miao. Others who wanted to move against Shen Miao would still have to consider the Shen family’s reaction. Everyone knew that Shen Xin doted on his daughter to the point of indulging her every whim. To hurt Shen Miao was undoubtedly like pulling whiskers from a tiger’s head—the consequences would be endless. Only a brainless woman like Princess Mingan would act so recklessly without considering the consequences. But such boldness was indeed astonishing.

“Not just her,” Xie Jingxing said calmly. “Xie Changwu and Xie Changzhao were also involved.”

“Have they gone mad?” Gao Yang couldn’t hide his surprise. “Even if Princess Mingan promised them benefits, how could Xie Changwu and Xie Changzhao risk their lives?”

People always have an internal scale when doing things—risks and rewards should balance each other. But this move by Xie Changzhao and Xie Changwu was too unprofitable, and Gao Yang couldn’t understand it. The Xie brothers were already willing to oppose the Shen family to climb up, but were they only focused on the present without considering the future?

“Perhaps they’ve lived comfortable lives for too long and don’t know their limits,” Xie Jingxing’s smile turned cold. “Fools, day after day for ten years.”

Gao Yang and Ji Yushu fell silent. At this moment, they both felt a chill emanating from Xie Jingxing. After silently mourning for the Xie brothers for a moment, Gao Yang said, “Actually, this time Princess Mingan didn’t just target Shen Miao.”

Xie Jingxing turned his head, frowning. “What do you mean?”

“They also intended to plot against Shen Qiu. Today at the Shen residence, I heard that someone used Shen Miao’s whereabouts to set a trap for Shen Qiu, waiting for him to fall for it and be isolated before they would move against him. Those people were highly skilled in martial arts, likely trained in the palace, and I think it was probably Princess Mingan’s work.”

Not only did they want to destroy Shen Miao, but they also wanted to destroy Shen Qiu. Shen Miao and Shen Qiu were the young members of the Shen family. If these two were ruined, it would be difficult for the Shen family to rise again. Moreover, given the close sibling relationship between Shen Miao and Shen Qiu, if Shen Miao returned in the future and learned that Shen Qiu had fallen into such a predicament because of her, she would likely blame herself for a lifetime. There was no more painful punishment than living in suffering. Princess Mingan was truly heartless and ruthless.

Xie Jingxing showed slight emotion and asked, “What was the outcome?”

“Shen Qiu didn’t fall for it,” Gao Yang said.

Xie Jingxing’s gaze softened at this, but before he could speak again, Gao Yang’s words continued.

“However… although Shen Qiu didn’t fall for it, the Luo family’s young master at the Shen residence didn’t fare well. Those people thought they had called out Shen Qiu, but it was Luo Ling. Luo Ling’s martial arts weren’t as good as Shen Qiu’s, and he didn’t fare well at the hands of those people.”

Xie Jingxing raised an eyebrow. “How is he now?”

“Not good,” Gao Yang said. “Even with my medical skills, I’m powerless. In this lifetime, he probably won’t be able to hold a sword with his right hand again.”

Xie Jingxing froze, his handsome brows and eyes gradually darkening, his gaze suddenly turning cold.