The Crown Grandson’s mouth twitched almost imperceptibly at the corners, and he replied with a blank expression: “Once Imperial Physician Wei has finished administering acupuncture to Young Master Ling, he will be taking his leave, and Ninth Young Miss Ling and the others will be departing as well. I wonder what Sixth Imperial Uncle still intends to come back for?”

Such words were not convenient for Ling Jingshu to say, but the Crown Grandson had very little compunction about saying them.

Prince Yan’s reaction was equally unexpected — he raised an eyebrow with unhurried ease: “Why, naturally to inquire after how Young Master Ling’s eye ailment is progressing.”

The Crown Grandson looked at him with a half-smile: “Sixth Imperial Uncle has presumably never met Young Master Ling. Suddenly condescending to come and inquire after him would only invite scrutiny and gossip.”

The thickness of Prince Yan’s skin proved equal to the challenge. Far from being fazed, he laughed outright: “How could I not have met him? We crossed paths once at the Dingxiang Restaurant. Once a stranger, twice an acquaintance — by the third time, one is already an old friend!”

Faced with the brazen and endlessly grinning Prince Yan, the Crown Grandson was left completely at a loss for words.

By age, he was actually a few months older than Prince Yan. Yet the dictates of seniority and sequence held sway — as the nephew, he could not very well keep wearing a cold face toward Prince Yan indefinitely. A few pointed remarks in the veiled manner were sufficient; outright impropriety was still out of the question.

Of the three people present, all of them had sunk into silence.

The Crown Grandson had a naturally cold expression — not a word, not a smile, only cool and severe authority.

Prince Yan, on the other hand, had a naturally carefree and laughing face; even when he was not smiling there was still a hint of a smile, and his uninhibited gaze rested boldly on Ling Jingshu’s lovely face.

Ling Jingshu was neither willing to meet the Crown Grandson’s eyes nor inclined to engage in a contest of wills with Prince Yan. She was just about to curtsy and take her leave when the sound of footsteps suddenly arose from behind her.

Ling Jingshu gave a start and instinctively turned her head to look.

She saw a young man dressed in plain garments walking out at an unhurried pace. His clear, refined features were full of quiet composure; when he raised his eyes and saw that both the Crown Grandson and Prince Yan were gathered in this small courtyard, he showed remarkably little surprise.

“Your subject pays his respects to His Highness Prince Yan, and to His Highness the Crown Grandson.” Imperial Physician Wei stepped forward and paid his respects.

Prince Yan smiled: “Imperial Physician Wei, please rise.”

His tone was warm and easy.

Imperial Physician Wei expressed his thanks, then straightened to stand.

Ling Jingshu instinctively stepped forward, her gaze carrying a veiled hope and eagerness: “Imperial Physician Wei, have you finished treating A’Xiao today?”

Imperial Physician Wei gave a sound of assent.

Ling Jingshu pressed further: “Has A’Xiao’s eye condition shown any improvement?”

Inquired about a patient’s condition, Imperial Physician Wei’s manner was relatively warm: “Ninth Young Miss Ling need not worry too greatly. Young Master Ling’s stagnant blood has been built up over many years, causing his blindness to persist for so long. With the current three-pronged approach, judging by Young Master Ling’s responses, there does appear to be some improvement. However, the original estimate of three to four months now appears insufficient — it may take approximately half a year.”

“In any case, the herbal decoction must not be stopped, three times daily without fail. The medicinal ointment applied to the eyes must also be changed promptly each day. If the decoction or ointment runs out, take the prescription back to the Huichun Hall and obtain more.”

Ling Jingshu listened attentively and with care, smiling as she acknowledged each point in turn.

That manner of addressing only the physician before her, as if no one else were present — to those watching, it was particularly grating.

The Crown Grandson glanced at Imperial Physician Wei and said nothing.

Prince Yan’s eyes flickered slightly. He curled the corners of his lips and remarked with pointed meaning: “Imperial Physician Wei’s gifted hands bring the dying back to life — even an eye condition of many years’ blindness can be cured. It is truly worthy of admiration. Speaking of which, this prince is often out and about and frequently hears people speak of Imperial Physician Wei’s name. Among all the young ladies and maidens of this capital, who knows how many secretly admire Imperial Physician Wei. It makes even this prince sigh with envy!”

Ling Jingshu found it difficult to keep smiling.

Prince Yan saying this in her very presence carried the distinct flavor of pointing at a monk while calling him a bald donkey.

Imperial Physician Wei had given his wholehearted effort to treating Ling Xiao, and she, as an elder sister, was filled with gratitude toward him. When facing Imperial Physician Wei, it was inevitable that she would show him a degree of extra warmth and respect. This was nothing more than the deference a patient’s family owed a physician.

But with Prince Yan framing it in this manner, the meaning immediately shifted into something else entirely…

Imperial Physician Wei gave a faint smile and replied with clasped hands: “Your subject studied medicine from childhood and was fortunate to enter the Imperial Medical Bureau. As an imperial physician, treating the sick, practicing medicine, and dispensing remedies are all part of your subject’s duty. Your subject harbors no desire for fame or reputation. It is merely that common people who have received your subject’s care, in their gratitude toward a physician, occasionally offer a few words of praise. It had not occurred to this subject that it would reach Your Highness’s ears — your subject is quite overwhelmed.”

“As for what Your Highness said about young ladies admiring your subject — Your Highness has likely misunderstood. Your subject made a vow long ago to remain unmarried for life, dedicating all his time and energy to the pursuit of medical knowledge. Concerning matters of that nature, your subject has never taken notice, nor given them a second thought.”

A vow to remain unmarried for life?

Ling Jingshu felt a quiet inward surprise and could not help casting a glance at Imperial Physician Wei, whose expression remained composed and serene.

One did not say such things casually.

Could it be that the rumors were true? That this exceptionally handsome and brilliantly accomplished Imperial Physician Wei was actually afflicted with some private ailment that could not be spoken of openly? Or that he harbored some sorrow too difficult to put into words?

Prince Yan, upon hearing this reply, actually seemed to relax somewhat — the expression on his face took on a subtle, placated quality. He grinned and said: “I was only making a casual jest. How did you take it so seriously? And besides — you made that vow of remaining unmarried for life when you were eighteen. That was already six years ago now. Who has not said a few rash and reckless things in the heat of youthful passion? Such words are hardly to be taken literally.”

“The Wei family has only you as a single heir. Even if you have no fondness for women, you must still marry and father children to carry on the family line. Otherwise, even Wei Jieyu would be unable to set her heart at ease.”

Wei Jieyu had been born of humble origins. In her day, she had been a palace maid serving Empress Xu. She was later favored by the Emperor and received considerable affection, and only after bearing the daughter Princess An’ya had she been given the title of Jieyu.

At present the Emperor was advancing in years and rarely sought the company of women. Yet Wei Jieyu, owing to her gentle and understanding temperament, her beauty, and her pleasing manner, still received the Emperor’s summons to attend him one or two nights each month.

Among the concubines in the palace with formal titles — not a hundred, then at least several dozen — Wei Jieyu’s rank was not particularly high, yet she had maintained enduring favor and no one dared look down upon her. Only Prince Yan, the legitimate son of Empress Xu, would speak of Wei Jieyu in such an easy, offhand tone.

Imperial Physician Wei heard Prince Yan invoke his elder sister’s name; his expression remained unchanged: “Whatever the case, many thanks for Your Highness’s kind concern.”

Prince Yan continued to look steadily at Imperial Physician Wei, with an air that carried a faint persistence: “What manner of woman does Imperial Physician Wei truly admire at heart — you might as well say it outright, and this prince will serve as a matchmaker for you. How does that sound?”

Prince Yan wore a smile on his face, yet it could not conceal the fundamentally pressing and relentless quality beneath it.

Ling Jingshu lowered her eyes, concealing the flash of distaste that surfaced and vanished in their depths.

Whatever his reasons, Imperial Physician Wei’s unwillingness to take a wife was a fact. What did it mean that Prince Yan was pressing him in this way, step by step? Could it be that he believed she had feelings for Imperial Physician Wei, and was trying to force the physician to marry so that she would give up the idea?

Truly absurd and laughable!

Never mind that in this life she would never take a husband — even if she changed her mind in the future due to some unforeseen circumstance, the person would absolutely never be Prince Yan.

Imperial Physician Wei’s voice was level and unhurried: “Your subject has no intention of starting a family. Your Highness need not trouble yourself.”

The Crown Grandson’s brow furrowed slightly, and he said in a firm, measured tone: “Sixth Imperial Uncle — each person has their own aspirations. Since Imperial Physician Wei has no such inclination, please do not press him further with jests.”