Ling Wuye and Ling Xiao waited beneath the covered corridor for roughly the time it takes an incense stick to burn.

Ling Wuye was restless, glancing every now and then at the tightly shut door. With a displeased grunt, he muttered, “An unmarried man and woman, alone together in a room — if word got out, what would people think?”

Ling Xiao heard this, and his fair face fell in an instant. “Wei Taiyi is treating A’Shu’s illness. Father knows this perfectly well — how can you say such a thing? If Wei Taiyi were to hear it, wouldn’t it wound his feelings?”

His tone was full of reproach.

Ling Wuye was left speechless, and his embarrassment curdled into rage. He glared at Ling Xiao. “You insolent wretch! Is this how you speak to your own father? Of all the virtues, filial piety comes first. Where did you learn such unfilial conduct!”

Ling Xiao answered flatly, “I spoke nothing but the truth. I fail to see where I have been unfilial. I ask Father to explain.”

Ling Wuye nearly choked on his own breath.

Ling Xiao had always been silent and reticent, gentle and obedient. He had never so much as spoken back, let alone raised his voice. And look at him now!

It must be Ling Jingshu’s influence!

Ling Wuye fumed inwardly, forcing himself to soften his tone. “I know you and A’Shu are close, and you don’t want to hear any of this. I am A’Shu’s own father — do you think I enjoy saying unflattering things about my own daughter? But you must understand: this world imposes many demands on women. One careless word or deed and rumors begin to fly. Once her reputation is damaged, it will greatly affect her marriage prospects in the future…”

Ling Xiao cut him off, his face rigid. “A’Shu’s health is far more important than any hollow reputation. If Father truly cares for A’Shu, then please stop saying things that wound people. Besides, A’Shu is ill right now and has no interest whatsoever in marriage matters. Father must not force A’Shu into anything against her will.”

Ling Wuye was struck dumb again, grinding his teeth in silent fury.

Several months apart, and Ling Xiao had become an entirely different person — his tongue far sharper than it used to be.

At that very moment, the door opened.

Wei Yan and Ling Jingshu stepped out one after the other.

Ling Wuye’s gaze immediately drifted over. He studied Wei Yan and Ling Jingshu without appearing to do so. Unfortunately, both wore expressions of perfect composure, betraying nothing out of the ordinary.

Ling Jingshu looked at Ling Wuye, whose eyes kept darting about, and gave a quiet, cold scoff in her heart. Aloud, she spoke in a dutiful tone: “Father. Wei Taiyi has just examined me. However, the cause of my illness cannot be determined yet, so no prescription can be written at this time.”

Ling Wuye quickly smiled and said to Wei Yan, “Regardless, I must thank Wei Taiyi for all your trouble.”

Wei Yan smiled pleasantly. “Healing the sick is simply a physician’s duty. Ling Wuye need not stand on ceremony.” He paused, then added, “I still have an audience to request with His Highness the Crown Grandson. I will not keep you all company any longer.”

Why would he go to see the Crown Grandson?

Ling Jingshu found this quietly puzzling but knew it was not her place to ask. She smiled and bid Wei Yan farewell.

After Ling Jingshu and the others had gone, Wei Yan set off.

“Your Highness, the Ling family has departed.” Wang Tong said in a low voice. “Wei Taiyi has not left — he came specifically to request an audience with Your Highness. I did not dare to be negligent and had him escorted to the side chamber next door to wait.”

Wei Yan came to request an audience specifically?

The Crown Grandson raised an eyebrow, a flicker of amusement passing through his eyes. “Oh? Did he say what matter brings him?”

Wang Tong answered respectfully, “Wei Taiyi only said he had an urgent matter to discuss. He did not elaborate on the specifics. Does Your Highness wish to see him now?”

The Crown Grandson’s gaze shifted slightly, and he said lightly, “There is no rush. Tell him this prince has official matters to attend to, and have him wait.”

Wang Tong acknowledged the order, withdrew, and smiled at Wei Yan. “His Highness still has affairs to manage. Kindly ask Wei Taiyi to wait here for a moment.”

Wei Yan smiled in return. “His Highness’s duties come first. I don’t mind waiting a while.”

This wait stretched on for nearly half an hour.

Wei Yan showed remarkable composure. He sat in his chair, slowly sipping the tea in his cup. When the first cup was drained, the attending eunuch standing to the side refilled it, but Wei Yan drank no more. He simply sat and waited.

The sound of footsteps approached the doorway.

Wei Yan had assumed it would be Wang Tong. He looked up — and the young, stern, handsome face that appeared before him came as a sudden shock.

It was the Crown Grandson himself who had come!

Wei Yan quickly rose and bowed. “How could I dare trouble Your Highness to come in person.”

The Crown Grandson’s manner was warm enough. “Just now I had things to attend to and kept Wei Taiyi waiting so long. This prince felt uneasy about it. I hope Wei Taiyi will not take offense.”

Matters to attend to, indeed — it was plainly a deliberate show of authority to put him in his place!

Wei Yan laughed inwardly, while letting a faint expression of flattered surprise cross his face outwardly. “For Your Highness to say such a thing, this official truly feels overwhelmed.”

The Crown Grandson said with a mild smile, “You and I know each other well enough — there is no need for such pleasantries. Wang Tong told me you had an urgent matter to report. What might that be?”

Wei Yan hesitated slightly.

The Crown Grandson’s gaze swept the room, and the eunuchs and palace maids attending them withdrew at once. The side chamber was quickly left with only the Crown Grandson, Wei Yan, and Wang Tong.

“Wang Tong is this prince’s trusted man. There is nothing I keep from him,” the Crown Grandson said offhandedly. “You may speak freely.”

Those few words were enough to bring a look of gratitude to Wang Tong’s face.

Wei Yan raised his eyes and met the Crown Grandson’s gaze directly. He said, slowly, “Please forgive this official’s impertinence. Though Your Highness appears to have only Commander Wang at your side, there are in fact a considerable number of guards concealed in hidden positions. My every move, and every word I speak to Your Highness, cannot escape their ears and eyes.”

“What I am about to say is of great importance and must be heard by Your Highness alone. This is not a suitable place to speak.”

The Crown Grandson’s expression shifted almost imperceptibly, his gaze sharpening to a sudden cold keenness, as if the edge of a blade had fallen on Wei Yan’s face.

Wei Yan showed not a shred of fear. He continued with perfect composure. “If Your Highness sincerely wishes to hear my report, I ask that Your Highness find a more suitable location. If Your Highness suspects I may attempt an assassination or harbor harmful intentions, then I will take my leave now.”

What on earth does he intend to say?

The Crown Grandson’s brow furrowed, and his expression darkened.

Wang Tong said with a grave face, “Wei Taiyi, this request is somewhat excessive. What matter could be so urgent that all the guards must be dismissed? It is not a question of trust, but His Highness’s position is of the highest consequence — not even the slightest oversight or mishap can be permitted!”

Wei Yan looked at the Crown Grandson. “If that is the case, then this official has overstepped today. I shall take my leave!”

So saying, he clasped his hands in salute and, without a moment’s hesitation, turned and walked out.

The Crown Grandson’s mind moved with lightning speed. Before Wei Yan’s foot had fully crossed the threshold, he spoke. “Wait. This prince will hear what you have to report today.”

A trace of relief crossed Wei Yan’s eyes. He turned back without delay. “Thank you, Your Highness.”