“Cough, cough, cough.” Yang Houcheng coughed violently several times and regained consciousness.

He looked around in confusion. Seeing three additional people in the room, his expression changed drastically as he drew his sword and charged forward.

Chi Can grabbed the back of his clothes, saying coolly, “Stop being reckless. It’s none of our business anymore.”

Yang Houcheng halted his movement, even more confused: “What do you mean?”

Chi Can lifted his chin toward Qiao Zhao’s direction: “She’s going with the divine physician.”

Yang Houcheng saw that Qiao Zhao had awakened, and genuine joy filled his features. He strode over, saying: “Wonderful! Girl, you’re finally awake.”

In his sudden happiness, he forgot to politely address her as Miss Li.

Qiao Zhao naturally didn’t mind, smiling at him: “I’m awake.”

Her voice was low and hoarse, making Yang Houcheng frown: “Your throat is hoarse. You’re still not feeling well, are you?”

“Mm, I’m still a bit dizzy. The divine physician says my illness is somewhat serious and wants me to travel with him for convenient treatment.”

Yang Houcheng was stunned, then showed a smile: “I see. Having the divine physician care for you is indeed better than following us.”

Chi Can pressed his lips tightly together and said nothing.

A gentle male voice came from the doorway: “With whom does Miss Li wish to travel?”

Everyone looked over to see a gentle, jade-like young man entering, followed closely by a maid of about fifteen or sixteen years old.

Yang Houcheng quickly explained the situation to Zhu Yàn.

After hearing the explanation, Zhu Yàn glanced at Qiao Zhao and said meaningfully: “You’re right. Miss Li should travel with the divine physician.”

He then bowed deeply to Physician Li, saying clearly: “Then we entrust her to your care, divine physician.”

Seeing both friends speak thus, and observing the little girl’s carefree manner, Chi Can felt even more stifled, with a feeling like a cabbage he’d casually picked up along the road was being carried off by a pig.

Though he claimed not to care about that cabbage, the fact that the cabbage would rather follow a pig than care about him left a truly sour taste.

“Then, hurry up and pack. Good riddance.” Chi Can said coldly.

With his good looks, even with this cold expression, he remained breathtakingly beautiful.

Zhu Yàn looked deeply at his friend.

He felt like someone was sulking.

He suppressed a smile and pushed forward the maid beside him: “Miss Li, the journey back to the capital is long and inconvenient for you alone. I bought a maid for you.”

Qiao Zhao was somewhat surprised. Looking at the maid, she saw clear, bright features. Though somewhat nervous under everyone’s gaze, the girl didn’t cower, indicating careful selection. Warmth filled her heart as she sincerely said, “Big Brother Zhu has been so thoughtful.”

Zhu Yàn smiled gently at her, then turned to Physician Li: “We’ve chartered this boat, and there are still many empty rooms. Since we’re all returning to the capital, why doesn’t the divine physician travel with us?”

Yang Houcheng slapped his forehead: “Right! We can all go together. I was so nervous I forgot.”

Zhu Yàn expressed his question with his eyes.

What was his fearless friend nervous about?

Yang Houcheng helplessly spread his hands.

The divine physician standing before them could poison him unconscious with a casual handful of needles, and the spicy taste of the antidote would remain unforgettable for life. How could he not be nervous? But with everyone watching, such an embarrassing matter was better left unmentioned.

Chi Can didn’t speak, but his ears twitched.

Qiao Zhao remained calm-faced. She knew Physician Li would certainly refuse, and the reason was—

Physician Li waved his hand and uttered one sentence: “No good—I get seasick!”

Everyone: “…”

Physician Li paid no attention to what others thought, turning to instruct Qiao Zhao: “Hurry up and pack. I’ll wait for you at the dock.”

“Yes.” Qiao Zhao obediently agreed.

After everyone left, leaving only Qiao Zhao and the newly purchased maid, she said gently, “Thank you for the trouble.”

“Oh, Miss, you’re too kind to this servant.” The maid efficiently packed things, inwardly wondering at her new mistress’s gentle appearance but cold, taciturn nature.

She didn’t know that Qiao Zhao’s body and mind were both in pain at this moment. With her taut nerves finally relaxed, where would she find the desire to speak?

Qiao Zhao’s possessions were very limited. The maid finished packing without even taking the time for a cup of tea. Carrying a small bundle, she said to Qiao Zhao, who was reclining against the bed in false sleep: “Miss, everything’s packed.”

Qiao Zhao opened her eyes, light gradually reflecting in her dark pupils. Forcing herself to rise: “Help me out.”

She was so feverish that her body had no strength; she couldn’t walk on her own.

The maid stepped forward and supported Qiao Zhao’s arm.

Master and servant walked out to find Zhu Yàn and Yang Houcheng waiting outside, but Chi Can was nowhere to be seen.

Before they could speak, Qiao Zhao released the maid’s hand, curtsied, and said: “Big Brother Zhu, Big Brother Yang, thank you for your care these past days. If there’s ever an opportunity in the future, I will certainly repay you.”

Yang Houcheng quickly waved his hands: “No need, no need. As long as you return home safely, that’s enough.”

Zhu Yàn’s gaze lowered to the young woman’s smooth forehead, covered with fine beads of sweat, yet her posture as she bowed to them remained elegant and proper.

Zhu Yàn sighed inwardly and spoke: “Miss Li, I am… Zhu Yàn. If you encounter difficulties after returning to the capital, you may send someone to seek me at the Marquis Taining’s residence…”

Qiao Zhao was slightly stunned.

By telling her his identity and name, he truly regarded her as a friend.

Yang Houcheng looked at his friend in surprise, then followed suit: “Yang Houcheng, of the Marquis Liuxing’s residence. Little girl, don’t forget your Big Brother Yang.”

He had thought that someone of Zhu Yàn’s nature wouldn’t easily reveal his true identity to a young lady, yet unexpectedly, he had spoken first.

“Naturally, I won’t.” Qiao Zhao kept a smile on her lips, though cold sweat had long been flowing down her cheeks. She paid it no mind, asking openly: “Where is Big Brother Chi?”

Big Brother Chi…

Zhu Yàn and Yang Houcheng silently exchanged glances.

That fellow seemed to have been acting strangely lately.

Yang Houcheng laughed awkwardly: “Him? Seeing you leave, he’s probably heartbroken and hiding somewhere, crying.”

Naturally, no one took these words seriously. Qiao Zhao said, “Then please ask you two big brothers to bid farewell to Big Brother Chi for me.”

She curtsied again, then supporting herself on the maid’s hand, turned and walked toward the carriage waiting by the dock.

Zhu Yàn and the other watched silently as she boarded the carriage, never looking back.

“This girl just leaves when she says she will.” Suddenly missing one person, Yang Houcheng felt somewhat uncomfortable.

“Yes, my days ahead will be difficult.”

“Hm?”

“I’ll have to be dragged into chess games by Shixi again.”

The two were joking and about to return to the boat cabin when they saw the carriage curtain suddenly lift, and the maid jumped down from the carriage.

Both men paused.

The maid had already run close in the blink of an eye. She first bowed, then handed over a white porcelain bottle, saying hurriedly: “This is wound medicine my mistress requested from the divine physician, for Young Master Chi.”

She placed the white porcelain bottle in Zhu Yàn’s hands, bowed to them again, then scurried away.

“That girl is thoughtful.” Watching the carriage slowly start moving, Yang Houcheng muttered.

Zhu Yàn smiled, gripped the porcelain bottle tightly, and turned to see Chi Can standing silently in the doorway.

He had changed clothes and could no longer see the bloodstains on his shoulder.

Zhu Yàn raised his hand and tossed the porcelain bottle over.