Treating Prince Gong of Xijiang?

After brief consideration, Qiao Zhao decided to make this trip.

Shao Mingyuan was currently still in prison. If something happened to Prince Gong of Xijiang at this time, she feared the Emperor might act on his murderous intent prematurely, while the opportunity for Shao Mingyuan’s release still required waiting for some time.

Qiao Zhao packed her things and followed the Prince Rui’s residence steward to the prince’s residence.

Jiang Yuanchao’s expression darkened slightly after receiving Jiang He’s report.

What was Miss Qiao going to Prince Rui’s residence for?

Thinking that Prince Gong of Xijiang was currently staying at Prince Rui’s residence, Jiang Yuanchao’s face turned cold.

That dancer had been sent by Prince Gong of Xijiang, which meant the bastard had been targeting Miss Qiao from early on. At this time, Miss Qiao was suddenly invited to Prince Rui’s residence—he couldn’t help but think the worst.

“Go keep watch on Prince Rui’s residence. Report to me immediately if there’s any unusual activity.”

“Yes.” Jiang He responded and hurried off.

Jiang Yuanchao sat at his desk, handling several matters but feeling restless and irritated. He simply left the Jinlin Guard office and headed straight for Prince Rui’s residence.

Because he was waiting for Qiao Zhao to come, Prince Rui remained at Li Jiǎo’s quarters.

“Jiǎo-niang said Third Miss holds some prejudice against you. Why is that?” Prince Rui asked casually.

Academician Li was just a minor official, and his two daughters were both girls—what conflict could there be?

Li Jiǎo sighed softly: “This concubine and third sister aren’t born of the same mother. I grew up with my grandmother from childhood, so the sisters didn’t spend much time together, inevitably creating some distance…”

“I see.” Prince Rui felt some pity for Li Jiǎo after hearing this.

Losing one’s mother in childhood, he had experienced the feeling of having no mother’s protection, and it was truly unbearable.

Thinking this way, it was understandable that Lady Li had developed schemes after entering the residence and waiting so long to share his bed.

However—

Prince Rui thought about how not following Physician Li’s advice to persist for a year meant his health’s future was uncertain, and that bit of pity immediately vanished.

If Lady Li could become pregnant, that would be fine. If not, he didn’t have so many tender feelings to spare—there were too many pitiful people in this world.

The two chatted idly for a while when a maidservant came in to report: “Third Miss Li has arrived.”

Prince Rui stood up: “I’ll go to the study for a while. You sisters can catch up first.”

Li Jiǎo nodded absently, but was extremely shocked inside.

Did Li Zhao come?

Their relationship had reached a freezing point—why would she come over?

Could it be—

Li Jiǎo glanced at Prince Rui’s departing figure, her heart stirring.

Could it be that Li Zhao came to find the prince to plead for Marquis Guanjun?

Li Jiǎo pondered wildly, her mind in chaos from Qiao Zhao’s unexpected move.

Qiao Zhao was led in by a palace maidservant.

“Where does elder sister feel unwell?” Qiao Zhao had nothing to chat about with Li Jiǎo, so she asked directly.

Li Jiǎo was caught off guard by Qiao Zhao’s question. Her eyes darted about as she covered her chest: “Lately, I always feel tightness in my chest.”

Qiao Zhao extended her hand.

Li Jiǎo was slightly stunned.

“Elder sister, extend your hand. I’ll take your pulse.”

“Uh.” Li Jiǎo extended her wrist, but sneered inwardly.

She wanted to see what Li Zhao could say.

Qiao Zhao’s slender fingers touched Li Jiǎo’s wrist. After pondering for a moment, she said: “Does elder sister often feel palpitations and shortness of breath, with shallow sleep at night?”

“Yes.” Li Jiǎo’s heart tightened.

Could she have some ailment?

“It’s nothing serious. Elder sister just needs to worry less.”

Li Jiǎo bit her lip.

Was this mocking her for overthinking?

Footsteps approached, and the maidservants guarding the door all bowed: “Your Highness.”

Prince Rui walked in, his black robe embroidered with python and dragon patterns lifting at one corner in the cross-breeze, his matching black boots with the same pattern stopping there.

A gentle voice came: “Jiǎo-niang has a guest?”

Li Jiǎo rose to greet him: “What guest? It’s this concubine’s younger sister.”

“Ah, third sister has come.” Prince Rui looked at Qiao Zhao with a smile as warm as a spring breeze.

Qiao Zhao graciously bowed to Prince Rui, saying neither humbly nor arrogantly: “I dare not accept such address from Your Highness.”

Li Jiǎo was a concubine—when had Prince Rui become her brother-in-law?

Prince Rui hadn’t expected to hit a soft nail, but touched his nose good-naturedly: “At that day’s banquet, when I saw Third Miss’s archery target, I was greatly shocked. I never expected Third Miss to have such excellent archery skills at such a young age. And that three-brush calligraphy brought great honor to our Great Liang.”

Li Jiǎo secretly gritted her teeth upon hearing this.

Marquis Guanjun had already been thrown into the heavenly prison and would be executed before long. As Marquis Guanjun’s fiancée, what good could come of it? Why did she have to act small and submissive before the prince, while Li Zhao still maintained such an arrogant attitude?

“You sisters rarely meet, so chat well. I won’t disturb you.”

Prince Rui gave Li Jiǎo a meaningful look and turned to leave.

Li Jiǎo quickly said: “Actually, this concubine asked third sister to come because I’ve been feeling somewhat unwell…”

Prince Rui immediately stopped, looking at Qiao Zhao with surprise: “Third Miss also understands medicine?”

Before Qiao Zhao could reply, Li Jiǎo smiled charmingly: “Your Highness doesn’t know—my third sister is Physician Li’s granddaughter and received his true medical teachings.”

“Third Miss is Physician Li’s disciple?” Prince Rui looked at Qiao Zhao with delight.

Qiao Zhao tugged at the corner of her mouth slightly.

This was enough—if they continued this charade, she wouldn’t cooperate anymore!

Prince Rui suddenly bowed deeply to Qiao Zhao.

Qiao Zhao hadn’t expected Prince Rui to be so flexible. After stepping aside to avoid the bow, she asked coolly: “Why does Your Highness do this?”

The young woman’s indifference embarrassed Prince Rui.

He was a prince who had just bowed to someone—shouldn’t a little girl be trembling with fear?

“Uh, Your Highness needn’t worry. I just took my elder sister’s pulse. She’s quite robust and has no problems. You needn’t be so polite with me.” The young woman’s voice was flat, as if she had suddenly understood the meaning behind Prince Rui’s gesture.

Li Jiǎo’s smile froze at the corners.

Robust? What nonsense! She knew that bitch Li Zhao had no good intentions. How could she use such a vicious description for her, a graceful lady?

Prince Rui coughed awkwardly: “It’s like this—Prince Gong of Xijiang is currently staying at this prince’s residence, but unfortunately, he has fallen ill. As the host, this prince is