Jiang Xuanjin was furious.
How could there be such a person? Not only did she disregard etiquette and rules, but she also had no sense of reason! Here he was, a dignified man of seven feet, lying in a young lady’s embrace—was this appropriate? Moreover, he was the Prince of Ziyang, a title that commanded respect from everyone. Where did this girl get the audacity to act so brazenly?
“Look at you, burning up like a freshly baked sweet potato,” Huaiyu said, boldly pressing him against her. “Go ahead and struggle; the more you do, the dizzier you’ll get.”
Jiang Xuanjin’s body was stiff, and he glared at her with eyes as cold as a winter snowstorm, fixated on her.
His gaze was practically murderous, but Huaiyu showed no fear. Instead, she playfully patted him, “Be good and sleep for a while; it’s still far from the pharmacy.”
“Are you a desperate criminal?” he asked coldly.
Huaiyu raised an eyebrow. “Why do you say that?”
“If you weren’t a desperate criminal, how could you be so reckless?” Jiang Xuanjin narrowed his eyes. “Have you considered the consequences of being so rude while I’m in a vulnerable state?”
Huaiyu smirked. “Consequences? They can’t be that serious. You’re known for your adherence to propriety, after all. Are you going to kill me just because I hugged and kissed you?”
Everyone knew that the Jiang family had strict teachings, and their offspring were all kind-hearted and rule-abiding. Jiang Xuanjin was a prime example, always prioritizing the greater good over personal grievances.
It was precisely because of this that she dared to act so recklessly.
Jiang Xuanjin closed his eyes, lying stiffly in her embrace.
This girl truly understood him; no wonder she seemed fearless—she was banking on the fact that he wouldn’t resort to force.
If it had been the Grand Princess of Danyang, she would have dragged someone like this out and executed them without a second thought. Bad people never suffer; it’s the good ones who have to bear the burden.
With a heavy sigh, he coughed a couple of times.
The cart was indeed bouncing, and Cheng Xu was likely worried about him, urging the horse to run faster. Yet, surprisingly, this girl’s embrace was quite steady. As he lay there, his consciousness gradually began to blur.
In his dazed state, Jiang Xuanjin felt her gently patting him, humming a familiar tune, soft and lingering.
Huaiyu was humming “Spring Day Banquet.” As she hummed and looked down at him, she noticed he was unresponsive, and a glimmer of excitement flashed in her eyes.
This might be Jiang Xuanjin’s most vulnerable moment, and it was also her best chance to kill him.
She reached out to feel around his body, finding no sharp objects. Searching further, it seemed he didn’t have any daggers or similar items on him. Huaiyu frowned—what should she do? Should she just strangle him? But Cheng Xu was right outside the curtain; if Jiang Xuanjin made a sound, he would notice.
Li Huaiyu felt a wave of regret. Why hadn’t she picked up a knife during the fight on the street? Even a dagger would have sufficed! How could she have left without anything?
Staring at the man in her arms, she felt a bit unwilling to give up, continuing to pat him while seriously considering other options.
Jiang Xuanjin hadn’t slept well in a long time, and this nap was particularly restful. In his dreams, the grass was lush and the birds were singing; it was a beautiful spring day. He walked slowly on the thick grass and saw a palace dress blooming under a tall jujube tree, vibrant in color, with light dancing around it.
When he opened his eyes, he was still a bit disoriented.
“Awake?” someone waved their hand in front of him. “You’re quite impressive; the doctor said you might sleep until tomorrow!”
Hearing that voice, Jiang Xuanjin closed his eyes again. “Why are you still here?”
Huaiyu looked at him in surprise, then pouted a bit. “I was worried about you! I brought you to the pharmacy, afraid Cheng Xu wouldn’t take good care of you, so I stayed here to watch over you. And you, of all people, wake up and act like you’re disgusted with me!”
Pausing slightly, Jiang Xuanjin glanced around.
It seemed to be a room in the pharmacy; outside, it was already dark, and the room was lit with lamps. This girl was sitting by his bedside, while Cheng Xu stood silently in the corner.
Rubbing his temples, he sat up. “I have the prescription; let’s go back to the residence.”
“Why are you in such a hurry?” Huaiyu pressed him back down with a hand. “The medicine brewed at your residence can’t compare to what’s made here at Jishi Hall! The old doctor said your illness is severe, and you should stay here for a couple of days to recuperate. If you go back now, won’t your residence be in chaos?”
More importantly, the Jiang residence wasn’t a good place to act! A duck that was almost in her grasp couldn’t be allowed to fly away!
Her sincere expression made Jiang Xuanjin feel puzzled.
Could it be… she genuinely cared for him?
“Master, I’ve already sent someone back to inform them,” Cheng Xu finally spoke up. “I thought you wouldn’t want the old master to worry, so I said you’d be busy in the palace for a few more days.”
With Cheng Xu saying that Jiang Xuanjin fell silent for a moment and finally lay back down obediently.
However…
Even with his eyes closed, he couldn’t ignore the burning gaze beside him. “What are you looking at me for?” he snapped.
Li Huaiyu propped her chin up, smiling brightly at him. “You’re handsome.”
Nonsense! How could a sick person be handsome? Jiang Xuanjin frowned.
“Don’t give me that look of disbelief,” Huaiyu said. “I don’t lie.”
Upon hearing this, Jiang Xuanjin couldn’t help but laugh in anger.
She doesn’t lie? Since they met, she hadn’t spoken a single truthful word! If she didn’t lie, then there wouldn’t be any liars left in the world!
“Oh, finally, you smiled!” Huaiyu clapped her hands in delight. “You look even better when you smile! I love seeing you smile!”
Especially when it’s a smile born from anger; it’s particularly satisfying.
With a dark expression, Jiang Xuanjin closed his eyes again.
Huaiyu watched him happily for a while before getting up and walking over to Cheng Xu, reaching out her hand.
“What’s up?” Cheng Xu asked, looking puzzled.
“The prescription! Didn’t the doctor say it needs to be brewed again before the hour of the dog? Give me the prescription; I’ll go find the pharmacy boy.”
“Uh…” Cheng Xu shook his head. “I’ll go myself.”
Huaiyu glared at him. “What? Are you afraid I’ll poison him?”
“Not that, but anything my master is going to consume should be overseen by me.”
With hands on her hips, Huaiyu retorted, “Isn’t it just that you’re afraid he’ll be poisoned? I can oversee it just fine! Besides, you’re the only one here. If you go to brew the medicine, who will guard him? If I wanted to harm him, wouldn’t it be the same once you left?”
Cheng Xu was momentarily stunned, pondering her words. It did seem quite reasonable!
“Then…” he took out the prescription.
Huaiyu snatched it from him, waving it in her hand as she headed outside.
Jiang Xuanjin opened his eyes.
“Master?” Cheng Xu asked nervously, “Should I go with her to take a look?”
“No need,” Jiang Xuanjin coughed lightly. “I want to see what she’s really up to.”
Cheng Xu scratched his head and muttered, “I think this girl is straightforward and doesn’t seem like she wants to harm you. From what she said…”
“You listened to her words?” Jiang Xuanjin frowned. “After being by my side for so many years, you still believe in her flowery words?”
Cheng Xu fell silent, not daring to respond.
Jiang Xuanjin pondered for a moment, then quietly added, “Those who believe her are fools.”