The maid dressed in blue clothing didn’t respond to Imperial Physician Wu’s words. Instead, she gave him a crisp smile and said, “Your Excellency Wu, my Young Lady said that paper cannot wrap up fire. If Imperial Physician Wu wants to protect someone, such concealment may not truly count as protection.
If you cage an eagle, it will die without ever knowing it could fly. Anything is possible – if Imperial Physician Wu trusts our Young Lady, please join us in planning something greater.”
These words were delivered smoothly and without hesitation, clearly prepared in advance. It seemed this maid had anticipated Imperial Physician Wu’s reaction from the start. Imperial Physician Wu furrowed his brow in thought as Ji Lan smiled at him with complete confidence.
How could a mere maid be so certain he wouldn’t refuse? Looking at Shu Hong as well, though her expression remained neutral, her composed demeanor surpassed even that of many elderly matrons in the palace. If the maids carried themselves thus, one could only imagine their mistress’s bearing. Imperial Physician Wu heaved a deep sigh.
Their mistress’s message had indeed struck a chord – anything was possible in this world. If he refused, then truly no possibilities would remain. So why not give it a try? Moreover, Imperial Physician Wu had a strange feeling that perhaps that perpetually smiling young lady might have some solution.
Finally, he nodded. “This old one will accompany you.”
Ji Lan and Shu Hong exchanged glances, both seeing joy in each other’s eyes. Ji Lan smiled, “Then please follow us, Imperial Physician Wu.” She took up position beside the sedan chair bearers, assuming the role of guide.
The sedan chair continued its swaying journey, now with two graceful young maids leading the way.
Wang Jiang Tower.
Han Yan lowered her head, not looking at the person opposite her, and said flatly, “How long does sir intend to stare at me?”
The person across from her remained adorned in pearls and precious stones, which seemed somewhat odd against his refined features. Yet he simply smiled while gazing at the white-veiled woman before him. Though she kept her head down and her features were unclear, her bearing was the sort that, once glimpsed, could never be forgotten. Jiang Yu Lou raised his eyebrows: “I thought you might greet an old friend upon arriving here.”
Han Yan’s eyes turned cold, knowing she couldn’t escape Jiang Yu Lou’s keen eye. It was common knowledge that businessmen had sharp vision, but she had no choice but to come to Wang Jiang Tower. She couldn’t meet Imperial Physician Wu at the Zhuang residence, not knowing which servants might be Zhuang Shi Yang’s people. Even if their conversation wasn’t overheard, Zhuang Shi Yang would still report her presence to Prince Wei or even the Seventh Prince. Other locations weren’t suitable either – if the Emperor could send assassins after her, who knew how many eyes were watching her movements? Perhaps her every action was already being observed.
Only Wang Jiang Tower was different. Han Yan knew that Wang Jiang Tower’s status as the premier establishment in the realm came from the supreme masters guarding it in secret. Apart from guests, no others were permitted entry. Once, a guest had escaped his pursuers by taking refuge here, as the assassins couldn’t enter. Similarly, Han Yan would be safe from being followed here. However, dealing with Jiang Yu Lou before her was another challenge entirely.
She smiled faintly, deciding to drop the pretense, though she still didn’t speak directly: “I don’t recall having any particular relationship with sir, much less being old friends. If there is any connection between us, it’s merely business. In business, there should be fair trading – speaking of friendship is taboo.”
Her forthright words left Jiang Yu Lou at a loss. How many people in the world wished to befriend, Jiang Yu Lou? Yet none had so clearly drawn a line between them as Han Yan – the first to do so. What surprised Jiang Yu Lou more was how reasonable her words were. Though not a merchant herself, she understood these principles perfectly. This young woman was truly unfathomable. Nevertheless, he smiled unconcernedly: “Are you being so ruthlessly distant to deliberately separate yourself from anyone connected to that person?”
“People are bound by countless threads of connection. If it’s as sir suggests, then Han Yan need not interact with anyone at all, for wouldn’t any person potentially have some connection to that one?” she replied.
Jiang Yu Lou started: “You make a fair point.” He pondered for a moment: “Who exactly have you come to meet today?”
Han Yan smiled: “Who I’m meeting isn’t important. What matters is whether sir will keep this confidential.” Without waiting for Jiang Yu Lou to speak, she continued: “I know sir is a businessman, and businessmen value credibility above all. Wang Jiang Tower has always kept its guests’ secrets. I only hope sir will treat me as a stranger, like any other guest here, and keep my secret. Not a word of today’s events should be mentioned to outsiders.”
Jiang Yu Lou studied her thoughtfully for a long while before shrugging: “After you’ve put it that way, I have no choice but to keep your secret. No need to distance our relationship so completely – I don’t often make friends.”
Han Yan frowned, but Jiang Yu Lou had already stood up, gently waving his folding fan: “I won’t tell others. Your expected guest has arrived.” As he stepped outside the curtain, a gruff voice sounded from without.
“Young lady, it’s been a while.” Imperial Physician Wu lifted his robes and entered.
“Indeed it has, Imperial Physician Wu.” Han Yan nodded slightly, forgoing formal greetings. Far from taking offense, Imperial Physician Wu felt this Han Yan possessed an untouchable nobility. He was somewhat dazed, seeing no trace of sorrow in Han Yan’s face – only coldness, determination, resolve, and questioning.
She was exactly like Fu Yun Xi, Imperial Physician Wu sighed deeply in his heart. These two were so alike – perhaps this was what drew them to each other, though neither might have realized it.
“What do you wish to ask?” Imperial Physician Wu sat down nearby, getting straight to the point.
Han Yan gazed at him coldly: “What exactly has happened to Fu Yun Xi? Has his condition deteriorated so much that it requires your superior medical skills?”
Imperial Physician Wu was shocked, having never expected Han Yan to make such a statement. Yet Han Yan’s tone was firm, her gaze knowing, as if she had long been aware of everything. Could she already know? But that was impossible – apart from those few people, no one else should know. How did she learn of this…
Han Yan didn’t bother observing Imperial Physician Wu’s expression, merely watching the tea leaves floating in her cup as she said, “Imperial Physician Wu need not be alarmed. Since I’ve brought this up, there’s no need for concealment. Besides, since you’ve already come, you intended to tell me anyway, didn’t you?”