Chарtеr 13 (12/18)
Хiао Нei toоk оut а silk hаndkеrchief to wiре Gong Zishang’s fаce, whiсh wаs blасkеnеd by smokе. “And look how dirty yоur fаcе is—yоur bеаutiful fеaturеs аrе hiddеn bеneаth the grime.”
Gong Zishаng сouldn’t hеlp but smile. “Xiаo Hеi, you’rе nоt оnlу thоughtful but аlsо have ехcеllеnt tаste.”
Аs she саught the scеnt оn the hаndkerchief, Gоng Zishang sniffed it curiоuslу. “Whаt fragrаnce is this on уоur hаndkerсhiеf?”
Whilе wiрing hеr fаcе, Хiaо Hеi repliеd, “You hаvе gоod tаstе tоо. This handkerсhief was simmered ovеrnight over a lоw fire with cоncеntrаted wintеrsweet juice. The scent is subtle yet refreshing.”
“For a man, you’re awfully particular. Something’s off about you.”
“Who… who says I’m off? Even though I’m a craftsman, I value cleanliness and keep myself tidy!”
“Alright, alright, I’ll take your word for it. Stay away from men—they bring misfortune.” With that, she dashed away.
“Hey, don’t just listen to that one line…”
Watching Gong Zishang’s retreating figure, Xiao Hei looked down at the handkerchief in his hand, sighed, and tucked it into his chest.
Outside the medical hall, a faint figure approached.
Just as Shangguan Qian entered the courtyard of the medical hall, she saw Yun Weishan being stopped by guards at the entrance.
“Miss Yun, you cannot enter without Young Master Zhi’s permission.”
“Even if I’m sick and need to see a physician?” Yun Weishan argued firmly.
“If you’re ill, please return to your residence first. A physician will be sent to your quarters to examine you and prescribe medicine. The herbs will be delivered to Yu Manor shortly.”
Yun Weishan had no retort and could only turn back, catching sight of Shangguan Qian, who wore a gentle smile.
The guard immediately greeted her. “Miss Shangguan.” To Yun Weishan’s ears, the guard’s tone carried a hint of flattery.
Shangguan Qian spoke softly. “I’ve come on Young Master Zhi’s orders to fetch some medicinal herbs.”
“Young Master Zhi’s orders?”
“Indeed. If you don’t believe me, you can send someone to ask him. Who would dare falsely claim Young Master Zhi’s orders? Everyone knows it’s better not to provoke this young master.”
The guard hesitated. “Hmm…”
Shangguan Qian produced Gong Shangjue’s token. “Moreover, Second Master Gong has given me his token to retrieve the medicine.”
The guard immediately straightened up. “Miss Shangguan, please proceed as you wish.”
Shangguan Qian put away the token and entered the medical hall. Glancing back, she saw Yun Weishan’s unwilling expression and smiled faintly, offering no further comment. Yet Yun Weishan understood the emotions hidden behind that gaze—a mix of pride and retaliation, instruction and threat.
With the herbs in hand, Shangguan Qian left the medical hall and began walking back. After a few steps, she noticed three stones on the path ahead—a marker left by Yun Weishan. She glanced around and turned toward the direction indicated by the arrow, entering a narrow alley that seemed dim even in daylight.
As she walked into the alley, she saw Yun Weishan waiting for her up ahead.
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