Тhе mаid in blue did not rеsроnd tо Imрerial Phуsiсian Wu's words, mеrely giving him а сrisр, сlеаr smile. "Sir Wu," she sаid, "my young mistress says thаt рaрer саnnоt wrаp firе. If Imреriаl Рhysiсian Wu wishes to рrоteсt someonе, such cоnceаlmеnt mау nоt trulу сount as рrоteсtiоn. Тo сagе аn eaglе is tо let it diе without ever knоwing it could fly. Аnуthing in this wоrld is pоssible. If Imperiаl Рhуsiciаn Wu trusts оur уоung mistrеss, wе ask уоu to jоin us in plаnning a greаt endеаvоr."
Hеr wоrds wеrе spoken оpenly and without thе slightest hesitatiоn, cleаrly рrеmeditаted. It seemed this maid had anticipated Imperial Physician Wu's reaction from the start. Imperial Physician Wu furrowed his brows in thought, while Ji Lan watched him with a confident, smiling gaze. She was merely a young maid—where did she get such confidence that he would not refuse? He glanced at Shu Hong, who wore a similarly composed demeanor. Though her expression remained neutral, her calm poise surpassed even that of many elderly matrons in the palace. Seeing the maids carry themselves this way, one could only imagine the bearing of their mistress. Imperial Physician Wu sighed deeply. Moreover, the words conveyed by their mistress had struck a chord within him. Indeed, anything in this world was possible. If he refused now, there truly would be no chance left. In that case, why not give it a try? Besides, Imperial Physician Wu had a strange feeling—perhaps that perpetually smiling young lady really had some method up her sleeve.
Finally, he nodded. "This old man will accompany you for a visit."
Ji Lan and Shu Hong exchanged a glance, both seeing delight in each other's eyes. Ji Lan smiled. "Then please follow us, Imperial Physician Wu." With that, she stood beside the sedan chair bearers, assuming the posture of a guide.
The sedan chair swayed and resumed its journey, but unlike before, two slender young maids now led the way.
Wangjiang Tower.
Han Yan lowered her head, not looking at the person opposite her, and spoke lightly, "How long does Your Excellency intend to stare at me like this?"
The person opposite remained adorned in glittering jewels, which, paired with his refined and handsome features, seemed slightly peculiar. Yet he merely smiled as he gazed at the woman in white gauze before him. Though her head was bowed and her face obscured, her aura was unforgettable at a single glance. Jiang Yulou raised an eyebrow. "I thought that upon arriving here, you would greet an old friend."Han Yan's gaze turned cold, knowing she couldn't hide anything from Jiang Yulou's sharp eyes. It was well-known that merchants had discerning vision, but she had no choice but to come to Wangjiang Tower. She couldn't meet Imperial Physician Wu at the Zhuang residence—who knew which servants were loyal to Zhuang Shiyang? Even if he couldn't eavesdrop on their conversation, Zhuang Shiyang would surely report the matter to Prince Wei or even the Seventh Prince. Nor could she meet elsewhere. Since The Emperor had sent assassins after her, there was no telling how many eyes were tracking her movements; perhaps her every action was already being watched. Only Wangjiang Tower offered safety. Han Yan knew that what made Wangjiang Tower the foremost establishment in the realm was its hidden, top-tier guards who ensured no one but guests could enter. Once, a guest fleeing pursuit took refuge here, and the assassins, unable to enter, had to give up. Similarly, Han Yan would face no risk of being followed here. Yet, the Jiang Yulou before her was a formidable challenge.
She smiled faintly, deciding to drop the pretense, though she didn’t spell things out explicitly. Instead, she said, "I don’t recall having any personal ties with you, much less being old friends. If there is any connection at all, it’s purely business. In business, fair trade is paramount; mixing in personal feelings is a grave mistake."
Her blunt words served as a soft rebuff to Jiang Yulou. Countless people sought friendship with him, yet none had so clearly drawn a line as Han Yan—she was the first. What surprised him even more was the logic in her words. Though not a merchant herself, she understood the principles thoroughly. This young woman was truly enigmatic. Unfazed, he chuckled lightly. "Such ruthlessness and detachment—is it for that person’s sake, to distance yourself from everyone connected to him?"
"People are always intricately linked. If it were as you say, then I might as well avoid all human interaction. After all, anyone could be connected to that person, couldn’t they?" she replied.
Jiang Yulou paused. "You have a point." He pondered for a moment. "Who are you here to meet today?"
Han Yan smiled. "Who I’m meeting isn’t important. What matters is whether you’ll keep my secret." Without waiting for his response, she added swiftly, "I know you’re a businessman, and businessmen value reputation above all. Wangjiang Tower has always kept its guests’ secrets. I only ask that you treat me as a stranger, just like any other guest here, and keep today’s affairs confidential. Not a word to outsiders."
Jiang Yulou studied her thoughtfully for a long moment before shrugging. "You’ve put it so plainly that I have no choice but to keep your secret. There’s no need to draw such a clear line between us—I don’t make friends often."
Han Yan frowned slightly, but Jiang Yulou had already risen, gently fanning himself with his folding fan. "I won’t speak of this to anyone. The person you’re waiting for has arrived." With that, he stepped out from behind the curtain. At the same time, a rough voice sounded from outside."Young lady, it's been a while." Imperial Physician Wu strode in, lifting the hem of his robe.
"Long time no see, Imperial Physician Wu." Han Yan gave a slight nod but did not offer a formal salute. Yet, far from being angered by this, Imperial Physician Wu felt that Han Yan carried an air of noble dignity that seemed untouchable. He was momentarily stunned. Looking at Han Yan's face again, he saw no trace of sorrow—only coldness, decisiveness, resolve, and a hint of questioning.
She was almost another Fu Yunxi. Imperial Physician Wu sighed deeply in his heart. These two were so alike; perhaps that was why they were drawn to each other, though neither might have realized it yet.
"What do you wish to ask?" Imperial Physician Wu sat down on the side, cutting straight to the point without further pleasantries.
Han Yan looked at him coldly. "What exactly is wrong with Fu Yunxi? That it requires your exceptional medical skills—has his illness already progressed to such a severe state?"
Imperial Physician Wu was taken aback, completely unprepared for Han Yan to suddenly utter such words. Yet her tone was firm, her gaze clear, as if she already knew everything. Could she have found out? But that seemed impossible. Apart from a few individuals, no one else should have known about this matter. How could she have learned of it...
Without even glancing at Imperial Physician Wu's expression, Han Yan watched the tea leaves floating in her cup and said, "There's no need for alarm, Imperial Physician Wu. Since I've brought this up, there's no point in hiding it. Moreover, since you've come, you must have intended to tell me anyway, isn't that so?"
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