Volume One, Chapter 16: He Was Truly Trapped and Ruined

“Over the past few years, my thoughts were clouded, but now everything is clear,” Lin Qingwu said, casting a gentle smile at her. “Rest assured, sister will continue to protect you as before.”

“All right.” Fuwan nodded firmly upon hearing this.

After three years, Sister Awu remained just as she had always been—truly wonderful!

Thinking this, Fuwan couldn’t help but glance at Zhixin. “It seems that sending you two sisters to Sister Awu’s care was indeed the right choice.”

She was very pleased with this and immediately waved her hand grandly. “This princess will surely reward you generously.”

Zhixin, delighted by Fuwan’s praise, quickly bowed. “It is my duty to ease Miss’s worries, but I must still thank Your Highness for the reward.”

“You brat, just as mischievous as ever,” Fuwan chided with a smile.

Observing the familiar interaction between the two, Lin Qingwu asked, “Zhixin and Zhiyi belong to you?”

“No… yes, that’s right!” Princess Fuwan smiled and nodded. “These two girls have known me since childhood as well.”

“I thought you might be short on help, so I used Father’s authority to send them to you,” Fuwan explained, reminding her, “Sister Awu, rest assured, these two are absolutely trustworthy.”

Lin Qingwu merely smiled faintly without pressing further.

Seeing this, Fuwan also returned a smile, though hers was tinged with a hint of guilt.

“Wan’er,” Lin Qingwu called softly, voicing the question lingering in her heart, “do you know what exactly happened with the imperial edict of betrothal?”

In truth, ever since the Yue Mansion agreed to change the engagement three years ago, she and Jun Yue had no further ties. She could not fathom why, after so many twists and turns, this betrothal decree still ended up on her doorstep.

“Ha ha.” Fuwan laughed awkwardly. “Actually, I was the one who petitioned Father for the edict.”

“You?” Lin Qingwu looked at her in surprise.

Princess Fuwan scratched her head. “It’s a long story. Originally, Third Brother wanted me to ask for an edict so you could treat my leg, but I was so upset that Lin Qingyun stole your engagement that I took it upon myself to request this betrothal decree.”

Her reasoning was simple: “Anyway, with or without the edict, you wouldn’t ignore me.”

“You…” Lin Qingwu never expected things to be like this. “Do you know that the Yue Prince’s chosen bride is Lin Qingyun, the legitimate daughter of the Lin family? You’ve really put him in a difficult position by acting on your own.”

“Not at all,” Fuwan immediately countered. “Actually…”

At that moment—

The sharp voice of a palace eunuch sounded outside the door.

Shortly after, Jun Yue pushed the door open and stepped inside.

Lin Qingwu had just finished acupuncture treatment on Fuwan’s leg.

Seeing Jun Yue enter, she calmly put down her silver needles and bowed. “Your Highness, the Prince of Yue.”

“No need for formalities.” Jun Yue waved his hand and went straight to Fuwan’s side, asking with concern, “I’ve come to see my sister. How is Wan’er’s leg?”

Lin Qingwu, meeting his gaze, replied, “Your Highness, the princess’s leg has been well cared for these past few years. As long as she continues with my regimen and I personally administer acupuncture once every seven days, she should be able to stand within half a year.”

Her tone was confident; she had absolute faith in her medical skills.

Jun Yue’s brows relaxed slightly, a look of relief crossing his face. “That’s good.”

Noticing the siblings beginning to converse, Lin Qingwu said, “The treatment is complete for today. I shall take my leave.”

After bowing, she quietly exited the inner chamber with Zhixin.

Outside, upon seeing her emerge, Xiao Beiyi immediately approached with concern. “Miss Lin, how is the princess’s leg?”

“Don’t worry, I have a treatment plan.” Lin Qingwu produced a small porcelain bottle and handed it to him. “This contains a seven-day supply of medicine. She must take it every night before sleep. Please ensure it is kept carefully.”

Her tone was serious; she would never allow the tragedy of three years ago to happen again.

Xiao Beiyi had long been devoted to Princess Fuwan—so much so that he turned down the opportunity to be the son of a general and willingly became a palace guard to protect her, serving faithfully for eight years.

Because of this, Lin Qingwu trusted him deeply.

Xiao Beiyi accepted the bottle solemnly, tucking it carefully into his chest.

“I promise, Miss Lin, I will keep this medicine close and never let anyone else touch it.”

Seeing his earnestness, Lin Qingwu relaxed. After bidding him farewell, she left Huayang Palace.

“Miss Lin, please wait!” Just as she and her servant were about to leave the palace, a voice called out behind them.

“Miss, it’s Mo Ci.” Zhixin turned to look. “The Prince of Yue is right behind.”

Lin Qingwu paused. Didn’t he come to visit Fuwan? Why was he leaving the palace so soon?

As she turned, she saw Jun Yue and Mo Ci catching up.

She respectfully bowed. “I greet Your Highness, the Prince of Yue. What is your command?”

“Nothing.” Jun Yue noticed her instinctive distance and frowned.

Yet he softened his tone as much as he could. “I happen to have no urgent matters. Let me escort you back to your residence.”

“Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness,” Lin Qingwu bowed again but declined politely. “I have a carriage, so there is no need to trouble you.”

Jun Yue’s tone turned cold. “Princess Wan’er asked me to send you back. Also… I’d like to discuss Wan’er’s leg condition with you further.”

Lin Qingwu looked at him curiously. Had she not already explained the princess’s current condition clearly at Huayang Palace?

Though puzzled, since he said so, she had no reason to refuse.

In the end, she and Zhixin boarded the carriage to Yue Mansion.

The carriage was far larger and more luxurious than those of ordinary officials.

Seeing Jun Yue seated in the center at the head, Lin Qingwu chose the farthest corner to sit.

The journey began quietly.