Chapter 336

In this visit, the one who was happiest was none other than Concubine Wang. Her joy was so evident that it was almost inappropriate. Perhaps the Third Prince’s recovery itself did not bring her such happiness; rather, it was the fact that his recovery brought the Emperor to visit!

Yueqian felt a bit of pity watching Concubine Wang’s blatant display. Ah... she meant she pitied the Third Prince. Instead of receiving genuine care from his guardian, he was merely being used as a tool to attract attention.

“How is the Third Prince’s condition?” The highest-ranking person ignored everyone’s reactions, including Concubine Wang’s display. Upon arrival, he immediately inquired about his son’s condition, causing Concubine Wang to momentarily show a look of displeasure before lowering her head in composed silence.

“The Third Prince is much better, Your Majesty. It is truly his good fortune.” Upon hearing this from Concubine Wang, Yueqian couldn’t help but twitch her eyebrows.

Was it not her own son who had helped the prince? But now, it was being attributed to the prince’s own fortune. How remarkable!

As if the wise Emperor had read her thoughts, he let out a short laugh before slapping the concubine’s face with a cutting remark.

“His good fortune? I believe it is more due to Royal Physician Mu and her son. Is that not correct... Royal Physician Mu?” The Emperor turned to Yueqian, who had been bowing her head, compelling her to look up and respond.

However, when she inadvertently met his gaze, she felt a sudden, inexplicable fear, making the hair on her arms stand on end. Previously, she had seen him as a capable and gentle person, particularly on the day he prevented disputes among the physicians and supported her in proving the facts about the deadly poison. Yet, his eyes now were entirely different from what she had seen then!

She had always prided herself on her keen understanding of others’ thoughts. But witnessing the duality of the Emperor of the Hu Region made her realize the true distinction between a great region and a small one.

The difference lay entirely with the leader!

"Though part of it is due to my son, it is also because of the Third Prince’s fortune," Yueqian did not want to make more enemies.

She praised the Third Prince, the child who nearly went mad after being tormented by evil spirits. Her response was what many had anticipated, especially Concubine Wang.

"Indeed. If it weren’t for my son’s fortune, he wouldn’t have been able to receive your treatment... is that right?" The Emperor’s words made Yueqian immediately freeze.

One must think over the Emperor’s words more than ten times, or else risk losing their head!

What did His Majesty mean? Although he spoke of fortune like Concubine Wang, the meaning was entirely different. Yueqian glanced at the speaker and swallowed nervously. She wasn’t the only one who understood the meaning; even Representative Ma, standing nearby, couldn’t help but tremble.

"Your Majesty, the Third Prince’s fortune comes from being your son. This means that the greatest fortune belongs to you, Your Majesty. With your will, everything will certainly go well, including the matter of the princess from the Wang Region. With your great fortune, I believe all the royal physicians will quickly find a solution."

Yueqian quickly adjusted her words. Her head was not big enough to bear the consequences of the Emperor’s wrath! Since her son Xihao, just a child, could cure the Third Prince, it reinforced the Emperor’s belief that Yueqian could certainly cure the poisoned princess.

It was true that Yueqian did have a treatment method and she knew who the hidden capable person was. But... to have her perform the treatment just three days after, wasn’t that too much?

Even though she had the medicine the child had given her, to boldly display her abilities could potentially bring disaster to her family!

Even now, all eyes were on her in a single line. Yueqian, who had previously sought power, was reminded by her kind husband that what she truly wanted wasn’t to change the world but to find her own happiness!

As long as treating the princess from the Wang Region would bring danger, wouldn’t it be better to let her die? All the power she desired was already hers. Her son had built connections with the crown prince, the twin brother of the young princess who wanted to marry him. Additionally, the Third Prince owed Xihao a great debt.

What more could she want?

Yet, Yueqian still felt a slight unease about the poor girl. In the future... it was certain that she would become a formidable poison user. One day, she might concoct a poison that was truly incurable!

So then... what should she do with her? Should she deal with her while she’s still powerless?

Yueqian’s eyes darkened momentarily. Of course, the Emperor noticed her expression entirely. He wasn’t sure what she was thinking, but he could guess that this physician had likely discovered a treatment method. She just didn’t want to reveal her skills.

"I hope, as you say... if I truly have such great fortune, it would make you willing to treat the princess for the sake of our Hu Region," the Emperor responded to Yueqian’s initial praise.

However, his words seemed to indicate his strong belief in her abilities. Everyone around could sense his plea as well. The powerful figures present looked at her again with curiosity. This little woman, just an royal physician, seemed to wield considerable influence over the Emperor, didn’t she?

In the end, even in the Hu Region, Yueqian found herself dragged into the spotlight of envy once more!After the Emperor spoke with the Third Prince for a short while, he emerged and announced that the Third Prince wanted to see Royal Physician Mu and Xihao. This further increased people’s perception of the extraordinary nature of this mother and son, to the extent that the Emperor himself was their messenger.

As for entering the room, Mu Heng wasn’t called in, so he stood hugging his sword by the pillar outside, avoiding the annoying crowd. However, in front of him appeared a small figure of a court lady, who looked very disheveled.

"You?" Mu Heng recognized her immediately. She was the court lady who loved eating delicious food. Wasn’t she in good condition the other day? Why did she have so many wounds today?!

"Y-Yes, it’s me," she said timidly. She had previously refused their offer. However, after what happened the other day, she realized she didn’t want to get hurt just for a few snacks anymore. Besides, they had told her she could buy snacks with her own money. So...

"I-I wanted to ask if there’s still a chance... for me to work with you?" The little court lady asked hesitantly.  The corners of her mouth covered in bruise moved, looking very pitiful.

"Hmm? Why? Didn’t you want to stay in the palace?" Mu Heng was very surprised. It was clear that his wife had made the offer yesterday, but this little court lady didn’t seem interested. Why did she change her mind suddenly?

"I..." The little girl lowered her head.

In fact, she had always been beaten before and never thought it was unusual. But after seeing Royal Physician Mu and her family yesterday, and hearing her say "trust" so easily, and not punishing or scolding her one-year-old son at all, she said she "trusted" her son. Those words... for some reason, felt more important than delicious food!

"Here... no one trusts each other," the little court lady mumbled.

Mu Heng couldn’t hear clearly, but he didn’t ask again. Perhaps that was her reason. Regardless of why, as long as the girl joined their side, it would greatly increase the safety of the region. At least, there would be no one making strange poisons to kill people anymore.

"Alright then. When are you ready to join us? Do you need money to redeem yourself?"

"N-No, master. I’m a court lady who didn’t sell myself into service. I just work for food," the little girl replied excitedly after hearing Mu Heng accept her.

"Is that so? You’re really too naive," the young man muttered. Seeing the girl’s eagerness to work for them without stating her demands first, she could easily be deceived, couldn’t she?

"Alright then, meet us outside tomorrow. For now, as you’re still a court lady, I can’t take you out," Mu Heng said. The little court lady nodded excitedly.

"Yes, master. I’ll wait outside the palace tomorrow."

"Good." As Mu Heng spoke with the young court lady, he had no idea that someone was eavesdropping on their conversation.

Having heard everything, a shadowy figure who had been observing from a distance quickly disappeared into the alleyways. They had been ordered to keep an eye on the court lady since the night she was caught acting suspiciously.

Who would have thought that the little court lady would be as untrustworthy as the master had warned? It seemed she was no longer useful to them.

......Unbeknownst to the little court lady, disaster was already looming!

In a certain palace:

Crash!!

"That wretched court lady!" The one who had overheard the events erupted in anger.

"Please, calm down, Your Highness."

"Calm down? Ha! So that’s why she’s been acting so defiant. That foolish girl is being swayed by that Mu fellow?"

The powerful figure shouted furiously, causing those nearby to try and calm him down. If his loud voice was heard, their plans might be exposed.

"Please calm down, Your Highness. Even if they try to work together, we just need to eliminate the girl. No witnesses, no knowledge of the antidote, and no chance of recovery. Then we won’t have to worry about the plan failing!"

"Even so, I still wanted to keep that girl around for a bit longer. It’s a shame she’s become uncontrollable!"

"When a disobedient animal wants to escape, it must be eliminated before it can do so. If it dies, it should be buried in its master’s yard, shouldn’t it, Your Highness?"

"Yes, tonight... bring her to me. Since she’s my pet, it should be me who handles her."The powerful figure spoke while licking his lips, excited by the thought of the fun that was about to ensue. Even though she was a favorite pet who had often provided him with amusement, the prospect of eliminating her with his own hands was equally thrilling...