Chapter 32: Further Complications (Part 2)

She truly had not noticed.

Lin Wanrou smiled again. "If you don't mind, sister, you may call me Rou'er. That is what my sisters called me when I was at home."

"Are you referring to Consort Jing?"

Lin Wanrou started, then hastily stood up to bow to Yu Qingyan. "I meant no offense, Your Highness. I beg for your forgiveness."

"It is quite alright; there is no need for such formalities."

"Thank you for your grace, sister," Lin Wanrou said softly.

"Sit down. Is Consort Jing your sister?"

"Consort Jing is indeed my sister by blood, but because of the difference between the primary and secondary branches of our family, we were never particularly close."

"You are much gentler than she is. I imagine the Prince is quite fond of you."

Lin Wanrou gave a shy, coy smile. "Sister, you are only teasing me."

"..."

"Sister, the weather is so lovely outside. Why don't we go for a walk? It is far too stifling to stay in the room all day."

"You should go on your own, sister. I am feeling a bit tired today and would like to rest for a while."

"Are you annoyed with me, sister? I have only just managed to visit; surely you could do me the favor of accompanying me?" As she spoke, she had already moved to Yu Qingyan’s side.

Yu Qingyan sidestepped her touch without a trace. "Very well, let us go."

Come to think of it, she had not properly looked around the Prince’s estate since she arrived.

"Look, sister, the weather is so warm that the snow on the plum trees has already melted."

Yu Qingyan nodded. "A pity. It seems the sight of red plum blossoms against white snow is more beautiful."

"The Prince loves to enjoy the cool air in the pavilion in the middle of the lake during the summer."

Yu Qingyan followed her gaze and saw that there was indeed a pavilion in the center of the lake.

"It is truly warm today; even the lake ice has melted." A dark glint suddenly flashed through Lin Wanrou’s previously gentle eyes. "Sister, be careful—ah!"

Yu Qingyan’s instincts as an assassin allowed her to dodge instantly. Just as she steadied herself, she saw Lin Wanrou fall into the lake. A figure from not far away drifted over in an instant. Yu Qingyan only felt a flash of black before her eyes, and upon focusing, she saw Chu Yuchuan standing before her, looking at her with a sullen expression.

Meanwhile, Lin Wanrou had already been pulled from the water by Zuo Xuan.

"Cough, cough," Lin Wanrou spat out water, her delicate frame appearing even paler and more frail, radiating an air of utter helplessness. Yu Qingyan thought that any man seeing her now would surely feel a wave of pity, while naturally feeling extreme resentment toward her, the "culprit."

Indeed, none of the women in the imperial family were to be trifled with!

"Your Highness..."

"Rou'er, are you alright?" Chu Yuchuan unfastened his outer robe and draped it over Lin Wanrou.

"Sister... it is fine, so long as you are safe."

Lin Wanrou’s maid suddenly knelt down. "Your Highness! My mistress has always respected and loved the Princess. I do not know why the Princess would..."

"Xiaodie!" Lin Wanrou said weakly. "Do not speak nonsense! Sister has been very kind to me."

Chu Yuchuan said nothing. He picked up the shivering Lin Wanrou and carried her toward the nearest study.

"Zuo Xuan, go to the Ning-shuang Pavilion and fetch Master Gu immediately."

"Yes."

Gu Jinshi knows how to practice medicine? A thought flashed through Yu Qingyan’s mind.

In the blink of an eye, she was left alone with Xique, who had been following her.

"Your Highness, what should we do?" Xique frowned.

"Let’s go." Yu Qingyan returned to the Green Bamboo Garden with an air of unconcern.

She figured Chu Yuchuan would arrive soon to hold her accountable; she wondered if she should consider running away and taking Cui’er with her.

"Your Highness, you have returned just in time. Lunch is ready," Cui’er said, greeting her with a smile.

Yu Qingyan nodded. "Mm."