Chapter 19 (1/2)

Chapter 19: Strategy

She could’ve healed the wound on her arm a long time ago with some of her own medicines, but hadn’t done so, allowing those doctors to make their own prescriptions. She didn’t care at all that the wound was healing very slowly. As the bandages around her arm were slowly unwrapped, the clotted blood began pulling at her wound. Pain was inevitable, but not even a crease appeared on her brow. The maid inwardly winced for Jun Huang. She’d served in the crown prince’s manor for a while and remembered when the crown prince had bruised his leg once after a fall. He’d howled and moaned for quite a while after that.

Jun Huang’s eyelids were partially closed. The pain from her arm was nothing to her. She’d once been a test subject for medicines after all, and the pain from when her master Ole Cragfiend had tackled her poison had been particularly soul wrenching. She’d long since grown used to pain.

She slowly opened her eyes after fresh bandages had been wrapped and dismissed the maid. Once the maid left after putting everything away, Jun Huang sat up from the bed and flung back the light blankets. She walked up to the window and looked out at the plants in the garden, gazing down at the people Qi Chen had just brought over.

The man and woman were quietly talking to each other. On the surface, it looked like Qi Chen was afraid something would happen to her again and had sent them to make sure everything stayed fine and proper for her. Jun Huang laughed to herself when her thoughts travelled here. Who could easily harm her these days? But she was quick witted and had already perceived the importance of these developments. She had to update Qi Yun on this as soon as possible. Jun Huang closed the window as she frowned in thought and returned to the study to take out a brush and paper 1.

She only put brush to paper after mulling over her words many times. Elegant letters flowed from her brush, as she made sure to use moderate force and concise language in her note. After finis.h.i.+ng and putting away her tools, Jun Huang put away the note in a fragrance pouch that she always carried on her, flung on an outer coat and prepared to go on her way.

“Where is the gentleman headed to?” Wei Qian quickly walked over when she saw that Jun Huang was about to set out.

“What, do I need the lady’s permission before going anywhere?” Jun Huang arched her eyebrow. She knew full well that she couldn’t afford to indicate weakness in front of Wei Qian.

“Wei Qian is just worried for the gentleman’s health and means nothing else. If anything happens to you, His Highness will never forgive us.” Wei Qian gave a cupped fist salute upon hearing Jun Huang’s words.

Both a hard and soft approach, she’s definitely someone that Qi Chen’s taught, alright. Jun Huang smirked coldly inwardly, looking steadily at Wei Qian. After a long moment of staring, the latter frantically ducked her head and looked down at the ground. Wei Qian never been a.s.sessed like this by a man, and her heart felt like it would pound straight out of her chest. A blush streaked up her neck as she lost her words for a moment.

Seeing that she’d attained the result she wanted, Jun Huang curved her lips. “I’m just finding it a tad stuffy after staying within the manor for so long. The doctor has also said that I might develop new ailments if I spend too much time indoors. If you’re not at ease letting me go out by myself, then you can follow me.”

Wei Qian took in the noncommittal expression on Jun Huang’s face and weighed all aspects of the situation. At long last, she finally nodded and followed Jun Huang out of the manor.

The streets were filled with a lively hubbub as various vendors cried for attention. Although night had fallen, there were still many who were shopping the night market. Numerous stalls, filled with pretty baubles, enticed pa.s.sersby to pause and take a look. Wei Qian hadn’t antic.i.p.ated so many people outside and tensed up, afraid that danger would find Jun Huang.

Jun Huang, on the other hand, was completely relaxed. She was having a grand time strolling through the streets. The gentle night breeze was very comfortable, and she actually felt a bit speechless at Wei Qian’s nervousness.

“This gentleman, come take a look at my hairpins! You can give one to the beautiful lady behind you.” A street vendor specializing in jewelry suddenly called out to Jun Huang. Jun Huang paused and tilted her head in a sideways glance, noting that the girl waving to her was actually one of Qi Yun’s subordinates. She was using their agreed upon sign. Jun Huang immediately understood the girl’s intentions and led Wei Qian over.