199 Chapter 199 Gu Lian’s Responsibility (1/2)
”So this is how they want to play. Let's see who can do it better then.” Lin Xulian squinted her eyes with a cold smile, causing the skin of the men in the room to crawl. But strange enough, it made them feel thrilled. Especially the members of the Lin Mercenary Clan who had known how their boss can be merciless if she wants to.
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Standing in front of the familiar towering gates of the emperor's palace, Lin Xulian felt her nerves surging in unexplainable emotions. She really didn't expect that after a few days of working as Imperial Doctor Yi Rong's ”apprentice”, he would bring her inside the emperor, Feng Jun Yi's chambers. Not that she is against it since honesty it made her plan run smoothly. Too convenient in fact. But still she can't help but feel flustered and uncertain whether she is ready to see him yet.
”Miss Gu, there's nothing to be worried about. His majesty is unconscious and won't demand your head even if you mess up. And you are my apprentice. No one would dare make things difficult for you.” Yi Rong said in assurance with discernible elated mood. Lin Xulian wanted to roll her eyes in his words. She could tell that he is only treating her well because he was able to learn her method in extracting pure essence from medicinal ingredients. As of this moment, he is too engross in improving his previously formulated medicines that he totally forgot his promise of ”improving” Lin Xulian's skills. Not that it matter to her anyway.
”Then this one can finally ease my heart. Many thanks Head Imperial Doctor Yi for your furtherance.” Lin Xulian responded showing the relief in her tone.
”That's a matter of course. But is your servant going to be fine being left behind? Since I can only bring you alone.” Yi Rong said in fake concern. He obviously doesn't have any qualms about whether Gu Kei will get into trouble or not since he has no use of her other than running errands.
”Gu Kei is more sensible than this one. Rest assured she would not cause you any trouble Head Imperial Doctor Yi.”
”Then I will take your word on that. Let's get going then. The emperor's treatment wouldn't wait.” Yi Rong said before going forward with proud steady stride towards the emperor's palace under the respectful gazes and greetings of the servants and imperial guards.
Following behind him, Lin Xulian took one step after another along the familiar path that she used to walked on for years. This cause a nostalgic pain twisting a knot in the pit of her stomach. The distance felt painfully long for her as if she can relive all her memories in that short five years like a flashback. However not a single emotion could be detected from her masked covered face. But she couldn't control the cold sweat drenching her palms and the involuntary trembling of her fingertips. She had no choice but to hide them under her sleeves. When they finally arrived in the entrance of the emperor's chambers, it is as if the world lost all its sounds.
”I know you've been looking forward to finally meet this country's emperor. However, I'm afraid I have to disappoint you for now Miss Gu. Apparently, the emperor's visitors are limited.” Yi Rong's voice echoed and broke the silence caused by Lin Xulian's nerves. This however, gave her relief. Since at the final moment, she realized she wasn't ready.
”This one doesn't dare to protest. This one knows my place, Head Imperial Doctor Yi.” Lin Xulian promptly responded, completely hiding her internal struggle from earlier.
Then Yi Rong took out a roll of paper from his sleeves and handed it to her. ”The servants will take you to the adjacent room. There is a complete set of equipment you needed there. Follow the prescription. I will let you concoct the emperor's medicine from now on. Take a look. Do you think you can handle it Miss Gu?”