Chapter 12: A clever bribe (2/2)

Han Yunxi couldn’t help but suspect what various kinds of unsavory things this man had done. Instead of finding a doctor to treat his poisons, he’d hidden himself away in these rooms. It seemed like he couldn’t afford to make his injury public. Although it was against her medical morals to take advantage of misfortune, this concerned her post-marriage life. She had to consider things carefully. Everyone knew that it was no guarantee she’d stay in the Duke of Qin’s house even if she got in. She was very clear on this point. In that case, she needed someone to depend on and the strongest pillar would be the lord of the household, Tianning Country’s all important member of the imperial family, the Duke of Qin, Long Feiye.

A crafty smile crept onto Han Yunxi’s features. “Your highness[1], actually…the medicine I gave you now can still hold back the poison for 10 days.”

“So?” Long Feiye stared at her as before, the pupils filled with endless ice.

Han Yunxi adopted an innocent, timid manner as she spoke pathetically. “Tomorrow when I serve tea to the grand imperial concubine and pay my respects in court, could your highness accompany me as well?”

The first day after the wedding, the bride had to serve tea to the elders in her new family. As long as this fellow agreed to go with her, then it’d mean he accepted her as his wangfei [1]. With his recognition, her life in the household would be much less difficult.

“And if his lordship isn’t willing?” Long Feiye asked coldly.

Han Yunxi lowered her head innocently. “Wangye’s[3] poison isn’t so rare, you can find any kind of imperial physician to treat it.”

“Tch, you’re very clever!” If he could find an imperial physician, why would Long Feiye waste his time here? This roundabout woman had managed to tactfully threaten him again.

Han Yunxi had a very pretty smile. “Thanks to your highness for his praise.”

Long Feiye couldn’t help but knit his brows, feeling somewhat helpless against her. There was no way to tell what he was thinking, but he finally waved her off. “Just watch your mouth. You may leave.”

Han Yunxi was thrilled. Success!

“Yes, many thanks to Your Highness Duke of Qin,” she excitedly retreated from the bedroom, even taking care to let down the curtains for Long Feiye.

Only…after she’d turned around to face the dark room, she realized that this was her wedding night. Where exactly was she supposed to go?

-o-

[1] Your highness (殿下) – dian xia, different from your lordship (本王/ben wang) in its a more formal way of address.

[2] wangfei (王妃) – his official wife in name and in title, his duchess to his duke, his married partner, etc. Higher status than any concubine.

[3] wangye (王爷) – male counterpart to wangfei.