Chapter 176: Peeping, a guilty conscience (1/2)

Chapter 176: Peeping, a guilty conscience

Just when Long Feiye’s patience was about to wear thin, Grand Concubine Yi finally finished her inspection and questions and found out how he’d left the Hall of Regrets. Han Yunxi stared at his cold expression and found it hard to understand why this fellow was so distant even to his own mother. But it seemed that Grand Concubine Yi was used to it.

Han Yunxi didn’t think much about it as she noticed Grand Concubine Yi walking her way. She withdrew her smile and adopted an easy, calm expression. Grand Concubine Yi looked at her and wanted to speak, but stopped herself. Finally, she said simply, “It’s very late, you and His Highness should go rest.”

Actually, Han Yunxi wasn’t here to take credit for some achievements. She just wanted to prove that she wasn’t some wicked scoundrel that hurt others. With a nod, she left with Long Feiye, but they’d almost reached the courtyard door when Grand Concubine Yi added a word. “Feiye, if you don’t like Princess Rongle, mufei won’t make things difficult.”

Rather than speaking to Long Feiye’s benefit, her words seemed more fitted for Han Yunxi to hear. Undoubtedly, these words were the best reward for Han Yunxi, and the greatest show of her recognition! Long Feiye knew that the reason Han Yunxi had brought him here first was likely due to his mufei causing her trouble. Judging by these words, the problem probably involved Princess Rongle. Doubt crept into his eyes, but he didn’t reply as he continued to walk forward. Meanwhile, Han Yunxi suddenly felt relaxed, as if relieved of a heavy burden. She mused, no matter how sincere Grand Concubine Yi was, it’s enough that she’s said such words.

Han Yunxi didn’t turn around, but stood in place for a bit before chasing after Long Feiye. Under the moonlight, the two intentionally slowed their steps as they walked back. When the path in the Hibiscus Courtyard forked into two directions by the flower gardens, one turned left while the other turned right. This time, Long Feiye didn’t leave immediately, but stopped to ask, “Han Yunxi, do you know the consequences of offending the emperor?”

Of course she’d considered the consequences, but she had no other choice. If Long Feiye really died, she’d be the next in line to suffer. Her reply was timid. “I think you were the one who offended him first…”

Long Feiye actually laughed lightly at Han Yunxi’s reply. “Go to the Imperial Physician Courtyard tomorrow. It’s not good to delay when there’s a plague involved.” He left as soon as he finished speaking, leaving a dumbstruck Han Yunxi standing in place with a pounding heart.

Just then…just then, had she heard wrongly?

This fellow had actually laughed. And it wasn’t a cold or mocking laugh, but a soft and quiet one. His voice was deep, cold, and gloomy, but his laughter was quite pleasant. It possessed a certain attractive charm and was gentle and warm.

Warm?

Han Yunxi couldn’t believe her thoughts. How could such a cold person have such a warm side to him? She looked towards his tall, solitary back and was suddenly seized with an urge to chase after him, just so she could check if he was smiling…

—

Early morning the next day, Emperor Tianhui sent Eunuch Xue over with an order for Long Feiye and Han Yunxi to hand over the antidote for the poison pestis within three days. He’d specifically asked for the antidote, not the prescription itself. Yesterday, Han Yunxi had told Emperor Tianhui by the doors of the Hall of Regrets that the prescription had a single ingredient only Long Feiye could find. Long Feiye though she was joking, but it was actually the truth. She really was missing one ingredient.

“It’s called Violet Wormwood, a very rare plant. According to the records, it germinates after 30 years and grows leaves for 30 years more. It’s also very tiny, the size about the palm of a hand, but we only need one plant to make lots of antidote,” Han Yunxi explained in embarrassment as she handed over the prescription formula.

Long Feiye wasn’t familiar with medicinal plants at all, but hearing ‘30 years’ twice in a row was enough to make him realize how rare this Violet Wormwood was! He didn’t look at the prescription, but raised an eyebrow towards Han Yunxi, filled with amusement. “You’re so certain that your lordship can find it…within three days?”

If Emperor Tianhui knew the truth of the matter, would he vomit blood, then die from indignation?

Han Yunxi poked her fingers, extremely self-conscious. But she really had no choice. Even if she handed over the prescription, wouldn’t Emperor Tianhui demand for the ingredients all the same? After all, the third young master’s life was still in jeopardy. The only reason she managed to threaten Emperor Tianhui this time wasn’t because of her prescription, but because she could resolve this epidemic and save lives. If she really failed and Emperor Tianhui seized on her shortcomings, Long Feiye would be in even more trouble.

“No matter what, Your Highness had to get out first, right?” Han Yunxi smiled apologetically. Long Feiye could only look at her wordlessly, his heart stuck between wanting to laugh and feeling at a loss. There was even a hint of giving up against this woman.

She really dared to threaten and lie to Emperor Tianhui!

“Your Highness, there’s no time to lose. As chenqie sees it, why don’t we pay another visit to Pill Fiend Valley?” Han Yunxi suggested.

She’d thought of that place first for its many strange and odd medicines. Even if they didn’t have it, His Excellency Pill Fiend would definitely know where to find it. Long Feiye had the same idea as he nodded his head. He was about to depart when Han Yunxi added, “Your Highness, let’s bring along Imperial Physician Gu.”

“What for?” Long Feiye found it unexpected.

“There’s a few famous and valuable ingredients in the prescription as well. They need to be selected very carefully and the Imperial Physician Courtyard doesn’t have enough in stock. Pill Fiend Valley has planted plenty of them and Imperial Physician Gu is familiar with medicinal ingredients. It’s better if he personally handpicks them,” Han Yunxi replied.

Long Feiye wasn’t very willing, because bringing along an additional person who didn’t know lightness techniques was just an additional burden. But he couldn’t deny her sound reasoning. He nodded before having the servants arrange for horses.

Very soon, they met with a problem.