Chapter 66: How to Pursue a Beauty

Within the Prince Li’s residence, Si Molii was busy handling military affairs while Lian Rufeng spent the night racking his brains over how to win a beauty’s heart.

First, the beauty trap.

Gazing into the mirror, Lian Rufeng couldn’t help but sigh at his own reflection—how could a man as handsome as him exist in this world? Dressed in a moon-white brocade robe, his figure was elegant and refined, the very picture of charm and grace. His fair face, gentle and clear eyes—who could resist the allure of such affectionate gaze? His entire bearing was pure and noble, truly a gentleman as flawless as jade.

Satisfied, Lian Rufeng nodded approvingly at himself, then glanced back at Si Molii. He couldn’t help but purse his lips. Under the candlelight, Si Molii’s expression was grave and focused, his features so perfect they seemed sculpted by a master’s hand.

Tch, he thought, I’m only a little less attractive than him. Before I capture the lady’s heart, I mustn’t let Miss Shen see him first.

Second, a feint to the east while attacking the west.

Lian Rufeng pondered—Madam Liu seemed to have a good relationship with Shen Qingyun. If he devoted himself to treating Madam Liu’s illness and cured her, the beauty would surely feel grateful. Moreover, he could display his miraculous medical skills. Surely, Madam Liu would sing his praises—it’s not as if just anyone could receive his treatment.

Yes, yes, Lian Rufeng was once again impressed by his own intelligence.

Third, a heartfelt confession.

Now that fate had provided such an opportunity, surely there would be more chances to interact in the future. When the time was right, he’d reveal his feelings to Miss Shen and make her fall head over heels for him, swept away by his gentle pursuit.

Excellent!

Lian Rufeng pictured himself and Shen Qingyun boating on the lake in summer, admiring plum blossoms in the snow come winter, chatting and laughing together. The thought made him giggle foolishly under his breath.

Si Molii could tolerate it no longer; with a flick of his palm, he struck Lian Rufeng, eliciting a yelp.

“You’re too noisy. Be quiet!”

Outside the door, the two guards exchanged glances, watching their noses and keeping their thoughts to themselves, whispering in the shadows.

“What do you think the prince and that divine doctor are doing in the study, so late and still not coming out? The doctor keeps crying out, and the prince tells him to keep it down.”

“Hey, don’t say such things. Look at the prince’s residence—there’s not a single maid around. Honestly, even I feel like I’ve lost all interest in women.”

“Watch your mouth. I’m telling you, I only like women—don’t you get any ideas about me.”

“Bah!”

“What are you two gossiping about!”

Hearing the steward’s voice, the two guards straightened up at once, lowering their heads and not daring to utter another word.

The old steward snorted coldly to himself, thinking that soon enough, their prince would have a princess, and these rascals would have something to see. He carried the medicinal herbs Lian Rufeng had requested, knocked on the door, and entered when bidden.

Lian Rufeng’s eyes lit up as he carefully stored the items away. Then he asked, “Steward, tell me, what do young ladies like these days?”

The steward stroked his beard with a smile. “Young Master Lian, surely you don’t need to ask me—you’re the one with experience. Still, it’s always rouge and powder, gold and silver trinkets, isn’t it?”

Lian Rufeng nodded, as if recalling something. “By the way, Molii, about that South Sea pearl you were given as a reward—give it to me. If I win the heart of my beloved, I’ll treat you to a grand feast at Yunxiang Pavilion.”

Si Molii frowned, exasperated. “Steward, fetch it for him. And once you have it, leave at once!”

No longer protesting, Lian Rufeng followed the steward out gleefully to collect his prize.

Watching Lian Rufeng’s dashing departure, the steward couldn’t help but shake his head. If only their prince had half of Young Master Lian’s flair, he’d have nothing left to worry about. Who knows when Miss Shen will visit again?

The next day, as promised, Shen Qingyun arrived at the Xuan Medical Pavilion with “Spring in the Apricot Grove” in hand.

She hadn’t expected, however, to run into Jiang Lin and his sister Jiang Miaodan at the entrance.

It turned out Lady Marquis Jiang had been unwell, and upon hearing that the divine doctor had returned to the capital, the siblings had come hoping to seek treatment for their mother.

The moment Jiang Miaodan saw Shen Qingyun, her face fell. Remembering the humiliation she’d suffered before, she couldn’t help but sneer, “I wonder what illness plagues you, Miss Shen, that you came here all alone instead of consulting your family physician. Surely it must be something unspeakable.”

Jiang Lin frowned, chiding her softly, “Miaodan, such words are inappropriate in public.”

Jiang Miaodan pursed her lips and fell silent.

Zhenzhu wanted to retort, but Shen Qingyun had no wish to cause a scene. She simply led Zhenzhu upstairs.

Seeing this, Jiang Miaodan realized Shen Qingyun must have come to see the divine doctor as well. She immediately blocked her path, “Second Miss Shen, have you no sense of courtesy? It’s first come, first served. And do you think just anyone can see the divine doctor?”

Jiang Lin’s demeanor suddenly softened. “Qingyun, are you here for the doctor as well? Is someone in your family unwell?”

“That’s none of your concern,” Shen Qingyun replied coldly, signaling to Zhenzhu.

Zhenzhu promptly pushed Jiang Miaodan aside, and they proceeded upstairs.

Jiang Miaodan stumbled and flushed with anger, hurrying after them. Jiang Lin urged her to slow down but followed as well.

The young apprentice was still at his post from the day before. Seeing Shen Qingyun, he beamed and stood to greet her.

Before he could, however, Jiang Miaodan burst in, breathless. “My brother and I arrived first. Young man, how do we see the divine doctor? My mother is ill and needs his help.”

At being addressed so, the apprentice’s face darkened.

Jiang Lin, more perceptive, stepped forward and bowed. “My sister is simply anxious. I am the Marquis’s heir, here for my mother’s illness. May I ask if the divine doctor is available today?”

“You’d best go home, young master. The divine doctor only sees those with fate, and he already has an appointment today,” the apprentice replied curtly.

Jiang Miaodan bristled at his attitude. “You’re just an apprentice—how can you decide for the doctor?”

The apprentice rolled his eyes. “If I can’t, can you?”

Fuming, Jiang Miaodan was about to argue when Jiang Lin pulled her back just in time.

Before they could continue, Shen Qingyun’s gentle voice sounded behind them, “Little doctor, may I go in to see the divine doctor now?”

Jiang Miaodan sneered, “Didn’t you hear? The doctor already has an appointment. Better go home. If even my brother and I can’t see him, you’re only wasting your time.”

“Yes, Qingyun, you’d best return. It’s not safe for a woman to be out so much—remember the last time you were nearly assassinated? What if you run into trouble again?” Jiang Lin’s eyes were full of concern.

The apprentice regarded the siblings as if they were fools, then smiled at Shen Qingyun. “The divine doctor is expecting you, Miss Shen. Please, come with me.”

Jiang Miaodan’s eyes widened in outrage. “Why does she get to see the doctor?”

Shen Qingyun glanced at her, smiling faintly. “Miss Jiang, you’d best go home. As for you, Young Master Jiang, as long as I don’t run into you when I go out, I’ll be quite at ease.”

With that, she turned and left, paying no heed to the siblings’ mortified expressions.