Chapter Thirty-Seven: Visiting the Sick (2)-Who Dares to Mess with the Young Master's Little Sister(A fish out of water)

Update time: June 6, 2013

Qiao Zhi watched the two behaving strangely, finally unable to hold back any longer. "Hey, Sister Yue, is this decoration really that fascinating? And Brother Yuwen, your tea is gone—what are you still savoring?"

"Shut up!"

"Mind your own business!"

Lian Yue and Yuwen Lingxi barked in unison, leaving Qiao Zhi stunned, but now that the stalemate was broken, neither could continue their silence.

"You..."

Both spoke together, then stopped together, awkwardly looking at each other. After a pause, they spoke again as one.

"You go first."

Lian Yue felt herself nearly dying of frustration. What was this situation? The atmosphere, which had just begun to ease, was smothered once again by embarrassment. Thankfully, there was still Qiao Zhi.

"Can you two stop being so in sync? Who’s actually going to speak first?"

If looks could kill, Qiao Zhi would have been torn to pieces by Yuwen Lingxi's gaze. Yuwen Lingxi toyed slowly with his now-empty teacup, finally opening his mouth first, "How is the Young Master of the Hidden Sect? He was badly injured as well. I have some medicine specifically for internal injuries—it's very effective. Take some for him when you leave."

"Yes, all right," Lian Yue agreed immediately.

In truth, Morning had no need for any medicine. As the Young Master of the Hidden Sect, the moment he returned to his room, the best medicines were already delivered to his bedside. Lian Yue had seen the array of bottles and jars on his table, but for some reason, she simply did not want to refuse the person before her.

Seeing her accept, Yuwen Lingxi instructed, "Mu Shan, bring a bottle of Blood Ganoderma Pills for Miss Yue."

"But—"

"No buts. Just do it," Yuwen Lingxi's voice carried a hint of sternness. Mu Shan, knowing better, said no more, took a blue-white porcelain bottle from his robes, and reluctantly handed it to Lian Yue.

Seeing Mu Shan’s expression, Lian Yue realized these Blood Ganoderma Pills were very precious. She hurried to decline, "Really, there’s no need. My second brother has plenty of healing medicine."

"Sister Yue, I advise you to accept it quickly, lest Brother Yuwen change his mind," Qiao Zhi eyed the jade porcelain bottle in Mu Shan’s hand with greed; if not for his rank, he would have snatched it already. Seeing Lian Yue still refusing, his voice grew urgent, "These Blood Ganoderma Pills are extraordinary. If you don't need them, you can give them to me later."

Lian Yue looked at Qiao Zhi; if a prince of the Empire of Silken Garments could be so covetous, it proved how remarkable these pills were. Seeing Yuwen Lingxi had no intention of taking them back, she could only reach out and accept them.

"All right, this bottle of Blood Ganoderma Pills is yours now. If you don't want it, give it to me," Qiao Zhi rubbed his hands, eyes fixed on the bottle in Lian Yue’s grasp.

Lian Yue tightened her hold, guarded against Qiao Zhi, refusing flatly, "Hmph, I’m not stupid. Besides, this isn’t for me, it’s for my second brother. If you want it, wait until I hand it over—then you can ask him."

Their playful banter made them oblivious to Yuwen Lingxi’s shifting expression. When they finally looked his way, he had already returned to his impassive demeanor.

"Brother Yuwen, do you have any more Blood Ganoderma Pills? Give me a bottle," Qiao Zhi, seeing he’d get nothing from Lian Yue, turned to Yuwen Lingxi.

But Yuwen Lingxi paid him no mind, replying coolly, "None left."

Lian Yue felt a surge of joy at his words, her eyes brightening. She examined the porcelain bottle again, then reluctantly handed it to Lan Shui. "Remind me to give it to Second Brother after dinner."

"Sister Yue, I've never asked—are you really twins with the Young Master of the Hidden Sect? Why do you look nothing alike?"

Lian Yue disliked engaging with Qiao Zhi, but he was a prince, and his question was one she’d asked her father as well. She patiently explained, "Father said we should look very similar, but he took a Face-Changing Pill, so now we don’t resemble each other."

"Face-Changing Pill?" Yuwen Lingxi’s eyes, usually calm, sparked with curiosity. Clearly, he was interested. "Miss Yue, do you know how effective it is?"

Seeing his interest, Lian Yue was eager to share everything she knew. "I heard it keeps your appearance unchanged for three months. After that, take another pill to continue the effect."

"Is there an antidote to quickly restore the original face?" Yuwen Lingxi asked.

Lian Yue shook her head. "I’m not sure. Father never mentioned it." Seeing the disappointment in his eyes, she added, "If you wish, I can ask my second brother for you."

"Then thank you in advance, Miss Yue," he said, and surprisingly offered her a respectful gesture.

Lian Yue resolved to ask her brother and report back. She felt impatient, rose, and bid farewell, "I remember your kindness today, Young Master Yuwen, and will repay it one day. I won’t disturb you further; though I have medicine, I still need rest."

Only after speaking did she realize she’d said too much. Frustrated, she didn’t wait for Yuwen Lingxi’s reply and turned toward the door. Qiao Zhi hurried after her.

Yuwen Lingxi was left alone, a smile lingering on his lips as he murmured, "Repay me?"

Mu Shan finally spoke, "Young Master, we didn’t bring many Blood Ganoderma Pills this time, and now you've given away a whole bottle. Should I send a message for a few more as backup, just in case...?"

Yuwen Lingxi wiped away his smile, returning to his usual icy demeanor, as if that hint of warmth had never appeared. He poured himself another cup of tea. "Wait until we leave Phoenix Ridge. We’re still on Hidden Sect territory—best be cautious and avoid leaving traces."

"Yes," Mu Shan replied respectfully, standing quietly behind him. The room fell silent once more.

Outside the courtyard, Qiao Zhi blocked Lian Yue’s path, pestering, "Good sister, your bottle must have about thirty pills. How about sharing ten with me? If not ten, eight? Still no? Five, just five!"

Lian Yue never expected that these pills could make a prince beg so shamelessly. She treasured them even more, especially since they were given by that person. She resolved not to give a single pill but was curious about their value. "Are these Blood Ganoderma Pills really so powerful?"

Qiao Zhi, sensing hope, was delighted and eagerly explained, "Absolutely! For mild internal injuries, one pill restores you in ten breaths. For severe injuries, as long as there’s a spark of life, three pills in succession can save you. Amazing, right? And as far as I know, not even the Empire of Silken Garments has heard of them. I’ve only seen them with Brother Yuwen. Isn’t that incredible?"

He eyed the nodding Lian Yue, grinning. "How about my five pills?"

Lian Yue was astonished—a medicine so precious, yet he’d given her a whole bottle. He wasn’t as cold as he appeared.

"When did I say I’d give you any? Such a treasure is for myself—or for someone I like. You’re not someone I like, so of course you won’t get any." Ignoring Qiao Zhi’s wounded, dazed expression, she walked away.

Once only Lan Shui and Lian Yue were on the road, Lan Shui finally spoke, "Miss, it seems you have a good impression of Young Master Yuwen?"

Lian Yue turned to Lan Shui, puzzled, and nodded. "Yes, Sister Lan, why do you ask?"

Lan Shui smiled awkwardly, but felt she needed to remind Lian Yue. Reluctantly, she continued, "Does Miss perhaps like him?"

Lian Yue stumbled at the question; had Lan Shui not caught her, she’d have fallen. "Sister Lan, what are you saying! I’m not even thirteen yet! How could I think about... about that sort of thing!"

Lan Shui gave her a suspicious look, but knowing not to press further, let it go.

Lian Yue breathed a sigh of relief, amused. What was Sister Lan thinking? How could it be possible? Yet, as she pondered, uncertainty crept in. Recalling her own behavior today, she suspected herself. Could it be...? No, no, no—she was so young! It was only because he protected her and gave her those precious pills that she treated him differently. Yes, that must be it.

Her head felt heavy. She decided not to think about it, tossing the matter aside and cheerfully admiring the scenery. She had to admit, the Hidden Sect’s landscape was exquisite; even the ordinary roadside design was elegant.

Lian Yue remembered that Dream Morning had mentioned several beautiful spots today. She was itching to see them, but didn’t know the locations or names. The one who should lead her, Yao Yao, had been left behind and was nowhere to be found. It was still early to return to the courtyard the Hidden Sect had arranged for her and Lian Yu, so she considered asking a disciple for directions.

While she was searching, she saw Yao Yao running across the small bridge to her left, waving energetically and calling, "Sister Lian Yue, wait for me... about what you said... I’ve figured it out..."

Lian Yue was taken aback, then recalled what Yao Yao referred to. Their conversation involved her second brother—she was quite concerned. She stopped, waiting for Yao Yao to catch up.