Chapter 44

Chapter 44

"Lady Lu, there's no need for formalities. Please take a seat."

Meanwhile, in the side room, Prince Ning, propped on one elbow, reclined lazily on the couch. He observed Shen Anning with amused interest for a long while before finally curving his lips into a smile and inviting her to sit.

*To think Prince Ning is also here?*

Neither in her past life nor this one had Shen Anning ever had dealings with the Prince Ning residence. In her previous life, she had only caught a fleeting glimpse of him at the Empress’s birthday banquet in the Hall of Prayer. That day, the banquet was so crowded, and Shen Anning was too nervous to remember what Prince Ning even looked like.

However, it was hardly surprising that Prince Ning would accompany Dowager Consort Dong to the August Tower to admire the moon—it was only to be expected.

Still, could it be that Prince Ning actually remembered her after just one brief encounter?

With an air of deference, she slowly took her seat.

"Oh? So this child is... the one from the Shen family?"

No sooner had she sat down than Dowager Consort Dong turned her plump, round face toward her. Her expression was surprisingly kind and gentle. When her benevolent gaze fell upon Shen Anning’s face, it immediately revealed obvious surprise, as if she hadn’t expected her to be so strikingly beautiful. She looked Shen Anning up and down, then down and up again, her expression filled with unconcealed curiosity and astonishment.

After a long pause, as if finding it hard to believe, she turned to Prince Ning beside her and confirmed once more, "The one who married into the Zhongyong Marquis Manor?"

Dowager Consort Dong’s question was somewhat strange, making Shen Anning slowly lift her eyes and glance in Prince Ning’s direction.

As she looked up, her gaze once again met Prince Ning’s. A shrewd glint flashed in his brown eyes.

He had been watching her all along.

Prince Ning curled his lips and said, "Answering Mother, it is indeed she."

After a brief pause, instead of looking away, he continued to gaze openly and meaningfully at Shen Anning, raising an eyebrow slightly as he said, "Lady Lu made quite a splash and impressed everyone at the Hall of Prayer last time—truly... unforgettable."

Prince Ning remained reclining against the cushions as he spoke, not bothering to sit up straight. His posture was lazy and relaxed, like that of a carefree nobleman, yet his gaze carried a hint of frivolity, mixed with an undercurrent of dominance.

Perhaps this was the inherent authority of royalty.

Upon hearing his words, Dowager Consort Dong’s expression toward Shen Anning became complex and hard to decipher. After a moment, she murmured softly, "What a pity."

The expressions and actions of these two made Shen Anning’s puzzlement only grow. Could it be that the Prince Ning residence had some past connection with the Shen family?

Especially Prince Ning—his gaze was far too bold and intrusive.

Shen Anning assumed it was due to some old acquaintance with the Shen family and didn’t dwell on it further. After all, whether it was the Lu family, the Pei family, or even the Emperor and Empress, they had all looked at her with similar expressions. If not for her status as a descendant of the Shen family, how could she have settled in the capital, married into a marquis household, and caught the attention of such influential figures?

Shen Anning deliberately ignored Prince Ning’s somewhat invasive gaze and was about to apologize for her bold remarks earlier in the outer room when Prince Ning, propping his chin on his hand, looked at her with a half-smile and spoke first: "Lady Lu, your timing today is quite fortuitous. As far as I recall, aside from the Imperial Hospital, Mother’s peculiar illness has not been disclosed to anyone. Yet you, Lady Lu, seem remarkably well-informed."

*To think you’d come here specifically to intercept us.*

He didn’t believe in coincidences.

Rather than chance, it seemed calculated—deliberate and scheming.

A calculated move.

Prince Ning’s narrow phoenix eyes fixed intently on her, his gaze naked and direct, like a snake’s tongue clinging to Shen Anning—sticky, damp, and seemingly venomous, flickering before her, intimidating and unsettling.

Such a gaze made Shen Anning somewhat uncomfortable.

Even if she were an unmarried maiden, let alone a married woman, he should not be staring at her so boldly.

However, she had long heard that this carefree prince was known for his eccentric behavior. Perhaps this was simply his nature.

For a fleeting moment, Shen Anning felt a twinge of regret. Perhaps today’s venture had been too rash.

But the thought vanished from her mind almost as soon as it appeared.

If she wasn’t afraid of the courage it took to live a second life, why should she hesitate to take the first step in this world? If she faltered at the very beginning, what was the point of being reborn?

Given the other party’s noble status, Shen Anning suppressed her discomfort and deliberately avoided his gaze. Lowering her eyes briefly, she calmly replied, "If I were to say that today’s fortunate meeting with the Dowager Consort and Your Highness was merely a coincidence, would you believe me?"

She patiently explained, "As I mentioned earlier in the outer hall, it was only while observing the commotion that I deduced the illness of the person inside, which reminded me of the wealthy merchant from before. Truthfully, I did not dare to jump to conclusions, fearing I might intrude and offend Your Highnesses. However, knowing how rare and peculiar this illness is, and that it concerns someone’s health and life, I decided it was better to risk offense than to miss the opportunity to help."

At this, Shen Anning slowly rose and bowed respectfully to Dowager Consort Dong, who sat in the seat of honor, offering an apology: "My words and actions earlier were presumptuous and offensive. I hope the Dowager Consort will not take offense."

Then, turning to Prince Ning, she added, "As for how I deduced the identities of the Dowager Consort and Your Highness, it was not due to any extraordinary insight. I merely happened to recognize Guard Jiang by Your Highness’s side, whom I had the honor of seeing at the Empress’s birthday banquet."

Shen Anning meticulously explained the series of coincidences that led to her encounter with Prince Ning and his mother, emphasizing that it was all happenstance rather than calculated scheming.

Her explanation was thorough and left no room for doubt. Finally, she smiled slightly and said, "Of course, my mention of the Crane Tower was merely a jest. How would I dare to compete with Your Highness for private property? However, if Your Highness is willing to part with it, I would be immensely grateful. If not, please consider it nothing more than a playful remark."

As she spoke, Shen Anning shrugged slightly and curved her lips into a smile, adopting a lighthearted and open tone. Her words were a mix of truth and falsehood, delivered flawlessly.

Prince Ning narrowed his eyes, smiling. Whether he believed her explanation or not was another matter, but she had already skillfully maneuvered the conversation, even hinting at "compensation." If he refused now, wouldn’t it make him, a prince, seem petty?

Watching her composed and strategic demeanor, Prince Ning suddenly laughed. Staring deeply at her serene and beautiful smile, he narrowed his eyes slightly and said, "It’s just a mere tavern. What harm is there in letting you have it? However, I am rather curious—why is Lady Lu so interested in such an unremarkable establishment?"

Shen Anning did not hold back, smiling faintly as she replied candidly, "For the same reason as Your Highness—I see its value and potential profit."

Upon hearing this, Prince Ning’s eyes flickered. After a moment of thought, he changed his tone and said, "Hearing you say that, I’m now reluctant to part with it. How about this: I’ll yield the tavern, but I’ll retain its management rights."

Prince Ning was now mirroring her business-like approach, engaging in playful bargaining.

Shen Anning wasn’t sure how they had suddenly fallen into a back-and-forth negotiation, though this was, after all, the very purpose of her visit today.

The ease with which things were progressing felt almost unnerving.

Seeing that he was open to discussion, Shen Anning seized the opportunity and bargained further, "In that case, Your Highness must allow me a share in the tavern. I will waive the rent and use it as my investment. We can cooperate in managing the business together. What does Your Highness think?"

Shen Anning stood her ground. If she could secure the support of the Prince Ning residence, wouldn’t her business ventures thrive?

Seeing her tenacity, Prince Ning’s smile deepened. Staring at her intently, he said with a hint of amusement, "I never expected Lady Lu to be such a shrewd businesswoman. To refuse a partnership with someone so capable would be sheer folly on my part."

His words implied agreement to her proposal of collaboration.

Shen Anning clenched her hands tightly in her lap. Today’s outcome had exceeded her expectations—not only had Prince Ning agreed to transfer the tavern to her, but he had also consented to a partnership.

She had no experience in managing a tavern. Initially, her goal was merely to secure the property. She had estimated that this might be possible, and if she could also establish a connection with Prince Ning, it would open doors for her future endeavors in the capital’s business world. The idea of a partnership had crossed her mind, but given their lack of familiarity, she hadn’t dared to hope for too much. Yet, unexpectedly, both objectives had been achieved.

Today’s trip had been far from wasted—it was truly an auspicious day.

Shen Anning was immensely satisfied, though she showed no outward sign of it.

She had yet to contribute anything, yet she had already secured a return. Under such circumstances, she could not afford to be anything less than fully committed.

With this thought, Shen Anning immediately looked toward Dowager Consort Dong on the main seat.

At the same time, Prince Ning's voice rang out: "Since Lady Lu has already accepted the diagnostic fee, can you now diagnose my mother's condition?"

Prince Ning spoke leisurely with a slight curl of his lips.

Shen Anning straightened her expression, curved her mouth into a smile, and began carefully observing Dowager Consort Dong's face. She noticed that Dowager Consort Dong's face was swollen, flushed, with pale lips. Although it was autumn and slightly cool, she was sweating profusely. Two maids stood closely behind her, one fanning her incessantly, the other serving tea every half-hour. These were typical symptoms of—

"Your Highness is suffering from wasting-thirst disease," Shen Anning concluded decisively.

She then explained in detail: "Wasting-thirst disease is characterized by excessive drinking, frequent urination, increased appetite, leading to either weight loss or obesity, fatigue, and many other symptoms. Your Highness's condition shares many similarities with that wealthy merchant from before. This illness is quite rare among common folk; it is an uncommon disease of affluence."

Shen Anning delivered her diagnosis seriously.

Dowager Consort Dong had initially thought she was all show and hadn't taken her previous words seriously. However, when she heard "disease of affluence," her expression shifted slightly to surprise, and she became more attentive.

Shen Anning smiled slightly and continued, "In fact, this illness is not incurable, but it requires some hardship. Although it may not be completely eradicated, achieving eighty or ninety percent recovery is not impossible."

At these words, Dowager Consort Dong quickly asked, "How can it be cured?"

Even Prince Ning set aside his earlier casual demeanor and looked at her seriously.

Shen Anning glanced around the room. Prince Ning seemed to guess her intention and raised an eyebrow slightly, instructing, "Bring writing materials."

A maid immediately brought ink and paper.

Shen Anning skillfully wrote out a prescription while explaining, "Your Highness must wake at *mao* hour, between 5 and 7 in the morning, each day and personally climb from the foot of Hanshan Temple to the summit. After reaching the top, pick hawthorn fruits from the back of the temple, brew them into a tea to drink morning and evening, and combine it with this prescription. After about a month, initial results should appear."

Shen Anning spoke unhurriedly.

After finishing, she repeated her instructions: "Remember, it must be done daily. No sedan chairs, no assistance—Your Highness must climb step by step on your own for it to be effective."

As she finished speaking, she completed the prescription and respectfully handed it to Dowager Consort Dong with both hands.

However, after she finished, Dowager Consort Dong merely pursed her lips and looked at Shen Anning for a long time without speaking.

At this moment, Prince Ning, who was standing nearby, suddenly laughed. He glanced at Dowager Consort Dong and said with a hint of amusement, "You see, this is the consequence of not listening to the Imperial Physicians."

It turned out that Shen Anning's advice was not unique; the Imperial Physicians had given similar counsel, though far less strict than Shen's. They had merely suggested that the dowager consort move around more, which she had never followed. Now, this Shen woman wanted her to personally climb a mountain over ten *li* (approximately 3 miles) high?

It was enough to make both mother and son couldn't help but find it amusing.

Seeing their expressions, Shen Anning guessed the reason. After all, the Imperial Medical Institute was full of talented physicians. Her prescription and method might seem rare and peculiar to common people, but to the wealthy and noble, they were nothing unusual.

However, instead of backing down or letting it go, Shen Anning looked seriously at Prince Ning and said, "Wasting-thirst disease may seem harmless at first, posing no immediate threat to life, but if left untreated, within a few years it can lead to sores on the hands and feet, facial ulcers, blindness, and in severe cases, damage to the heart and internal organs, even shortening one's lifespan. I hope Your Highness takes this seriously and does not neglect it. You should prioritize the dowager consort's health."

Here, Shen Anning's expression grew stern and serious: "I personally believe that the process of curing an illness is indeed arduous, and many lack the perseverance to see it through. But what in this world is not difficult? Those scholars studying for decades in harsh conditions—is that not difficult? Those street vendors shouting their wares from dawn to dusk—is that not difficult? Those monks practicing asceticism day and night in temples—is that not difficult? Everyone faces hardship and difficulty. So, naturally, overcoming illness is also difficult. If the dowager consort finds the treatment too hard to endure, then as her son, Prince Ning, you should find ways to personally supervise, even accompany her, and be directly involved until you help your mother successfully defeat this illness. Not stand by idly and watch her health deteriorate without care!"

Shen Anning herself had struggled fiercely with illness. Seeing a patient neglect their condition pained her deeply. In her agitation, she spoke bluntly. By the last sentence, her face was stern, carrying a rare severity.

*Your mother was right before you, yet you do not cherish her—unaware of how many people in the world longed for parents they could not have.*

Shen Anning, displeased by Prince Ning's casual attitude, could not help but subtly rebuke him.

As her words fell, the large room fell into sudden silence.

Prince Ning narrowed his eyes, his cold gaze fixed directly on Shen Anning's face.

Even Dowager Consort Dong widened her eyes slightly, seemingly astonished.

The two maids behind them trembled fearfully, instantly falling silent.

The air seemed frozen for a long time.

Just as one of the maids regained her composure and was about to step forward to scold Shen Anning, Prince Ning, his expression slightly dark, suddenly withdrew the coldness from his face. He slowly straightened up and, after a moment, looked at Shen Anning with a slight smile, saying amiably, "Lady Lu's admonition, this prince has taken to heart."

After a pause, he looked at her with gentle eyes and added, "I will diligently supervise my mother."

His sudden shift to a gentle demeanor successfully eased the tense atmosphere.

The maids withdrew one after another.

Dowager Consort Dong then secretly winked at Shen Anning.

After Prince Ning spoke, Shen Anning felt a sudden relief in her chest, though she realized she had broken out in a cold sweat unnoticed.

She had been too bold and defiant earlier—after all, he was a prince.

However, curing this wasting-thirst disease relied on persistence and hardship. The first step was to lose excess weight and gradually improve physical fitness; otherwise, no amount of medicine would help.

Fortunately, Prince Ning did not reprimand her for her boldness.

Seeing that her advice had been delivered and her goal for the day achieved, it was time to take her leave. Shen Anning slowly rose and bid farewell to both: "It is getting late. I will not disturb Your Highness and the dowager consort further."

Shen Anning gracefully prepared to depart.

But Prince Ning suddenly spoke again, curious: "Regarding this treatment for wasting-thirst disease, was it truly left by that barefoot doctor?"

Prince Ning quietly observed Shen Anning's graceful figure, a slight smile on his lips as he asked.

After all, treatments for such affluent diseases were usually only slightly addressed by the Imperial Medical Institute and were rarely seen among common people.

Shen Anning paused slightly at his words.

The story of the barefoot doctor was something she had made up. However, Shen Anning had indeed witnessed this illness firsthand because the previous sufferer was her mother-in-law, Fang Shi.

In her previous life, it was Shen Anning who accompanied Fang Shi step by step up Hanshan Temple, gradually curing the illness through perseverance.

She knew better than anyone the remarkable effects and the hardships involved.

In her previous life, this wasting-thirst disease was formally named by the Imperial Medical Institute, drawing from the experience with Dowager Consort Dong—though at the cost of her life.

Yes, Dowager Consort Dong had died of wasting-thirst disease in her previous life.

That was why Shen Anning had spoken so sternly earlier.

So, the moment Shen Anning saw Dowager Consort Dong today, she felt a strange coincidence of fate, as if things had come full circle. In her previous life, Dowager Consort Dong's life had saved Fang Shi and countless other patients with wasting-thirst disease. In this life, she was returning the favor to Dowager Consort Dong.

Fate had formed a perfect closed loop here.

Perhaps this was also part of the value of her rebirth.

However, these were things Shen Anning naturally could not reveal fully. After a moment of contemplation, she smiled faintly and said, "Naturally, it was."

Shen Anning spoke with an air of frankness. Having said this, she did not delay further and prepared to curtsey and take her leave.

To her surprise, Prince Ning stood up at that moment and walked over, personally saw her to the door. Just as Shen Anning was about to step outside, Prince Ning suddenly raised an eyebrow and looked at her, asking out of the blue, "Does Lord Lu treat you well?"

When he asked this, Prince Ning lowered his voice, his tone soft and lingering, as if whispering intimately to her.

He even leaned slightly closer in Shen Anning's direction.

Shen Anning shuddered and instinctively stepped aside.

His words and actions made her break out in goosebumps.

They had only just met, yet his behavior felt weirdly intimate and out of line.

Shen Anning looked his way and, lifting her eyes, met Prince Ning's smiling gaze. Their eyes met.

It was then that she noticed Prince Ning did not have phoenix eyes but rather fox-like eyes, with upturned corners and a faint, seemingly amused expression. Though he appeared approachable and carefree, his eyes were like dark, bottomless abysses, deep and unfathomable.

In that moment, Shen Anning was pretty sure that Prince Ning wasn't the careless playboy he appeared to be.

After a brief moment of eye contact, before Shen Anning could respond, Prince Ning smiled slightly, as if without malice, and said in a tone that was both joking and serious, "If Lord Lu does not treat you well, I've got your back."

With that, Prince Ning used his folding fan to lift the door curtain for Shen Anning.

Just as Shen Anning was about to quickly leave, she looked up and saw a tall, lean figure standing at the end of the corridor.

The man stood with jade-like grace, his figure elegant and upright like a pine tree atop a solitary peak.

It was… Lu Suian.

Lu Suian had appeared outside the door at some point, quietly watching them.

No one knew how long he had been standing there.

Shen Anning froze in place.

-----------------------

Author's Note:

Thank you all very much for your support. I will continue to work hard!