Chapter 19 Is He Afraid of Me?

Chapter 19: He's Afraid of Me?

After the banquet, the Young Miracle Doctor, Mu Baicao, had already slipped away from prying eyes and was waiting at the Crown Prince's residence.

Jiang Yanzhou was asleep, carried back to Yan Gui Xuan (the Swallow's Return Pavilion) by Xiao Yunlang without waking, sleeping deeply.

Mu Baicao applied silver needles to several of his pressure points, then withdrew them to examine carefully.

A moment later, he jumped up. "No mistake, it's 'Bujianyue'!"

Xiao Yunlang had been somewhat distracted since getting off the carriage. Hearing this, he snapped back to attention. "What?"

"A potent poison! Though it's chronic, it's exceptionally torturous. It flares up on the fifteenth of every month. When it strikes, the pain is unbearable, like ten thousand arrows piercing the heart. It could break even the strongest spirit, reducing one to begging for mercy."

"I only saw this in an ancient text my master had hidden away. I thought this drug had long fallen into obscurity. To think I'd have the fortune to see it now!"

Mu Baicao had initially been thrilled at encountering a legendary poison, his face lit up. But as he spoke, his voice gradually trailed off.

Because he saw Xiao Yunlang's face darken, cold enough to freeze over.

Mu Baicao finally snapped out of his excitement, realizing the situation was inappropriate. This wasn't the time to be lost in his own world over discovering a new drug.

He cleared his throat lightly, then remembered something else. He glanced back at Jiang Yanzhou, puzzled and incredulous.

"Such pain... how did he endure it?"

Xiao Yunlang wondered the same thing.

Just moments ago, he had thought it might only be a bit of discomfort. But Mu Baicao said... ten thousand arrows piercing the heart.

Jiang Yanzhou had said that if he were to be killed, to make it quick, because he feared pain.

Someone who's afraid of pain, yet endured an entire banquet without a sound, only crying out once his plan had succeeded.

But even his muffled groans were restrained. Xiao Yunlang remembered holding him, his body trembling like a withered leaf, from the pain, and also from still trying to hold back.

Clearly, Jiang Yanzhou had barely any strength left.

For such a man, to say he only sought revenge against the Jiang family would be far too narrow.

Jiang Yanzhou first saved Jiangbei, then strategized for the borderlands. The disaster victims of Jiangbei were thus rescued, and the stalemate in the northwest showed a slight opening.

Little Young Master Jiang possesses the talent of a statesman, a pillar of the nation.

Even if he sought a broader path for himself, if he wanted to become an official, Xiao Yunlang would willingly pave the way for him, because he cares for the world and its people.

But.

The one who did all this... sought neither fame nor profit. He said he was just...

For me?

Xiao Yunlang couldn't help but recall their first meeting again—Jiang Yanzhou in red robes, the look in his eyes under the candlelight.

And knowing that Little Young Master Jiang might have a preference for men.

Could it be that he harbors feelings for—

Xiao Yunlang suddenly clenched his fist, knuckles cracking sharply.

Mu Baicao jumped in fright, hopping back.

"Heavens, was that the table cracking?! You look terrifying!"

But the little miracle doctor mulled it over, then added, "Though, which day aren't you terrifying? One gets used to it, gets used to it."

Xiao Yunlang's features were sharply defined, the candlelight casting a deep, unmoving shadow beneath his eyes.

He pressed his knuckles, his voice low. "Chronic, requires antidote monthly, and Jiang Yanzhou himself knows about it."

Listing them out one by one, only one conclusion could be drawn.

"This poison is inextricably linked to the Jiang family."

Hearing this, Mu Baicao gasped softly, shaking his head with a sigh. "Even a vicious tiger doesn't eat its own cubs. Jiang Linque is truly ruthless."

Another score to settle with the Jiang family. For now, Xiao Yunlang only cared about one thing. "Can it be cured?"

"Yes!" Mu Baicao stated firmly. "But his foundation is weak. Even after it's cured, for a year or two, he might still feel some discomfort around the fifteenth of each month. If he experiences chest tightness or fatigue, it's normal, no need to worry."

Speaking of his foundation, Xiao Yunlang said, "The imperial physician once said he was born..."

Xiao Yunlang paused, but Mu Baicao was direct. "Said he was born with a weak constitution, wouldn't live long?"

Xiao Yunlang frowned, slowly nodding once.

"At first, my examination suggested the same. But upon closer inspection just now, I detected something else."

Mu Baicao extended two fingers, mimicking a probing motion. "Beneath his weak pulse, there's actually a faint thread of vitality hidden. It's strange, contradictory, but it's definitely there."

"By following this thread of vitality, treating him well, nurturing him properly," the little miracle doctor brought his two fingers together emphatically, "he still has a chance to live to a ripe old age!"

The gloom that had settled on Xiao Yunlang's face all evening finally lightened slightly. This was the sentence he had been waiting for.

He released the knuckles he had been pressing for a while. "You decide the treatment. Ask for whatever you need. Save him, and I owe you a favor."

Mu Baicao was straightforward too, patting his medicine chest. "No need for favors. Can the consultation fee be doubled? I treated many refugees on my own dime on the way back from Jiangbei. My purse is truly feeling shy!"

He stated his 'shyness' with righteous confidence. Xiao Yunlang gave a short laugh. "Have Steward Wang advance you the silver."

Mu Baicao chuckled. "Alright. I see you care quite a bit about this new advisor. Can you rest easy now?"

Xiao Yunlang's expression grew complicated again.

Far from resting easy.

Especially now that he knew... Jiang Yanzhou might like him.

If it were anyone else, man or woman, Xiao Yunlang would simply keep his distance and be done with it.

But it just had to be Jiang Yanzhou.

Dragging the Prince of Jin into the water, nearly costing him half his life; enduring the agony of a potent poison to strategize for the borderlands. If all of this was truly for Xiao Yunlang...

By reason and by sentiment, Xiao Yunlang could not, and should not, distance himself from him.

But Xiao Yunlang had always been indifferent to matters of love and affection, and had no intention of changing.

He had survived to this day precisely because he never gambled on people's hearts.

After he took a master in his childhood and his life improved somewhat, the sixth prince, Xiao Yunlang, heard that a eunuch serving by his side was going through a difficult time due to family troubles, so he bestowed some silver on him.

The eunuch immediately knelt in gratitude, kowtowing so hard that his head thumped loudly against the ground, pledging with heartfelt sincerity that he would lay down his life for His Highness.

The young prince believed him, and later, the eunuch betrayed him.

When the eunuch was executed, the nanny held Xiao Yunlang by the shoulders, making him watch closely.

"Your Highness, it wasn't easy for you to secure your life. The human heart is the hardest thing to fathom in this world. I don’t wish for you to become cold and unfeeling, but if even survival is a struggle, what’s the point of talking about emotions?"

Listening to the words behind him, the sixth prince’s still-youthful face set in a stern expression as he stared at the bloodied eunuch.

"True sincerity is rare, and it’s even harder to find by your side. Since that’s the case, why not abandon such hopes altogether? Without desires, one becomes strong. In the future, you won’t have to suffer for anyone, nor will you be manipulated by anyone. The only one who can control you is yourself!"

The cage of thorns accompanied the sixth prince throughout his childhood and adolescence.

The nanny said that her devotion to Xiao Yunlang was also driven by self-interest, not entirely for his sake.

But she was genuinely good to him, so although Xiao Yunlang didn’t believe in emotions, at least he didn’t grow into a cold and ungrateful person.

His teacher also taught him to govern with benevolence.

Thus, Xiao Yunlang was iron-hearted when he needed to be, yet was generous and tolerant when the situation called for it.

And he never intended to give his heart to anyone.

If Jiang Yanzhou truly liked him, he would continue to treat Jiang Yanzhou with the courtesy due to a scholar of great talent, while being mindful of boundaries and never overstepping.

He would be good to him, yet ensure he didn’t misunderstand.

Over time, given Jiang Yanzhou’s intelligence, even if he did harbor extra affection, it should fade away.

If Xiao Yunlang was overthinking it and Jiang Yanzhou actually had no such intentions, then all would be well.

Xiao Yunlang quickly sorted things out with decisive clarity. In any case, he had to focus on restoring Jiang Yanzhou’s health first and tell him that, regardless of the reason, he didn’t need to push himself so hard.

Jiang Yanzhou was naturally frail to begin with and should always consider his own health first.

Xiao Yunlang wasn’t so useless that he couldn’t even provide an environment for recuperation.

From now on, he would also keep a close eye on him, not letting him endure everything alone.

*

The Lantern Festival banquet ended, but the incident it sparked still had to be addressed in court.

The Wuzi envoys were escorted back to the post station and placed under guard that very night. Coincidentally, the Ministry of Punishments actually found Qingpeng Grass in their quarters!

This was something neither Jiang Yanzhou nor Xiao Yunlang had anticipated—it seemed even heaven wasn’t on Wuzi’s side.

The Wuzi envoys were immediately confined, while Wuli was taken to prison and interrogated.

Although he loudly protested his innocence, at this point, whether he spoke or not no longer mattered.

What mattered was how the emperor intended to proceed.

Emperor Yonghe hadn’t been in a hurry to turn his attention to the borderlands, but since Wuzi was practically handing him an opportunity, he had no reason to refuse.

Following the Crown Prince’s proposal, they used this case to negotiate with Wuzi regarding the issue of mounted bandits harassing the border.

The emperor agreed to the discussions, while the Wei family, eager to dominate the upcoming cabinet reshuffle, loudly praised "His Majesty’s wisdom," their flattery echoing through the hall.

What surprised them most was the Jiang family.

Jiang Linque actually didn’t voice opposition either.

Not only did he express support, but he also praised Minister Wei, saying he was deeply concerned for the nation and its people, with the borderlands at heart.

This series of events set off alarm bells for Minister Wei, snapping him back to sobriety.

What? Had that old Jiang fellow taken the wrong medicine, just like his son!?

Minister Wei narrowed his eyes, his earlier arrogance instantly deflating as he pulled his head in, his mind racing with calculations.

With the two major factions of the noble families laying down their arms, the court discussions proceeded with unusual harmony.

As for the victim, Jiang Yanzhou… no one in court paid him any mind. Amidst affairs of state, who remembered a sickly man?

He was constantly falling ill anyway. Being poisoned with Qingpeng Grass hadn’t killed him, so sending some condolences afterward would suffice.

In the emperor’s eyes, after the relief efforts in Jiangbei and the Jiang family’s setbacks, Jiang Yanzhou had temporarily lost his importance.

The next time the emperor would seriously think of this person would likely be when he clashed with the Jiang family again.

The rise and fall of court politics rendered the useless as insignificant as ants, unworthy of attention.

And Jiang Yanzhou, whom these people paid no mind to, was currently being confined in Xiao Yunlang’s residence, a pale section of his wrist exposed as he obediently allowed the Young Miracle Doctor to take his pulse.

At least now, someone cared about him.

This time, Jiang Yanzhou wasn’t ill. Once the Bujianyue episode passed, he slept through the night, took his medicine, and was largely fine.

It was only today that he learned the person who treated him at the banquet was actually Mu Baicao!

Mu Baicao, a medical sage of his generation, compassionate and skilled, who compiled famous medical texts that would remain essential reading in traditional Chinese medicine even a thousand years later.

Who would have thought Mu Baicao had already crossed paths with Xiao Yunlang so early on? This was never recorded in the history books.

Two legendary figures, and such an important intersection went unrecorded—what a pity!

Jiang Yanzhou almost wished he could pick up a brush and become the historian himself.

Jiang Yanzhou kept staring intently at Mu Baicao.

Mu Baicao was straightforward and open, but under Jiang Yanzhou’s expressive gaze, he found, for the first time, that his skin wasn’t as thick as he thought.

He grew embarrassed.

Because when Jiang Yanzhou looked at him, his eyes seemed to hold stars, his eyelashes fluttering with a sparkling light.

Blushing, Mu Baicao unconsciously straightened his posture, adopting the profound and mysterious demeanor of a miracle doctor, pretending to be solemn and serious.

Jiang Yanzhou appeared even more admiring.

Xiao Yunlang, sitting to the side: "..."

Watching Mu Baicao suddenly put on this profound act, he inexplicably felt his fingers itch.

Then he looked at Jiang Yanzhou—Jiang Yanzhou—

Did he stare so intently at everyone he met for the first time??

Although known as the Young Miracle Doctor, Mu Baicao was actually almost twenty, a year or two older than them. However, due to his early fame, everyone had grown accustomed to the title.

The Young Miracle Doctor possessed exceptional medical skills and was also quite good-looking.

And he was male.

Previously, Liu Hexuan had mentioned that when Jiang Yanzhou first saw him, the look Jiang Yanzhou gave him made Liu Hexuan feel like the God of Literature himself.

Liu Hexuan found himself speaking to Jiang Yanzhou more gently than to others.

"Regardless of background, Young Master Jiang truly has a way of making people like him," Liu Hexuan once said to Xiao Yunlang.

Xiao Yunlang's knuckles had been itching for a while. Seeing that Mu Baicao had finished taking the pulse and was about to withdraw his hand, yet hesitated, wanting to put on his miracle doctor's airs and enjoy being admired, he placed his fingers back on Jiang Yanzhou's wrist.

Xiao Yunlang finally slammed his hand on the table with a heavy thump.

Both Jiang Yanzhou and Mu Baicao were startled. Mu Baicao, frightened, immediately retracted his hand.

The wooden board echoed with a deep sound, and Xiao Yunlang's voice was even deeper: "Did you feel anything?"

"Mhm, like mutton-fat jade, such smooth skin... Ahem, no!" Mu Baicao's survival instinct kicked in strongly. "There's no major issue. Just follow the prescription I wrote, take the medicine three times a day along with the supplementary pills. Not a single one should be missed!"

Jiang Yanzhou pulled down his sleeve, warily watching Xiao Yunlang's face, unsure.

Earlier, he had already obediently explained the entire story of Bujianyue under the Crown Prince's stormy look.

The wise Crown Prince understood and let it go.

After all, initially, with the imperial authority and the Jiang family's stance between them, it wasn't the right time to be completely open.

However, before planning the Lantern Festival banquet, Xiao Yunlang had given enough trust. For Jiang Yanzhou to remain silent was a bit much.

Jiang Yanzhou originally wanted to tell the truth, saying, "My poisoning wasn't a big deal; I didn't think it needed mentioning."

But seeing Xiao Yunlang's icy expression, he wisely swallowed those words.

Jiang Yanzhou didn't feel guilty, yet for some reason, he felt a twinge of nervousness.

Perhaps the Prince's imposing presence was too overwhelming. Jiang Yanzhou carefully revised his statement: "I didn't realize the poisoning episode would be so unbearable. I originally planned to tell you after the Lantern Festival banquet. I misjudged the situation."

Although this excuse was still rather weak, it at least framed it as an oversight, letting him off the hook.

Xiao Yunlang reflected: Jiang Yanzhou intended to tell him after the matter was settled, which suggested that he might have felt Xiao Yunlang's earlier trust wasn't sufficient.

Jiang Yanzhou was worried and afraid.

Indeed, even for those who preferred the company of men, unless it was love at first sight, it usually takes time to develop feelings for someone.

But for someone with Jiang Yanzhou's quick mind, love at first sight was almost nonexistent.

That phrase "for you" might have been something vague he muttered while out of it. Jiang Yanzhou was too exhausted then; perhaps he didn't finish his sentence.

He had overthought it. Jiang Yanzhou had no romantic feelings for him.

This was a good thing.

Xiao Yunlang thought calmly.

Since Jiang Yanzhou felt the trust wasn't enough, he would set an example, showing through his actions and those of his entire household, that they were all in this together, with no need to fear him.

They were partners in a major scheme; there should be no trust issues between them.

His table slam was aimed at Mu Baicao, but unexpectedly, Jiang Yanzhou also sat up straight, cup in hand.

Xiao Yunlang's fingers paused.

He slowly spread his hand flat on the table, pulled in his long legs from where they were sprawled under the table, adjusted his black boots, and adopted a posture that seemed less overbearing.

"I'll have someone prepare his medicine on time every day."

Mu Baicao, jolted back to reality, nodded hurriedly: "Mhm, mhm. He should also have a medicinal bath every five or six days. I've already written the prescription."

Xiao Yunlang then said to Jiang Yanzhou: "Our schemes here don't require its advisors to risk their necks. You must take care of yourself from now on."

Observing the situation, Jiang Yanzhou felt Xiao Yunlang had likely let the matter pass. He let out a sigh of relief, thinking it was fortunate he endured the pain and didn't ruin the grand plan.

Otherwise, he'd have a lot to answer for.

—This was Jiang Yanzhou's post-banquet conclusion.

So, Jiang Yanzhou was agreeing to whatever Xiao Yunlang said now. He relaxed his shoulders: "Jiang Yinhan will deliver the medicine tomorrow."

Jiang Yanzhou also explained the back-and-forth with Jiang Linque. Jiang Linque, realizing the poison was ineffective, planned to give him the antidote.

Although he left out the crucial start and the part where he threatened Jiang Linque with his life.

Because it was unnecessary; having the result was enough.

"With me here, who needs his medicine!" Mu Baicao first sneered, then added, turning back: "But when the medicine arrives, let me take a look."

Jiang Yanzhou nodded obediently.

"Your Highness." Feng Yi strode in. "There's a summons from the palace."

Xiao Yunlang gave a nod of acknowledgment. Just as he was about to rise, Mu Baicao's stomach suddenly growled.

"Ah," Mu Baicao rubbed his belly. "I'm hungry."

Xiao Yunlang was about to have a servant show the doctor to the front hall to prepare a meal when he heard Jiang Yanzhou invite him: "Would you like to have something to eat here? I've been eating smaller, more frequent meals lately and was just about to eat."

Mu Baicao clapped his hands in delight: "Great, great! Then I'll— Hey! Crown Prince, why are you dragging me!?"

Xiao Yunlang expressionlessly grabbed Mu Baicao by the back of his collar and started dragging him off: "I have something to discuss with you. I'll take you to the front hall to eat along the way."

Mu Baicao was dragged along like a misbehaving kitten. Knowing he couldn't match the strength, he didn't struggle, only muttered: "But I wanted to eat with him..."

Xiao Yunlang insisted forcefully: "No, you don't. Doctor, you said it yourself: don't disturb the patient's rest."

Mu Baicao immediately widened his eyes, twisting his neck to argue: "No, where did I disturb him!?"

Their squabbling faded as Xiao Yunlang dragged him away, disappearing around the corridor.

Feng Lan stood behind Jiang Yanzhou. He wondered if the Crown Prince's forceful methods might scare Young Master Jiang. He prepared to explain on behalf of his lord.

"Young Master, His Highness actually..."

"I understand."

Jiang Yanzhou held his teacup, remarked with a sigh: "They have such a good relationship."

Feng Lan: "..."

He gave a firm nod. "Yeah, that's right."

Indeed, because Jiang Yanzhou was often sick and looked frail, people easily forgot he was the kind of man capable of dragging the Prince of Jin down into the water with him.

How could he possibly be frightened by a little manhandling?

Feng Lan shifted gears: "The Jiang residence has already submitted a visiting card. Vice Minister Jiang will come tomorrow. Where would you like to meet him, sir?"

Jiang Yanzhou put his cup down, thought for a moment, and said: "In the front hall."

Feng Lan: "Yes, sir."

The eldest son of the Jiang family, Jiang Yinhan, was cut from the same cloth as Jiang Linque—both in awe and fear of their father. Though he didn't seem as ruthless, he never hesitated to do their dirty work.

Although *Yan Gui Xuan* was only his temporary residence now, and once he had divorced Xiao Yunlang, this place would no longer have anything to do with Jiang Yanzhou, as long as he was here, he didn't want someone like Jiang Yinhan setting foot inside.

Still, Jiang Yinhan was worth meeting—he could be useful.

In the power struggles among the noble houses, the Jiang family had temporarily laid down their arms due to the disaster relief case, so it was the Wei family's turn to stumble.

The Jiang family would certainly take action.

Killing with a borrowed knife would save the Crown Prince's residence the trouble.

Just a little nudge at the right moment.

Meanwhile, after hauling Mu Baicao some distance away, Xiao Yunlang let go and actually had something to say.

"Stay tomorrow night. We're having a Lantern Festival dinner."

Mu Baicao hopped from foot to foot while rubbing his neck, complaining about Xiao Yunlang's brute force. Hearing this, he turned his head in confusion: "Didn't we already have the Lantern Festival banquet? And the festival is over."

Xiao Yunlang rotated his wrist, scoffing mockingly: "You call what happened at the palace a banquet?"

Mu Baicao thought about it and realized it had indeed turned into a big drama, lacking the true festive joy of the Lantern Festival.

Mu Baicao: "Alright then, but wasn't it the same every year? Why didn't you ever hold a separate banquet afterward?"

Xiao Yunlang: "There are more people this year."

What do you mean, more people? Mu Baicao couldn't figure it out. Wasn't it the same every year...

Oh.

If one had to say, this year there was an extra Crown Princess!

But wasn't that just in name, actually a strategist?

Why didn't he get such treatment back then?

Mu Baicao straightened his collar and clasped his hands behind his back, sensing there'd be more drama to come in the Crown Prince's residence.