Volume One, Chapter 18: Refusal

"Your Highness, the matter has been settled," a deep voice echoed in the chamber.

A sharp glimmer flashed in Lin Wantai's eyes.

"Very good."

She paused, her tone icy. "Now, we wait and watch the drama unfold..."

After the shadow departed, the candlelight flickered within the room, casting Lin Wantai's features in an even colder relief. She paced slowly, her thoughts surging like the tide.

Zhao Qian's actions appeared to be mere probing, yet in truth, he pressed forward relentlessly. He had granted her three days—a span that was both an opportunity and a challenge. The slow-acting poison of the purple-gold vine meant that Murong Yunyi's body had long been accumulating toxins, and Zhao Qian's ambitions were far greater than simply controlling the prince's manor.

What did he truly want? With whom had he allied himself? These questions hung over Lin Wantai like a thick fog, shrouding her mind.

What troubled her most was Murong Yunyi's worsening illness. In recent days, he had grown ever more silent, his brows etched with deepening gloom, and bouts of severe headaches and palpitations plagued him.

Lin Wantai knew that Zhao Qian's arrival only compounded their misfortune. She had to find an antidote quickly, or there would be dire consequences.

She walked to the bedside, gazing at the sleeping Murong Yunyi, a wave of helplessness washing over her.

She hailed from the modern world, armed with advanced medical knowledge and agent skills—and yet, she felt utterly powerless.

The prince's manor was a vast cage, trapping her inside, and she must find a way to break free within the limited time given.

Gently, she stroked Murong Yunyi's cheek. The chill of her fingertips made him furrow his brow slightly.

A pang struck Lin Wantai's heart, and she clutched her chest.

Was this the emotion of the original host? So, the original owner had loved him so deeply?

Night had fallen, and the manor was cloaked in silence.

Lin Wantai, however, felt no trace of sleepiness. She retrieved several modern medical books and instruments from her bracelet's hidden space, and studied Murong Yunyi's condition with meticulous care.

Based on her previous diagnosis and analysis of the purple-gold vine's toxicity, she had devised a preliminary treatment plan, but some crucial medicinal ingredients were rare in this era.

"It seems I must make a journey myself," Lin Wantai murmured.

She knew the manor was riddled with hidden dangers; venturing out might invite even greater trouble, but she had no other choice.

For Murong Yunyi's sake, she had to risk it.

At dawn the next day, Lin Wantai left the manor, using the excuse of visiting her family.

She donned plain, inconspicuous clothing to mask her appearance, and made her way alone to Jishi Hall—the largest medical hall in the capital.

Jishi Hall bustled with people, the air thick with the scent of herbs.

Lin Wantai carefully examined the rows of medicinal ingredients, hoping to find suitable substitutes for her needs.

Just then, a familiar voice called out from behind her:

"Isn't that Her Highness the Princess? What brings you here alone?"

Lin Wantai tensed, turning slowly, only to see a regal, elegant woman standing behind her, a meaningful smile on her lips.

It was Lady Qin of the Chancellor's residence—Lin Wantai's stepmother.

Lady Qin was dressed today in a deep purple brocade gown, golden threads gleaming in the sunlight, enhancing her noble bearing. Two maids accompanied her, each holding a delicately carved wooden box, clearly containing precious items.

"Madam," Lin Wantai nodded slightly, her tone neither servile nor arrogant.

She wondered why Lady Qin appeared here, and what lay behind that enigmatic smile.

Lady Qin affectionately took Lin Wantai's hand, sizing her up before mocking, "It's only been a few days, and Your Highness has grown even more radiant. The Prince is truly blessed."

Lin Wantai withdrew her hand without betraying emotion, offering a faint smile. "You flatter me, Madam."

"Is it flattery?" Lady Qin covered her mouth and chuckled. "Just recently, I heard the Prince was suddenly struck by illness, and it was you who saved him. Such medical skill—those old physicians at the Imperial Hospital must surely feel ashamed."

Lin Wantai knew Lady Qin was not praising her abilities.

She understood Lady Qin's nature: never kind without ulterior motive.

As expected, Lady Qin changed the subject. "Your Highness, to be frank, I have not been well lately. I have sought out every renowned physician in the capital, but none can cure me. I hear you are skilled in medicine—would you do me the honor of visiting my residence and diagnosing me?"

Lin Wantai sneered inwardly. Lady Qin was as robust as ever—she hardly needed treatment.

Luring her back to the Chancellor's residence would surely mean unknown torment.

"Your favor is too great," Lin Wantai politely declined. "Now that I am married into the manor, my duty is to serve the Prince and attend to his health. If I were to be distracted by other concerns, it would be unbecoming of a princess."

Lady Qin seemed to have anticipated her refusal, showing no anger. Instead, she feigned even greater warmth. "Your Highness is truly virtuous and wise. The Prince is fortunate indeed.

Still, you need not be so constrained—it's good to leave the manor now and then.

You have been married less than half a month, and yet you do not even address your stepmother. Moreover, our residence is stocked with many rare medicinal herbs, which may aid the Prince's recovery."

As she spoke, Lady Qin signaled for her maids to open the wooden boxes.

Inside lay a dazzling array of rare herbs—ginseng, lingzhi, cordyceps, all exuding a rich medicinal fragrance.

Lin Wantai's gaze lingered on the herbs, and her heart stirred slightly.

They were indeed precious, and several were exactly what she had been seeking.

"Madam's kindness is appreciated," Lin Wantai replied, yet she still refused.

She bowed to Lady Qin, her tone steady and composed. "I am already wed into the Prince's manor, and matters of the Chancellor's residence are not mine to meddle in.

Moreover, the Prince's illness demands my constant care, leaving me no time to spare. Should Mother be unwell, the residence has its own physicians, and can even summon imperial doctors. My meager skills are hardly worth mentioning."

Lady Qin merely laughed softly. "Your Highness truly is devoted to the Prince. Yet, within the manor, the hearts of men are hard to fathom. Such... innocence may make it difficult to hold your ground."

She had meant to say 'naïve.'

Lin Wantai's eyes flickered. Lady Qin's words held a hidden warning.

She replied calmly, "Thank you for your advice, Madam. I shall remain cautious."

Lady Qin finally turned fully toward her, fixing Lin Wantai with a sharp gaze, her tone laced with menace. "Your Highness, I am here today with sincere intent. Do not refuse a toast only to be forced to drink."

Lin Wantai met Lady Qin's gaze without flinching, her eyes clear and resolute.

"Regret or not is my own affair, Madam. It concerns you not."

Suddenly, Lady Qin reached out, grasping Lin Wantai's wrist so tightly that it threatened to break her bones.

Lin Wantai winced from the pain, but her expression remained unchanged.

"You—" Lady Qin began, but abruptly stopped, her eyes falling upon a jade bracelet adorning Lin Wantai's wrist.