Chapter 15: Testing Her

Last night, I did everything I could to teach Qingluo, so today, it’s only right that she helps play the King!

Once the two of them changed into their costumes and appeared on stage, the Empress’s eyes immediately lit up—such attire was truly rare to see!

Qiao Qingyun had already prepared the music score and handed it to the musician. As soon as the performance began, she seized the twin swords in her hands, while Qingluo picked up the Conqueror’s Spear.

Since Qiao Qingyun’s role, Lady Yu, was not skilled in martial arts, she cowered delicately behind Qingluo. Fortunately, Qingluo was supple and easy to teach; after a whole night’s practice, she had already captured much of the essence today!

At last, Qingluo dropped to one knee, her body seemingly battered and bruised, the mighty spear planted in the ground. She spoke, “Yu Ji, do you regret?”

Having watched from the very beginning, the Empress now understood that this was a story of desperate love, a romance forged in the face of doom. She was completely captivated, and her attention lingered on Qiao Qingyun.

Such a woman—skilled in medicine and the dramatic arts—would certainly be an asset by Yuan Zaichun’s side. Better to keep her under her own watchful eye, lest any mischief arise.

Qiao Qingyun, frail and delicate, picked up a long sword from the ground. At that moment, it was as if she faced a thousand soldiers; tears streamed down her cheeks, yet her voice held steady: “I follow my lord, in life and death, without regret~”

As the words fell, the blade slid across her fair neck, and Qiao Qingyun collapsed to the floor, the sword dropping from her grasp.

“In my heart, you weigh the most,
Our joys and sorrows shared,
In life and death, together,
Your tender love carves its mark,
Yet returns me my heroic spirit!”

Qingluo possessed a fine voice, singing the song with extraordinary tenderness—her aim, to carve this moment deeply into the audience’s memory.

As the final note faded, Qingluo helped the prone Qiao Qingyun to her feet and bowed to the Empress. “Your humble servant’s meager skills have surely been a laughingstock to Your Majesty.”

Her bearing was neither servile nor arrogant, which surprised the Empress; this was not quite the demeanor of a general’s daughter.

Then again, since she was to be kept close in the future, what harm could she do, no matter how capable?

“Well,” the Empress said, “if you ever have the time, come and visit me often.”

After some polite conversation, Qiao Qingyun left the Empress’s palace with Yuan Zaichun.

Once outside the palace gate, Yuan Zaichun frowned and asked, “Weren’t we supposed to perform ‘The Drunken Concubine’? Why did you perform ‘Farewell, My Concubine’ instead?”

At his words, Qiao Qingyun turned to look at him with a faint smile, her eyes unreadable. “If Your Highness had wanted me to leave my life in the Empress’s hands, you could have just said so.”

Hearing this, Yuan Zaichun suddenly stopped in his tracks. Fortunately, Qiao Qingyun was quick to react and halted as well.

The prince turned, a flicker of anger in his eyes. “What do you mean by that?”

“I mean nothing by it,” she replied. “Had I performed ‘The Drunken Concubine’ before the Empress just now, it would be likening myself to a favored consort. Singing and dancing with Your Highness in private is one thing, but this is the imperial palace, and the Empress herself was present. The title of Consort is second only to Imperial Noble Consort, whose rank is equal to that of a deputy empress—the path to becoming Imperial Noble Consort passes through being a Consort.”

“The Empress might have taken it amiss.”

Qiao Qingyun explained herself thoroughly, as if afraid Yuan Zaichun would not understand. Yet her reasoning left him slightly stunned.

It was true—he had paid no attention to such details and never expected there were so many unspoken rules.

“Hmm,” he grunted.

After all, as the Crown Prince, even if he made a mistake, a simple “hmm” sufficed. Was she expecting an apology?

Watching Yuan Zaichun hurry ahead, Qiao Qingyun grinned. Why did the Crown Prince seem a little cute at times?

They were nearly at Xuanwu Gate when Qiao Qingyun decided to board the carriage first and rest for a while. Just then, a gentle, elegant young woman approached, bowed to Yuan Zaichun, and greeted him, “Elder Brother Crown Prince.”

“Mm, Third Sister.”

Indeed, though the Crown Prince was ninth among the princes, he was the eldest son of the principal wife, born before this princess.

Qiao Qingyun paused, then bowed deeply. “Peace and blessings to Your Highness, Princess.”

At the sight of Qiao Qingyun, Princess Yongning’s expression brightened. “You must be Brother Crown Prince’s fiancée?”

“I have not yet formally entered the household,” Qiao Qingyun replied.

After all, nothing was settled yet; it would not do to call herself the Crown Princess before others.

“Miss Qiao, you are too modest. I hear your medical skills are excellent. If you have time today, could you come to my palace and take a look?”

At this, Qiao Qingyun’s first instinct was to glance at Yuan Zaichun. One had to confirm whether such a person was safe or not.

Otherwise, what if she entered and was executed on a whim? That would be a pointless death.

Yuan Zaichun nodded. “I will accompany you.”

To ensure Qiao Qingyun’s safety, he agreed. Not that it was necessary—he was simply worried she might stir up trouble.

His sister was always clever and unpredictable; though she appeared gentle and refined, she could be ruthless when she chose.

Princess Yongning’s given name was Yuan Rou, which perfectly suited her temperament and put Qiao Qingyun somewhat at ease.

“My chief maid’s skin has not been well lately; she often breaks out in red rashes. I am quite worried. She has served me since childhood, and I can’t just sit by and watch her suffer.”

Ah… so it was the chief maid.

So, in other words…

Qiao Qingyun’s mind raced, and she instantly understood Yuan Rou’s intention.

This was a test. She wanted to see Qiao Qingyun’s medical skills for herself. That was fine—there was nothing to hide.

They arrived at Yuan Rou’s palace, where a maid with a face full of rashes, veiled with white gauze, greeted them. “Peace and blessings to Your Highness the Crown Prince, Your Highness the Princess.”

“Rise.”

Though Yuan Zaichun was the Crown Prince, he seldom visited the princess’s palace. Men and women kept their distance, and had it not been necessary, he would not have bothered to come.

“Yan’er, come let Miss Qiao take a look.”

At Yuan Rou’s summons, the veiled maid hurried forward and stood before Qiao Qingyun. “Greetings, Miss Qiao.”

“Take off your veil,” Qiao Qingyun instructed.

“Yes, miss.”

Without hesitation, the maid removed her veil, revealing a face that was nearly unbearable to look at.

“Have you used anything you might be allergic to?” Qiao Qingyun frowned, seeing that some spots were already festering, while others were merely red and swollen.