Chapter 60: You Can't Help Me

These were all matters between their masters—he, as a subordinate, could hardly understand them. But what he truly didn’t understand was why His Highness always asked him? Under Yuan Zaichun’s gaze, which swept him from head to toe, he broke out in goosebumps.

“My lord… today Her Grace escaped death by a hair’s breadth. No one could be so easily appeased after such an ordeal. If someone had harmed you, my lord—if you had nearly died, and then survived—tell me, would you forgive them?”

Hearing this analogy from Liu Fu, Yuan Zaichun was just about to reprimand him, but then thought better of it. Indeed, if someone had brought him to such a state, forgiveness wouldn’t even be the question—it would be whether that person could continue living at all.

Seeing that Yuan Zaichun was wavering, Liu Fu hurried to press his point further. “Forgive my boldness, but Her Grace is of use to you, my lord. If you treat her thus, even if you want her to do something for you in the future, what if she turns against you?”

“You’ve seen for yourself what Her Grace is capable of—she can kill without anyone noticing, and there’s hardly any need for her to save lives at all. If you want her help in saving someone, just look at what it cost Young Master Fengke.”

Liu Fu steered the conversation to emphasize just how useful Qiao Qingyun was, knowing only this would give Yuan Zaichun a way to back down with dignity. He had served at Yuan Zaichun’s side since childhood, and knew the Crown Prince’s temperament better than anyone.

“You’re right. If I push her away now, I may not be able to call on her when I truly need her.”

For seven days in a row, Qiao Qingyun stayed in the clinic. The place grew more crowded by the day, and tales of the “living goddess” in Taihe Medical Hall became ever more fantastical—some claiming she could raise the dead. Qiao Qingyun, hearing these stories, merely smiled. She knew the truth of her own abilities, and no rumor could sway her.

“Your Grace, you wouldn’t believe it—people outside say that the goddess of our clinic is a celestial maiden come down to earth. Everyone hopes to catch a glimpse of you.”

“We’ve already tried to turn them away, saying you’re unwell, but now they say your illness is heaven’s punishment for saving too many lives and defying the mandate of the gods.”

Hearing such nonsense made Qiao Qingyun burst out laughing. “I never imagined such tales would circulate.”

“Indeed, Your Grace. Should you perhaps explain yourself to them?”

Qingluo, who had long been attending to her, asked. Hong Ying and Zhong Shi hadn’t come, not because they didn’t want to, but because with Qingluo already here, the Prince’s residence wouldn’t send more people. The fewer who knew, the better.

“Enough, let’s focus on treating the sick. If we can save them, we will. But if someone is truly beyond help, I’m not as miraculous as they claim.” Qiao Qingyun smiled wryly.

“Yes, Qingluo understands.”

During this period, Qiao Qingyun did all she could to recover her health, but the injuries to her internal organs made every movement slow and laborious. She could only take things one step at a time.

“One of the visitors outside wishes to see Your Grace.”

One morning, after days of careful recuperation, Qiao Qingyun finally felt strong enough to walk without such effort. Qingluo entered, watching her with a tentative expression.

“Who is it?” Qiao Qingyun didn’t even look up from her medicines.

“It’s Her Highness, the Princess.”

At these words, Qiao Qingyun’s hands stilled. She nodded. “Show her in.”

Though Taihe Medical Hall had gained a reputation, it was still a clinic—unless someone was ill, there were rarely crowds.

“Yes.” With Qiao Qingyun’s permission, the visitors entered.

The first thing she saw was Yuan Rou’s haggard face, and by her side stood Yan’er, silent and withdrawn. It was obvious Yuan Rou was in low spirits; even her maid dared not speak.

“What’s the matter?” Qiao Qingyun looked at Yuan Rou with a hint of concern.

Yuan Rou hesitated, bowing her head. “Greetings, sister-in-law.”

“Enough with the formalities. We’re outside the palace here. Are you unwell, Princess?”

At Qiao Qingyun’s gentle question, Yuan Rou shook her head, but her eyes instantly reddened.

“Sister-in-law…”

“All right, don’t cry. Come, let’s talk in the consultation room.”

Putting down her herbs, Qiao Qingyun supported her waist and walked with Yuan Rou to the consulting room. Seeing her condition, Yuan Rou frowned in worry. “Is your health still not recovered, sister-in-law?”

“No. It’s an internal injury—it needs time and care, or it could relapse at any moment.” Qiao Qingyun gave a wry smile, sitting down beside her.

“Did you come today because there’s something you wish to discuss?” Qiao Qingyun could tell that Yuan Rou wouldn’t have come in tears unless something had happened.

“Sister-in-law…” Yuan Rou’s tears suddenly overflowed, startling Qiao Qingyun. She glanced at Yan’er, who said nothing, only lowered her eyes to Yuan Rou.

“It’s my mother. She wants to marry me to the son of a fourth-ranked official.”

“Isn’t that a good match? A fourth-ranked official isn’t so high, but if he’s kind to you, isn’t that enough?” Qiao Qingyun was puzzled—all princesses faced political marriages; to marry and remain in the capital was considered fortunate.

“No, it’s not like that. That man—he’s a notorious libertine, always lingering in the pleasure quarters. He’s only marrying me because of my mother.”

Yuan Rou seemed to collapse as she spoke, leaving Qiao Qingyun bewildered. “How could that be? I would never think Lady Shu would—”

“Enough—” Yuan Rou interrupted, glancing at Yan’er, who immediately left and shut the door, leaving the two alone.

“What is it? Tell me—perhaps I can help?”

Yuan Rou shook her head. “You cannot help me, sister-in-law.”

“Why not?” Qiao Qingyun still didn’t understand. Yuan Rou was a princess—surely she had some say in her fate.

“Because the imperial edict arrives at the residence tomorrow. After that, I will not be able to leave.”

At these words, Qiao Qingyun understood immediately—this was a marriage she could not refuse.

“So, that’s why you asked about Lord Yun that day?” Qiao Qingyun inquired.