Chapter 129: Tit for Tat

Tan Qingjiu raised an eyebrow. Was this man actually planning to help her solicit patients?

While Tan Qingjiu was whispering with Shen Yingjue, Shen Xiao spoke up from the side: "General Yang has been away on the battlefield for the past two years, so it is only natural that you are unaware of what has been happening in Jingcheng, and thus do not know of the Miracle Doctor."

"Although the Miracle Doctor has only been back in the capital for two months, her reputation is already illustrious."

"Most of the patients who pass through her hands suffer from critical conditions, even incurable maladies that have stumped many famous physicians. Yet, Miracle Doctor Tan has never once faltered; her medicine is always effective, and her skill is nothing short of miraculous. Even the illness of Prince Duan is something that Miracle Doctor Tan has been able to bring under control..."

Shen Xiao’s eyes curved into crescents. "I hear that Old Madam Yang has been ailing lately and has seen many doctors to no avail; perhaps you might let Miracle Doctor Tan take a look."

Tan Qingjiu turned her head to look at Shen Xiao, a flicker of confusion in her eyes. Why would Shen Xiao step forward to solicit clients for her at such a time?

Before the thought could even fully form, someone else chimed in: "The Heir apparent speaks as if he is intimately familiar with Miracle Doctor Tan."

"One must remember that Miracle Doctor Tan is, after all, Prince Duan’s betrothed."

"The Heir should perhaps exercise a little more discretion, should he not? Someone who didn't know better might mistake her for the Heir's own betrothed wife."

Upon hearing this, Shen Yingjue’s expression darkened. He slammed his teacup onto the low table with a sharp, crisp clatter.

Tan Qingjiu turned back to look at Shen Yingjue, about to ask what kind of act they were putting on, when she heard Shen Xiao’s voice rise again: "What nonsense are you spouting? Do you not yet know the relationship between the Miracle Doctor and myself?"

"What relationship? Hahaha, the Miracle Doctor is the Heir's aunt."

Shen Xiao’s gaze drifted lightly over Tan Qingjiu. He squinted slightly, a smile playing on his lips: "More than that. Not only is the Miracle Doctor my aunt, she is also my wife's sister."

"This relationship is truly... a tangled mess."

Shen Yingjue abruptly swept his teacup off the table. With a sharp crack, the porcelain shattered.

Everyone turned to look in their direction. Shen Yingjue’s gaze was icy: "Do you all think I am dead?"

"To dare discuss my consort so flippantly right before my eyes—your courage is truly remarkable."

As Shen Yingjue spoke, his gaze settled back on Shen Xiao’s face: "The Princess Duan is indeed the sister of your consort, but as of now, she is your aunt. You would do well to know your place and keep your philandering ways away from me, otherwise..."

"Oh my, Uncle is so fierce; I’m terrified."

Shen Xiao burst into laughter, while the look on Shen Yingjue’s face grew increasingly ugly.

Tan Qingjiu narrowed her eyes, observing the scene, a suspicion beginning to form in her mind. This whole display must be a play directed by Shen Yingjue, right? Since Shen Yingjue had impersonated the Heir of Dingwang during their first meeting, and given the change in the Heir’s expression when she first announced her name, it was clear that Shen Yingjue had coordinated with him beforehand.

Therefore, Shen Xiao was aware of Shen Yingjue’s deception. Their relationship was likely quite good. Yet, here at the palace banquet, they were at each other’s throats, the air thick with tension. It must be... for the benefit of others.

Tan Qingjiu pondered this silently. Shen Yingjue was just about to rise in anger when the voice of an attendant echoed from outside: "His Majesty has arrived."

Everyone hurriedly stood up, and Shen Yingjue’s figure became less conspicuous among the crowd.

"Long live His Majesty, long live, long, long live."

After a moment, the voice of Shen Yanhua came from the high seat: "Rise and take your seats."

Everyone sat down, except for Shen Yingjue, who remained standing stiffly.

"Prince Duan?" Shen Yanhua squinted, his gaze sweeping over Shen Yingjue and Shen Xiao before landing on Tan Qingjiu.

The moment Tan Qingjiu met Shen Yanhua’s gaze, she understood: he had, in all likelihood, already heard about the conflict between Shen Yingjue and Shen Xiao.

Shen Yingjue pursed his lips: "Father, I am feeling a bit unwell and would like to have the Princess Duan accompany me for a walk in the Imperial Garden."

Shen Yanhua lowered his eyes: "Very well, go. Return shortly."

After granting permission, Shen Yanhua looked at Tan Qingjiu: "Princess Duan, there are palace servants throughout the Imperial Garden; if anything happens, you may call for them."

He was clearly worried about Shen Yingjue suffering a sudden episode.

"Yes."

Shen Yingjue, acting as if he could not wait a moment longer, strode out of the great hall. Tan Qingjiu hurriedly offered a bow of apology and chased after him: "Your Highness, Your Highness!"

Shen Yingjue walked fast and with purpose. Tan Qingjiu chased him for quite a while before he finally stopped at a lakeside pavilion in the Imperial Garden.

Tan Qingjiu hurried to catch up: "Your Highness, the Emperor is holding a banquet to celebrate and welcome the General. Is it not a bit inappropriate for you to leave so abruptly?"

Shen Yingjue leaned silently against a pillar, his voice trembling slightly: "I feel a bit dizzy. Have I succumbed to the poison?"

Shen Yingjue looked around, then lowered his voice: "Check for me—is there anyone nearby?"

Tan Qingjiu scanned the surroundings for a moment before shaking her head: "No, there is no one."

She hurried forward two steps and steadied him: "Your Highness, are you alright? If you are feeling unwell, should I call for someone?"

Tan Qingjiu’s voice carried a hint of panic: "His Majesty just told me that if anything happens in the Imperial Garden, I can call for someone immediately."

"Do not call for anyone," Shen Yingjue urged urgently. "Do not."

"Before leaving the estate, I specifically had you prepare emergency medicine to alleviate the effects of my illness and poison. Did you bring it?"

"I..." Tan Qingjiu seemed to suddenly snap back to reality, nodding hurriedly: "I brought it, I brought it! I almost forgot."

Tan Qingjiu took a pill from her sleeve and handed it to Shen Yingjue. She then shielded him as he hurriedly swallowed it and slowly sat down in the pavilion.

Not far away, attendants were already approaching: "Prince Duan, Princess Duan, are you alright?"

Shen Yingjue leaned against the pillar with his eyes tightly shut: "Block them."

Tan Qingjiu hurriedly stepped in front of the attendants and shook her head: "It’s... it’s nothing. The Prince is just feeling a bit out of sorts. I am keeping him company here for a while; we will rest for a moment and return shortly."