Chapter 20: Free Trial, No Charge!

Tan Qingjiu’s fingers trembled slightly. At that time, Shen Yingjue was only seven, just a little older than Xing Qi and Xing You.

If Xing Qi and Xing You were to see her now…

She dared not even imagine it. The very thought of it made her heart ache as if it were being torn apart.

“It’s said that Prince Duan saw it with his own eyes—the maggots crawling over the corpse of Empress Duanxian. The sight must have been so shocking that Prince Duan was never quite the same afterward.”

“After Empress Duanxian died, His Majesty took Prince Duan out of the Cold Palace. But the prince fell ill several times in a row, and His Majesty said that every time he looked at Prince Duan, he couldn’t help but think of the late Empress. So, even though Prince Duan was only eight, His Majesty decreed he be made a prince and established his own residence.”

Tan Qingjiu frowned. Shen Yingjue had suffered a devastating blow, gone through all those things, and at the time when he needed care the most, his own father, the Emperor, pushed him away.

“I also found out,” the maid continued, “that ever since Prince Duan set up his own residence, all his servants have been assigned from the palace. Both the outer and inner courtyards are guarded by palace guards, and Prince Duan isn’t allowed to leave at will.”

“That’s why the rumor outside says the princess consort—who is supposed to have been chosen by His Majesty for Prince Duan out of concern for him—is actually His Majesty’s eyes and ears in the residence.”

Tan Qingjiu couldn’t help but let out a cold laugh. “Eyes and ears in Prince Duan’s residence? A prince who grew up in the Cold Palace, lost his mother early, and has been under strict watch since he was eight—what could possibly make the Emperor so wary of him? With all those servants and guards acting as his eyes, he still needs a princess consort to keep watch?”

“It does seem strange,” the maid agreed. “Prince Duan’s mother died early, he’s been watched all his life, and he’s somewhat mad—what threat could he possibly pose?”

“In that case, even though Prince Duan is born to such a noble family, his life is quite miserable.”

Miserable? Tan Qingjiu frowned. Why couldn’t she associate that word with Shen Yingjue at all?

“By the way,” Qingdai looked steadily at her mistress, “why did you suddenly want to inquire about Prince Duan?”

Tan Qingjiu’s mind flashed with Shen Yingjue’s words about the Emperor planning to grant them a marriage, but she quickly shook her head. No, this was simply too bizarre to mention.

“It’s nothing. I just think there’s something strange about Prince Duan’s illness, so I wanted to look into it.”

As she spoke, Tan Qingjiu suddenly remembered the poison in Prince Duan’s body.

It was an old poison. He must have been taking antidotes for years, and only recently stopped, which caused the poison to flare up.

If Prince Duan had been under such strict surveillance by the Emperor since childhood, who could have poisoned him?

The Emperor?

Or was it the Empress Dowager?

Just as Tan Qingjiu was lost in thought, a commotion erupted outside. Then a childish voice rang out: “Which one of you is the Miracle Doctor? Go get that so-called Miracle Doctor and bring him down here for me!”

Tan Qingjiu glanced at Qingdai, exchanging a look, and they stood up together, heading toward the door.

Just as they reached the entrance, the brash, childish voice sounded again.

“How dare you bully my mother? Tired of living, are you? Today I’ll show you just how fierce I can be!”

Tan Qingjiu stopped in her tracks, her fingers trembling ever so slightly.

Bully his mother?

Who, among the women she had recently “bullied,” could he be referring to?

Tan Yunge?

A tightening in her throat. Tan Yunge’s child—that was the child who had been taken from her by Tan Yunge, wasn’t it?

“Who are you? Why are you looking for my mother?” Xing You’s voice came from outside.

“And who do you think you are? I’m the young master of the Heir Apparent of the Prince of Ding’s household! Who do you think you are to speak to me like that? Men, seize him! Let’s see if I don’t beat this little brat to death!”

Tan Qingjiu frowned, stepped outside, and saw a chubby little boy downstairs. Dressed in purple brocade, his face was round and full, and he glared fiercely at Xing You, ordering his servants to seize him.

Xing You, never one to shy from trouble, whipped out the slingshot at his waist. “Come on, let me show you my marksmanship. I, Tan Xing You, the miraculous archer of Miracle Valley, never miss.”

No sooner had he spoken than he perched himself on the upstairs railing and fired several shots in quick succession.

Sure enough, the servants charging up the stairs were struck—each one hit squarely on the forehead. Tan Xing You did not hold back, and soon red, swollen bumps appeared on their foreheads, causing them to cry out in pain and dizziness.

“Not a single one got away!” Tan Xing You was full of pride, waving his slingshot at the howling servants. “Want some more? I told you I never miss—I hit exactly where I aim.”

“Are you all feeling dizzy and in pain? Does it hurt so much that you feel like fainting? Would you like to ease the pain immediately?”

From his sleeve, Xing You produced a small bottle. “This is the finest wound ointment from Miracle Valley, crafted by the divine doctor himself. Five taels of silver a bottle—instant relief, guaranteed cure, no cheating, fair to all.”

“You can have one person try it for free, no charge,” he added slyly, sliding down the banister to the nearest servant, dabbing ointment on the bump.

The servant, dazed, touched his injury. “Hey, it really doesn’t hurt as much now!”

“See?” Tan Xing You’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Show everyone—the swelling and bleeding area is already going down.”

“These are the best. You servants get into fights all the time, so it’s dangerous work. Having a good ointment could save you a lot of trouble.”

“Sounds about right.”

Someone immediately fished out some silver. “I’ll try a bottle first.”

On the side, Shen Zijiao’s face was flushed with anger. “What are you all doing? Hurry up and seize him for me!”

The servants finally came back to their senses and, seeing Tan Xing You within arm’s reach, moved to grab him.

Tan Xing You drew his slingshot again. “Oh dear, I was thinking of calling a truce to save you all some money on ointment, but your young master doesn’t care about you at all, just wants to see you hurt. I can’t help that.”

“But since I never miss, don’t worry—if you bought the ointment, I’ll aim for the fleshiest spots so it won’t hurt as much.”

As stone after stone flew from Tan Xing You’s slingshot, each one hitting its mark, Shen Zijiao, watching helplessly, stamped his foot and burst into tears. “You’re bullying me!”