Right now, whatever Qi Yuan says is no different from an imperial edict to Baizhi and the others.
Hearing her words, Baizhi immediately left with Shunzi, supporting Lianqiao as they went to find a doctor.
The door opened, and Babao greeted Qi Yuan cheerfully: “Ah, Miss Qi, you were really impressive just now!”
His eyes sparkled, practically screaming the word admiration across his forehead.
Qi Yuan simply nodded and stepped inside. She saw Xiao Yunting sitting by the table.
Seeing her, Xiao Yunting clicked his tongue. “Why is it that every time I see you, you’re killing someone?”
Babao nervously glanced at his master. How could His Highness say something like that to a young lady?
Qi Yuan didn’t seem to care. She sat down calmly across from Xiao Yunting and asked, unfazed: “Really? I recall it’s already been a while since the last time.”
A while? Seven or eight days, maybe?
Xiao Yunting leaned back in his chair and sized her up: “After today, I’m afraid your reputation will spread throughout the entire capital. Killing the future Qi Wangfei’s maid in public— even if you invoked the old laws, Qi Wang surely won’t let this go so easily, right?”
There was a teasing smile in his peach blossom eyes, bright and sly.
Qi Yuan lowered her gaze, avoiding his look.
In her past life, Xiao Yunting had always looked at her like this — his eyes dark and deep, as if he could pull people in, as if they only saw her.
But she knew that wasn’t true.
Her tone cooled slightly as she looked up and met his eyes: “Your Highness must be joking. I was helping Qi Wang, wasn’t I? He should be happy. Why would he blame me?”
Xiao Yunting’s smile faded.
This girl is frighteningly clever.
Indeed, they had known each other privately for years, and this arranged marriage was clearly a loss for Qi Wang. With Qi Wang’s arrogance, how could he truly accept an orphan like Han Yue’e as his future Wangfei?
Even if today Han Yue’e hadn’t deliberately targeted Qi Yuan’s maid, the coachmen and guards would likely have provoked something to tarnish Han Yue’e’s name and frame her as a lawless bully.
He asked flatly: “You saw through that and purposely escalated the situation to stir up public outrage, didn’t you?”
“Your Highness overestimates me.” Qi Yuan smiled lightly. “Is public outrage something so easily manipulated? Can I control it so freely?”
Xiao Yunting didn’t reply, but inwardly, he agreed.
Manipulating public opinion is incredibly difficult for most people. But watching Qi Yuan today— every word she said precisely struck the hearts of the commoners.
That skill isn’t something high-ranking officials steeped in luxury can achieve.
They’ve lived in comfort for too long to understand, or even care about, the struggles of the common people.
But Qi Yuan has a unique advantage.
Xiao Yunting changed the subject: “And you’re not afraid that once he’s dealt with Han Yue’e, his next step will be to turn on you?”
After all, the person Qi Wang truly hates is Qi Yuan.
“That depends on Your Highness!” Qi Yuan answered righteously, glancing at him: “Surely Your Highness hasn’t failed to catch Xu Tongzhou yet?”
Xiao Yunting’s face darkened.
Did this woman just mock his ability?
He snorted coldly: “No need for you to worry. He won’t get away.”
“Then what is there for me to worry about?” Qi Yuan raised her brow just as the door was knocked.
Jinvao, sensing tension between them and not knowing how to intervene, hurried to open the door.
It was Shunzi and the others returning.
Qi Yuan’s gaze immediately fell on Lianqiao’s hand. She asked seriously: “How is it? What did the doctor say?”
Lianqiao lowered her head, her cheeks slightly red: “Miss, don’t worry. The doctor said it’s not a tendon injury. As long as I rest properly for a while, it will recover.”
She clearly wasn’t good at lying.
Qi Yuan paused briefly, then said softly: “There’s no need to hide the truth from me. If you’re following me, I won’t let you suffer injustice.”
Following her is not about enduring humiliation.
In the past, Shunzi might have thought those words were a bit grand. After all, what servant doesn’t suffer some grievances?
But after what Qi Yuan did today— publicly pushing Lian’er to her death— he actually believed her.
Ignoring Lianqiao’s protests, Shunzi said: “Miss, the doctor said he can’t properly treat her fingers. We need to find a better doctor… Otherwise, she may never regain use of her hand.”
Babao sighed in his heart— such a pity.
Qi Yuan looked at Xiao Yunting: “Your Highness, please help my maid summon an imperial physician.”
……
Babao exclaimed internally.
Miss Qi never fails to astound him. She treats ordering His Highness around like commanding a lowly servant.
She’s truly impressive!
An imperial physician?
Shunzi suddenly looked up in shock.
Did Miss Qi just say His Highness? This man… is a prince? And someone who can help summon an imperial physician?
Xiao Yunting sneered: “And why should I agree to that?”
“Aren’t we allies? Your Highness still hasn’t caught Xu Tongzhou, right?” Qi Yuan smiled. “Besides, even if you do catch him, that alone isn’t enough to topple Qi Wang. Your Highness must know my value.”
Such a sharp tongue!
Xiao Yunting snorted: “Wait here!”
He glanced at Babao.
Babao immediately chimed in: “Don’t worry, Miss Qi. I’ll stop by the Imperial Medical Bureau shortly.”
Qi Yuan smiled and nodded, then rose to bid farewell: “Your Highness, I must take my leave.”
Xiao Yunting wanted to say something but ultimately remained silent and just nodded.
Qi Yuan pretended not to notice and left with her people.
When they returned home, Qi Yuan had just stepped out of the carriage when a servant from Stewardess Gao came hurrying over: “Miss, Madam requests you to go see her immediately.”
Qi Yuan frowned slightly. She knew the incident from the street must have already reached home.
She nodded to Lianqiao: “You return to your courtyard first. Baizhi will come with me.”
Lianqiao looked worried but obediently followed Qi Yuan’s instructions.
Qi Yuan, bringing only Baizhi, headed to Madam Wang’s residence — the Mudan Garden.
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