Imperial Doctor Wei seemed to have understood the secret thoughts of the Imperial Grandson and said calmly: “A doctor has a parental heart, and I will try my best to diagnose and treat him. There is no guarantee of the outcome.”

The Imperial Grandson remained silent for a moment and then said, “I happened to have nothing to do, so I will go to the guest room with you.”

Imperial Physician Wei: “…”

Crown Prince: “…”

The Imperial Physician’s eyes flashed slightly, and he raised the corners of his lips in a half-smile. “Since Your Highness has such an interest, then come along with Weichen!” ^[1]a formal way to address oneself before imperial people. It means this small official / humble servant

The Imperial Grandson twitched his lips and said nothing. He turned to the Crown Prince and said, “Father, I will leave first.”

The Crown Prince finally reacted and understood. Then he said: “It seems that I also have nothing to do today. I heard you two talking about the Ling family siblings, and I became curious, so I will go over with you to have a look.”

The Imperial Grandson: “…”

Imperial Physician Wei: “…”

Everyone looked at each other, speechless for a moment.

After a moment, the Imperial Grandson opened his mouth with a distorted expression: “My father is weak and needs to rest. It’s raining outside today, so it’s better for my father not to go out.”

The Crown Prince smiled: “Although my body is not strong, I won’t fall down in the rain.”

As he spoke, he stood up and waved to the Imperial Grandson gently and casually: “Let’s go with Gu.”^[2]referring to himself

No matter how gentle the Crown Prince was, he had been the Crown Prince for many years. There was a sense of authority in his speech and behavior.

No matter how stubborn he was, the Imperial Grandson could not disobey his father, so he nodded reluctantly.

..

“Ah Shu, it’s been so long, why hasn’t Dr. Wei come yet?”

Ling Jingyan had a restless temper. After drinking two cups of tea, Dr. Wei was still nowhere to be seen, so she started to get a little anxious. She couldn’t sit still and stretched her head to look around.

Ling Jingshu was quite patient and said with a smile: “The Imperial Physician Wei will diagnose His Highness the Crown Prince’s pulse and may even prescribe acupuncture, which will take some time. Didn’t the Imperial Physician Wei say that before? Let’s wait for half an hour.”

Jiang Shi smiled and joked: “Ah Yan, since you are impatient to wait, please don’t follow us anymore.”

Ling Jingyan immediately smiled and changed her tone playfully, saying, “Where do you see any signs of impatience from me? I’m just sitting here, enjoying my tea. It’s quite pleasant, you know.”

Ling Jingshu laughed dumbly, and just as she was about to say something, a palace maid in a green dress walked in, curtsied down, and saluted: “My lords and ladies, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and His Royal Highness the Imperial Grandson are here.”

Everyone: “…”

Was this a joke?!

They were waiting for Dr. Wei to come. Why did the Crown Prince and the Imperial Grandson come? Jiang Shi was secretly surprised and couldn’t help but glance at Ling Jingshu.

Ling Jingshu was also confused. It was understandable that the Imperial Grandson was here. Why would the dignified Crown Prince condescend to see them?

However, at this moment, there was no time to think about such things.

When meeting the Crown Prince, you must not lose your etiquette.

Ling Jingshu composed herself, hurriedly pulled Ling Xiao to stand up, and whispered: “Ah Xiao, you don’t have to panic. Follow my lead when we greet.”

Ling Xiao suddenly heard that the Crown Prince had come, and he was indeed a little panicked. Hearing the familiar voice, his restless heart quickly calmed down, and he nodded vigorously.

..

In just a few short sentences, the Crown Prince’s entourage entered.

Ling Jing lowered her head, modest and demure, and along with Jiang Shi and others, she stepped forward to pay respects, saying, “This humble woman pays her respects to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.”

A man’s voice, authoritative yet gentle, rang out: “Please rise, no need for formalities.”

Everyone thanked him together and stood up straight.

Ling Jingshu took advantage of getting up and quickly raised her eyes.

The Prince of the Eastern Palace, just like the rumors, had a handsome face, extraordinary bearing, and was powerful without being angry. It was a pity that he was seriously injured that year, which completely damaged his vitality, and his face was unnaturally pale.

The Imperial Grandson stood beside the prince. The father and son had somewhat similar faces, but completely different temperaments.

Imperial Physician Wei stood behind the prince. He did not have the majesty of the Crown Prince, nor did he have the cold and threatening energy of the Imperial Grandson. His expression was gentle and calm. But it was impossible to ignore.

The Crown Prince was also looking at everyone.

The woman with her hair in a woman’s bun must be Jiang Shi and the young man with his eyes covered with layers of gauze was, of course, Ling Xiao. The other two girls were both fourteen or fifteen years old.

One of them was wearing a pink dress, with beautiful features and a pretty face.

The other girl was dressed plainly and simply, but her features were picturesque. Beautiful and moving. Especially the pair of clear black eyes, like a pool of quiet spring water, you couldn’t help but be attracted by just one look.

Even the Crown Prince, who was used to seeing beauties, felt his eyes light up.

This girl must be Ninth Miss Ling.

The Crown Prince looked at her for a moment and asked, “Are you Ninth Miss Ling?”

…The Crown Prince came here specially to see her, right?

When this idea passed through Ling Jingshu’s mind, she felt extremely ridiculous. But other than this ridiculous reason, what other explanation was there?

“Yes, the little girl is the ninth in the family.” Ling Jingshu lowered her head slightly and responded meekly and respectfully.

This Ninth Miss Ling appeared gentle and composed, responding appropriately and adhering to proper etiquette. How could the Crown Princess have had such a strong prejudice against her?

The Crown Prince thought to himself, his expression becoming even more gentle: “You traveled thousands of miles to accompany your younger brother to the capital for treatment, showing a sincere heart of protection for him, which is truly moving.”

“From now on, every five days, you siblings will come to the Crown Prince’s Mansion. After Doctor Wei has checked Gu’s pulse, he will perform acupuncture and treatment on your younger brother.”

Ling Jingshu was overjoyed and hurriedly saluted and thanked him: “Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty.”

With these words from the Crown Prince, in the future, when entering and leaving the Crown Prince’s residence, she would be able to hold her head high and gain some confidence. Even if the Crown Princess held prejudice against her and did not like her, it would not matter anymore.

Ling Xiao was a little slow to react, then took two steps forward, clasping his fists and bowing in gratitude: “Ling Xiao thanks His Highness the Crown Prince for his kindness.”

The Crown Prince looked at Ling Xiao and sighed regretfully: “At this age, it is the time to be high-spirited and proud of the spring breeze. At that time, you were unable to see because of your eye disease, which is really regrettable.” 

He then turned to Doctor Wei and said, “Dr. Wei, I hope you can cure Ling Gongzi’s eye disease and let him see the light of day again.”

When the same words were said by the Imperial Grandson, it carried an unavoidable hint of superiority and intimidation.

The Crown Prince’s demeanor and tone were much gentler, making it impossible for anyone to feel any resentment or discomfort, and even more difficult to refuse.

To be able to become the Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace and win over the hearts of many civil and military officials, His Highness the Crown Prince was indeed no ordinary person.

Even Ling Jingshu, who was wary of everyone after her rebirth, couldn’t help but feel good about the Crown Prince.

Imperial Doctor Wei held up his hand and replied sternly: “I will do my best to live up to His Highness’s expectations.”

The Imperial Grandson stood beside the Crown Prince and remained silent. His eyes passed over Ling Jingshu’s joyful face, and then quickly moved away. 

(To be continued.)