Chapter 39

After the third princess died of “illness”, Shen Shi was admitted to the palace. Not many people paid attention to these small things.

Even though Shen Shi has some talents, she is just an insignificant daughter of a general’s concubine and has a frail body. She won’t amount to anything.

He Xiyan’s brothers could not wait until he obsesses himself with Shen Shi, a weak woman with low status.

When the emperor pointed him towards the first daughter of the general, it really made them nervous. It’s just He Xiyan’s misfortune that General Shen died and now even Shen Wan was dead. The General Mansion has no one, only the superficial glory given by the emperor.

Due to Shen Shi’s body, she still needs to drink a bowl of He Xiyan’s blood every day.

It has been almost two months. He Xiyan’s face was getting paler and paler every day. Despite the seventh week passing, Doctor Liu still did not let him stop giving blood. Although Shen Shi looks much better, her body is still weak. He couldn’t help asking Doctor Liu about what’s going on.

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“Your Highness, I have checked the pulse of Second Lady Shen before. The toxins in her internal organs have indeed been reduced, but they were not completely eliminated on the seventh week as I had expected.

He Xiyan’s face was not looking so well. Whenever he looks at anything, he gets dizzy and couldn’t put up much strength. He couldn’t blame this on the delicate Shen Shi. After all, this is the woman that he loves. Doctor Liu, who could only put up a front, stared at him. From the meaning behind the prince’s eyes, it told him that if he doesn’t say anything else, he could forget about getting out of here safely.

Doctor Liu felt a bit resentful at being in the middle of a “dead” third princess, who was hard to get rid of, and a terrifying crown prince. He was only a simple doctor who heals people, why was this so difficult?

“I think that, although the blood detoxification properties were transferred to the body of the prince, it is still less effective than when it was on the princess’ body. Therefore, the medicine is less powerful than before.”

He Xiyan believed it.

He had to believe it. It was miraculous enough that the detoxification abilities were transferred to his body. Doctor Liu’s life is in his hands and he absolutely doesn’t have enough courage to lie.

“How long will it take to remove the toxins from Shi’er’s body?”

Doctor Liu bowed his head and prevented the shaking in his beard caused by his trembling, he said, “It may take no less than a year and a half or it may take more than two to three years.”

After hearing this, He Xiyan felt pain for his wrist.

Shen Shi just pushed through the door and came in when she happened to hear this. She couldn’t help, but feel distress for He Xiyan’s body. After all, he truly looked like he’d lost a lot of weight recently. When Doctor Liu left, Shen Shi laid in He Xiyan’s arms and said with teary eyes, “My prince, I’ll stop drinking your blood. I can’t bear it.”

“Shi’er, don’t worry. I can endure it.”

“But Your Highness has lost a lot of weight recently and it makes me feel troubled.”

“If you don’t drink my blood, you wouldn’t be able to heal. Doctor Liu had estimated that if the toxins aren’t removed, you won’t be able to live more than 20. If you were gone, I would be sadder.”

Naturally, Shen Shi was afraid of death and also very distressed for He Xiyan. Although she was taking advantage of He Xiyan and being self-absorbed, he still loves her. Who wouldn’t go crazy for a man like He Xiyan? Moreover, she is the only one he loves and was even willing to hurt himself for her. No matter what she had in mind, she had long been moved by He Xiyan’s tenderness.

He Xiyan had been trying to find a way to transfer his blood’s detoxification ability to another person. This special ability would be a curse to anyone. In the beginning, he intended to transfer it to Shen Shi. With his protection, Shen Shi would not be in any danger. But for nearly two months of her continuously drinking blood, the detoxification ability did not transfer. It made him a bit lost.

At this time, Shen Wan and He Qingning rode a carriage to Yunzhou.

Upon leaving the Imperial City, they rode a luxurious carriage. The emperor also sent many martial arts masters to protect He Qingning. When pedestrians saw it, they thought about how He Qingning was such a spoiled princess that she wanted to play around outside. There’s no one in the world who’d suspect that she was planning to investigate a case.

Yunzhou is a very remote area. It is said that the Yunzhou governor 1 was not only a massively corrupt official, but he also slaughters people and acts like the local emperor. It’s not that no one was sent to investigate this, but every time someone was sent, they won’t even have a reason to continue. No evidence has been found to prove the crimes committed by the Yunzhou governor.

There are many locations such as this and with the emperor’s hectic schedule, it’s impossible to take care of each and every one. There were people sent to investigate, but they couldn’t find any leads. He didn’t think it was impossible find them, but there are some people who was working against them and didn’t want them to find out.

Although the situation was clear, they couldn’t point at anyone. Whoever was the head has already corrupted the court. Several people have been sent to investigate, but it was all in vain. He was the emperor, how could he ignore this? People lower than him were making a fool out of him, wasn’t this a provocation towards the emperor? Before He Qingning revealed her intentions, he planned to directly send agents to secretly investigate the Yunzhou governor. If the evidence was unquestionable, then he’ll let the agents assassinate the person straight away.

In other locations, he had intended to send the other princes to visit, but this will be a test to them. He can manage many things, but he is only one person. If he manages everything then it’ll exhaust him. Court officials are just too much of a disappointment to even consider.

Now, his favorite daughter wants to take this path. Naturally, he would give this opportunity to He Qingning. Yunzhou’s governor could hide his deception not only because he’s the Yunzhou governor, but also because he has a network of connections that make things complex. If a woman gains power and doesn’t carve a ruthless path for herself, how can she rule their citizens and suppress these traitorous officials?

He hopes that his little princess Qingning won’t let him down.

Along the road, He Qingning and Shen Wan were playing around and having fun as if they were not in any hurry. Some people who still had doubts about their intentions finally let go of their suspicions.

He Qingning did not go straight to Yunzhou at the beginning. They went to Qingzhue first, then in the middle of their travel, changed directions to Yunzhou.

“Your Highness, those people have already gone back.” Shen Wan lifted the carriage curtain. Her stern face from before relaxed at once. She brushed out her stiff face and slumped across the carriage seat lazily. She immediately returned to her original disposition without asking the little princess whether she could do so or not.

He Qingning softly raised her eyes and glanced at Shen Wan who had a sloppy posture. “How do you feel sitting with a posture like that?”

“I’m only like this in front of you, Your Highness.” Shen Wan sat up quickly, the expression on her face becoming extremely serious, her eyes exuding a cold air, and her whole body’s position changed instantly. She scoffed, “I’m like this when I’m outside. I’m only unique in front of you, Your Highness. Others can’t find out. This shows how close I am to you and how much I trust you.”

The atmosphere in the carriage suddenly became somewhat ambiguous.

He Qingning saw the importance and determination in Shen Wan’s eyes. She realized what the other woman said just now. She’s only unique in front of her; the only one close to her and the only one she trusts. Her mood got imperceptibly better upon knowing this and she was not able to stop the smile that stretched across her lips.

“Alright, I understand.

“There will be no outsiders in the future, so feel free to show yourself in front of me.”

Shen Wan quickly nodded and gave He Qingning a bright smile. He Qingning’s heart flipped at her pure smile. It was as if there was something intangible slowly filling up her heart. It could not be contained nor could it be touched.

It took nearly two months of travel for them to reach Yunzhou City. Due to pitstops along the way and changes in directions, the Yunzhou governor did not expect that they would come here. When the two arrived, Yunzhou’s governor was not able to greet them at once.

After He Qingning’s carriage entered the city, Guan Yujing, the governor for Yunzhou, hurriedly led people to greet He Qingning.

“This lowly official pays respects to Her Royal Highness Princess Qingning.”

Shen Wan came out of the carriage first. She wore a simple and strong outfit. She opened the carriage curtains, jumped off, and turned around. She helped He Qingning by holding her fair, slender hand as she got down.

“Lord Guan, everyone rise.” He Qingning’s voice suddenly became a lot softer. It was as if she were really a princess who favors him and does not know the sufferings of the people.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

Guan Yujing slightly raised his eyes and snuck a look at He Qingning from his peripheral vision. When he saw that she wore fancy clothing and impractical hair ornaments, he was relieved. A mere princess wasn’t a hindrance. Most of them get bored of the Imperial Palace, so they just play around. He Qingning looked like a delicate flower. He didn’t think she would cause anything to happen.

“Lord Guan, where am I supposed to settle here?”

As soon as He Qingning spoke about a place to settle in, it was obvious how she would be in need of clothes, food, housing, and transportation. This should be nothing to worry about. All he needs to do is keep her fed and make the princess comfortable and happily entertained. As a woman, why would she care about the mundane affairs in Yunzhou City?

With that conclusion in mind, Guan Yujing pretentiously arranged things for He Qingning. Naturally, since she’ll be staying in his house, the room’s items would need to be refurbished on the spot.

When He Qingning moved in and looked at all the items, her face couldn’t help but sink. She touched the table and chairs, the tea set, and the seemingly low-key, but actually fancy decorations and said, “How rich. This local tyrant is really living comfortably. I’m envious. I wonder how much silver Guan Yujing has embezzled and how much money from people’s blood he fattened himself with.”

“Your Highness, don’t be mad. We’ll tell him to vomit as much as he ate.”

Shen Wan’s words comforted He Qingning, “Yes, he must vomit until there’s nothing left.”

“Your Highness, I am actually quite rich.” Shen Wan checked to make sure no one was coming in to disturb them and locked the door. She brushed He Qingning’s side and sat down, she whispered, “I sold all of my dowry and businesses, then repurchased a lot of them. While I may not be as rich as this despot, I’m still quite well off. If you like these things, I can go back and pick up some items for you. There’s a shop under my name which is full of these fancy things.”

Shen Wan: Wife, I’ll support you! I have everything you want! If I don’t, then I’ll get it! !

He Qingning was a bit stunned, “What’s yours is yours. I’m not so unreasonable. I’ll ask you if something catches my eye.”

“Didn’t you say that I am yours? Wouldn’t my things also be yours? What’s the point of asking me for it when it’s yours to begin with.”

He Qingning’s eyebrows wrinkled slightly. She felt a little uncertain about this, but it was still pleasant to hear. Seeing Shen Wan offering herself like a treasure, 2 she laughed, “Shen Wan.”

“Your Highness, have you decided on what you want?”

“You’re so greedy for money. Will you become a corrupt official in the future?” He Qingning asked seriously. “If you dare to become one, I will not forgive you.”

Shen Wan: There’s a saying that if you don’t have anything good to say, then don’t say it! Did she look like she’s that kind of person? Would she tarnish her wife’s progress by becoming a corrupt official?

Shen Wan was unhappy. Her wife didn’t understand her at all.

Furious! ! !

After He Qingning said that, she felt a little bad.

But since she’s already said it, what’s done is done. Seeing Shen Wan in low spirits made her feel uncomfortable.

Shen Wan was so smart that she could obviously use her skills to live an ordinary life of her own. She was puzzled about what made the other woman embark on this path of no return. With what she said earlier, perhaps she may have hurt this other person. 3

“Shen Wan.” He Qingning called out.

Shen Wan ignored it.

Who doesn’t have a little temper?

Now that she was angry, she didn’t care about the little princess. It was the kind of anger that can’t be easily coaxed back.

He Qingning looked at Shen Wan: straight face, depressed, and silent. For some unknown reason, she panicked. She didn’t have time to think about why she felt panicked at the thought of Shen Wan. At the moment, she only thought of one thing: get Shen Wan to smile at her.

She moved closer to Shen Wan and sat down. Gently patting Shen Wan’s hand, she whispered, “What I said was wrong.”

Shen Wan: You are a princess and you apologize this quickly, don’t you have any principles?

“I want to apologize. I know that you are not that kind of person. What’s there to be greedy about when you have your intelligence and talents. It’s also very amazing how you have those businesses under your name.”

Shen Wan: Listening to these words make me sound like I have no other skills. In these backwards time and space, the ability to earn some gold and silver is easy. 4

“Still angry?”

Shen Wan rolled her eyes internally, then she heard He Qingning say, “Didn’t you say that when you’re in front of me, you won’t have a stern face?

“Come on, smile.” He Qingning said this and worked on it. Her hands pinched Shen Wan’s cheek, “I have many treasures in the palace. When we get back, I’ll give them to you. How about it?”

Shen Wan: I don’t want to be angry.

“I have a couple of good businesses under my name. How about I give them to you?”

Shen Wan: I’m sorry. It seems that I am also a hypocrite who doesn’t have any principles. The little princess’ method of persuasion really made me unable to keep my ground.

“Really?” Shen Wan raised her eyebrows and asked tentatively.

He Qingning felt relieved and smiled, “Really.”

“Your Highness, you are such a generous person.”

Shen Wan had no intention to refuse at all. She’s long been coveting He Qingning’s well-positioned shops. In He Qingning’s hands, it would simply be a waste. She may as well give them to her. She makes money, but it’s all for the sake of her wife. Money is a good thing. In the future, when He Qingning becomes the empress, having money will become more of an advantage.

“In the future, if you have something that you like, ask me directly.” He Qingning saw Shen Wan regaining her smile and couldn’t help saying, “Don’t take other people’s things, understand?”

She really didn’t want Shen Wan to become a corrupt official in the future and make He Qingning deal with her personally. It would be disappointing. Therefore, she has no problem with indulging this money-grubber while she could afford it. There’s no guarantee she’ll be able to in the future.

Shen Wan: “188, Your Royal Highness said she wants to support me!!”

She’s going to be so happy.

[188: “I heard it.”] No need to be so loud and excited. This immoral woman, didn’t she claim she wouldn’t get coaxed out of her anger? With a few sweet words, she can’t even tell which way is up or down.

“Is the person residing here Her Royal Highness Princess Qingning, the most beloved of the current emperor? As expected, she looks very beautiful, not comparable to those vulgar powder-faced women in Yunzhou City.” Not far from the courtyard where He Qingning stayed stood a young man with a pale complexion and a twisted smile. He stared intensely at the location of He Qingning’s courtyard, approaching pointlessly, then walked back muttering to himself, “A princess. This is the first time I have ever seen a princess in my life. I don’t know how they would differentiate from the unsatisfying taste of those ordinary women. Can they beat a celestial being?”

“Master, that’s a princess.” His follower couldn’t help but whisper.

The young man’s frivolous voice came out low, “Chen San’er, this is Yunzhou City.”