Qi Yanzhou met Ye Chutang’s earnest gaze and let out a soft chuckle.
"Because the common people are innocent."
Moreover, he had no ambition to claim the throne.
Ye Chutang disagreed with his narrow perspective.
"But sometimes destruction is necessary for rebirth. The people may suffer for a time, but it’s better than enduring hardship for a lifetime."
Qi Yanzhou understood her reasoning, but it didn’t apply to the current state of Beichen Kingdom.
"Miss Ye, if civil war breaks out in Beichen, foreign enemies will seize the opportunity. The people will face nothing but the ruin of their nation and homes."
Hearing this, Ye Chutang finally grasped the reason behind his so-called "blind loyalty."
"A thousand-mile dike can collapse because of an ant’s nest. Your Highness could act in secret—one day, you might overturn the empire without shedding a drop of blood."
Qi Yanzhou lowered his eyelids, concealing the dark glint in his eyes.
"That’s assuming I survive long enough."
At the mention of this, Ye Chutang asked, "Why did the fire poison in Your Highness flare up so suddenly?"
She had full confidence in the elixir she had refined.
If she said it would protect Qi Yanzhou for a month, then it would last a month without fail.
Since entering Prince An’s estate, Qi Yanzhou had been extremely cautious—avoiding all food and minimizing contact with others.
The only person he had been close to was Prince An himself.
"After Miss Ye left for the guest quarters, Prince An deliberately invited me for a drink. There was a strange fragrance on him."
The scent was faint, and he had tried his best to hold his breath.
But Prince An had lingered too long, and he had inevitably inhaled some of it.
Ye Chutang’s expression darkened.
"It must have been the catalyst to trigger the fire poison."
Then, her tone grew heavier.
"Your Highness, with this latest flare-up, the time left for the Miaojiang Witch Doctor has shortened. You have, at most, five months now."
Every time the fire poison erupted, his body weakened further.
If it happened again, the remaining time would diminish even more.
Though Qi Yanzhou had long made peace with death, he still wished to live.
"Understood."
Having said all she needed to, Ye Chutang rose to leave.
"Your Highness, on the night of Ye Anling’s wedding, I will return to administer the antidote."
"Very well. I shall await your arrival, Miss Ye."
Qi Yanzhou glanced at the darkening sky outside the window.
"Nan Xiao, escort Miss Ye out."
Nan Xiao promptly emerged from behind the screen.
"Your Highness, Concubine Chen has invited Miss Ye to stay for dinner."
A flicker of embarrassment crossed Qi Yanzhou’s face, and he quickly amended his words.
"Then escort Miss Ye to the main hall."
No sooner had he spoken than Concubine Chen’s voice drifted in.
"Hurry along now. It’s late, and Miss Ye must be starving."
A procession of maids carrying trays filed into the main hall, swiftly covering the round table with an array of fragrant and visually stunning dishes.
Concubine Chen entered the bedchamber.
Seeing her son awake, she was overjoyed.
"I told you Miss Ye’s medical skills were exceptional—she managed to rouse you."
Then she asked Qi Yanzhou, "Can you get up? If so, join Miss Ye for dinner."
Though his internal injuries were severe, they didn’t hinder daily activities.
"I can."
He threw off the covers, dressed in his outer robe, and gestured politely.
"Miss Ye, after you."
Ye Chutang was about to decline when Concubine Chen, ever the warm hostess, took her hand and led her to the table.
"Just a simple meal—I hope you won’t mind."
"It looks lavish and delicious."
Concubine Chen knew she was being polite but smiled warmly.
"If you enjoy it, you must visit often. Don’t stand on ceremony."
With that, she withdrew with her maids, leaving them to dine.
To avoid making Ye Chutang uncomfortable, Qi Yanzhou sat two chairs away.
"Please, help yourself."
Having accepted the invitation, Ye Chutang saw no reason for pretense.
"Let’s eat together, then."
She ate heartily, sampling whatever she pleased until she was satisfied.
Qi Yanzhou, still unwell, had little appetite, but seeing her enjoy the food, he finished a bowl of rice as well.
Ye Chutang stood.
"Thank you for your hospitality, Your Highness. I’ll take my leave now—no need to see me out."
Still, Qi Yanzhou accompanied her to the courtyard gate.
"Miss Ye, since ‘Ghost Thief’ saved us, the Emperor will surely grow suspicious. But don’t worry—I’ll handle it."
Ye Chutang turned back with a smile.
"I’m not worried. In fact, I plan to file an imperial complaint against Prince An’s estate."
Then, she quickly aligned their testimonies with Qi Yanzhou.
"Let’s make sure our stories match."
"Rest assured. Travel safely, Miss Ye."
After leaving Prince Chen’s Mansion, Ye Chutang bought some pastries before heading to the Grand Tutor’s Mansion.
She had previously treated Grand Tutor Qin, so the gatekeeper recognized her.
"Miss Ye, please come in!"
Once inside, she said, "I’m here to see Young Master Qin."
The gatekeeper ushered her into the main hall, instructing a maid to serve the finest tea.
"Please wait a moment, Miss Ye. I’ll inform him at once."
Soon, Qin Zheng arrived in person.
He hurried forward and bowed deeply.
"Miss Ye, you saved my father before, and today, you rescued my son. Please accept my gratitude."
Ye Chutang sidestepped the gesture.
"It was nothing. I don’t deserve such courtesy, Prime Minister Qin."
Qin Zheng regarded her with admiration, regretful that his son hadn’t won her favor.
"Miss Ye, this way, please."
"Thank you, Prime Minister."
When Qin Muyun learned Ye Chutang had come to see him, he forced himself upright despite his injuries.
Grimacing in pain, he still asked his attendant,
"How do I look? Should I tidy up?"
"Young Master, you look perfectly frail and pitiable. Miss Ye will surely feel sympathy."
Qin Muyun: "..."
Nonsense!
She’d only think him weak!
Just as he was about to have his attendant adjust his appearance, Qin Zheng returned with Ye Chutang.
"Miss Ye, speak with Muyun. I’ll wait in the main hall—there’s something I’d like to discuss with you later."
Unsure what he meant, Ye Chutang nodded.
"Very well. Until then."
Qin Zheng glanced at his pale son.
"Muyun, express your gratitude properly."
"Father, I will."
As Qin Zheng left, he took the attendant with him.
Ye Chutang was baffled.
Weren’t the ancients strict about propriety, avoiding unchaperoned meetings between men and women?
She had already rejected Qin Muyun—what was the Prime Minister thinking?
Noticing her discomfort, Qin Muyun called his attendant back.
"Guanyan, serve Miss Ye some tea."
The attendant, understanding his master’s intent, stayed.
"At once, Young Master."
Ye Chutang set the pastries on the bedside table.
"How are you feeling?"
Instead of answering, Qin Muyun asked, "Were you hurt? I’m truly sorry—I meant to help but ended up burdening you."
He had intended to be the rescuer but became the one needing rescue.
"I’m fine."
After checking his pulse and confirming no life-threatening injuries, she asked, "Can your attendant be trusted?"
Guanyan, hearing this, discreetly exited.
Not because Qin Muyun mistrusted him, but to guard against eavesdroppers.
Qin Muyun assured her, "Guanyan is loyal. Speak freely, Miss Ye."
Ye Chutang repeated the same account she had given Qi Yanzhou, ensuring their testimonies aligned.
"If the court interrogators come, just say this."
Seeing she avoided mentioning "Ghost Thief," Qin Muyun didn’t press further.
"Don’t worry, Miss Ye. I’ll recount it word for word."
"Master Qin, you should rest. I’ll take my leave now."
"Wait a moment."
Qin Muyun called his servant inside.
"Guanyan, fetch all the banknotes from the case and give them to Miss Ye."
Just as Guanyan was about to comply, Ye Chutang refused.
"There’s no need for such courtesy. I know you went to the guest courtyard because you were worried about me. Being outmatched in martial arts isn’t your fault."
Qin Muyun looked embarrassed. "But the fact remains that you saved me. Please, you must accept this."
Seeing his insistence, Ye Chutang no longer declined.
"Very well. The disaster victims in Jiangnan will surely appreciate Master Qin’s generosity."
She only liked taking money from villains. As for good people’s silver, it was best used for charity—accumulating merit was never a bad thing.
