Ye Chutang's words made sense, but Prince An had no intention of complying.
"Miss Ye, you should be well aware of the current state of Prince An's Mansion. Since we're in the same boat, there's no need to haggle over compensation—just putting on a show for the common folk will suffice."
The implication was clear: Ye Chutang would have to publicly acknowledge receiving compensation while actually getting nothing.
Her pink lips curled into a mocking smile.
"As long as Prince An isn’t afraid of me exposing him in front of the people, then by all means, give me nothing."
Seeing her stubbornness, Prince An considered seeking the Emperor’s intervention.
But Ye Chutang cut him off before he could speak.
"The Emperor offered an imperial pardon to show sincerity, yet Prince An wants to reap the benefits without lifting a finger?"
Prince An wanted to argue that the arranged marriage had been the Emperor’s idea—why should he bear the blame and pay compensation?
But he didn’t dare say it aloud.
The Emperor had no patience for petty disputes over compensation.
"Prince An, give her what she’s owed. Consider it an explanation to the people."
Though reluctant, Prince An acquiesced.
"As you command."
"We are weary. All of you may leave."
Just as the Emperor dismissed them, he suddenly remembered something.
"Minister Ye, before tomorrow’s court session, compile the disaster relief funds. Allocate a portion for medicine and rain shelters, then send the rest to Jiangnan."
"Your servant obeys."
Once outside the palace, Ye Chutang felt as if she could breathe easier.
"Father, take me to Prince Chen's Mansion. Since he saved me yesterday, I can use gratitude as an excuse to spend more time with him."
Ye Jingchuan had official duties and couldn’t escort her, so he handed her the carriage.
"Chu'er, with your talent and beauty, winning Prince Chen’s favor won’t be difficult. Do your best."
"I will. After all, I want to live."
"Go ahead. Prince An, would you kindly escort this official to the Ministry of Revenue?"
Prince An nodded grudgingly.
The two departed in their carriage, while Ye Chutang boarded hers.
"First to Xinglin Pharmacy, then to Prince Chen's Mansion."
Chen Zhong flicked the reins. "Understood, Young Miss."
Not long after leaving the palace, the carriage entered the bustling market district, alive with chatter.
The common folk were abuzz with gossip about Prince An’s consort’s birthday banquet the previous day.
Ye Chutang listened with growing amusement.
"Prince An wanted to kill Miss Ye just to avenge Princess Anping? How ruthless!"
"It wasn’t just Miss Ye—he targeted Prince Chen and Young Master Qin too!"
"I heard Miss Ye was so furious she went to petition the Emperor. I wonder how that turned out?"
"Prince An's Mansion must have done too many wicked deeds to burn to ashes like that."
"The 'Ghost Thief' must have been sent by the heavens to punish the wicked and save the righteous!"
From the rumors, Ye Chutang guessed Qi Yanzhou had orchestrated the public narrative.
Soon, the carriage stopped at Xinglin Pharmacy.
Shopkeeper Lin had already posted prescriptions for preventing and treating the plague.
Every pharmacy was packed, but Xinglin Pharmacy was especially crowded.
An apprentice spotted Ye Chutang and quickly ushered her in through a side entrance.
"Young Miss Ye, please wait. I’ll fetch the shopkeeper."
She stopped him. "No need. I’m here to buy medicine."
She handed him a pre-written prescription for internal injuries.
"Prepare ten doses for me."
"Right away."
Moments later, Shopkeeper Lin himself arrived in the herb-drying courtyard with the medicine.
"Miss Ye, regarding the plague prevention and treatment prescriptions, all pharmacies have agreed to sell them at cost."
Not everyone could afford them, but most could—preventing accusations that Ye Chutang was profiteering by inciting panic.
She was impressed.
"A healer should always act with compassion. You’ve done well, Shopkeeper Lin. How much for these?"
Pleased by her praise, the shopkeeper smiled.
"Miss Ye is too kind. These aren’t worth much—no need for payment."
But Ye Chutang knew the prices. Estimating the cost, she handed him fifty taels of silver.
"Take it. Let’s keep things clear."
Three ingredients in the internal injury medicine were expensive.
Unable to refuse, Shopkeeper Lin accepted the payment.
Before leaving, Ye Chutang requested a bucket of water.
Chen Zhong gave the bucket a puzzled glance before driving to Prince Chen's Mansion.
Qi Yanzhou, his condition slightly improved, was strolling through the rear garden’s covered walkway.
Though his steps were leisurely, his furrowed brow and troubled gaze betrayed his worry.
Suddenly, the steward hurried over.
"Your Highness, Miss Ye has arrived. She’s in the main hall."
At once, Qi Yanzhou’s tension eased, his heart settling.
"Escort her to the study."
She wouldn’t visit without reason—she must have business.
The steward bowed. "At once, Your Highness."
Qi Yanzhou was closer to the study.
He deliberately slowed his pace, meeting Ye Chutang at the door.
Assured of her safety, he relaxed fully.
"Miss Ye, please."
He reached for the bucket in her hand.
Though curious, he asked no questions.
Ye Chutang pulled it back. "Your Highness has internal injuries. You shouldn’t carry heavy things."
She had replaced the ordinary water with spiritual spring water.
"A bucket isn’t too heavy for me."
Ignoring her protest, he took it and opened the study door.
Ye Chutang followed, carrying the medicine.
She handed it to him.
"Your Highness, this is for internal injuries. Boil it with the water from the bucket—it’s highly effective. Each dose can be decocted twice. Take it morning and night, simmering two bowls down to half."
"Thank you, Miss Ye."
After expressing gratitude, Qi Yanzhou got to the point.
"You didn’t come just to deliver medicine, did you?"
She shook her head, summarizing her audience with the Emperor—omitting her spatial abilities’ role.
When Qi Yanzhou heard the Emperor had poisoned her with a tendon-severing drug, his breath hitched.
Learning she’d evaded it and deceived the Emperor with her medical expertise, he exhaled in relief.
But upon hearing the Emperor wanted to take her as a consort, fury surged—his hands clenched involuntarily.
"Miss Ye, you shouldn’t have met the Emperor alone. It was too dangerous."
She shrugged.
"Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Pity I couldn’t uncover his plans against Prince Chen's Mansion."
"Don’t take such risks again. The Emperor has long sought to destroy my house. I can handle it."
"Then I overstepped."
Qi Yanzhou panicked at her tone.
"That’s not what I meant. I just don’t want you endangered on my account."
Ye Chutang assumed he disliked owing her.
"Your Highness needn’t worry. I did this for myself, not you."
She had no desire to meddle in court schemes.
But what choice did she have?
The Emperor had chosen her as a pawn. There was no escape.
