Xue Dong had no idea what Ye Chutang was planning.
Seeing her silence, he reminded her, "Miss Ye, the world is harsh on women. If anyone discovers you're with child, you could face being drowned in a pond."
"Even if you somehow escape that fate, you’ll spend your life enduring scorn, and your child will never be able to hold their head high."
"So, the best solution now is to find someone to marry before anyone finds out."
Ye Chutang smiled after hearing Xue Dong’s words. "Divine Doctor Xue, we share the same thought."
With that, she stood up.
"Once I’ve settled this matter of marriage, I’ll return to seek your guidance in medicine."
Before leaving, she drank the now-lukewarm tangerine peel tea.
Xue Dong, worried that Ye Chutang might end up with the wrong man like her mother, quickly called out to her.
"Miss Ye, marriage is no trivial matter. You must be careful."
Ye Chutang turned back at the doorway, her smile radiant.
"Caution isn’t what matters. As long as I can keep the upper hand, I’ll remain invincible."
"This old man has been narrow-minded. I hope you find a good man to rely on."
"Men are the least reliable. It’s better to depend on oneself."
With those words, Ye Chutang left without hesitation.
Xue Dong stared at the empty doorway and murmured, "Wanning, if you’d had even half your daughter’s clarity, you’d still be alive today, wouldn’t you?"
Ye Chutang headed straight for Prince Chen's Mansion.
But her trip was in vain—Qi Yanzhou was away on official business at the Ministry of Justice and wouldn’t return until his shift ended.
She went to see Concubine Chen instead.
"Greetings, Your Highness. I have urgent business with Prince Chen. Might I trouble you to send someone to fetch him from the Ministry of Justice?"
Concubine Chen adored Ye Chutang and would have loved nothing more than to see her son and the girl inseparable.
She immediately ordered her personal maid to summon Qi Yanzhou.
Once the maid left, Concubine Chen took Ye Chutang’s hand and asked bluntly, "Miss Ye, you’ve been spending time with Zhou’er lately. What do you think of him?"
"His Highness is talented in both literature and martial arts, noble in bearing, and devoted to the realm. He is an exceptional man."
Concubine Chen was overjoyed. "Then, you—"
She had been about to ask if Ye Chutang would marry her son when she remembered that not only did he have little time left to live, but he was also incapable of consummating a marriage.
It would be a pity for such a fine girl to be trapped in Prince Chen's Mansion as a widow.
So, she changed her words.
"Miss Ye, I feel a deep connection with you. Would you consider becoming my adopted daughter?"
That way, she could have Ye Chutang stay at Prince Chen's Mansion permanently—letting her son see the woman he loved every day before his time came.
Ye Chutang didn’t grasp Concubine Chen’s true intentions and was puzzled by the sudden proposal.
Hadn’t Concubine Chen wanted her as a daughter-in-law before? Why adopt her now?
She tactfully declined. "Your Highness’s favor is an honor, but this is too sudden. I need time to consider."
To most, this would sound like ingratitude.
But Concubine Chen didn’t blame her.
"It’s fine if you’re unwilling. Just visit me often for tea and conversation."
"Of course. Would Your Highness like to try the floral tea I’ve prepared?"
Concubine Chen had been kind to her, and as a future mother-in-law, keeping her happy would prevent any conflicts!
"Certainly! Let’s go to the rear garden."
By the time Qi Yanzhou rushed back, Ye Chutang and Concubine Chen were enjoying tea and lively conversation.
Noticing her son’s flustered state, Concubine Chen tactfully stood.
"Tang’er, you talk with Zhou’er. I’ll arrange lunch so you can stay."
Ye Chutang didn’t refuse. "Thank you, Your Highness."
"No need for formalities. I’m delighted you’ll dine with me."
Concubine Chen took all the attendants with her as she left.
The vast garden was now empty except for Qi Yanzhou and Ye Chutang.
Noticing that Concubine Chen’s teacup had been turned upside down, Ye Chutang took a clean one and poured tea for Qi Yanzhou.
"Your Highness, sit. What I’m about to say may shock you—drink some tea first to steady yourself."
Qi Yanzhou was too unsettled by her grave expression and cryptic words to even think of drinking.
"What is it you wish to tell me, Miss Ye?"
Ye Chutang gathered her thoughts and went straight to the point.
"I’m pregnant."
"..."
"The child is yours."
"..."
"Let’s get married."
"..."
Qi Yanzhou was stunned speechless by her three declarations.
His mind was in chaos, filled with countless thoughts, yet he couldn’t find the right words.
Ye Chutang knew how shocking her words were and that Qi Yanzhou would struggle to process them.
She nudged the teacup toward him. "Drink. It’ll help."
Qi Yanzhou grabbed the cup and drained it in one go.
One wasn’t enough—he downed three cups in succession.
Seeing how shaken he was, Ye Chutang added, "Your Highness, don’t worry. The marriage would be temporary—a sham. Once we find the Miaojiang Witch Doctor and cure your fire poison, we’ll sign divorce papers. You can be with the Witch Doctor, and I’ll take the child and leave."
She kept the last part to herself—there was no need to argue over custody now.
Qi Yanzhou set down the cup and gazed intently at Ye Chutang. The agreement to marry hovered on his lips, but he swallowed it back.
"I’m sorry. I can’t marry you."
Ye Chutang: "..."
She had anticipated this answer, but his blunt refusal still caught her off guard.
"Your Highness, I’m not trying to trap you into marriage or force responsibility on you. I’m proposing this to protect the child from being shamed before they’re even born. If you’re worried about the Witch Doctor misunderstanding, I’ll write a guarantee—stating that the child isn’t yours, that you’re only marrying me out of gratitude for saving your life, to shield me from scandal. That way, you can explain it to the Witch Doctor."
Qi Yanzhou realized she’d misread his refusal and hurried to clarify. "Miss Ye, the reason I can’t agree is—"
Ye Chutang, frustrated that he still resisted despite her reasoning, cut him off.
Before he could explain, she stood and grabbed his collar, declaring imperiously,
"This marriage will happen whether you agree or not! I’m not asking—I’m telling you!"
If not for those scheming to ruin her reputation and disgrace her child, she wouldn’t even consider marriage!
Qi Yanzhou quickly soothed her. "Miss Ye, calm down. You’ll frighten the baby."
His gaze dropped to her still-flat stomach, his eyes softening with tenderness.
Ye Chutang shifted under his gaze, baffled by his sudden gentleness.
She released him and sat back down, refocusing on the matter at hand.
"Let’s discuss the wedding arrangements."
Qi Yanzhou asked quietly, "Miss Ye, Prince Chen's Mansion is about to be exiled. Life on the road will be harsh. Are you certain you want to marry me? If your answer is yes, then I’ll agree."
His refusal had never been about the Witch Doctor—only his reluctance to subject her and the child to suffering.
Finally, he voiced the explanation he’d held back for so long.
"The Miaojiang Witch Doctor was merely an excuse I used to reject the marriage proposal. She was never the one who held my heart. Before returning to the capital, I had never felt a flutter for any woman."
But after coming back—it’s you who makes my heart race.
