Nan Shiying's words sounded pleasant, but upon hearing them, one could detect a certain distance, confining their relationship to that of mere acquaintances, devoid of personal affection or obligation, only mutual support in the face of disaster.
In essence, she was stating: "We are just friends!"
As the saying goes, the friendship between gentlemen is as pure as water; she actually hoped Mu Xiaoxiao would understand this.
Mu Xiaoxiao's hands, hanging by her sides, clenched tightly, her fingernails digging deep into her palms. The pain served to distract her from the heartache and sorrow, and in front of others, she smiled with grace and delicacy, "Brother Feng, you speak wisely!"
With that, she said no more.
Liu Ling'er fiddled with the sachet hanging from her waist, her fingernails picking at the embroidered silk threads, her head slightly bowed as she pondered something.
Liu Lan's heart remained unmoved. She merely glanced at Liu Ling'er. Wang Qiancheng's gaze was still fixed upon her, and Liu Lan frowned, looking up at him.
The young girl's eyes were like knives, bright and clear, but a single glance from her made Wang Qiancheng feel as if he had been grazed by a blade, abruptly overturning his previous impression of her.
"As pure as a chrysanthemum?"
Perhaps, she was a flower hiding a dagger!
"Hey, why are you all standing here? Please, take your seats!"
Liu Cheng let out a hearty laugh, ushering everyone towards their seats. He feared that if they lingered any longer, this awkward gathering would freeze into an ice cavern.
The atmosphere was truly bizarre.
Although men and women were seated together, the hall was divided by a central line, separating the male and female guest seating. Liu Cheng, as the host, naturally occupied the head seat.
As most guests had arrived, the maids began placing delicacies and fine wines on the tables. Liu Cheng stood up, raising his cup, "I thank everyone for gracing my humble abode. Today, I have prepared some diversions for your entertainment. I hope you will all come with spirits high and leave with hearts content!"
With that, he finished the wine in his cup.
The guests raised their cups and drank in unison.
Nan Shiying reclined lazily on the cushioned couch behind her, one arm resting on the armrest, the other hanging naturally. Perhaps due to the events that had transpired earlier, everyone's emotions were at an extreme low. Now, hearing of the gathering, most had attended.
She turned her head and glanced at Nan Yujin, who was drinking alone.
She recalled that when the Prince had feigned anger, Nan Chaoyin had not only had Liu Shi flogged but had also brought out the reclusive Madam Wang to once again manage the household affairs. However, judging by his current demeanor, Madam Wang had likely not bested Liu Shi!
Speaking of which, she needed to find an opportunity to visit Madam Wang!
As for Nan Yuan'er... she was wearing an osmanthus-colored dress today. In the midst of winter, she was as striking as a flower blooming in the snow. Every frown and smile seemed meticulously practiced, exuding a perfectly calibrated gentleness that rippled like water into everyone's hearts.
Sensing someone's gaze, Nan Yuan'er turned her head, her line of sight meeting Nan Shiying's.
Feng Luan?
Nan Yuan'er was momentarily taken aback, then offered a faint smile.
Nan Shiying's slightly upturned eyes held defiance and coldness. She did not reciprocate Nan Yuan'er's friendly gesture. She lowered her head, toying with her wine cup. This blatant disregard and mockery felt like a slap, fiercely striking Nan Yuan'er's cheek.
A flash of anger flickered in Nan Yuan'er's eyes, but an endless stream of confusion welled up in her heart.
She could not understand why Feng Luan would treat her this way!
Thoughts churned in her mind, but she could not fathom an answer. The voices calling her name dispelled the mist swirling in her heart. She turned her head, "I'm fine!"
She tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, lowering her gaze and smiling faintly.
After three rounds of drinks, Nan Yujin, who had been quietly drinking, held his cup and walked towards Nan Shiying.
"Divine Doctor Feng, I've long admired your reputation!"
Nan Yujin stood before Nan Shiying, holding his wine cup. His tall figure blocked the light, and Nan Shiying slowly looked up, seeing the intricate lines in Nan Yujin's eyes against the backlight.
"I am Nan Yujin!"
Her fingers traced the rim of the wine cup, Nan Shiying raised her eyebrows slightly, looking at him.
She seemed to have no intention of speaking.
Her arrogance stirred a flicker of anger in Nan Yujin's heart, but this rage came and went quickly, dissipating at the corners of his eyes before it could even reach his face.
"Divine Doctor Feng, my mother is gravely ill. I implore the divine doctor to show mercy. As long as the divine doctor agrees to treat my mother, I am willing to pay any price!"
Nan Yujin tilted his head and drank the entire cup of wine, the aroma mingling with his words.
"Any price?" Nan Shiying picked up her wine cup, smiling with amusement.
"Any price!"
Nan Yujin's declaration was firm and resounding.
"Then what if I say, in exchange for your life?" Nan Shiying brought the wine cup to her lips. Perhaps it was the reflection of the wine in her eyes, or perhaps a light emanated from the depths of her pupils, a dim, glistening light that seemed imbued with poison, vicious and malevolent.
Nan Yujin's pupils instantly dilated; he could hardly believe what he had heard!
In exchange for... his life?
Observing Nan Yujin, who stood stunned, a mocking smile flickered across Nan Shiying's face. However, she did not find Nan Yujin's hesitation unusual.
It was merely the choice typical of people like him!
"Good!"
Nan Yujin suddenly bent over, placing his hands on the table, and looked down at Nan Shiying.
His eyes seemed to contain a burning fire, incinerating the struggle and hesitation in his heart.
Nan Shiying raised her eyelids, looking at Nan Yujin seriously for the first time. In her memory, Madam Wang was not a qualified mother. At least, for Nan Yujin, her decline had pushed the young boy into a quagmire of struggle.
Nan Shiying drained her wine cup in one gulp and abruptly stood up, turning to Liu Cheng. "Brother Liu, I heard you have prepared many diversions today. Have you prepared archery equipment?"
Liu Cheng nodded, "Indeed, I have!"
Nan Shiying nodded, then turned her gaze to Nan Yujin, smiling. "Let's play a game. It's not difficult. You will wear an apple on your head, and I will be blindfolded. You need to make a sound so I can locate you. I will shoot blindly. If I hit the apple, I will go and treat your mother. What do you say?" m..oΓg
"Good!"
Nan Yujin agreed without hesitation.
"Splendid!"
Nan Shiying clapped her hands, praising him with a smile.
Liu Cheng finally understood, and his scalp immediately tingled.
Nan Yujin was no ordinary person; he was the legitimate eldest son of Prime Minister Nan. If anything were to happen to him in Liu Manor, how would he explain it to the Prime Minister?
"No, no, no, we can't play like this!" Liu Cheng quickly intervened.
Before Nan Shiying could speak, Nan Yujin spoke up first. "Brother Liu, everyone!"
He suddenly raised his voice, drawing the attention of everyone present. "Today, I will play a game with Divine Doctor Feng. I hope everyone can bear witness. If anything untoward happens to me today, it will have nothing to do with Liu Manor or Brother Liu!"
"If I am fortunate enough to win the game today..."
Nan Yujin paused slightly, then facing Nan Shiying, he said, "I hope Divine Doctor Feng will fulfill her promise and come to treat my mother!"