In the quiet of the afternoon, sunlight filtered through the branches, casting long, thin rays into the shop. A person slept peacefully on a lounge chair, an expression of utter contentment on their face.
There were few customers in the shop at this time; it was exceedingly quiet. None of the helpers or doctors dared to disturb their young master. Young Master Leng Yue’s temper was quite foul, and those who provoked him would suffer greatly. Thus, everyone was diligently focused on their tasks, making not a single sound.
Wanwan fanned Yunxiao, who was beside her. There wasn't a breath of wind today; it was truly stiflingly hot. The cicadas’ chirping grew louder with each wave, which was terribly annoying.
Just then, a carriage arrived at the door. The carriage was luxurious and grand, with fine brocade screens and a large ruby mounted on top. It was adorned with dozens of small, exquisite white pearls around the sides. The red and white complemented each other, radiating a vibrant glow in the sunlight.
Behind the carriage followed two subordinates, mounted high on their horses, observing the shop with a composed gaze.
Wanwan and the shop’s helpers and doctors saw them and remained motionless, simply observing with great interest.
The saying that servants resemble their masters was indeed true. Other establishments would have immediately greeted a patient arriving at their door, but these people simply watched with amusement.
The driver was a handsome young man, dressed in very expensive clothing. Even the coachman was attired so sumptuously; it made one wonder what kind of master they served.
When the person alighted from the carriage, Wanwan was startled. This person was none other than Lin An, the favored eunuch of the Empress Dowager.
Although others in the shop did not know, she had spent time in the palace and was aware of who he was. Without hesitation, she nudged Yunxiao and whispered, “Someone from the palace is here. Master, wake up quickly.”
Although Yunxiao heard her, she remained lazily indifferent. What did someone from the palace have to do with her? She continued to sleep.
Hmm? Someone from the palace? What could they want? She suddenly opened her eyes and looked over, just in time to see Lin An leading a young eunuch inside.
Both of them were dressed in plain clothes, so, apart from the two of them, no one in the shop knew these were eunuchs. Yan Mei, who had been tidying the shelves inside, quickly came forward, smiling as if bathed in spring breeze.
“Are the patients here for treatment or to get medicine?”
Lin An frowned, his gaze filled with clear displeasure. His eyes flickered towards the person on the lounge chair.
This person was exceptionally handsome, with features as refined as a painting. His large eyes were remarkably lively. Yet, despite all this, he was merely a minor doctor, and so arrogant.
Just as Lin An was about to erupt in anger, he remembered that he was currently disguised as an ordinary person and that they did not recognize him. He felt slightly better and spoke coldly.
“Is Young Master Leng Yue here?”
As he spoke, his eyes swept over the person on the lounge chair. It was highly likely that this was Leng Yue. How truly arrogant these commoners were, relying on some crooked skills to put on airs so easily. It was detestable.
Yunxiao blinked twice, then sat up straight, though she still did not get up. She merely said indifferently.
“I am Leng Yue. May I know what business you have here?”
Lin An confirmed Leng Yue’s identity and took out a token from his robe. It was the Empress Dowager’s personal item. “The Empress Dowager has decreed that Young Master Leng Yue saved His Majesty. The Empress Dowager requests Young Master Leng Yue to enter the palace to receive a reward.”
“A reward? The Empress Dowager?”
Inside the shop, Yunxiao and Wanwan remained composed. Everyone else turned pale and quickly knelt down. Yunxiao slowly furrowed her brows and stood up. She was not flustered, nor did she kneel. Instead, she looked at Lin An with suspicion.
“The Empress Dowager has a reward; is this necessary? Please convey to the Empress Dowager, Young Master Leng Yue is grateful, but the reward is not needed.”
Lin An’s face contorted in shock, then erupted in fury. What insolence! His eyes were sinister.
“What are you saying? Is the Empress Dowager’s decree something that can be altered at will? You, a mere doctor, are so arrogant and audacious.”
Yunxiao had already moved in front of Lin An. Her eyes were dark and cold, sharp as a honed blade, radiating a chilling glint.
A single glance from her could captivate the soul. Lin An flinched, taking a step back to steady himself, his presence significantly weakened. He was inwardly annoyed, but he still dared not meet Young Master Leng Yue’s gaze directly.
“Let’s go.”
Yunxiao spoke. She wanted to see what schemes that old hag had in store. Did she really think she would be so kind as to offer a reward?
She was likely heard about her excellent medical skills and wanted her to treat her son.
Yunxiao’s lips curled into a smile. In truth, Emperor Shangguan Yao’s impotence was not a serious illness at all. Administering the medicine was trivial; the antidote was not a medicine. As long as he truly loved someone, he would undoubtedly break through the restrictions for that person.
His impotence stemmed from his lack of heart, his cold-blooded indifference. Therefore, ordinary people could not cure him.
“Young Master,” Wanwan called out worriedly, following Yunxiao towards the exit. Yunxiao looked back and patted her hand. The two of them then boarded the carriage outside.
Lin An and the young eunuch driving sat in the front carriage. Yunxiao and Wanwan were in the carriage behind. The carriage interior was extremely luxurious, with soft couches on both sides and a low table in the center, adorned with trinkets and tea.
Behind the carriage, two palace guards in plain clothes followed, heading towards the imperial palace.
They traveled for a full two hours and finally entered the palace at dusk.
In front of the Changxin Palace gate, branches swayed. The dim sky was covered with a thin layer of twilight. In the distance, flowing white mist drifted. Trees, glazed high walls, smoke patterns, wisps of cloud, all harmoniously converged, creating the most beautiful scenery in the twilight.
The faces of the women in fine clothes and the eunuchs were cast with a faint blush, the last ray of the setting sun.
Yunxiao and Wanwan followed Lin An, stepping onto the stone steps and standing quietly outside the gate. Lin An’s arrogance was like that of a peacock; Yunxiao even imagined him dragging a long tail behind his backside. She heard him speak disdainfully.
“You wait here. I will report to the Empress Dowager.”
Saying this, he walked inside. These eunuchs, born and raised in the palace, were masters of their own will within its walls. Outside the palace, they were like drowning people, lost and helpless.
This could be seen in Lin An. Outside the palace, he dared not be presumptuous, but as soon as he entered, his head immediately perked up, his chest puffed out, and he adopted an overbearing demeanor.
Yunxiao thought to herself as she listlessly surveyed the palace maids beside her. She saw that they all had bright eyes filled with affection and rosy cheeks. Their scorching gazes were all fixed on them, making one wonder if they would be swallowed whole.
Yunxiao was momentarily taken aback, finding it somewhat amusing. Just as she was about to tease these palace maids, Lin An emerged, speaking indifferently.
“The Empress Dowager has decreed. Young Master Leng, please enter.”
He turned away. Yunxiao had no choice but to lead Wanwan and follow Lin An inside.
Yunxiao was no stranger to Changxin Palace; she had visited a few times before. Glancing around, she saw no significant differences. It remained as luxurious, grand, and resplendent as ever.