Chapter 94
Xuan Yuan Qingya also shifted her gaze to that attendant.
Yet no matter how she looked, there was nothing about him that resembled Jiang Yifeng—nor were there any telltale traces of disguise on his face.
The so-called “art of disguise” so often dramatized in novels and plays was, in truth, far less miraculous. Whether it was body shape, facial contours, hair, or the subtle flaws that inevitably appeared, they always betrayed the masquerade.
In real life, those who managed to conceal themselves usually relied more on environmental factors than on masks.
And here, with the man standing a mere meter or two away, no disguise could possibly hold up under such scrutiny.
After a few glances, Xuan Yuan Qingya was certain—this man was not Jiang Yifeng.
But regardless of whether he was or not, she had no interest in letting him touch her fourth uncle.
She already carried within her heart a far more reliable plan, one passed to her by Lin Tian. Why, then, entrust her uncle’s life to a stranger?
Her expression frosted over as she shook her head.
“Thank you for your kindness, Dragon Lord, but there’s no need.”
Dragon Lord Shang Yan frowned in mild surprise.
“Have you truly thought this through, niece? This concerns your fourth uncle’s life. That so-called miracle elixir—do you really believe it can cure all ailments?”
Xuan Yuan Qingya gave a faint smile, her eyes brimming with disdain, as if looking down on all beneath the heavens.
“That, Dragon Lord, is no concern of yours.”
A shadow of displeasure flickered in Dragon Lord Shang Yan’s eyes, but he held his tongue.
At that moment, Elder Lei finally spoke with an easy smile.
“Xiao Xing, since Xiao Ya wishes to do this, then let her. Whatever this so-called elixir may be, I believe Xiao Ya would never gamble her fourth uncle’s life so recklessly.”
His gaze shifted to Xuan Yuan Qingya, warm and kindly.
“Xiao Ya, go ahead with peace of mind. On this matter, your Grandpa Lei stands with you.”
Xuan Yuan Qingya’s lips curved into a sweet smile, her eyes arching into crescents.
“Thank you, Grandpa Lei.”
The reason she chose to bring this matter up openly was to lay some groundwork—a warning of sorts.
After all, the essence sealed within that jade carving was a force that touched upon the extraordinary, something none of these people could possibly comprehend.
She couldn’t guarantee that everyone would accept, much less support, her decision.
But Xuan Yuan Qingya was never the type to seek approval before acting. Speaking out now was simply her way of softening the ground, ensuring at the very least that her mother would not oppose her bond with Lin Tian.
Even though deep down, Xuan Yuan Qingya herself wasn’t certain what the future between her and Lin Tian would truly hold.
But just as Lin Tian had said, he had no wish to be entangled with the heiress of such a powerful family…
In that moment, Xuan Yuan Qingya had stubbornly thought to herself—what if I weren’t the heiress of a great clan?
Of course, such a thought was nothing short of rebellious for the Xuan Yuan family, who had only one daughter.
She could not simply disregard her family’s will, nor her mother’s opinion.
…
As for saving her fourth uncle, in Xuan Yuan Qingya’s heart, that was already a matter set in stone.
Since that was the case, she didn’t mind using it as an opportunity to achieve certain aims of her own.
At present, Xuan Yuan Qingya had two clear purposes she wished to fulfill through this affair.
The first was to completely resolve the issue of Jiang Yifeng!
Her refusal to let her fourth aunt or Xuan Yuan Lin spread the word earlier, as well as her deliberate mention of a so-called “miracle elixir” before Dragon Lord Shang Yan, were both meant to draw Jiang Yifeng out.
Yet up to this point, Jiang Yifeng had failed to appear…
Xuan Yuan Qingya felt a touch of disappointment, but did not dwell on it.
If Jiang Yifeng were to appear, then no matter what, Xuan Yuan Qingya would force him to make a move—and once he did, she would seize his weakness and strike him down in one decisive blow.
Gratitude carried two layers of meaning—one directed toward Xuan Yuan Chen, and the other toward Lin Tian.
The former was repayment to Xuan Yuan Chen.
Over ten years ago, Xuan Yuan Chen had firmly supported her and her mother, allowing them to become the mistresses of the Xuan Yuan household. Over a decade later, Xuan Yuan Qingya was about to repay that favor by saving his life.
Of course, this wasn’t an equal exchange—merely the way Xuan Yuan Qingya explained her own actions to herself.
The latter was gratitude toward Lin Tian.
If not for him, the jade carving would never have fallen into her hands. And even if it had, she would never have known how to use it to save her fourth uncle’s life.
This matter was something Xuan Yuan Qingya carved into her heart. It was a debt of kindness so great it could never truly be repaid.
If possible, she wouldn’t mind using her entire life to repay it.
Her behavior in Lin Tian’s room earlier had already said more than enough.
After speaking with the others, Xuan Yuan Qingya smiled faintly and stepped out of the inner chamber.
If not for her wish to conveniently fulfill those two additional aims, she would have smashed the jade carving open right there at the door.
But now, with her fourth uncle still lying on the bed, Xuan Yuan Qingya could wait no longer.
……
Outside the room, Xuan Yuan Lin was still heavy-hearted over her father’s condition.
But after Xuan Yuan Qingya had told her that she had a way to help, the fifteen-year-old girl no longer seemed too worried.
All her life, the person she admired most was her elder sister Qingya. As long as her sister said she could do something, then she could. She had never once lied to her.
The little girl sat obediently at her mother’s side. Then, her eyes suddenly darted over toward Lin Tian, who was quietly standing nearby.
“Brother-in-law, when did you and Sister Qingya get together?”
Though her voice wasn’t loud, it was crisp and clear, carrying the innocent purity of a young girl.
Lin Tian’s body stiffened.
This little girl, what nonsense is she spouting?!
He and Xuan Yuan Qingya were perfectly innocent!