She Holds the World After Being Reborn
Chapter 35: Don’t worry, Mr. Chai is not that kind of person

Chapter 35: Chapter 35: Don’t worry, Mr. Chai is not that kind of person

Yan Wanqing didn’t know how long she had been unconscious. In her dream, she was riding a horse, galloping across the grasslands beyond the Great Wall, the warm breeze caressing her fluttering hair, and she felt completely free.

When she awoke, there was only the smell of medicine in the room and the anxious expressions of the people around her.

Yan Wanqing struggled to curl her lips into a pale smile, "I’m fine."

"This isn’t the first time the young mistress has coughed up blood..." The doctor finished packing up the silver needles and sighed, "If we still can’t target the right treatment, I’m afraid the coughing up of blood will become more frequent."

Yan Wanqing nodded, her voice very gentle as if it were of no concern to her, "I understand, thank you, sir. Please trouble my mother to arrange for someone to see you out."

Mrs. Sun wanted to say something but ultimately swallowed her words.

A group of people followed the doctor out, leaving only Xiaoliu at the bedside, staring intently at her.

Yan Wanqing reached out and rubbed her little head, "What’s wrong? Would you like some candied fruit? There’s a lot of delicious candied fruit in the second jar on the table."

Yan Lingzhen didn’t move; she just stared blankly at the bloody bandage on the table next to her, "Does big sister often cough up blood?"

Yan Wanqing shook her head, "It’s just an old ailment, don’t worry."

Before she could finish her words, Yan Lingzhen grabbed her wrist tightly, appearing to take her pulse, which surprised Yan Wanqing.

At this moment, Mrs. Sun returned after seeing off the doctor, and Yan Lingzhen quickly withdrew her hand.

A profound look flashed in Yan Wanqing’s eyes, but she said nothing.

Mrs. Sun, about to speak yet stopping, had searched everywhere in the house that could possibly hide anything upon her return, but to no avail.

Thinking about her elder daughter, who once shone as brightly as the sun and now could only lie listlessly on a sickbed — all of this due to her father — Mrs. Sun felt as if her heart were being cut with a knife.

The Yan family was a tree about to be uprooted amidst the storm, and all the burdens pressed down on Yan Wanqing’s shoulders, with her mother unable to share any. The more she thought about it, the more sorrowful Mrs. Sun felt.

Yet as the wife of the Lord Duke, she must not show the slightest sign of cowardice.

"Rest well." Mrs. Sun held Yan Wanqing’s head closely in her embrace, soothing her gently. Before leaving the room, she tucked the blanket around her and then pulled Xiaoliu out of the room.

Xiaoliu turned back to look at the figure lying on the bed, his eyes filled with deep concern.

However, Yan Wanqing didn’t fall asleep; she slowly sat up and, with the help of Hong Wu, managed to dress herself.

"Where is he?" Her voice was hoarse, her condition quite poor.

Hong Wu responded softly, "He’s been drugged, and now he’s hanging on by a thread waiting for you to arrive."

"Hmm, let’s go." Yan Wanqing took a step forward and immediately felt dizzy, almost fainting, but fortunately, Hong Wu supported her.

Yan Wanqing’s condition particularly worried Hong Wu, "Perhaps you shouldn’t go, master. We could handle it for you."

"It’s not that you’re incapable, but Chai You is extremely cunning. Even though he is down on his luck now, he should not be underestimated; you are no match for him." Yan Wanqing recalled this man’s achievements from her previous life. When Xiao Hongshen was already in control, yet Chai You still managed to have his influence in the court, even though he supported Xiao Pingfeng; Xiao Hongshen didn’t dare to harm him.

Chai You’s greatest strength lay in winning people’s hearts, demonstrating his tremendous wisdom.

Now, Yan Wanqing was merely taking advantage of her rebirth to meet this man before the Crown Prince could.

That was why she insisted on going despite her physical condition.

By the time Yan Wanqing arrived at the Chai Gate, a thin layer of sweat was already on her forehead.

"Are you still all right?" Hong Wu asked with some worry.

Yan Wanqing nodded and looked towards the closed Chai Gate, pushing Hong Wu away, "Go open the door."

When the Chai Gate was pushed open, Yan Wanqing, leaning on the moonlight, saw that the shed was empty.

Hong Wu started, "Where is he?"

"There is no blood on the ground, he hasn’t come out yet; search thoroughly." Yan Wanqing said quietly.

Hong Wu then pushed the door fully open. The left door rebounded halfway, and someone from inside exclaimed, "Ouch, ouch, ouch!"

It turned out to be hidden behind the door.

All tattered and covered in blood, Chai You emerged from behind the door. His eyes lit up upon seeing Hong Wu, "Yo, pretty lady!"

Hong Wu didn’t respond, but quickly returned to Yan Wanqing’s side, supporting her.

Yan Wanqing was clad in a thick cloak. When Chai You looked at her, her gentle complexion seemed to glow under the moonlight, prompting his shocked exclamation, "A goddess!"

"Mr. Chai flatters me." Despite her frailty, Yan Wanqing managed a slight bow.

After returning the courtesy, Chai You couldn’t help but ask, "Do you know who Chai is? Was tonight’s rescue a coincidence or intentional?"

Yan Wanqing showed a wry smile, "Does Mr. Chai think I’m a prophet? It was naturally a coincidence, but Mr. Chai’s talent is evident to all. If you partake in the imperial examination this year, you are sure to be the Top Scholar."

Chai You scrutinized Yan Wanqing’s attire, his gaze still wary, "Chai here is rather trivial, with only a few days of learning, but your clothes seem too grand for just anybody."

Graceful and assured, Yan Wanqing looked directly at Chai You, "The wine doesn’t fear the deep alley, Mr. Chai, why belittle yourself?"

"Ha ha ha ha... ow!" Chai You’s hearty laughter rang out, accidentally pulling at his wound, causing him to wince in pain.

His body was battered by debt collectors. Had it not been for Yan Wanqing’s people, he truly might have been beaten to death by those lawless thugs tonight.

"They say Princess Anping is often aloof, but seeing you today disproves the rumors. The princess is indeed fascinating!" Chai You winked at Yan Wanqing, but Hong Wu, standing beside him, scolded with a stern face, "Don’t be impudent!"

Yan Wanqing gently patted Hong Wu, "It’s ok, Mr. Chai isn’t that kind of man."

Indeed, Chai You was eccentric but not the sort who indulged in lewd fantasies.

Yan Wanqing believed he simply admired her purely.

Seeing Yan Wanqing defending him, Chai You’s smile widened.

"I am grateful to the princess for the rescue tonight. A great kindness goes without saying thanks. Should you need Chai in the future, just one word from you, princess."

Yan Wanqing nodded with a smile, "Then I thank you here, Sir."

"Interesting! Very interesting indeed!" Chai You exclaimed, finding her response amusing.

Tonight was a meet of seasoned foxes, a few words were enough to understand each other’s intentions completely.

Chai You knew Yan Wanqing had a motive, and Yan Wanqing was frank about it.

That’s how it goes between clever people, straightforward and direct.

"If so, you may rest here for a while, and later I will send someone to tidy up."

Chai You did not resist; hiding from his debtors, he wouldn’t mind living in this Duke’s mansion.

Though merely a woodshed, it was bigger than his own plot of land.

"Just having wine and meat is enough," Chai You touched his bird’s nest-like hair.

Yan Wanqing smiled without speaking; however, Hong Wu spoke up, "Mr. Chai should eat light foods recently to heal faster. Meat and wine are absolutely not advisable."

"That’s no fun at all..." Chai You lamented.

Yan Wanqing and Hong Wu left, his sigh of regret still audible.

Hong Wu continued to support Yan Wanqing back to her room, where she immediately coughed up a mouthful of fresh blood onto her handkerchief.

"My lady!" Hong Wu quickly took out a silver needle, hurrying to administer a few pricks to Yan Wanqing.

Yan Wanqing waved her hand, "It’s nothing."

Worry filled Hong Wu’s eyes, "Piji has already gone to find the Red Buddha’s Hand, and once we locate the Divine Doctor, your poisoning can be cured."

Yet Yan Wanqing was not thinking of this.

"It might not be so easy to recruit Chai You for our cause; it seems I must expend more effort."

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