Chapter 624: Heavy Lover, Neglectful Friend

At this moment, Park Duandiao and Jiao Sigun, standing nearby, grew anxious. "Lord Eleven was injured precisely to save the Crown Prince and Crown Princess," they said. "Isn't he allowed to use this medicine either?"

The Chief Imperial Physician shook his head, a no-nonsense expression on his face. "I'm sorry, but rules are rules. This medicine is indeed for the imperial family; it cannot be given to anyone else."

The two guards were at a loss for words. After all, they were just two minor guard captains from the Eastern Palace and couldn't force the Chief Imperial Physician. Moreover, having spent years in the palace, they were indeed aware of certain palace rules.

Zu'an pondered for a moment and took out his golden token. "The Emperor sent me to investigate a case," he stated. "I am injured and haven't recovered, so I can't investigate at all. Can you afford to bear the consequences if this interferes with an imperial decree?"

The Chief Imperial Physician's face showed displeasure. "Lord Eleven needn't use imperial orders to pressure me," he retorted. "This official isn't swayed by that. If your lordship can obtain an imperial edict or a verbal command from the Emperor, I will immediately give you the medicine without another word."

Rage points from Ma'an +413!

Zu'an was somewhat frustrated. "I don't think I've offended this guy," he thought, "so why do I sense an inexplicable hostility from him?"

But if they couldn't get the medicine, Yun Jianyue's injuries would likely worsen significantly, which would be even more troublesome.

Was he supposed to sneak back later and steal it?

No, that wouldn't work. Not to mention the assassin incident today, palace security was ten times tighter than usual. Even if he successfully stole the Five Elements Secret Ganoderma, it would only invite a host of suspicions.

After all, he had just failed to obtain this medicine, and if it was stolen immediately afterward, it would be suspicious if they didn't suspect him.

Just as he was caught in this dilemma, a wisp of fragrant breeze drifted past, and a pleasant yet dignified voice spoke, "I wonder if I am qualified to use this medicine?"

Everyone turned around, astonished to see a beautiful lady in palace attire, surrounded by a retinue of eunuchs and palace maids. Her fair, smooth skin set off the vibrant red *huadian* between her brows, making it seem exquisitely delicate. The golden *buyao* in her hair glittered brilliantly in the surrounding torchlight. Her entire ensemble was grand and luxurious. On anyone else, this style could easily appear gaudy or nouveau riche, or even vulgar if not handled carefully, but she had no such problem. It was as if such vibrant and enchanting attire was tailor-made for her.

"Greetings, Crown Princess!" Park Duandiao and Jiao Sigun, standing nearby, bowed in unison. The Chief Imperial Physician, Ma'an, also shed his previous arrogance and paid his respects.

"You are injured; there's no need for such formality." The Crown Princess made a slight gesture with her hand, as if to help them up, and a perfectly appropriate faint smile appeared on her face, instantly making the two guards feel as if they were bathed in a spring breeze.

"The Crown Princess actually cares for us so thoughtfully!" The two guards were extremely moved. In fact, during their time together, the Eastern Palace attendants respected the Crown Princess even more than the Crown Prince. After all, the Crown Prince's abnormal appearance made it truly difficult to feel genuine respect for him.

What a pity that a goddess-like woman like the Crown Princess could only marry such a Crown Prince...

As soon as this thought arose, the two guards immediately cut it off. Such imperial matters were not for two minor guard captains like them to comment on.

Zu'an glanced at her with some surprise. He truly hadn't expected to meet her here.

However, seeing the gifts in the hands of the palace maids and eunuchs behind her, he immediately realized she must have brought people to console the injured guards.

This woman's methods for winning people's hearts were indeed very clever. One could tell by how excited Park Duandiao and the others were.

Noticing his gaze, the Crown Princess nodded slightly in acknowledgment. Then she looked at the Chief Imperial Physician beside her and said, "Chief Ma, I would like to use that Five Elements Secret Ganoderma. Is that permissible?"

The Chief Imperial Physician hesitated only for a moment, guessing the purpose for which she wanted the medicine, but immediately chuckled obligingly. "Crown Princess, what are you saying? Of course you can have it. Someone, bring out the Five Elements Secret Ganoderma from the storeroom."

Soon, a medicine boy quickly departed, and not long after, returned holding a jade box. The Chief Imperial Physician respectfully presented it to the Crown Princess. "The Five Elements Secret Ganoderma is extremely precious, so it's kept in a jade box to prevent its medicinal properties from dissipating. Additionally, a magic formation to preserve its efficacy is carved around the jade box. Crown Princess, please consume it as soon as possible after taking it out."

The Crown Princess smiled faintly. "Thank you, Chief Ma."

Zu'an, standing nearby, felt a pang of frustration. This old geezer was so defiant towards him, yet he was utterly fawning over the Crown Princess.

Now that the Five Elements Secret Ganoderma was in the Crown Princess's hands, it was even more troublesome. Originally, it might have been easier to steal it from her, but her status was too sensitive. Any incident involving her would escalate into a major affair.

Meanwhile, the Crown Princess took her palace maids and eunuchs outside to console a room full of injured soldiers. Soon, cheers erupted from outside; clearly, the guards were overcome with excitement by the Crown Princess's warm, spring-like smile.

Zu'an silently grumbled. She was clearly fierce in the Eastern Palace, yet now she was so amiable towards outsiders. The Crown Prince truly had a miserable life.

Speaking of which, wasn't she afraid the Emperor would be wary of her for winning over so many people?

However, he immediately recalled the Crown Prince's dimwitted appearance. Perhaps the Emperor was actually hoping this daughter-in-law would have some capability, so she could better assist the Crown Prince in the future. Naturally, he wouldn't mind these things.

He shook his head, deciding to leave first and ponder a solution later. Didn't the Imperial Hospital still have another Five Elements Secret Ganoderma? He could figure something out later.

Not long after he walked out, a crisp, incredibly pleasant voice suddenly came from behind him: "Lord Eleven, please wait."

Zu'an turned around and looked at the beautiful Crown Princess slowly approaching. "Crown Princess, how may I help you?"

He noticed that the Crown Princess's accompanying palace maids and eunuchs were inside distributing gifts to the injured guards. Clearly, her mere presence and words of comfort as the Crown Princess were grand enough, and she didn't need to personally handle these tasks. So she had taken the opportunity to step out.

For some reason, he always had a feeling that the Crown Princess's voice was different when she spoke to him compared to her usual tone. Normally, she deliberately maintained a dignified tone, which at times could seem a bit fierce. But now, her voice was gentle and pleasant, lacking any of her usual sternness.

The Crown Princess stopped a few feet away from him, not coming any closer. She was well aware of palace rules and maintained an appropriate distance from external officials. "Before, I was fortunate enough to be saved by Lord Eleven... along with the Crown Prince," she began. "I haven't had a chance to thank you properly until now."

"You are too kind, Crown Princess; it was my duty," Zu'an replied calmly and steadily. He had nearly been beheaded by the Emperor just for embracing her once, even though it was to save her life. Now, still young and lacking strong backing, it was best to keep his distance from her.

"Sir Eleven, a simple gesture from you saved my... our lives. How could I not be grateful?" The Crown Princess's face no longer held its usual seriousness. Instead, the corners of her lips curved slightly upward, making her look like a cheerful young maiden. "Oh, by the way, I just overheard your conversation, and it seems you were injured by the assassin?"

"I'm fine, it's nothing serious." Gazing at her blooming smile, Zu'an felt a little dazed. Was this really the fierce Crown Princess he usually knew?

At this, the Crown Princess waved her hand to the side. Soon, a maid came forward, holding a jade box, and presented it to Zu'an. "I heard that Sir's soul was damaged, so I am presenting this Five Elements Secret Ganoderma to you. You were injured while saving the Crown Prince and me. How could we stand by and do nothing?"

As the Crown Princess, with countless eyes watching her, both inside and outside the palace, it was naturally impossible for her to personally hand something to an outside man.

Zu'an hadn't expected her to want the Five Elements Secret Ganoderma for himself. He was overjoyed. He put the jade box back into his embrace. "Then I thank the Crown Princess very much."

The two chatted casually for a few more moments. Then Zu'an clasped his hands and bowed, taking his leave, as it was not appropriate for people of their respective statuses to converse for too long.

Watching his retreating back, the Crown Princess seemed lost in thought, wondering what she was thinking.

At this moment, a palace maid beside her whispered, "Crown Princess, weren't we here to get medicine for Sister Rong Mo? You gave the Five Elements Secret Ganoderma to him, so what about Sister Rong Mo?"

The Crown Princess's smile froze. "Oh dear, I completely forgot about that!" she exclaimed. "Come, come, let's quickly go find an Imperial Physician to prescribe some other medicine."

Not long after the Crown Princess and her retinue departed, General Cheng Xiong of the Left Guard arrived with his men. He went directly to the Chief Imperial Physician and asked, "Has any medicine gone missing from the Imperial Hospital today?"

***

The character Ma'an in this chapter was provided by reader Renjian Changchou.