After the conversation that day, Mu Mingtang didn’t know whether it was her way of taking care of Xie Xuanchen, or that Xie Xuanchen had come to terms with what was bothering him, his energy improved greatly and his face was not pale as before.
Mu Mingtang was constantly finding opportunities to visit the Imperial Physician Zhang. However, it was either Zhang that was on leave, or she was surrounded by maids and could not slip away. Mu Mingtang had no choice but to “temporarily ” stay in the bedroom. Finally, on Imperial physician Zhang’s third night shift, she got the chance to visit him.
As night fell, the maids carried a lantern and went back to rest after greeting her. After the maid closed the door, she saw as there was no movement outside, Mu Mingtang secretly pulled out a black cloak from the closet and wore it.
She tried to minimize her actions, and covered herself with a cloak. After putting on her hood, she turned over and said to Xie Xuanchen: “Remember to cover me.”
Xie Xuanchen looked at her in silence, and was too lazy to reply. Mu Mingtang glared at him, only then he nodded unwillingly: “Okay.”
After his reply, she silently opened the windows. Xie Xuanchen felt that something was off, her movements were so smooth, so he asked: “Why do you seem skilled?”
“Shh.” Mu Mingtang made a gesture, and lazily said: “The master who taught me how to pick locks was a thief, I Incidentally learned it from him.”
Incidentally? Xie Xuanchen raised his eyebrows and asked: “What are the other things that you also learnt by incidence?”
“Nothing.” Mu Mingtang was already standing outside the window, she suppressed her voice and said: “I’m leaving now. If someone happens to ask for my whereabouts, remember to tell them I am here.”
In seconds, she closed the windows and left without waiting for Xie Xuanchen’s response.
As night fell, the wind turned even more chilly. Mu Mingtang pressed down her hood and looked around cautiously. Seeing that no one was around, she lowered her head, and walked quickly to the direction that Xie Xuanchen had pointed to earlier.
As she was afraid that she’ll run into someone, she didn’t dare to take the main road, and only took the small pathway through the bamboo forest. Fortunately, Mu Mingtang was well experienced, and was not scared of the dark. In minutes, she passed through the bamboo forest, and with the lights reflected on the surface of the lake, she finally found the study hall where the imperial physician was working.
Mu Mingtang tiptoed and hid in the dark shadows. She observed through the window for a long time, making sure that there was only Imperial Physician Zhang before opening the doors.
Imperial Physician Zhang was reading a book about medicines under the lamp. Lamps are a rather precious item among the common folk, and they would not simply waste it for reading purposes. The palace would then become the perfect place to study, as it was brightly lit and quiet. Especially since Imperial Physician Zhang was the only one on duty today, no one would come to disturb. He took out his medicinal book and happily studied by the night.
Imperial Physician Zhang, immersed in the world of books, didn’t notice that something appeared outside. After a few moments, a voice suddenly sounded in the room: “ Imperial Physician Zhang.”
Imperial Physician Zhang was utterly frightened, he kept his hand over his chest and took a long time to calm himself down. He looked at the person in front of him, said in a disbelieving tone: “ Princess Qiyang?”
The Imperial Physician realised that he sounded rather rude. After the Emperor gave them a new title, he didn’t like anyone to mention Prince Qiyang ever again. Nowadays, only Prince An was mentioned and Prince Qiyang was long forgotten by the palace. Imperial Physician Zhang coughed, he stood up and said : “Princess An. Forgive me for not noticing your arrival. If I said anything wrong or was disrespectful towards you, please forgive me.”
“Imperial physician Zhang, you may stand.” Mu Mingtang took off her hood, and said: “ I’m here to seek your help.”
Imperial physician Zhang didn’t move. Just by looking at Mu Mingtang’s attire, he knew that things were more complicated than he thought. He remained in his posture and lowered his gaze , as he said: “I’m sorry Princess, I might not be a suitable candidate for the job. Please look for someone else for assistance.”
Although Mu Mingtang didn’t say this out loud, it was obvious that the only thing that made her willing to secretly disguise herself in the dark and seek for his medical help, would be Prince Qiyang’s illness. Unfortunately, that’s the only matter she couldn’t deal with alone.
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