Chapter Twenty-One: Negotiating Terms

“Mmm…” Shen Hezhi responded indifferently.

“First of all, marrying into this household was never something I truly wished for, and I imagine Your Highness feels much the same. Secondly, I did not expect that Your Highness would deceive me.” As Yan Heru spoke, a faint smile finally appeared on her face.

But Shen Hezhi was taken aback.

Deceive her? About what?

Seeing the confusion on his face, Yan Heru helplessly pursed her lips. “From your expression, it seems Your Highness doesn't realize what you’ve deceived me about. Isn't it well known in the capital that Your Highness is incapable of marital relations? But I am a physician, and I discovered the truth: Your Highness was lying.”

“I was indeed lying, but I never intended to deceive you,” Shen Hezhi replied with a sly grin.

Yan Heru had nothing to dispute, so she continued, “That is not the most important matter. What matters is that I’ve discovered Your Highness is afflicted with cold poison. And I can cure you.”

“Since Your Highness trusts that I can heal you, it means you must have already tried many renowned physicians. None were able to cure this cold poison. Given your esteemed position, you could seek out any healer you wished, but since things have come to this, I have the right to bargain.”

“Therefore, I’ll state my terms clearly: I am confident that I can cure your cold poison, but I want you to stay out of my affairs entirely.”

“For the months I am treating you, I require a fixed amount of silver each month.”

“Of course, my brother’s entry into the military camp, and the ten thousand taels of gold you spent to secure my release from the Sixth Prince—these can all be deducted from what you owe me.”

Her terms left Shen Hezhi momentarily speechless—perhaps even stunned. Yet, years of practiced reserve meant his face betrayed nothing, even as shock churned within.

“You’re bargaining with me now?” he asked.

“Exactly. My ability to cure you is the leverage I hold.” Yan Heru met Shen Hezhi’s gaze fearlessly.

“Go on, then—what other terms do you wish to set?” Shen Hezhi pressed.

“When I have cured Your Highness’s cold poison, I wish to leave the prince’s residence. To the outside world, it can simply be announced that I died of illness.”

Shen Hezhi fell silent. He did not immediately agree. In truth, her request for monthly payment did not trouble him much.

But the thought of her leaving after her duty was done stirred a faint resistance in his heart.

“Why must you leave the prince’s residence? If you stay, you shall be granted the rights you deserve, and I will not meddle in your private affairs. How does that sound?” Shen Hezhi asked.

His offer puzzled Yan Heru. There was no affection between them, nor even friendship. Why would he grant her such rights and promise not to interfere?

Sensing her confusion, Shen Hezhi himself felt a touch of inexplicable awkwardness, so he explained further.

“I wish for you to stay because there may be many dangers around me. I do not trust other physicians.”

The explanation made sense, and Yan Heru believed him. “Very well. But you must still pay me monthly, as agreed.”

“Agreed,” Shen Hezhi replied this time without hesitation.

“Now that everything is clear, I only hope that Your Highness’s old flames won’t come bothering me without cause.” With that, Yan Heru turned and left.

She made sure to close the door behind her, leaving the handsome Ninth Prince standing outside, dumbfounded.

She really just shut me out like that? Not even a word of parting?

Shen Hezhi could only shake his head in resignation and leave as well. Remembering Yan Heru’s parting words, he changed direction midway and headed for Cen Changjing’s residence.

There were matters he should have settled long ago. Now was the time for an ending.

After Shen Hezhi left, Yan Heru reopened the closed door and caught a glimpse of his departing crimson figure. She sighed softly.

“I didn’t expect to lay everything out so plainly. I had hoped for another chance to properly discuss this transaction. Was I too hasty, too reckless this time?”

“He is a prince, after all. His status is so exalted, and it seems there’s more to this cold poison than meets the eye. Now that I know so much, will he silence me for good?”

A flash of worry crossed her mind, but she quickly pushed it aside. After all, worrying would do nothing to help her; it would only add to her troubles. So, she cast the thoughts away and focused on sorting her medicinal herbs.

Yet as she worked, the thought occurred to her that, now her private affairs would be left alone, she could dare to entertain a bold idea. She smiled to herself, pleased.

…

Shen Hezhi arrived at the courtyard where Cen Changxiao lived. Before he even entered, he heard the sounds of weeping from inside.

To his own surprise, he paused at the threshold and listened.

“Brother, I swear that wasn’t me. Sister misunderstood me. Do you not believe me either?” Cen Changjing sobbed. Her voice was so delicate and frail that anyone would feel sorry for her.

“I do believe you,” Cen Changxiao said gently, patting her shoulder. “But that courtyard truly is forbidden. In the future, you mustn’t go there.”

“But why is it that I am forbidden from entering, yet Princess Consort may go there? Does Brother Hezhi truly have no place for me in his heart?” Cen Changjing asked, unwilling to let go.

Cen Changxiao only sighed and stroked her hair with brotherly affection. “Jing’er, you know what you did back then. How can you still hope that he would care for you?”

“But I…”

“I have never liked you.”

Shen Hezhi’s voice drew both their gazes in an instant. His words left them rooted in place.

“I overheard your conversation as I passed by. Perhaps there were misunderstandings between us that should be cleared up now.” He looked at Cen Changjing. “I have never cared for you, Miss Cen. It is only because you are Changxiao’s sister that you are treated differently from other women.”

“No, that’s not true… Brother Hezhi, you’re still angry with me, aren’t you?” Cen Changjing stood up, wanting to grasp his arm, but seeing his cold expression, she abandoned the attempt.