Chapter Twenty-Seven: Each Busy in Their Own Way

Shen Hezhi did not deliberate for long before deciding he must personally travel to Huainan.

Upon returning to the prince's residence, he immediately sought out Shen Yi, who was busy organizing the information he had gathered. Shen Hezhi’s expression grew grave as he glanced over the documents.

“Is it Cen Changjing who spread this?” Shen Hezhi’s tone was sharp.

Shen Yi, absorbed in his work, had not noticed Shen Hezhi’s return, and was startled when he spoke.

“Your Highness…” Shen Yi had intended to finish sorting the information and then find a suitable moment to inform Shen Hezhi, but to his surprise, Shen Hezhi had returned so soon. Usually, when Shen Hezhi visited the Hua residence, he would spend the night there.

“Is all this information accurate?” Shen Hezhi inquired.

Shen Yi nodded. “Everything checked so far is true, but since it concerns Miss Jing, I plan to investigate again thoroughly.”

“No need. Stay here and focus on protecting the princess. You needn’t pursue this any further. I’m going to Huainan. You and Mo Yi must keep her safe.”

“Your Highness is going to Huainan?!” Shen Yi was surprised; Shen Hezhi had never left him behind regardless of his destination.

“Yes. While I am away, who knows how far this rumor might spread. Stay here and protect the princess with Mo Yi.”

“Understood,” Shen Yi replied.

Shen Hezhi nodded and went to his chamber to pack. As he entered, he unexpectedly ran into Yan Heru.

Both paused in surprise, neither speaking first, yet each returned to their own room. Shen Hezhi pressed his lips together, preparing to pack, when he noticed Yan Heru was doing the same.

Puzzled, Shen Hezhi asked, “You’re…”

“I imagine you’ve heard the recent rumors, Your Highness. I am not responsible for them, so I must return and trace their origin to resolve this,” Yan Heru answered.

Shen Hezhi nodded, “I am leaving as well. Pack my clothes for me, too.”

Upon hearing this, Yan Heru’s hands stilled. “Where is Your Highness headed?”

But as she spoke, she realized there was no reason to ask. Their relationship was merely cooperative; she was not his wife and had no need to inquire about his whereabouts.

Shen Hezhi replied nonetheless.

“To Huainan. I’m leaving Shen Yi here. If you need anything, speak to him. Mo Yi will assist you.”

“Shen Yi… Perhaps he should accompany Your Highness,” Yan Heru suggested, not pressing further about Shen Hezhi’s purpose in Huainan.

“It’s fine. Others will accompany me. Your safety requires protection,” Shen Hezhi assured her.

After he spoke, Yan Heru nodded lightly, and the two fell silent. After packing their respective belongings, Shen Hezhi took his luggage and departed. At the doorway, he paused briefly, “You… take care of yourself.”

With that, he left. Yan Heru was unsure why he cared for her, but his concern brought her joy.

Thinking of the rumor, Yan Heru’s eyes narrowed, a trace of murderous intent flickering within. Since childhood, anyone who used such despicable means to slander her had been sent to hell by her own hand.

Yan Heru did not consider herself ruthless, but sometimes, if she didn’t resort to such methods, she herself would be left without a grave.

Yan Heru valued her life above all; unless she grew weary of living, her resilience was unimaginable.

As for her excuse to return to the Yan residence, she had already decided. Her younger brother’s enlistment had not yet been disclosed to the family. As a male of the Yan household, even if not favored, he should inform them.

Thus, Yan Heru could use this pretext to return. How long she would stay depended on how quickly she resolved the matter.

Moreover, she was confident that once she returned, she could make the dramatic matriarch of Yan beg her to remain.

Yet another matter required her attention—the Shengjing Medical Hall. Yesterday, she had passed the director’s examination, and soon she would be summoned to the hall.

If she returned to the Yan residence, she would not be able to come and go freely without good reason, so she needed to inform the director.

However… Yan Heru was not very confident she would gain the director’s approval. As a woman, respect was hard-won in this world.

Having finally passed the director’s test, now she must delay her entry, which would surely displease him.

No matter the director’s response, Yan Heru was determined to seek his forgiveness.

But as night had already fallen, she decided to wait until the next day.

The following morning.

At dawn, Yan Heru opened her door and found Mo Yi, dressed in maid’s attire. “Mo Yi?”

“Princess, His Highness has left the residence. Shen Yi is not suited for close protection, so I will accompany you,” Mo Yi replied with a cheerful smile, clearly in high spirits.

Yan Heru shook her head in mild exasperation, unable to fathom why the girl was so happy. “I am returning to the Yan residence. Yesterday, I sent word.”

“I will accompany the princess,” Mo Yi answered.

Yan Heru nodded, planning to visit the Shengjing Medical Hall with Mo Yi first. But as they approached the main gate, they saw Han Xingzhou pacing back and forth, as if he had been waiting for a long time.

“Mister Han?”

Upon hearing her voice, Han Xingzhou turned and smiled at Yan Heru, approaching her. “Miss Yan, I am here to deliver a message from the director.”

He handed her a letter from his breast.

Yan Heru read it, smiled, and closed the letter. She said to Han Xingzhou, “Thank you for your trouble, Mister Han. I am leaving today, so I won’t invite you inside for tea.”

“You…” Han Xingzhou was unconcerned about entering the residence; he looked at Yan Heru hesitantly.

Yan Heru smiled, “Is there something you wish to say, Mister Han?”

“I… I just wanted to tell you not to worry about the recent rumors… those rumors…” Han Xingzhou stammered, uncertain how to express himself.

Hearing his concern, Yan Heru smiled, “Mister Han, I will resolve this rumor.”