Chapter Sixty-One: Unexpected Affection (Requesting Subscription Upon Release)

Yan Heru sat in the center of the main hall, with the townsfolk lining up at the door, each waiting their turn for a consultation.

Shen Hezhi himself wasn’t sure why he suddenly felt so compelled, but he found himself joining the queue with the commoners.

As the townsfolk passed by Shen Hezhi, they praised Doctor Yan as they left.

“Doctor Yan is truly a fairy! Such a kind person!”

“Yes, ever since she arrived, we no longer have to fear not being able to see a doctor.”

“That’s right, that’s right.”

Their conversation caught Shen Hezhi’s attention.

A fairy? I must see for myself just how extraordinary this so-called fairy is, to win such adoration from the people.

“Next.” The woman’s clear, melodious voice drew Shen Hezhi’s gaze.

He sat down before her and extended his hand. Without looking up, she asked, “What troubles you?”

“My head.”

“Describe your symptoms. You…” Yan Heru finally looked up, and upon recognizing Shen Hezhi, her voice abruptly stopped.

It was only when Shen Hezhi took his seat before Yan Heru that he realized this much-lauded Doctor Yan was, in fact, his own wife.

“My only symptom is a deep longing for my lady. I have no idea where she has gone, so I’ve been anxiously searching, but have found no trace of her.” Shen Hezhi smiled at Yan Heru.

Her expression turned cold. “This man is not ill. Take him out. Next.”

At her command, two attendants stepped forward to escort Shen Hezhi away.

But Shen Hezhi was not one to be dismissed so easily. He smiled challengingly at the two attendants and asked, “Look closely at me—do you still wish to cast me out?”

The two looked at one another. The Ninth Prince.

Though they recognized him, they were also well aware of his reputation in the capital and his lack of favor within the royal family.

Still, he was royalty. If they truly forced him out, who could say what consequences might follow.

“What are you two standing around for? Did you not understand my words? Even if he is the Ninth Prince, it doesn’t matter—get him out at once,” Yan Heru repeated.

Reluctantly, the two attendants stepped forward and said, “Your Highness, forgive us. Please, you must leave…”

Shen Hezhi could sense Yan Heru’s anger, yet he couldn’t fathom the reason behind it.

“Fairy Yan, do you not treat the ailments of the common people? Are you unwilling to see me because I am royalty?” Shen Hezhi did not budge.

Seeing his stubbornness, Yan Heru glared and waved the attendants away. “If Your Highness insists on a consultation, then naturally, I dare not disobey. Please place your hand on the pillow.”

Shen Hezhi smiled and complied.

Yan Heru placed her slender, delicate fingers on his wrist. As Shen Hezhi watched her hands, a sudden desire rose within him—to whisk her away, to keep those hands hidden from others.

And indeed, he acted on his impulse. He seized her hand, startling Yan Heru, who tried to pull away, but he held fast.

“Come home with me,” he said, gripping her tightly. The attendants, who had been about to intervene, were cowed by a single look from him.

“Who dares stand in the way as I bring my wife home?” Shen Hezhi’s gaze was icy.

The two attendants exchanged glances. “So… Your Highness, you mean to say that Doctor Yan is your wife?”

“What else?” Shen Hezhi retorted.

“I am not! Don’t listen to his nonsense. He’s clearly acting on a whim. You know his reputation in the capital,” Yan Heru struggled, her voice sharp.

Shen Hezhi narrowed his eyes. He was angry—she could see it. But so what? Must everything bend to his will?

“Your Highness, are you truly going to snatch a common woman in broad daylight? That would certainly add to your infamous reputation,” Yan Heru sneered.

“My lady, do you truly not recognize me?” Shen Hezhi suddenly smiled, as if the anger had never existed.

Noticing the gathering crowd, Yan Heru realized things could not go on like this. She shifted her tone. “Your Highness, if you truly have business with me, could you wait a little while? As you see, there are still many people waiting for treatment. Should they all be delayed for your sake?”

Shen Hezhi glanced back at the long line behind him, then nodded. “Very well, I will wait for you. When you are finished, we shall return to the palace together.”

Yan Heru neither refused nor agreed, merely saying, “Next.”

Shen Hezhi vacated the seat and waited quietly to the side, watching her until the afternoon.

Given his status, the staff of the Shengjing Clinic did not dare to ask him to leave.

At last, as the day wore on, the crowd thinned. Yan Heru wiped the fine beads of sweat from her brow, and Shen Hezhi thoughtfully handed her a handkerchief.

“Tired? Let’s go home.”

Go home—such a gentle phrase. For a fleeting moment, Yan Heru felt herself weakened by his tenderness. But…

“Your Highness, let’s go,” she said coldly, standing and returning the handkerchief.

Shen Hezhi couldn’t understand why she was angry again. They walked back to the palace in silence, saying not a word.

And soon enough, news of the day’s events spread from one to another, until the entire capital knew of it.

Back at the palace, Yan Heru locked herself in the pharmacy. Shen Hezhi wanted to follow, but she shut the door in his face, leaving him outside in the cold.

He touched his nose awkwardly. Never in his life had anyone treated him so.

But she was his wife, after all…

Inside the pharmacy, Yan Heru listened as his footsteps faded into the distance, and let out a sigh of relief.

What on earth is Shen Hezhi doing… coming to find me, saying such strange things…

No matter, I must focus on preparing the antidote as soon as possible. The sooner it’s done, the sooner I can leave. I can’t let myself be entangled with him any longer.