CHAPTER 86: CHAPTER 86: BEWARE

Enter?

Or not enter?

His thirst was unbearable, if he went in now for a sip of water, it shouldn’t be inappropriate.

But wouldn’t he just be looked down upon by the little eunuch behind him?

While he was struggling, he happened to encounter Qiu Ming coming out of the small courtyard.

At a glance, he saw the Second Prince with a flushed face, followed closely by Xiao Luzi.

He immediately frowned and stepped forward, saying,

"Why is the Second Prince here?"

He pursed his lips, not answering.

Qiu Ming glanced at Xiao Luzi, the two exchanged a look and quickly understood the situation.

Even as stubborn as the Second Prince was facing Qiu Ming, he couldn’t maintain a cold demeanor.

But how to speak, became a difficult task.

Instead, Qiu Ming took the initiative and said,

"Second Prince, please come inside quickly, it’s terribly hot outside, be careful not to get heatstroke."

Having a way out, the Second Prince was not one to be uninformed.

So he glanced at Qiu Ming, then nodded.

The three entered Huifang Courtyard, the Second Prince was curious but kept his eyes forward, not looking around.

This manner made Qiu Ming’s lips curve slightly.

Quite composed, but alas, not in good health.

Coincidentally, Lin Wanyi was making the Emperor’s everyday clothes at that moment, so she was somewhat surprised when Qiu Ming brought the Second Prince inside.

"Mr. Qiu, this is...?"

"Mistress, this is the Second Prince, the sun is too strong outside, so I boldly invited the Second Prince to our courtyard for a drink of water and to escape the sun."

"That’s right."

Lin Wanyi smiled and just looked at him, without continuing to speak.

After Qiu Ming finished speaking, Xia An immediately went to pour.

Due to Lin Wanyi’s health, warm water was always available in the room.

Xia An handed a cup respectfully to the Second Prince, saying,

"Second Prince, please."

But although he was young, his bearing was great.

He let Xia An hold it like that, neither speaking nor taking it.

Lin Wanyi tilted her head and quickly understood.

So she got up and walked to the pot containing warm water, poured herself a cup, and drank it with her head raised.

Then she turned the cup upside down and raised an eyebrow at the Second Prince.

As if saying, no poison, drink up.

The Second Prince’s thoughts were exposed to his face, yet he wasn’t embarrassed.

He thought for a while, and then took the cup and drank it all at once.

The warm water had a little honey added.

There was a slightly sweet taste when drinking it.

Plus, the water temperature was just right, quenching the Second Prince’s long-parched throat.

One cup down, feeling it wasn’t enough, he handed the cup to Xia An.

But his eyes still looked toward the pot of warm water.

Lin Wanyi gave a gentle smile and instructed Xia An,

"Pour the Second Prince another cup."

"Yes."

Just two cups of water, but the Second Prince felt the dizziness had lessened significantly.

Now, whether to sit or stand became awkward.

He had never met Lin Wanyi, so he didn’t even know what to talk about now.

The young boy felt a bit embarrassed but maintained his status and was reluctant to speak first.

Lin Wanyi glanced outside, then asked softly,

"Second Prince, have you eaten?"

"No."

As soon as he spoke, the Second Prince frowned.

Obviously, he wanted to say it’s none of your business, but looking at Lin Wanyi’s face, he found it hard to say.

"Then just right, there’s food in the servant’s small kitchen, I’ll have it sent over."

Seeing this, Xiao Luzi hurriedly went to speak with Chunqi.

And the Second Prince, unlike when he first came in with restraint, found a round stool and sat down.

Lin Wanyi looked at him, young and small, yet full of thoughts.

Not only did he guard against potential poisoning in the water, but upon entering, he had the air of a noble prince, fearing he’d lose this image in front of them.

Lin Wanyi couldn’t help but ponder.

If the Second Prince were not frail and sickly, maybe Princess Consort Yi wouldn’t be so arrogant now.

But in the Royal Palace, once labeled as frail and sickly, one was practically disqualified from the throne.

But maybe this was good, at least he’d be spared many schemes.

Silence between them, Lin Wanyi opened with some casual chatter, but the Second Prince ignored her.

Qiu Ming and Xia An were servants, therefore shouldn’t say anything.

But Lin Wanyi found it quite interesting.

Perhaps because her younger days were also marked by illness, she understood more.

Sick people inherently have bad moods.

Luckily, she had her grandfather’s family looking after her for five years.

Thus, when she recovered from her illness, she could be more at peace.

But this Second Prince grew up in the Royal Palace, with a biological mother who passed early, and a father too busy to care.

Although Princess Consort Lan cared diligently, judging by today’s secret escape, the effort was not genuine.

Therefore, he acted as if covered in thorns.

Ready to prick anyone who approached.

So Lin Wanyi didn’t mind.

Since he didn’t want to talk, she would not ask further.

She continued her sewing.

Sunlight gradually moved through the window, casting a gentle and soft light upon her.

The Second Prince watched in fascination for a moment.

And suddenly, his nose felt a twinge of sadness, causing him to lower his head promptly.

Suppressing all sobs and grief.

A moment later, he raised his head, and returned to his previous indifferent and reserved manner.

Chunqi and Xiao Luzi brought over two dishes and a soup.

Not much in quantity, but carefully plated, and the food looked very tempting.

"The maid didn’t know what the Second Prince likes to eat, but on such hot days, maybe some sour and spicy food would stimulate the appetite."

Then she placed a small portion of the cold shredded tripe onto the white porcelain plate in front of him.

Nearby wasn’t rice, but a bowl of clear soup noodles.

It looked plain, but the soup base was made by Chunqi from stewing an old hen.

Using continuous skimming of blood scum and adding minced meat to scrub back and forth, the final result was this clear as water chicken broth.

It seemed almost a waste for noodles.

Yet Chunqi thought the Second Prince, being in poor health, needed nourishment, hence this idea.

The other dish contained shrimp stir-fried with eggs.

The Second Prince glanced at the dishes, his small eyes revealing a hint of surprise.

Then there was boundless disappointment.

Nanny Chai often used his poor health as a reason to serve porridge most of the time, with bland side dishes.

Over time, his mouth only had the bitter taste of medicine.

With the excessive intake of medicine, his face had turned increasingly waxy yellow.

If he didn’t say, probably no one in the palace knew, that the dignified Second Prince had grown accustomed to hunger due to a harsh servant.

Faced with delicious food, he couldn’t help swallowing.

Then he looked at Lin Wanyi, this time without suspicion, grabbing the chopsticks and indulging heartily.