CHAPTER 704: CHAPTER 290: PREPARING TO SET OFF (FIVE MORE)

Really?!

It was simply out of a physician’s benevolence, to save the dying and heal the injured.

The determination that if one can be saved, one must never be abandoned.

"In any case, when saving others, you must always remember that your own life is the most important. Don’t try to be a hero," Gu Xingchuan said worriedly.

"Okay," Ye Qichi nodded.

"If you can’t bear to stay at the border any longer, just come back." Gu Xingchuan said again, "I’ll wait for you."

Ye Qichi looked at him.

"No matter where I am, I will wait for you. No matter where you want to go, I will accompany you," Gu Xingchuan promised.

Ye Qichi pressed her lips together.

She really didn’t know how to refuse Gu Xingchuan.

She always felt that Gu Xingchuan was following Xiao Jinxing only because she was there.

If she weren’t there.

Between her and Xiao Jinxing, Gu Xingchuan would definitely choose her.

But in fact, the original text clearly shows that Gu Xingchuan is utterly loyal to Xiao Jinxing.

Ye Qichi didn’t know what to say.

So she was somewhat silent.

"Master Gu." Xiaowu suddenly appeared beside them.

Ye Qichi and Gu Xingchuan turned their heads to look.

Inside, there was some relief at Xiaowu’s sudden appearance, which saved her from being so at a loss.

She always felt that coming into this story,

she owed nothing to anyone.

The only one, was indeed Gu Xingchuan.

She had treated him with a purpose in mind, never expecting him to be so kind to her.

So kind that she couldn’t say anything to hurt him.

"The Prince is looking for you and wants to talk to you alone about the imperial court’s matters," Xiaowu said.

Of course, he didn’t mention that right after everyone left, the Prince also came out.

Then he saw the Princess and Gu Xingchuan talking privately.

And then turned around, ordering him to find Gu Xingchuan alone.

The Prince obviously cares so much about the Princess, yet he doesn’t admit it!

If he keeps silent like this, sooner or later the Princess will run away with someone else.

"Okay," Gu Xingchuan agreed, then he turned back to Ye Qichi and said, "Let’s have dinner together tonight, as my treat."

"Sure, and we can take it as welcoming you. I’ll invite Ruotong to join," Ye Qichi said.

She really didn’t want to face Gu Xingchuan alone.

Fearing he might think too much.

And fearing she herself wouldn’t be firm enough.

"Great, I haven’t seen her for quite a while," Gu Xingchuan nodded.

"Then go ahead, I’ll wait for you outside the palace."

"Okay," Gu Xingchuan readily agreed.

Then he followed Xiaowu back into the grand hall.

Ye Qichi immediately left the palace.

She was leaving tomorrow.

Today, she had to go back and properly sort out the contents of her medical box and the several large boxes full of finished and semi-finished herbal medicines and ointments.

This time going to the border, she was naturally prepared to be fully equipped.

Carrying the hope that winning the battle would mean being able to leave, everything seemed more proactive.

She returned to Prince Chen’s Mansion.

Xie Ruotong was practicing with her sword.

Seeing her return, she quickly came over, "Princess."

"Gu Xingchuan is back, let’s have dinner together tonight."

"How come he’s back?" Xie Ruotong asked.

"All because of that damn Xiao Jinxing’s decision," Ye Qichi cursed unwillingly.

Xie Ruotong smiled.

Lu You also appeared helpless.

With the Princess’s attitude towards the Prince, the only way the Prince and Princess could get along would be if the sun rose from the west.

"If Gu Xingchuan is back, Song Yanqing will also go to the border," Ye Qichi added.

The smile on Xie Ruotong’s lips froze.

Ye Qichi looked at her expression, "Unwilling?"

"Not at all," Xie Ruotong regained her composure, "I just didn’t expect the Prince to hold Song Yanqing in such high regard."

"You’ll know why later."

"Alright." Xie Ruotong didn’t care much either.

"Okay, you continue with your sword practice, I’ll go sort out my medicine chest and then have a talk with Song Yanqing."

"Sure."

Xie Ruotong went back to her training.

Ye Qichi returned to the courtyard to sort out her things, and after finishing, she headed to Song Yanqing’s courtyard.

After more than a month of recuperation, Song Yanqing’s external injuries were mostly healed.

Only his body was still thin.

The scar on his face became even more conspicuous by the scarring.

"Greetings to the Princess," Song Yanqing bowed in respect.

"Prince Xiao Jinxing is about to lead his troops to the border tomorrow," Ye Qichi didn’t beat around the bush, "Xiao Jinxing wants to take you on a military campaign. Do you have any objections?"

Song Yanqing was somewhat surprised.

He said, "Your servant has no objections. I have already promised the Princess to serve Prince Chen from now on. If Prince Chen wishes for me to join him, I shall."

"Xiao Jinxing taking you away is in exchange for bringing back Gu Xingchuan, you’re smart enough to know why he would do such a thing, right?"

"I understand," Song Yanqing said, "Prince Chen hopes that I could provide some advice during the battle against King Chu."

"Although I do not doubt you, I want to make it clear that if you are on the same battlefield as Xiao Jinsen, you can’t afford to slip up."

"The Princess can rest assured. My loyalty to King Chu existed only until we went our separate ways. With King Chu gone, I am a free man. Now that I have chosen Prince Chen, I shall be loyal to Prince Chen," Song Yanqing promised.

"That’s good to hear," Ye Qichi of course didn’t doubt him either.

The departure of Xiao Jinsen and the stay of Song Yanqing already indicated the nature of their relationship.

The last thing Song Yanqing did for Xiao Jinsen was to swear not to reveal Xiao Jinsen’s whereabouts.

After that, it was Song Yanqing’s free choice.

"Cough cough." Song Yanqing coughed twice.

"Do you still cough frequently?" Ye Qichi showed concern.

"Occasionally."

"Make sure you remember to take your medicine regularly. Chronic diseases are like this; they can only be healed slowly over time."

"Alright," Song Yanqing responded, "Thank you for your concern, Princess."

"Your face..." Ye Qichi examined his scar.

Song Yanqing lowered his eyes.

"After the war, if I have the time, I’ll perform scar removal surgery for you," Ye Qichi said, "Just hold on a little longer."

"It doesn’t matter," Song Yanqing said, "Once you’re used to it, it doesn’t really bother you anymore."

Ye Qichi gave a wordless smile.

Such a long scar.

It’s unlikely one could ever really get used to it.

"Do you want to have dinner together tonight?" Ye Qichi suddenly asked.

"Hm?" Song Yanqing was surprised.

"Gu Xingchuan is back and will dine with me. Since it will be outside the palace anyway," Ye Qichi explained.

"Will Xie Ruotong go?"

"She will," Ye Qichi answered.

"Then I’d rather not go," Song Yanqing declined.

Ye Qichi sighed helplessly, "You will have many more chances to see each other in the future."

"I am aware. But I do not wish to disturb her so. I’d be afraid she couldn’t even eat," Song Yanqing said self-mockingly.

"Don’t tell me that in this more than a month living under the same roof, you haven’t met once?"

"Not once," Song Yanqing answered.

Ever since that accidental encounter.

He had been staying in his own room all along.

And thus, he had not seen Xie Ruotong even once.

Ye Qichi didn’t know what to say to them anymore.

If they really wanted to be strangers.

They wouldn’t be avoiding each other like this.

"Prepare yourself mentally for tomorrow’s departure to the border—it’s a tough life there," Ye Qichi didn’t add more.

"Alright."