Chapter 19: The Male Version of Lin Daiyu

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Upon hearing this, Sheng Qiming was momentarily stunned. Frowning, he asked, “Why is Yue’er asking about this?”

“It’s nothing, just curious,” Sheng Mingyue said, fixing her gaze on him with a calm tone. “When I was little, villagers often said that Aunt Lan hasn’t remarried since breaking off the engagement with Father. How did she become pregnant? Who is the lover? Didn’t Father ever suspect anything?”

Sheng Qiming stiffened, panic flickering in his eyes as he murmured, “She... she only told me... it’s not mine.”

[The little underdog is really clever, hitting the key points every time!]

[My goodness, I’m starting to think the underdog sister can hear us talking!]

[Thoroughly investigate the midwife and Liu Cuixi. If there really was a baby swap, then Sheng Li’s background is highly suspicious too!]

[Exactly! Both the little underdog and her father have such good characters; clearly, they’re not the same kind as that mother and son pair!]

[Liu Cuixi truly ruined the underdog’s father’s life. Who would go against their conscience and have another child with her?]

Sheng Mingyue pursed her lips and whispered, “I’ll have someone look into this matter. Father, first keep the silver Aunt Lan gave you safe, and move somewhere else to live. Don’t let Liu Cuixi find you.”

With that, Sheng Mingyue pulled a porcelain bottle from her sleeve and softly said, “This is an ointment I bought. Father, use it first. I also have fifty taels of silver here. Use it to find a place closer to the west city, so we can meet more conveniently.”

Sheng Qiming shook his head repeatedly and stepped back two paces. “What kind of father asks his child for money?”

“Times have changed. Father needs to settle himself first so that his daughter can be without worries,” Sheng Mingyue said earnestly as she pressed the ointment and silver into his arms. “Once these hard days pass, I’ll help Father divorce her. You won’t have to suffer her beatings and scoldings anymore.”

Sheng Qiming’s eyes reddened as he awkwardly accepted the items from his daughter, murmuring, “Alright... I’ll do as you say. I’ll pack up and leave soon.”

After parting from her father, Sheng Mingyue headed toward the East Market Street, where she happened to spot Zhao Can bustling in front of a tavern.

“Ah Can?”

Hearing her voice, Zhao Can turned, puzzled, then her eyes brightened upon seeing her. “Sheng Mingyue? You have time today?”

Mingyue smiled and stepped forward, glancing sideways at the newly hung signboard on the tavern.

“Hundred Guests Welcome.” Sheng Mingyue covered her mouth to smile softly. “That’s a good name.”

“Right?” Zhao Can placed her hands on her hips, pride clear on her face. “I’ve had my eye on this spot for a long time. It’s always crowded. With a flashy name, our tavern will never lack business!”

Sheng Mingyue shared her joy warmly. “Thank you for all your hard work from now on.”

“Ah, it’s nothing big.” Zhao Can shrugged nonchalantly. “We split the profits, I take the bigger share. I’ve already taken more money anyway. If I did less work than you, that wouldn’t be fair.”

Sheng Mingyue laughed at her words, then her expression softened again as she asked, “Ah Can, have you encountered anyone unusual these past couple of days?”

Zhao Can paused, suspicion flashing in her eyes. “Who are you referring to?”

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Sheng Mingyue pondered briefly, then leaned close and whispered in her ear, “If you see a young gentleman dressed in finery, avoid him as much as possible. Don’t bring trouble upon yourself and risk harm.”

[What are the little underdog and the villainess whispering about so closely?]

[Seriously, I paid for membership and you won’t let me listen?]

[Tell us what’s going on!]

Zhao Can was uncomfortable with someone invading her personal space but since Sheng Mingyue was half a friend, she didn’t mind too much.

After hearing her words, Zhao Can’s face showed shock as she murmured, “You can read fortunes and tell fate?”

Sheng Mingyue smiled wryly and whispered, “Sort of. Whatever happens, you must remember my warning.”

Zhao Can hesitated, nodded, and then said farewell with a blank expression.

Watching her leave, Zhao Can blinked and muttered softly, “Little missy, you’re pretty good at pretending.”

Having seen both her father and Zhao Can, Sheng Mingyue’s anxious heart finally settled. As the sun set, she hurried toward the Qingfeng Medical Hall.

To avoid raising suspicion from onlookers, she wrote down all the herbs she needed on a piece of paper and handed it directly to the little medicine boy.

As the boy went to gather the herbs, Sheng Mingyue silently prayed. Even if there was the slightest chance to save the prince, she would try everything.

By the time she returned to the prince’s residence, night had fallen.

Silently slipping through the side gate, she had hoped to return unnoticed but from afar, her eyes met Rong Zhao’s.

Rong Zhao had a bamboo chair brought over and sat quietly outside the Wutong courtyard gate, staring toward the side gate all day long.

“Prince?” Sheng Mingyue’s foot slipped, almost falling into a nearby pond. “You... it’s chilly today. Why are you sitting outside?”

Rong Zhao was leaning sideways, a thick blanket draped over his knees and a hand warmer in his hands.

His complexion was already pale, but now even more so from the cold. He coughed occasionally, looking increasingly pitiful.

[The little prince is definitely the male version of Lin Daiyu! My heart is melting!]

[Little underdog, go warm him up right now!]

[Family, can you believe my focus never left the prince? He sat in front of the courtyard all day without eating a bite—he’s a statue of longing!]

[Look at Yunlai’s fierce glare at the little underdog; he must have waited a lot.]

Reading those comments, Sheng Mingyue hesitated but then lifted her eyes and did see Yunlai’s fierce look, making her shiver thrice. “Prince, I apologize for coming back late...”

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“Benefactor is busy; being busy is good,” Rong Zhao lifted his phoenix-like eyes, the corners slightly raised, his nose red from the cold. “You must have been very happy to see your father, right?”

Sheng Mingyue hurriedly lifted the bundle of herbs in her hands and explained, “I returned early but took a detour to Qingfeng Medical Hall to buy some mild medicine. I plan to prepare medicinal dishes for the prince.”

As she finished, the frown on Rong Zhao's brow instantly smoothed out, and a faint smile appeared at the corner of his lips. “My benefactor thinks of me even when out—how thoughtful. You deserve a reward.”

[??!]

[Seriously, do men fall for this easily?]

[Prince, look at Yunlai; he’s about to break!]

[A few kind words and a reward? Damn, I want this boss too!]

Sheng Mingyue suddenly perked up and quickly stepped forward, holding the herbs. “Prince, please go inside to avoid the cold wind. Dinner will be ready soon.”

Rong Zhao slowly rose, his features clear and gentle as he responded softly, “Alright.”

Seeing his benefactor, his usually indifferent appetite seemed to revive.

After some time, Sheng Mingyue carried the food into the Wutong courtyard.

“Lily chicken soup, still warm. Prince, have a bowl to warm your body,” Sheng Mingyue said, ladling soup for him. Her cheeks were rosy from standing by the stove. “I know a folk remedy to clear heat and stop coughing. Would you like to try it?”

“Don’t be ridiculous. How can the prince’s health—”

“Good.”

Yunlai’s words were cut off by Rong Zhao’s interruption.

Rong Zhao looked at her and nodded slightly, his eyes sparkling like stars in the sky. “If my benefactor can save me once, she can save me twice.”

Sheng Mingyue’s fingers trembled, the soup ladle clattered into the bowl, and she looked at him helplessly.

Their eyes met, and the atmosphere instantly grew warmer.

The black subtitles suspended in midair doubled in size amidst the bustling noise, yet Rong Zhao’s handsome face was crystal clear before her.