A Hated Ally of the Past Life

Being faced with that passionate gaze, a shiver ran its cold boney finger down her spine.

Was she really going to indebt herself to this man, one she'd never gotten along with and even regarded as a rival for Feng Hao's affection?

Whose name she could hardly say, even in her own mind.

Her hands clenched at her sides. At this point in her previous life, they weren't exactly on bad terms yet. But Zhao Shuang had still disliked the very sight of him whenever she spent time with Feng Hao or entered the palace to visit the empress.

It might be because they were both villains in the story, but she'd always detected something dark in that gentle smile of his.

Despite her warnings, however, Feng Hao ignored her every time. He even refused to see her for more than a few days if she insisted on 'slandering' his favorite brother.

"Miss Zhao?"

Zhao Shuang reminded herself this was all for her sister. With that in mind, she managed a slight smile as she curtsied.

"Greetings to Your Highness." Her voice was calm and respectful, but carefully controlled to betray no other emotions. "This subject apologizes for meeting Your Highness in this improper attire."

Feng Jing merely smiled, gesturing to the embroidered chair across from him. "There's no need for Miss Zhao to apologize, we could practically be considered cousins¹. Please sit."

Zhao Shuang took her time in approaching her seat, her eyes not leaving him at all. It wouldn't be good to lower her guard in front of this man. Not even for a second.

"This prince hopes Miss Zhao understands this identity of mine must be kept secret," Feng Jing began once she sat down. His smile had somehow become even gentler.

She nodded, but couldn't help the slight curl of her lips. Who knows how many identities you hide, third prince.

"Now, why does Miss Zhao wish to see Yawen Pavilion's owner?"

Zhao Shuang's lips twitched. Despite being renowned for his scholarly talents, this prince could be rather  straightforward. It was better to follow his lead then, and not skirt around the issue either.

"Responding to Your Highness, this subject needs to see one of your guests, the Immortal Valley's Divine Doctor."

She held her breath once the words left her mouth. But when Feng Jing still didn't answer after some time, something occurred to her.

Why was the Divine Doctor staying at Yawen Pavilion in the first place?

The Immortal Valley was one of the mainland's most powerful forces, founded many years ago by a mysterious man revered as the God of Medicine. The talented doctors produced by this place were known to travel everywhere and heal people for free as well as for experience.

And the most miraculous of them were titled as Divine Doctors, with only five of them currently in existence.

Could it be...the third prince required their expertise?

She glanced at him from under her lashes. He didn't look sickly, but it wouldn't surprise her if someone like him had hidden it all along.

Feng Jing tapped a finger against the book on his lap, his expression pleasantly warm when he finally spoke: "It seems Miss Zhao has been spying on my Yawen Pavilion."

Zhao Shuang slightly stiffened, but didn't otherwise react. If he wanted to be this direct, then again, she wouldn't mind responding in kind. "Your Highness, this subject hasn't been spying on Yawen Pavilion, but on the whereabouts of the Immortal Valley's Divine Doctors. It only happens one of them is now staying here at your Yawen Pavilion."

"Ah, that is certainly right," he laughed, stealing Zhao Shuang's breath away for a moment.

A slight crease formed in between her brows. Hateful!

"But the problem is, Miss Zhao, why should this prince help you?"

His voice was mild, friendly even, not matching his ruthless words at all.

But this was how he always was: a gentle, refined exterior that belied his sharp tongue and calculating mind.

Zhao Shuang didn't rise to the bait. Instead, she maintained her smile, while under her sleeves, her nails stabbed into her palms.

"Naturally, this subject had prepared something to give in return. But since the owner turned out to be Your Highness, this subject has an even more appropriate gift."

Feng Jing gestured for her to continue, seeming as if he were interested in what she had to say.

"This subject can give Your Highness the whereabouts of Noble Consort Wen's diary," Zhao Shuang said, her voice deceptively light. Then she leaned back to appreciate the cracks starting to show on that warm facade.

That diary, it was precisely what Feng Jing was currently searching for, according to the novel's plot. Something he only obtained years later.

And what was hidden inside was indeed worth the effort: the innermost details of Tianshen's main army camps and their weapons' designs. Even His Majesty's secret forces were included.

Noble Consort Wen...truly a formidable woman, worthy for her to admire.

The next few moments passed in silence, with the only sound being Feng Jing's increased tapping. Each one resounded through the tense air.

Eventually, he stopped. "Who is Noble Consort Wen, Miss Zhao?"

He was still smiling, calm and inscrutable as ever.

But Zhao Shuang, experienced at observing this two-faced prince, managed to catch the chilling light that flashed in his eyes for only an instant.

She wasn't afraid, however. Whatever darkness he hid behind his harmless smiles and tender gazes, it couldn't be much worse than hers.

"Your real mother, Your Highness." Zhao Shuang let out a small chuckle. "The only princess of the vassal Jin Kingdom. In fact, this whole place," she gestured at their surroundings, "was most likely founded by the Jin Kingdom, as a means to spy on Tianshen more than a hundred years ago. Which passed on to you after your mother's death."

Once her words fell, a wave of killing intent crashed upon Zhao Shuang.

It was like a boulder was pressing down on her chest, making it difficult to breathe. But by circulating her inner energy a few times, and coating her vital organs with it, she was able to smoothly take in air once more.

She studied him, impressed. Even when emitting such vicious killing intent, this third prince could remain smiling, and so gently at that.

A pity she wasn't some weak and defenseless young miss, or it might have worked.

Seeing she wasn't affected, Feng Jing waved a hand. The bloodthirsty aura around him instantly disappeared, as if it'd never been there.

As he also took the time to examine her, a strange expression appeared on his face.

One she had to admit did make her hair stand on end.

"It seems Miss Zhao isn't all she's made out to be," he finally remarked, an even stranger smile on his lips. It wasn't as warm or gentle as usual, no, but curious.

Zhao Shuang resisted the urge to scoff. If she wasn't who seemed to be, then what about him?

She raised an eyebrow. "Is Your Highness interested in this subject's offer, then?"

Feng Jing's smile widened slightly, but he only gave a light shrug. "How can this prince be sure the young miss's intentions are pure? Especially since Miss Zhao will be marrying my imperial brother soon."

He spread out his hands, as if helpless.

"It doesn't seem like a fair trade, Miss Zhao."

She blinked at him, no change in her expression. Once again, she was resisting. Resisting the urge to reach over and throttle him.

Why was this stupid prince such a difficult person to deal with! He wouldn't allow himself to be even at the slightest disadvantage, calculating everything so it always was him who benefited more!

Her gaze much colder than before, Zhao Shuang took out her pendant and showed it to him.

"Along with the diary's location, this subject promises to do one favor for Your Highness."

Despite her nonchalant tone, in reality, the words were like a knife to her own throat.

Giving someone so much power over her, without any conditions to protect herself...she could barely stand it.

But nothing else would convince this paranoid man to agree.

Feng Jing stared at the pendant for a while before taking it from her. He then gifted her with a brilliant smile, more beautiful than if a thousand flowers had bloomed.

"We have an agreement, Miss Zhao."

She narrowed her eyes at him. Why did she suddenly feel like she'd been tricked?

Slowly exhaling, Zhao Shuang ignored that infuriating smile and instead focused on describing the location to him.

The deepest and most off-limit section of the Cold Palace, where she'd lived for a few months before being thrown into prison in her past life.

Her gaze dropped once she finished. That place, she'd never forget it in either lifetime.

Feng Jing remained silent for some time before commenting: "This prince won't pry into how you know such matters, or what your motives are, but it seems plausible." His voice became warmer. "This prince is grateful to Miss Zhao."

At this, she looked up to see him gazing gently at her. Goosebumps rose all over her skin. He's planning something.

Before Zhao Shuang could sound him out, he spoke up again.

"As promised, this prince will have one of my guards escort you to the Divine Doctor's residence." Feng Jing looked at the door and called out, "Ying Lei, Ying Dian."

In the next moment, his guards appeared as if from thin air. She noticed Feng Jing sending her a thoughtful glance before he turned to them. Was he testing her?

Zhao Shuang stood up. It was better she stayed away from this third prince, as far away as possible.

"Ying Dian, please escort Miss Zhao to Divine Doctor Xue's residence."

The one with a smile on his face stepped forward and bowed. "Miss Zhao, Ying Dian at your service."

After a shallow curtsy to Feng Jing, Zhao Shuang followed Ying Dian out of the study with suspiciously quick steps.

More than glad to put some distance between her and the third prince.

Yet when the door closed behind them, Feng Jing's perpetual smile slowly faded away.

"Ying Lei, bring this prince everything you can find about Miss Zhao."

A long pause.

"And send a message to Her Highness to move forward with the plan."

❄️

As Zhao Shuang was led through the maze of inner residences, she couldn't help marveling at the surroundings.

Swathes of wisteria flowers hung from the top of the corridors along with various bamboo birdcages. The birds sang at different times, creating a unique and peaceful melody all together. Paired with the sound of water flowing over tastefully arranged rockeries and the priceless works of art displayed at regular intervals, the place was simply heavenly.

Such luxury was greater than the Great General Manor, greatly renovated after Grand Princess Wenhua married in. It was even comparable to the imperial palace.

She picked a purple petal from her shoulder with a slight smile.

It actually wasn't that surprising, when one took into account the Jin Kingdom was Yawen Pavilion's backer. This small kingdom was one of the richest vassal kingdoms under Tianshen's rule.

Soon, they arrived at the Divine Doctor's current residence. Once Ying Dian sent a maid to inform the guest of their presence, he turned to her.

"Young miss, now that we've arrived, this guard will be so bold as to express his admiration."

Ying Dian's tone was serious, his slightly inclined posture nothing but respectful. But the roguish sparkle in his eyes gave him away.

Zhao Shuang's eyebrows rose. "What for?"

A wide grin sprouted on his face, destroying the solemn act he'd been putting on.

"For the young miss's surprising tenacity. Not only has the young miss sneaked through Yawen Pavilion almost undetected, you managed to convince my master to help you." He winked. "None of that is something a sheltered young miss would be able to do."

Her eyes swiftly hardened into ice. What was his intention in saying she was 'different' from a normal young miss? Was he fishing for information?

For now, Zhao Shuang let him off with a simple warning. "Please behave yourself, sir. This young miss is not someone you can afford to offend."

She turned away from him with an arrogant tilt of her chin. But this only caused Ying Dian to laugh, making no effort to restrain himself.

"Miss Zhao is just as cold and aloof as the rumors say," he declared, his grin widening as she spun to glare at him. Ying Dian leaned closer and wrapped a finger around a few strands of her hair, their faces a mere breath apart. "But other than that, nothing seems accurate. Would the young miss care to enlighten this guard?"

Zhao Shuang stared up at him, fire burning coldly in the depths of her eyes.

She'd been holding back all this time since meeting the third prince. But there was no need to do so with his guard.

Especially since that damn prince had most likely sent someone to investigate her.

Suddenly, a sweet smile softened her icy countenance. Like winter melting into spring, the effect was indescribably beautiful, to the point of stunning Ying Dian for a few seconds.

Which was all she needed to insert a very thin needle into his neck, its sharp tip coated with poison.

Pocketing the needle, Zhao Shuang took a few steps back, putting some much needed space between them. She watched with satisfied eyes as Ying Dian carefully touched his neck, scowling at her.

"What did you poison me with?!"

"A modified version of Winter's Kiss." Her smile now held a hint of murderous intent.

"And what does it do, if Miss Zhao would be so kind to explain?" Each word was more heavily pronounced than the next, not matching Ying Dian's sudden, cheerful tone.

Seeing the maid approaching, she blandly replied, "It will chill your whole body, down to your very bones. Nothing you do will be able to relieve the agonizing cold, at least not for eight hours. But you can rest assured, it won't act for now."

Zhao Shuang flashed him a truly nefarious smile before walking towards the maid.

"It will act when you least expect it."

Ying Dian gaped at her retreating back, graceful even in servants' clothes.

This young miss was just like his master, paying back those who offended her with even more vicious means!

He shuddered, thinking of the freezing pain that awaited him. But he forced himself to catch up with them. After all, before he could go fawn on his master for an antidote, he still had to introduce this frightening Miss Zhao to the Divine Doctor.

They followed the maid to one of the residence's many rooms, which had been fashioned into a makeshift pharmacy for Divine Doctor Xue's use.

But when they were about to enter, the maid stopped them with an apologetic smile.

"Pardon this servant, young miss. A man professing to be your guard said to hand this to the young miss before meeting the Divine Doctor."

The maid produced a small, blue bottle from one of her sleeves, respectfully offering it to her for inspection.

It was made from a delicate yet lustrous ceramic, its top embellished with pearls. Even closed, a subtle fragrance could still be detected in the air, indicating the high quality of the bottle's contents.

Zhao Shuang frowned but still accepted it. Her fingers curled tightly around the bottle's neck, feeling Ying Dian's sharp gaze on her. What was Leng Ye thinking? Handing such a precious treasure to a mere maid rather than giving it to her himself?

Now, even this would be revealed to the third prince!

While she was lost in thought, Ying Dian breezed past her. "Let's go inside, Miss Zhao."

Gritting her teeth, Zhao Shuang smothered her mounting frustration as best as she could. Then she took the maid's offered hand and went inside.

The rather large room seemed to have been a library before being transformed. Instead of books, what lined the countless shelves were medicinal herbs and other types of plants. Many of them were stored in jars and ceramic bottles similar to the one in her hands. Some specimens had been preserved through drying and were placed on trays, while fewer still had already been grinded into fine powders.

Everything was neatly labeled, organized to the point of perfection. She breathed in the familiar scent of medicine and paused for a single moment to take it all in.

Somehow, all of this reminded her of her mother.

Shaking her head, Zhao Shuang followed Ying Dian and the maid to the back of the room. Where a handsome man in his late thirties stood in front of a table, with various herbs and tools for processing spread out on its surface.

He was even murmuring out loud to himself, clearly puzzling over something.

"If the Redwood Herb is mixed with this Thousand Ice Flower then the effect....but it doesn't make any sense that His Highness...."

The maid left Zhao Shuang's side and carefully approached the man. She cleared her throat, causing him to snap out of his medicine-induced trance. "Divine Doctor, as this servant had informed you, the Master's guard is here to see you."

Then with a curtsy to them all, she quickly retreated to the side to allow them to speak.

"Honorable Sir, what can this doctor do for you? Does His Highness require something?"

The man cupped his hands in greeting towards Ying Dian while completely ignoring Zhao Shuang. She simply stayed quiet, and waited. These Divine Doctors of the Immortal Valley were known to have eccentric tempers.

"Greetings to Divine Doctor Xue." Ying Dian bowed in return, no trace of his earlier playfulness to be found. He waved a hand towards her. "The Master has sent this guard to introduce Young Miss Zhao, who seeks an audience with your esteemed self."

Zhao Shuang was just about to come forward and introduce herself, when the Divine Doctor spoke in a much icier voice than before: "This isn't what His Highness and I agreed upon."

"Master said you only have to hear her out, the rest is up to you."

Divine Doctor Xue snorted, half-turning away. "Since when did Yawen Pavilion force its guests?"

With that, the Divine Doctor went back to what he'd been working on. His nimble fingers processed herb after herb in a matter of minutes, an astonishing sight to behold. Yet his gaze never lifted to look at either of them.

After some time of this, Ying Dian sighed. He turned to the silent Zhao Shuang. "Sorry Miss Zhao, there's nothing else this guard can do."

"You may leave, then."

Zhao Shuang walked right past him, staring fixedly at that man's aloof back. Just like the medicinal scent, all of his actions were too familiar....it was like she was looking at her own mother at work, back when she was only a curious child.

She only snapped out of it when she heard the door close, Ying Dian and the maid no longer beside her.

"Divine Doctor Xue, I—" Zhao Shuang attempted, but she was swiftly cut off once more.

"Young miss, the Divine Doctors of Immortal Valley only follow one rule, and that is to practice medicine when we choose." Even as he spoke, Divine Doctor Xue still didn't look at her as he reached for a pestle and mortar. "That is why instead of wasting your time, you should leave now."

A heavy silence settled over them after that. Zhao Shuang observed him from the side as he grounded a few red leaves, probably from a Fire Blossom Flower, into mush. His brows were creased in concentration, an expression that evoked something in her. Other than that, however, she couldn't tell if he resembled her mother or not.

It'd been a long time since she was able to recall her appearance, after all.

Even so, her heart sped up. Was this Divine Doctor Xue somehow connected to her mother's real identity?

At that moment, Divine Doctor Xue set down the pestle and mortar with considerable force. The resulting sound echoed loudly through the room.

"Young miss, leave."

It was only three, short words, but they contained enough ice to freeze a person whole.

But Zhao Shuang didn't flinch. She only smiled. With this bottle in her possession, this indifferent man would no longer refuse to listen to her.

Placing it down on the table, she took off the pearl-encrusted top. Instantly, a soothing fragrance filled the air around them, even more potent than before.

"This is a little gift for the Divine Doctor, if you're willing to listen."

Just as she'd expected, even before she'd finished speaking, Divine Doctor Xue had already taken the bottle into his hands. He was inspecting the liquid inside with wide eyes, speaking to himself with barely restrained excitement.

"This....it has to be a Wound Restoration Elixir!"

Zhao Shuang laughed from the side. "Yes, it is."

At this, he finally put down the bottle and spun to look at her. "Where did..."

Trailing off, Divine Doctor Xue looked like he'd seen a ghost. He even raised a hand up to her shoulder, letting it hover in the air as if he was afraid to touch her.

"You...who are you?"

Her eyebrows furrowed as she took an involuntary step back. "This young miss is Great General Zhao's daughter, Zhao Shuang."

Divine Doctor Xue's hand fell then, his face crestfallen. But it was only for a moment, his eyes lighting up once more as if he'd recalled something.

"I see. Then may I ask Miss Zhao where you obtained this elixir?"

Zhao Shuang pressed her lips together, unsure of what to do. The process of making this miraculous elixir and a few others similar to it had come from her mother. But although she'd long forgotten what her face looked like, she still remembered that piercing stare and her emphatic warning to never share them with anyone.

And if this Divine Doctor were to reveal this to the third prince...

Zhao Shuang let out a shallow breath. Deep down, she already knew the decision she wanted to take. Even if there was a risk her elixir was revealed, this might be her only chance to know her mother's identity!

With a cold expression, she looked up at the patiently waiting Divine Doctor Xue.

"This young miss can tell you but only on two conditions."

Divine Doctor Xue only smiled in response, no longer as aloof as before. In fact, one could even say he was being gentle.

Zhao Shuang didn't care, however. "One, help cure my older sister. Two, never reveal a word of the elixirs to His Highness the Third Prince. If the Divine Doctor agrees to these two things, then the information will be yours."

Now, It was her time to wait. But the Divine Doctor considered her words for only a short while before he slowly shook his head. Her heart sank.

"I have no trouble agreeing, Miss Zhao, except for the fact that at this moment I can't leave His Highness's side."

Divine Doctor Xue folded his hands behind his back, his gaze locked on the bottle. He sighed. Then he gave her a troubled smile.

"But I will still listen to your sister's case. I may know a few doctors that could help you."

For a moment, all Zhao Shuang could do was nod. She numbly watched as the Divine Doctor went to find something to write on, suddenly feeling drained.

To have come so far and have it end like this...she was reluctant.

But what else could she do? It's not like she could kidnap the Divine Doctor and take him to Zhao Luan. At least, not when they were inside the third prince's territory. She had sensed highly trained guards hiding in the shadows on her way here, all probably more skilled than her.

Even Leng Ye, wherever he was guarding her from, wouldn't be enough to hold them back.

As she heard approaching footsteps, Zhao Shuang took a deep breath before forcing out a smile. It wasn't like her to despair like this. There was still hope, wasn't there? Maybe the people referred by the Divine Doctor would be enough to cure her sister.

Otherwise...

"Now, Miss Zhao, tell me about your sister's case."

Ignoring her churning stomach, Zhao Shuang began to describe Zhao Luan's current state. 

No matter what—she'd find a way to cure her.

❄️

¹Remember, Zhao Luan's mother is the older sister of the current Emperor. And by virtue of being her adopted daughter, it could be considered that Zhao Shuang is 'cousins' with Feng Jing, but not really.

❄️

Names:

Ying Lei (影雷): Ying (影) is 'shadow', Lei (雷) is 'thunder'. No surname.

Ying Dian (影电): Ying (影) is 'shadow', Dian (电) is 'lightning'. No surname.