A Most Unusual Encounter

Inside Celestial Fragrance Teahouse's private courtyard, solely reserved by those with the highest status or the deepest pockets, a secret meeting was taking place.

Two men, both with outstanding appearances, were seated at a stone table amidst the blooming flowers of the courtyard. They were a study in contrasts: one was sickly in moon-white robes and would've seemed warm as jade if it weren't for the aloof look in his eyes, while the other wore black robes edged in silver and had a smile as bright as the sunshine falling on them.

Even their identities were at odds.

The unfavored fourth prince¹, Long Yihan, and the heir of Medicine City, Sheng Ye, would usually never meet like this.

Not when, at this point in time, Sheng Ye was an important guest of Prince Jing's manor.

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¹Long Yihan is unfavored and only known as the fourth prince, meaning he doesn't have a title / the highest rank, which is wang (王). In contrast, Long Yitian is very favored and known as Prince Jing / Jing wang. The Emperor's sons aren't necessarily titled as wang - they must be favored or pass several tests, depending on the dynasty.

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"Although this prince can see the benefits in your offer," Long Yihan said in a flat voice after taking a long sip of tea, "this prince is curious how it benefits Young Master Sheng."

Sheng Ye's bright smile didn't falter. Instead, it only got brighter. "As Your Highness probably knows, I am currently in the capital to help His Highness Prince Jing with the sickness that afflicts him every winter."

Long Yihan didn't say anything, merely gestured for him to go on.

"Now with His Highness's discovery of a medical genius like Eldest Miss Mu, I will no longer be necessary." Sheng Ye laughed, the sound warm and inviting, as if he didn't mind at all. "That's why I'm offering my assistance to Your Highness, I still need access to the Thousand Year Moon Blossom that only grows in Xiyue's imperial palace."

"For your father's medicine?"

When Sheng Ye nodded, Long Yihan furrowed his brows and took his time considering. Sheng Ye didn't mind as he enjoyed his own tea, even eating a few of the pastries the teahouse was famous for.

His eyes lit up. They did deserve to be widely reputed at the capital's best pastries. He'd have to order a few more later.

After some time had passed, Long Yihan finally made his decision.

"This prince can promise you access to the plant, but only after you bring a satisfactory piece of intel. This prince needs to see if your ability as a spy is as good as your medical skills are rumored to be."

At this, Sheng Ye's smile became a little cold.

"Your Highness, when it comes to medical skills, I can confidently say I'm only second to Eldest Miss Mu. Which is why I can tell Your Highness has been suffering the effects of the poison Fading Ghost for a long time. Or at least, that is what Your Highness wants it to look like."

Long Yihan had lowered his teacup as Sheng Ye spoke, but it was the next words that truly caused his indifferent expression to change.

"As for my ability as a spy...I'd like to remind Your Highness I was personally trained by Prince Cheng² himself, what is there for you to doubt?"

Indeed, that was a good enough reason to believe in his capabilities. Prince Cheng was the Emperor's only remaining brother, who'd been his biggest aid in gaining the throne. He had long stopped being involved in politics and now devoted all of his time to running the Martial Arts Academy of Xiyue with his sons.

Being trained by a martial arts prodigy like Prince Cheng...it was more than clear where his confidence came from.

And with the addition of his miraculous medical skills, this Young Master Sheng was too valuable of a pawn not to use.

Clearly, Long Yihan had reached a conclusion.

He poured Sheng Ye a new cup of tea, looking earnest to amend his wrongs.

"This prince apologizes for offending Young Master Sheng. After so many years of knowing you as the Medicine Prince, one naturally forgets you were once Cheng shizi ³."

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²Cheng (成): A title meaning 'accomplish, succeed'.

³shizi (世子): Heir of a noble title, in this case to the title of Prince Cheng.

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Sheng Ye generously accepted the teacup, laughing once more. "Don't call me that awful title, Your Highness. After not being able to cure Prince Jing, I feel ashamed when hearing it." He paused to take a sip of the tea and only continued after sighing in delight, "And there is nothing for Your Highness to feel guilty about. It has been a long time."

Long Yihan had a shallow smile on his face, finding his carefree attitude amusing. "It's good to see Young Master Sheng doesn't hold grudges, because this prince hopes to work with you from now on."

"Then let's celebrate," Sheng Ye grinned, "by ordering some more pastries. Your Highness should try some, they're really delicious."

The fourth prince couldn't help letting out a laugh. He was about to call out for a servant when a new voice spoke from behind them, filled with arrogance.

"Young Master Sheng, I'm glad you like my teahouse's pastries. I'll be sure to send you the recipe."

They both turned to see two young women approaching them, coming out of what seemed to be a hidden passage to the courtyard.

The one who spoke was instantly recognizable as the famous or infamous, depending on who you asked, eldest miss of the Su family. No other young miss would wear such bright red robes, or wear multiple priceless ornaments all at once like it was nothing.

But the one following just behind...she was much harder to place.

Each of her steps was like a lotus touching upon the water's surface, infinitely graceful. She wore a gauzy veil, but her shining eyes promised rare beauty was hiding behind it. Her light pink dress showed off a willowy figure, the fluttering sleeves further adding to the ethereal image she made.

It was like a fairy had descended from the Heavens, just who was she?

Long Yihan had long been mesmerized by this mysterious beauty. While across from him, Sheng Ye had dropped his grin and was staring at her with narrowed eyes.

He knew very well who she was --- Miss Rong Lian, Prince Jing's hopelessly in love yet vicious fiancée.

The person who could, no, would ruin his plans.

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"Would Miss Su introduce this young miss?" Long Yihan asked with an unusually pleasant smile once they'd sat down with him and...the novel's second male lead, Sheng Ye.

Rong Lian peeked at him as she removed her veil, unable to believe her eyes.

What was this dumb second male lead doing here?!

He should be spending time with the female lead to discuss Long Yitian's recurring sickness!

At first, he would be unwilling, but slowly he would fall in love with her. Awed by her brilliant medical skills that even overshadowed his and drawn by her compassionate heart and straightforward nature.

In fact, he hadn't been present at the return banquet either, where he should've spoken up for the female lead...

What was he doing here, meeting with the fourth prince...to do what exactly?

"Lianlian?"

"Yes?" Rong Lian dragged her gaze to her cousin's annoyed face. "Is something wrong?"

Su Yan snorted. "I was introducing you to the Fourth Prince, but you spaced out."

She blushed and turned to Long Yihan, who was still smiling for some reason. "I apologize, Your Highness, I was simply admiring the beautiful surroundings." She let out a light laugh. "Hasn't my cousin outdone herself?"

Long Yihan waved away her apology, letting out a deep chuckle. "Yes, she has, Miss Rong. In fact, this prince wasn't aware the two of you were cousins."

Su Yan snorted once again as she took one of the pastries, much to Sheng Ye's displeasure if his glare was anything to go by.

"It is not something my father wants to be known." Rong Lian looked down at the tea in her hands that Long Yihan had poured out for her, tears shining in her eyes. "My mother came from the Su family, but she died giving birth to my little brother when I was four. By now, my stepmother, Her Majesty's sister, is known as my mother, my only mother."

"And no one remembers the real one," Long Yihan murmured, his gaze distant as if he was speaking of someone else entirely.

Which he was. It was common knowledge his own mother had been merely a palace maid. With such a low status, she was unable to survive in the bloody palace for long, leaving Long Yihan to be raised by a childless Consort.

Shaking his head, Long Yihan smoothly changed the subject with a laugh. "But Miss Su has been there for you, right?"

"Yes, Yanyan has always treated me the best," Rong Lian said, smiling at her cousin.

"Buying things for you, you mean." Su Yan rolled her eyes. "You've always liked to use me as your personal wallet."

Rong Lian turned horrified eyes to Long Yihan. "That's not true, Your Highness! Su Yan is the one that's always bullied me!"

Long Yihan chuckled again. "Yes, I believe you, Miss Rong. With Miss Su's general behavior, it's easy to tell." He even took her hand, staring deeply into her eyes. "I know for a fact my Imperial Elder Brother also bullies you heartlessly. For that, I want to apologize Miss Rong."

Rong Lian stiffened, blinking at this two-faced prince. She had seen the way he looked at her, but hadn't thought he'd be this bold!

Then again, he was most likely targeting the Prime Minister Manor behind her, not her specifically.

"There's no need, Your Highness." She tugged her hand out of his with a shy look. "Prince Jing..." this time tears did spill down her cheeks "...His Highness simply has someone else he loves."

"That's no excuse for humiliating his own fiancée like that!" Long Yihan objected, his sickly face full of indignation. As if he was truly angered on her behalf.

Rong Lian considered him for a moment.

'He's a good actor, has deep thoughts, and can endure any difficulties...

With the right guidance, he could possibly win against Long Yitian, who's too rigid and arrogant in comparison.'

She lowered her eyes, visibly trembling as she whispered, "Eldest Miss Mu..." in an attempt to 'beg' Long Yihan to pair them together.

But no sooner had she spoken those three words when Sheng Ye, who'd been silent and frankly invisible this whole time, said:

"Miss Rong, may I have a word with you alone?"

She turned to stare at him, fully taking in his intense eyes and flattened lips. This wasn't the cheerful, charming second male lead from her visions!

Did...Sheng Ye have a gloomier twin she didn't know about?

Before Rong Lian could reply, however, Long Yihan intervened with an annoyed glare.

"Men and women must stay at a respectful distance, Young Master Sheng. If anyone saw you alone with Miss Rong, her reputation would be ruined."

Su Yan was also glaring at him. "Yes, Young Master Sheng, you can say what you want to my cousin, but with me present."

Sheng Ye ignored them, still looking at Rong Lian with that same intensity. "Miss Rong, your answer?"

Rong Lian's brows creased. There was something very wrong with this second male lead. He wasn't acting according to the script, like the male and female leads had done so far. Even Long Yihan, the villain, was in character!

They were still in the early stages of the plot, what if more changes popped up?

She sighed. Only by talking with the second male lead would she know what he wanted. Maybe he was simply hostile to her because of Long Yitian. Or he had already met Mu Lingxue and was worried she would use Long Yihan against her.

Either way, she needed to charm this second male lead before he became a problem.

"Yes, I'll go with you."

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Despite the numerous protests, Rong Lian managed to convince them nothing would happen. Su Yan relented only when she promised they would stay in the large courtyard.

Now, Sheng Ye and her were located deeper in the flourishing garden, where there were several benches for people to admire the flowers. She was sitting on one of them, staring at his rigid back in utter silence.

And starting to get more than impatient.

It was fine if he wanted to warn her to stay away from Mu Lingxue, or scold her on Long Yitian's behalf, but he could at least get on with it!

She didn't have the whole day to stare at his back, not when she had a fourth prince to guide!

After a few more moments of staring in silence, Rong Lian decided it was better if she talked first.

"Young Master Sheng...I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong impression, but there's nothing between His Highness the Fourth Prince and me. Prince Jing is the only one in my heart," she said in her usual gentle voice, noticing he tensed even more.

Was that not the right tactic? Then, Miss Female Lead it was.

"But if...if your reason for needing to talk is related to Eldest Miss Mu, please don't worry. I know His Highness loves her," she took a shaky breath, "and I'm ready to accept that."

There was another long moment of silence, during which Rong Lian went through all the possible ways he could react, but what he said and did next hadn't crossed her mind at all.

Sheng Ye slowly faced her, a sneer marring his usually smiling face. "Drop your little act, Miss Rong. It might have worked on the Fourth Prince, but I know your true colors."

She froze for a few seconds, before a beautiful, gracious smile spread on her lips. She slightly tilted her head and blinked dewy eyes at him. "What do you mean, Medicine Prince?"

His jaw tightened at his famous but, in her opinion, ridiculous nickname. "Don't call me that."

"Why?" Rong Lian giggled. "Doesn't everyone in the capital call you that?"

Sheng Ye glared at her, his eyes deep and gloomy and everything they shouldn't be. But she didn't falter. She had dealt with Su Yan's scary glares her whole life, she was more than immune.

And this Medicine Prince wasn't as threatening as he wanted to be.

Even when he took large, menacing steps towards her, until he was right in front of her and she had to look up at him, she remained smiling.

"Yes, Medicine Prince?"

Her voice was sweet and crisp, not shaking or timid at all.

Sheng Ye's hands clenched and unclenched at his sides as he attempted to rein in his emotions. But even then, she felt no fear.

She knew, even if he was a different version of the second male lead, he would never physically hurt her.

She might not know him very well, but she had seen him curing patients at a clinic once. Someone kind and patient like that, even with the rowdiest of kids and rudest of seniors, wouldn't hurt her.

She was sure of it.

"Don't," he said through gritted teeth, "call me that."

"I can refrain from doing so, Young Master Sheng, just as soon as you explain your insistence on speaking with me alone." Her eyes sparkled. "Instead of remaining as silent and dull as a rock."

Sheng Ye stared at her for a few moments before an amused grin destroyed his stormy appearance. In a flash, his face was suddenly right in front of hers, with only a few breaths of space between them.

Her eyes widened in an instant. 'What is he doing?!'

"I want to know what Miss Rong is planning," he whispered, his warm breath skating over her lips. "Would Miss Rong care to explain?"

His grin only widened when she involuntarily shivered. Rong Lian scowled and pushed him far, far away. Which only caused him to laugh. Damn him!

Now she was angry, and offended. She swiftly stood up, glaring at him. "If this is what Young Master Sheng had planned all along, then please excuse me. I'll be returning to my cousin and His Highness."

When she made to take a step, he put up a hand while still laughing. He only managed to stop some seconds later.

"I apologize, Miss Rong," Sheng Ye chuckled, "but I only wanted to see if you were really as innocent as you made yourself out to be."

Rong Lian's nails bit into her palms as she forced a sweet smile. "I don't understand why Young Master Sheng has such a bad impression of me, when we hardly know each other. But it's really unfair."

His grin faded at that. "You're right, I'm sorry." He gestured to the bench. "Please sit, Miss Rong. I really do need to speak with you." At her raised eyebrow, he amended, "And I promise to be a perfect gentleman this time."

"That's better," she sniffed, sitting back down with an elegant flourish.

What she missed, however, was the helpless smile Sheng Ye had to force back.

Not wasting anymore time, he began: "Miss Rong, what are your intentions in approaching the Fourth Prince?"

She opened her mouth to answer, only to close it when he added, "And don't deny it. Even if Miss Rong has no bad intentions, you and your cousin didn't appear in the courtyard for no reason."

Rong Lian studied him, she was also curious about his reasons. Maybe if she was honest, he would be too.

"I want to end my engagement with Prince Jing," she said quietly, looking down at her hands. "It might come as a surprise to Young Master Sheng, but after seeing how His Highness treated Eldest Miss Mu with such warmth, I can no longer do this."

Sheng Ye didn't say anything for some time. Her words had truly stunned him, it seemed.

"How would the Fourth Prince help you with that?" He eventually asked, his voice careful yet filled with undeniable curiosity.

Rong Lian looked up at him with a bright smile. She no longer wanted to act like she was sad and heartbroken, not if it would cause him to sound like that --- like she was made of glass and could break at any instant.

That bastard Long Yitian didn't deserve her tears, even fake ones.

"My cousin made a list of possible candidates I can marry after I manage to break the engagement," she said cheerfully, pretending not to see his surprise at her change in attitude. "And the Fourth Prince is one of them."

"But His Highness..." Sheng Ye trailed off, brows furrowed.

Her lips curled up into an amused smirk. "Yes, I know His Highness isn't very favored at the moment. However, my cousin assures me he has the resources to go against Prince Jing."

"So you think if he's interested in you, he would help you get rid of the engagement?"

Her eyes narrowed at his indulgent smile, like he thought she was being adorably innocent.

"I'm not stupid, Young Master Sheng. I know even if the Fourth Prince would be interested in me, it'd be the power my father, the Prime Minister, could offer him." Rong Lian scoffed. "As for me, I don't want such a scheming husband. Who knows when he could replace me with someone more useful to him?"

Sheng Ye laughed. "I'm glad Miss Rong isn't stupid, then."

"Anyway," Rong Lian rolled her eyes, "I only wanted to give him a hint to pair them together. It'd be faster if a scheming bastard like him does it." She looked at him. "Does that satisfy your curiosity, Young Master Sheng?"

He blinked at her. "Yes. What I didn't expect was for Miss Rong to curse like that, not with such a pure face."

Rong Lian rose an eyebrow at him, when a devious idea suddenly occurred to her.

Standing up, she walked right up to where he'd retreated. She leaned slightly against his broad chest while placing a hand over where his heart should be. Rong Lian looked up at Sheng Ye through her long lashes.

Her voice was pure honey. "What about this, Brother Ye? Did you expect this?"

Like she'd predicted, Sheng Ye flinched at her touch, his face now a bright red. He seemed caught between wanting to push her away or pull her closer. Even his heartbeat had quickened under her hand.

Too innocent!

The only reason she came up with this was because the female lead had teased him exactly like she just did.

At that thought, however, Rong Lian no longer had any desire to play with him.

After all, no matter what, as the second male lead, this man was doomed even more than the other lesser male leads to fall in love with Mu Lingxue.

And she would rather die than become the female lead's stand-in. No, she would define her future on her own terms.

Stepping back, Rong Lian forced out a laugh. "And you dared to make fun of me." Her voice sounded strange for some reason. She turned her back to him. "Now that we're done, why don't we return?"

"You can go ahead, Miss Rong. I'll join you and the rest later."

Rong Lian gave a light shrug and walked away, just wanting to be far away from him and any other male lead for the moment.

It was only after she'd said a hasty farewell to Long Yihan, dragging Su Yan out with her, that she realized she never asked Sheng Ye what he was doing with the fourth prince.

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Names:

Sheng Ye (盛烨): Sheng (盛) is a surname meaning 'abundant, flourishing'. Ye (烨) means 'firelight / sunlight'.