The Hundred Yue, A Bird Escaping its Cage

Yang Fan's expression suddenly turned icy, a flicker of displeasure crossing his heart as he replied, "Does Your Highness believe that Yang would harbor any ulterior motives towards the Second Princess?" His purpose for visiting the royal residence was merely to find a foothold in the capital, to establish a connection with secular forces, which would facilitate the opening of his own celestial medical clinic.

While Yang Fan did not deny his interest in Yu Wenxin, it was not purely superficial; after all, who among mortals is immune to the allure of beauty? Even cultivators are not exempt from such tendencies. What truly captivated him, however, was the unique constitution that Yu Wenxin possessed—the "Nine Residences Profound Pulse." This extraordinary condition was unknown even to the three most renowned doctors of the capital, and Yang Fan had only learned of it from the vast stream of information within the Sacred Healing Scrolls of the Immortal's Way.

Prince Yan's expression shifted, caught off guard by Yang Fan's intense reaction. He had only spoken candidly. 

"Father actually wishes to marry me off to him… how troubling!" 

Yu Wenxin lowered her fair head, anxiety churning within her, uncertain whether it was shyness or the weight of acceptance that colored her pale cheeks with a hint of crimson. However, this young woman possessed remarkable composure; in an instant, she regained her calm, her bright eyes reflecting serenity, silent and contemplative.

"Apothecary Yang has misunderstood…" Prince Yan sighed softly, "Xin'er is my most cherished daughter. This prince, driven by paternal love, merely wishes to shield her from any harm. As long as you do not exceed this boundary, any conditions are negotiable. Moreover, I can see that Apothecary Yang possesses considerable strength, wisdom, and composure; you are someone to whom I could entrust my daughter."

"Is the disparity between immortals and mortals not vast? Your Highness believes this possibility is substantial? Furthermore, how can you be certain that I do not already have a dual-cultivation partner?" Yang Fan replied with a cold laugh.

Cultivators are not forbidden from having spouses, and the concept of dual-cultivation partners is perfectly commonplace within the realm of cultivation. 

"This…" Prince Yan momentarily faltered, at a loss for words to retort.

In his mind, his second daughter was a beauty beyond compare, with an exquisite temperament, and her fragile elegance paired with wisdom would certainly leave any common man feeling inadequate, provoking a sense of affection upon meeting her. However, Yang Fan, as a practitioner of an extraordinary and rebellious cultivation method, was clearly incomparable to ordinary mortals and regular cultivators.

One of the purposes for his visit to the capital was to rendezvous with the cherished "Fairy Yun." Even if Yu Wenxin were a breathtaking beauty, her allure could only stimulate his admiration and curiosity.

"I advise this: if Your Highness truly cherishes your daughter, then grant her the autonomy to decide her own fate regarding this marriage," Yang Fan said earnestly, his gaze settling on the gentle and wise Yu Wenxin beside him, a glimmer of compassion flashing in his eyes.

Upon hearing Yang Fan's words, Yu Wenxin cast a grateful glance in his direction, her delicate fingers nervously clasping the hem of her dress, as a feeling of unprecedented anticipation blossomed within her. In this feudal dynasty, born into a prominent family, when had she ever yearned for the freedom to choose her own marriage partner?

Yet, at this moment, prompted by Yang Fan's suggestion, a seed of hope took root in her heart.

"Humph! Matters of marriage are not trifles; of course, this prince must oversee them personally. Apothecary Yang, you need not concern yourself with this!" 

Prince Yan's expression darkened, disregarding Yang Fan's advice and feeling a tinge of displeasure.

"Very well, I should not meddle in Your Highness's private affairs," Yang Fan replied, shaking his head. He sighed internally, lamenting that such an extraordinary beauty and talented woman like Yu Wenxin could not even determine her own lifelong destiny.

However, this matter was of no consequence to him, and Yang Fan had no intention of interfering in the affairs of Yu Wenxian's family.

Prince Yan then shifted the conversation, speaking with warmth, "Regarding Xin'er's ailment, has Apothecary Yang identified the cause? How long until she can be completely cured?"

"The condition has stabilized. As long as she is well taken care of, she should be free from life-threatening dangers. However, with the Second Princess possessing the 'Nine Residences Profound Pulse,' I do not hold true confidence in achieving a complete cure; it will require gradual exploration. Moreover, once she is fully healed…" 

Yang Fan's expression revealed a hint of contemplation, as if he were hesitating to voice something further.

"Apothecary, please speak openly," Prince Yan urged, visibly anxious.

"Given the Second Princess's current condition, a few more days of care will allow her to lead a normal life. However, should she be fully cured, it would awaken the mysterious powers within her 'Nine Residences Profound Pulse'…" Yang Fan's face grew serious. "At that point, I cannot predict what consequences may arise."

"If the power of the 'Nine Residences Profound Pulse' is awakened, will it be a blessing or a curse?" Prince Yan inquired with an inscrutable expression.

"The outcome is uncertain; no one can say for certain," Yang Fan replied, casting a meaningful glance at Yu Wenxin and murmuring, "However, one thing is certain: once the 'Nine Residences Profound Pulse' awakens, the Second Princess will no longer be able to live as an ordinary person…"

Upon hearing this, Prince Yan nodded, turning to Yu Wenxin, "Xin'er, you may return now. I will discuss the matter of opening the medical clinic with the Apothecary."

"Yes, Father," Yu Wenxin responded gently, offering a slight bow. She exchanged a glance with Yang Fan and whispered, "Apothecary Yang, I will see you later."

"I will continue treating the Second Princess shortly." 

Yang Fan nodded.

Once Yu Wenxin departed, Prince Yan spoke slowly, his expression complex. "This prince only wishes for Xin'er to lead a life as a normal daughter, free and safe."

"I understand Your Highness's intentions," Yang Fan replied with a subtle smile, cleverly navigating the conversation.

Prince Yan, believing Yang Fan had acquiesced to his request, then spoke softly, "Now, let us discuss the matter of establishing the medical clinic. Apothecary, please outline your specific requirements."

"It is quite simple: reputation and cultivators," Yang Fan stated without hesitation.

"Could Apothecary explain further?" Prince Yan inquired, somewhat puzzled yet grasping a portion of the concept.

"I am here to open a medical clinic in the capital, and while healing the populace is not my primary aim, treating commoners will hardly enhance my skills. My main target is cultivators; thus, the clinic must first attain significant renown, attracting both commoners and cultivators alike," Yang Fan articulated with clarity.

"These are not issues; with the resources, manpower, and prestige of the Yan royal residence, these can be easily accomplished. However, since this is a celestial medical clinic, we will undoubtedly need some cultivator healers, but our royal residence has limited resources in that regard," Prince Yan pondered.

"That is indeed a concern…" Yang Fan lightly furrowed his brow but then smiled, "However, as long as I remain in charge of the clinic, this issue will not arise."

"Let us further discuss the specifics…" The two began their negotiations, and soon Prince Yan summoned the accountant and the steward.

"Overall, the projected expenditure amounts to sixty-three thousand taels of silver." 

In the end, the accountant reported a figure that astonished even himself.

Sixty-three thousand taels of silver! 

This was a staggering sum. In the capital, one could purchase a decent mansion for just ten thousand taels. A standard medical clinic could be acquired for merely a few thousand taels, while a large clinic would suffice with around ten to twenty thousand taels.

Yet the clinic Yang Fan envisioned required such an astronomical amount.

Prince Yan casually stated, "Allocate one hundred thousand taels of silver to Apothecary Yang."

"One hundred thousand…" The accountant's mouth fell agape, momentarily stunned.

"Do you have any objections?" 

"Y-yes." The accountant stammered in compliance, while Yang Fan sat calmly beside them, smiling serenely, as if unfazed by the situation.

"Very well, for the remaining matters, you may discuss them with the steward." 

Prince Yan rose gently, waving his hand and signaling the old steward.

"Then I shall take my leave; the matter of the medical clinic will be settled in the coming days." 

Yang Fan stood and took his leave, feeling a sigh of relief as the matter of the clinic finally had a foundation.

Moments later, he returned to "Xinning Courtyard." 

Just as he entered the courtyard, a sturdy servant bowed and announced, "The Second Princess requests your presence."

"The Second Princess?" A hint of intrigue flashed in Yang Fan's eyes. "I will come at once. Ensure that no one else enters my room."

"Yes, Master." The servant bowed and stepped back.

Yang Fan made his way directly to the Second Princess's quarters, and along the way, all the servants and maidens he passed greeted him with bows of respect.

Before reaching the Second Princess's chamber, he caught sight of Yu Wenxin standing quietly, her long hair

 cascading down her shoulders. She looked delicate, yet her brows were knitted tightly together, hinting at her inner turmoil.

"Apothecary Yang…" She greeted softly, her voice carrying an air of restraint.

"Second Princess, please be at ease." Yang Fan smiled. "I believe the Prince has discussed with you the matters concerning the medical clinic."

"Yes," Yu Wenxin nodded, her demeanor growing slightly tense.

"I have seen the inner workings of this capital. There are countless medical clinics, but the absence of a celestial medical clinic is a gap worth addressing. It will surely become the main source for cultivators in the future," Yang Fan articulated.

"Apothecary Yang possesses incredible foresight!" Yu Wenxin's eyes sparkled, admiration radiating from her expression. "This decision shall benefit countless cultivators in the future!"

Yang Fan continued, "But we must first address your health, Second Princess." He spoke earnestly, feeling a sense of solemnity wash over him.

"Yes," Yu Wenxin replied softly, "I have spent many years battling this ailment, and I still feel so weak… I wish to be of help to you, yet I feel utterly helpless…"

"Your condition is intricate, and I cannot guarantee an immediate cure," Yang Fan remarked, then added, "However, as long as you are willing to cooperate, I promise I will find a way."

"I will try my utmost!" 

Yu Wenxin's eyes shimmered with determination.

"Now, let's begin," Yang Fan nodded, taking her delicate wrist and checking her pulse.