Chapter 92: The Goodwill Entrusted by Others

Translations for 96 jin to reward me with extra chapters of "Immortal Blossom Fate" (5.28)

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"Miss Jun, please." Prince Xian said with a smile, interrupting Miss Jun's reverie.

With her head bowed in acknowledgment, Miss Jun took the medicine chest passed to her by Liu'er and meticulously examined each and every woman and child of Prince Xian's Mansion, answering all questions with respect and kindness, causing continuous laughter within the hall. Even the eunuchs and palace maids couldn't help but come over to ask questions, to which Miss Jun did not refuse any.

"Everyone says that Miss Jun has a temperamental disposition, but I see no sign of that here," said a concubine, leaning against Prince Xian.

"Temperamental disposition depends on the person," the concubine leaning on the other side of Prince Xian retorted with a pout, "But remember, this is the Prince Mansion."

"That's not necessarily the case. Miss Jun didn't vaccinate anyone personally after entering the palace—I don't believe she doesn't know how," the previous concubine said, shaking Prince Xian's arm, "Your Highness, am I right?"

The concubine on the other side also shook Prince Xian's arm.

"Prince, whose side are you on?" she asked persistently.

Prince Xian laughed, embracing them both.

"In any case, Miss Jun is quite excellent," he said with a smile, "Though someone is rather annoying, they're not blind."

What did that mean?

Who is 'someone?' Is it referring to Miss Jun? Is he saying she's annoying? And what does being blind or not have to do with anything?

The two women were confused and were about to ask when Miss Jun came out from the inner hall.

"Miss Jun, you've worked hard," Prince Xian said with a smile.

The two concubines gracefully stepped aside.

"It was no trouble," Miss Jun replied with a courtesy, "I've brought with me a chest full of medicinal items, mostly tonics and remedies, along with some for treating seasonal epidemics. The instructions on how to use them are all provided."

Prince Xian laughed heartily.

"Very well, very well," he praised, "Then I owe you my thanks, Miss Jun."

Miss Jun curtsied to him once again.

"It was Duke of Chengguo's heir who requested you to invite me, right?" she suddenly asked, lifting her head.

Prince Xian slapped his stomach.

"How bold, speaking nonsense," he glared, with a hint of anger, "Does this prince look like someone who is instructed by others?"

Even though he glared with wide eyes, his round, plump face failed to convey any sense of authority, but the atmosphere in the hall grew slightly tense.

Miss Jun showed no fear, still smiling as she bowed her respects.

"Is this how you treat the goodwill of others?" Prince Xian continued staring down at her.

"Of course not," Miss Jun replied with a smile as she shook her head, looking at Prince Xian, "I'm very grateful to the prince, and I accept your good intentions."

She bowed once again after speaking.

Prince Xian patted his stomach and reverted to his beaming smile.

"Alright, alright," he chuckled, "He is no fool, and neither are the people he knows," he said, "You're right, it was that Zhu Zan who asked me to invite you for a consultation."

I knew it was Zhu Zan.

No matter how overbearing Lu Yunqi was, it was unlikely for Prince Xian to confront him so directly. Firstly, because it was inconsistent with his personality, and secondly, Miss Jun wasn't someone whom Prince Xian knew very well or was particularly close to. Most importantly, the emperor hadn't shown any intention of punishing Lu Yunqi for his actions.

For Prince Xian to invite Miss Jun for medical treatment at this time might align with popular sentiment but not with the imperial will.

To go beyond the emperor in appealing to public sentiment would be a waste of Prince Xian's years of self-image destruction.

If it weren't for an entrusted request, why would Prince Xian do such a thing? And the person who could make him agree to an evidently unprofitable request must also be of no ordinary relation.

Had Miss Jun not seen Zhu Zan keeping company with Prince Xian that day, chatting and laughing intimately, she wouldn't have guessed it.

So, when Prince Xian suddenly sought her out, especially at a time when many were avoiding her, she realized that someone must have entrusted him with the task.

To have someone of Prince Xian's status come forth to request her presence was indeed to lend her support and alleviate her difficulties.

Was this bond formed through a fight worthy of Prince Xian's acceptance of the task?

Miss Jun couldn't help but smile.

"Thank you, Your Highness," she said sincerely, bending her knee in a deep bow, "Even if you were entrusted by someone else, Your Highness's actions must stem from true compassion and earnest assistance towards me."

Prince Xian chuckled while patting his stomach.

"Your words are indeed sweet," he said, "No wonder Zhu Zan avoids you at all costs."

Is that so?

It's true that he avoids me, but I haven't been particularly sweet to him, have I?

Miss Jun was somewhat distracted, hearing Prince Xian clearing his throat softly.

"Miss Jun, it's actually quite a pity. You and Zhu Zan would have been quite well-matched, if not for..." He trailed off with a hint of regret, seemingly feeling it was inappropriate to continue.

Miss Jun couldn't help but laugh at his words.

Well-matched with Zhu Zan? Not at all.

But what did he mean by 'if not for'? Was he referring to her engagement with Ning Yunzhao? If it weren't for her engagement, would Prince Xian really want to bring them together?

Miss Jun pursed her lips in a smile. Prince Xian didn't know her engagement with Ning Yunzhao was also fake.

"However, it is indeed proper for me to offer my help," Prince Xian added after a pause.

How so?

Miss Jun looked at him, curious. Apart from being entrusted by someone, she couldn't see any reason for it to be 'proper.'

Prince Xian gazed back at her with a smile.

"Miss Jun, you cured Prince Huai, and the merit is great. I am very grateful," he said.

Miss Jun felt a sting in her heart and her nose turned sour.

She had heard these words before. The emperor had said them, the Empress Dowager too. When she heard them, she only found them laughable, never feeling like crying.

Why did she feel so sad when Prince Xian said them? Was it because there was a hint of sadness in his voice, even though he was smiling, or was it because of the sincerity shining through his eyes, almost squeezed into a slit?

Prince Huai was cured, and he was truly happy, truly thankful.

Was there really someone else, besides Zhu Zan, who cared about the three siblings so much?

Miss Jun bowed deeply again to hide her discomposure.

"Thank you, Your Highness," she said, her voice betraying a bit of hoarseness.

Despite her effort to conceal it, Prince Xian could see the girl's emotional state.

Is she moved just by that? Is it because of what I just said? I've heard that she is calm and composed in the palace, thinking many steps ahead, and both brave and strategic in her actions, which is why Zhu Zan said he didn't want to deal with someone like her.

This reaction doesn't show how formidable she is, but instead suggests a young girl who has been wronged.

Well, she is indeed a young girl.

Prince Xian couldn't help but rub his head; he was adept at dealing with women, but not so much with young girls.

Perhaps she felt wronged, having cured Prince Huai and facilitated the spread of vaccination for the benefit of the people, yet faced with such bullying by Lu Yunqi and no one to protect her.

"No thanks are necessary, truly. When you are in the capital, Prince Huai will undoubtedly require your continued attention," he said with a smile.

He meant that she should take care of Prince Huai, which also meant he would take care of her, allowing her to stay in the capital without fearing Lu Yunqi driving her away.

This should console the girl, right?

But then he saw her raise her sleeve to wipe her eyes.

Could it be, she was moved to tears?

Prince Xian rubbed his head again.

Now this was awkward.

"Thank you for your trust, Your Highness," Miss Jun lifted her head, her expression normal with a hint of a smile, "but I can no longer accept such a responsibility."

Prince Xian was slightly taken aback.

What did she mean?

"I will be leaving the capital and returning home," said Miss Jun.