Chapter 116: The Prince Has Fainted Again!

Tan Yunge was startled and took two steps back before she fully grasped the meaning of Shen Yingjue’s words. Her eyes widened, as if she could never have imagined that Shen Yingjue would go to such great lengths merely to remind her to clear Tan Qingjiu’s name.

Why should she?

Tan Yunge’s hands clenched tightly inside her sleeves, her fingernails digging into her palms. That wretched woman, Tan Qingjiu—a woman who had already been defiled by another man—what right did she have to have someone backing her up? How could she still be the Princess of Duan, and how dared she ride roughshod over her?

Though she thought these things, her expression remained calm. She nodded and said, "Understood. Rest assured, Uncle Duan, I always keep my word."

"I don't know you well enough to know if you keep your word," Shen Yingjue replied. "I had better escort you out myself so I can be at ease."

As he spoke, Shen Yingjue turned toward Tan Qingjiu, who was still sitting on the roof watching the scene. "Would the Princess like to come along?" Without waiting for her answer, he continued to himself, "Actually, you should come. Even with the servants following, it is still somewhat improper for a man and a crown princess to be alone together. I am a married man now; I cannot do anything that might cause my Princess to misunderstand..."

Before Tan Qingjiu could react, Shen Yingjue leaped back onto the roof, swept her up by the waist, and brought her down.

"..." Tan Qingjiu had no chance to resist. She maintained a forced, thin smile and looked at Tan Yunge. "Crown Princess, please lead the way."

Tan Yunge gritted her teeth. *That little bitch must have poisoned me,* she thought. *Those doctors are all useless; none of them could find a thing. I must find someone else to examine me thoroughly once I get back. Even if the poison hasn't taken effect, the mere thought of it makes my skin crawl. And Tan Qingjiu—I must find a way to take her life!*

Tan Yunge bit her lip. She had to find a way to see Shen Zijiao.

When the three arrived at the gates of the Duan Prince's Mansion, Shen Yingjue glanced at Tan Yunge. "Crown Princess, please."

Tan Qingjiu curled her lips and lowered her voice. "Whatever you are plotting now, I advise you not to speak nonsense, or else..." Her eyes were filled with warning, as if she had seen right through Tan Yunge’s intentions.

Tan Yunge had indeed intended to use the excuse of clearing Tan Qingjiu’s name to bring up the matter of Shen Zijiao. However, Shen Zijiao had been sent by the Emperor’s decree. If she made too much of a scene, she would offend more than just the Prince of Duan.

Tan Yunge gritted her teeth and spoke, "I apologize for making a spectacle of myself. Because my son was brought to the Duan Prince's Mansion, I came to visit him today, which led to a conflict with my sister. Feeling unwell, and remembering that my sister is now a miraculous healer, I suspected she had poisoned me. Many doctors in the city have since examined me and found no signs of poisoning; it was a misunderstanding on my part. Here, before all of you, I would like to apologize to my sister. I hope she is magnanimous and will not hold this against me."

Tan Qingjiu scoffed. *Tan Yunge really is disobedient.* She had told her to apologize and clear her name, yet she specifically brought up the fact that Shen Zijiao had been taken to the mansion. Since that was the case, she might as well play along.

Just as Tan Qingjiu opened her mouth to speak, Shen Yingjue interjected.

"I believe the incident where I fainted at the teahouse must be common knowledge in the city by now?" Shen Yingjue sighed. "His Majesty had the Imperial Preceptor calculate my fate and determined that my weak constitution had attracted an evil spirit. The Preceptor said that if a child whose horoscope matches mine could stay in my mansion for a time, they could dispel the evil and keep me safe. His Majesty, concerned for me, had the city searched. It turned out that the Crown Princess's son, Shen Zijiao, was the perfect match. Thus, with the consent of the Prince and Princess of Ding, as well as the Crown Prince of Ding, Shen Zijiao was sent here."

He continued, "I know my own condition and feared that if I were to have an episode, I might accidentally hurt the boy. That is why I arranged for him to stay in a courtyard far from mine and brought the Princess of Duan into the mansion to look after me, just in case I lost control. I thought I had considered everything. I thought the Prince of Ding had agreed voluntarily, which is why His Majesty issued the decree. I never imagined that the Crown Princess would be so unwilling. You arrived and immediately demanded the boy from the Princess of Duan, accusing her of kidnapping him. When she explained, you slandered her by claiming she poisoned you."

The Prince of Duan lowered his head and sighed gloomily. "I understand that my illness is worrying, and it is natural for you to fear for Shen Zijiao. But the Imperial Preceptor said I don't need to keep him long, nor do I even need to see him; he only needs to be within a mile of me. I made all the preparations, arranged elite guards around him, and brought the Princess of Duan here. But it seems that even so, you are not at ease. If that is the case, go back to your mansion and discuss it with the Prince of Ding. If you all feel truly uneasy, you may come and take him back tomorrow."

As he spoke, the Prince of Duan swayed slightly, his face turning pale. "I am fine. My life is worthless anyway; it doesn't matter if an evil spirit possesses me. I just truly do not want to hurt anyone else."

No sooner had he finished speaking than his eyes rolled back, and he stumbled backward, collapsing toward the ground. His guards rushed to catch him before he hit the floor.

"Your Highness! Your Highness!"

Tan Qingjiu quickly commanded, "Hurry! Take him inside! I must check his pulse!"

The servants of the Duan Prince's Mansion hurriedly carried Shen Yingjue inside. Tan Qingjiu turned to look at Tan Yunge, who stood frozen in place, looking lost and bewildered.

Outside the gate, the whispers of the onlookers could be heard.

"Why is the Crown Princess acting like that? The Prince of Duan said he had made all the preparations, and it wasn't for long. Besides, he is her husband's uncle; isn't she being a bit heartless?"

"Indeed. I actually feel quite sorry for the Prince of Duan. Such a young man, suffering from such a strange illness."

"I feel like everything that has happened recently has completely shattered my impression of the Crown Princess... She is truly two-faced, isn't she?"