Chapter 73 Doubt

Tan Qingjiu sneered inwardly. Was he worried that her mother might reveal his secrets in a dream? That she might learn of his involvement in her mother's death all those years ago?

“She didn’t say anything else of consequence.”

“But she did say she would remain in the manor. The woman who killed her and stole her dowry—she would never let her go. She would only reincarnate after witnessing her enemy die a miserable death with her own eyes.”

Tan Yun stared fixedly at Tan Qingjiu, as if pondering whether her words were true or false.

If things were as Tan Qingjiu described, then it seemed Shen Nianqing was unaware of his involvement in that matter all those years ago?

Tan Qingjiu had already guessed what Tan Yun was thinking, but outwardly she maintained an air of innocent curiosity. “Father, is it true that Madam really stole my mother’s dowry?”

“I know nothing of that.”

“If it’s true, then regardless of how my mother died, Madam’s actions were hardly honorable. After all, even if my mother passed away, I am still here.”

Seeing Tan Qingjiu’s apparent lack of suspicion, Tan Yun simply glanced at her. “I’ll look into the matter. Don’t worry, what is yours will remain yours.”

“Thank you, Father.”

Tan Qingjiu bowed and straightened, as if suddenly remembering something. “Oh, by the way, I don’t know where my mother is buried. Now that she’s come to me in a dream, and I’ve returned to the Tan Manor, it wouldn’t be right if I didn’t pay my respects at her grave.”

Tan Yun’s eyelid twitched. “I’ve been busy these past few days. In a few days, I’ll have someone take you there.”

Tan Yun’s reaction made Tan Qingjiu narrow her eyes. It was merely a visit to a grave—why did Tan Yun seem so unwilling to let her go?

What secret was concealed in this?

“If there’s nothing else, you may go,” Tan Yun said, waving his hand. After a slight pause, he added, “By the way, since you can control Prince Duan’s illness, you should visit the Duan Prince’s residence more often. His Majesty is very concerned about him. If you can cure the prince completely, His Majesty will reward you handsomely.”

“Yes, Father.”

Tan Qingjiu had only just stepped out of the courtyard when the steward came rushing up. “Master, the heir of Prince Ding has arrived. He requests to see… the Second Miss.”

“The heir of Prince Ding? So what if he’s here? What’s so strange about that?” Tan Yun frowned, then suddenly realized, “You said he wants to see whom?”

“The Second Miss,” the steward replied, glancing nervously at Tan Yun’s face and then at Tan Qingjiu, who had stopped upon hearing the exchange.

Tan Yun’s brow furrowed as he looked at Tan Qingjiu. “Invite the heir in.”

Shen Xiao soon entered. He gave Tan Yun a perfunctory bow. “Greetings, Father-in-law.”

Without waiting for a response, he strode straight to Tan Qingjiu. “Here you are, Second Sister. I have something to discuss with you.”

Tan Yun’s face darkened at once. “What business does the heir have with Qingjiu?”

Shen Xiao turned and blinked innocently. “Naturally, it’s a medical matter. Isn’t Second Sister a miraculous physician? I heard she even managed to control Prince Duan’s illness—her skills must be extraordinary. Why shouldn’t I seek her care?”

Tan Yun’s expression was complicated; Shen Xiao looked the picture of health, hardly someone in need of a doctor. Clearly, the illness was just a pretext.

Tan Yun’s gaze flickered back and forth between the two of them. Was Lady Chen’s suspicion correct, after all? Were those two children really Shen Xiao’s and Tan Qingjiu’s? Had they been entangled for years?

But if that was the case, why had Tan Qingjiu not sought out the heir upon her return, but instead gone to Prince Duan?

The relationship between Prince Ding’s heir and Prince Duan—uncle and nephew—was far too tangled.

Tan Yun’s frown deepened. He would have to find an opportunity to admonish Tan Qingjiu: now that she was connected to Prince Duan, she should cease any association with Prince Ding’s heir. If something went awry, the consequences would be disastrous.

But with the heir present, he could say no more. He pressed his lips together. “There’s a temporary clinic in the front courtyard. Qingjiu, take the heir there for his consultation.”

Tan Qingjiu acknowledged the order and turned to Shen Xiao. “This way, Your Highness.”

Shen Xiao quickly followed her out, but his voice drifted back through the door. “This manor is rather small, isn’t it? Why have you set up your clinic here? Why don’t I buy you a larger courtyard for your practice?”

Tan Qingjiu paused, resignation in her eyes. “Why would Your Highness buy me a clinic?”

“Because I am truly enamored with you, Second Sister.”

“The last time I saw you, you looked familiar. Only then did I realize it was you. If not for the events at Prince Ding’s residence the other day, I’d never have known.”

“Don’t you think we’re destined?”

Tan Qingjiu arched a brow. “Weren’t you here for a consultation? If so, I’m naturally happy to oblige. If not, I won’t keep you company.”

“My mistake, I apologize!” Shen Xiao was quick to admit fault. “Don’t be angry, Second Sister. I do have a reason for coming today.”

“What is it?”

Shen Xiao glanced around, then lowered his voice. “I came to warn you: word has spread throughout the city that you managed to control Prince Duan’s illness at Prince Ding’s residence.”

“So, you must be extra cautious these days.”

“Hmm? Be cautious?” Tan Qingjiu raised her brows. Wasn’t this a good thing?

Her ability to subdue Prince Duan during his attacks was proof of her extraordinary medical skill.

Shen Xiao regarded her with a half-smile, his eyes suddenly serious—so different from his usual frivolous demeanor.

“Though Prince Duan is not old, after the late Empress married His Majesty, she bore no children for more than a decade. Thus, while Prince Duan is sixteen years younger than my father, he is the true-born son.”

“In Qingning, legitimacy outweighs seniority. Countless eyes are on Prince Duan.”

“When Prince Duan suffered from his strange illness, many believed it a ruse, and there were those who wanted his life. Now that you have publicly controlled his illness, even more eyes will be upon you.”