Chapter Nineteen: Domineering and Relentless—Welcome to the Hunting Grounds...

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“The princess suffers from trauma and often cannot sleep well. How about having Qingcheng enter the palace to help teach her a thing or two? It would also put my sister’s mind at ease.” The Crown Prince’s gaze locked onto Song Qingcheng.

Song Qingcheng rubbed her fingers together, understanding that the princess's condition was just the Crown Prince’s excuse, but she wanted to enter the palace to see what secrets were hidden there.

Moreover, since she hadn’t yet obtained the medicinal guide, whether she went or not, she had to go.

“It would be my honor,” Song Qingcheng bowed her head, meeting the Crown Prince’s lion-like gaze, lowering her eyes to contemplate deeply.

Whatever the Crown Prince desires, the entire kingdom belongs to him; there is nothing that a prince who demands and receives cannot obtain.

A shadow suddenly blocked the view. Shen Runzhi twirled a wooden stick in his hand and said, “Yaoyao is probably frightened. I will take her back.”

The Crown Prince felt a twinge in his waist at the sight of the stick but ignored him, turning to Song Qingcheng. “Qingcheng, there’s been some development regarding the matter you entrusted to me last time. Let’s move somewhere else to discuss it.”

Two scorching gazes fell upon Song Qingcheng. She glanced left and right, rolled her eyes, supported her head and let out an “ouch” as she collapsed backward into Tao Hong’s arms.

Tao Hong, following orders, reached out to catch her, but she fell short as Shen Runzhi steadied Song Qingcheng firmly in his embrace, apologizing, “Yaoyao is timid and seems to need to leave first.”

The Crown Prince stood at a distance and fell on his backside, missing the chance to catch her. Clenching his empty hand, a ruthless light flashed in his eyes. “Fine, next time I will demand an answer from her.”

He was referring to the last time at the Shen residence when he wanted her to become Crown Princess. He had obviously not forgotten and was always trying to force her to agree.

Shen Runzhi held her tighter but dared not use too much strength, fearing to hurt her. “I take my leave.”

Carrying her, he passed the Crown Prince and left. Song Qingcheng leaned against him, instinctively holding her breath, afraid of being discovered.

Closing her eyes and calculating the route to leave, a voice sounded above her head. “Send someone to reply that Yaoyao fainted from fright and have the carriage prepared. I will take her back.”

With this message, she could seize the opportunity to return. Song Qingcheng closed her eyes again, fearing new tricks from the Crown Prince. It was best to leave first.

Her attendant quickly left to deliver the message.

Shen Runzhi glanced briefly at Song Qingcheng, a pleased smile tugging at his brow. He raised his arm, holding her tighter.

Her head rested against his chest, her heart pounding loudly in her ears, racing so fast.

What was going on? Shen Runzhi was ill, so why was his heart beating so fast? Song Qingcheng wondered, contemplating whether to turn back and help check on him.

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In her previous life, though immersed in power and influence, Song Qingcheng knew little of love, only understanding its simplest meaning and never experiencing it. The Crown Prince always maintained proper decorum when visiting her.

Reborn, and suddenly buried in medical texts, she was momentarily overwhelmed and unresponsive.

Her chaotic thoughts gradually calmed, allowing her to fall asleep deeply, oblivious to the outside world.

Shen Runzhi felt the weight in his arms and glanced down. A glimmer of light flashed through his deep eyes. Since returning from the Medicine Valley, he had been tense and insecure.

Now, she had finally accepted a bit of him.

The carriage arrived. Holding her, Shen Runzhi turned and instructed Tao Hong, “Go fetch Yaoyao’s things.”

“Yes, Master Shen.” Tao Hong trusted him and hurried off.

Shen Runzhi mounted the carriage. In the distance, a youth clad in silver armor reined in his horse with one hand, boldly declaring, “Who is that, leaving first with a young lady? Are they afraid of me?”

“It’s a stalemate. The young lady in the embrace of the Deputy Minister of Justice is Song Qingcheng, the adopted daughter of the Shen family. She fainted after a recent danger. His Majesty has granted leave for her to return first,” came the reply.

Li Jingfei, the newly risen young general, had recently distinguished himself in the Battle of Hancheng with innovative tactics, forcing the enemy into retreat.

Li Jingfei gripped his sword at his waist, “So it’s him. Even the cold, venomous snake can show tenderness to a delicate lady. I want to see what kind of person he is.”

His subordinate Liu Yun advised cautiously, “General, in a few days the master will introduce you to the lady. Please don’t cause any trouble.”

“If rumors spread that you are to marry her, people will misunderstand. She comes from the countryside and is not worthy of you,” Liu Yun warned. Their general’s impulsiveness could lead to serious problems.

But Li Jingfei’s curiosity peaked, and no one could restrain him. “If I marry her, so be it. What does family background matter? It’s all just empty titles. You don’t find it tiresome?”

He despised all talk of unworthiness or low status, considering it the arrogance of scholars, while true merit was proven by strength.

Li Jingfei spurred his horse back to the hunting ground, determined to be the best this time.

Liu Yun groaned, “General! Wait for me!” and hurried to keep up.

The carriage stopped before the Shen residence. Shen father and mother, having received news early, waited anxiously at the gate.

Song Qingcheng was fast asleep. Shen Runzhi hesitated to wake her, bending down to lift her, when her eyes opened, reflecting his own image in their beautiful pupils.

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Song Qingcheng panicked, shrinking back and muttering, “Cousin, I’m awake.”

Shen Runzhi held his position, lowering his eyes to gaze at the identical sunflower pouch. “Is Yaoyao feeling unwell? I can call the doctor to check.”

Following his gaze, Song Qingcheng suddenly recalled he had one too. She covered her mouth and shook her head. “No.”

Hearing no sound from inside, Shen father and mother knocked on the carriage. “Qingcheng, Runzhi, what’s going on in there? Is Qingcheng badly hurt?”

Unable to wait, Shen mother tried to climb up, but Shen Runzhi responded, “It’s nothing. Yaoyao just woke up from sleep and will come down now.”

Shen Runzhi stared at her pale fingers, took a sweet plum from the pouch, slowly popped it into his mouth, and turned to step down.

Song Qingcheng touched her flushed face, cleared her throat lightly, and followed closely. As the curtain lifted and Shen Runzhi raised his arm, she placed her hand on his to steady herself as she stepped down.

No sooner had she landed than Shen mother pulled her aside, concerned, “Are you alright? If I had known, I wouldn’t have let you go hunting. It’s so dangerous for a young lady. Thankfully, nothing serious happened.”

“No worries, Auntie. I’ve come back safely,” Song Yitang spun around and then comforted Shen mother.

Shen mother nodded with relief. “Luckily, Runzhi taught you some self-defense recently. I’ll have him teach you more later. A woman traveling alone can always face danger; without skills to protect herself, her life could be ruined.”

Shen father chimed in, “Indeed. Your mother and I were a bit harsh with him, complaining that after such a long absence, he still made you work hard. Now we realize we were too narrow-minded.”

“Runzhi, remember to teach her more. Don’t slack off,” Shen father said, patting Shen Runzhi on the shoulder.

“No need. Cousin is busy with official duties; no need to trouble him. Besides, I haven’t fully mastered what he taught me the other day. I will practice more,” Song Qingcheng quickly declined, waving her hands frantically.

Shen Runzhi curled his lips. “Yaoyao cares about me. Don’t worry, no matter how busy I am, I will always make time for you.”

Song Qingcheng: “…” Did she just say she cared about him?! Hiss—could it be that Shen Runzhi was also reborn? How else could his good mind go bad again?