They all turned in the direction of the voice. It belonged to Lingxi.
She walked in wearing a flowing robe of dark green that lightened into lemon at the sleeves and hem. Long silk drapes hung gracefully from her sleeves, swaying like flowing water with every movement giving her an earthy feel. Her hair was styled simply and fell behind her back and was loosely tied near her waist. It was adorned with few flower-shaped golden hairpins.
Jun Jie and Xu Yicheng bowed.
"Grandaunt", He Rui also gave a bow.
Lingxi looked at him for a second before looing away, "there is no need to stand on ceremony".
They all stood straight.
"Zhizhi", He Yu smiled.
Lingxi felt a bit awkward with He Yu calling her Zhizhi in front of everyone but gave a slight nod to acknowledge the address.
[Wei City]
The team of four was on their way to visit Shen Cheng'an.
"Do you think the grand prince will let this matter slide?" Lv Chi asked.
"The grand prince is known for being easygoing. I don't think this should be a problem", Fu Jiu answered.
"Yes, I've met with him once. He is gentle by nature", Liu ying agreed.
"Then there is no need to be worried. Isn't that right, Brother Lu?" Lv Chi asked turning to Lu Qian who was quietly following behind.
Lu Qian who was in his own thoughts was interrupted.
"Brother Lu?" Lv Chi called again.
Lu Qian thought for a second, "I think Grand Prince won't take this matter seriously. But as for the grand prince's consort.... I don't think she'll let this go easily"
"The grand prince's consort? She seems nice to me", Lv Chi remembered her accepting the peach he had given her and the way she interacted with the investigation team.
"Sister Xi, is nice and approachable. She isn't one to make a mountain out of a molehill. It's fine", Liu ying added.
Fu Jiu also thought for a while, "although I've never met Her Highness, she is known for being gentle and elegant. I don't think she's someone like that", Fu Jiu also supported Liu ying.
Lv Chi let out a short sigh, "whatever, let's go", he said walking ahead.
He had not yet forgotten her calm composure as she analyzed the case back at the Ministry of Justice.
[Channing Palace]
"Physician Xu, how is His Highness's health?" Lingxi asked Xu Yicheng.
Xu Yicheng could not deny he was momentarily stunned by her imposing entrance.
"His Highness's health is more stable than before", he answered with a bow.
"I heard Second Prince had approached you during the investigation of the Prime Minister's case. Is that true?" Lingxi asked.
"Yes, but Second Prince was unaware of my identity and did not ask any questions relating to His Highness's health"
"Whether he asked questions regarding His Highness's health or not does not change the fact that he approached you which is against palace rules"
"I was unaware and unintentionally broke the rules. I am willing to accept any punishment", He Rui bowed.
Lingxi looked at him for a second before turning her attention back to Xu Yicheng.
"Second Prince was not aware of your identity but were you not aware of his? Or is it that your memory had failed you and you forgot the rules?"
Xu Yicheng knelt down, "I have failed your highness. I am willing to accept my punishment"
He could hardly believe that this was the gentle princess Jun Jie had described for him the night before.
He had left Wei City soon after Liu Ying had left his residence so as to catch up with He Yu's medical appointment. However on entering the palace, Jun Jie had told him He Yu was busy celebrating his one month anniversary with his wife.
[Flashback]
Xu Yicheng's carriage stopped in front of Channing Palace. He highlighted and went on to show his token to the guard present. He was let in.
"We were waiting for you all day. What made you take so long?"Jun Jie asked as he accompanied him to the room that had been prepared for him.
"I was busy dealing with some officials and uninvited guests", Xu guest room.
"Where is His Highness? Am I not supposed to see him first?" Xu Yicheng asked.
"Don't bother. His Highness is in the middle of a romantic session with his wife", Jun Jie said with a slight sigh.
"Romantic session?" Xu Yicheng wondered before remembering, "I just remembered. His Highness is now married"
"Yes, he is celebrating his one month anniversary with her highness"
"One month wedding anniversary?"
"Yes, one month", Jun Jie confirmed with another sigh.
"I would like to meet the woman that could change anniversaries from every year to every month", Xu Yicheng said.
"Although Her Highness is a bit different from other girls, she's kind and gentle", Jun Jie said.
[End of flashback]
"Physician Xu, there is no need to kneel. I have no right to punish you. His Highness shall decide your punishment himself", Lingxi said.
"Thank you, Your Highness", Xu Yicheng said standing up slowly.
"But remember this, my husband's health is not so casual that just anyone can approach you under the guise of an investigation", she added.
"I shall remember your highness's words", Xu Yicheng said before turning to He Yu to await his punishment.
"Your highness, what is my punishment?"
He Yu who was still momentarily stunned and lost in happiness after Lingxi called him 'her husband' did not hear him.
"Your Highness?" Xu Yicheng called again.
He Yu was called out of his thoughts.
Instead of responding, he gently took Lingxi's hand to her surprise.
He caressed it slowly looking into her eyes and said, "whatever my wife says goes. Her words are my words", he said. Xu Yicheng could not help but wonder how He Yu was quick to abandon him immediately Lingxi entered the picture.
On the other hand, Jun Jie cringed at the way he said. He said the words so softly like someone who was love struck. Even Lingxi was not expecting such words from him but she acknowledged his words.
"If so, I shall decide", she said looking at Xu Yicheng.
"Physician Xu, you broke the rule of interacting with nobles and members of the royal family. I shall assume you only forgot for a moment. You are to copy that rule 400 times so that it is permanently etched in your memory. You are not to leave for Wei City till you finish it", Lingxi gave her punishment with a calm and composed grace.
"I accept my punishment", Xu Yicheng accepted his punishment even though the least he had expected was to be punished.
He Rui was probably even more surprised than him. He thought he was the only one who would be punished. He never expected Xu Yicheng to be punished too. Even Jun Jie was still stunned but Lingxi was not done.
She turned to He Rui.
"Second prince also broke the rule. Can I punish him?" she asked He Yu.
"Do as you please", He Yu replied with an encouraging smile.
It was at that moment that the three men in the room confirmed that He Yu no longer suffered from poisoning but lovesickness.
"As for Second prince...."