Chapter 59: Love at First Sight Your Highness, please take your time.

When Imperial Physician Hu applied medicine to Zun You’s wound in the afternoon, Wen Yueqing stood by, watching with apprehension. The injury wasn’t particularly large, but it was deep, with torn edges exposing raw, crimson flesh—clearly caused when the dart was removed.

Suddenly, she remembered the two bottles of elixir left behind by Shangguan Yin Chun. Last time, when she was gravely ill, just a few pills had restored her health, and she even felt stronger than before. It seemed the elixir was truly effective.

So, after Imperial Physician Hu finished bandaging Zun You, Wen Yueqing asked, “Imperial Physician Hu, the elixir I took when I was unconscious worked wonders. Do you think His Highness could take it as well?”

As he packed away his medicine chest, Imperial Physician Hu replied, “Yes, the Hundredfold Blood-Congealing Great Elixir can be used. It replenishes blood and restores the body. His Highness can take one pill a day.”

“That’s wonderful! As long as you say it’s suitable. I still have half a bottle left; I’ll fetch it now.”

She hurried to her room and found the elixir, thinking to herself, “It’s a pity Shangguan Yin Chun left without a word. If I ever see him again, I must thank him properly.”

“Here you go.” Wen Yueqing handed him the bottle.

Zun You didn’t reach out to take it, but smiled and said, “This isn’t the proper way to serve your prince. Are you expecting me to open it myself?”

“My goodness, here you are.” She had no choice but to pour out a pill and place it into his palm, then brought him a cup of water. “Drink it quickly.”

“That’s more like it. If your tone were a bit gentler, it would be perfect.” Zun You took the pill with water, smiling at her.

She rolled her eyes and retorted, “Lady Tian is gentle enough, isn’t she? Shall I summon her for you?”

“Absolutely not. Don’t forget who I got injured for.” Zun You ignored her attempt to shirk her duties. She wouldn’t get away so easily.

“Besides, you’re my chief maid. Taking care of me is your duty. Still want your monthly allowance this month?”

Wen Yueqing pouted helplessly. Her three months of reduced wages had just ended, and she was strapped for cash. Now he was threatening her with money.

“Yes, boss, whatever you say.” She replied loudly.

Outside, Liu Yi came to announce that the Fifth Prince, Zun Yi, had arrived and was waiting in the drawing room.

“Alright, I’ll be there at once. Ask my brother to wait a moment.” Zun You said, then went to change his clothes.

Wen Yueqing followed him to the drawing room, reluctant yet dutiful. Zun Yi sat in a guest chair, drinking tea. When Zun You entered, he immediately stood.

“Happy New Year, Third Brother! I brought you some supplements; they’ll help with your recovery.”

Zun Yi spoke as he bowed.

“No need for such formality between us. Sit down. Did you visit the palace today?” Zun You sat beside him.

“I did. I paid my respects to Father, Mother, and Lady Shu. They also inquired about your health.”

After saying this, Zun Yi sighed. “The Empress Dowager’s health still isn’t good. She’s bedridden now.”

His grandmother had always been kind to him, pitying him as a motherless child and secretly helping him.

“Next time, I’ll go with you. We can keep her company together.” Zun You felt a pang in his heart.

“Enough, Third Brother. Let’s not dwell on such matters during the New Year. You’re still recovering; visit the palace when you’re better.” Zun Yi comforted him.

At that moment, he noticed Wen Yueqing standing to the side, her round face showing a stubborn, indignant expression.

“Hey, isn’t this the young eunuch you brought yesterday? So she’s actually a girl.”

Zun Yi’s face lit up with curiosity. No wonder—he’d wondered where Third Brother had found such a delicate-looking eunuch.

“Haha, she’s my chief maid. Mischievous as ever, insisted I let her see the world.” Zun You teased, smiling at Wen Yueqing.

Hearing herself mentioned, Wen Yueqing felt embarrassed. She smiled and said, “Your Highness, please excuse me.”

But in Zun Yi’s eyes, her embarrassment took on another hue. He found her smile sweet, tinged with shy charm, and unexpectedly took a liking to her.

“What’s your name?” he asked with a smile.

“Replying to Your Highness, my name is Wen Yueqing.” She bowed respectfully.

“Mm, a lovely name.” Zun Yi nodded, silently repeating it to himself.

Zun You interjected, “Brother, since you’re here, why not stay awhile? Join me for dinner before you go.”

“Gladly. I’d only be bored at home. How about a game of chess? My skills have improved lately.” Zun Yi replied eagerly.

“Ah, let’s not play chess today. I’ll teach you something new.” Zun You waved his hand with a smile.

He said to Wen Yueqing, “Bring the playing cards. The three of us can play Landlord together.”

Zun Yi’s eyes brightened at the prospect of something new. “What’s this novel game, Third Brother? Tell me about it.”

While Wen Yueqing fetched the cards, Zun You explained the rules to him. Zun Yi picked it up quickly, exclaiming repeatedly, “Excellent, excellent! It’s actually quite fun.”

So the three of them played all afternoon. When Zun Yi learned that Wen Yueqing had discovered this card game, his fondness for her grew even more.

Wen Yueqing played skillfully, winning the most games. Once the cards were dealt, they forgot all about rank and status.

“Who would have thought Miss Wen’s card skills are so impressive? We can’t beat you at all.” Zun Yi praised her warmly.

Wen Yueqing smiled, “Thank you, Your Highness. I can’t claim much else, but when it comes to cards, I’m confident.”

She leaned closer to Zun Yi and whispered, “Your Highness, I’ll let you in on a secret—I’ve won quite a lot of money playing cards before.”

She chuckled mischievously.

Zun You, unimpressed, remarked, “You should be ashamed, boasting about that.”

“It’s the truth! I’m just being honest.” She replied offhandedly.

“Indeed, Miss Wen is formidable.” Zun Yi laughed. Her cheerful personality struck a chord with him.

As he left, Zun Yi said to Zun You, “Third Brother, this card game is fascinating. I’ll come again tomorrow so we can play some more. Is that alright?”

“Of course! Come whenever you like; it’s good to have company. It’s getting late—take care on your way home.” Zun You patted his shoulder with a smile.

“Thank you, Third Brother. I’ll take my leave now.” He glanced at Wen Yueqing, “Farewell, Miss Wen.”

Wen Yueqing hadn’t expected him to bid her goodbye, so she hurriedly replied, “Safe travels, Your Highness.”