Chapter Thirty-Four: Deception

Su Lilu heard movement inside the room and assumed it was Liu Zhu or Liu Ying. Just as she was about to speak, a cool hand covered her mouth, leaving her unable to utter a single sound, only muffled cries. Panic flashed through her mind, urgency flickering in her eyes. Her first instinct was that an intruder had entered. She parted her lips slightly, intending to bite the hand covering her mouth.

“It’s me,” came the clear voice of a man.

Su Lilu froze, unable to mistake that voice. She could only continue her muffled protests.

“I’ll let go, as long as you promise not to speak. Nod if you agree,” Yun Yan Yi’s hand did not loosen until Su Lilu gave a slight nod. Only then did his hand slowly leave her lips.

Clutching her chest, Su Lilu did not turn around, her voice cool and composed. “Your Highness, please step aside and allow me to dress myself.”

Yun Yan Yi said nothing further, turning to face the window. Hearing the rustling behind him, the tips of his ears reddened.

Seeing he obediently turned away, Su Lilu breathed a quiet sigh of relief. She reached out and grabbed her undergarments from the screen, quickly wiping herself off and hurriedly dressing. Over her clothes, she draped a lilac-colored outer garment. Only then did she softly address Yun Yan Yi’s back, “You may turn now.”

She was no longer as frightened as before. Pouring herself a cup of water, she watched Yun Yan Yi still standing in place. “Your Highness, you enter unannounced—what is your purpose? If there’s something to discuss, shall we sit and speak properly?”

Yun Yan Yi’s cold gaze met Su Lilu’s. Now that she was dressed, her presence seemed stronger. He strode to sit opposite her, speaking in a low voice. “Of course. But might Miss Su ask the two maids at the door to withdraw? Otherwise, if they overhear idle gossip later, it could damage your reputation—a matter not to be taken lightly.”

Su Lilu’s face darkened, her eyes full of displeasure. This prince truly did not regard himself as an outsider. Yet, she couldn’t deny the sense in his words; it wouldn’t do for Liu Zhu and Liu Ying to know the prince was in her room.

“Liu Zhu, Liu Ying, are you outside?”

“We are here, Miss. Have you finished bathing? We can come in now.” The two maids prepared to enter, but were stopped by a hurried voice.

“No need! Come in tomorrow morning to tidy up. It’s late, you may go rest. I require no service tonight.” From behind the door, the maids hesitated, uncertain of her situation inside, but then Su Lilu’s voice came again.

“Liu Zhu, Liu Ying, did you not understand my words?” Their silhouettes flickered against the doorframe. The two maids bowed, “Rest well, Miss. We take our leave.”

Su Lilu listened as their footsteps faded, then turned to Yun Yan Yi. “Your Highness, perhaps now you can state your purpose? I’ve sent my maids away.” Her words were blunt, eyes fixed on him, mocking his sudden appearance. Was he trying to play the lecher? Who knew how much he had seen? The thought of her bathing being witnessed by a man made her blush, thankful the candlelight was dim and he couldn’t see.

“I have heard you possess a medical text. I am interested in the art of medicine and wish to purchase your book at a high price,” Yun Yan Yi’s words made Su Lilu clutch her dress tightly, her face full of suspicion. “Where did you learn of this?”

She was uneasy; she had never shown the book to outsiders… Wait, the pharmacy—that must have something to do with him.

“You need not concern yourself with that. I am very interested and wish to buy it for a thousand taels,” Yun Yan Yi observed her biting her lip, her eyes full of hesitation. Her previously tense body relaxed somewhat.

Su Lilu hesitated for a moment, then smiled enchantingly, “Does your Highness truly intend to buy my precious medical book for such a paltry sum? Do you believe a thousand taels is its true worth?”

Yun Yan Yi was taken aback, his face darkening as he said, “Name your price, then. How much do you want?”

Su Lilu raised a finger, speaking softly, “Ten thousand taels.”

“Su Lilu, you are truly greedy. Do you think I am so easily fooled?” Yun Yan Yi stood, his face as dark as the King of Hell.

Su Lilu’s lips curled into a triumphant smile. “It was your Highness who asked me to name the price.” Seeing her slyly exploit his words, Yun Yan Yi’s hand quickly seized her soft neck.

“If you keep spouting nonsense, I won’t hesitate to send you on your way.” Feeling the pressure around her neck, Su Lilu no longer dared to act so wantonly. Her voice softened, “Your Highness, don’t be angry. I was merely jesting.”

Pouting, Su Lilu cursed inwardly, “You asked me to name the price, and now you think it’s too high. As expected, you want my book for nothing. I won’t give it to you.”

Yun Yan Yi saw she was still dodging his questions and would not allow her to evade him any longer. He said coldly, “The words from your lips displease me. I don’t mind dirtying my hands. The medical book is here; after you’re gone, I’ll find it—it's not going anywhere.”

Su Lilu heard her heartbeat quicken. Her eyes flickered as she spoke crisply, “Your Highness, I would never oppose you. The truth is, the book was destroyed by me.”

“That’s a childish lie. Don’t take me for a fool.” Yun Yan Yi’s grip tightened, prompting Su Lilu to cry out, “Your Highness, surely you don’t mean to send me to the underworld? I have not lied to you. I burned the book upon returning—but… its contents are all stored here.” She tapped her temple and flashed a proud smile.

The hand at her neck withdrew, allowing her to gulp air, her face flushed from tension, nearly suffocated moments ago.

The coldness around Yun Yan Yi deepened, and Su Lilu, fearing he might strangle her again, quickly spoke, “Your Highness, if you wish for the medical book, I can oblige. If I ever require medicinal ingredients, you must provide them for free. I will write out the entire contents of the book for you, word for word. What do you say?”

Yun Yan Yi glanced at her disdainfully. “Just a medical book, and you expect me to give you medicine for nothing? You ask too much, Miss Su.”

Though anxious, Su Lilu maintained a calm exterior. Suddenly, a prescription surfaced in her mind. With her hands behind her back, she recited the formula aloud.

When she finished, she smiled at Yun Yan Yi, “Did you memorize that prescription, Your Highness? Why not try it first? If it proves useful, then you may come to me again.”

Yun Yan Yi eyed her suspiciously, “Miss Su, are you trying to get rid of me?”