When an unmarked carriage stopped by Han Zhenting's small infirmary, the old physician rushed out to greet his visitor. A woman in veiled entered the infirmary. Once they were away from others' eyes, Princess Lingchen lifted her veil and smiled at her grandfather. She quickly stepped forward when she saw that her grandfather was trying to bow.
"Grandfather," Princess Lingchen held her grandfather's arms, frowning. "What are you trying to do? There's no one else in this room. Let's forget formalities." she turned to Mingyue who stood next to their grandpa and shot her a warning glance. "You too, Mingyue."
Han Zhenting stood up straight with a gentle smile on his face. "I haven't seen you for a while. It looks like you have gotten prettier."
Princess Lingchen lowered her gaze and smiled timidly. "Grandfather, stop teasing me."
"I'm not teasing you." Han Zhenting turned to Mingyue. "Wasn't I telling her the truth?" When Mingyue replied him with a nod, Han Zhenting laughed happily. He looked at Lingchen and said, "Come with me. I know that Mingyue had given a thorough check up on you every day, but let grandfather take a look at you."
Beside him, Mingyue feigned her dissatisfaction. "Grandfather, are you doubting my skills?"
Han Zhenting laughed and soon, both his granddaughters joined him. Han Zhenting took Princess Lingchen to sit down and started to examine her complexion and well-being. Then he observed her breathing pattern.
"You look good," Han Zhenting commented. "Did you have any discomfort anywhere? Any pain in your body? Did the poison in your body did acted up again?"
Lingchen shook her head. "I'm fine, grandfather."
"Let me check your pulse." Han Zhenting placed a small pillow on the table. The princess first removed the binding around her wrist.
A few years ago, they agreed to let Princess Lingchen put a binding around her wrist to avoid others from examining her pulse. It would be dangerous for her if others learned of the poison in her body.
When Lingchen placed her hand on the pillow, Han Zhenting placed three fingers on Lingchen's wrist to feel her pulse. First, he began with her right hand. Then, the left side.
Seeing her grandfather's calm expression, Princess Lingchen smiled. "I told you that I am well, grandfather. Mingyue was strict when she cared for me. I could not escape from any medication with Mingyue around."
Han Zhenting's face turned dark at the Princess' words. "You dare to miss any medication."
Princess Lingchen hurriedly held her grandfather's arm. "Grandfather, don't get angry. I was only joking. Of course, I would not dare to miss any medication. I would rather drink medicinal soup every day than being tortured by pain. You know very much how I fear pain."
Han Zhenting stared at the Crown Princess for a while and sighed. He hated to see Lingchen in pain. He recalled the first time he diagnosed poison in her body. She was only seven. His heart bled every time this granddaughter put her brave face on even when she was in pain. If it were up to him, he would take this granddaughter away from the palace and let her live freely without having anyone trying to harm her life.
But what can he do about it? Even if he wanted to take her away, his granddaughter would not agree to it. Lingchen was not like any other girl. She is the Crown Princess of Da Cheng. Sooner, she will be the ruler of Da Cheng. Everything she experienced was part of her fate and destiny. As the princess' grandfather, he can only stay by her side and support her with her choice.
"Grandfather know." Han Zhenting closed her eyes and forced a smile. "As long as my grandchildren are healthy and live well, this old man will be content."
The grandfather and granddaughters chatted for a while before they heard a knock on the door. A second later, the door swung open and Jiang Xiao Tian stood at the door. Behind him was Yang Yun.
"Grandfather," Jiang Xiao Tian bowed to the older man. Then, he shifted his gaze to the princess. "Everything is all set. Are you ready to go?"
Princess Lingchen looked at her grandfather.
"Go. Go," Han Zhenting waved his hands. "It has been a while since you get to roam around the city." He looked at both Jiang Xiao Tian and Yang Yun. "You two will protect my granddaughters well. If any of them were hurt, even with a tiny scratch, then both of you should be prepared for the consequences."