Mu Yexiao, who finally stopped coughing, stared at Qian Jiujiu. "Who are you?"
Qian Jiujiu blinked as she pondered on how to answer the man's question. Eventually, she decided to be truthful. Sooner or later, he would probably unearth her background even if she refused to reveal the truth now.
Nevertheless, Qian Yuge was the most beautiful lady in the Capital, and Qian Jiujiu definitely looked nothing like Qian Yuge.
Furthermore, it had been a few hours since Qian Jiujiu arrived at this place. Yet, she still had no idea how she looked.
What if I'm ugly? Perturbed by the thought, she studied her surroundings, trying to look for a mirror. When she finally found a copper mirror on the dressing table, Qian Jiujiu darted toward it.
She looked at her reflection, and immediately had an urge to kill herself.
Which fool put so much make-up on my face? Is this make-up free?
Subsequently, she began to knead her cheek, intending to remove the make-up on her face. However, she forgot how ridiculous she would appear in front of others.
Mu Yexiao, who was still lying on the bed, and the two guards were flabbergasted by her action. Where did this strange woman come from?
Mu Yexiao, who could not bear seeing this scene anymore, raised his voice and repeated his question. "Who are you?"
Qian Jiujiu paused in her action before she turned around to look as Mu Yexiao in an awkward posture.
"You are Lord Xiao, right? Hi! Oh, no. Your Highness, my name is Qian Jiujiu. I'm the love child of Minister Qian."
"Why am I here? I think we should have a tacit understanding on this, and I hope that you can keep this to yourself after I tell you the truth."
The corner of Mu Yexiao's mouth twitched again. What's wrong with this woman? Why is she so confident?
Of course he had heard of Qian Jiujiu, the love child of Minister Qian. Has she always been this interesting?
He had heard about Qian Jiujiu since a long time ago. Yet, he paid little to no attention to this woman before, and her presence had definitely caught Mu Yexiao off guard.
"Why do you think that I'll keep your secret save?"
At that instant, Qian Jiujiu was no longer bothered by the make-up on her face. In fact, what left on her face was merely a layer of make-up foundation.
She brought a small stool and arrived before Mu Yexiao. She took a seat and proceeded to look Mu Yexiao in the eye.
She articulated each word with precision. "Because I'm your lucky bride, and I've already brought luck to you."
Mu Yexiao abruptly focused his gaze. "You can cure me of my crippled legs?"
He had consulted all the best doctors across the country, and none of them were optimistic about the outcomes of their treatments.
Therefore, Mu Yexiao was somewhat astonished by Qian Jiujiu's words.
Confidently, Qian Jiujiu nodded again. "Yes. Not only I can remove the poison in your body, but I can also cure your crippled legs."
"I'm merely a bastard of the Qian family. Removing me will hardly affect the Qian family, while allowing me to stay with you will be more advantageous for you."
"It's all up to you, Lord Xiao."
Mu Yexiao stared at the face that was only inches away from his. It was unevenly covered by the make-up powder. However, her imperfect make-up did not dim the limitless confidence that was flowing out of her eyes.
It doesn't seem like she's faking her confidence. Moreover, she's such an interesting lady. It might be useful to keep her around.
Qian Jiujiu stared at Mu Yexiao as he was lost in thoughts. He was obviously pondering over his options. She believed that Mu Yexiao was sensible enough to make the right choice.
"How can I tell if you'll really cure me?"
Flustered by the question, Qian Jiujiu blinked awkwardly. It was certainly difficult for her to prove herself.
She flashed her teeth. "That's why this is a reckless bet. So, Lord Xiao, do you want to bet?"
Mu Yexiao subtly curled his lips upward as he looked at Qian Jiujiu. "If this is a bet, what does the winner get?"
His question took Qian Jiujiu by surprise. At that instant, she thought that Mu Yexiao was not an unbearable man after all.
"I'm allowed to negotiate?"
Mu Yexiao nodded. "Tell me."
"I only want you to save my mother after I've cleared the poison in your body. Then, after I cure your crippled legs, you shall divorce me, and promise to never disturb me."
Mu Yexiao had yet to react to Qian Jiujiu's words, but the guard, who was glaring at her only a moment ago, could no longer suppress his annoyance.
"Who do you think you are to negotiate with His Highness? Do you think His Highness will actually fall for you?"
Qian Jiujiu threw the guard a disdainful glance and pursed her lips. "Yes. He will not fall for me. Perhaps he will fall for you."
As she spoke, an idea seemed to have hit Qian Jiujiu. She scrutinized the guard, and noticed that he had rather delicate facial features.
No one has ever heard of any woman around Mu Yexiao. Perhaps he's not a straight man?
Is this guard here his secret Princess Consort?
Coincidentally, Qian Jiujiu especially loved seeing gay couples.
The birth of this theory made Qian Jiujiu's eyes glow as she stared at Mu Yexiao and his guard.
Having noticed her unusual gaze, Mu Yexiao grew intimidating. "Why are you looking at us like that?"
Qian Jiujiu shrugged. "Fret not. I will not tell anyone about this, and will never expose your relationship."
"Don't worry, Your Highness. I'll make peace with him."
Qian Jiujiu winked at Mu Yexiao, as if they had a tacit understanding on this issue, and that had definitely puzzled Mu Yexiao.
Mu Yexiao threw a glance at his guard, and realized that his guard was just as confused. Then, he turned to look at Qian Jiujiu, intending to ignore the strange statement she just made.
"Fine. I'll take the bet. I'll divorce you once you have successfully treated my legs."
Qian Jiujiu made a victory gesture. Indeed, I'm the main character of this story. I have actually convinced him without any backups!
"Alright. Then, I need to head out to forge a silver needle before we can start the treatment."
"First, I'll prescribe you some medicine to remove the poison in your body."
Mu Yexiao stared at Qian Jiujiu who continued to talk despite receiving no reply. This woman must be very talkative.
Although Qian Jiujiu received no response, her gaze was fixed on Mu Yexiao. "Also, I need to wash my face first."
The corner of Mu Yexiao's lips twitched again. This woman finally remembers to wash her face.
He looked at his guard and ordered, "Dong Chen, lead Princess Consort to her room."
Dong Chen, the guard who had been glaring at Qian Jiujiu since the very beginning, stepped forward.
"Princess Consort, please follow me to your residence."
Without further ado, Dong Chen spun around and led the way while Qian Jiujiu followed closely behind him.
Their journey went on for quite some time, yet they were still nowhere near their destination. Besides, Qian Jiujiu realized that their surroundings were far quieter than before. Curious, she turned to look at Dong Chen.
"Hey, you are Dong Chen, right? Are we lost? Why are we not there yet?"
Dong Chen turned around and threw Qian Jiujiu a meaningful yet chilling glance.
"We are not lost. All you have to do is to follow me."
Qian Jiujiu felt a sudden sense of danger. Is Dong Chen planning to do anything to me?