Before me stood a youth, barely in his twenties, with features stern yet refined. His hair, bound by a purple-golden crown, cascaded like supple bamboo. Clad in a black and gold brocade robe and matching boots embroidered with auspicious clouds, he exuded an aura of nobility, one hand elegantly tucked behind his back.
His demeanor and appearance were both exceptional, yet upon closer inspection, his countenance was somewhat peculiar. Like mist, it carried an air of aristocracy but also a hint of misfortune, a contradiction that piqued curiosity.
Ah, curiosity killed the cat. Hence, curiosity must be restrained!
Qin Liusi quickly suppressed the curiosity that had just arisen within her.
As she assessed Qi Qian, he also discreetly appraised her in return.
Having witnessed Qin Liusi's treatment of the old lady earlier, he had also carefully observed her. Slender and graceful, with strands of green silk tied back with a satin ribbon, he exuded a certain elegance. His appearance resembled that of a painting, with arched brows, almond-shaped eyes, and well-defined features. His pale complexion was so fine that it obscured any gender distinction.
For a moment, Qi Qian felt as though the person before him was a woman. Yet, catching a glimpse of her disdainful expression, he was suddenly enlightened. Despite her aloof and scornful demeanor, she didn't seem entirely feminine, lacking the grace and softness typical of women, especially in her movements, which were remarkably free and easy.
And when she disregarded Ying Nan lying before her, that dismissive attitude, so domineering.
A woman couldn't possibly be like this, could she?
So cold and indifferent.
"Is this young master seeking medical assistance?" Qi Qian greeted with a bow.
"No," replied Qin Liusi.
She boarded the carriage, tapped the carriage board, and instructed Li Cheng to drive up the mountain.
Their destination was the temple.
Qi Qian's eyes flickered lightly but he made no attempt to stop her, merely watching as she ascended the hill.
"Master, aren't we going to stop her?" Huo Lang couldn't understand his master's intentions.
Ying Nan had already picked herself up, brushed off the dust, and said, "Master, have we mistaken our target? Look at her, where is the compassion of a healer?"
No, it's there. Otherwise, she wouldn't have stepped over him but would have stepped on him directly!
"No, this perfectly fits the rumors about her personality," Qi Qian's eyes narrowed slightly.
Headstrong and mysterious, with extraordinary skills. The way she answered his question just now was too decisive, without any curiosity about who was not seeking help, suggesting that she herself was not seeking help, so there was no need for curiosity, just a rejection.
"Then, Master, what are we waiting for? Shall we go after her?"
"We're not in a hurry. Let's return to the temple first. Huo Lang, you keep an eye on the movements of the Qian family and observe how the old lady is doing."
Although they had come to seek medical treatment, since they had encountered her, they might as well see if her medical skills were as extraordinary as rumored, especially after witnessing her conversation with Mr. Qian, which deepened Qi Qian's curiosity.
Huo Lang suddenly understood. Since she had already accepted Mr. Qian's invitation and would visit the Qian family for a consultation tomorrow, they could intercept her then and see how well the old lady had recovered. After all, they were here to treat the former queen, and they couldn't neglect their duty.
"I'll go now."
Meanwhile, on Qin Liusi's side, Chenpi was asking her master, "Were those people here seeking medical help? They seemed quite formidable."
"Exceptional origins, with prominent bone structure and distinctive eyes. They either hail from a noble family or are scions of royalty," Qin Liusi lazily remarked.
Chenpi was astonished. "And you turned them away?"
"Turned them away? Not at all. We'll see them again," Qin Liusi flicked her fingertips and said, "We might have to embark on a journey in a few days."
Ah, a bit annoying, all this running around. But if he truly comes from royalty, then some maneuvering is necessary, considering she's dragging along a whole household, and the most important ones are still struggling in the northwest.